Book a Week 2018 - BW28: 52 Books Bingo - Cartography

[Robin M]

Happy Sunday and welcome to week twenty-eight in our Open Roads Reading Adventure. Greetings to all our readers and everyone following our progress. Mister Linky is available weekly on 52 Books in 52 Weeks  to share a link to your book reviews.

Explorin' we shall go!  One of our 52 Books Bingo categories is Cartography which is the art and science of map-making.  Read a book about maps or map-making, written by or about cartographers, historical, present and literary cartography as well as fictional maps.  Books I have enjoyed in the past are:

 

"The Island of Lost Maps tells the story of a curious crime spree: the theft of scores of valuable centuries-old maps from some of the most prominent research libraries in the United States and Canada. The perpetrator was Gilbert Joseph Bland, Jr., an enigmatic antiques dealer from South Florida, whose cross-country slash-and-dash operation had gone virtually undetected until he was caught in 1995–and was unmasked as the most prolific American map thief in history. As Miles Harvey unravels the mystery of Bland’s life, he maps out the world of cartography and cartographic crime, weaving together a fascinating story of exploration, craftsmanship, villainy, and the lure of the unknown."

 

 

"Maps of the Imagination takes us on a magic carpet ride over terrain both familiar and exotic. Using the map as a metaphor, fiction writer Peter Turchi considers writing as a combination of exploration and presentation, all the while serving as an erudite and charming guide. He compares the way a writer leads a reader though the imaginary world of a story, novel, or poem to the way a mapmaker charts the physical world. "To ask for a map," says Turchi, "is to say, ‘Tell me a story.’ "

With intelligence and wit, the author looks at how mapmakers and writers deal with blank space and the blank page; the conventions they use or consciously disregard; the role of geometry in maps and the parallel role of form in writing; how both maps and writing serve to re-create an individual’s view of the world; and the artist’s delicate balance of intuition with intention.A unique combination of history, critical cartography, personal essay, and practical guide to writing, Maps of the Imagination is a book for writers, for readers, and for anyone interested in creativity. Colorful illustrations and Turchi’s insightful observations make his book both beautiful and a joy to read."

 as well as playing with 

 "Travel through the exciting world of cartography with Map Art Lab. This fun and creative book features 52 map-related activities set into weekly exercises, beginning with legends and lines, moving through types and styles, and then creating personalized maps that allow you to journey to new worlds. Authors Jill K. Berry and Linden McNeilly guide readers through useful concepts while exploring colorful, eye-catching graphics. The labs can be used as singular projects or to build up to a year of hands-on creative experiences. Map Art Lab is the perfect book for map lovers, creative/DIY-inspired, designers. Artists of all ages and experience levels can use this book to explore enjoyable and engaging exercises. Everyone loves maps. And what's not to love? They are beautiful and fascinating, they teach you things, they show you where you are, places you long to go, and places you dare to imagine.

Check out Goodread's list of Cartography books and have fun following maps of thought.  

Plus our Brit Trip is taking us down Fosse Way to Devon:  Devon has the special distinction of being the birthplace of two English greats – Agatha Christie and Devonshire cream tea.

 Rabbit trails:  Kent Cavern  Christie’s house Greenway

 

What are you reading?

 

Link to Week 27

[Robin M]

I'm currently reading James Rollins Ice Hunt which is quite thriller as well as listening to audiobook of Anne Bishop's Lake Silence.

 

 

[Robin M]

I forgot to add to the list of books I've read about maps - Mapmaker's War by Ronlyn Domique in her Keeper of the Tales trilogy

"In an ancient time, in a faraway land, a young woman named Aoife is allowed a rare apprenticeship to become her kingdom's mapmaker, tasked with charting the entire domain. Traveling beyond its borders, she finds a secretive people who live in peace, among great wealth. They claim to protect a mythic treasure, one connected to the creation of the world. When Aoife reports their existence to her kingdom, the community is targeted as a threat. Attempting to warn them of imminent danger, Aoife is exiled for treason and finds refuge among the very people who had been declared her enemy. With them, she begins a new life surrounded by kindness, equality, and cooperation. But within herself, Aoife has no peace. She cannot share the grief she feels for the home and children she left behind. She cannot bear the warrior scars of the man she comes to love. And when she gives birth to their gifted daughter, Aoife cannot avoid what the child forces her to confront about her past and its truth. On this most important of journeys, there is no map to guide her. In this tale, her autobiography; Aoife reveals her pain and joy, and ultimately her transformation"

The 2nd book is currently on my want list - The Chronicle of Secret Riven

"One thousand years after a great conflict known as The Mapmaker’s War, a daughter is born to an ambitious historian and a gifted translator. Secret Riven doesn’t speak until her seventh year but can mysteriously communicate with plants and animals. Unsettled by visions and dreams since childhood, she tries to hide her strangeness, especially from her mercurial father and cold mother. Yet gentle, watchful Secret finds acceptance from Prince Nikolas, her best friend, and Old Woman, who lives in the distant woods.When Secret is twelve, her mother receives an arcane manuscript to translate from an anonymous owner. Zavet suffers from nightmares and withdraws into herself. Secret sickens with a fever and awakens able to speak an ancient language, one her mother knows as well. Suddenly, Zavet dies. The manuscript is missing, but a cipher has been left for Secret to find. Years later, Secret becomes a translator’s apprentice for Fewmany, an influential magnate, who has taken an interest in her for reasons she cannot discern. Before Secret learns why, Old Woman confronts Secret with the truth of her destiny—a choice she must make that is tied to an ancient past."
 

 

[Lady Florida.]

There's nothing new for me. Still reading the same books I was reading last week (except that I finished This Is How It Always Is, but I think I posted that on last week's thread. 

 

16 minutes ago, Robin M said:

 

"The Island of Lost Maps tells the story of a curious crime spree: the theft of scores of valuable centuries-old maps from some of the most prominent research libraries in the United States and Canada. The perpetrator was Gilbert Joseph Bland, Jr., an enigmatic antiques dealer from South Florida, whose cross-country slash-and-dash operation had gone virtually undetected until he was caught in 1995–and was unmasked as the most prolific American map thief in history. As Miles Harvey unravels the mystery of Bland’s life, he maps out the world of cartography and cartographic crime, weaving together a fascinating story of exploration, craftsmanship, villainy, and the lure of the unknown."

This looks interesting. I've added it to my TR list.

[Matryoshka]

I've been having problems coming up with a good Cartography book.  Ones I'd have felt comfortable putting in that category that I've already read and could recommend are The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester, The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson, and The Map Thief by Michael Blanding.  This last book covers similar territory to The Island of Lost Maps - it's also nonfiction, about a different map thief, but it does have about a chapter dedicated to Bland as well, and I'm not sure I need to revisit that topic quite yet...

The books I've stuck as 'maybes' in that category are: The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion, Ink for an Odd Cartography, The Map of Salt and Stars, Telling the Map or Kamchatka.  Most of these were all already on my TR list, but I'm not sure they're really about cartography much other than the title...; some are closer than others...  Kamchatka is probably the biggest stretch - it has a map on the cover (well, the Spanish verson does...), and references its use in a Risk game the characters play, where that's a safe place on the map...  I'm thinking when I get there of just taking them all out of the library and seeing which one hits my fancy...

ETA:

33 minutes ago, Robin M said:

I forgot to add to the list of books I've read about maps - Mapmaker's War by Ronlyn Domique in her Keeper of the Tales trilogy

This looks interesting too!   The only thing that gives me a bit of pause is the 2nd person narration - I find I'm not overly troubled by lack of dialog markers - Robin, did you find the 2nd person narration well-done, or distracting? (the reviews seem to be mixed...)

[Matryoshka]

Wow, I apparently read a lot this week... I was surprised when I checked Goodreads... 5 books!  That was a lotta books, for me, anyway. ? Two were pretty short.  One I did stay up till the wee hours last night finishing, and another I finished this morning before coming downstairs (that one was almost done anyway...) 

58. Diez mujeres / Ten Women by Marcela Serrano - I really enjoyed this one, apparently much more than the other people who read it.  :P  I didn't mind that there was no big kum-bah-ya party at the end; I was fine with the framing device as given, where each woman is there to share their story with the group.  They did occasionally refer to something another character had said in her story (like "I can't believe you dumped your husband just because he was too addicted to tv!").  I thought she did a good job of changing the register and language of the women of different ages and strata of society.  Not sure how that came through in translation - I have seen that skillfully done.  Anyway, 4 stars from me. :)

59. The Queue by Basma Abdel Aziz - This is a dystopia set in someplace Egypt-like.  The government is opressive and requires bureaucratic forms to do pretty much anything, but a huge Gate appeared overnight where you have to get these approved, and after some "Disgraceful Events" the Gate has been shut seemingly indefinitely, and people are waiting in the Queue for up to months, constantly hopeful it will open.  How all these people are able to get food and use the facilities is never clearly outlined - people do leave and come back to their place, but mostly they are there.  One character opens a tea stand, but where is the water coming from?  The main plot is about a man who was shot in the Disgraceful Events, but the government has decreed that no one was shot, confiscated all the x-rays and has denied any surgery to fix it.  He's waiting in line thinking he can get the x-rays and permission to extract the bullet.  2.5 - 3 stars.  

60. What I talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami (audiobook) - I did somewhat enjoy his talking about his strict running regimen, which he often tied back to the discipline he needed to write novels.  He is a very disciplined guy.  He also talked about not doing well in school because he didn't enjoy learning things unless he wanted to - he became a novelist after owning a night club for years, just because he thought he wanted to.  But by the end of the book I was kind of sick of hearing about running.  I hate running! ?  Fortunately it was short, so by the time I was over it, the book was over!  3 stars.

61. Beyond the Rice Fields by Naivo - This book was an unexpected pleasure.  It was the first (only?) book from Madagascar translated into English.  I heard about it from some list a while back.  It's historical fiction set in 1800's Madagascar.  I learned a lot about a place I knew nothing about, the story was engaging, and I also thought it was beautifully written (the translation was actually from French). 5 stars.

62. No Time to Spare by Ursula Le Guin (ebook) - I just love this woman.  I think I could read her shopping lists and be happy.  5 stars.

Currently reading: 

- Laurus by Evgenij Vodolazkin - gotta get this one done; apparently I've already renewed this from the library twice and it's due!!

- The Remains of the Day by Kazuro Ishiguro - I can't remember if I ever watched the movie; I kind of think I didn't.  But I can sure see that Anthony Hopkins was an excellent choice to play our butler.  He's doing as good a job keeping me interested in what makes a great butler for pages and pages as Murakami did going on about running - both topics I would not think I'd be interested in knowing so much about! ? 

 

Since I finished two books at a go, time to pick up some new ones!  I think the 6th Erlendur and for an ebook, I think I'll try King Leopold's Ghost, about the Congo.

[Robin M]

27 minutes ago, Matryoshka said:

I've been having problems coming up with a good Cartography book.  Ones I'd have felt comfortable putting in that category that I've already read and could recommend are The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester, The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson, and The Map Thief by Michael Blanding.  This last book covers similar territory to The Island of Lost Maps - it's also nonfiction, about a different map thief, but it does have about a chapter dedicated to Bland as well, and I'm not sure I need to revisit that topic quite yet...

The books I've stuck as 'maybes' in that category are: The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion, Ink for an Odd Cartography, The Map of Salt and Stars, Telling the Map or Kamchatka.  Most of these were all already on my TR list, but I'm not sure they're really about cartography much other than the title...; some are closer than others...  Kamchatka is probably the biggest stretch - it has a map on the cover (well, the Spanish verson does...), and references its use in a Risk game the characters play, where that's a safe place on the map...  I'm thinking when I get there of just taking them all out of the library and seeing which one hits my fancy...

ETA:

This looks interesting too!   The only thing that gives me a bit of pause is the 2nd person narration - I find I'm not overly troubled by lack of dialog markers - Robin, did you find the 2nd person narration well-done, or distracting? (the reviews seem to be mixed...)

All interesting books and will check them out.   

The 2nd person pov was actually well done.  Once I got into the story, it seem seamless and that I was in the character's head experiencing the story. I had to really be in the mood for it though because it isn't a fluff read so had a couple false starts, putting it down and going back and trying again.  One day it just clicked and thoroughly enjoyed it. 

[Mothersweets]

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. I loved watching Fixer Upper and when I saw this at the library I thought I'd give it a go. I wasn't expecting a deep, philosophical book so I wasn't disappointed, haha. I liked it, it was interesting hearing how they got started. 

Still listening to The Woman in White - it's so so good!

 

 

[Kareni]

1 hour ago, Robin M said:

Map Art Lab

This book looks fascinating!  My library doesn't have it, but I see they have a different book, Making art from maps,  by one of the authors.

1 hour ago, Robin M said:

Devonshire cream tea.

and now I'm hungry for a scone ... sigh ... and I don't mind if the jam is on top or below the cream.

Regards,
Kareni

[Negin]

I read The New Church Ladies: The Extremely Uptight World of Social Justice - 3 Stars - I’ve been hesitant to post a review of this book, since I’m sure that I’ll offend many. First, the fact that I even read this book will hit a nerve. Then, the fact that I’m reviewing it, oh, the outrage. 

I really dislike political correctness. If you happen to have drunk the PC Kool-Aid, please read no further. 

Years ago, I was an undergrad in one of the first colleges to be involved in the whole stupid politically correct rubbish. I was right there in the thick of it, when all that nonsense started. In one class, we were asked to do a mock interview. To warm things up a bit, we were requested to joke about something, only to realize that the joke part was a trick question. The instructor, a complete idiot in my mind, said she hated jokes. No, not just for the purpose of the mock interview, but she hated jokes overall, since they always end up offending somebody. At the time, I thought, what a sad way to live one’s life. Now, we have an entire generation of college students, who are just like her. They cannot seem to find humor in anything and get offended by the smallest thing. This is why some comedians such as Seinfeld and Chris Rock, now refuse to perform in colleges. Everything is labeled racist, sexist, prejudice, you name it. 

For me, this book was hilarious and insightful, but it’s also obscene, and so I cannot recommend it to anyone. No. Not a single soul. Those who need to read it probably won’t. Everyone will eventually find something in this book that they will find offensive. 

My favorite quote:

“If you’re really sincere about the idea that diversity is a good thing, you need to quit insisting that everyone should THINK exactly like you do. Unanimity of thought—especially when it’s enforced through speech codes and laws that restrict and criminalize ideological dissent—is not tolerance, it’s totalitarianism. Tolerating different ideas is the most important form of tolerance.”

I also read None Dare Call it Conspiracy - 3 Stars - This was a thought-provoking read. Although it was quite dated, unfortunately much of it is still relevant today.

Some interesting quotes:

“If you have total government it makes little difference whether you call it Communism, Fascism, Socialism, Caesarism or Pharaohism. It's all pretty much the same from the standpoint of the people who must live and suffer under it.”

“FDR once said ‘In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.’”

“If you study Marx's Communist Manifesto you will find that in essence Marx said the proletarian revolution would establish the SOCIALIST dictatorship of the proletariat. To achieve the SOCIALIST dictatorship of the proletariat, three things would have to be accomplished: (1) The elimination of all right to private property; (2) The dissolution of the family unit; and (3) Destruction of what Marx referred to as the "opiate of the people," religion.”

MY RATING SYSTEM
5 Stars
Fantastic, couldn't put it down
4 Stars
Really Good
3 Stars
Enjoyable 
2 Stars
Just Okay – nothing to write home about
1 Star
Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

[Kareni]

I recently finished a couple of books ~

I enjoyed Roni Loren's contemporary romance The One You Can't Forget (The Ones Who Got Away).  (Adult content)

"Most days Rebecca Lindt feels like an imposter...

The world admires her as a survivor. But that impression would crumble if people knew her secret. She didn't deserve to be the one who got away. But nothing can change the past, so she's thrown herself into her work. She can't dwell if she never slows down.

Wes Garrett is trying to get back on his feet after losing his dream restaurant, his money, and half his damn mind in a vicious divorce. But when he intervenes in a mugging and saves Rebecca—the attorney who helped his ex ruin him—his simple life gets complicated.

Their attraction is inconvenient and neither wants more than a fling. But when Rebecca's secret is put at risk, both discover they could lose everything, including what they never realized they needed: each other."
**

I also enjoyed a re-read of Anne Cleeland's Murder in Shadow (The Doyle and Acton Murder Series Book 6).

Regards,
Kareni

[Ali in OR]

I finished Anthony Horowitz's The Word is Murder last week and enjoyed it. Currently working on Paul Tough's How Children Succeed, a re-read, and Trevor Noah's Born a Crime for my book club and enjoying that.

[Zebra]

I haven't really gotten much read this week.   I can't seem to focus.

This week I started On Turpentine Lane and the audiobook The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman.   I don't generally like fantasy/magic-y type books.   With the exception of Alice Hoffman, and I don't know why she's the exception, but she is.

I am still reading some books from last week(A Suitable Boy, Clean Meat), and since I can't focus on reading it makes sense to be reading 5 books at once... 

I do not like juggling a bunch of books at once.   Ideally, and at most, I like to have 1 non-fiction, one fiction, and one audiobook going at once.   AT MOST.   Really, I would like to read one book at a time.  And yet, so many books call to me and I can't seem to control myself.   I KEEP STARTING ANOTHER ONE!   And then I get stressed out trying to juggle that many books and worry I won't finish them before they are due? !

Interesting suggestions from everyone, and I'm looking forward to even more.     

[Kareni]

And I just finished a re-read of Anne Cleeland's Murder in Misdirection (Doyle and Acton, Book 7).  Now I need to wait for the author to publish another book in the series.  If you choose to read this series, do start with the first book, Murder in Thrall.

Regards,
Kareni

[Kareni]

Some books that are currently free to Kindle readers ~

one day only classic:  Winesburg, Ohio  by Sherwood Anderson

another classic:  The Picture of Dorian Gray  by Oscar Wilde

described as humorous urban fantasy: Off Leash (Freelance Familiars Book 1)  by Daniel Potter

Regards,
Kareni

[mumto2]

5 hours ago, Ali in OR said:

I finished Anthony Horowitz's The Word is Murder last week and enjoyed it. Currently working on Paul Tough's How Children Succeed, a re-read, and Trevor Noah's Born a Crime for my book club and enjoying that.

I have The Word is Murder on hold and am looking forward to it.  I really enjoyed his Magpie Murders.......have you read both?  

[Kareni]

Some bookish posts ~ 

Five Books That Take You Beyond One Thousand and One Nights  by S. A. Chakraborty
** 

Magic and Might: 10 Military Fantasy Titles We Love  by Stubby the Rocket 
** 

5 SFF Books Exploring Sibling Relationships  by Sam Hawke
** 

Lyme Disease, Ornithology, and Somali Pirates: Summer 2018’s Must-Read Nonfiction
** 

Harry Potter goes full blockhead with magical new LEGO Wizarding World collection
 

Regards,
Kareni

[Loesje22000]

For the book to movie adaptation square, does a detective episode count? 

And is there a website otherwise to help with the square? Translations and movies come later here, so I can’t read & watch something very new

[Kareni]

6 minutes ago, loesje22000 said:

And is there a website otherwise to help with the square?

Here's a list I found; hopefully it will be of help ~

Best Books Made Into Movies   (Note: there are four pages of listings.)

Here's a list with thousands of entries ~

The BOOK was BETTER than the MOVIE

and another list ~

Both the book and the movie are good!

The last book I can recall reading that was made into a movie was Andy Weir's The Martian.

Regards,
Kareni

[Ali in OR]

3 hours ago, mumto2 said:

I have The Word is Murder on hold and am looking forward to it.  I really enjoyed his Magpie Murders.......have you read both?  

I have not read Magpie Murders yet (but did read Moriarty). I was actually hoping to find Magpie Murders on the "lucky" shelf at the library (books that have long hold lists so you are lucky to find an extra on the lucky shelf). Magpie Murders wasn't there but I've seen it there before, but this one was there so I grabbed it instead.

[Loesje22000]

30 minutes ago, Kareni said:

Here's a list I found; hopefully it will be of help ~

Best Books Made Into Movies   (Note: there are four pages of listings.)

Here's a list with thousands of entries ~

The BOOK was BETTER than the MOVIE

and another list ~

Both the book and the movie are good!

The last book I can recall reading that was made into a movie was Andy Weir's The Martian.

Regards,
Kareni

Thanks!

Last year I read Hidden Figures and saw the movie. 

[mumto2]

10 hours ago, Ali in OR said:

I have not read Magpie Murders yet (but did read Moriarty). I was actually hoping to find Magpie Murders on the "lucky" shelf at the library (books that have long hold lists so you are lucky to find an extra on the lucky shelf). Magpie Murders wasn't there but I've seen it there before, but this one was there so I grabbed it instead.

? I still need to read Moriarty.  Magpie Murders was really good so I hope you get “lucky” soon!

i just finished a book that Accidental Coach recommended many months ago that finally appeared from hold.  What Made Mandy Run https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33296283-what-made-maddy-run is a really insightful look at young adult suicide in today’s world.   I have posted before about how many of my friends growing up attempted suicide or suffered from eating disorders, or both.  Two of my friends didn’t make it to adulthood,  so these are issues I care about hugely.  Some of these issues are appearing in my life again with kids I care about and this book was very helpful.  None of “my” kids are athletes although they are perfectionists and gifted in other areas, so similar pressures, and this book’s explanations regarding the false friendships and perfect presentation requirements that social media forces on today’s kids is heartbreaking. They have 900 friends on Facebook but no one they can really talk to......our society has taken the need for perfect exam results to new levels........apparently it’s really important how many likes your instant gram feed receives.   I learned a lot.  The ones I was already the most worried about live on their phones.......worthwhile read so I gave it 4* but the second half dragged badly.  Most of the important parts for me were in the first half of the book.

 

I have also started I am Anastasia but doubt I will pick it up again.  It jumps all over the timeline and not enjoying it.  Reading a paranormal by Ilona Andrews also. Still listening to my Daisy Dalrumple for Cornwall and planning to read the latest in the Pillars of the Earth trilogy for Devonshire but my hold hasn’t appeared.  I am next up so any moment or 2 weeks!  ? 

 

[Kareni]

Some books that are currently free to Kindle readers ~

one day only classic:  The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

The Metaphysical Detective (A Riga Hayworth mystery)  by Kirsten Weiss

 

No Game for a Dame (Maggie Sullivan Mysteries Book 1)  by M. Ruth Myers
 

Frosted Shadow, a Toni Diamond Mystery  by Nancy Warren

 

Murder in the Art Gallery: A Pet Portraits Cozy Mystery  by Sandi Scott
 

LGBT in Spanish: Sombras Fatales (Los misterios de Adrien English nº 1) (Spanish Edition)

Regards,
Kareni

[Lady Florida.]

I finished When Maidens Mourn, Sebastian St. Cyr #7. I'm going to take a break from the series for a short time in order to prevent burnout. I think I'm going to start Magpie Murders next, which has been waiting for me for a while and the recent posts about Horowitz reminded me. I haven't read anything of his so this will be my first. 

If you're a Hamilton fan you might be interested to know that I'm hearing song lyrics in the audio book of Washington: A Life. Of course it's by the same author of Alexander Hamilton so it's possible Lin Manuel Miranda got his info from him (from what I understand he consulted with Chernow while writing the musical). Or maybe he read the Washington bio as well. Or maybe some of this was also in the Hamilton bio, which I read but have forgotten huge sections of it. 

Anyway just today while doing laundry I heard several things. One section says that said Washington knew he was outnumbered and outgunned (We are outgunned, out manned). There was something about him realizing he was going to lose a lot of men (We're gonna fly a lot of flags half mast). Later came the possibly apocryphal story that Washington was so frustrated with the rag tag army retreating that he threw down his hat and yelled "Are these the men with which I am to defend America?" There have been several other instances that started me singing one of songs from the show. ? 

[marbel]

I'm not reading much.  I started working last week (well, training) and life is rather hectic.  But I did finish a book - Murder at the Brightwell - which is a cozy mystery that my daughter recommended.  I rated it higher on Goodreads (3 stars) than I would have rated it if she had not recommended it and was not also on Goodreads!  The book was just a little too cozy for me. However it did fill a Brit-Tripping space (Kent, also could be used for Sussex) and was pleasant enough, particularly after I started reading it like a Georgette Heyer novel.  

One thing I found nice about it - there was implied sex, but it was just between married people!  Refreshing.  :-)  

[Kareni]

Those of you Brit tripping might enjoy this post from the Word Wenches site ~ Visiting Leeds!

Regards,
Kareni

[JennW in SoCal]

Love this week's theme, Robin! Have you read Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks by Ken Jennings?  It is a favorite book of mine. I'd love to read each of the the 3 books you highlighted in that first post!! I love maps! Took lots of geography courses in college, and I often want maps in the books I'm reading.

I spent some time this afternoon googling and searching Goodreads for some new mystery authors, and loved seeing reviews on Goodreads by Amy, Lady Florida and Mumto2. I feel I should finally try Ian Rankin, and found a few author names to look for in the library such as Ruth Rendell, Peter James and Deborah Crombie. I still have many Sebastian St Cyr titles to go, but like having a good mystery on hand.

This mystery search was inspired by finishing a satisfying PD James novel, A Certain Justice. As I had mentioned last week, the first part of the book happened before the murder, with the victim and her friends such awful characters that I almost didn't want to continue with it. I was a much happier reader once Dalgleish and company took center stage.

I'm about half way through Circe, and still enjoying it very much. I originally hadn't thought it would be something I'd want to read, thinking I knew Greek mythology, but it is really brilliant the way she differentiates the gods and titans from humans, makes their world distinct. 

Oh, and I wanted to share this "Big Idea" entry from John Scalzi's blog with Mary Robinette Kowal discussing her new book, The Calculating Stars. It is an alternate history set in the 1950s where women become the first astronauts. I thought it sounded like a book many of you, and perhaps many of your teen aged daughters, would enjoy. 

[Negin]

Kindle books on sale today. Not the greatest of all sales, but still discounted. These are from the Bronze Horseman series (historical fiction/romance genre). I keep hearing about this series, but I have not yet read them. The following is the correct order. 

Children of Liberty - prequel to the series

Bellagrand is next - but is not on sale.

The Bronze Horseman

Tatiana and Alexander - not on sale

The Summer Garden - not on sale

Tatiana's Table - not on sale

   

 

[Violet Crown]

Greetings from the United States of Texas! We landed last night, walked into customs, and a big security guy with a nametag saying "Valdez" smiled at all of us and said "Welcome home y'all!" I almost cried. We had tacos for dinner.

We spent our final week in London, and it was so very literary and fulfillingly touristy that I can't possibly include everything in one post. Limiting myself to what doesn't require photos, which I will figure out how to post later, we visited Westminster Abbey and of course poets' corner for a pilgrimage to Chaucer's tomb (no photos allowed). Which was my completed reading this week: super-chunkster (i.e. 500+ pages in Middle English verse) The Canterbury Tales, including the tales I'd never read before (Man of Law, Melibee, Parson). I read my tiny Oxford edition, both for portability and because it has no notes, only a partial glossary in the back; otherwise I get pulled into the notes and lose the momentum I need to read ME at anything close to normal reading speed. Counting it for Kent, though of course the pilgrims never actually reach Canterbury.

A volunteer let us stay a few minutes after closing so she could guide us to Edmund Spenser's tomb. After we'd finally been politely evicted, we were standing around the cloister when I noticed the tomb marker beneath our feet said APHRA BEHN. Unbelievable.

Lots more, hopefully illustrated, later. Now to catch up with BritTripping and old threads. Wifi in London this last week was iffy. We were staying in Putney, which in a way was literary: as we walked past streets of small gingerbready Victorian row housing toward the underground station, Middle Girl observed, "This is where you lived when you lost all your money and had to sell your carriage and move to the unfashionable suburbs with only one housekeeper and a cook." That's my girl.

Currently reading: Lady Audley's Secret (Sussex). My RLS for Bucks was supposed to have arrived in the mail but hasn't.

[mumto2]

On 7/8/2018 at 3:23 PM, Kareni said:

 

and now I'm hungry for a scone ... sigh ... and I don't mind if the jam is on top or below the cream.

Regards,
Kareni

https://www.thespruceeats.com/difference-cornish-vs-devon-cream-tea-435316 I finally had a chance to read this.  The cream on the top or bottom who cares.......although from sad experience I know many people actually do. ?. Now clotted verses double cream,  clotted wins.  Although now I know how it’s made maybe double.

VC,  ? Although I can make great tacos even in the UK I always hit Taco Bell soon after arriving in the US!   Glad you had a safe journey and can’t wait to see the pictures!

Not much reading progress.  I am quilting again....

[JennW in SoCal]

On 7/8/2018 at 1:09 PM, Ali in OR said:

I finished Anthony Horowitz's The Word is Murder last week and enjoyed it. 

Oh look -- another mystery I'll want to read! I'm #83 on the library queue...

4 hours ago, Violet Crown said:

Greetings from the United States of Texas! We landed last night, walked into customs, and a big security guy with a nametag saying "Valdez" smiled at all of us and said "Welcome home y'all!" I almost cried. We had tacos for dinner.

 

2 hours ago, mumto2 said:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/difference-cornish-vs-devon-cream-tea-435316 I finally had a chance to read this.  The cream on the top or bottom who cares.......although from sad experience I know many people actually do. ?. Now clotted verses double cream,  clotted wins.  Although now I know how it’s made maybe double.

VC,  ? Although I can make great tacos even in the UK I always hit Taco Bell soon after arriving in the US!   Glad you had a safe journey and can’t wait to see the pictures!

Not much reading progress.  I am quilting again....

 

When we visited my ds in Japan last year, I packed an enormous bag of tortillas and some powered taco and fajita mix. Didn't try packing a breakable jar of salsa. A few months ago, with his time in Japan drawing to a close, he found an American grocery store less than an hour away where he could by Pepperidge Farm cookies and all kinds of taco fixins!  The "fix" we crave after time away is fish tacos from Rubios, a local chain. 

Now....about tea. Below is a photo of the delicious, unusual afternoon tea we had in a funky cafe in Sydney. I'll post a photo of the menu, too.

 

[Kareni]

5 hours ago, JennW in SoCal said:

When we visited my ds in Japan last year, I packed an enormous bag of tortillas and some powered taco and fajita mix.

Mexican food is one of the things my daughter missed in New Zealand (during a semester study abroad) and misses in South Korea.  We try to send refried beans whenever someone heads her way.

5 hours ago, JennW in SoCal said:

Below is a photo of the delicious, unusual afternoon tea we had in a funky cafe in Sydney.

That looks like quite the meal!  Thanks for sharing the photos.
**

Some recent reads here ~

The paranormal romance  Tempted by Fire: Dragons of Bloodfire 1 by Erin Kellison. This was pleasant but not a book I'll likely re-read.  It is currently free to Kindle readers.

I also re-read with pleasure Anne Bishop's Written In Red (A Novel of the Others Book 1).  I'll likely continue to re-read others in the series.

And I read a very short piece titled Wanted, an Author that is a male/male romance.  It's a follow on to a book I read and introduces a new book by the author, KJ Charles.

Regards,
Kareni

[Mothersweets]

Jen, that afternoon tea looks delicious!  I can figure out what everything was from reading the menu but I'm a bit stumped with what looks like yellow puddings in 2 glass cups? 

 

 

[Kareni]

29 minutes ago, Mothersweets said:

I'm a bit stumped with what looks like yellow puddings in 2 glass cups? 

I'm guessing that those are the mango lassies.  (I'm not familiar with that spelling having only seen it spelled lassi at Indian restaurants.)

Regards,
Kareni

[Lady Florida.]

I'm just not feeling the love for Magpie Murders and that's disappointing because I was expecting to love it from the start. The beginning has a great hook but now I'm five chapters in and wondering why I should even continue. There's just way too much backstory as we meet everyone in the village. Didn't Horowitz read the chapter in his how to write mysteries book on how you should sprinkle backstory in as you go along?

Am I alone here? is there anyone else who tried to read it and couldn't finish or who did finish but didn't like it?

[mumto2]

15 minutes ago, Lady Florida. said:

I'm just not feeling the love for Magpie Murders and that's disappointing because I was expecting to love it from the start. The beginning has a great hook but now I'm five chapters in and wondering why I should even continue. There's just way too much backstory as we meet everyone in the village. Didn't Horowitz read the chapter in his how to write mysteries book on how you should sprinkle backstory in as you go along?

Am I alone here? is there anyone else who tried to read it and couldn't finish or who did finish but didn't like it?

Someone on BaW read it before me and loved it, can’t remember who, but I normally agree with them, and it was already in my stack.  So I started reading days after their glowing review and remember thinking it was slow,  thinking if they hadn’t liked it I would abandon it.  In the end I think I gave it 5 stars. ?  I remember it suddenly became a page turner for me but I can’t remember how long it took.........if you aren’t enjoying it there are plenty of books so abandon it......that’s my new moto, unless I need it for a challenge at least.

[JennW in SoCal]

25 minutes ago, Lady Florida. said:

I'm just not feeling the love for Magpie Murders and that's disappointing because I was expecting to love it from the start. The beginning has a great hook but now I'm five chapters in and wondering why I should even continue. There's just way too much backstory as we meet everyone in the village. Didn't Horowitz read the chapter in his how to write mysteries book on how you should sprinkle backstory in as you go along?

Am I alone here? is there anyone else who tried to read it and couldn't finish or who did finish but didn't like it?

 

Have you gotten to the mystery within the mystery yet? It has been a while since I read it and I recall it does pick up...

[Lady Florida.]

6 minutes ago, JennW in SoCal said:

 

Have you gotten to the mystery within the mystery yet? It has been a while since I read it and I recall it does pick up...

No I haven't but that's part of the problem. I should want to read all of it, not just part. And I'm really struggling to read the first part - five chapters (so far, probably more) of people getting ready for a funeral just so we can meet them all at once? Each chapter has a different backstory and sorry but it's just really boring and unnecessary. 

[Robin M]

On 7/8/2018 at 12:31 PM, Negin said:

I read The New Church Ladies: The Extremely Uptight World of Social Justice - 3 Stars - I’ve been hesitant to post a review of this book, since I’m sure that I’ll offend many. First, the fact that I even read this book will hit a nerve. Then, the fact that I’m reviewing it, oh, the outrage. 

I really dislike political correctness. If you happen to have drunk the PC Kool-Aid, please read no further. 

Years ago, I was an undergrad in one of the first colleges to be involved in the whole stupid politically correct rubbish. I was right there in the thick of it, when all that nonsense started. In one class, we were asked to do a mock interview. To warm things up a bit, we were requested to joke about something, only to realize that the joke part was a trick question. The instructor, a complete idiot in my mind, said she hated jokes. No, not just for the purpose of the mock interview, but she hated jokes overall, since they always end up offending somebody. At the time, I thought, what a sad way to live one’s life. Now, we have an entire generation of college students, who are just like her. They cannot seem to find humor in anything and get offended by the smallest thing. This is why some comedians such as Seinfeld and Chris Rock, now refuse to perform in colleges. Everything is labeled racist, sexist, prejudice, you name it. 

For me, this book was hilarious and insightful, but it’s also obscene, and so I cannot recommend it to anyone. No. Not a single soul. Those who need to read it probably won’t. Everyone will eventually find something in this book that they will find offensive. 

My favorite quote:

“If you’re really sincere about the idea that diversity is a good thing, you need to quit insisting that everyone should THINK exactly like you do. Unanimity of thought—especially when it’s enforced through speech codes and laws that restrict and criminalize ideological dissent—is not tolerance, it’s totalitarianism. Tolerating different ideas is the most important form of tolerance.”

I also read None Dare Call it Conspiracy - 3 Stars - This was a thought-provoking read. Although it was quite dated, unfortunately much of it is still relevant today.

Some interesting quotes:

“If you have total government it makes little difference whether you call it Communism, Fascism, Socialism, Caesarism or Pharaohism. It's all pretty much the same from the standpoint of the people who must live and suffer under it.”

“FDR once said ‘In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.’”

“If you study Marx's Communist Manifesto you will find that in essence Marx said the proletarian revolution would establish the SOCIALIST dictatorship of the proletariat. To achieve the SOCIALIST dictatorship of the proletariat, three things would have to be accomplished: (1) The elimination of all right to private property; (2) The dissolution of the family unit; and (3) Destruction of what Marx referred to as the "opiate of the people," religion.”

 

No offense taken. You are among friends. Enjoyed both your reviews.  My hubby would probably enjoy reading either book.  He's reading Madeline Albright's Fascism right now which is just making him mad so don't know if he is going to finish it. We've spent more time fact checking than with any other book, so making slow progress.  

19 hours ago, JennW in SoCal said:

Love this week's theme, Robin! Have you read Maphead: Charting the Wide, Weird World of Geography Wonks by Ken Jennings?  It is a favorite book of mine. I'd love to read each of the the 3 books you highlighted in that first post!! I love maps! Took lots of geography courses in college, and I often want maps in the books I'm reading.

Oh, and I wanted to share this "Big Idea" entry from John Scalzi's blog with Mary Robinette Kowal discussing her new book, The Calculating Stars. It is an alternate history set in the 1950s where women become the first astronauts. I thought it sounded like a book many of you, and perhaps many of your teen aged daughters, would enjoy. 

Not yet!  Have added it to my want list. Thanks for the recommendation!

Love John Scalzi's blog and will definitely check out her book as well.  

 

12 hours ago, Violet Crown said:

Greetings from the United States of Texas! We landed last night, walked into customs, and a big security guy with a nametag saying "Valdez" smiled at all of us and said "Welcome home y'all!" I almost cried. We had tacos for dinner.

We spent our final week in London, and it was so very literary and fulfillingly touristy that I can't possibly include everything in one post. Limiting myself to what doesn't require photos, which I will figure out how to post later, we visited Westminster Abbey and of course poets' corner for a pilgrimage to Chaucer's tomb (no photos allowed). Which was my completed reading this week: super-chunkster (i.e. 500+ pages in Middle English verse) The Canterbury Tales, including the tales I'd never read before (Man of Law, Melibee, Parson). I read my tiny Oxford edition, both for portability and because it has no notes, only a partial glossary in the back; otherwise I get pulled into the notes and lose the momentum I need to read ME at anything close to normal reading speed. Counting it for Kent, though of course the pilgrims never actually reach Canterbury.

A volunteer let us stay a few minutes after closing so she could guide us to Edmund Spenser's tomb. After we'd finally been politely evicted, we were standing around the cloister when I noticed the tomb marker beneath our feet said APHRA BEHN. Unbelievable.

Lots more, hopefully illustrated, later. Now to catch up with BritTripping and old threads. Wifi in London this last week was iffy. We were staying in Putney, which in a way was literary: as we walked past streets of small gingerbready Victorian row housing toward the underground station, Middle Girl observed, "This is where you lived when you lost all your money and had to sell your carriage and move to the unfashionable suburbs with only one housekeeper and a cook." That's my girl.

Currently reading: Lady Audley's Secret (Sussex). My RLS for Bucks was supposed to have arrived in the mail but hasn't.

Aw I would have cried too!   Sounds like a wonderful trip and look forward to hearing more about it. 

 

7 hours ago, JennW in SoCal said:

Yum! 

 

 

I finished James Rollin's Ice Hunt and after the non stop thrills in the Antarctic, I'm now in a romance mood.  M.L. Buchman is one of my favorite authors. I love his writing and the world's he creates around his characters.  Finished # 1 in his Pike Place Market series with Where Dreams are Born.  It's a different kind of love story as the main character is dealing with grief from her father's death but is very well done. 

"Cassidy Knowles, the nation’s fastest rising food-and-wine critic. Her father, a small-time vintner, leaves a final gift: a calendar of Pacific Northwest lighthouses, a dozen thin letters, and a deathbed promise to visit one each month. She can handle that.  Russell Morgan, #28 on the latest “most eligible” list and the last guy on the planet Cassidy wants. Fine with him. She’s an over-privileged little twit. He sets his own course by a friend’s calendar of lighthouses. A sailing voyage that keeps guiding him to the one woman in all Seattle who irritates him the most. Where can two hearts chart the same course? Where Dreams Are Born, in the warmth around Angelo’s Hearth."

Reading the 2nd book now - Where Dreams Reside:

"Jo Thompson, escaped small-town Alaska through her brains and willpower. Now a top-notch environmental lawyer in the Pacific Northwest, the fairy tale of a cozy family has no place in her busy schedule. Angelo Parrano cooks with all his heart. He seeks a new culinary truth in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. His success sends him scrambling and definitely leaves no time for a personal life. Right until the moment Jo Thompson comes to dine at Angelo’s Tuscan Hearth.  Then they both must confront that hidden place in their hearts Where Dreams Reside."

[tuesdayschild]

Enjoying the travel pictures, and summer rain video from a few weeks back.  Thanks to BaW threads my TBR list seems to be expanding far quicker than this year ?

Despite it being mid-year schooling break here I'm not getting much time to read or listen, our self-build and work obligations are gobbling up the hours.

My current reads:

• A Fearsome Doubt: Ian Rutledge Bk6 ~ Charles Todd   Kent/ London  (ebook)  
• The Dog Who Was There ~ Ron Marasco  (epukpuka audio) Christian based historical fict.  
• The Red House Mystery ~ A.A. Milne (audiobook)  Recommended by Amy.  Loving it!

Completed (incs  Brit Trip rebel bus):

• Astrophysics for People in a Hurry ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson (audio)  (2+) N/F Science  A family member really enjoyed this audiobook, I enjoyed listening to them talking about it more than listening to it myself (grin).
• No Wind of Blame ~ Georgette Heyer  (4+) Faux Country House (wildcard)   A favourite repeat listen.

Edited July 11, 2018 by tuesdayschild
ETA: adding one book ;) and fixed the link

[Violet Crown]

While out of town I passed the 52 books mark; hurrah for me. Book 48 was David Wilson's The Anglo-Saxons (an old Pelican, slightly out of date due to later archaeological discoveries but very useful for the inexpert reader), prominently discussing the Sutton Hoo ship burial hoard, thus counting for Suffolk. The hoard is at the British Museum, where we also saw the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone, and most of the nifty Mesopotamian artifacts that show up in homeschooling history texts.

Right, this is my first attempt at including photos in a post. Here goes:

The Anglo-Saxon helmet

The brooch

(If anyone knows how to reduce the photos, let me know.)

[Violet Crown]

On 7/8/2018 at 12:43 PM, Robin M said:

 

Plus our Brit Trip is taking us down Fosse Way to Devon:  Devon has the special distinction of being the birthplace of two English greats – Agatha Christie and Devonshire cream tea.

 

The one thing Wee Girl wanted out of London was Cream Tea. We finally found an affordable place for such a thing; photo below (rare picture of dh and Wee Girl, both of whom normally refuse to have their photos taken).

On 7/8/2018 at 1:53 PM, Matryoshka said:

 

- Laurus by Evgenij Vodolazkin - gotta get this one done; apparently I've already renewed this from the library twice and it's due!

 

 

An Orthodox friend says I need to read Laurus. Looking forward to your review.

13 hours ago, mumto2 said:

VC,  ? Although I can make great tacos even in the UK I always hit Taco Bell soon after arriving in the US!   Glad you had a safe journey and can’t wait to see the pictures!

There was a "Mexican" section in the shop in Fife; unfortunately this foodie town has ruined me to the point I can't eat tortillas that aren't super-fresh (like, made that morning). Until Sainsbury's starts carrying cilantro and tossing tortillas in their bakery, we just eat like the locals. One thing I wish we could have in our Tex-Mex is British cheese. The worst cheese we had from Tesco was better than the best cheese I can find in the HEB.

10 hours ago, JennW in SoCal said:

Now....about tea. Below is a photo of the delicious, unusual afternoon tea we had in a funky cafe in Sydney. I'll post a photo of the menu, too.

That's quite the afternoon tea!

 

[Kareni]

I'm enjoying all these photos!  Thanks for sharing your picture of Wee Girl and your husband, Violet Crown,  as well as those from the British Museum.
**

I just finished a young adult novel that I quite enjoyed ~ The Accidentals  by Sarina Bowen; it's rare for me to read a book on its release date, but I enjoyed the sample so bought the book.

"Never ask a question unless you’re sure you want the truth.

I’ve been listening to my father sing for my whole life. I carry him in my pocket on my mp3 player. It’s just that we’ve never met face to face.

My mother would never tell me how I came to be, or why my rock star father and I have never met. I thought it was her only secret. I was wrong.

When she dies, he finally appears. Suddenly I have a first class ticket into my father’s exclusive world. A world I don’t want any part of – not at this cost. 

Only three things keep me going: my a cappella singing group, a swoony blue-eyed boy named Jake, and the burning questions in my soul.


There’s a secret shame that comes from being an unwanted child. It drags me down, and puts distance between me and the boy I love.

My father is the only one alive who knows my history. I need the truth, even if it scares me."

Regards,
Kareni

[mumto2]

1 hour ago, Violet Crown said:

 

There was a "Mexican" section in the shop in Fife; unfortunately this foodie town has ruined me to the point I can't eat tortillas that aren't super-fresh (like, made that morning). Until Sainsbury's starts carrying cilantro and tossing tortillas in their bakery, we just eat like the locals. One thing I wish we could have in our Tex-Mex is British cheese. The worst cheese we had from Tesco was better than the best cheese I can find in the HEB.

 

Eleven years ago Mexican food could not be found anywhere and ds was a really picky eater who actually loved canned refried beans and cheese.  How I missed that quick meal!  Now there is a somewhat complete Old El Paso stock at most stores, even my small village market has a bit.  We aren’t flour tortilla fans but can occasionally find corn.  My attempts at making my own haven’t been popular.  Honestly taco shells make me really happy!  We have an odd Smokey bbq seasoning packet available here that Dh loves. Lol. I make my own salsa normally and if I am lazy can buy black beans,  more of a burrito bowl for me.  Everyone else eats bbq flavored tacos.  ?

Taco Bell has arrived in Sheffield recently but it isn’t quite right.  Small menu without my long term favorites......tostadas and Mexican Pizza.  They serve chips, as in French fries.  BBQ sauce also features.  Most people seem to special order so the line takes forever.  The crunchy tacos are completely standard so I occasionally buy one.  https://www.tacobelluk.co.uk/our-food. It’s actually right by where the dc’s go for a youth group meeting so really convenient but it’s also by IKEA. 

Your pictures are lovely.  I am glad you were able to find a reasonable cream tea in London.  I suspect that was pretty difficult!  Did you stop by the British Library?  I remember the old location and rather miss it.  The first time we took the kids to London by train (Kings Cross) we walked to the Library and quickly looked at the Gutenberg Bible and over to the museum for the Rosetta Stone.  They were hugely chuffed to have seen both in half an hour!  Yes, we did a whirlwind London tour that day.....Big Ben and the Tower too.

[Loesje22000]

I finished several books last week:

- Villa Rose a book  that should have include the perfect recipe how to make ones own pasta

- at sea (a junior high book)

- murder ar honeychurch hall 

- a Vera Stanhope mysterie

 

otherwise struggling with the emptiness of the summer season:  almost no activities outside the home and too warm (for belgian customs) to work in  garden.

[Negin]

10 hours ago, Robin M said:

No offense taken. You are among friends. Enjoyed both your reviews.  My hubby would probably enjoy reading either book.  He's reading Madeline Albright's Fascism right now which is just making him mad so don't know if he is going to finish it. We've spent more time fact checking than with any other book, so making slow progress.  

 

Robin, you are always so kind and sweet. Thank you. 

[Negin]

Kindle book on sale today. Not sure if I would like it or not. Fantasy is not usually my thing. 

 

[Loesje22000]

1 hour ago, Negin said:

Kindle book on sale today. Not sure if I would like it or not. Fantasy is not usually my thing. 

 

 

DH experienced the book as ‘against christianity’, I thought some passages are ‘hot and steamy’ ?

 

[mumto2]

7 hours ago, loesje22000 said:

I finished several books last week:

- Villa Rose a book  that should have include the perfect recipe how to make ones own pasta

- at sea (a junior high book)

- murder ar honeychurch hall 

- a Vera Stanhope mysterie

 

otherwise struggling with the emptiness of the summer season:  almost no activities outside the home and too warm (for belgian customs) to work in  garden.

Hugs on the heat.  Did you enjoy the Vera mystery?  I don’t care for the TV series but like the books (at least the first two).

1 hour ago, loesje22000 said:

 

DH experienced the book as ‘against christianity’, I thought some passages are ‘hot and steamy’ ?

 

My quotes are turned around........regarding Mists of Avalon

3 hours ago, Negin said:

Kindle book on sale today. Not sure if I would like it or not. Fantasy is not usually my thing. 

 

This series is on my list of to be tried soon.  I had hoped to start it when the buses hit Cornwall but am in a Flufferton cozy mood so these could be pushed into next year for me.  The anti Christian comment surprised me because I hadn’t heard it before, the steamy does not. ?   I went off on a rabbit trail and found this explanation by the author http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/engl320/bradleyessay.htm.  I haven’t read Malory either which is referred to as a reference point. 

I have to say I am working to fill my Bingo squares and that Bradley letter made me think that the Mists of Avalon could work for my Feminist Square. ? I just checked my previous choice of Margaret the First out from Overdrive yesterday because that square is on my list to complete.  

  Btw, I also found a cozy that I haven’t read with red shoes.......With Vic’s You Get Eggroll by Diane Valerie.  It’s a cozy mystery that apparently has lots of Doris Day references.  Going to try it because I am a fan and will probably enjoy the Doris Day bits.  

[Loesje22000]

48 minutes ago, mumto2 said:

Hugs on the heat.  Did you enjoy the Vera mystery?  I don’t care for the TV series but like the books (at least the first two).

My quotes are turned around........regarding Mists of Avalon

This series is on my list of to be tried soon.  I had hoped to start it when the buses hit Cornwall but am in a Flufferton cozy mood so these could be pushed into next year for me.  The anti Christian comment surprised me because I hadn’t heard it before, the steamy does not. ?   I went off on a rabbit trail and found this explanation by the author http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/engl320/bradleyessay.htm.  I haven’t read Malory either which is referred to as a reference point. 

I have to say I am working to fill my Bingo squares and that Bradley letter made me think that the Mists of Avalon could work for my Feminist Square. ? I just checked my previous choice of Margaret the First out from Overdrive yesterday because that square is on my list to complete.  

  Btw, I also found a cozy that I haven’t read with red shoes.......With Vic’s You Get Eggroll by Diane Valerie.  It’s a cozy mystery that apparently has lots of Doris Day references.  Going to try it because I am a fan and will probably enjoy the Doris Day bits.  

 

I didn’t experienced Avalon the same way as DH, but as he abandoned the book for that reason at the time, it seemed good to mention.

Yes I liked the Vera Stanhope book, but it helped I  knew the serie..