Joanna’s Comments (group member since Dec 27, 2013)

Joanna’s comments from the CPL's Book a Week Challenge group.

This month's books are:

1. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

2. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

3. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

4. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

5. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

7. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Two of my favorite books of all time are on this list- The Lord of the Rings and Pride and Prejudice. Before I got distracted by school and work, I would reread those every year; they're incredibly high on my list of books I want to read this year. I love how both are written, the prose, the characters- Tolkien, specifically, is a master at world building.

I'm also in the middle of slowly rereading Harry Potter. I just finished The Half-Blood Prince. I really enjoy the series, despite the more childish nature of the first book. You can really watch Rowling grow in her writing as the books progress.

I haven't read any of the others, though I have heard good things about The Kite Runner. Perhaps I will pick that one up, if I'm not too busy with The Lord of the Rings.

This month we head toward the Midwest. Begin your travels into America’s heartlands with these books.

Michigan

Who doesn’t love starting their morning with cereal? The Kellogg Company has its roots in Battle Creek, MI, making this city the Cereal Capital of the World. The company was founded in 1906 after the brothers accidentally discovered how to make flaked cereal. One of the nation’s oldest softer drinks, Vernor’s Ginger Ale, was created and served in 1866 by a Detroit pharmacist. Detroit is also the known as Motor City- the car capital of the world (appropriate for a road trip, right?). This is because Henry Ford’s company was based in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn. Ford Motor Company still headquarters there along with General Motors Corporation. Grab a car and take a drive through Michigan with these books.

Middlesex by Jeff Eugenides
Books Set in Michigan
Novels Set in Michigan
Michigan

Ohio

Where would we be without our first responders? In 1865, Ohio became the first state to implement a hospital based ambulance service. Before this, ambulance service was mainly for the battlefield, carting off the wounded to field hospitals. Akron, Ohio was the first city to use police cars- though, it was actually a wagon that used electricity fielded on the streets to run. The first professional and fully paid fire department in the United States was established in 1853 in Cincinnati. And let’s not forget the all-important traffic light- the first one was installed in Cleveland in 1914. Drive safely through Ohio with these books.

Beloved by Toni Morrison
Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
Books Set in Ohio
Novels Based in Ohio

Kentucky

Ready. Set. Race! Kentucky is home to the longest running sporting event in the United States- you guessed it, the Kentucky Derby. Part of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby owes its beginnings to the grandson of William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame), who saw a race in England and was inspired to bring one home to America. Not surprisingly, the area known as Bluegrass is home to some of the finest race horses around. Race around Kentucky with these reads.

And One Last Thing… by Molly Harper
Books Set in Kentucky
Novels Set in Kentucky"
10 Must Reads by Kentucky Writers

Tennessee

Welcome to the Volunteer State! Tennessee is proud of its history of volunteers- people who stepped up to fight when called to do so by home and country. The nickname derives from the War of 1812 when thousands of Tennesseans enlisted at the call of their governor, William Blount. Tennessee is known for more than its volunteers, though- Nashville is the center of the country music industry and the “songwriting capital of the world.” From the Grand Ole Opry to the Nashville Symphony to playing host to the Nashville television show to showcasing up and coming talent “in the round” setting, Nashville is the place to be for music. Listen to a tune while you read these books.

Child of God by Cormac McCarthy
The Firm by John Grisham
Books Set in Tennessee
Novels Set in Tennessee
Tennessee

A raven wasn't Poe's first choice to say the famous line, "Nevermore." He changed his mind when he thought about the tone of the poem. His original choice was a parrot!

This author took his experience of being a POW who survived the bombing of Dresden in World War II and turned it into part of his satirical novel. Do you know who? Take a guess here.

Sorry for the late post! Monday holidays always throw me off my grove. Jennifer's June Take It or Leave It challenge is posted! The other two will be up on Saturday.

The Summer Reading Challenge beings tomorrow!! Be sure to visit the library's website for details and to register.

What is everyone reading this week to kick off the summer? I'm still working on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and I also have Rescuing Penny Jane and This Is What a Librarian Looks Like.

Happy Reading!

Marialyce wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Marialyce wrote: "I am so glad they are replacing that carpet. The smell walking into the library at times was gross. It is such a beautiful library so putting in something in the fo..."

Thanks for the link to your review! I'm sorry it was so convoluted. I think I'm going to take it off my list of books I'd like to read eventually; life's too short!

Marialyce wrote: "I am so glad they are replacing that carpet. The smell walking into the library at times was gross. It is such a beautiful library so putting in something in the foyer is a great idea. Interestingl..."

Unfortunately, with the Automated Machine, they can't catch all the holds before they get scanned. You'll most likely get a call from someone, letting you know that the hold will be available starting May 30th. :)

I understand. I am super excited for the new carpet. Don't know if it will fix the smell (some of that is from the walls), but it should hopefully be better.

Let me know how Into the Water is! I read Girl on the Train and while I enjoyed it, I wasn't impressed. I'm wondering if her new book is worth reading.

Ann wrote: "I haven't done much reading this week, and am still reading both books so I have not finished either. I've been busy clearing out my guest room, so I can have guests. I have a feeling I will also b..."

Have fun clearing out your guest room! It's always nice getting things spick and span.

A book swap is a fun idea! Though, I'm rather attached to all my literary children. But it would definitely be a fun thing to do. Now how to do it? Hm...

In 2010, the Google algorithm calculated that there are 129,864,880 unique books in the world. Of course, in seven years, that number has probably increased quite a bit. Maybe one day Google will redo the calculations.

A raven wasn't Poe's first choice to utter the famous line, "Nevermore." He changed his mind when he thought about the tone of the poem. Do you know which bird he was originally going to go with? Take a guess here.

As an FYI... the Central Library will be closed all this week and will reopen May 30th. We are getting new carpet so expect a bit of a new look the next time you drop by.

All library branches will be closed May 28th and May 29th for the Memorial Day holiday.

Ah, a three day weekend. I can see it on my horizon and I am eagerly anticipating the amount of reading I will be getting done. Because we all know I have piles of books in my room. Piles. What books are you hoping to finish this week/over the coming weekend? I'm currently working on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills. I also think I will tackle The Wasp That Brainwashed the Caterpillar (because zombie-ism and mind control is real; you just find it in the animal world), Shadow Run, and Black Widow: Forever Red.

What are your reads?

Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, worked on training films and manuals for the army during World War II along with famous comic book writer, Stan Lee.

In 2010, the Google algorithm calculated how many unique books there are in the world. Do you know what number it came up with? Take a guess here.

I blink and we're already halfway through May! Where is the time going? I've still been terrible at reading, partly because I've been lazy and partly because it's season finale season on tv (what shows do you all watch?). But I'm vowing to be good the rest of the month!

What is everyone reading? I finished Rebel Rising last week and loved it. I've been really impressed so far with the new canon YA Star Wars novels. I have Guardians of the Whills to read next. Also working on The Tyrannosaur Chronicles: The Biology of the Tyrant Dinosaurs, Geekerella, and Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince.

Let us know what you are reading this week!

*looks at all the piles of Star Wars books on the floor* Oh, yeah. I'll have no trouble making the Star Wars challenge. Lol

Who was the first author to allegedly type a manuscript on a typewriter? That would be Mark Twain. He is generally credited with typing Tom Sawyer on one but some historians claim it was actually his book Life on the Mississippi.

Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, worked on training films and manuals for the army during World War II along with this famous comic book writer. Do you know which one? Take a guess here.

Saturday was Free Comic Book Day! What comic books did you walk away with?

In honor of Free Comic Book day, let's discuss heroes/heroines! Books are littered with heroes and heroines. It could almost be said that every protagonist of a book is that book's hero/heroine (this, of course, does not always hold up).

What constitutes a hero/heroine? Is it their actions in the face of outside events? Is it their internal attitude?

Who are your literary heroes/heroines? We all know my love of Tolkien so is it any surprise that one of my literary heroes is Sam Gamgee, Frodo's loyal gardener? I've long admired his cheerful, holding on to hope, attitude in the face of dire circumstances. His support of Frodo is also something to be admired. While not a hero in a traditional sense, I think he definitely is a hero.

Tell us your literary heroes/heroines!

Marialyce wrote: "Hope you had a lovely vacation, Joanna. We are working in the yard and planting. Tomorrow is clean up the pool day, such fun! Happy May indeed!

I finished a few books last week. Read two five sta..."

Thank you! My vacation was very nice. Sounds like you had a productive week as well! How was cleaning the pool? Are you all ready for summer?

I will have to add Beartown to my list and thank you for the recommendation of The Fire by Night. I have a friend who loves historical fiction and I think she will really like that book.

**Note: I apologize for the lack of interesting facts this month. Somehow April rushed by and I've only realized now that I forgot. Be on the lookout for interesting facts next month!**

This month, we head to the deep South, home to southern belles, good food, crazy wildlife, and theme parks!

Visit Georgia, Alabama, and Florida with these books.

Georgia

The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Paris Trout by Pete Dexter
Books Set in Georgia
Novels Set in Georgia
Georgia

Alabama

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
Books Set in Alabama
Novels Set in Alabama
10 favorite novels by Alabama authors set in Alabama
Alabama

Florida

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
Best Books Set in or About Florida
Novels Set in Florida
Florida Books You Must Read
The 10 Strangest Novels Set in Florida

Happy travels!

This month's eight books are:

1. Atonement by Ian McEwan

2. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

5. Possession by A.S. Byatt

6. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

8. Watership Down by Richard Adams

I have only read one of the books on this list: The Three Musketeers. I enjoyed it immensely (and I need to go back and reread it) though I do prefer his The Count of Monte Cristo. I've see the play Of Mice and Men and thought it very sad. Though if I was going to pick a Steinbeck book to read, it would be that one. I'm actually a bit interested in The Time Traveler's Wife and Possession, which I've never head of before.

Let us know your thoughts below!

Tolkien's love for his wife, Edith, helped inspire this romantic pairing in his books. The characters' names also appear on their gravestone: Beren for Tolkien and Luthien for Edith.

The typewriter was invented in 1868. Do you know which author was allegedly the first person to use one to type up a manuscript? Take a guess here.

After a whirlwind vacation, I am back! How was everyone's week last week? Did you finish books? Did you start new ones? What is everyone reading?

I will admit, I have been a terrible reader over the last few weeks. What makes it worse is that my to read pile keeps growing. Goal is to hunker down this week and get stuff read! I have The Zookeeper's Wife, J.J. Abrams Vs. Joss Whedon: Duel for Media Master of the Universe, The Bone Witch, and What the Dead Want.

It's also the 1st! Happy May! Be on the lookout for the monthly challenges- they should be up by Sunday.

Kayzee wrote: "I've been really slack this month. Currently still need to finish what I started last month
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Never Let Me Go
Geek Love"

I need to reread The Scarlet Pimpernel. I read that book ages ago and remembered loving it. Have you ever read the sequels to it? I've only ever read the first one.

Marialyce wrote: "I have just started September and Edgar and Lucy. I finished The Other Einstein and Where the Dead Lie. Just put [book:Savage Beauty: T..."

How was The Other Einstein? I read a blurb about it and it look really interesting. I'd love to know your thoughts.

Greetings!

Sorry for such a late post. We're going to be doing a smaller challenge this month and because of how late it is, any book you read for this challenge will count for double points!

That's right- every April Take It or Leave It you complete will count for double.

Kayzee has come up with our April challenges (thank you, Kayzee!!). So take a look below and happy completing!

1. Easter Bunny: Read a book with a rabbit main character or has "Rabbit" in the title.

2. April Showers: Read a book with "Rain" in the title, or a book that features a major storm/flood

3. Diamonds are Forever: April's birthstone is a diamond, so read a book with "Diamond" in the title.

4. Color Me Yellow: Read a book that has a yellow spine or front/back cover.

Kayzee wrote: "If no one minds, I thought I post some ideas for a mini April Take it or Leave it. Obviously I won't award points, but maybe I can give you some ideas.

1. Easter Bunny: Read a book with a rabbit m..."


Ooohhh.... those are great! Do you mind if I take them and create an April Take It or Leave It thread? Jennifer isn't able to do it this month with everything going on.

Small announcement... there won't be a weekly thread/trivia question next week. I'm going out of town and won't be back until mid-week. Feel free to keep commenting on this thread, though!

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It has approximately 164 million items on 838 miles of shelves.

Tolkien's love for his wife, Edith, helped inspire this romantic pairing in his books. The characters' names even appear on their gravestones: ____ for Tolkien and ____ for Edith. Do you know which pairing? Take a guess here.

A happy late Easter to everyone! I hope you all had a good weekend. It was wonderful weather for family gatherings and Easter egg hunts.

What is everyone reading this week? I finished up the Rogue One novelization over the weekend. Highly recommend if you liked the movie. It has a great look of the internal lives of the characters. Currently working on a fun Marvel read- Deadpool: Paws. After that, well, still hoping to finish up The Zookeeper's Wife and I have the latest Star Wars novel Thrawn to read. I'm into tie-ins at the moment.

What are you reading? Let us know!

Melissa wrote: "It happens. I hope everything is okay. I'm on unexpected leave from the library because I had surgery..."

Oh, no! I'm so sorry to hear about your surgery. I send good thoughts for a speedy recovery.

The tale of Aladdin is not original to The Arabian Nights. It was added by French translator Antoine Galland in the 18th century. He claimed to have heard it from a Syrian storyteller.

Did you know that the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world? It is! Take a guess as to approximately how many items it currently has and on how many miles of shelves here.

Happy National Library week! This week, we celebrate libraries in all their many forms. From school libraries to public libraries to academic libraries to special libraries, we love libraries in all their forms.

The theme this year is Libraries Transform. Whether it's through picking up a book, taking a class, engaging with others, using a meeting space, or a myriad of other interactions/encounters, libraries do transform lives.

How has your library, whether now or in the past, transformed you?

Let us know in the comments!

Of course, when we think of libraries, we still mainly think of books! So what is everyone reading this week? I finished a couple of books over the weekend so I'm trying to decide between a bunch of different ones at the moment. Something will catch my eye, I'm sure.

Melissa wrote: "I didn't finish any books for the March Take it or Leave It challenge. Is the April one going to be posted soon? I'd like to get started so I can read some this month. I did read 4 books, but none ..."

Jennifer had to go out of town so I am unsure of the status of the April Take It or Leave It challenge. It might become a shortened version for this month, but we'll keep you posted.