Challenge: 50 Books discussion
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Maureen's 50 Books Read In One Year Challenge
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Maureen
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Sep 05, 2013 03:04AM
25. Angels and Demons, Dan Brown. Definitely his best. Great to retread after so many years. I enjoyed finding the differences between the book and screenplay.
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25. Maggie Now --by Betty Smith. A sweet story by the author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Set in her native Brooklyn in the Bushwick section, the author again places opt he reader within the lives of people making a living, loving and surfing hardships with resilience and strength. 2nd in my Betty Smith author study.
I have been using the academic calendar for my 50 book challenge for the pat two years. So a fresh new start at school and my challenge begins today. For the last year September - August 2012/13, I completed 26 books--24 short of my goal. Here's to another year and a positive start to my 50 book goal. 1. Reunion at Red Paint Bay, by George Harrar. A suspenseful page turner. The author introduces us to Simon Howe editor and owner of a local newspaper in the small Maine town of Red Paint. His wife, a social worker, specializes in assisting women traumatized by rape. Together they raise a young boy Davey, a preteen striving to become independent but who also has more than typical problems of an adolescent.
As the story unfolds, the 25th class reunion approaches and a mysterious stranger appears in town just as
Simon starts receiving anonymous and threatening postcards. To say more would be to give away the middle and end of the plot, as well as the themes subtlety hinted at, or preached to. The ending was too abrupt for my taste. However, this book would stimulate great conversation within book clubs to discuss the themes of consequences, honesty, and accepting responsibility for ones actions.
2. The Rose of York: Love and War by Sandra Worth. The first in the trilogy on the life and reign of Richard III, book I follows Richard as he as raised as a ward of Richard Neville, the Kingmaker, and throughout the reign of his brother Edward IV. Having read Philippa Gregory's Cousin's war series, I am always looking for more on the subject in historical fiction and nonfiction. The Rose of YorK is Sandra Worth's debut novel. As such she presents much history in the roots and causes of the War of the Roses through the historical fiction genre. She is empathetic to Richard III in her presentation and prose, though I did feel that the dialogue between Richard and Anne Neville a bit sappy toward the end of book one, this was a minor issue. Fans of the Starz presentation of Philppa Gregory's Cousins War series,The White Queen, The Red Queen and The Kingmaker, who are looking for more to read on the subject, will enjoy this book as well.
3. The Lady of the Rivers A Novel (The Cousins War), by Philippa Gregory. If you are a fan of Philippa Gregory, don't miss this book! Philippa Gregory explained in her author's note, that she became interested in Jacquetta Woodville's life as she researched her daughter, Elizabeth Woodville, (the White Queen). Written through the voice of Jacquetta, the reader is tranported through time to the late medieval period of English history meeting all the principle players of the day, such as Joan of Arc, queen Margaret D'Anjou, Henry VI, and Edward IV. Superbly done as always! I couldn't put it down, yet i am sorry to see it end!
4. Joy in the Morning, by Betty Smith - Beautiful! If you are a lover of Francie Nolan (of a Tree grows in Brooklyn), a lover of books and a lover of learning, you will adore this sweet story. Ms. Smith continues her life story through the eyes and lives of Annie McAiry and her young love, Carl Brown. As a young student at a Midwestern Law School, Carl marries his sweetheart from Brooklyn, NY, Annie McGairy. Their first year of marriage is a struggle that they weather through together with faith, optimism, love and friendship. You will smile, reminisce, and shed an occasional tear as you view their first year together.
5. Katherine, by Anya Seton copyright 1954--Mariner Books, Houghton Mifflin-- Katherine, a novel about the life of Katherine Swynford, Wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The novel, albeit a romance novel, traces her life from a young 15 year old girl to her death in 1403, as the Duchess of Lancaster. Through Katherine and John Of Gaunt's children, would rise the Kings and Queens of England.
I sometimes questioned the history, as the author did not leave a bibliography. However, I really did enjoy learning new insights into the 100 years prior to the Cousins' War. The foundations of the relationships between the houses of York and Lancaster are explained throughout this book. I enjoyed the prose and the feeling of being whisked away each time I thumbed through the pages. If you are interested in the roots of the War of the Roses, and the rise of the Tudor Line, Katherine, by Anya Seton, is not to be missed.
Maureen wrote: "5. Katherine, by Anya Seton copyright 1954--Mariner Books, Houghton Mifflin-- Katherine, a novel about the life of Katherine Swynford, Wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The novel, albe..."One of my favorite books by a favorite author. I read this first when I was in high school - oh, so many years ago - and have re-read it several times over the years.
6. The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott -- Tess, a young girl determined to have more in life than servitude attains employment as the personal servant to Lady Lucile Duff Gordon in April 1912. Lady Duff Gordon is a brilliant designer of women's couture in both England and the United States in the pre WWI era. Along with Lady Duff Gordon along with her husband, Sir Cosmo Gordon, Tess embarks on the USS Titanic in Cherbourg heading to NY to unveil Lady Lucile's spring collection. As the inevitable events of the Titanic unfold, Tess is faced with unforeseen circumstances in the struggle for survival. Can she reconcile her admiration and respect for Lady Duff Gordon with her uncertainty about the character of the woman she emulates? Using the transcripts of the Titanic congressional hearings, Ms. Alcott weaves a tale that keeps the reader enthralled. Kate Alcott masterfully blends a mixture of both historical figures and fictional characters as metaphors for societal change in the early 20th century. Initially, as I began this book, I found it to be implausible. However the story captured me, and I found I was routing for Tess as she struggled to do what she perceived to be morally right no matter what the personal cost. Don't miss it!
Thanks Carol. I love historical fiction. Any other suggestions?
Maureen wrote: "Thanks Carol. I love historical fiction. Any other suggestions?"One of the best writers of historical fiction today is Sharon Kay Penman. She has two trilogies, one about the Welsh princes and a second about Eleanor of Acquitane (sp?). Her most recent is about Richard the Lionhearted - two books. She also wrote an excellent book about Richard III - The Sunne in Splendor. If you like earlier English history, try Helen Hollick. I have also read Alison Weir, Caroly Erickson and Antonia Fraser. Not all of their books are fiction, but very readable history. Two other older writers I have read are Edith Pargeter and Nigel Tranter. I see that you are already reading Philippa Gregory! Her Cousins War series is one I enjoy also. Anyway, hope this gives you some help finding books to read.
7. Rose of York: Crown of Destiny, Sandra Worth -- the second book in the trilogy on the life and reign of Richard III. Sandra Worth believes that history has not been kind to Richard III. As the series continues, the author paints a portrait in he final years of the reign of Edward IV and his Queen Elizabeth Woodville. Historically researched and very readable, the reader is left to wonder if Richard is really the villain portrayed by William Shakespeare. Was he the mad King who killed the princes in the Tower of London or a victim of his own naive judge of character?
8. the rose of York: Fall from Grace, by Sandra Worth - In the final book in the trilogy on the rise and fall of King Richard III, the author offers a new and sympathetic portrayal of the life and times of Richard III and the War of the Roses. In the trilogy, she documents the atrocities attributed to Richard III as part of a slander campaign by the Lancastrian Tudors in a effort to overthrow Richard and win support for Henry VII and his new Tudor reign. Using historical documentation and historical figures, Sandra Worth points out the advances made by Richard III's effort toward social justice. Examples given by the author include the rewriting laws in English so that common people could understand charges against them and defend themselves. Richard III also enacted the policy of innocent until proven guilty, as well as setting bail so that a person would not have to be jailed while awaiting a trial. According to the author, these policies of equal justice for all are in direct contrast to the charges against Richard III. Her premise is that a person concerned primarily with social justice would not be capable of the charges laid against him, primarily the murdering of his young nephew princes in the Tower of London in order to usurp his crown. The author also gives an extensive suggested reading list for those interested in the York and Tudor periods to read further and explore for themselves. Those interested in this period of history will enjoy a different perspective on Richard III than the one commonly portrayed and written by historians of Tudor England. I highly recommend this series.
9. The Bride Price (Thwarted Queen) by Cynthia Sally Haggard The Thwarted Queen series follows the life of Cecylee Neville Duchess of York, who became the mother of Kings Edward IV and Richard III. The first book in the series introduces strong spirited Cecylee as her father negotiates the bride price for her betrothal to Richard Plantagnet, Duke of York. Having read about the Duchess of York through the Cousins War series by Philippa Gregory, I found it interesting to read another historical fiction novel that focuses on the life of this dynamic woman in history. It is a quick, fascinating read into the late medieval period of English history, where young girls were negotiated as pawns to enhance the wealth, status and property of their fathers and families.
10. the Guilded Cage, Cynthia Sally Haggard -- in the second of the Thwarted Queen series, the life of Ciciley Neville continues with greater insight into the life of Richard Duke of York and his effort to secure a more economically sound England. The author provides greater insight into the events leading to the overthrow of King Henry VI. Through this novel I learned the intensity of the fighting of the War of the Roses and the rise and fall of Richard Duke of York.
11. One Seed Sown the 2nd in the Thwarted Queen series. The 3rd book is the Guilded Cage. The series is one that cannot be put down. The author has done her homework and provided great insight into the fight for the Crown of England by the cousins and descendants of Edward III. A quick ad with great detail, the author pulls you into the 15th century vividly. If you are a fan of Philippa Gregory and/or the Starz miniseries The White Queen, you will thoroughly enjoy this series by Cynthia Sally Haggard.
Note: The Guilded Cage is the 3rd book in the series.
12. Two Murders Reaped (Thwarted Queen series) by Cynthia Sally Haggard. The final book in the series about Cecily Neville, mother of both King Edward IV and King Richard III. The series is meticulously researched. However, I would have liked to see more interactions between the characters. Toward the end of the book the author nearly listed events instead of having the characters live them. This is a minor critique though. If you are looking for historical romance, this is not the series for you. But if, like me, you can't get enough history in a narrative form, Cynthia Sally Haggard is an author for you to explore and enjoy.
13. In His Spirit A Guide to Today's Spirituality by Richard J. Hauser, S.J. In this book the author examines to essence and necessity of the role of both prayer and service together as the means to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. The author notes the importance of taking time to quietly sit in the presence of the Holy Spirit as a means of gently bringing us back to the purpose of his will within us as we live our lives. He outlines steps to deepen our prayer life, throughout of day, and pray to reinvigorate ourselves to put our faith into action. This is a wonderful book.
14. The Princes of Ireland, Edward Rutherford. In this historical fiction, Edward Rutherford, author of London and Sarnum, outlines the history of Ireland from from early Celtic times through the reign of Henry VIII and the reformation. Using fictional characters, and their descendants through the generations, the author outlines the struggle of the Irish people as their chiefs fight against the invasion of the Vikings, The Pope and the Plantagenet kings of England. I found it interesting to learn that the English King Henry II came to Ireland at the invitation of King Diarmait to help him fight against the o'Neills, and that the pope called for a crusade of Ireland to return the Irish Catholic church to the Roman Catholic faith. Of course we know where that lead. If you enjoyed any of Rutherford's other books, this is worth your time.
15. And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. Many characters and a book of small vignettes hat all comes to a bittersweet conclusion. I would rate this book 4 stars. A Thousand Splendid Suns is the author's best, but this book is a close 2nd. Keep a pencil handy to keep the characters straight. I enjoyed how all the initial characters and details are all threaded together min the end.
16. The BookThief by Mark Zusak. Sad but with touching moments. Beautifully written.
Maureen wrote: "16. The BookThief by Mark Zusak. Sad but with touching moments. Beautifully written." I love that book! So sad.
17. Richard III by William Shakespeare.
18. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, by Theresa Anne Fowler. The author presents a great defense and added dimension to the life of Zelda Fitzgerald. Though fiction, not a biography, I was fascinated and drawn into Zelda's world. Not to be missed.
18 books with 32 to go before my annual date of August 31. That's an average of 4 per month. I need to step it up! Great job to all those who just finished their challenge on 12/31/13. Happy New Year everyone.
19. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Maureen wrote: "Thanks Carol. I love historical fiction. Any other suggestions?"If you haven't already read it I recommend The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. I can't remember the author's name off the top of my head, but she also wrote The Aviator's Wife.
Juli
20. Lady of the English, by Elizabeth Chadwick - Elizabeth Chadwick chronicles the life of Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I during the period following her death. Henry I left no heir, since his only life image son died in the shipwreck of the White Ship during a crossing from Normandy to England. Matilda tried in vane to seek the crown in England from her cousin King Stephen during the period of the Anarchy in medieval England. She fiercely fought and succeeded in putting her son, Henry II on the throne. If you enjoyed Pillars of the Earth, you will enjoy this historical fiction et in the same period. I rated this book 3 stars.
21. Madonna of the Seven Hills, Jean Plaidy. The author presents her own thesis of the life of Lucrezia Borgia--not as the poison wielding seductress rumored through history, but the unwitting victim of powerful men who used her their pawn. An interesting portrayal though at times I did not believe the dialogue to be believable. If you enjoyed the Borgia series on Showtime and can't get enough of this incomparable family, you'll enjoy this book--the first of a series of 2 about the life of Lucrezia Borgia.
22. Light on Lucrezia, Jean Plaidy--In this sequel to Madonna of the Seven Hills, Jean Plaidy reveals the life of a young girl, reared as a member of her father, Pope Alexander's court in the Vatican. The character grows somewhat as life and tragedy force her to do, but she never really becomes a woman in her own right. She remains foremost at the mercy of the men in her life. What I did find fascinating was the world in which she lived and the ruthlessness of her family, and rulers of city states in Italy at that time. Without giving way to spoilers, it is difficult to write much more, except to say that Light on Lucrezia was fascinating, and I definitely recommend it.
23. To Marry an English Lord, by Gail MacColl, Carol McD. Wallace -- An interesting look into the untold wealth of the Gilded Age of America from 1870-1910. Prior to income taxes the industrial barons of a growing United States amassed tremendous fortunes. However, the nouveau riche were excluded from Old Money society with a fiercely closed door. To win their place in society, these wealthy Americans negotiated monetary marriage contracts with nearly bankrupt Englishman in an effort to fill their pockets and revise their estates. The creator of Downtown Abbey based her character of Lady Cora Grantham on this book. For me, the millions of dollars spent and wasted on costume balls, Worth gowns and entertaining Prince Albert Edward (who later became Prince Edward) was shocking. Written in narrative form, with photos and anecdotals of the happy or unhappy marriages. The authors present an interesting window into American history, which was previously unknown to me. A word of advice though, purchase the paper version. The kindle version, looses clarity with photographs and is very poorly edited with typos abounding.
24. The Hangman's Daughter, Oliver Potzsch--In the small Bavarian town of Schongau strange occurrences are becoming too frequent. First, three orphan children are brutally murdered and another child appears to be abducted. Then, the local warehouse is burned to the ground, and the construction site for the new church sponsored home for lepars is vandalized and destroyed. In 1659, the townspeople assume only one explanation is possible--witchcraft. The local midwife is arrested and tried. In a town, which tried and killed 63 innocent women for witchcraft 70 years before, Jakob Kuisl fears a return to the hysteria that forced his grandfather to conduct the executions. Can Jakob Kuisl, the Hangman, solve the crime before another innocent woman is killed? Though the premise of children being murdered was very unsettling, I continued through the book and was not disappointed. Highly rated and on the best seller lists 3 years ago, The Hangman's Daughter is first of a series of 4 books written by Oliver Polzch, who is a descendent of the real Jakob Kuisl, the Hangman of Schongau. The author is able to mix history and mystery with 3 dimensional characters using wit and wisdom to protect the innocent from evil. A very interesting, suspenseful mystery that had me guessing until the end.
25. Halfway toward my goal!!! Deaths Comes to Pemberly, by P.D. James--My first venture into the literature of the continuation of Pride and Prejudice by another author, as well as my first book by P.D. James. Without the benefit of comparison to her other works, i must say that I enjoyed Death Comes to Pemberly very much. The added twist to imagining the lives of Eiizabeth and Jane Bennett with their loves Darcy and Bingley, is the mystery that takes place on the Pemberly estate. The book begins with a terrible recap of Pride and Prejudice on steroids. However, once this awkward introduction is passed, the story begins to flow. It brought me back into the world of Jane Austin with characters I truly loved. I have read through the awful reviews given to this book and while I agree that characters are not as well rounded as Ms. Austin's, the book was enjoyable. So though many do not recommend this book, I give it 4 stars, and hope that other readers like me, read and form their own judgements about the book.
26. The Ghost Next Door (A Love Story) Ginny Baird--I rated it 3 stars and did enjoy the light summertime read feel of the book, with the hint of a ghost story too.
27. Investigative Medium the Awakening by Laine Crosby
28. The Goldfinch, Debra Tartt. With 150 pages to go, I continued to wait for something positive to happening Theo's life. It is redundant, repetitive and depressing. I am also reading as a book club choice, and really enjoyed the beginning, and middle. Instead the book began to drag on from one depressing drug scene to the next. Where was the editor on this book?
29. Astor Place Vintage, Stephanie Lehman, set in both 2007 and 1907 in the lower east side of Manhattan's Astor Place, the book follows two characters, who in some ways parallel each other. I found the historical fiction part of the novel to be the most interesting with the character of Olive, struggling to forge a way toward independence despite societies rules against female autonomy in 1907, to be much more interesting the the storyline of Amanda, though the author did tie the two characters together well. I would recommend it as a light read to book clubs or individuals.
You're doing great! I suspect you will surpass your goal before long. I can tell you love historical fiction. Have you read any Thomas Costain?
Renee wrote: "You're doing great! I suspect you will surpass your goal before long. I can tell you love historical fiction. Have you read any Thomas Costain?"Yes historical fiction is one if my favorite genres. No I haven't red Thomas Costain yet, but thank you for the recommendation.
Maureen wrote: "Renee wrote: "You're doing great! I suspect you will surpass your goal before long. I can tell you love historical fiction. Have you read any Thomas Costain?"Yes historical fiction is one if my fa..."I have just started researching books by Thomas Costain. Thanks for the tip. I think my summer will be filled with the Plantagenet series!
30. The Perfect Summer, Juliet Nicolson, non-fiction account of the summer of 1911 in England. The author chronicles,with great detail, the lives of aristocrats, socialites at play, the suffragette movement, and the struggle of the working class to unionize and fight for workers rights. Very detailed, it does not read as a narrative and becomes confused with focus as a result. That being said, it was interesting and I did learn a lot about the birth of the modern world in the 20th century.
The goal is 50 books by September 1 and the start of the new academic year. 20 more and 4 1/2 months to go!
31. Killing Jesus, Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. I really enjoyed Killing Lincoln but I feel that this book was not historically accurate. He mentions that Jesus is mentioned by various Roman, Jewish or Greek historians but that does not make a history book. It is a religious book honestly. The authors should not claim otherwise. If their point was for people to get to know Jesus, the gospels are a better source and much better written,
32. Nonfiction. Pope John XXIII The Good Pope, Wyatt North. Born in humble beginnings in a small village in Lombard Italy, Pope John is remembered for his devotion to the poor, isolated, defenseless and understating and respect for all souls seeking spiritual enlightment. upon becoming Pope, he went out of the vaticn dqily and in the evenig visiting people in hospitals, prisons and in the streets. I knew little of this man, who will be canonized by. Pope Francis on 4/27/14. I was impressed with his outreach for the rights of workers and man. In fact, it seems Pope Francis is much like him.
33. The Husband Secret, Liane Moriarity The lives of three principal characters, Tess O'Leary, Rachel Crowley, and Cecilia Fitzpatrick's lives intertwine in this tale about the consequences of the secrets we all hold, well as the unforeseen turns in life. The plots and subplots will hold your interest. A book you cannot put down! Great choice as a book club selection--the discussion will be boundless!
34. the Invention of Wings by Sue Monk KiddIn the Invention of Wings, Sue Monk Kidd vividly brings the reader into the Antebellum South at the turn of the 20th century. The story begins with Sarah Grimke's 11th birthday with a gift that will change her life forever. Her mother proudly presents her with Handful, the young daughter of one of her mother's favorite slaves, to serve as her handmaiden. Appalled by such a gift, Sarah begins her road toward abolition, as she slowly grows into a woman way ahead of her time. Sue Monk Kidd has successful crafted a seamless blend of fact and fiction as she explores and reveals historical events in the lives of Sarah and Angelina Grimke, America's first outspoken female abolitionists and feminists. To reveal the events in the lives of the slaves of the south, she juxtaposes the fictional lives of Handful and the slaves owned by the Grimke family alongside the historical slaves and free men involved in a slave insurrection in Charleston, SC. The novel is one that you cannot put down, filled with realistic characters and fascinating historical figures who work to free themselves from the social and literal chains that bind them in ways neither the characters or the reader would have imagined.
35. Queen Hereafter Susan Fraser King. The 2nd : in her series about the live of the early Scottish queens, this book depicts the life and court of Queen Margaret of Scotland. The last of the Saxon royalty wedded to Malcolm III. A slow start, turned into an enjoyable read. Now I'll have to read book one about Queen Grudah the wife of MacBeth!
36. The Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul II, Wyatt North - an interesting biography of the life of Pope JOhn Paul II, his youth and life as an early priest in occupied POland during WW2 and later in Poland under the Soviet Union. The book shows his struggle to model not being afraid in the face of adversity to but have faith that God is with you. The book also goes into a chapter that has marred the his papacy: Child abuse and his lack of leadership stop it until too many were injured or abused. As this Pope is now declared a saint, it is interesting to learn about his life on earth with strengths and weaknesses and hi vilify to carry on with faith despite his human frailities.
36 books completed. 14 more to be read by August 31st in order to reach my goal.
