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desertvixen) wrote2018-01-24 10:52 pm
Reading for 2017
Here's what I read in 2017. I won the reading challenge in our history major group with a grand total of 301, but did not count all of the books I read for that one.
These were, in my opinion, the best 17 reads of 2017 (no particular order):
1. Fantastic Creatures by HL Burke – Collection of SF/F stories that are a great mix. There are some REALLY good stories, including a flying squid in a steampunk story and the Pacific Tree Octopus, and a Nessie type creature.
2. They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel – This is a lovely children’s book that shows how different animals see the cat. The illustrations are great. I bought a copy for myself, but I think I’m going to buy one for my nephew’s birthday as well.
3.Brand X by Christianna Brand – Really good collection of short stories, some mysteries and some really trippy. The first two stories are pretty light - an entertaining one about a double or triple cross, and a light travel story. Then they start getting pretty dark. I don't recommend reading this one close to bedtime, because while not horror, some of them are unpleasant and are going to stick with you. The Kite, involving an old woman's relationship with a bird of prey on her territory, falls into this category - just enough detail for the conclusion to take shape in your mind. The Charm Farm is also light, with a twist I was expecting. A Bit of Bovver is just sad. The Blackthorn is interesting, and involves a little bit of magic and "being careful what you wish for". The Hilltop is probably the most graphic story, and you know exactly where it is going until the very end. Bless This House has a sad and unexpected twist - yet when you go back over it, it's perfectly obvious. Spring 1941 is drawn from her own experience. Murder Hath Charms is interesting. Pigeon Pie seems like it's going to go way dark - and while still super depressing, has a bit of light at the end. (If you're sensitive to animal violence and cruelty to children, you may want to do yourself a favor and skip Pigeon Pie.) Madame Thinks Quick and The Scapegoat are quite good, and a little lighter after the middle stories.
4. The War That Killed Achilles by Caroline Alexander – This was an excellent book on the Trojan War from a viewpoint I had not normally considered (usually focus on Odysseus myself) and I really enjoyed the connections the author made with modern warfare, and how war is portrayed in the Iliad. Definitely worth the read.
5. Cinnamon by Neil Gaiman – Lavishly illustrated kids’ book about a modern fairy-tale sort of story with a girl who won’t talk and the tiger who helps. Not sure if it’s based on an Indian story or not, but the Indian-inspired art is rich and gorgeous and wow.
6.The Amazons by Adrienne Mayor – This is a thick but entertaining read, looking at Amazons in art and myth, and at the real women that the Amazon stories were likely based on (Scythians and other nomadic tribes of that area) and a great look at some of the archaeology. I can’t recommend it enough.
7. War Letters to a Wife by Rowland Feilding – Written by a British officer in WW1, this is a very good read. It’s also proof that no matter how much times change, some things about war stay the same (like having to overwrite awards so they’ll get approved). Long but worth reading.
8. A Tangled Web by L. M. Montgomery – I don’t know where this book has been all my life, but I loved it. It had the very soap-opera small town feel going on, but for several characters there was quite a bit of heart. There was one scene that while I expected it, it got tears. (It involves feline death). Also, Sourcebooks has released a TPB with a lovely cover. I highly recommend. If you really enjoyed all the gossipy stories and family dynamics in the Anne books, you’ll enjoy this. Definitely aimed at a more adult audience
9. 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric H. Cline – Excellent scholarly look at the era of the fall of Troy and the general collapse of Bronze Age Civilization. Short but well done, worth reading if you are into the subject.
10. Live Alone and Like It by Marjorie Hillis – Excellent 1930s etiquette book for single women. Dated, but in a deliciously period way, illustrated with little case stories. It’s an amusing book, especially if you’re into the period.
11. Penric's Fox by Lois McMaster Bujold – Another delightful novella in the Five Gods world (also known as Chalion Saga), this time featuring more of the shaman/Hallowed Hunt related characters. And foxes, so you know I enjoyed it!
12. Six Against the Yard by the London Detection Club – This one was very good, with mystery writers coming up with a “perfect crime” and an actual Scotland Yard superintendant picking it apart.
13. Dance: Cinderella Retold by Demelza Carlton – This is a set the author is doing of retellings. Her last one was pretty good and this one is excellent. It has some Mulan-like elements, and it’s smashingly good. The shoes take a new turn in this one, but it really fits.
14. Bridge Daughter by Jim Nelson – Very interesting SF/F book about a society in which women give birth to “bridge daughters” who are pregnant with the actual child, takes 12 years to gestate. This focuses on a bridge daughter who doesn’t do what is expected of her. Have tissues.
15. Saxons v. Vikings by Ed West – This is a funny, snarky wander through England’s Dark Age. Example: The Frankish king Louis III chased out the Norsemen at Saucourt, close to the river Somme, in 881, but the following year he died after falling off his horse while chasing a girl he had amorous designs on, a quintessentially French death if ever there was one.
16. Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall – Good book about an interesting subject. Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish books are generally a little more nuanced and complicated. This one involves an Amish family discovering that one of their children was swapped with a Englisch baby, and everyone tries to deal with it in their own way. Very absorbing read.
17. The Nutmeg Tree by Margery Sharp – I’m really starting to get into her writing, when it appears on the Daily Deal. This one features an improper mother who’s trying really hard to be proper. It’s a delightful romp.
READING FOR 2017:
January Dead Tree
The Hellenistic Age by Peter Thonemann: Short history of the Hellenistic Age, decent little primer/roundup.
AG Short: Samantha's Special Talent by Sarah Masters Buckey: Samantha discovers she is an organizer.
AG Short: Felicity's Dancing Shoes by Valerie Tripp: Felicity learns a few lessons.
Ask A Policeman by the London Detection Club: Interesting team concept where 4 writers have to solve a mystery…with someone else’s sleuth.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (novelization) by Alexander Freed: Excellent novelization of an excellent movie, gets a little more inside Jyn Erso’s head and other inner workings. Definitely worth a read if you liked the movie.
The Spartans: World of the Warrior Heroes of Ancient Greece by Paul Cartledge: Good overall history of the Spartans, with an eye towards looking at the Spartan myth versus actual Spartan history.
I'll Be Seeing You by Lurlene McDaniel: No one dies in this one! It is an interesting plot with a girl who has a disfigurement and a guy who temporarily cannot see.
When Happily Ever After Ends by Lurlene McDaniel: Girl’s Vietnam vet dad kills himself (even without the back of the book giving it away, she pretty much goes down the suicide awareness checklist. I thought it had a good approach to people dealing with the aftermath.
January Kindle
Cary Stayner: True Story of Yosemite Killer by Jack Rosewood – True crime story – not great or horrible, and not sensationalized.
Amish Mysteries: Missing by Ruth Price – Amish mystery that has some pretty non-Amish elements.
A Christmas Kiss by Elizabeth Mansfield – Sweet Christmas Regency in which people get what they deserve.
A Death in Canaan by Joan Barthel – Okay true crime book, a little slanted towards the anti-law enforcement side.
A Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak – Good contemporary Christmas romance with some twists, part of the Whiskey Creek series.
Discovering You by Brenda Novak – Part of the Whiskey Creek series, but lesser characters. It’s a pretty decent read.
Fantastic Creatures by HL Burke – Collection of SF/F stories that are a great mix. There are some REALLY good stories, including a flying squid in a steampunk story and the Pacific Tree Octopus, and a Nessie type creature.
Hand-Me-Down Princess by Carol Moncado – Decent Christian romance set in a society where the royals really need to get out. This one is not her best.
New Year’s Eve by Caroline B. Cooney – Teen fic from the 1990s but worth the read.
Prince From Her Past by Carol Moncado – Christian romance in the same set as Hand-Me-Down Princess, but this one is much better. The characters go together a lot better.
Texas Tragedy: Priscilla Davis by Greg Brown – Not really true crime, but more the aftermath of a true crime. The book can be pretty depressing and there is a ton of alcohol, drug abuse, and questionable life decisions. Note: the author was her partner.
The Crooked Wreath by Christianna Brand – Good period mystery, with a nice lovely dysfunctional family, some good clues, and a nice tidy ending.
The Dead Letter by Seeley Regester – Historical fiction. Pretty decent read but VERY DENSE. Pretty sure the author was getting paid by the word.
The Good Girls Revolt by Lynn Povich – History of class action suit filed by women at Newsweek, very good read.
The New Adventures of Ellery Queen by Ellery Queen – Ellery Queen shorts, very good. Sometimes I find Ellery hard to stomach for a whole book, but these are a nice size.
The Tenth Month by Laura Z. Hobson – Supposedly about an illegitimate pregnancy back in the 60s, but it takes a few turns. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, and the end is kind of abrupt.
TV: The Book by Sepinwall and Seitz – Great look at TV shows, and what makes a great one.
Until Now (Until #1) by Cristin Cooper – Decent contemporary romance, except for the whole part where you’re all like, MAKE A DAMN MOVE.
Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch – It was available free from Early Bird. Interesting read.
What is Unschooling by Pam Laricchia – Short reference work on unschooling, interesting read. It has some good suggestions for those of us interested in augmenting our kids’ learning.
Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Mansfield – Another sweet Christmas Regency, wherein some people finally get what they actually deserve. Spin on the poor relation, if that floats your boat (or sinks it).
FEB Dead Tree
Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz– Reading for class about the Old South, but a pretty good read although somewhat dated (1998 publication date). If you liked other Horwitz stuff, you should enjoy.
The Hidden Mickeys of Disneyland by Bill Scollon – Minor guidebook to Disney stuff.
Slavery and Public History, edited by James Oliver Horton and Lois Horton – Class reading having to do with public history and how slavery is treated at public history sites. It was an interesting read, but I have not committed to keeping it.
The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts – Reading for class. The novel itself is actually quite readable should you be into 19th century fiction. The intro and discussion of who the person behind the pseudonym (and whether they were actually a slave or not) is a little dry in places.
In Search of Hannah Crafts, edited by Henry Louis Gates Jr – Essays about all sorts of aspects of the novel, and setting it in appropriate context. Not planning to keep this one.
Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2017 by Cooking Light – Roundup of 2016 CL recipes. There are definitely some I want to try.
February Kindle
A Study in Terror by Ellery Queen – Ellery Queen tangles with a Sherlock Holmes mystery involving the Ripper.
Albert, Prince Consort by Hector Bolitho – Hagiographic bio of Prince Albert.
Brady and Hindley: Genesis of the Moors by Fred Harrison – Middling-good true-crime book, of sorts, but more focus on the criminals than the crimes.
Calamity Town by Ellery Queen – Great EQ mystery with a devastating twist that fits perfectly.
Enchantingly Easy Persian Cookbook by Shadi Hasanzadenati – Okay cookbook on Persian food.
In The Fog – Historical “mystery” yarn that’s entertaining, with a twist at the end.
Masterpieces of Mystery by Anna Katharine Green – Mixed bag collection of shorts from an older mystery writer (like early 1900s). Some are good and some are horrible.
Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham – Albert Campion’s true debut. Decent read but I still prefer Christie, Sayers and Heyer.
Queen Victoria’s Children by John van der Kiste – Reread of something I have in print, but my weakness for the Daily Deal made it a must buy. It’s worth the read, and gives a good scope of what having Queen Victoria for a mother was like.
She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England by Helen Castor – There is another, not-so-good book of similar title, but this is well-done, although sourcing could be better organized. It also links the “she-wolves” (Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Edward II’s Isabella) with the Tudor reigning queens (including poor Lady Jane Grey).
The Grandees: America’s Sephardic Elite by Stephen Birmingham – Decent book on Sephardic Jewry in (mostly) northeastern US.
The Last Woman in His Life by Ellery Queen – Good late EQ, with a twist at the end.
The Man Who Could Not Shudder by John Dickson Carr – Solid Dr. Fell mystery. This one was a more straightforward read than some of his other works.
The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia – More emphasis on putting things like kale in your diet than Persian stuff.
The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod – Another entry in the Kelling and Bittersohn mysteries. An enjoyable little read, and some more familiar charcters introduced.
The Phantom Killer by James Presley – True crime book about the 1940s Texarkana Moonlight Murders. First part of the book is pretty solid for what actually happened, second part of the book drags.
The Unflappable Miss Fairchild by Regina Scott – Polished and re-released Regency. Sweet read but has some odd moments.
A Wanton Woman by Vanessa Vale – I give it an A for steam factor (best characterized as an erotic romance) but D+ for historical accuracy – language much too modern.
The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer – Another entry in her Montana Amish series, pretty good.
Shipwreck: Strange Fate of Morro Castle by Gordon Thomas – I love disaster books, and this one is pretty good. It doesn’t give enough answers, though.
A Southern Woman's Story by Phoebe Yates Pember – Firsthand account of a Southern (Jewish) nurse in the Civil War. Pretty good.
The Jews of New Orleans & MS Delta by Ford/Stiefel – Interesting read about Jews settling in New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta.
The Jews of South Carolina by Barnett A. Elzas – Kindle version of a older book. Great info, bad formatting.
The Provincials by Eli Evans – History and not-so-history of Jewish life in the South, more post-WW2 and focused on author’s family.
The Sons of Joshua by Marc Ben-Meir – Okay read, but it’s like someone’s term paper decided to be a Kindle book. Formatting is not great and there’s no new info. It’s focused on Jews fighting in the Civil War on both sides.
The Women of the Confederacy by John Underwood -If you need a dose of 1890s era stuff about how the South was brought to its knees, a ton of classical Greek and Roman allusions, and a dose of “pre-Civil War South did well by the Negroes”, then this is the book for you. It’s definitely a touch on the hagiographic side, and very flowery.
March Dead Tree
Garden of Angels by Lurlene McDaniel – You know what you’re getting in a Lurlene McDaniel book. This one is really good, I thought, for showing the stress everyone was under, and I liked the older sister as young military wife – I could definitely relate to her issues.
They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel – This is a lovely children’s book that shows how different animals see the cat. The illustrations are great. I bought a copy for myself, but I think I’m going to buy one for my nephew’s birthday as well.
Notorious in the Neighborhood by Joshua D. Rothman – School reading about interracial sex in antebellum Virginia, featuring Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, among others. It was an okay read, but I’m ambivalent about keeping it right now. I did get some stuff for the paper of death out of it.
Echoes in Death by JD Robb – So, while even a bad day with JD Robb provides more entertainment than some people’s best days, I am glad to report this one was a little better than the last few. I enjoyed all the interactions, and didn’t really see the twist at the end coming – but it was there if you were looking for it.
March KINDLE
Brand X by Christianna Brand – Really good collection of short stories, some mysteries and some really trippy. The first two stories are pretty light - an entertaining one about a double or triple cross, and a light travel story. Then they start getting pretty dark. I don't recommend reading this one close to bedtime, because while not horror, some of them are unpleasant and are going to stick with you. The Kite, involving an old woman's relationship with a bird of prey on her territory, falls into this category - just enough detail for the conclusion to take shape in your mind. The Charm Farm is also light, with a twist I was expecting. A Bit of Bovver is just sad. The Blackthorn is interesting, and involves a little bit of magic and "being careful what you wish for". The Hilltop is probably the most graphic story, and you know exactly where it is going until the very end. Bless This House has a sad and unexpected twist - yet when you go back over it, it's perfectly obvious. Spring 1941 is drawn from her own experience. Murder Hath Charms is interesting. Pigeon Pie seems like it's going to go way dark - and while still super depressing, has a bit of light at the end. (If you're sensitive to animal violence and cruelty to children, you may want to do yourself a favor and skip Pigeon Pie.) Madame Thinks Quick and The Scapegoat are quite good, and a little lighter after the middle stories.
The Cat Who Played Brahms by Lilian Jackson Braun - I have loved The Cat Who books for a long time, but somehow I had never read the early books. They're starting to be available on Kindle Daily Deals and I have been snapping them up. I really, really enjoyed this one. Not only did we get to meet Pickax County for the first time, we also got to meet Miss Klingenschoen. It's interesting seeing the places we will come to know (and the people) for the first time. And Miss K's little green book is tantalizingly fascinating. Her description of driving with Siamese is spot on.
The Chateau Debauchery Starter Set by Em Brown – Decent short stories involving a Regency BDSM club. Intended to hook you in, do a decent job of it.
Darcy’s Ultimatum by Jennifer Joy - It's an interesting rearrangement of Pride and Prejudice characters in different situations, and casting them in more of a Regency storyline. It passes the time, but I don't know that I would read any more of the books in the series.
Our Nig by Harriet E. Wilson – Historical fiction intended to illustrate free black life in the pre-Civil War North.
The Quadroons by Lydia Maria Child – More historical fiction, this time pre-Civil War South.
Crowned Cousins: The Anglo-German Connection by Alan Palmer – Interesting book that draws together all the various relationships, but dated to 1985.
Murder at Merisham Lodge by Celina Grace – Decent debut entry in a 1920s or 1930s mystery series, but not something I’m excited about reading more of it.
The Cat Who Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun – Another early entry in the series, before Moose County. Primarily of note because Qwill meets Koko.
High Albania by M. Edith Durham – Great early 20th travelogue and history book on Albania, especially if you’re into Balkan War stuff.
Full Moon over Noah’s Ark by Rick Antonson - Good book, although I found some of the author's attitudes toward risk to be somewhat flippant. However, it's not just an excellent travelogue of places seen and people met, but is combined with enough history to give the reader some context for the writing. I especially enjoyed the beginning, in which the author recounts the beginning of his fascination with Mount Ararat. Having done a bit of study on Armenia and its issues, I didn't find anything new in the book, but quite enjoyed it.
Turks in World History by Carter Vaughn Findley - Solid historical read, although it is quite dense. It should also be noted that it's more properly an examination of "Turkic Peoples in World History", rather than Turkish people. There is a rather extended metaphor involving Turkic carpets that gets a little heavy at times. Although it took quite some time to read though, it was a worthwhile one.
A Singular Lady by Megan Frampton - It's an okay read. The witty and sparkling dialogue is the best of the book. I kept getting annoyed by the characters' actions (fairly predictable with a Big Mis involving money) but every time I went to stop reading the book, she wrote something that hooked me back in again. There is a plot twist towards the end that comes up super quick and ties things up neatly, that I felt was a little too pat. The actual conclusion of the book was pretty good. It was a good way to pass the time, but I would definitely wait for it to be a Kindle deal.
Connie by Mary Kingswood - Decent read, but I think you probably needed to read the first two books in the series to really appreciate it. I enjoyed the pair of faux engagements (why have just 1 when you can have 2?) but some of the characters and interactions, specifically with the mother, just seemed weird. The family dynamics are weird with a capital W.
The Bundy Secrets by Kevin Sullivan – Collection of reports and supplemental materials associated with Ted Bundy. I thought this was a good read for anyone interested in the subject. Having actual reports reproduced in the book with some explanation was good - interesting reading, but they might have bogged down an actual narrative. Presented by themselves, they are pretty interesting.
April Dead Tree
James Montgomery Flagg: Uncle Sam and Beyond by Nicholas Steward – Pocket-sized book showcasing Flagg’s work and a short bio. Very enjoyable.
The War That Killed Achilles by Caroline Alexander – This was an excellent book on the Trojan War from a viewpoint I had not normally considered (usually focus on Odysseus myself) and I really enjoyed the connections the author made with modern warfare, and how war is portrayed in the Iliad. Definitely worth the read.
Bedtime in the Southwest by Mona Hodgson – Cute children’s book about animal babies going to bed.
D is for Desert by Gowan/Frankenhuyzen – One of the alphabet series (H is for Honor, A is for Axel), focusing on deserts of the world, not just ones in North America. It does not include the cartwheeling spider.
Everything I Need to Know I learned from a Disney Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow – Cute compilation of LGB art, Disney themed.
Jacksonland by Steve Inskeep – Good book about Andrew Jackson and Cherokee leader John Ross over the Cherokee forced relocation. Entertaining and easy to read, especially in light of what Trump has said about Jackson being a president he admires.
Desert Bighorn Sheep by Dale E. Toweill – Brief reference book about bighorn sheep.
Everything I Need to Know About Family I learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow – Family-themed compilation of LGB art. I think this one might be the best of the series, but I am a junkie for vintage LGB art…
We Mean to Be Counted by Elizabeth Varon – Class reading that I am not keeping, charity-related actions of Southern white women.
Southern Manhood edited by Friend/Glover – Also class reading, collection of essays on masculinity in the antebellum South. This one I decided to keep for a few of the essays, particularly the two on African-American masculinity.
Families in Crisis in the Old South by Loren Schweninger – Very interesting book on divorce in the antebellum South for class. The author opens and closes each chapter with a divorce case that he expands on and extrapolates from. Very readable, and plenty of data provided in appendices for the people who like that stuff.
The Jewish Confederates by Robert Rosen – Interesting book on Jews living in the antebellum South and fighting in the Civil War. Of all the books I bought to research my paper, this one was the best read and the most comprehensive (in dead tree format, anyway). Definitely worth the read!
April Kindle
A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron – Amish fiction, of the “Amish girl has to decide whether to stay Amish” variety. Decent read.
Amy by Mary Kingswood – First book in the same series as Connie. Family dynamics are still weird and not well-explained , and the main character has some issues coping with grief and loss of over-controlling parent.
Aunt Phillis by Mary H. Eastman – Reaction to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Pretty decent read but it definitely has an agenda.
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews – I haven’t read the other stuff she’s done, but this semi-urban fantasy about Inns (think of them as portals on Earth) was a pretty good read – good enough that I bought the next one.
Corsets and Codpieces by Karen Bowman – Reference book looking at history of fashion. Pretty decent, but nothing new.
Courted: Gowns and Crowns, Book 1 by Jennifer Chance – Romance novel with a sort of “Cinderella” spin (prince meets ordinary girl) – quick fast read but no brain power required.
India: Bride of Indiana by Ashley Merrick – A mail-order bride romance, pretty well-done with good characters and situations. I enjoyed it.
Lessons from a CF Cornerman by Raymond Poole – A look at what it’s like having a spouse with a major illness like CF. It’s interesting, but does bring to mind the whole “two sides to every story” warning. Also, don’t know what his wife’s opinion on some of it (adapted blog posts I believe) but in her shoes I would not want some of these pictures and situations shared. He also does some desperate/shady things.
Mira’s Last Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold – Another short story about Penric. It was excellent, but we need MORE.
Tales of Byzantium by Eileen Stephenson – History-based tales about people of Byzantium. Fairly well-written, an enjoyable read.
The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun – One of the early books, and possibly the first one I read. I love this – all the characters are spot on, Moose County hasn’t gotten weird, and the Goodwinters are always a fun bunch to hang around.
The First Diana: Almost a Princess by Sarah J. Freeman – Fictionalized life of the first Diana Spencer. Okay read.
The Funky and Frugal Housewife by Kate Singh – Hints on living frugal. Decent read, nothing too crazy.
The Garies and their Friends by Frank J. Webb – Historical fiction, more of the anti-slavery genre. It deals mostly with free blacks in the North, but also includes a Southern couple of white man/black mistress whom he wants to marry. Warning: For many people, it does not end well. Only some of them deserve it.
The Ghost of Freedom by Charles King – A history of the Caucasus. Excellent read if you’re into the subject.
The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne – A delightfully Gothic tale set in Italy. It’s Hawthorne, so the ending is not happy.
The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Charles River Editions – Reference book overview of the sinking of the Big Fitz. Well-written and edited, of course including relevant song lyrics.
The Working Chicken by Anna Hess – Short reference title on keeping chickens for eggs.
This Troubled World by Eleanor Roosevelt – 1930s era writing on world affairs. Pretty decent.
Trump Survival Guide by Gene Stone – This has some practical advice about ways to get involved if you’re not happy, and looking at what might be problem areas. If you’re already politically aware, some of it will be redundant. Not a Chicken Little book.
The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton – I read this years and years ago, but drew a prompt inspired by it in the May The Fourth Fanfic challenge, so I reread it. Well-worth it, an example of the SW Legends being a little on the cracky side (rancor-riding Force-wielding witches, one of whom tries to enslave Luke and Random Space Prince) but also well-done for characters.
Nat Turner (Graphic Novel) by Kyle Baker – Graphic novel about Nat Turner. Powerful art, but definitely not for the younger set.
May Dead Tree
All The Love in the World by Bunting/Mueller – Really cute kids’ board book with cute animals.
One Last Wish: Please Don't Die by Lurlene McDaniel – If you know the author, you know someone (generally a teen girl) is going to die. This one is pretty decent, a sub-series about a camp for kids with illnesses.
Love Is by Diane Adams/Claire Keane – Lovely kids’s book about how sometimes love means letting go and letting grow… You may need a tissue, but it’s got a happy ending, and the art is lovely.
Walt Disney's Mother Goose (1952) by Al Dempster – No, I didn’t fall into a Half-Price Books, why do you ask? Nice vintage Disney Mother Goose art.
Cinnamon by Neil Gaiman – Lavishly illustrated kids’ book about a modern fairy-tale sort of story with a girl who won’t talk and the tiger who helps. Not sure if it’s based on an Indian story or not, but the Indian-inspired art is rich and gorgeous and wow.
Shattered by Allen/Parnes – The “insider look” at why Hillary’s campaign failed. It’s a little bitchy and snarky, but definitely speaks some truth (like HRC refusing to take responsibility for bad decisions and messengers getting shot and arrogant assumption).
The Amazons by Adrienne Mayor – This is a thick but entertaining read, looking at Amazons in art and myth, and at the real women that the Amazon stories were likely based on (Scythians and other nomadic tribes of that area) and a great look at some of the archaeology. I can’t recommend it enough.
May Kindle
Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie – One of the later mysteries I like, with a nice little identity switch. Have read it before.
Fifty-One Tales by Lord Dunsany – So-so collection of historical fiction “scary stories”. Mileage varied.
Maxims and Reflections by Johann Goethe – Collection of pithy quotes from Goethe, interesting little read.
Buffet for Unwelcome Guests: Shorts by Christianna Brand – Upfront, this one does repeat some stories from Brand X, but it’s very definitely worth reading again. This one features less light ones, and more with unpleasant people (some who get what they deserve) and people getting caught in snares of their own making. I particularly enjoyed the one about the doctor’s wife who is smart…but not smart enough.
Princesses Behaving Badly by Linda McRobbie – Good look at princesses, along the lives of the Uppity Women series. Irreverent but pretty historically accurate. Snarky and worth reading.
The Dower House Mystery by Patricia Wentworth – Pretty standard Miss Silver with a pair of reunited lovers.
To You, Mr Chips: More Stories by James Hilton – Another excellent book by James Hilton. I think one of the best stories is when he meets a young boy on vacation.
Master of Thin Air by Andrew Lock – Pretty decent Everest/mountain climbing book by an Australian climber.
The Wrath of The Turquoise Goddess by Mark Horrell – Snarky mountain climbing writing (climbing Cho Oyo) by a guy who writes from the perspective of the commercial client. Snappy writing, although you may conclude the guy is kind of a jerk.
Amish Love Saves All by Rachel Stoltzfus – Modern Amish types, okay if you find it for free.
The Chinese Takeout Cookbook by Diana Kuan – Decent Chinese cookbook, replacing a hardcover with a Daily Deal.
The S.S. Eastland Disaster by Charles River Editors – Interesting account of overloaded ferry boat that sinks.
War Letters to a Wife by Rowland Feilding – Written by a British officer in WW1, this is a very good read. It’s also proof that no matter how much times change, some things about war stay the same (like having to overwrite awards so they’ll get approved). Long but worth reading.
Some Die Eloquent by Catherine Aird – Mystery series set in vaguely present-day England. Enjoyable and light.
8 Types of Natural Light by Anne McKinnell – Quick photography reference, good for beginners. It was free, otherwise I wouldn’t have wasted the money. No surprises here.
Death in the Tragic Kingdom by Keaton Moll – A look at deaths on US Disney Properties and some associated supernatural stories. Interesting read.
Preparedness Gardening by Jeff Fry – Interesting reference. Short but it was free.
Summary and Analysis of Handmaid's Tale by Worth Books – Cliffs notes of Handmaid’s Tale – interesting as a refresher.
A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller – Amish romance with some darker elements and characters who need help – but a good read. Not a sweet one, though.
Little Red: Everland Ever After Tale by Caroline Lee – Another entry in the Everland series. This one was good (I still think Ella is the best one), and I love the way she played with the elements in this one.
And Four to Go by Rex Stout – Four short stories, decent read. No big surprises.
Marvels by Busiek/Ross - Supposed to be an “everyman” look at the Marvel heroes through the eyes of a photographer. Not bad but I wouldn’t have collected the issues
June Dead Tree
Murder in Morningside Heights by Victoria Thompson – This is the first of the recent entries that I’ve felt was missing a little something. The characters just seemed off. To be honest, I’m not a fan of the idea to have Frank Malloy inherit a bunch of money. Maeve and Gino are still cute, but this one seemed to have a lot of “enforcing gender roles”. This is the 2016 book, that I somehow missed. I also found it a little off that Sarah had never heard of a Boston marriage.
Persian Fire by Tom Holland – Great book looking at the Persian-Greek conflict. I will say that it strips away any pretense that either side is composed of people you might like. Dense, but worth the detail.
Girls and Sex by Peggy Orenstein – Look at young women and sex today, mostly at what teen girls are up to. Interesting read.
Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins – So I finally read the last book. I see why people were complaining about it not being as good as the other two. I was NOT a fan of the ending, or the book overall. Catching Fire and The Hunger Games were definitely better. (And seriously, of all the characters to kill?)
The Animals' Vacation (Vintage Reprint edition) by Haber/Haber – Vintage “new print” of a kids’ book I really loved when I was a kid. Nice edition oversized.
Kitty Kat, Kitty Kat: London by Punter/Taylor – Nice art book based on the “Pussycat, pussycat poem”.
Above and Below by Clulow, Hamako – Gorgeous art book showing animals in their habitats, with split pages to show a top and bottom sort of thing. If you have a kid who loves animals, you should get one.
The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter – Interesting book about a boy who’s captured by Indians in colonial days, only when the settlers come for him, he doesn’t want to go back. It’s short, but worth reading. The boy gets pretty stuck in the middle, and the ending was not quite what I predicted.
White Working Class by Joan C. Williams – Good look at class issues and what makes the white working class tick. This would be part of the “how do we not lose next time” collection, and while it is a touch liberal, it does deal with the white working class in a respectful manner. Worth reading, not very long.
Peter Rugg: The Missing Man and Further Accounts by William Austin – Old New England ghost story read. We’ve come across the story a few places (including The Real Ghostbusters) so I decided to snap this up. Worth a read.
A Tangled Web by L. M. Montgomery – I don’t know where this book has been all my life, but I loved it. It had the very soap-opera small town feel going on, but for several characters there was quite a bit of heart. There was one scene that while I expected it, it got tears. (It involves feline death). Also, Sourcebooks has released a TPB with a lovely cover. I highly recommend. If you really enjoyed all the gossipy stories and family dynamics in the Anne books, you’ll enjoy this. Definitely aimed at a more adult audience.
The Haunted Mansion by Various Authors – Marvel comic based on Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Story lacks a little but I enjoyed the artwork, and am a fan of all things Haunted Mansion.
The Little Red Hen by J.P. Miller – Yes, the Little Golden Book.
Jem and the Holograms: Showtime (1-6) by Various Authors – This is the first six issues of the Jem comic. I’m not quite a fan yet – I’m not crazy about the fashion styles (being more punky than glam) but I do love that the women all have a variety of shapes and sizes. It has potential. And Pizzazz has a Siamese.
June Kindle
Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie – A non-Poirot outing, but an interesting one. There’s a Marple adaptation but this one is fine on its own.
Babylonians and Assyrians by AH Sayce – Dense historical read about Babylonians and Assyrians, mainly read to see what it had to say about the Kassites.
Feminist Fight Club by Jessica Bennett, Jessica – I thought this one would be up my alley but it really applies more to office settings. The major takeaway was that women need to stick together, speak up, and not let people sell them out.
The Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth – Sojourner Truth’s life story, does not include the famous speech.
Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford – Non-fiction from the 1980s, one of the first “adult” books I ever picked up. It’s pretty thin reading, but it definitely packs a punch. One of the sharp memories from my childhood is watching the scene in the TV movie (Craig T. Nelson plays Deford, I believe) where he pours out the unneeded two-liter of soda.
Alibi for Isabel and Other Stories by Mary Roberts Rinehart – A delightful collection of stories, some lighter than others (there’s a hysterical one that plays on the whole “everything I do? Today I didn’t do it” trope) and some darker ones, in which people get what they deserve. The title story is quite good.
Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie – Boarding school girls, spies, and fabulous jewels. It’s one of the great later mysteries, and I love Julia. Not a first time read, obviously.
Death Sentence: Inside Story of John List by Joe Sharkey – True-crime treatment of the John List murders. I have the paperback but this is an updated version, and very readable.
The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun – Another early Cat Who book that was available as a Kindle deal. It introduces several recurring characters, and demonstrates the author’s familiarity with the Siamese: “Koko had been through this routine twice before, and he consented to hop in, but Yum Yum was having none of it. “Come on, sweetheart.” Yum Yum responded by turning into a lump of lead, her underside fused to the carpet and anchored by twenty efficient little hooks.”
Above All Else by Rosemary Hines – Christian fiction from a series that I’ve poked at in some of its earlier books (mostly for unrealistic expectations and situations) but this one is not so bad.
The Faulty Process of Electing a Senior Class President by Chris Dietzel – This is a parody of the 2016 elections, and it’s pretty savage all the way around. Funny, yet a little depressing.
Wolfgang Puck Makes it Healthy by Wolfgang Puck – Puck goes for healthier food. It’s pretty good.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass – Pretty good historical read.
Queen Victoria by Richard Rivington Holmes – Historical account of Queen Victoria, written in her lifetime by someone who worked for her, so it’s pretty relentlessly wholesome. No scandals here.
Queens Consort: England's Medieval Queens by Lisa Hilton – Good in-depth account of the medieval queens. Well-written if a little dense, well-sourced. It’s not light reading.
The Encyclopedia of Amazons by Jessica Salmonson – Decent read, if a little arbitrary in what the author considers “Amazons”.
Fog of Doubt by Christianna Brand – Solid outing with Inspector Cockrill and numerous changes of suspect and motive.
The Body Politic by Catherine Aird – Decent mystery involving a little time sleight-of-hand.
Deadly Greed by Joe Sharkey – Look at the Charles Stuart murder case in Boston. Interesting, but no updates as pretty much everyone involved is dead.
Heavens Knows Who by Christianna Brand – Look at a Victorian-era unsolved murder case. Interesting, but draws no real conclusions. It’s an interesting read, but not as good as her actual mysteries.
Star Wars: Shattered Empire – Collection of Star Wars graphic novels, including the title story. Decent quality on the Kindle, and some interesting stories.
Discover Ft Myers and Sanibel by Lonely Planet – Travel guide to Sanibel area, pretty detailed.
Body by You by Mark Lauren – Fitness book with some good workout plans, I’ll be trying it soon.
A Tangled Web by L.M. Montgomery – Not sure where this book has been all my life, but I needed it. Bought the Kindle version while I was reading the dead tree book.
Bon Appetit: Food Lover's Cleanse by Sara Dickerman – Okay book but not a lot of great inspiring recipes.
Dig for Your Dinner in June by Mavis Butterfield – Good gardening reference guide for the non-expert. I plan to check out the other months.
Dutch Oven Obsession by Robin Donovan – As you might guess, this one deals with Dutch oven cookery.
Extra Virgin: Recipes from our Tuscan Table by Gabriele Corcos – Italian lifestyle cookbook (entertaining tips, stories about the recipes, musings about life) with his wife, Debi Mazar. Interesting read and some good recipes.
Guliano Hazan's 30 Minute Pasta by Guliano Hazan – What you would expect from the author, several very good recipes I want to try.
Mac: Inspirational Women's Fiction by Sharon Srock – Decent Christian romance. I had read some of the author’s other works, and this is loosely connected. The characters are pretty relatable.
Mr. Darcy to the Rescue by Victoria Kincaid – This is a really bad Pride and Prejudice variation – but it’s so overwritten that it’s actually entertaining. The idea has Elizabeth agreeing to marry Mr. Collins because of her father’s health, and Darcy throwing monkey wrenches in the plan. It’s got a decent ending that does NOT involve Charlotte Lucas getting stuck with him, although Mr. Collins’s bad qualities are somewhat overdone. I didn’t care for the author putting Lady Catherine’s speech to Elizabeth into Mr. Collins’ mouth, however.
Pennsylvania Patchwork by Kate Lloyd – Second book of a set with a mother and daughter with serious issues, takes place in Amish culture. The author employs POV switching, using first person for the daughter and third person for the mother. This one was slightly better.
Queens Full by Ellery Queen – Ellery Queen short stories, all pretty readable but no major standouts.
The Ascent of Manaslu by Mark Horrell – Written from the commercial client perspective about mountain climbing. Snarky and enjoyable.
The Case for Impeachment by Allen J. Lichtman – Not written in a partisan way, but looks at the history of impeachment, and the actual rules. The author does conclude with a section in which he discusses impeaching Trump, but it’s more cautionary than anything else.
The Everest Politics Show by Mark Horrell – Pretty much what the title says.
The Healthy Wok Chinese Cookbook by Charmaine Ferrara – Decent cookbook but no standouts.
The Man in Lower Ten by Mary Roberts Rinehart – A Rinehart mystery without the main character being a damsel in distress. It’s a pretty good read.
The Queen Bee of Bridgeton by Leslie Dubois – Teen book with a fair amount of fitting-in angst and a twist I totally saw coming. Depicts some unhealthy relationships and behaviors.
The Rebel of the School by L.T. Meade – Girls’ school serial fiction featuring a rich Irish girl as the title character and several strong female characters. Read because it was nominated for an exchange, but no one signed up for it.
The Stepmother (Everland Ever After) by Caroline Lee – An Everland prequel, of sorts. I found it pretty enjoyable, but still not the best of the series.
The Sweet Girl Graduates by Rea Woodman – Farce about girls graduating from high school, fairly entertaining.
Thieves, Liars, and Moutaineers by Mark Horrell – More snarky stories from a commercial client, although he touches on some sensitive subjects, such as climbers assisting other climbers and the level of expense involved in climbing.
July Dead Tree
Cherry Ames, Mountaineer Nurse (1951) by Julie Tatham – I had to get this one, as it takes place in Kentucky. It’s a pretty good one.
Crossing Over: One Woman's Escape from Amish Life by Garrett/Farrant – Decent short account of a person who left the Amish lifestyle. Truthful but not luridly detailed.
The Trojan War by Thomas/Conant – Excellent look at some of the more scholarly topics related to the study of the Trojan War (archaeology etc). It does have a brief overview of the war and poem itself.
Cherry Ames, Night Supervisor (1950) by Julie Tatham – Another of the stories where Cherry gets drafted to fill in a slot and gets into some meddling and mystery solving. Good solid read.
Cherry Ames Annual (1958) by Various Authors – This is a collection of short stories (not all Cherry Ames) and such aimed at young girls. Worth checking out if you’re into vintage Cherry.
Worlds to Explore GSUSA 1977 by GSUSA – Older version of the Junior and Brownie Handbooks (not badges). It’s got some interesting activities and such, but the 1977 illustrations are the best!
The Spectacular Sisterhood of Superwomen by Hope Nicholson – Interesting book that I’ve wanted to get for awhile, looks at comic book heroines over the ages. Nicely illustrated and plenty of pointers for other places to look.
The Will to Climb by Ed Viesturs and David Roberts – Ed Viesturs on climbing Annapurna (sparked by reading the 1950s book Annapurna by Maurice Herzog). If you’ve read any modern Everest stuff, you know who Viesturs is. He’s got a great, personable writing voice, and he combines history with his actual attempts on Annapurna (his last 8,000 peak). Definitely worth reading!
The Year of Voting Dangerously by Maureen Dowd – I got this at the after-Christmas sales at B&N this year, but it was actually pretty good. Written before the election actually occurred, she’s pretty savage on both candidates. My conservative-leaning husband was favorably impressed.
July Kindle
Amish Truth Be Told by Rachel Stoltzfus – Bad “Amish trying to be modern but still Amish” book. It was free.
Annapurna: First Conquest of 8000 Peak by Maurice Herzog – So any number of the climber-writers I’ve read have recommended this book that I decided to give it a try. It’s one of the ones you finish and then understand the reviews. It’s got a heavy dose of period “white man’s burden” and general pompous arrogant jerk, with bonus descriptions of primitive amputations due to frostbite.
Evil Angels: The Case of Lindy Chamberlain by John Bryson – Long and overwritten account of the Chamberlain case (the dingo ate the baby). It opens with a long and boring overview of the founding of the Seventh Day Adventists – so long and not specific that I thought I’d downloaded the wrong book.
His Burial Too by Catherine Aird – One of the Inspector Sloan mysteries – cozies set in some relatively “present-day” England. The police cast really makes it.
Love's New Beginning by Dorothy Wiley – Somewhat overwritten historical romance, better than others in the series. It takes place on the Kentucky frontier.
Police at the Funeral (Campion) by Margery Allingham – A Campion mystery. This one is pretty good, with a setup that seems to be going supernatural.
Roderick Hudson by Henry James – Guy with too much money and need for a purpose takes penniless but talented artist to Italy. It’s a Henry James novel, so not a happy ending.
Sophia by Cynthia Woolf – Bad historical, too modern plus too much “look at all my previous characters” combined with TSTL heroine (I’m no longer a virgin, but I won’t tell mail-order bride husband that even though I know his wife played him false…because that will work out…) It was free.
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun – Later entry in the series, a little too cozy and cutesy for my taste.
The Chomolungma Diaries by Mark Horrell – Climbing Everest from a snarky commercial client’s perspective.
The Golden Horseshoe and Other Stories by Dashiell Hammett – The Continental Op is back with a few good stories.
The Greek Coffin Mystery by Ellery Queen – Good early Ellery Queen, although I admit I didn’t see the end coming.
The Innocents by Margery Sharp – Interesting novel by the author of the book that became The Rescuers – spinster lady takes autistic girl in and shelters her, including taking a very drastic step to do what she sees as best for the child.
The Things Our Fathers Saw by Matthew Rozell – Personal histories of WW2 in Pacific, interesting.
The Wolfe's Mate by Paula Marshall – Reread of an older Harlequin/Mills & Boon just acquired on Kindle. Quite good.
August Dead tre
Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion by Jeff Baham – Good look at the creation if the Haunted Mansion and some “insider” type stories. I love the Haunted Mansion, so a fun little read.
BSC Graphix #4 Claudia and Mean Janine (Color) by Raina Telgemeier – If you loved the Baby-Sitters’ Club, you should check these graphic novels out. They’re pretty enjoyable and not 80s style.
1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric H. Cline – Excellent scholarly look at the era of the fall of Troy and the general collapse of Bronze Age Civilization. Short but well done, worth reading if you are into the subject.
The Art of Minnie Mouse by Various Authors – Gorgeous Minnie Mouse coffee table art book.
August Kindle
A Dog of Flanders by Ouida – One of the free classics of the day from Early Bird Books, good little historical read with predictable and depressing end.
Complete Cardinal Guide for Retirement by Hans Scheil – Decent overview of retirement options, many pleas to use a financial planner.
Daddy Long-Legs by Jean Webster - Historical fiction involving a plucky orphan who writes letters to her anonymous benefactor. You’ll see the end coming but it is charming.
Disney Tale of the Tape: Theme Park Boxing by Dan Sisneros – Kind of silly comparison of various rides and events at the Disney Parks. Only if you really love Disney and it is on sale.
Found in Translation by Roger E. Bruner – Bad Christian fiction featuring a ditzy girl who has an awakening while on mission tourism trip. Pretty bad, especially when the author writes that he based the character on his own daughter.
Genevieve: Bride of Nevada by Cynthia Woolf – Her stuff is pretty bad historical romance, but I generally pick up a book that features my native state because there aren’t many of them. This didn’t change my mind about her work.
Latter End by Patricia Wentworth – Miss Silver mystery with dysfunctional family and creepy house. Good cozy.
Live Alone and Like It by Marjorie Hillis – Excellent 1930s etiquette book for single women. Dated, but in a deliciously period way, illustrated with little case stories. It’s an amusing book, especially if you’re into the period.
Miss Amelia Lands a Duke by Sandy Raven – Sort of blah Regency with stock characters (including, obviously, a Duke).
Miss Silver Deals with Death by Patricia Wentworth – Another Miss Silver. I hate to say that after awhile they all tend to blend together, but I enjoy watching the whole “guess who showed up…again” show with the inspectors.
No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs – The author’s adventures in mountain climbing, particularly the Seven Summits. He has a great voice and good stories without going to Drama Land.
No Way Down: Life and Death in K2 by Graham Bowley – A good story about a very bad day in 2008 on the world’s second tallest mountain.
Penric's Fox by Lois McMaster Bujold – Another delightful novella in the Five Gods world (also known as Chalion Saga), this time featuring more of the shaman/Hallowed Hunt related characters. And foxes, so you know I enjoyed it!
Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold by Demelza Carlton – Good retelling of the fairy tale story, but nothing really exciting about the twists. The two main characters are fun to read about, however.
Sanctuary (Murrells Inlet I) by Laurie Larsen – Christian fiction about the area near Myrtle Beach. It was free, so I tried it. It was pretty good, with people you were interested in and not overly preachy.
Tackling the Fields by Janet Ferguson – Modern Christian fiction that’s not horrible. (Yes, it was free.) The characters are a little over the top in some cases, but they are relatable.
The Case is Closed by Patricia Wentworth – The second Miss Silver mystery features an intrepid heroine with a romantic foil I really enjoyed, a closed case, and justice being done – with a few twists along the way.
The Cat Who Had Sixty Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Braun – The books near the end of the series are not doing it for me. There’s a massive plot development that had me raise my eyebrows in an “about time” expression, but there was also sort of a “check the block” feel.
The Great Detectives by Otto Penzler – A collection of essays by authors about their creations. I’d only heard of about half the crew, but the essays – Christianna Brand in particular – were quite good.
The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook by Toby Amidor – Pretty much what the title says, not inspiring.
The Nutmeg Tree by Margery Sharp – I’m really starting to get into her writing, when it appears on the Daily Deal. This one features an improper mother who’s trying really hard to be proper. It’s a delightful romp.
The Sea Peoples by Charles River Editors – Roundup of writings about the Sea Peoples. It’s a good starting point for more in depth research.
Thebes: History and Legacy by Charles River Editors – Roundup of writings about Thebes, and its historical and literary significance. Good for a starting point.
World's Classics: Antigone/Oedipus/Electra by Sophocles – I got this to read over Antigone for something else, but all three are well-worth the read. Greek tragedy done well.
September Dead Tree
The Paper Doll Wedding by Miloche/Kane – Re-issue of a vintage Little Golden Book, bought for the art.
My LGB about Sharks by Bonnie Bader – Re-issue of a vintage Little Golden Book, but fun.
Margaret Wise Brown's Manners by Margaret Wise Brown - Re-issue of a vintage Little Golden Book, bought for the art.
A Bed for Kitty by Yasmine Surovec – Very cute kids’ book about Kitty, who does not want to sleep on her kitty bed. If you have a cat, this will be very familiar.
Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb – The latest Eve Dallas book, and a nice switch to have a crime that is not by some sadistic psychopath with heavy sexual overtones. It does feature an important character moment for Eve and Roarke.
The Chinese Siamese Cat by Amy Tan – It’s Sagwa, and how these Siamese cats got their paws and masks. Very cute, and the art is lovely.
Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers by Berenstain/Berenstain – You know what to expect. This one covers stranger danger and does so in a non-panicky way (although it also shows that it can be easy to frighten kids as well).
The Painted Queen by Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess – The last Amelia Peabody book. Elizabeth Peters died in 2013 with an unfinished manuscript, and Hess was asked by her estate to complete it. I tend to be wary of this deal (finishing a manuscript). I finished it and am keeping it, but it’s not the best of the bunch by a long shot. Several of the characters just seemed way over the top, and I’ve never been a big fan of this period of the Peabody-Emerson crowd’s life anyway.
The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist – Reading for class, very dense but very good. It’s a look at the history of slavery that aims to tell “the other half” (ie, enslaved people’s views) as well as knocking at the assumption that slavery was not a major economic driver.
BSC Graphix #5 Dawn and the Impossible Three by Gale Galligan – Graphic novel focused on Dawn, dealing with the compressed story line in the other graphic novels. It’s pretty good, although the art is slight different. I would read another one.
September Kindle
A Going Concern by Catherine Aird – Cozy mystery. These keep coming up as Daily Deals, so I keep buying them!
Amish Time of Change by Rachel Stoltzfus – Mildly entertaining bad Amish fiction.
Death in High Heels by Christianna Brand – This one was interesting because it does not feature Inspector Cockrill, but Inspector Charlesworth, the guy who is usually his foil.
Death of Jezebel by Christianna Brand – Inspector Cockrill mystery, this one is really enjoyable. The victim is a suitably awful person, so no tears shed. There’s a neat little twist in how it’s pulled off.
Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day by Leanne Brown – Okay but pretty basic. If you’ve cooked for awhile or read the Internet, you won’t get a lot out of it.
Last Respects by Catherine Aird – This one is pretty good, with an interesting “how it was done” and some enjoyable characters.
Letters to the Baumgartners by Selena Kitt – Good erotica, great scenery, somewhat questionable plot.
Love in a Fix by Leah Atwood – Sweet contemporary romance of the “taking care of friend’s widow” genre. Enjoyable but not super memorable.
Mastering the Marchioness by Em Brown – Regency BDSM erotica, pretty good.
Parting Breath by Catherine Aird – Light mystery on college campus with a somewhat heavy ending.
Reflections: Or, Sentences and Moral Maxims by Duc De La Rochefoucauld – I have wanted to read this since it played a part in a Regency novel, and finally got it as a free deal. Sarcastic French aristocrat tells it like it is.
The Achaemenid Empire by Duncan Ryan – Basic but decent history of the empire.
The Cat Who Robbed a Bank by Lilian Jackson Braun – Decent light mystery, although the later ones are not as good.
This Time with Love by Kimbaerly Rae Jordan – Decent Christian romance with couple coming back together, not super preachy.
What Dread Hand? by Christianna Brand – Collection of short stories with some repeats. It has some of the creepier ones.
October Dead Tree
Heroes of the Bible by Jane Werner Watson – Vintage Little Golden Book.
Tom and Jerry's Party by Steffi Fletcher – Vintage Little Golden Book.
ND Anime #20 High School Musical Mystery Pt 1 by Petrucha/Muruse – So it’s Nancy Drew, but in a manga style. I haven’t been reading the whole set, but I picked this one up because it features the Dana Girls. Definitely worth picking up.
ND Anime #21 High School Musical Mystery Pt 2 by Petrucha/Muruse – See above. It has a pretty clever ending.
An Astounding Atlas of Altered States by Michael J. Trinklein – This is a collection of “states that might have been”, with some excellent maps and illustrations. More of a coffee table browse book than a serious history one.
Law and the Borders of Belonging in the Long 19th Century by Barbara Young Welke – Class reading but pretty good, about how law was used to decide who was in and out of the cool kids’ group.
Six Against the Yard by the London Detection Club – This one was very good, with mystery writers coming up with a “perfect crime” and an actual Scotland Yard superintendant picking it apart.
A Short History of Reconstruction by Eric Foner – It’s about as much fun as it sounds like. Short but dense.
My LGB about Johnny Appleseed by Houran/Godbout – Pretty much what it sounds like.
October Kindle
Confederate Reckoning by Stephanie McCurry – Class reading, has to do with remembering the civil war and also looks at events during the war, particularly poor white women and blacks.
The Market Revolution in America by John Lauritz Larson – Class reading, and this is every bit as boring and dense as it sounds.
Dance: Cinderella Retold by Demelza Carlton – This is a set the author is doing of retellings. Her last one was pretty good and this one is excellent. It has some Mulan-like elements, and it’s smashingly good. The shoes take a new turn in this one, but it really fits.
Dancers in Mourning by Margery Allingham – Albert Campion mystery to do with theater people. It’s pretty decent but there is a sub-plot I didn’t care for.
Mathilda by Mary Shelley – Supposed to be semi-autobigraphical, decently interesting.
Poppy: Bride of Alaska by Cassie Hayes – This is part of a 50-mail-order brides series that I’ve read a few of. I liked this one, although characters were slightly too modern.
Secret Lives of the Tsars by Michael Farquhar – If you have read any of his stuff, you know to expect sarcasm and scandal. It’s pretty decent reading but not really much new.
Simple Truths by Rachel Stoltzfus – Pretty run-of-the-mill Amish fiction, with a little too much “see we’re trying to be semi-Englisch” thrown in. It was free.
The Allingham Casebook by Margery Allingham - Short stories, some with Campion and some not. Decent reading.
The Great Movies II by Roger Ebert – Decent rundown of great movies with some I’d never heard of.
The Honey Harlot by Christianna Brand – A historical mystery involving the Mary Celeste, as if that wasn’t already weird enough. Great read.
The Stately Home Murder by Cathrerine Aird – Good light mystery.
Youth by Issac Asimov – Short work about an alien visitation that isn’t quite as expected.
November Dead Tree
Mighty Fitz: Sinking of Edmund Fitzgerald by Michael Schumacher – Pretty standard take on the biggest ship on the biggest lake, worth reading. It has some more updated chapters regarding the treatment of the shipwreck site.
Snowdrift and Other Stories by Georgette Heyer – This is really an extended version of Pistols for Two, with three “newly discovered” short stories. It’s worth reading if you love Heyer but the 3 new stories are not standouts.
A Nation Among Nations by Thomas Bender – Look at US history in a global context, read for class. It wasn’t too bad but a little dry. It totally annoyed my American exceptionalism classmate though…
November Kindle
The Suburban Micro Farm by Amy Stross – Pretty ambitious book about backyard farming, more ambitious than me. Definitely read on a color device.
Race and Reunion by David Blight – A look at the politics of remembrance around the Civil War. Class read, but good.
A Late Phoenix by Catherine Aird – Semi-cozy mystery, semi-procedural set in 1970s/1980s-ish England. Good characters, very relaxing reads.
A Special Kind of Evil by Blaine L. Pardoe – The Colonial Parkway murders, cold case book that is pretty good. It does get into how family members dealt with it, which I always find entertaining.
Beyond the Body Farm by Bill Bass – The title pretty much says it, if you have any interest in forensics it is worth a read.
Blindfold Fantasy: A Novel Menage by D.L. Roan – Erotica with hot sex and a ridiculous plot.
Bridge Daughter by Jim Nelson – Very interesting SF/F book about a society in which women give birth to “bridge daughters” who are pregnant with the actual child, takes 12 years to gestate. This focuses on a bridge daughter who doesn’t do what is expected of her. Have tissues.
Bubbly on Your Budget by Marjorie Hillis – By author of Live Alone and Like It, this is more focused on the how-to budgeting tips for the era, with the case studies that really make the book.
Crossroads by Barbara Cameron – Good Amish fiction book that gets a little more into issues the characters are dealing with and interactions with Englishers.
Curtain by Agatha Christie – The final Poirot mystery, very well done. Not my first read but first time on Kindle.
Deer Hunting with Jesus by Joe Bageant – One of the “helping liberals understand working-class” books, this one written by someone who’s lived in both worlds. Pretty good.
Fatal Charm by Carlton Smith – A standalone treatment of Randy Roth, a real “love them and insure them” type. He’s been featured in the Ann Rule book A Rose for Her Grave, but this was well-worth reading.
Great Ladies: Forgotten Witnesses by Sylvia Soberton – Short history book focusing on Tudor ladies, pretty decent but no surprises.
Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki – Classic Japanese fairy tales, read as a preview for my daughter but several of them were very good.
Liza of Green Gables by Renee Riva – A short teen book focusing on a very different production of Anne of Green Gables. Amusing but definitely for teen set.
Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery by Robert Kolker – A look at an unknown killer on Long Island focusing on women sex workers on Craiglist. This one is very interesting for the look at family dynamics.
Oregon Bound by Rachel Wesson – Pretty standard Oregon Trail historical romance, with less death than several of the other ones I have read. I enjoyed it, and it had good character relationships.
Rapunzelle (Everland Ever After) by Caroline Lee – This series is sort of like a grown-up Western Ever After High – they’re light, sweet and well-worth reading.
Saxons v. Vikings by Ed West – This is a funny, snarky wander through England’s Dark Age. Example: The Frankish king Louis III chased out the Norsemen at Saucourt, close to the river Somme, in 881, but the following year he died after falling off his horse while chasing a girl he had amorous designs on, a quintessentially French death if ever there was one.
The Warrior Ethos by Steven Pressfield – Short collection of examples of warrior ethos from around the world and modern applications. My big quibble is that he totally failed to address the slavery that allowed the Spartans to devote themselves to warfare.
Unbound Hope by Joy Ohagwu – Sometimes I get Christian fiction books just for the entertainment factor (and generally free). This one is pretty bad, features a lot of convenient plot devices and coincidences and jumps to some not-quite likely conclusions. It was at least adequately spell-checked.
December Dead Tree
Welcome to the Episcopal Church by Christopher Webber – Good overview of the church. Yes, considering making the jump
December Kindle
A Room to Die In by Ellery Queen – Interesting locked room case (and an inspector in need of a personal life) but Ellery Queen is not actually in the book.
Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers by Wanda Brunstetter – Amish wife teaches cooking class, turns out to help several of the people in the class in different ways, including herself. There was at least one twist I was not expecting, and one I totally was.
Amish Love Be Kind, Amish Love Be Patient, Amish Love Be True by Rachel Stoltzfus – Three book set about domestic violence. The author tries to show Amish people using acceptable modern techniques, but this this one caused a few eyebrow lifts along the way.
An Amish Country Quarrel by Rachel Stoltzfus – More of the same as above, although not DV related.
Christmas in Apple Ridge 3-1 by Cindy Woodsmall – Collection of three novellas. I ended up skipping over the first one, but the other two were well done. This author’s work is a little more nuanced than others, and very enjoyable.
Dinner's Done: Cooking at Trader Joe's by Wona Miniati – Collection of TJ focused convenience recipes, worth looking at but not awesome.
First Impressions: Amish Pride & Prejudice by Sarah Price – Interesting take on casting Jane Austen’s classic in Amish clothes without being exact… it was actually pretty decent. I particularly enjoyed the casting Lady Catherine as a nosy bishop’s widow.
Neighboring Faiths by Rachel Stoltzfus – This one was okay, the end of a series. My only issue is that it seemed like she was accepted very quickly.
Passing Strange by Catherine Aird – Death at the Flower Show and the Developers – pretty solid outing from this author.
The Amish Bishop's Disgrace by Samantha Bayarr – Amish novel meets Lifetime movie, but pretty decent read. Definitely a little on the dark side.
Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall – Good book about an interesting subject. Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish books are generally a little more nuanced and complicated. This one involves an Amish family discovering that one of their children was swapped with a Englisch baby, and everyone tries to deal with it in their own way. Very absorbing read.