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Medlem: TheTortoise

SamlingerDitt bibliotek (836), Leses nå (1), Skal leses (66), Alle samlinger (836)

Anmeldelser133 anmeldelser

EmneordNovels (111), Historical Fiction (95), Biographies (91), Classic English Novels (82), Short Stories (50), Borrowed from Library (43), Plays (32), Literary Criticism (28), Reference (24), Essays (23) — se alle emneord

Skyeremneordsky, forfattersky

Grupper75 Books Challenge for 2009, Historical Fiction, The Brontës, The Highly-Rated Book Group

FavorittforfattereJane Austen, H. E. Bates, Arthur Christopher Benson, James Boswell, Alain de Botton, Anne Brontë, Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Alexandre Dumas, George Eliot, Ben Elton, Richard J. Foster, Thomas Hardy, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, W. Somerset Maugham, Guy de Maupassant, Michel de Montaigne, Jean Plaidy, Robert Service, William Shakespeare, Anthony Storr, Anthony Trollope, Dallas Willard, P.G. Wodehouse (Delte favoritter)

Om megIf you are dropping by for the first time, please leave me a message to say Hi, or to share what you are reading. I would love to hear from you and I will reply.

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I am a confirmed lifelong bibliophile and LibraryThing is like finding a family of like-minded individuals! So don't be shy, just say Hi!


The Highly-Rated Book Group is having a temporary break. But we will be back later in the year.

I started writing The Book Traveller on 6th December 2008 and finished on 30th March 2009.

The Book Traveller

“Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with, it is a toy and an amusement; then it becomes a mistress, and then it becomes a master, and then a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster, and fling him out to the public.” Winston Churchill

I started writing At The World's End on 23 June 2009 and finished on 17 Sept 2009.

I started writing The Confession of Sandy Harris on 21 Sept 2009 and finished on 18 Dec 2009




My Reading List For 2008 - Started 1st Aug 2008

2008 Reading List

2009 Reading List

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I am currently reading:

1. 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W Wiersbe

I am going to read one of these books next:

2. The Brontes by Juliet Barker
3. Thinks… by David Lodge
4. The Rotters’ Club by Jonathan Coe
5. Atonement by Ian McEwan
6. The Italian Woman by Jean Plaidy
7. Light on Lucrezia by Jean Plaidy
8. Sharpe's Tiger by Bernard Cornwell
9.Rogue Herries by Hugh Walpole
10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Om biblioteket mittFor some strange reason over the years I have completely lost several libraries, the last one I had to leave behind in South Africa which consisted of some rare books, collected over 20 years or so, which I will probably never find again. I have read or perused about 6,000 books but of the books I now own I have about 200 which I love and want to read again. Books that I never intend to read again I give away to Charity shops.

Reviews:

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2 Shells: A Clunker

3Shells
3 Shells for an involving story. Good.

4T
4 Shells for an involving story and engaging characters. Very good.

5Shells
5 Shells for an involving story, engaging characters and a pleasing style. Excellent, will read again.




Unique Vistors since 03 September 2008:

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Medlemskap LibraryThings Tidlige anmeldere/Medlemsdonasjoner

Virkelig navnThomas Henry Edward Tortoise!

StedEssex, UK

E-postthetortoisetiscali.co.uk

Kontotypeoffentlig, livstid

KoblingsnyheterKoblingsnyheter

URL-er http://www.librarything.com/profile/TheTortoise (profil)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/TheTortoise (bibliotek)

AllmennkunnskapSerier (122), Priser (193), Roller (2580), Steder (476)

Medlem sidenJul 19, 2008

Leses nåALFRED LORD TENNYSON: A MEMOIR. av His. Son

Skriv en kommentar

I am so glad to hear from you!

Congratulations!

All good wishes to you my friend.

Linda
Milord! I am so happy about the agent asking to see the book, Confession of Sandy What's-it! Much success with iit.

Happy Christmas and a Joyous New Year to you and the entire family.

RMD
Greetings.

Hopefully I have 2 books about McCheyne!!

David Robertson's book is very accessible and a good introduction to his life, together with some application:
Awakening: The Life and Ministry of Robert Murray Mccheyne.

I've not read the book by Andrew Bonar yet. That's the shorter version (Memoir).
I understand the Memoir & Remains Of M'cheyne (9780851510842) is the real thing and comes highly recommended, as below.

Best wishes.
Chris

Book Title: Memoir & Remains Of M'cheyne
Author : Andrew Bonar
Description: One of the best-loved and most widely influential Christian classics of all time. Contains not only Bonar's Life of M'Cheyne but a wide selection from his sermons, letters and other writings. C.H. Spurgeon said, 'This is one of the best and most profitable volumes ever published. The memoir of such a man ought surely to be in the hands of every Christian and certainly every preacher of the Gospel.'
Hi Alan

I hope your wife has a lovely time in Rome. It sounds so exciting!
Hi There!

Just a note to say I didn't forget you. The semester is finally slowing down. My daughter is getting married next week and after that I will be getting back to helping with your wonderful book.

How are you?

Hugs
Linda
Hi! I stopped by to check out your profile and library. Amazing! Thanks for letting me visit. I'm rereading Dracula for Halloween and also Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman just because it was there. *chuckles*
Happy reading!
Velma
Will do... Thanks again
Dieter
Sorry for the late answer, I had a total PC breakdown and wasn't able to log in for several weeks. Thanx for choosing me for a prize, I hope the next winner is luckier than me.
Best of greetings from Vienna
Dieter
Hi;
Mark and I have been discussing the possibility of another group read in November and want your input. We have narrowed it down to two books at this point. "The People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks and "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield. So chat it up with friends or us and let us know if you are up for it and what you think. Probably the same plan as with "Pillars of the Earth" which seemed to work out perfectly for almost all of us.
Think it over and give one of us a shout.
hugs and looking forward to hearing from you,
belva
Hi, TT!

How are things going across the ocean?

Have you heard anything from vintage?

I swear, I laugh every time I visit, when that Tortoise waves at me!

Cheli
Oh,
Well, that makes sense to me then.
Silly me, I am not familiar with word.
I can never seem to get back there once I leave.
You are always a good boy and an inspiration
in your love of the Lord.
I just like to see you get credit for your
well written reviews.
Have a very good day. Fall is in the air here
where we live. The morning dew is quite heavy
now and the mornings are also very foggy and I
can smell that scent of autumn in the air. I
love it.
Will catch you on the threads.
belva
Hello,

"The Shadow of the Wind" is one of my favorite books and I'm just now about half way done with "The Angel's Game". Carlos Ruiz Zafon paints a beautiful, early twentieth century landscape of Barcelona or at least the darker parts of it...Highly recommended!

Marie
Hi Thomas,

I'm long overdue in saying hello, but since I've been sneaking peeks at your library, I felt bold enough today to stop over for a visit.

Thank you for your detailed book reviews. They're so well structured and detailed. I should try to do a better job when I review the books I'm reading, but I live in a world of chaos and bullet-points, and my reviews are a reflection of where my mind's at on most days. ;-)

cheers
caroline
Hello!

The Lehigh University system is not functioning all that well today and the server is down. Thus I sent an email to you via their imp route. I provided feedback for the first few pages of your book. Can you please let me know if you rec'd. my email by sending a message to my LT home page.

Thanks!

Linda
Hello, Thomas!

I hope things are going well for you.

I noticed that on the Highly rated Book Group you said that the next book has already been determined. Could you give us a Title so we know?

See you there.
Cheli
Hi,

Thanks for the kind words on your comment. If the video of my book impressed you, perhaps the book might. If getting the book isn't possible, then check out my website. There's lots of good Jungian type stuff there.

Take care, John
One of my favorite quotes is from Tennessee Williams:
"Hell is your self" I'm quite sure the Buddhists would agree, somewhere in my reading I remember coming across the saying A lot of terrible things have come to pass and some of them actually happened. Some of the worst periods in my life only really occurred in my head,it's only in the last few years through study and meditation that I've come to realize that was just my personality trying to keep me trapped in a cycle of inner violence.
Thomas Keating is a tremendous teacher, I've met him several times and am always blessed and somewhat in awe at the level of peace and dignity he carries with him.
Thank you for your kind words, take care S
Hello again, I was asked by the church to review Invitation to Love by Thomas Keating so I of course put it on LT first. I would be interested in your opinion if you have the time. I remembered the name of that other Iam McEwan novel, it's The Innocent and I regard it as a personel favorite. Take care, Slim
I enjoyed your review of Alan Bennet collection on 75 books so had to see who had written it. Who could resist a waving tortoise asking me to say Hi, so here I am saying hello.
See you have Chekov on your short story list. If you have not picked your collection yet one of my favorites is 'My Life. The story of a provincial' although William Boyd who listed what he considered the "10 great short stories" picked out 'In the Ravine'.
What am I reading now? Well I seem to have lurched into non-fiction, after a recommendation. 'The Proud Tower. A portrait of the world before the war 1890-1914' by Barbara Tuchman. A ratling good read so far.
Hi sorry it took so long to get back, I was on a retreat for the last five days, grand silence is an excellant way to do some unloading. The Atonement is good but I kind of felt like a woman would have liked it more, what it did do is introduce to an excellant author, [[Ian McEwan]] is a superb storyteller, I can't recall the name of the first right now but the second was Saturday and it was voyage worth taking. The bible I mentioned was a direct translation from aramaic from there. This,the language they spoke in his village made me feel closer to the story. Take care,S
Hi, I read one of your reviews and couldn't help but stop and say hello. The current Bible I'm using is George Lamsa's translation of the Aramaic Bible, it seems easier to understand than the King James, are you familiar with this one. See ya, MSS
TT- Yes, I'm quite enjoying "The Shadow of the Wind". It's been a lot of fun. I hope the new book you are working on,is the ONE! Good luck!
Mark
TheTortoise- Thanks for the useful advice, much appreciated and congratuations on the book-writing! Have you published anything yet?
Mark
Hi, Thomas- You've led some Group Reads before, correct? You helped on "A Pirate of Exqusite.."? That was my first and only group read and I loved the book. If there are any pointers you can suggest, please do. My only problem seems to be,setting a recommended reading amount. I want to keep this a loose read but I don't want to drag in on for 2 months.
Mark
Hi, Thomas- Thanks for the interest in "Pillars...". I hope you can grab a copy and be all set to go. I see you admire historical fiction, so this should be perfect. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome!
Mark
Hi Tortoise...saw your post on Donna's reading challenge and thought I'd check out your library. I was pleased to read your review of The Thirteenth Tale and see that I wasn't the only one to find the whole twin story dreadful. I couldn't understand why almost nothing was written of their mother and uncle (what was he doing in the house all those years?)

I'm currently reading Angle of Repose and The Dive from Clausen's Pier. As a teacher, I love having the summer off with all this time to read--yum!

hello from hot atlanta-- Jenny
Oops, sorry about that. It really isn't depressing, it's actually been a pretty good read so far, but I am concerned about what I perceive to be foreshadowing. Hopefully, I am wrong and it will end very happily. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the Virginian. Hope you are equally happy with your next read.
Hi! I was reading your thread in the 75 books group and decided to check out your profile. Congratulations on your book. You must be wanting to burst out of your skin with pride. I am an amateur farmer in Pennsylvania, USA and came upon a British book called "The Farm" by Richard Benson. It has been a fairly enjoyable read so far but I'm beginning to get nervous about the ending. The foreshadowing seems to indicate a bad ending to struggling with depression. Maybe that stems from my own experiences, but having found my great-grandmother's diary and reading of all the suicides by farmers in our area in the 1940s, I know that failing at farming literally sucks the life out of people. Are you familiar with this book? The jacket says the book was shortlisted for The Guardian first book award of 2005. Your list of books read so far this year is very impressive. I have really enjoyed reading your reviews.
Hi! I found your profile while browsing around the 75 books group. I really love how you've done you profile. I may take a few pointers and do something with mine while I've got the time this summer.

Oh, and since you asked, I'm currently reading The Flowers by Dagoberto Gilb.
I updated the Book Group Page for Mistress. Should be able to post questions Sunday-Monday. I didn't find the Reader's Guide as comprehensive as I'd like, so I will be adding more generic questions to get conversations going.

Do you remember the catch-all group to announce new book group reads? I hunted around Groups and checked my posts, but I can't find it. Someone recommended the group to me a long time ago, but now I can't find it again to announce the MAD read.

Thanks

vintage_books
Saying Hi
Just dropping by from The Highly-Rated Book Group, I really like your page :-)

I've also got an interest in Historical Fiction and it was the discussion about "The Coffee Trader" that lead me to the group last month. Still havent read "The Coffee Trader" but I now have more of an incentive and I'm looking forward to "Mistress of the Art of Death".
Looking at your Historical Fiction Reading List I noticed Jean Plaidy, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and C.S. Forester. Made me realise I haven't read anything of these authors yet! Not sure how that has happened! Must remedy that sooner rather than later.

I'm also reading from the 1001 list. Of yours I've only read 11, 12 & 14. Although 5 might go on my TBR this year. I'd highy recommend 11 & 14. I think 12 is a matter of personal taste and is not for everyone, but I'm still keen to read More Winterson.
Currently reading "One Hundred Years of Solitude" from the 1001 list and loving it.

One question, do you mind if I pinch your idea of using quotes with Reading List Topics?
Great idea I've really enjoyed them :-)

Cheers
Well that's life. You can't like them all. I'm sure there will be SF/F books out there that you'd really enjoy, but it may not be worth uit for you, reading through all the rest of them to find those few examples.
Hello, I just stumbled across your page and thought I'd say hi since you so nicely invite people to :) Right now I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin and Churched by Matthew Paul Turner.
Well several of our shared books are F/SF, including the Hobbit which you really enjoyed according to your review.

However the 'best book in the genre' is really hard to choose! How do you define 'Best' - most accessible or widest scope? best writing or characters or plot - do you want to read 1000pages if you have all 3, best insight into modern life or world building?

this talk thread is compiling a list of the best SF to introduce a new reader to the genre, Dune by Frank Herbert being the no. 1 choice.

And this is the Fantasy list compiled by members of the GreenDragon group, which has the Lion the Witch and Wardrobe by C S Lewis as it's top pick after Lord of the Rings, and closely followed by Alive in Wonderland by L Carroll.

My personal favourite, is either Cyteen by C J Cherryh or Curse of the Mistwraith by LT author Janny Wurts. However I'm not sure you'd like either of them. As you own it, and enjoyed the original try The Eyre Affair, as a very funny SF/Fantasy/alternate history crossover and let me know how you get on.
Hi Tortoise! Just passing by. Iam fairly new to LT and stumbled upon "The Highly-Rated Book Group." I read the threads and thought you guys have something really different going on in your group compaired to some others. I decided to join. :) Iam currently reading Looking After Pigeon an ER book and I just got The Mistress of the Art of Death thru B&N. I'd be happy to tag along with you guys in june if you'll have me.
Just passing by from talk, but as you said comment I will!

No reading categories for Science Fiction and Fantasy? (I'll allow you to group them together if you want!)

Keep reading
'Fox
hello, thomas
I understand now what you mean to write. Mary Braddon was know as the 'queen of the lending library'who wrote sensational novels. Mitford was often compared to H Rider Haggard in his romances set in Africa and Marsh outsold Bram Storker's Dracula, with his horror novel 'The Beetle'. bob
Hello Again Thomas,
Your book sounds interesting. On the Later Victorian authors do you mean, Mary Braddon, Bertram Mitford,Richard Marsh, that type of authors?
bob
Hello Thomas,
Really like your profile and enjoyed seeing your TBR pile. The historical novels of Doyle makes me want to re-read them again to see if they hold the same magic that they had when first read. Your pile of Russian TBR doesn't have a weak novel among them.
good luck in your reading,
bob
Thanks for sending your address.
Thank you for the warm welcome, TT. I haven't read Shroud for a Nightingale yet, just picked it up a week ago at a used book store ($1.00 cdn. - yey!), but am not new to PD James. I am anxious to dig into The Woman in White, which I picked up the same day -- what did you think of that one?

Janice
Just passing by, and saying 'hi'. Am new to LT and still feeling my way around... Love your creative profile page, and now mine looks so dull. Must work on it some more. I'd like to add you to my interesting libraries, if that's OK?

Janice
I try to remember to spell check things before I hit send ... sometimes I forget to paste them back in. Anyway, I would not have won as I missed one. I hope the second quiz was, in your opinion, much harder. I knew less than half of the answers. I expect quiz three will be definitely out of range for me.
Thanks, Tortoise!
Well thank YOU, TT, for your kind words. We're starting to sound like a mutual admiration society here...hehe. As for orderly libraries, when the books coming in exceed the shelf (and flat) space available, order becomes a relative term, doesn't it.
Tiffin
I think this is the most organised profile page I have ever seen. I can only imagine how orderly your library must be. Bravo, M. Tortue!
Tiffin
TT

Thanks for the heads up about the new book. I've been really swamped and even missed the fact that one had been chosen! (If I saw it it didn't register!) I'm looking at finally surfacing about the middle to end of April--definitely not until after Easter, so I will have to miss this one. I'm hoping I can do the next one--especially if it starts the middle of May or later. Summer is my best time to read!

I am eagerly following your progress on the book you are writing. I'm sure it is very exciting to work on it.

Carolyn
Hi TT,

Thanks for the invitation to The Blind Assasin book read, but I'm afraid I have to pass on this one. My time is very limited in the next few months, and Margaret Atwood is kind of hit or miss author for me anyway. I will "lurk" every once in awhile, and also watch for the next book read.

Enjoy!
Lorie
Thanks, Tortoise -- I didn't realize another read had begun. I've been off line for a bit, but I will certainly check it out.

Aviddiva
I cannot find this mysterious email address which you mentioned was on your profile...! I've found 3 sets of typed-up sheets that I can send your way. I believe they are the dialogue, fact & timeline, and story evolution sheets. So not tons, but saves on a bit of photocopying anyway.
Hi TT,

Thanks for the invite to the Highly Rated Book Group. I am looking forward to discussing The Blind Assassin with everyone!

Cait
TT,

Can't have chocolate, is that my penance?
Cheli
Thomas,
I'm surprised that I'm actually enjoying the Dante read. I have had to be really good about not getting too far ahead of the group. I wanted to just keep going on Friday when I was reading. I stopped at the 7th Canto but was only supposed to have gone to 5. I might do the entire Divine Comedy instead of just stopping at the Inferno depending on how my other reading goes.

Keep me posted on the book.
Hey TT -- just a note to say 'book' may be a misnomer for dad's work. It's rather short but meaty, around 100 pp. Made some good progress today, thx :)
TT

I finished 84 Charing Cross Road this morning and read your recently written review. Reading your review was a marvelous follow up to the book. I hated to see the book end. Your review captured this feeling! And, I am, of course, jealous that you actually visited the shops in August of 2008. You lucky devil!

Again, continued good wishes with the progress of your book.

Linda
Hola TT

I read all of The Book Traveller last night but couldn't comment when I was done because LT was down! (for maintenance) I liked concept of the story very much. It seems more unique than most first books.

Chrine
In the spirit of just say hi: Hello Tortoise. I've just started reading your 75 Book Challenge and stopped by to check out your profile page on the way to reading your The Book Traveller thread. I like that you have a list of books to read in 2009. I love lists too. I'm slowly becoming addicted to LT Talk in 2009.

Chrine
Got my book delivered in the mail yesterday; once I'm done finishing the current fantasy read, I'm off and running!
TT

I wish you all good things!
You are amazing!

Linda
TT

I work in publications and oversee the students who pull together the newspaper and the yearbook. I'm very good at editing. I promise to be fair and kind if you would like me to help edit when you are ready for this process.

And, I'm also sending a quick hello to you to say I know that tax season can be brutal in the accounting trade. I hope you are keeping your head above water.

Take care my friend!

Linda
Hey, TT!

I just finished reading some of the postings on your thread and would be very happy to volunteer to be a Beta reader for you. Just keep my name on your list and let me know if you need my "expertise".(hehe)
Cheli
Yes, it is a tortoise, shame on me.

That picture you referred to on my profile is what I must look like as I sit and read all of the LT posts.

Have a good day!
Hi, TT!
Just checking in to see how you are doing. I really enjoyed the first two chapters of your book. It gives me a nudge to get working on my own novel. Maybe one day I'll get started on Chapter 8.

I'm on vacation, my husband and I headed a little south with my Mom for a little warmer weather. Unfortunately, we took the cold weather with us. Hopefully, it will warm up a little later this week.

Take care!
Cheli
Ahh, 'too much' is more qualitative than quantitative. I don't read nearly as much as some people do, number-of-books-wise, but I'd rather read than, say, work or sleep. [Actually, I'd rather sleep, but my chronic insomnia doesn't let me.] :)
--Amy.
Hi Tortoise - just passing by.

Wonderful profile page - so visual and informative.

I need a Kiwi bird to wave back!!!

Cheers, Karen
By the way, your profile page is extraordinary. It's obvious you spent a lot of time on it..........and I love the turtle waving at me! Lynda
Hi Tortoise, I just started reading Kipling's Choice and mentioned to my husband how tragic it is. Well, my husband told me that there is a movie based on this book but he couldn't tell me the name of the movie or who acted in it. So, I ask you, have you heard of such a movie? I'm interested but not sure that I really want to see it. Thanks, Lynda
Just stopping by to wave and say hi. Always wonderful to see another turtle enthusiast!
Ah Sweetie. That wasn't my goal. Thank you. You are a Christian gentleman -- but I knew that before.
Indeed I did/do find it interesting -- thanks for sharing! if I weren't still in jetlag fogland I might even have something worth sharing in response :) (but don't count on it!)

Hope you're having a great day TT
'Contemporary attitudes to relationships' -- LOL loved that -- so politic TT. hmmm is that why folks didn't read my thread as much
because I say 'fornication and adultery'

Reminds me of my ever so tactful husband. before we married we were having a discussion about our belief systems (he was not yet a Christian). Moving from the 'we can both be right' idea he had held for months, he said, 'Either you're right and I'm wrong. Or, I'm right and you're...' (major pause) 'mistaken.'
TT-thanks so much for letting me know I won! I'm really excited...wonder what the prize is. I'm also anxious to continue to the next chapters in the reading....it's really quite interesting.
TT

That bad, huh? I told you I'm not good at guessing!

Carolyn
TT..I'm very interested in your book progress and will read it today. You have marvelous writing talents and as I said many times, I so enjoy your creativity and wit.
Good morning, TT (or perhaps I should say Good Afternoon)...Thank you for considering my suggestion about your lovely new dog Sky. I think he will be a great companion for Thomas on his reading adventures. I am reading and enjoying the installments of The Book Traveller. Keep up the good work! ~Donna~
Thank you so much for the instructions! You are one of the nicest people ever! :)
--BJ
TT, i'm flattered. i hope the group picks up the book, it has plenty of merits. i'm based in Lisbon, but will start shuttling between Portugal and Netherlands soon.
I've just acquired and listed a new copy of 'A Pirate of Exquisite Mind' on Amazon for $8.95. (I've got mine shelved.) If any of your piratical group need it, let me know and I'll de-list and send it U.S. for $5, or a swap, if we can find one. rkroning
Hi!
Somewhere I read that you had instructions for how to add a ticker to a post. Where did you put them? I am going to get my two daughters to figure it out. Thanks!
--BJ
TT

Thanks for leaving a message on my thread on the 75 book challenge regarding your book. I've actually already been keeping an eye on your thread, and it looks very interesting. Your version of a P&P sequel is very unique and not at all stale like some the other sequels I've read. I look forward to watching your thread and reading about your progress. Your writing is very excellent. I wish I had a talent for writing, but alas, I'm a reader and not a writer! Thanks for sharing it with the group.

I'm so glad our book group has started reading The Coffee Trader. I'm about 3 chapters in, and it's well written and very interesting. See you there!

Lorie
TT,

my comments for the books i mentioned are on my thread http://www.librarything.com/topic/33820. A Heart So White is on msg #92. reviews for the 2 others are on #s 187 and 235, respectively.

cheers
Hello! My name is Bonnie (my screen name is Vanye). I am retired & assumed that i would get a lot of reading done. Alas, so far this has not been the case & my TBR pile grows exponentially. Thus i have joined this group in the hope that it will goad me into reading more.

I noticed that you have [The Virginian] on your TBR list; it is one of my all-time favorites which i read for the first time when i was about 11 or 12 yo & which have reread several times since. In fact it is the only western i have ever finished reading, Tried a couple of [[Zane Grey]] westerns but never finished them-too formulaic! [[Owen Wister]] knew the realities of the old west & wrote it like it really was. I'm sure you will love that one!

So far this wear i'm in the process of reading the following 3 volumes:

[Harry, A History]
[Equal Rites]
[In the Land Of Invisible Women]

May i include you on my friends list?
Bonnie (Vanye) 8^)
hi TT,

happy new year! i've just wandered over to the Highly Rated Group and saw ur recommendations -- The Heart So White was my top read last year, a perfect novel, in my opinion. i'm so glad somebody is rooting for Márias -- he is such a gifted writer! i posted a review of it on my thread some months back, but was disappointed not to get any feedback. either nobody was interested in this type of stream-of-consciousness work, or i simply did a lousy job of reviewing. i now think it was the latter.

i hope the HR group picks up your recommendation and spread the word around -- he really deserves to be read by more people. not an easy read of course, but IMHO, would greatly contribute to raising the bar of median reads.

i've also read Schlink, but was not a big fan. for a thought-provoking take on the war (after the war, from a German's point of view too, but set in the Russian war theater), i would recommend Gunnar Kopperud's The Time of Light.

you're doing a great job, TT! (including the novel we're privileged to be seeing unfold right on our screens)
Hello T !
First : all my best wihes for thenew year ! Books, books, books...
Second : I read : Vous n'avez aucun livre en commun avec TheTortoise. It's not true. But all the books I have et home or I have read arn't in my list.
Third : Thank you for your ideas of reading : I find them very good !
Bye
maroni (french man)
Happy New Year snd happy reading for 2009! Cheli
Yes, I really enjoyed "According to Queenie" and wrote a review on Amazon. It had added spice for me, as some of it is set in Streatham, where I lived for a while. I usually like Beryl Bainbridge's books. Anyway, all the best for 2009.
Lukrezia
Happy New Year to you and yours. Doing this now because I doubt I'll be online at Midnight. Hope 2009 is a good one.
You have an interesting library - We have interests in common, which makes me want to look further through your lists in the New Year. All the best for 2009, Lukrezia
TT, you have such an ambitious book list! I'm really new here and thus not quite as up to speed as I would like, especially on my library list...working on that daily. I note that we have many books/authors in common. I'm kind of betwixt and between more serious works as the year rapidly winds down; just doing some very lightweight things as we try to gear up for the new year's reads. I hope you don't mind if I look over your library a bit more?
Gail
I think I'll just move into your library for a few days so I can mooch!
Thanks for your message regarding The King and Mrs. Simpson. I'll be sure to read your review.

Cheers,
Linda
thank you so much for accepting my Friends invite...

...and you read SHANTARAM!!! crikey...i have to get busy..that's been on my LIST for dog years..i ammm...well

thank you again

i have to Get Reading!! *grins slyly here*
JUDE
me again...

requested a Friendship (not Dinghy!!!)

look over my Library..accept my offer if you see fit..otherwise i am still
JUDE
Hello there, you

the OSCAR'S BOOKS....i know naught..but the best find of mine in 2008..was THE WORKS OF OSCAR WILDE...published by Walter J. Black, Inc (New York) in 1927..i paid $1 for this beauty with the red cover...includes the poems , novels, plays....now i need the more recent collection of the Letters and i will be happy....
my avatar?? put big 1970s style spectacles on Oscar..and you would have me..in college..with newly shorn hair and a cape of my own

looking forward to THE COFFEE TRADER read..i found a USED copy...lucky me

best to you ever
JUDE
Hi :o)

Well right now we share only 5 books, but I think in the future that will be a lot more! I to have a lot of Jean Plaidy, a big book of Arthur Conan Doyle and probably other books. But I still have to put them on librarything. They are finally in my library at home, on shelves and on alphabetical order. And on genre to. Historical, novels, science fiction, detectives and informatinion books like map books and such. I love my library.

Bye Ellie
Well..Thomas Henry Edward Tortoise

i wish you the Best of Holidays..and a New Year to Boot!!

JUDE
I read dad your review of the Bible -- he's sitting next to me right now. I also told him about your moniker. After a few minutes he asked me if I'd heard about the tortoise? 'He had a bad hare day.' Then as he and I laughed, my French husband sat there confused. So dad got to laugh again as he explained it. Doesn't work as nicely in print :)

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas and beyond.
What a lovely profile page you have - it made me smile. :)
Indeed Milord, the scene with the coffee beans is from "The Coffee Trader" but I shall say no more, nor reveal identities, nor even smirk loudly as you progress in your reading of the book.

*chortle*

I'm up early to hide my sainted aunt's 90th-birthday gifts around the house. It's a treasure hunt. She doesn't move much and she doesn't need any more *stuff* so we got her little things and IOUs for trips out to see plays and such-like, and I am hiding them around with clues I've put in her morning New York Times.

The Divine Miss doesn't know it yet, but she's cooking dinner. I'm gonna need a nap!
Meant to say your page is singularly creative in both content & style.

Feliz Navidad,
Enrique
Thanks TT, I'd love to join in The Coffee Trader read. I've joined the group today, and just have to get my hands on a copy of the book.

Thanks!
*whew* I was afraid it was time to get the Aricept RX. (That's the US anti-Alzheimer's drug.)

But let me just bring up the hilarious nature of someone who is close to the POV character trying to figure out, with no cultural referents, what to *do* with coffee beans...I about had an aneurysm from laughing.

Happy Christmas!
Milord,

I reviewed "The Coffee Trader?" When did I do that? And more to the point, WHERE did I do that?! I can't remember. OMG! My Half-heimer's disease is becoming Alzheimer's! HEEEEELLLLP

xoxo
Thanks for inviting me to the Generic Book Group, Tortoise. Read the description and threads in it, but am a bit confused as to how it works. It sounds like a book might be chosen from a random subject for all to read, but that one hasn't been chosen yet. Is that about right or am I way off?

Love your page layout by the way. Am not sure if I mentioned that when I looked at it a while back.
Thank you, tortoise, I would be delighted to joint the highly rated book group. I shall search out the coffee book in the next week or so -- my life can always use more coffee!
Good morning TT
You are quite welcome.
I've longed to visit England and had hoped to do so next year, but instead we are going on a cruise to Alaska. I'm very much looking forward to this.
England will be visited hopefully in 2010.
Hi.
Hi, TT. This looks like it will be fun to follow the readers. I'm trying to set up my ticker. So far so good.
I do little chunks, like I said about 10-15 at most, of different types of books. Recently, I have been on a non-fiction and true crime binge. I will finish the year with about 3-4 reads from favorites. When I start next year, I will probably take a list of about 10 off of one of 100best lists and then I will problably do a TBR stack of recommendations from my wife and Lt'ers/75'ers. With your 999 challenge, you could nibble off of all of them, one or two from each. Or, you could read one of the challenge groups at a time. But, you're right, a little at a time is usually better for me to avoid being overwhelmed by all of the books on my shelves that I haven't read and want to read.
I'm in! I've joined and have put the book on my wish list for Christmas! It sounds like it will be a great read--and a new author for me. I'm really looking forward to it! Thank for the alert.
Bump :)

http://www.librarything.com/groups/thehi...
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm going through my TBR pile and my wish list to decide what I want to include on the 75 book challenge. Some books have been waiting for ten years or more to be read and I think they are getting impatient because they're shouting at me, "Read me! No, read me!" ;-)

I'm watching for the announcement of the next group read. I've eager to know what book you and Vintage_Books have chosen.

Happy holidays,
Lorie
Hi TT - I spotted your comment on a 2009 75ers thread about library sales in the City - which library, pray tell? Um, not that I need another excuse to go and spend money on books... but I'm always on the look out for new sources of shelf-filling anxiety!

Best,

FlossieT
Hi
I'll be sure to put the book in the mail to you tomorrow.

All good wishes for a wonderful holiday.

I enjoy our LT communications.
The cookery book has arrived, and it ooks like it has many kinds of recipes not in my current cookbook collection. Thanks so much --it was a real pleasure figuring out the pirate quizzes. I'm sorry I got so swamped with real life at the end and didn't see the last batch through!

Liz
Hi Thomas,

Thanks for your comment on my 75-er thread. You have quite a profile. Lovely work!

I must admit I have seen your efforts at garnering readers for your book on Stasia's thread and already love the title of your book but I have yet to read the chapters you've posted ... too many tbrs competing with it right now!

I'm from Cape Town and am piqued that you stayed in SA ... are you from here, originally, by any chance?!

Happy reading, and writing :)
"I love to watch Mrs Tortoise knitting - it is somehow such a peaceful occupation. I feel all cosy and warm just watching her. Beneath my hard shell I am such a softy!I love to watch Mrs Tortoise knitting - it is somehow such a peaceful occupation. I feel all cosy and warm just watching her. Beneath my hard shell I am such a softy!"

You kill me!
Hello Tortoise!

Thanks for your comment! I've read your review and completely agree with you- you just managed to say it a lot more coherently than I did :). This month's ER book should be interesting, as I snagged the 'Great Expectations' Graphic Novel, a book which I actually never finished in the original version (hangs head in shame)...

I'm originally from Hamburg, which is why most books in my library have clever tags like 'in Leeds' and 'in Hamburg', which probably annoy the tagging purists to no end, but I'm afraid it'll have to stay that way until I've managed to merge my libraries (11 years in Leeds and still no end in sight). The books tagged as 'in Fes', where I lived for a short time in my early twenties, will probably have to be declared lost at some point, but it hurts to let them go. I cannot imagine how it must be for you to lose books collected over twenty years!

I think I saw on one of the forum posts that you got 'Great Expectations' as well- looking forward to your review:)

Stef
Hi, TT!
I have started a book called The Riddle of the Sands, which involves boating, and I found two of your vocabulary words in one paragraph (binnacle and abaft)! So not only do you increase the enjoyment of the group read, but you also help with other books, too.

By the way, I am only at the beginning of this books, but it looks pretty interesting so far.

Are you doing the 999 Challenge? I am not sure that I can read 81 books, but I am going to give it a try.
Have a great day!
--BJ
Olney MD is about 15 miles northeast of Washington DC. The area is starting to get a little antsy getting ready for Barack Obama's inauguration in January. It's still about 6 weeks away but you'd think that is was going to happen tomorrow with all the frenzy that is related to it. Me, I'm just trying to get ready for the holidays.

How about you? Where exactly is Essex in relation to London? My feeling is that it's north, but I could be wrong. As many times as I have seen Essex mentioned in the novels that I have read, you'd think I'd know where it is.
What kind of preparatons does your family do for the holidays?
What an amazing profile page! :)

regards

Laura
Thank you! :)
--BJ
Everytime I come to your profile page, I smile, laugh a little and am in awe of the books you read.
Maybe its the different cultures or life styles, I don't know.

I would like to call you my friend so that I can keep up with your page easier, is that okay?
I have two sisters who are also members but we all have different likes and some things we like the same. The three of us are all kind of history nuts. My one sister and I enjoy British history but aare going to try to bone up on our own US history by reading a book about each of the Presidents. We may even mskre it a chalenge for other readers as well.

I need to get back to finish my Christmas decorationsbefore I can read anymore.

Take care.
Hi Tortoise and Mrs. Tortoise! Like all scientists I could talk about my research for hours, but in a nutshell, I work on cell-cell signaling and cell motility. (I'm a developmental biologist, or becoming one, anyway.) Specifically, I study how signaling in the fruitfly eye translates into the reorganization of some cell adhesion molecules, which allows little groups of cells to spin as a cluster while all their neighbors stay put. It turns out that these proteins and pathways are conserved in humans, and are important in cell movements like neural tube closure and metastasis and whatnot.

It's my graduate work, so I'm not going to be doing this forever. I'd like, eventually, to study how cell signaling events give rise to particular fates - for example, to better understand the signals that drive an undifferentiated cell to specific cell types.

Tortoise, please pass this on to Mrs. Tortoise for me, if she doesn't read you LT page. Tell her that whenever people ask me what I study, I'm always relieved to hear that they have a science background (makes it a lot easier to explain!)
Yes, it's me. One of the two people not answering the pirate questions. I'm enjoying the book, but I'm not a very speedy reader so I'm a little behind. The questions are ok, but just not interested in answering them. I love reading other people's comments about the book. I'm still here even though it seems like I'm not. I was also the kid in the back of the class who didn't say much but managed to pass the course anyway.
Kathleen
Hi,

Thanks for your review of Heart of darkness. I already was afraid I was the only thinking this book was terrible...
Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for it.
Liz
Hi TT,
Thanks for the suggestion of Shaw I am looking forward to reading something by him. Were you able to find a new version of Ashenden? I had to order mine used.
Hello TT
I really liked Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky- It is one of the few books that made me laugh out loud as I read it. Lansky is very observant about the Yiddish culture in America and how he intents to make the resources available for future use.
Hi, TT

Sorry to be so late responding about PD James. Grandsons do take up a lot of time--and sometime their parents do, too. My other son arrived Saturday and I've have been stealing moments to check out LT. I missed a posting on one of the Riddles because i got confused on the time--I'm in a different time zone and forget whether I should go forward or back! When I got there I discovered you had already posted the next one. I didn't know the answer to the riddle I missed, but I did know Endeavor! I'm going right now to check the one for today before I get deluged with everyone getting home--I'm home with the "littlest angel" right now and he is very happy playing with his toys after a long spell of my reading to him.

P.D. James--An Unsuitable Job for a Woman is the first of 2 novels using Cordelia Grey as the detective. (The second one is The Skull Beneath the Skin.) Many fans, including me, are sorry she never went further with that series. But to start James I would suggest starting with the earliest Adam Dalgleish novel you have. He is her primary character/detective. Of course, you know I like to see how a series and its main characters develop. You can read them in any order just like you can Agatha Christie or Rex Stout. The last three, though, Holy Orders (I think that is the title!), The Murder Room, and the newest one, which I haven't gotten yet, should be read in order because a new character is introduced that is in all three and is part of a continuing sub plot.

I hope you enjoy her. She is one of those writers who writes novels that are mysteries--rather that mysteries that are puzzles. (Not that you don't get that aspect, also--you just get so much more!)
A note on books we share (I notice it's inched up to 12 now). Most of my books are in storage in France. Most of what I've inputted here on LT are books I've scrounged up around here or part of a big shipment I got from the US -- I had no input in the shipment. Most of these are currently tagged "unread" as I haven't read them :). I wouldn't be terribly suprised if a lot of them just go back to the American School for their book sales or something. (These are tagged "recycled.") I really hate buying books, getting home and finding I've already read them! So check back in 4 years when we're back in France -- maybe we'll be up to 100 in common by then :)
Hi Susan,
Flannery O'Connor stories I've read are Wise Blood and A Good Man Is Hard to Find AND seen the movies made of them with my wonderful book group. And I've read lots of her short stories on my own, probably didn't understand them, but liked them.
Hi already!
I've not heard of Anne Fadiman - so I just requested her collection of essays from the library.
I'm half way through Great Lion of God by Taylor Caldwell. My book group decided to read it, a biography of St. Paul, bc it's the Year of St. Paul, and we're Catholics. Other books in the pile next to my side of the bed include The New Paint Magic (Innes) only because I'm trying to figure out what to do with a huge plain bit of wall on the outside of my house which appeared when we (dh) framed in and insulated our beautiful icy-cold stone chimney on the outside. I love reading about all the paints and brushes and tools and tricks of the trade, though. Another is Real Education by Charles Murray - a depressingly true assessment of current American higher education, Healing Water (Hostetter), a new YA about a teen who contracts leprosy during the Hawaiian monarchy, and is sent to the leprosy settlement on Molokai. Bl. Damien figures in the story, but I haven't gotten that far yet.
Sorry to be almost a month late in thanking you for inviting me to read A Pirate of Exquisite Mind with y'all. Couldn't manage it this time, but appreciate being asked, and so... thanks! Though I do have a Turtle tag, I'm definitely not as organized as you are: Your profile page is amazing!
Actually the Becket bio was read ages ago, but I thought Saint Sunniva might like to know about it if she didn't.
Hello Tortoise,
Perhaps in some of your lost libraries we'd have more rare-ish books in common. That, I find, is one of the most fun aspects of LT: What really unusual books do I have in common with one or two other LTers. In my library, these are apt to be obscure, but not necessarily valuable, vintage children's or YA books.
Hi TT

I do enjoy my library-altho it is more a work space for me right now than a relaxing spot. I'm currently 'reading' in three ways- I have the electronic download of the October early review for [In the Land of Invisible Women]- a wonderfully interesting read, and a new format for me. I find I am enjoying th e-format more than I thought I would. Also listening to [Suite Francaise]in the car on my daily 25 mile r/t to the gym, and listening to [Three Cups of Tea] while I do needlepoint at home. Finally I'm actually reading (like using my eyes) the hard copy of [the Friar and the Cipher]. I've just recently discovered [[Lawrence Goldstone]] as an author and have several of his on my tbr list. I'm in awe of your graphics and have added the task of learning how to do those to my "TO DO" list.

Happy reading. Tina
The man with the cat is my wonderful husband wearing his cat, Buckaroux. It is pretty funny how lists compare -- it seems I rarely read the stuff the 75bookers do. That might be different had I access to public libraries, but maybe not :) Right now I read whatever I can scrounge -- and sometimes throw it right back!
Hi, MR. Tortoise!
I just found your page and I just think it is too cute!
I am an avid reader and it just amazes me how many people love to read as well.
It must be a generation thing.
Sorry about your lsot libraries, but a good excuse to start again!

Happy reading, Cheli
Hi Mr. Tortoise...you certainly get my vote for one of the most inviting profile pages. Several of your lists are parallel to the categories i set up for the 999 challenge. It's fascinating how different the actual entries are!
TT,

Yes, I have read The Dumas Club. I have read a couple Perez-Reverte's (sp?) books. I do not believe they have all been translated yet, but the couple that I have read have been good.

Stasia
TT,

I thought for a first effort (I think it was anyway), The Dante Club was pretty good. Some of the conversation seemed a bit stiff and stilted to me, but maybe it is just because I am not used to conversation from that time period. The detective/mystery side of the book I thought was very well done. Matthew Pearl reminds me in some respects of Caleb Carr's works in The Alienist and Angel of Darkness, both of which I highly recommend.

Hope this info helps!

Stasia
Hey TT. Just came wandering over from the 75 Book Challenge - my usual hangout - to take a peek at your page and I am very impressed. Makes me quite ashamed of my dull ol' page. We seem to have a lot of Classics in common. Nice to have you as one of the group.
Hi Tortoise! I've just been poking around in your library - you have a really interesting mix of books. I'm glad to see that you liked The Complete Stories of Noel Coward; I didn't even know such a book existed and now I'm going to have to find a copy. Have you read The Letters of Noel Coward? If you haven't, it's wonderful.
hi T.H.E. Tortoise ;-)

Funny, your LT name resembles ours: hubby and me are Frank and Anita Meulstee.
Nice to have you in the 75 group and I completely agree with your statement above: "LibraryThing is like finding a family of like-minded individuals!"

Anita
WOW! I am VERY impressed. In my experience, not too many people know Pre-Raphaelite art! Yes, the photo on my page is a Waterhouse painting of Miranda and the Tempest.
Good to chat with you
You won't be disappointed with Frankenstein!!!!!
WOW! What a neat page! I found your name on the 75 book challenge! Welcome!
My husband's initials are MD -- we often get mail addressed to Dr. Mueller!
Except ASK was for real and he didn't even seem to have a sense of humor ;->
ooh-- Thomas Henry Edward Tortoise! I get it.

I have a friend named P.H.D. Blount so he can be doctor :)

In the States I saw a license tag which read ASK -- so I said to the guy, "Okay -- I give -- what?" He stared at me blankly so I explained. He pulled out his driver's license -- yup you guessed it. they were his initials.

Ciao
What a fun fun page! Thanks for all the lovely info. My sincerest condolences on the lost libraries. I finally tracked down a gal to whom I had loaned some of my fav piano books. She replied, "No I don't have them. Don't feel bad I lost books too." huh? I would have been fine with, "so sorry... I don't know what I did with your books." but there wasn't a touch of personal responsibility in her reply. LOL methinks I have a touch of melodrama today.
The poop deck riddle was very popular with the cabin boys at my house!
Hello Tortoise,

Great animation! Thank you for your comment. I grew up reading Wonder Woman comics and that has turned into a life long comic book and graphic novel obsession.

I would like to read more classic literature. I may drop in from time to time to peruse your classic English novels. "Jane Eyre" and "A Christmas Carol" are two of my favorite stories. Unfortunately, I did not win them at ER. Oh well, so it goes. I look forward to hearing what you think of your graphic novel experience. Besides Classics Illustrated, Marvel Comics is coming out with a similar line of comics and graphic novels.

Caroline
Yes, that's the one. The movie was fun, but as is usually the case, the book is much better. Enjoy!
Stopped by to say hello. You posted that you were reading "piratey" books -- if you haven't read it already, I would highly recommend [Captain Blood]. I read it recently for a book club and loved it. Great fun!
Greetings Milord, yes indeed still moving...cubes of stuff in Austin still not on their way to New York, oh heavy sigh, and then of course there is a wedding in my future...not my own, blessedly, but still working like it was.

Have a lovely, o Tortoisely one.

Cheers
RMD
Well, heaven knows I SHOULD look distinguished, being Vladimir Nabokov and all.

Cheers, milord
RMD
Oy Vey..i'm lousy at riddles, but am a game one for everything else

thanks
JUDE
just stopped by to say HELLO...this is Jude from WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW? group...i am reading CHINA LAKE by Meg Gardiner (the first of a series) and it is wondrous fair..for a mystery/thriller...it actually thrills! THIRTEENTH TALE is on a bookshelf upstairs..waiting its turn to be read..i love GOTHICS..the older the better but some Contemporaries do justice to the Genre...love your Library, by the by...we have more books in common than LT thinks...i am still adding

take care
JUDE

oh, i am awaiting the arrival of A PIRATE OF EXQUISITE MIND....if it gets here soon, i'll join yer scurvy group...since i be partial to Pirate Lore of all sorts...arrgh...y'know ;-D
Keep reading The Thirteenth Tale! You've gotten through about the worst of it, and now it's mostly mystery stuff left.
Hello Again Tortoise: Coincidentally, my husband and I are leaving home in late November to spend a month in San Blas, Mexico - a seaside community with a swashbuckling history. Consequently, I won't be devoting quite as much time to reading. However, I do hope to "watch" the group.

Thanks again. Carol
It's hard to say why a book catches on with book groups. It might just be word of mouth, though my suspicion is that The Coffee Treader has a more interesting female dynamic, and there is, I think, something of a gender skew in book groups. I know that many groups have used either or even both, with what I hope are good results. A Conspiracy of Paper might be more timely, because of its focus on stock fraud, but The Coffee Trader also deals with financial mischief, so I'm probably not being of that much help.

Bottom line, either should work.

Thanks for your interest in using one of my books, however Be sure to keep me informed.

David
Hi Tortoise: Wow! Your site looks amazing! Thanks for the invitation to the group. I really liked "A Pirate Of Exquisite Mind" and recommend it highly. Found the book at the used outlet at the library and pounced upon it. Hardcover. Mint condition. One dollar.
Hi Tortoise

Thank you for the invite to join the Pirates group. I did really enjoy reading the book last year but I don't think I want to re-read it quite so soon. There are too many books on my TBR pile and I also have a couple of books for my other group reads.

By the way, I love your profile! You've got some great books in your 1001 TBR list .... I've read them all so far, and I know you're just going to have a wonderful time when you get to them.

caroline
Hi Tortoise, Just read Rush Limbaugh is a big fat liar by Al Franken. Your lists contain many of my hot buttons like Shakespeare. I may read Sea Wolf (London) and will visit Myopic Books in Chicago to see if I can snag a used copy. :) ken
Glad you had a nice time away. The memoir of Tennyson looks very intriguing, I'll look into it too, thanks for mentioning it, have a wonderful day!
Schmidpe
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