Apple’s
Comments
(group member since Aug 28, 2021)
Apple’s
comments
from the Reading with Style group.
Showing 441-460 of 964
10.9 Anniversaries (Apple's task)Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
+10 task
Post Total = 10
Season Total = 855
...; ...; 10.3; 10.4; ...; 10.6; ...; ...; 10.9 (x2); 10.10 (x2)
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x3); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; 20.8; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
Apr 19, 2024 08:28PM
Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I have combined them. The MPE is Hiroshima Diary: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6-September 30, 194.."Thanks! Although, since that is a completely different title I have to go look at HDYGG? again!
(My sister has recommended this, and since this is the first time she had done so, I am definitely reading it)
Apr 19, 2024 06:57PM
Is there a way to combine The Doctor of Hiroshima: His heart-breaking and inspiring true life story and The Doctor of Hiroshima, and which is the correct title ?
10.6 ModernismThe Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie
Post Total = 10
Season Total = 845
...; ...; 10.3; 10.4; ...; 10.6; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10 (x2)
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x3); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; 20.8; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
10.4 Baby BoomThe Fran Lebowitz Reader by Fran Lebowitz
+10 task
Post Total = 10
Season Total = 835
...; ...; 10.3; 10.4; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10 (x2)
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x3); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; 20.8; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
20.3 The Madonna of the CatMy Life in France by Julia Child
Julia and Paul had a cat named Minette, and there is even a book about her!
+20 task
Post Total = 20
Season Total = 825
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10 (x2)
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x3); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; 20.8; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
20.8 Fancy Meeting You Here (Anika's task)Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
Miss Havisham; The Cheshire Cat
+20 task
+5 combo (10.5 - Good News)
Post Total = 25
Season Total = 805
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10 (x2)
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; 20.8; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
10.10 Group readsLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
+10 task
+15 combo (10.4; 10.9; 20.6 - Elizabeth Zott, Calvin Evans, Six-Thirty, among others)
Post Total = 25
Season Total = 780
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10 (x2)
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
20.2 The Virgin of the RocksWild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
This season I have read two hiking books, both National Scenic Trails across the USA, both entertaining, but with different reasoning at the core.
For Cheryl Strayed, it is about finding herself after the death of her mother, the estrangement of her family, and the end of her marriage. She is sorely under prepared and under informed. But, she is determined and full of hope.
Whilst this is a journey of self, this is a book of connection and friendships also. She meets many different people along the way, some fellow hikers, others people she meets through hitchhiking or accomodations along the way. In most cases, these are brief connections, but most are helpful in one way or another.
Ultimately, Cheryl has to rely on herself. First aid, shelter, and animal encounters all must be attended to, and the physical, mentally and emotional growth that resuls.
+20 task
+10 review
+10 combo (10.9; 20.5)
Post Total = 40
Season Total = 755
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; 20.2; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
20.5 Surprised!Every Man for Himself and God Against All: A Memoir by Werner Herzog
If you know Werner Herzog, then you know what this is going to be like. I listened to the audiobook, because again, if you know, you know.
There is nowhere on this planet that Werner has not been, there is nothing he hasn't done, and nothing he hasn't done. It is hard to remember whilst immersed in the text that this is a memoir and not a fiction, because some of his experiences and actions seem hardly able to fit into one lifetime.
This is a laugh out loud, shocking and amazing journey, but only for those who know.
+20 task
+10 LIT
+10 review
+ 5 combo (10.5 - refer to posts 9 & 10 re The God Desire)
Post Total = 45
Season Total = 715
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x3); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
30.1 Go for the Green ReduxA Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao
Set at least 90% in Fiji
+30 task
+5 combo (10.3)
Post Total = 35
Season Total = 670
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x2); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1 (x2)
20.6 Fruit Dish, Bottle and ViolinThe Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
+20 task
+5 combo (10.7, - page 2 on Space list)
Post Total = 25
Season Total = 630
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x2); 20.6 (x2); 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1
20.3 The Madonna of the CatWe Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Merricat has a pet cat called Jonas
This was a re-read for me, as my daughter is having to study it for school, and has not enjoyed it as the teacher spoilt it for the whole class on their first day (no one had read it as they didn't know the sequence of texts for the year).
Mostly I had remembered this, which shows how well Jackson is able to make her mark on the reader. The last third was probably not as clear in my memory, and at some points it felt a little like my memory of The Lottery.
Merricat's unreliability as a narrator is more evident this read, and she definitely feels more unbalanced than I remember from last time. Constance seems more perfect than I remember, and I wonder how their relationship came to be what it is. The feeling of nastiness in the family background was heavier, not so much of abuse, but suppression, and that is probably the overwhelming sense throughout, something being suppressed, and simmering below the surface.
A masterpiece.
+20 task
+10 review
+5 combo (10.9 - 160 pages)
Post Total = 35
Season Total = 605
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; 20.3 (x2); ...; 20.5 (x2); 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1
20.3 The Madonna of the CatThe Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
Nana is named for the shape of his tail, which is shaped like the number 7
This starts as one of those feel-good Japanese novels, a stray cat gets adopted after he is hit by a car and the guy who owns the van he sits on takes him to the vet and looks after him. Turns out that the cat looks exactly like a cat he had in childhood.
Whilst the bond between the two is deep. they go on a journey, visiting to potential new owners, as he has to give up Nana due to "unforseen circumstances". We learn the backstory of the current owner as well of all the potential owners, including how they came to know each other, and the emotional scars they all carry.
I say this starts as a feel-good story, because by the end I was blubbering uncontrollably, which is why I don't like to read animal stories, they are always emotional.
If you are a big sook like me, give this one a go.
+20 task
+10 LIT
+5 comb (10.5 - P.S Your Cat is Dead!)
+10 review
Post Total = 45
Season Total = 570
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; 20.3; ...; 20.5 (x2); 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1
30.1 Go for the Green ReduxBeloved Land by Gordon Peake
A history on the independence of Timor Leste
+30 task
Post Total = 30
Season Total = 525
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; ...; ...; 20.5 (x2); 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
30.1
20.5 Surprised!As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and it was a complete joy - if you love the film you will surely love this. Many of the main players involved in the making of the film take part in this, and you get an insight into the entire history - from the desire to make the film, the casting, the rehearsals and fencing training, to the filming, as well as insights into Elwes love of film history, and everyone's love of Andre the Giant.
This is told as if it is a venture itself, and there are many funny, and exciting moments behind the scenes, from the catering, to stunts, and the challenge of creating the best sword fight ever. Highly recommended.
+20 task
+5 combo (10,5 - both "As You " from "As You Like It")
+10 review
Post Total = 35
Season Total = 495
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; ...; ...; 20.5 (x2); 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
15.4 HDYGG?Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age by Annalee Newitz
Herbs
320 pages
Peppermint 0
Lemon Verbena 2
Flowers
four lost cIties: a secret history Of the urBAN aGE BEGONIA
foUr LOST cities: a secret history of the urban age LOTUS
Plants used this post =4
Total plants used = 21
+15 points
Post Total = 15
Season Total = 465
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3; 15.4;
20.1; ...; ...; ...; 20.5; 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
20.10 World of Crime (Rosemary's task)Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell
I am not understanding the criteria for books to be on the 1001 list, to be honest. I have now read 260 books from the list of over 1300 (yes, I know it is called 1001, but there are 3 editions), and whilst I haven't always enjoyed them, I can see why they might be there.
This does not mean that I think Faceless Killers is not a good book, or that it is worth reading, if you like mystery and have not read it, then I definitely recommend it, but I just don't understand what elevates it above other books to be included on the list.
Perhaps I have read books in the wrong order, was this groundbreaking at the time, and because I have read other mysteries, and other Nordic Noir, I don't recognise it?
It can't be because Kurt Wallander is presented as a flawed character, Raymond Chandler did that long ago with Philip Marlowe. It's not really any grittier than anything else I have read, there are aspects of realism that I don't feel where necessary, namely Wallander's digestive issues (it adds nothing), so what is it that makes this special?
If that sounds like I didn't enjoy it, you are wrong, I did. It was well written, and had all the twists you could want, and the main twist as we get close to the end. The uncertainty towards the end was well done, I would have even have liked if this had not been solved, as it would have felt appropriate. It was entertaining, and kept me hooked.
4 stars, and recommended if you haven't read already.
+20 task
+10 review
+10 LIT
+10 1001
+10 combo (10.9 - 280 pages), 20.3 - Nyström, the neighbour who finds the victims, warns Wallander not to pat his cat, as it bites)
Post Total = 60
Season Total = 450
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3;
20.1; ...; ...; ...; 20.5; 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; 20.10
10.10 Group readsThe Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
I listened to the audiobook of this text, which made it very hard to remember that it was a non-fiction text as it was told in such a dramatic and engaging way, and the twists and turns really made you feel like it could not be something that was true.
Whilst the focus of the story is the various tragedy that befell The Wager, it also includes the broader story of broader campaign it was involved in. From this, the reader can infer that the whole expedition was ill-planned, poorly resourced, and really didn't have much of chance. In this way, we realise, that what was to befall The Wager was fated to occur to at least one of the vessels involved.
Through the logs of various crew members, the Captain, the Gunner, and the young midshipman Byron, grandfather of that Lord Byron, we are presented with various persepectives of evidence of what unfolded, the reasons why the ship wrecked, the conditions of the castaways, the competing groups seeking control and a way to get home, the mutiny that left some of the crew, including the tied up captain, on the island whilst others made their journey home.
Eventually, 3 groups of people eventually return to England, and their conflicting stories must be reconciled to determine who is responsible, and for what.
(I am hesitant to add 20.10 as a combo, much occurs in International waters, and it definitely would not take place 75% on any form of land.)
I gave this 3 stars, not because of the story being poorly written, not at all, it's just not my kind of read.
+10 task
+10 review
+25 combos (10.2; 10.3 - first published 2023; 20.5; 20.6; 20.9 - approved in help thread)
Post Total = 45
Season Total = 390
...; ...; 10.3; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; 10.9; 10.10
15.1; 15,2; 15.3;
20.1; ...; ...; ...; 20.5; 20.6; 20.7; ...; 20.9; ...
I am currently reading my Guernsey and Timor-Leste for 30.1. I think I have 5 books marked for that task, so that is probably the most. I am a bit iffy on one, I don’t know until I read it if it will work, but it will work for international travel if it doesn’t. So I have Guernsey, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Namibia (maybe), and also Fiji.
