ErinE Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I was doing OPAL but since I'm only 0/4 I'm going to wait to finish my current O book until November so I can count it towards TOPAZ. Pathetic but I need a win in the challenges. Ha. What are you ladies reading for Z? I liked Zorro by Isabel Allende. The main character had a lovely, distinctive voice. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I've started Macbeth to read along with ds. It will be my middle age square. So I decided to try and look up an ancients book list on Goodreads and one of the lists that came up was titled, "Books written before 1950" :lol: 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 2, 2017 by Stacia 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 (edited) I've started Macbeth to read along with ds. It will be my middle age square. So I decided to try and look up an ancients book list on Goodreads and one of the lists that came up was titled, "Books written before 1950" :lol: I'm not sure if that's funny or scary. Back when cd players were common and record stores still existed (the 90s) Dh's brother bought his parents a cd player for Christmas. We thought we'd get them some cd's to start them off. We asked the young man at the record store to help us find some cd's older people would like. He said "You mean like from the 1970s?" Edited October 31, 2017 by Lady Florida. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Ad multos annos, Kathy & John! 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Late to the party. Happy Birthday Kathy and "Chews"! 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Coming up for air for a moment -- how I love Rabelais. Prologue to Book 2: Therefore, to make an end of my prologue, I offer myself, body and soul, tripe and bowels, to a hundred thousand basket-loads of fine devils in case I lie in so much as a single work in the whole of this History. And, similarly, may St Anthony's fire burn you, the epilepsy throw you, the thunder-stroke and leg-ulcers rack you, dysentery seize you, and may the erysipelas, with its tiny cowhair rash, and quicksilver's pain on top, through your arse-hole enter up, and like Sodom and Gomorrah may you dissolve into sulphur, fire, and the bottomless pit, in case you do not firmly believe everything that I tell you in this present Chronicle! When they tell you about the Renaissance, they never tell you about this stuff. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Coming up for air for a moment -- how I love Rabelais. Prologue to Book 2: Therefore, to make an end of my prologue, I offer myself, body and soul, tripe and bowels, to a hundred thousand basket-loads of fine devils in case I lie in so much as a single work in the whole of this History. And, similarly, may St Anthony's fire burn you, the epilepsy throw you, the thunder-stroke and leg-ulcers rack you, dysentery seize you, and may the erysipelas, with its tiny cowhair rash, and quicksilver's pain on top, through your arse-hole enter up, and like Sodom and Gomorrah may you dissolve into sulphur, fire, and the bottomless pit, in case you do not firmly believe everything that I tell you in this present Chronicle! When they tell you about the Renaissance, they never tell you about this stuff. If he had been born just a few centuries later he could have been one of the great Hallmark card writers of our day. :laugh: Don't google erysipelas. I did. It looks horrible. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 I read Crenshaw, hoping it would be an accessible entry point for helping my little guy relate to the issues of housing and homelessness that are taking so much of my time and energy right now. ...and having loved the author's One and Only Ivan and had high hopes. But this, sweet though it is, lacks the interest and heart that made tOaOI so special. It is sweet, but forgettable. I am 2/3 finished with The One and Only Ivan, and it is just as wonderful as my elementary-school-reading-specialist-friend said it was. I picked it as a pre-read for an ESL student. Not that I NEED an excuse to read children’s books, mind you... And guess what?! My patience for a vintage copy of The Witch Family has (hopefully) paid off. After randomly checking around for many months, I finally found a good used copy for under $10 including shipping. It hasn’t arrived yet, so I hope the condition isn’t disappointing. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loesje22000 Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Happy Birthday Lady Florida! 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Belated birthday wishes to Lady Florida and John :) 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 I hope both Kathy and Chews on Books (does he still?) had a very happy birthday. Eliana, I've put Black Radishes on hold for Morgan, thank you. We just started Animal Farm and next comes the tricky business of navigating WWII lit for a thoughtful yet sensitive 11 year old. So this was a well-timed suggestion. I've also put Three Parts Dead on my TR list, and Jo Walton's Tooth and Claw on hold - Jo Walton always makes me think of you, you're the one that turned me on to her, Ann Leckie, and Ada Palmer, my current triumvirate of favorite Scifi women. And I want to tell you I admire and appreciate the work you're doing with 350 Seattle. And I'm so happy when you find the time to check in here! 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 I finished The Johnstown Flood. Butter, this quote near the end made me think of you. "Stories of the flood would live on for years, and in time they would take on more the flavor of legends, passed along from generation to generation. Each family had its tales of where they had been when the wall of water came, where they ran to, who shouted what to whom, who picked up the baby, who went back for the horse*, or how they survived the night." *Or in your family's case, the pig. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 I finished The Johnstown Flood. Butter, this quote near the end made me think of you. "Stories of the flood would live on for years, and in time they would take on more the flavor of legends, passed along from generation to generation. Each family had its tales of where they had been when the wall of water came, where they ran to, who shouted what to whom, who picked up the baby, who went back for the horse*, or how they survived the night." *Or in your family's case, the pig. Butter, the pig story was great! 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted October 31, 2017 Author Share Posted October 31, 2017 (edited) .. Edited November 16, 2017 by Robin M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Some bookish posts ~ I like the message of this one: In Defense of Reading (and Writing) for Fun The column is by Joel Cunningham, but the content is by Melissa Caruso This is from the end of the article: "A light and fluffy “beach read†can give you a moment of escape in a time of stress or grief. A happily-ever-after can kindle hope when everything around you seems to be heading toward ruin. Comics and picture books can touch on profound truth words alone can’t reach. And imaginary places can become more real and meaningful to us than anywhere in the mundane world—just ask everyone who has more vivid memories of Hogwarts than of many real life places they’ve been. So don’t let anyone make you feel like you need to hide your genre novel cover on the train, or justify why you like to read “kid stuff,†or defend your preference for a happy ending. Don’t let them tell you the stories you like aren’t serious enough. They’re fools if they think so. Books are serious stuff. Even the silly ones. They’re our best and strongest magic." ** 13 Books That Offer a Master Class in Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writing by Jeff Somers "It’s almost November,which means it’s almost National Novel Writing Month, those 30 glorious, frustrating, enervating, nerve-wracking days when writers everywhere attempt to pen an entire book (or at least 50,000 words of one). Anyone who has attempted NaNoWriMo knows hitting that goal is certainly possible, but also just as certainly not easy. And it could be argued folks seeking to write a sci-fi or fantasy novel in a month are at a disadvantage—non-SFF writers can riff on their own lives and experiences for 1,700 words a day and declare victory, while speculative writers are tasked with inventing entire universes, languages, and mythologies for their books—a tall order in the best of times. But what if you could assemble a cohort of the best writers in the genre and have them patiently give you all of their secrets? A Master Class like that would be a pretty incredible way to kick off your NaNoWriMo. Well, good news, everybody! With the books on this list, you can pick the brains of some of SFF’s best and brightest—from all corners of the genre. Any one of these books will make you a better writer. All of them together will make your NaNoWriMo one for the, er, books...." ** And a one day only currently free book for Kindle readers ~ Sanders of the River (The Commissioner Sanders Stories Book 1) by Edgar Wallace "Thrilling adventures of colonial Africa from the creator of King KongIn the jungles of West Africa, Commissioner Sanders is the highest representative of the British crown. The health and safety of a quarter-million natives—who speak countless languages and worship untold gods—are his responsibility. Whether disciplining a boy king, expelling troublesome missionaries, or fighting to contain outbreaks of sleeping sickness and beri-beri, Sanders and his lieutenants must be quick, decisive, and fair. The fate of the empire—not to mention their lives—depends on it. These rollicking escapades, based on Edgar Wallace’s travels in Africa, offer an entertaining glimpse into a world—and a mindset—long lost but endlessly intriguing." Regards, Kareni 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Eliana - I am sorry your are leaving. I appreciate all your book discussions and hope you want to return at some point. My children have gotten so much enjoyment from the children's books you've recommended over the years. ((HUGS)) Robin - As always ... thank you for what you do. Helping keep us on track is a thankless task and I've always seen you do your best to do it respectfully and kindly. ((HUGS)) 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 (edited) Eliana, I'm sorry to see you go. I always enjoy your thoughtful posts. I don't think I ever thanked you for encouraging me to read Middlemarch years ago when I posted that I was thinking about reading it. It's now one of my favorites. Edited October 31, 2017 by Lady Florida. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 John is loving Bunnicula. And so am I. :001_wub: Kareni - Did you ever read any of the Louise Penny books and I missed your post? 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 As one of the newer posters on this thread, I hesitate to even comment about Eliana’s departure. I would like to echo aggieamy’s appreciation of both Eliana’s and Robin’s contributions to its vibrancy. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Happy birthday to John! Hard to believe he's 3 already. Mumto prodded me and let me know if a very kind way that my signature was out of date. He's 4! A big kid! And Sophia is actually 13. An even bigger kid! 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Mumto prodded me and let me know if a very kind way that my signature was out of date. He's 4! A big kid! And Sophia is actually 13. An even bigger kid! Ooh, you're in the teen years now! They're actually kind of fun. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 For VC from NPR's food blog, The Salt: How Martin Luther changed beer. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/10/31/561117731/the-other-reformation-how-martin-luther-changed-our-beer-too?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=food&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews :cheers2: 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 I've started listening to Pride and Prejudice for the classic of the month calendar. It's been awhile since I've done an Austen so I'm glad it's the November book. I try to read at least one Austen a year. Eliana, I'm sorry you feel upset. It's clear you are passionate about your activism. I enjoy reading about your book discussions. I do understand Robin's perspective. She is asking you to keep the book thread about books and discussing those books. In book discussions the topics are varied and can go deep and as long as we are discussing books and our thoughts/feelings about them then all is fair game and in keeping with this thread. Other aspects of our political lives may be best for a separate thread. 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 For VC from NPR's food blog, The Salt: How Martin Luther changed beer. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/10/31/561117731/the-other-reformation-how-martin-luther-changed-our-beer-too?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=food&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews :cheers2: That was interesting. Thank you for sharing. I confess that even though I don't like beer, the book looks interesting too. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Very interesting! And now I know Why Hops. For VC from NPR's food blog, The Salt: How Martin Luther changed beer. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/10/31/561117731/the-other-reformation-how-martin-luther-changed-our-beer-too?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=food&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews :cheers2: 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Is my first attempt at posting on Wtm from my phone. It is super cold here and we have only had three trick-or-treaters though we live in a super kid dense neighborhood. The upside is I have quite a few pages done in my Shetland mystery now. Love these. The double upside is that Kevin went out with the kids. Ha ha ha. I am delighted to have found this series. Actually you guys recommended it to me. I'm trying to decide if it would be cozy or not. I haven't finished it yet but so far it seems pretty devoid of anything questionable. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 If this were a thread which only engaged in book discussions, that would be a fair request. ...but we talk about ourselves and our lives here. We share travel photos, we talk about our children's health, we exchange knitting patterns, we share various joys and sorrows. We've had rabbit trails on many non-book topics... and I imagine it will happen again, unless you all choose to draw the lines more tightly. For me, this request is akin to asking me to make my Jewishness invisible. ... and I find that both hurtful and offensive. And now I really will leave you all alone to get back to having this be the space you want it to be, though I am grieved that it is one that I am not welcome in. Eliana, I am so sorry to see you leave. I left for a period the last time things were made to look okay on the surface while things were otherwise in PMs. I don't like things happening behind the scenes unless both people wish it to be so, and I don't appreciate when one party publicly minimizes issues by telling everyone else that matters are being blown to of proportion. I check in much less than I used to because I myself have been wary of the unevenly applied codes of conduct. I agree with you that standards should not be secret and I will add that we should strive to make them consistent. That all of your bookish expertise and your warm personality will be gone from this thread over an issue such as this hurts my heart. What a loss for BaW. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) . Edited November 2, 2017 by Stacia 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) .. Edited November 16, 2017 by Robin M 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) I hesitate to get involved because I'm apolitical in life but I'm sad that we're going through this again. I like our unspoken agreement to not post anything political here on BaW. It makes it a very safe place to discuss books and check in on our fellow readers that we have become friends with over the years. I know we have bright, strong, passionate women here who have very strong beliefs left and right and everything in between. I take it as a show of respect for each other that we can refrain from anything political here that might cause hard feelings between us. There's lots of political topics that we would all be in agreement on and wouldn't cause hurt feeling but I know that Robin leans towards the side of caution to prevent anything from becoming an issue. I appreciate it. I'm sorry that it is being seen as censorship. To me it's just a request to keep it off BaW. We have other topics that we by mutual agreement have decided aren't appropriate on here- s#x, criticizing our husbands, heated religious discussions, etc. I'm sorry. I know I sound silly and rambling. I value the ladies on here so much and our time together that I don't want disagreements to separate us. I don't want anyone to have hurt feelings. :crying: Edited November 1, 2017 by aggieamy 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 I hesitate to get involved because I'm apolitical in life but I'm sad that we're going through this again. I like our unspoken agreement to not post anything political here on BaW. It makes it a very safe place to discuss books and check in on our fellow readers that we have become friends with over the years. I know we have bright, strong, passionate women here who have very strong beliefs left and right and everything in between. I take it as a show of respect for each other that we can refrain from anything political here that might cause hard feelings between us. There's lots of political topics that we would all be in agreement on and wouldn't cause hurt feeling but I know that Robin leans towards the side of caution to prevent anything from becoming an issue. I appreciate it. I'm sorry that it is being seen as censorship. To me it's just a request to keep it off BaW. We have other topics that we by mutual agreement have decided aren't appropriate on here- s#x, criticizing our husbands, heated religious discussions, etc. I'm sorry. I know I sound silly and rambling. I value the ladies on here so much and our time together that I don't want disagreements to separate us. I don't want anyone to have hurt feelings. :crying: Amy, I want to respond to your post because I think the challenge that some of us have is determining what is political and what is not. I spent yesterday monitoring an oyster bed with an environmental group that constructed this "living shoreline". With calipers in hand, I measured baby oysters and counted an invasive crab species. To climate change deniers, my actions may be deemed political. As everyone knows, I volunteer at a bird shelter. We often see hawks with bullets in them, birds that are shot by people who think that personal property rights trump federal migratory bird laws. Is this political? I am an unpaid advocate for a nonprofit, a role that requires I make regular trips to Raleigh to speak for children and nutrition programs, to be a voice for those who lack the means or the time. I do this because I care deeply about my community and because my core beliefs require that I act. My life is political. I am also aware that probably half of my BaW posts are not about books. Like many, I post vacation pictures or discuss crafts and cookery. Often I share photos or anecdotes from my tromps in the wild. Am I not supposed to wander off track so to speak from the topic of books? Is that the way we avoid politics (assuming that we also do not discuss political books!) Things are never clear cut for me except for this: a member of our community is hurting. To quote John Donne: No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) Maybe I should not get involved, but from my perspective this is a thread on the Chat Board just like all the other threads on the Chat Board and thus subject to the exact same SWB-created rules about politics etc. as the other Chat Board threads. No more and no less. To my knowledge, only private social groups operate under different guidelines. Or am I missing something? Robin, I do not ask this to devalue the effort you have put into creating this weekly thread and keeping its momentum intact. I am genuinely confused. Edited November 1, 2017 by Penguin 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 The Goodreads reader choice awards are up. Looks like there's a lot of books on there that have been discussed here. I've managed to read zero of this years nominations. The only other lady on here who might be able to say that is VC who doesn't seem to read books younger than herself. The graphic novels looks really interesting. Any recommendations from them for Christmas presents? https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2017?int=gca_sa 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) The Goodreads reader choice awards are up. Looks like there's a lot of books on there that have been discussed here. I've managed to read zero of this years nominations. The only other lady on here who might be able to say that is VC who doesn't seem to read books younger than herself. The graphic novels looks really interesting. Any recommendations from them for Christmas presents? https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2017?int=gca_sa I only read one - Radium Girls. ETA: Dh also only read one - All the Gallant Men. Edited November 1, 2017 by Lady Florida. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 The Goodreads reader choice awards are up. Looks like there's a lot of books on there that have been discussed here. I've managed to read zero of this years nominations. The only other lady on here who might be able to say that is VC who doesn't seem to read books younger than herself. The graphic novels looks really interesting. Any recommendations from them for Christmas presents? https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2017?int=gca_sa Hey! I just read some Updike from the '70s. (But, no, I haven't read any of them.) 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastweedpuller Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 The Goodreads reader choice awards are up. Looks like there's a lot of books on there that have been discussed here. I've managed to read zero of this years nominations. The only other lady on here who might be able to say that is VC who doesn't seem to read books younger than herself. The graphic novels looks really interesting. Any recommendations from them for Christmas presents? https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2017?int=gca_sa I feel like this is really early yet for the best books of the year. But I have read maybe 8 of the nominees (and have 2 in print in the house). I would say overall it was a meh year...I didn't even read any of the plain old fiction nominees. But memoir, science/tech, historical fiction, YA, and memoir...I only vote for things I know...and the only things I liked I would never recommend as Christmas presents (The Bright Hour, about cancer and death...and The Hate U Give, about a police shooting a black teen...that would NOT make for a very merry anything) Hey! I just read some Updike from the '70s. (But, no, I haven't read any of them.) and YOU. I have Pale Fire here now, will commence reading soon... 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 I felt like Eliana's post wasn't a "hey look at this political activism I do!" but rather "I haven't been reading much lately because I was doing this other thing." Posts like that happen a lot because people get busy doing a number of other things. I just really didn't get a political feel from it, but rather a sharing a bit of her life currently feel. The six (rewritten) Kilenya Chronicles books were released today. I have a link I can share if you have an ereader and want to read the first book, Forsaken Prince, for free. It's normally only 99 cents, but even a dollar is sometimes too much to give a book series a chance. PM me if you want to download and read Forsaken Prince (and if, after you read it, you want to post a review on Amazon that would be awesome, too). I love that series (and, really, everything by that author lol) :) (The premise is Jacob is just a normal 16 year old high school student getting ready to start his junior year when, suddenly, he discovers he's actually a prince and he's not even from earth - he's from another world called Eklaron. He's needed in his "home" world to help defeat the evil Lorkon and save the people and magical creatures of Eklaron.) 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 The Goodreads reader choice awards are up. Looks like there's a lot of books on there that have been discussed here. I've managed to read zero of this years nominations. The only other lady on here who might be able to say that is VC who doesn't seem to read books younger than herself. The graphic novels looks really interesting. Any recommendations from them for Christmas presents? https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2017?int=gca_sa I haven't read any of the nominees from fiction, mystery and thriller, historical fiction, fantasy (I *saw* Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them, but didn't read the screenplay), romance, science fiction, horror, humor, nonfiction, memoir and autobiography, science and technology, food and cookbooks, graphic novels and comics, poetry, debut author, YA fantasy, middle grade and children's, or picture books. I did read All the Gallant Men (and liked it) and Turtles All the Way Down (and loved it). I tend to read indie authors a lot and they just don't usually get nominated for anything. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 The Goodreads reader choice awards are up. Looks like there's a lot of books on there that have been discussed here. I've managed to read zero of this years nominations. The only other lady on here who might be able to say that is VC who doesn't seem to read books younger than herself. The graphic novels looks really interesting. Any recommendations from them for Christmas presents? https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2017?int=gca_sa I haven't read any of the titles in the fiction category, but I've read several others in different categories. The only graphic novel I've read that is amongst the contenders is Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too: A Book by Jomny Sun. It was a pleasant read, but it's not a book I'd recommend highly. Regards, Kareni 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Heather - What age do you think is appropriate for the Kilenya Chronicles? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) Heather - What age do you think is appropriate for the Kilenya Chronicles? Jacob is 16, so it's aimed at teens, but I would have no problem handing to my 11yo and even my 9yo (and, of course, I love it as an adult). The author only writes clean stuff. No cussing at all, nothing graphic. Jacob has a huge crush on a girl, but she's dating his rival (who turns out to be a nice guy so he can't even hate him). The romantic relationships are just there, not a focus. The focus is on saving the world. Edited November 1, 2017 by Butter 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 :grouphug: to all. I think we need it. I've been doing a bit of BaW accounting because Spooky October is now over although because my Kindle is still filled with choices it may live on for most of November. I read 14 Spooky titles but my definition is probably a bit loose to include anything with a paranormal element. The favorite was probably Fred the Undead Accountant because the were pretty funny. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22081680-the-utterly-uninteresting-and-unadventurous-tales-of-fred-the-vampire-a. I read two in the series. I also finished my birthstone challenge for October. I managed to do both stones by using some books twice. O. The Only Way Out by Susan Mallory P. Proof of Life by JA Nance A Ammie, Come Home by Barbara Michaels L. Don't Let Go by Harlan Cohen and T. The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts by Braun O. The Only Way Out by Mallery U. Undeath and Taxes by Drew Hayes R. A Rougue's Downfall by Balogh M. Stoker's Manuscript by Royce Prouty A. Ammie, Come Home by Michael's L. Proof of Life by Nance I. Immortal by Gene Doucette N Night blind by Ragnar Johansson E. Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison Fastweedpuller, I am impressed that you have read so many of Goodreads best of's. I have only read a couple but am sitting on wait lists for two highly anticipated (by me) books that were on those lists. Totally irritated because it strikes me as unfair to lump books that have been around to six plus months with those that have been released very recently. I don't see how books that most haven't had the opportunity to read deserve to publicly not win an award. Kathy, I don't think I had a chance to say that since you liked Don't Let Go by Cohen you will probably enjoy most of his other stand alones. I actually thought that one wasn't one of his better ones plot wise. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) Maybe I should not get involved, but from my perspective this is a thread on the Chat Board just like all the other threads on the Chat Board and thus subject to the exact same SWB-created rules about politics etc. as the other Chat Board threads. No more and no less. To my knowledge, only private social groups operate under different guidelines. Or am I missing something? Robin, I do not ask this to devalue the effort you have put into creating this weekly thread and keeping its momentum intact. I am genuinely confused. I agree it's a thread on the Chat board but I'll put forward that there's a gray area. Certainly things would be more clear if someone was speaking about political candidates, parties, legislation, urging others to take action/march/sign something etc. I honestly don't think it's an issue if someone is checking in about how her week went and then the remainder of her post is about more reading than anyone else has accomplished in the same time frame. And I agree with Jane that it's difficult to tell what is political. Could Jane's environmental work be considered political? Is Eliana's more "in your face" because there are videos, and that has a different effect on us than if she only wrote about her week? If Jane was confronted by authorities while doing her work and someone caught it on video and posted it would she be told she was being political? Right now the front page of Chat has a discussion about the terror attacks in NYC yesterday, a discussion on family size, and a thread about plastic in the ocean. All of these could rightfully be called political. I remember that rule came about because of an election and discussion about candidates and political parties, with a good measure of people accusing others of basically being heartless people if they didn't agree. None of which is what Eliana is doing. But really this entire thing feels hopeless because one of the difficult characteristics of BaW is to unceasingly continue as it has ever been without acknowledging issues people are having. The "like it or leave it" stance is always in evidence and while it's technically true we are all here voluntarily and can leave at anytime, it brings tears to my eyes that the cost of that stance is never openly discussed. Edited November 1, 2017 by idnib 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) .. Edited November 16, 2017 by Robin M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 I hate conflict, avoid it like the plague. But I'm down with the head cold from h3ll and feel emboldened to step into the fray. And I wrote this before reading Robin's most recent post. I don't have the brain cells to edit any of this in response to your remarks, Robin. It hope it comes off as thoughtful, and it is meant kindly and lovingly. Robin, I so admire how you've kept this thread rolling along ever since Kay left. I'm not interested in all the challenges, but clearly they are a big hit and I admire the thought and creativity you put into them. This thread would not be the place it is without you. However, I'd like to gently suggest that you don't need to police the thread, too. I know some folk reached out to you a few years ago when a thread or two strayed into what some of us felt was uncomfortable territory. But other than that, I think we've done a good job of staying non-political. I think, too, as grown ups we don't need to be protected from thoughts and ideas different from our own. After all we are readers who love to expand our horizons. In this age of such deep divisions and distrust in our society, I value so very much this virtual front porch (and in winter, the cozy fireside) where we gather to talk books and share bits of our lives. We are a very diverse bunch, and I love that we share tidbits of our very different lives. I think we, as adults, should be able to speak up for ourselves to say that something makes us uncomfortable. We need to heed the adage we've no doubt told our kids -- you can't control what someone else says (or thinks or does). We can only control how we react to it. I kindly suggest we keep everything in the open. That we not be quick to take offense. That we skim over details in posts that don't interest us. That we mindfully take something off the thread if there is an interest to go deeper into a topic. For instance, I am shocked, just shocked that none of you have wanted to discuss with me the merits of Italian versus Russian opera, but that's the sort of topic we could have taken off the thread. Likewise, if any of you are inspired by Eliana's activism or Jane's environmental work, you could respond with "how cool, I'd love to discuss this further with you. Can you pm me? Shall we start a separate thread?" That's all I've got this morning. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 A one day only currently free book for Kindle readers ~ Fifty-One Tales by Lord Dunsany "A classic collection of short stories from one of the twentieth century’s most influential fantasy authors.Irish author Lord Dunsany majorly influenced generations of writers, including J. R. R. Tolkien, H. P. Lovecraft, and many more, and his Fifty-One Tales, a collection of short stories first published in 1915, has delighted readers for more than a century. These vignettes—some no more than a few paragraphs long—offer brief glimpses into worlds of sparkling wit and imagination. By turns whimsical, satirical, and melancholic, this collection (also published under the title The Food of Death) touches on timeless themes and remains a wellspring of inspiration and pleasure." Also currently free ~ Mark of Truth (Wicked Kingdoms Book 1) by Graceley Knox The Devil's Fire: A Pirate Adventure by Matt Tomerlin Karma (Karma Series Book 1) by Donna Augustine Spice Box (Love Endures) by Grace Livingston Hill Keeping Long Island by Courtney Peppernell Regards, Kareni 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butter Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale is $1.99 on Kindle today. It's the third and final Princess Academy book (and my favorite of the three). You really do need to read the first two first I think. https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Academy-Forgotten-Shannon-Hale-ebook/dp/B00R9D5SFS/ 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) I've been really uncertain about replying. I've typed, erased, and re-typed responses. This is the best I could do. I haven't mentioned anything about this to anyone, not even Robin. [removed info] I know there are many different opinions about many topics, but somehow the BAW boardies make it work. I greatly appreciate our conversations every week. I so thoroughly enjoy reading about your book opinions and personal joys and trials. I haven't said anything, because again, I fear losing this experience. But yeah, I'll admit it. The video made me feel unwelcome. Edited November 3, 2017 by ErinE 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 I know there are many different opinions about many topics, but somehow the BAW boardies make it work. I greatly appreciate our conversations every week. I so thoroughly enjoy reading about your book opinions and personal joys and trials. I haven't said anything, because again, I fear losing this experience. But yeah, I'll admit it. The video made me feel unwelcome. I wanted to acknowledge your experience. I can certainly see how that must have been difficult. :grouphug: 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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