Sandy wrote: "Neverwhere began as a TV show which went through several permutations and finally became a book. I've read it several times and enjoy Neil Gaiman's book a lot. If you want to see the "original" sto..."

Yes, I did finally admit that to myself. I just enjoyed the idea of a Jewish State in Alaska and how thrilled Sarah Palin would be about it. All that aside, it was a beautifully writtn book and a great mystery. Definitely not run of the mill.

I got hooked on Gaiman with "Coraline" - because 1) it won the Newbery Award (books I love to read ever since working in the children's area at the library) and 2)it had been made into a movie (always try to read the book first).

I was so intrigued with this author's imagination, that I then picked up "The Graveyard Book". Just finished "Neverwhere" ... do you think I'm hooked?!?

As for Gaiman's reading expertise, I listened to all 3 on CD and have to say that he is one of few authors who actually do justice to their own book!

Ann wrote: "Melodie:
Sandi read The Graveyard Book!
Using another Goodreads feature that works best if you are friends with the members of the group, I went to view The Graveyeard Book here o..."

I also read The Graveyard Book, but it was a while ago. I haven't put all the books from my journals on my shelves, and I probably won't because it's too time consuming for me. I've only been adding books as I read them or they come up in discussion. So I will add The Graveyard Book now. It is really wonderful and I recommend it very much.

Shomeret

Sandy wrote: "I'm reading The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon. I like his writing style quite a lot, but I am not sure if this is meant to be a fantasy/mystery, or just a mystery set in a locale I ha..."

This is a cross-genre alternate history/mystery. The reason why you never heard of a Jewish district in Alaska is because there isn't one. Chabon is positing an alternate universe in which there isn't a State of Israel and there is a Jewish district in Alaska.

Shomeret

Neverwhere began as a TV show which went through several permutations and finally became a book. I've read it several times and enjoy Neil Gaiman's book a lot. If you want to see the "original" story, Netflix has it on 2 CD's.

Sandi:
I listened to Neverwhere A Novel and love Neil Gaiman's reading of his own books too!

Sandi wrote: "I read Neverwhere A Novel a number of years ago but am thinking of listening to the audio version since Gaiman reads it too.
"

Ann wrote: "Melodie:
Sandi read The Graveyard Book!
Using another Goodreads feature that works best if you are friends with the members of the group, I went to view The Graveyeard Book here o..."

I knew this! I don't know why I didn't do it with this book!

Sandi wrote: "The audio of The Graveyard Book is really fun. Gaiman reads it and he is one of the few authors who, for my money, reads as well as the the professional narrators. He has a great English accent and is also very easy on the eyes (though that probably should not matter).."

Hey, you can look at the pictures on the box while you listen!!

Ann noted: "Using another Goodreads feature that works best if you are friends with the members of the group, I went to view The Graveyeard Book here on Goodreads, and if you scroll down, you can see under the friends reviews section if someone you know has put it on a book shelf. "

Ann, I love this advantage of using the Friends feature. It makes it so easy to see where everyone is with a book we've been mentioning.

Jan O'Cat

DonnaJo:
This is something I haven't had to worry about for a while, (rushing to finish a book because of due dates rather than the compulsion to read it faster) My library tbr pile has been pretty much in control. :) T Jefferson Parker's The Renegades is due today, and I am only at about the half way point. It is pretty good so far and it is a second Charlie Hood book (I liked the first, L.A. Outlaws) The writing style took me a bit to get back into the rhythm of Parker's cop talk, and it has two pov's going which always slows me down.

Donnajo wrote: "Returning the Fern Michaels finished book to library tomorrow and not getting out anything else unless one of the reserved books come in. My sister said she doesn't want to rush though the one she has and then worry about reading this one before the big holiday weekend so she said she will get it another time. "

I just finished The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It is a YA book and was recommended to me by a friend. I think it might be one of the best books I've read this year, certainly in my top 10. A boy is raised by ghosts in a graveyard......

The audio of The Graveyard Book is really fun. Gaiman reads it and he is one of the few authors who, for my money, reads as well as the the professional narrators. He has a great English accent and is also very easy on the eyes (though that probably should not matter).

I read Neverwhere A Novel a number of years ago but am thinking of listening to the audio version since Gaiman reads it too.

Melodie:
Sandi read The Graveyard Book!
Using another Goodreads feature that works best if you are friends with the members of the group, I went to view The Graveyeard Book here on Goodreads, and if you scroll down, you can see under the friends reviews section if someone you know has put it on a book shelf. I hope it will be my next audio book after The Book Thief.

Melodie wrote: "Merrilee in AZ wrote: "I just finished The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It is a YA book and was recommended to me by a friend. I think it might be one of the best books I've read this year, cer... I've been thinking about picking this one up, Merrilee, but didn't know anyone who'd actually read it. (If someone here already has read it I must have missed your comments, if you made any!) May have to look into it farther. "

Merrilee in AZ wrote: "I just finished The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It is a YA book and was recommended to me by a friend. I think it might be one of the best books I've read this year, certainly in my top 10. A..."

I've been thinking about picking this one up, Merrilee, but didn't know anyone who'd actually read it. (If someone here already has read it I must have missed your comments, if you made any!) May have to look into it farther.

Merrilee:
I am in the hold queue for The Graveyard Book and eagerly await it. I recently enjoyed his Neverwhere A Novel

Merrilee in AZ wrote: "I just finished The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It is a YA book and was recommended to me by a friend. I think it might be one of the best books I've read this year, certainly in my top 10. A..."

Carol:
Our first Patricia Cornwell post! I did stop reading her books, but not just because of the traumatic thing that happened to a main character, the Scarpetta books just didn't appeal to me anymore. As for Edna Bchanan, ah yes, that one wasn't top of mind, but another traumatic event for sure that was quite upsetting. I still read the Britt Montero series and the spin off Cold Case squad books, there is life in the series, and I still enjoy them.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: " and don't forget our favorite, Patricial Cornwell. Could this be the first PC mention on this board? I remember when mention of the very name would cause people to spit nails.

In any event I raise this in the context of authors doing traumatic things to their characters, and she and Edna Buchanan, whom you mentioned, come to mind. In both cases I stopped reading the series because I just felt toyed with. I hope the series did indeed improve, but I can't bring myself to go back. "

* Public libraries were the original 'information highway'

I guess that means Al Gore invented libraries too.

I am reading Desert Cut
Desert Cut A Lena Jones Mystery
by Betty Webb.

It is set in Arizona, and the subject is very disturbing: Female Genital Mutilation. I was astonded to find out the numbers of girls and women this happens to in this country as well as around the world. The book is riviting. I urge anyone to read this book as well as google FGM to educate yourself. I had NO IDEA before I started reading.

I'll yake credit for first recommending Betty Webb and her books on the LDS and plural marriage. She has certainly found a worthy (IMO) niche to concentrate on.

I just finished The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It is a YA book and was recommended to me by a friend. I think it might be one of the best books I've read this year, certainly in my top 10. A boy is raised by ghosts in a graveyard......very odd premise by written very well

Ann wrote: "A couple of other favorite authors have done similar things to favorite characters (Edna Buchanan a..."

and don't forget our favorite, Patricial Cornwell. Could this be the first PC mention on this board? I remember when mention of the very name would cause people to spit nails.

In any event I raise this in the context of authors doing traumatic things to their characters, and she and Edna Buchanan, whom you mentioned, come to mind. In both cases I stopped reading the series because I just felt toyed with. I hope the series did indeed improve, but I can't bring myself to go back.

I'm reading The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon. I like his writing style quite a lot, but I am not sure if this is meant to be a fantasy/mystery, or just a mystery set in a locale I have never heard of.

Some notes about Libraries~
* I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library. (John Cheever)
* Librarians are happy bookers.
* Librarians love novel ideas.
* Public libraries were the original 'information highway'.

I read Absent friends Absent Friendswhile watching Tv last night, I am now on 322, will finish this morning, I can see where the story is going not sure why though.


Ann wrote: "Teresa:
It is rare for me to like a book as much with alternating points of view, or time settings. If nothing else, the switches back and forth often make it easier to put a book like that aside ..."

Okay, I will keep reading, this post gives me hope the book will get good later on Teresa


Ann wrote: "Teresa:
I have enjoyed all of the Karin Slaughter books including Beyond Reach, so thanks for the recommendation from you and Ms. O'Cat (and I definitely felt pain and a deep loss whe..."

Lori:
I hope you like it too!

Lori/QueenoftheVBS wrote: "I have Absent Friends on my nightstand so since you keep plugging it Ann, I'm going to keep it and give it a try. "

I agree with Ann about the Karin Slaughter books. I enjoyed them all and am really looking forward to the next one!

I have Absent Friends on my nightstand so since you keep plugging it Ann, I'm going to keep it and give it a try.

Teresa:
It is rare for me to like a book as much with alternating points of view, or time settings. If nothing else, the switches back and forth often make it easier to put a book like that aside instead of pushing ahead with the story. For me, Absent Friends was an exception, and an exceptional book. The intertwining of the different lives and the ripple effect of past events was intricately presented and revealed so much in the end.

Teresa wrote: "still reading, Absent Friends the back story in 1979 is disconnected and doesn't support 2001. The story in 2001 once it's going we have back to 1979 and then we get back to 2001 i..."

Teresa:
I have enjoyed all of the Karin Slaughter books including Beyond Reach, so thanks for the recommendation from you and Ms. O'Cat (and I definitely felt pain and a deep loss when reading Beyond Reach) Someone had posted a spoiler without a warning notice about the events of the book before I read it, so I was slightly prepared which may have softened the blow, but didn't keep me from driving down the road with tears streaming.
I guess you just have to respect an author for their vision, and where they want to take their characters in a series. We do have the option of not reading any more of their books, so they are certainly taking a risk.
A couple of other favorite authors have done similar things to favorite characters (Edna Buchanan and Dana Stabenow come to mind) and after reflection, the books were very powerful and the resulting series are possibly even stronger and still compelling to read IMHO.

Teresa wrote: "I recommended Karin Slaughter to the M/T board, and now I am wondering why teresa "

Sandi wrote: "
I am currently listening to another Swedish mystery The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and think that so far it is living up to the hype...."

Sandi, this was one of my top reads of 2008. Enjoy!

The Martin Beck series is another that is on my TBR list. Yikes, I am getting behinder and behinder!

Just finished The Laughing Policeman, #4 in the Martin Beck series that take place in Stockholm by the husband-wife team of Per Wahloo and Maj Sjowall. EXCELLENT. All of the books in this series of police procedurals are fantastic. They date from the 60s and 70s and still hold up.

Totally agree, I really enjoyed the entire 10 book series. It was fascinating to read their take on the political and social life in Sweden and the mystery plots were interesting too.

I am currently listening to another Swedish mystery The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and think that so far it is living up to the hype.

Currently reading Little Criminals

Just finished The Laughing Policeman, #4 in the Martin Beck series that take place in Stockholm by the husband-wife team of Per Wahloo and Maj Sjowall. EXCELLENT. All of the books in this series of police procedurals are fantastic. They date from the 60s and 70s and still hold up.

i may never get to finish cutting for stone. the library just called and they have the new sandford, new pelecanos, and the new lee child for me- and the sandford and child are 10 day books..lol
maybe i'll pass on the child and buy it when carol, barry, and i go see him at the end of may. mohegan sun- anyone want to join us?

I am reading Desert Cut
Desert Cut A Lena Jones Mystery
by Betty Webb.

It is set in Arizona, and the subject is very disturbing: Female Genital Mutilation. I was astonded to find out the numbers of girls and women this happens to in this country as well as around the world. The book is riviting. I urge anyone to read this book as well as google FGM to educate yourself. I had NO IDEA before I started reading.

Donna in Southern Maryland

Returning the Fern Michaels finished book to library tomorrow and not getting out anything else unless one of the reserved books come in. My sister said she doesn't want to rush though the one she has and then worry about reading this one before the big holiday weekend so she said she will get it another time.
I'm going to start Riptide by Catherine Coulter since I'm home this weekend.
Went to Borders today to get the new cd for Rascal Flatts and a Collective soul greatest hits cd so I can listen to both before next friday if we do go to the radio beach blastoff to see the two bands. You know me I also got 4 other books. It would have been 5 but I couldn't remember if I bought the new Nora Roberts book last week or not. So I put that one back. Well didn't buy it so next time I will. Two of the books were pbs and are by the same author part of a series Jo Davis I think the name is. Haven't read any of her's I don't think. Another is a beach read and I forgot what the 4th one was. I'm also thinking about pulling out a few more shore books to bring back with me. I rather have more to pick from then the amt I have down there now. I'm also going to set a small notebook with the books that I have unread down there because it's getting confusing which ones I read and my sister has to read yet, which ones are from neighbors that are doubles of unread ones I have also at home and the ones I have on the bookcase that I haven't read. Also have a small tote bag with unread in the closet. Since the bookcase is only a small one and my sister also have knickknacks on it. So in front of the books are those. So it's really only two shelves with books a few on top if there is room. And a phone, tissue box and I forgot what else is on the top shelve so no books on the top shelve at all. Then there is a whole box of books in the other bedroom closet those are pbs that I read that my sister hasn't. Also on one of the shelves in the corner of that closet is also a pile of books that she has to read. Which I'll finally be able to go though and check out next week when I'm down there since the screens are going up this weekend and that was where they were kept so it was hard to get to the boxes or shelve during the winter months. I think I'll make my sister a list of what is down there too. So she will know what not to bring when she goes down for the summer. I think I'll email the neighbor too to see if she's going to be down that weekend because I'll bring down the bag of books for her mom.

I recommended Karin Slaughter to the M/T board, and now I am wondering why teresa

Teresa wrote: "Havent really got into Beyond Reach, hasn't grabbed me yet,
"

When I read Beyond Reach I got so mad that I vowed never to read another Grant County book! I don't know where she's headed with that series. I did read
Fractured and it was excellent. I love the character of Will Trent.

still reading, Absent Friends the back story in 1979 is disconnected and doesn't support 2001. The story in 2001 once it's going we have back to 1979 and then we get back to 2001 it doesnt pick up where it left off.

Havent really got into Beyond Reach, hasn't grabbed me yet,

Now Body Count, is now a unputdownable read, it will come in from the car to finish, if there is no baseball or I will finish at baseball tonight. Body Count

Joe is done with postcards : ( Soon he will be 18 hard to wrap my head around that, he is already so independent. Jake still collects them.

Teresa wrote: "hmmmmmmmmmmm, Jake is only 10 but with the way he reads he could probably tackle this book, no never mind he wakes me up enough with questions I don't comprehend at 1 am in the morning. "

Oh, right, Joe is the 16 year old, right? And also the one who received postcards.

Teresa wrote: Carol, Carol, I didnt read TKAM until the CAT convinced it was necessary to do so for many reasons : ) The 16 yr old recently read this in school and his comment was at LAST not a boring classic ..."

Now that's really an endorsement!

hmmmmmmmmmmm, Jake is only 10 but with the way he reads he could probably tackle this book, no never mind he wakes me up enough with questions I don't comprehend at 1 am in the morning.

Melodie wrote: "Teresa wrote: "It is funny to come back after an absent like mine and still see some of these posts going on,

Carol, Carol, I didnt read TKAM until the CAT convinced it was necessary to do so f..."

Oh, the pressure is mounting. Even our Jake is getting in on it! Maybe if he sent me a postcard.... ;-)

Teresa wrote: "It is funny to come back after an absent like mine and still see some of these posts going on,

Carol, Carol, I didnt read TKAM until the CAT convinced it was necessary to do so for many reasons : ) The 16 yr old recently read this in school and his comment was at LAST not a boring classic ..."

Carol, you really should read it. I suggested it to my niece a few summers ago, she must have been about 15. After she read it she called me and said, "I'm so glad you told me to read that book! It's one of the best books I ever read!" She still says that and she was ahead of the game when the book was on a reading list for school that fall.

It is funny to come back after an absent like mine and still see some of these posts going on,

Carol, I didnt read TKAM until the CAT convinced it was necessary to do so for many reasons : ) The 16 yr old recently read this in school and his comment was at LAST not a boring classic, teresa

LOL Carol.
I don't expect that will work with our Ms. O'TKAMCat though! (and you would be missing out on a lot too)

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Say it ain't so! What hope is there for me in reading TKAM, if the TKAM Queen misses trivia questions? I think I'd better not even try... .."

JanOMalleycat wrote: "Teresa noted: "TKAM is listed under popular books? "

But of course. There are a huge number of trivia questions about it too, some of which I've missed! ::::hiding face in shame:::::

Jan O'Cat"

Say it ain't so! What hope is there for me in reading TKAM, if the TKAM Queen misses trivia questions? I think I'd better not even try...

Teresa noted: "TKAM is listed under popular books? "

But of course. There are a huge number of trivia questions about it too, some of which I've missed! ::::hiding face in shame:::::

Jan O'Cat

did ya know looking under books at the top of these posts, gives you other lists and TKAM is listed under popular books? teresa


Ann wrote: "Melodie:
i am envious of your having the new Charlaine Harris book, Dead and Gone in your hands already!!

Melodie wrote: "I already had 2 books going, [book:The Way Home|6004660..."

Ann wrote: "Melodie:
i am envious of your having the new Charlaine Harris book, Dead and Gone in your hands already!!

Melodie wrote: "I already had 2 books going, [book:The Way Home|6004660..."

I'm on page 120 already. I can tell this one will be on my top reads of the year. LOTS of Eric (for very good reason!) and discussion about what happed in Dead To the World, which is my favorite in the series.

Carol:
The idea of a record-a-thon to be able to complete a large amount of book recordings at once for the volunteer group is fascinating. I guess it isn't bad to have different voices reading a book in segments, it could be sort of like the school-day readings when we were kids and each kid in the class took their turn. It would be tempting to want to read more of the books you sampled! A Breath of Snow and Ashes was very good!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Ann wrote: "Carol:
I am interested in hearing if your reading stint today included reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes again, or if you were assigned to read something else! .....
I'm so glad you asked! No, I did not get to continue with A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Not a surprise, you are told not to count on continuing, especially during a record-a-thon. "

Ann wrote: "Carol:
I am interested in hearing if your reading stint today included reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes again, or if you were assigned to read something else! ..."

I'm so glad you asked! No, I did not get to continue with A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Not a surprise, you are told not to count on continuing, especially during a record-a-thon.

Yesterday I read from Drums Along the Mohawk by Walter D. Edmonds. This seems like a book people would have read in middle school but I never did. An interesting novel about the conflict between settlers pro Tory and pro Revolution, with Indians mixing it up as well. When I searched I found that James Fennimore Cooper has a book by the same name. How did that happen?

Tonite I read from Melville The Making of the Poet. I know next to nothing about Herman Melville and I really wanted to like this book but it was a bit of a snoozer. Part of the problem was the author's writing style... very flowery and awkward to read aloud. Long, long sentences, chock full of references. zzzzzzz....