Christine’s Comments (group member since Jun 24, 2017)

Christine’s comments from the What's the Name of That Book??? group.

I did specify that the books I suggested had been recommended to me, but that I had not read them yet. (They were suggested to me by a friend who is also a therapist). Is there a rule that I missed somewhere, saying we can only suggest books that we've personally read? If so, I apologize.

Also, Silver On the Road, by Laura Anne Gilman. Really unique, with a 'wild-west-meets-devils-and-Hell' take on magic. Unlike anything else I've read, well-written, and I think Book 2 is also out now.

The "Sun Sword" series by Michelle West. Six books to start, then a prequel series. Excellent and detailed!

Patricia Briggs' "Mercy Thompson" series is urban fantasy. One set of secondary characters is a gay male couple (one human and one werewolf). Their relationship is not central to the plot, and Mercy is the main character.

Just came across The Witch's Garden, by Lidia Postma. Published in Amsterdam, I think, so maybe there's a German translation?

Well, sorry my suggestion didn't help. I was just hoping that the photos of the actual book covers might spark a memory. Anyway, best of luck!

PS- Loren Silvercloak is the name of the wizard in The Summer Tree.

The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay (first book in the Fionovar Tapestry), begins with a tall, silver haired wizard, and his companion, a dwarf. Kay is a Canadian author. The series was published first in the 80s, but is still in print (and is excellent!). Hope this helps!

I'm sorry I don't know the answer... but I do really hope you find your book! The story sounds intriguing, and I'd like to read it also.

I just went to the Search tab and typed "cat anthology," and dozens of titles came up. Too many to list here for you, but several looked like fantasy or sci-fi collections with a cat theme. Might be worth a look? Maybe one of the covers will strike a chord. Good luck!

I just found one more: "Mothers Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters" by Susan Forward and Donna Frazier. Sending you (((hugs))) and good wishes!!

I'm glad that you started this thread, also! I'll be looking here for recommendations for my son: he's asking for exactly what you are! : )

Tanya Huff writes/wrote a fantasy series featuring LGBTQ and gender diverse characters, as well as straight characters. "The Enchantment Emporium" is the first book in 'The Gale Women' series. I've read the first and second books; they were enjoyable.

I cannot recommend Mommy Dearest. It's a tale from the adopted daughter of the actress Joan Crawford. It is supposedly biographical and therefore non-fiction. But it is also violent, disturbing, depressing, disheartening, and negative, especially if you're a teen. I read it as a teen, and I regret it. There was nothing encouraging or helpful to take away from it. Also, it was about celebrities, and did not really pertain to the average person's life.

My advice is to read something positive and helpful, something written by a qualified doctor or researcher or therapist. Something with techniques for coping and for taking care of yourself. (I recommended two books above ^^^ ). Also, to read fiction books with positive mother role models.

Sorry if that's too much advice! Your post struck a chord in my heart. I have a narcissistic, toxic mother. I feel for you!

Non-fiction: 1) By Karyl McBride PhD... "Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers."
It's supposed to be excellent and I'm looking forward to reading it myself. It's supposed to focus on narcissism in mothers, but that covers a lot of ground, in terms of being a toxic, controlling, or damaging parent.

2) Non-fiction, but not specific to mothers... By Peter A. Levine, PhD. "Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past," subtitled " A Practical Guide for Understanding and Working with Traumatic Memory." Also recommended to me as excellent.

: ) I hope these help!

Thank you Shanna and Aerula, for suggesting Cachalot. But no, that's not it. In my book the plot was much more centered on the humans, their society, culture, and political system. Someone was maybe trying to buck the political system somehow. I wish I remembered more details.

However, Cachalot does look like something I'd also enjoy, so I'm adding it. Thanks for bringing it to me attention! : )

Thank you, Julia, I checked, but no, not Solar Lottery. My book was a more low-tech society. Not primitive, but not high-tech and entertainment-oriented like Solar Lottery. Though your suggestion looks interesting!

My book, I think I remember, had some issue or problem with the current president, or with the incoming one. I wish I could remember the main character: I never forget main characters! Except for now. Weird.

Thanks! I will check it out.

This was a sci-fi book that I read probably in the 90s. I remember a paperback, not too long, 200-300 pages? I don't remember the cover. Earth had sent out ships to colonize other worlds. A world that's primarily water was colonized, (maybe only one landmass? a small continent?) but the inhabitants have lost touch with Earth. The society is pretty laid back and easygoing. Not dystopian. I don't remember the main character! I don't think it was a big name author.

The political system is what really stuck with me: the highest leader (president?) is elected by a lottery system. Anyone SEEKing power is automatically disqualified as untrustworthy. Leadership is a duty, all adult names go into a lottery, someone is randomly selected, and is required to lead- maybe for 2 years.

There might have been other intelligent life on the planet, before the human colonists arrived. Possibly dolphin-like or whale-like creatures in the extensive oceans. Not sure if I'm remembering that part right or confusing/combining another book with this one.

Thanks for any suggestions!

I think it's probably White Plague, but I haven't been able to confirm it yet. I requested it from the library, but my county doesn't have it. Another county has it, but it's warehoused, so I have a long wait to have it transferred to my branch. Still crossing my fingers that it turns out to be the right book! Thanks! I appreciate your most recent suggestion!

I was thinking of Ray Bradbury's story, The Sound of Thunder, but maybe that's too old? Details somewhat different.