Ann A’s Comments (group member since Apr 18, 2010)

Ann A’s comments from the Challenge: 50 Books group.

Susan wrote: "Ann, I have read that in many places about captives wanting to stay with their Native captors and have wondered at that. How did they manage to convert them so completely, even though the captives ..."

I'm thinking a big part of it may be the connection with the earth/nature. I would imagine that gets "in the blood".

10 - James Madison: A Biography
Long and often dry, but also mostly interesting. There was a lot to Madison's life, but unless you're a real history buff you might want to read a more condensed biography. 3 1/2*

11 - Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between
Loved this audiobook read by the author (and yes, I am a huge Gilmore Girls fan). 4 1/2*

12 - True Grit
I've had this yellow-paged copy for ages (not sure where it came from). I finally read it because it fit a reading challenge, and surprisingly I enjoyed it. Mattie is a great character. 4*

13 - News of the World
Even though the poetic, descriptive language got in the way a few times, this was a captivating story. 4*

I found this to be a captivating, well-written novel. A few times I did think the poetic, descriptive language got in the way of the story.

The author's note is interesting, where he states that white children captured by Native American tribes seem to "become Indian in every way", and can rarely re-adjust when returned to their non-native familes.

Life got in the way, but I still hope to read this by the end of the month...

9 - Cards on the Table
Sure wish I had the "little grey cells" of Hercule Poirot! Christie remains the Master of Mystery in my opinion. 4*

6 - What We Do Now: Standing Up For Your Values in Trump's America
An inspiring, disturbing, but important collection of essays (of course, some better than others - would have loved to see one by Michael Moore) 4*

7 - Bud, Not Buddy
Bud has to be one of my favorite characters encountered in my "Read the Newberys" project. 4*

8 - Moonglow
Maybe not my favorite Chabon, but the guy can't write a bad sentence. 4*

3 - Who Speaks For Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think
I learned a lot from this. Wish more people would learn more about the average Muslim. Just felt it was either too long or too short, depending on what was meant to be the main purpose of the book. 3*

4 - The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog
Didn't like the end, but always find myself chuckling at Peters' witty writing. 3 1/2*

5 - We Should All Be Feminists
Wonderful essay. 5*

I got this from the library, but won't be able to start it for a few days because I'm finishing up another book that is overdue. Hope to join in soon!

1 - A Reliable Wife
Mostly unpleasant and over-written. 2*

2 - Ace against Odds
As I love tennis and India, I found Sania's story interesting. 4*

Here we go - aiming for 100 again (although I should really try to read LESS this year and get to some other projects)!

What a great list of books! I've read several and many more are on my own TBR. Best of luck with your goals.

Susan wrote: "My Challenge for this year is 50 books. I am having difficulty getting my reading done. There is a lot of stress at home with my husband being an invalid for more than four years. I used to be able..."

Sorry to hear about your tough situation. Hope you can get your concentration back so you can "escape" for a bit through some good books.

Sooz wrote: "55. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

This is the best book I have read in a while. Gyasi is a masterful story-teller.

"

I really want to read this one. Congratulations on your 58 books and Happy New Year!

Yawatta wrote: ""

I'm impressed you made it through this tome! I have it and really want to read the whole thing because Poe is such a great writer - it's a bit intimidating because it's so long. I think I'll just jump in and not worry about how long it takes me. Happy New Year and lots of Happy Reading in 2017!

Deborah wrote: "84. A Test of Wills by Charles Todd ~ 3 stars

85. A Good and Useful Hurt by ..."

I picked up The Bat at a used-book store and am looking forward to reading it. Congrats on your awesome 90 books (and I suspect it's more since you haven't updated since Dec. 16). Happy New Year!

Congrats on your awesome reading year! I barely made 100 but you're right, it DOES feel good! Happy New Year and wishing you lots of great books in 2017.

Tiffany wrote: "55. And Then There Were None

Fabulous and thrilling."

I think this one may be Agatha Christie's best. My daughter even read it in a Jr. High English class - it's that good.

Congrats on your 55 books. Hope you met (or came close) to your goals! Happy New Year!

Congratulations on reaching your goals! Happy New Year!

You read some really great books this year! Congratulations and Happy New Year!

That's impressive you read 65 books through August! All of us have times when reading has to move down the priority list for awhile. Happy New Year!