JulieLill's 2019 Reading Challenge

[Julie]

The Princess Saves Herself in This One
Amanda Lovelace
3.5/5 star
Lovelace writes from the feminine prospective on love, loss and growing up/being female through short concise poetry. This is the first of 3 books in the series. You will either love it or hate it. I loved it.
I only meant to read one poetry book but then I got a recommendation for Tracy Smith's book and then I found this series of poetry books which looked intriguing so I had to read those too. Poetry

[madrano]

Neat, Julie. Thanks for the introduction to it.

[Julie]

The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One
Amanda Lovelace
3/5 stars 5/12/2019
This is the second book in a poetry series from Lovelace’s the women are some kind of magic series which discusses women’s issues. I found this one darker than the first one but I could feel where the writer was coming from through these poems. I will read the last in the series since they are pretty fast reads. Poetry



Summer Hours at the Robbers Library
Sue Halpern
3.5/5 stars
This novel follows three main characters- Kit, the librarian; Sunny, the shoplifter and Rusty, who was down on his luck after a meteoric run on Wall Street. They meet through the local library. As the novel proceeds you follow their backstories and the trouble they have been through and how their bonding improved their lives. A Teen As a Main Character

[madrano]

Who could dislike a book in which a librarian is a character? :-)

[Julie]

The Flying Classroom
Erich Kästner
3/5 stars
This is Kastner’s 1933 novel about a group of very young male students that live at a boarding school in Germany and which highlights their camaraderie as the grow up and learn about life and how they learn to rely on their classmates and their teachers. This was just okay for me, however, when I researched the author; he became more interesting than this story. He was German and his books were burned in 1933 when the Goebbels instigated the book burnings pre WWII. Now I want to read a biography on Kastner. Children's Book


The Mermaid's Voice Returns in This One
Amanda Lovelace
4/5 stars

This is the third book of the series of poems about women’s issues by Lovelace and this one also includes other female poets’ poems. I enjoyed it. Poetry

[madrano]

You read plenty of poetry this month, Julie. I've liked reading your comments about Lovelace's series.

I find it fascinating when an author's life intrigues one even more than their book. This happened to me when i read Gift From the Mikado by Elizabeth P. Fleming. The book is based on her family, who lived in Asia as children. In addition to her at least one other child wrote books. I don't have my notes but her brother's name on hand but i recall he wrote a series of mysteries. I researched the family and found them intriguing.

You are having a good reading month, it seems to me. Continued pleasure, Julie.

[Julie]

The Bird's Nest
Shirley Jackson
3.5/5 stars
A young single woman who lives with her aunt comes home from work one day very ill from headaches. Her aunt knows something is wrong and takes her to a doctor who discovers that she has developed into split personalities and attempts to help her get rid of them. Very dark-just like a Jackson novel should be! Anything by Shirley Jackson

[madrano]

Sounds right up Jackson’s alley.

[Julie]

The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick
Mallory O'Meara
5/5 stars
Mallory O’Meara, the author of this book and also a horror screenwriter and film producer, through sheer tenacity was able to track down and put together the story of Milicent Patrick. Patrick came from an artistic family and grew up in the town near the Hearst Castle in California where her father worked as superintendent of construction on the Castle. Milicent, who was quite artistic, was involved in the designing of the monster from the movie The Lady From the Black Lagoon and also worked on the animation/drawings of A Night on Bald Mountain from Fantasia but who eventually lost her job due to a jealous boss. What a wonderfully interesting book! The Name of a Color in the Title

[Julie]

Julie wrote: "
[book:The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milic..."

I probably would have not seen this book if it were not for the challenge. I had never heard of this till I was looking up books with a color in the title! What a lucky day for me!

[madrano]

Sounds fascinating, Julie. Your creative title challenges must be fun. We are lucky to benefit from it!

[Alias Reader]

We are all enjoying your book finds for your challenge. Thank you for sharing it with us.

You also seem to think outside the box when selecting a title to meet your challenge. That makes it more fun !

[Julie]

Alias Reader wrote: "We are all enjoying your book finds for your challenge. Thank you for sharing it with us.

You also seem to think outside the box when selecting a title to meet your challenge. That makes it more ..."

I found this challenge on line and then tweaked a couple of the categories. The Shirley Jackson challenge was mine. I love Jackson and it made me get back to reading her.

[madrano]

Sometimes a challenge is the impetus even readers need to get some books/authors read. You found the way!

[Julie]

Grief Cottage
Gail Godwin
5/5 stars
This story revolves around Marcus whose mother has passed away and who is sent to live with his Aunt Charlotte, a reclusive painter that lives on an island off of South Carolina. Aunt Charlotte has her own demons to deal with, let alone raising a nephew. Marcus is mostly on his own so when he explores the island he finds Grief Cottage- a house that was wrecked in a hurricane and which his Aunt often paints pictures of. While there he senses a young man at the cottage starring at him as he sits on the porch. Who is this young man and why is Marcus so intrigued with him? What a wonderful tale by Godwin-I will definitely read more of her! A Book Set In Southern USA

[madrano]

It sounds rather sad but also intriguing. You found another one-of-a-kind, Julie.

[Alias Reader]

madrano wrote: "It sounds rather sad but also intriguing. You found another one-of-a-kind, Julie."

Yes ! So many unfamiliar and interesting titles.

Thank you, Julie.

[Julie]

Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote: "It sounds rather sad but also intriguing. You found another one-of-a-kind, Julie."

Yes ! So many unfamiliar and interesting titles.

Thank you, Julie."

I have been lucking out on some of the books I have picked this year unfortunately a lot of them are not on my reading list so I have not been able to whittle that down.

[madrano]

Shucks! Ideally the twain would meet.

[Julie]

The Keepers of the House
Shirley Ann Grau
5/5 stars
This 1965 Pulitzer Prize winning novel revolves around the slave owning Howlands, who have lived in the South for generations. When events that happened in the past have come to a head in the future, Abigail, the latest Howland has to deal with the repercussions. This is one of the best books I have read this year. Nominated for an Award

[madrano]

Wow, that’s high praise. I’ve neither heard of it nor the author but it sounds thoughtful. I appreciate the introduction, Julie.

[Alias Reader]

Julie wrote: "
The Keepers of the House
Shirley Ann Grau
5/5 stars
This is one of the best books I have read this year. ..."

Isn't it the best feeling when you read a really terrific book?

Thanks for the new to me author.

[Julie]

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "
The Keepers of the House
Shirley Ann Grau
5/5 stars
This is one of the best books I have read this year. ..."..."
Sometimes books that win awards tend to be a bit stuffy so I was delighted that I enjoyed this so much!

[Julie]

Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey
Betty DeGeneres
4/5 stars
This book covers the life of Betty DeGeneres up to 1999 when it was first published. Betty and her kids had a tumultuous life. Betty was divorced, remarried and divorced again. She talks about her marriages and life after marriage, her children and their lives and struggles and especially the events surrounding her daughter Ellen and her coming out. I picked this book because I so admire Ellen but I have to include her mother who is just as admirable as Ellen. A Memoir On Someone You Admire

[madrano]

Agreed on award winners—a prize isn’t always a good indicator on whether a book can hold up against time, too.

Nice choice in that category, Julie. At the time of Ellen’s sitcom, i wondered how her mom felt about events around the “reveal” episode. She successfully addressed the public, IMO.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "Agreed on award winners—a prize isn’t always a good indicator on whether a book can hold up against time, too.

Nice choice in that category, Julie. At the time of Ellen’s sitcom, i wondered how he..."

Her mother is so supportive of Ellen but was worried about any backlash. Of course, she already knew about her sexuality before she came out publicly. It is interesting that Ellen is talking about her sexual assault by her step father in the news recently. That subject was discussed in this book which was written in 1999. Her mother had known about it but did not leave her husband for a long time after that incident occurred. Her mother and her seem to have a very good relationship. I am sure Betty was not proud of herself for not leaving sooner. I find it interesting that it is coming up again but I think Ellen probably needed to face it publicly.

[Julie]

Lab Girl
Hope Jahren
4/5 stars
This is the true story of the life of Hope Jahren and her career as a geobiologist. Her cohort and assistant Bill is by her side for most of the book and he is an quite a character! Alternating chapters discuss her life with her work. Sometime the science bogs down the flow of the narrative but overall I found it interesting and I learned a lot about the science of trees, flowers and soil. A Plant on the Cover

[madrano]

Fun category! This sounds informative but also interesting for her work life. I’m going to see if i can find it. Thanks.

[Alias Reader]

Julie wrote: "
Lab Girl
Hope Jahren
4/5 stars
This is the true story of the life of Hope Jahren and her career as a geobiologist. Her cohort and ass..."

I read Lab Girl last summer. I was really looking forward to reading this book.

Unfortunately I wasn't as taken with the book as you were. I gave it a 2 out 5 rating.

I really don't recall much of the book at this time. If I remember correctly, I didn't really care for Jahren. I thought she was condescending to the students and I also didn't like how she treated her lab assistant Bill. Also at times I thought she tried too hard to appear cool. It just came off as phony to me. Additionally, there really isn't much science discussed.

Just my 2 cents. I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

I think maybe I thought it would be like Opening Skinner's Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century---Lauren Slater
which I really liked a lot.

[madrano]

I appreciate your additional comments about this book. I downloaded it and will give it a try but i admit i want a mix of science and bio. I’ll let folks know.

[Julie]

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: "
Lab Girl
Hope Jahren
4/5 stars
This is the true story of the life of Hope Jahren and her career as a geobiologist. Her ..."

I thought it was a good look at how hard scientists work with little pay. It also reminded me of my college years. My husband got his degree in biology and chemistry and I remember going on a hunt for mosses with him so I could relate to her and her assistant when they were looking for samples. My roommate was also a science major too. I think this would appeal more to those in the science fields who could definitely relate to what the two of them went through.

[madrano]

I’m only about 8 chapters in and find it different. The first chapter, about her years in Minnesota, appealed to me, having lived in North Dakota a few years. Subsequent chapters have been unusual. The science is well explained but, for once, I felt more scientific names could have been used. I appreciate the way she alters chapters, using leaf info to introduce the next stage of her development.

Nonetheless she is presenting material in a somewhat awkward manner at times and it’s distracting me. Of course i’m barely into it but i could use more science. I know few scientists so i’m wondering if how she thinks/writes is just different and my brain is still adjusting.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "I’m only about 8 chapters in and find it different. The first chapter, about her years in Minnesota, appealed to me, having lived in North Dakota a few years. Subsequent chapters have been unusual...."

The set up or flow of the book is a little awkward.

[madrano]

I’m well into part 2 of the 3 parts and can see some distractions, particularly re. Bill, her work partner. It’s almost as though she doesn’t trust that her science work is fascinating enough. Onward...the plant info is drawing me in.

[Julie]

Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners
Therese Oneill
3/5 stars
Oneill, in a humorously satirical style, details the awfulness of being a woman in the Victorian Age. You will be glad you live in today’s modern era after reading what women had to do to keep up appearances and taking care of their family and home. No subjects have been eliminated in the writing of this book. Interesting and a fast read! Set In The Victorian Era

[madrano]

I enjoy these type of books. Years ago i readWhat Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England and found Daniel Pool full of info. Too Many Rules,

[madrano]

Overall, the Jahren book gave me plenty of new-to-me facts on trees, leaves and our planet, which left me with a good taste and more wonder. However, i understand what Alias meant—it seemed she was trying too hard to be cool. Once i learned she was bipolar some of her words and actions could be better understood.

What to think about her science partner Bill was difficult but i believe there is true emotion between them and i liked that, while hoping he finds more in his life, too.

Meanwhile she asked neat questions about the ancient Arctic that never occurred to me, which is neat. Finally, i hadn’t realized how creatively labs are sometimes put together. Actually creating the equipment needed is a story unto itself.

Thanks for the title, Julie.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "I enjoy these type of books. Years ago i readWhat Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England and found [author:D..."

I added Pool to my list of authors to check out. I am glad you liked the Jahren book- a book I probably would have never read if I hadn't done that challenge>

[madrano]

LOL—and look where it got us both!

[Julie]

Fingersmith
Sarah Waters
4.5/5 stars
In 1862, Sue Tinder, a young woman comes to an estate in England to work for a wealthy gentleman and his daughter. But Sue is not all she seems. She is actually there to set up a scheme to make her family of cons very wealthy. But of course there is a twist to this plot that Sue is not in on and things go from bad to worse for everyone involved. Sarah Waters doesn’t disappoint her fans in this wonderful written novel of suspense. Gothic Fiction Novel

[madrano]

This sounds intriguing, Julie. I haven’t read anything by her yet. Thanks for the story.

[Julie]

The Lost Queen of Crocker County
Elizabeth Leiknes
2.5/5 stars
When her parents perish in a plane crash, Jane Willow, a popular movie critic is forced to come home and face her past. Unfortunately, one night she hits something on the highway but runs from the scene after she discovers what was on the road. She spends the rest of the story sneaking around trying to make everything right. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and it was a fast read but I really had trouble with the actions of the main character and how it ended. Character With A Career You Wish You Had

[Julie]

Transcription
Kate Atkinson
3/5 stars
Juliet Armstrong of England is recruited during WWII to be a spy and infiltrate the British Fascists. When WWII ends she joins the BBC to do radio programming but her history with MI5 comes back to haunt her. Well written but at times I got confused as to what was going on which I suspect was the aim of the author. After all isn’t that the purpose of a good spy! Definitely has a ugly cover with green/yellow landscape with a pink flamingo. An Ugly Cover

[madrano]

LOL, Julie, what a category! I’ve only completed one Atkinson, Life After Life. While i liked it, i felt the same sort of confusion at times but i couldn’t figure out the intent, if that was her plan. Still she addresses intriguing notions.

[Alias Reader]

Julie wrote: "An Ugly Cover "

LOVE your categories. Thanks for the smile this morning.

[Julie]

I couldn't get the ugly cover to come up when I added it to my lists. I much prefer the one here on this site. A flamingo though was more appropriate because it referred to one of the characters who defected and was called flamingo.

[madrano]

Is it this unfamiliar computer i'm using or did the link to the ugly cover not appear? Eager to see it.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "Is it this unfamiliar computer i'm using or did the link to the ugly cover not appear? Eager to see it."

I couldn't get it to come up for some reason on Goodreads- it kept going back to the original cover which wasn't ugly. Here is the link of the cover I read though it is a little brighter than my copy on the book.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/tran...

[madrano]

LOL, Julie. The flamingo looks like an ostrich preparing to bury its head. What a contrast--good choice for ugly cover.

[Julie]

madrano wrote: "LOL, Julie. The flamingo looks like an ostrich preparing to bury its head. What a contrast--good choice for ugly cover."

Thanks- good book -ugly cover!