Medlem: nannybebette

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FavorittforfattereAnita Diamant, Diana Gabaldon, John Grisham, Wally Lamb, Charles Martin, Audrey Niffenegger, John Phillips, Kris Radish, Anita Shreve, John Steinbeck, Mary Stewart (Delte favoritter)

Om megReading has always been my "safe" place.

Medlemskap LibraryThings Tidlige anmeldere/Medlemsdonasjoner

Virkelig navnbelva

StedWestern Washington

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Medlem sidenAug 30, 2007

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Hello, Belva
Just a note to say how sorry I was to hear of your family's loss.
Take care!

christine

postet av marise kl. 5:27 pm (EST) den Dec 20, 2009

Hi Belva- I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your "Pa"! I know it was expected but that sure doesn't make it any easier! Sending blessings your way, my friend! If you need anything, holler!

Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 3:56 pm (EST) den Dec 20, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thank you for a wonderful Secret Santa gift! I am curled up with the Virago Book of Christmas this weekend and am enjoying it.

Danielle

postet av noodlejet22 kl. 11:33 am (EST) den Dec 20, 2009

That is actually me with Barbara Kingsolver! She came to my town to do a reading from "The Lacuna" and a book signing. What an amazing woman.

postet av PaperbackPirate kl. 5:06 pm (EST) den Dec 19, 2009

If you love a book, I say shout it from the rooftops. That's what this place is about.

postet av PaperbackPirate kl. 12:34 pm (EST) den Dec 19, 2009

A quick reminder - It's now December 17th so I'd just like to remind everyone joining the Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden group read to post your reviews/thoughts during the first week of 2010 (January 4 to 10). Leave a link on my blog to your review. Cheers!

postet av tuppy_glossop kl. 3:11 am (EST) den Dec 17, 2009

Hi Belva, thank you for your kind words and for dropping in to say hello.

THe movie of the NOTR was very enjoyable, but it only focussed on the who-dunnit plot. The book focusses much more on the debate/church council theme. It does contain large swathes of medieval doctrine, which is not my area of expertise or interest, but Eco's writing is always lively and interesting. Im sure you will enjoy reading it. it's definitely a book lover's book!

I enjoy your comments in the salon very much!

Best wishes,
Murr

postet av tomcatMurr kl. 1:47 am (EST) den Dec 14, 2009

Belva

You are very much on my minds and in my heart.

I'm so sorry you are going through all this!

postet av Whisper1 kl. 8:20 pm (EST) den Dec 13, 2009

Hi Belva- I received your Christmas card yesterday! Thanks so much! You are a special person! You were asking about Thanksgiving. My wife and son both worked, it sucks I know, so my daughter and I went to my cousins but the next day we had another feast, that included all of us. The ages of my "beautiful" children: Bree is 19 and Matt is 17. Their birthdays are in March, so they are growing up fast!
BTW, in the latest Entertainment Weekly, Stephen King listed his favorite reads of the year,(which is always an impressive list) and he named "Midnight's Children" as a must read! Take care, my friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 6:10 pm (EST) den Dec 13, 2009

Sending hugs and prayers your way.

Linda

postet av Whisper1 kl. 12:26 am (EST) den Dec 12, 2009

Belva,
I just read about your father-in-law. It is so hard to see someone give up like that. Thank you for trusting your LT friends with your sadness...first about Chrissy (which is having a happy ending) and now this. My heart goes out to you. ~Donna~

postet av Donna828 kl. 7:52 pm (EST) den Dec 11, 2009

>SMMOOCHSMOOCHSMOOCHSMOOCH<

It's so lovely to be missed by those you miss. I am back!

xoxo

postet av richardderus kl. 2:35 pm (EST) den Dec 11, 2009

Hi Belva- Thanks for your kind comments! I guess the review was a big hit! Have you read "The Glass Castle"? I can't remember. I just started "Cutting For Stone" and I already feel this will be another major winner! Take care, my friend!

Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 10:25 pm (EST) den Dec 9, 2009

Vita is one of my favorite authors, too. I got introduced to her when we visited Sissinghurst in the 70's for the first time. Harold Nicholson had just died the year before and the gardens had only been open to the public by the National Trust for a few years. There was no parking lot and we pulled our car right up on the lawn by her tower. The gardens were breathtakingly beautiful. I got a used copy of Knole at the Sackvilles (which I still have) and we went to Knole the following week. What a magnificent house and no wonder she was angry because, as a woman, she could not inherit it. It went to a cousin who donated it to the Trust.

In the 80's I was touring by myself and I took the train to Sissinghurst. Problem is it is really far from the train station to Sissinghurst Castle so I started to walk. A pickup truck hauling hay asked if I wanted a lift to the gardens. Turned out it was her grandson Adam Nicholson who was getting hay for his horses. He invited me to meet his father Nigel and I actually had tea in their privates rooms.

On that same trip I stumbled into a used bookstore in Tunbridge Wells and found six books (three on gardening and three histories) which came from her private library. Her bookplate was in each book and she wrote "VSW" on the flyleaf of each in pencil. On another trip I went to Withyham where the Sackville's are buried. Her memorial (ashes behind it) on the churck wall has "V Sackville-West author and maker of Sissinghurst Castle garden" and her dates. Not a clue that the person was a woman and no mention of her marital status.

What a fascinating woman and writer.

Elaine

PS. I also stayed in a B and B run by one of her original gardeners who informed me that she carried a flask of brandy in her jodphurs, hated to weed but loved to prune. and preferred ladies to gentlemen!

postet av Liz1564 kl. 8:10 pm (EST) den Dec 9, 2009

Thank you my dear! How nice of you :)

postet av ChocolateMuse kl. 7:46 pm (EST) den Dec 9, 2009

I like your calendar idea. We're improving local now, and will be in the future. I'll keep it in mind.

Best,
Tim

postet av timspalding kl. 1:53 pm (EST) den Dec 7, 2009

Belva- Thanks, my friend! I have it in my address book!! We've been getting the Christmas stuff out from under the house and organized, so not much football, watching the Bears a little bit, they are leading but they are pretty crappy this season, somewhat painful to watch! Have a great day and see you on the threads!!

Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 3:10 pm (EST) den Dec 6, 2009

Thank you so much Belva. I appreciate your thoughts. I had a great Thanksgiving and I hope yours was also.

postet av brenzi kl. 9:53 am (EST) den Dec 3, 2009

Ditto on the interesting library--I love your Virago collection.

postet av Medellia kl. 7:12 pm (EST) den Dec 2, 2009

You're too kind! You definitely have the gift of encouragement :)

postet av wisewoman kl. 2:27 pm (EST) den Dec 2, 2009

Thanks, Belva! And may I say, I have been enjoying your contributions to the Salon. You bring a wonderful liveliness to the group.

postet av Medellia kl. 1:16 pm (EST) den Dec 2, 2009

Dear Belva,

I mailed Dark Island this morning. Hope it gets to you in a reasonable length of time!

Elaine

postet av Liz1564 kl. 10:35 am (EST) den Nov 30, 2009

Hi Belva- Wallace Stegner writes beautifully crafted literary fiction! He died in the early nineties but left quite a legacy. His "Angle of Repose", which was outstanding, won the Pulitzer for fiction in the early 70s. You should give him a try! Have you read "The Glass Castle"? A memoir? It's an excellent book. I have her follow-up, "Half-Broke Horses" and will start it in a couple of days!
Have a great Sunday, friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 8:04 am (EST) den Nov 29, 2009

Hi Belva- Thanks for the lengthy, very informative message! I appreciate the candor! You and Ruthie are the best at sending messages, hands down! I loved the story of your grandson Tyler! Funny stuff! I saw that you were quite active today on the threads and that always makes me feel good, I'm sure everyone feels the same! Yes, looking forward to WWE and then "Midnight's Children" in March. Have you read Wallace Stegner? I'm nearly done with "Crossing to Safety" and it's been excellent! Adios, my friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 7:40 pm (EST) den Nov 28, 2009

Thanks for the luv, Belva!

Hey I see you have a slew of Patricia Cornwell. My wife and I (she turned me on to her) have everything she's ever written, except for her children's book, Life's Little Fable.

Please tell me you're not really reading Clarel? That 112 page intro sounds fascinating!

;-)

postet av EnriqueFreeque kl. 5:22 pm (EST) den Nov 28, 2009

Dark Island arrived today and, as I thought, it is a first edition which is in pretty good shape for a book published in 1936. I will get it in the mail to you Monday. Have a good "rest of the Thanksgiving holiday".

Elaine

postet av Liz1564 kl. 3:13 pm (EST) den Nov 28, 2009

Belva

I'm stopping by to say Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Linda

postet av Whisper1 kl. 9:50 pm (EST) den Nov 25, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thanks! The Avignon Quintet gets even better as it goes on. I'm midway through the third book (Constance). Durrell's poetic asides, phrasing, and insights make the reading special. There's not a lot of plot. It's a long, loving glimpse back at the early 1940's from a man who is not only a diplomat but, also, primarily, a poet.

Peace,
G

postet av Ganeshaka kl. 1:00 pm (EST) den Nov 24, 2009

Hi Belva! Actually I think we have met in your challenge thread a few months ago. Your granddaughter had had some procedure done, I think? I know you have such a popular thread, it would be easy to forget someone who doesn't post there regularly. However, it's lovely to meet you again :)

Thanks for your kind comment on my hot review. And welcome to the salon! It's a nicer place because you are there.

postet av wisewoman kl. 12:02 pm (EST) den Nov 24, 2009

Thanks, Belva, for the nice comment! I really love von Arnim's way with description - so lovely.

Tracy

postet av Talbin kl. 9:51 pm (EST) den Nov 23, 2009

Thanks Belva !

postet av lindsacl kl. 9:07 pm (EST) den Nov 23, 2009

Belva,
Just thought I'd drop by to say how sorry I am to hear that your father-in-law is so unwell right now. You've already stayed so strong for Chrissy that this must be exhausting for you, coming just as the good news about her has allowed you to start recovering a little. We're all thinking of you, and we're all wishing you well from afar so you can stay strong for yourself and the people who need you most, just that little bit longer.
Big hugs to you, as ever, xx

postet av elliepotten kl. 6:31 am (EST) den Nov 20, 2009

Hi Belva- As usual thanks again for the detailed update! It is much appreciated and I'm sending out a huge cyper-hug for you, my friend! Please keep in touch! :-)

Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 8:11 pm (EST) den Nov 19, 2009

Hi Belva- I left a reply to you on my challenge! How is your father-in-law? I'm hoping everything is going well with him. And thanks again for your assistance on the group read, I think it was another success, very smooth and we'll do it again in Jan. Bonniebooks had suggested "Midnight's Children" for a future G.R. I'm thinking seriously about it. Any thoughts? Adios, friend!

Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 7:46 pm (EST) den Nov 18, 2009

Belva--

Those certainly were horrifying pictures. I have signed and forwarded the message along. Thanks may be the wrong word to use, but I appreciate your bringing this to my attention so that I could make my opinion known in whatever small way possible.

Deborah

postet av arubabookwoman kl. 3:40 pm (EST) den Nov 17, 2009

Hi belva,
Sorry, I thought you became a follower? I have you on my list.
http://theliterarystew.blogspot.com

postet av tuppy_glossop kl. 11:11 pm (EST) den Nov 16, 2009

I can't say I "enjoyed" it because it is a powerful, tragic read. Her fight against mental illness
is colossal. I had to take it in small doses. (With all going on in your life, it is not a bad thing that you wait to read it.)

Have a good holiday.

Elaine

postet av Liz1564 kl. 8:39 pm (EST) den Nov 16, 2009

Oh great Belva! Would be great if you left a comment on my blog saying you're in so the rest are more inclined to join. You'll love the book....it's lovely!

postet av tuppy_glossop kl. 8:10 pm (EST) den Nov 16, 2009

My copy has 217 pages. Are you in?

postet av tuppy_glossop kl. 7:44 pm (EST) den Nov 16, 2009

Hi Belva,
Would you be interested in joining a group read of the Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden? I'm starting one together with another blogger. The plan is to post a review on the first week of January. You don't have to have a blog. You can post your thoughts and comments in LT or in the comment section in our blogs.

Tuppy

postet av tuppy_glossop kl. 7:17 pm (EST) den Nov 16, 2009

Good Morning Belva- How are you, my friend? Thanks for stopping by my challenge (it's getting lonely over there) and leaving such nice comments. BTW, I left you a message there. If you would be interested in "Shiloh", let me know, it's terrific stuff. Also C.W. related, try to track down Foote's Civil War Narrative, it's in 3 volumes. I have the 1st one and intend to get the other, as soon as I read the 1st. I heard they are excellent! Have a great Sunday!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 10:16 am (EST) den Nov 15, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thanks for visiting my blog. I've been having so much fun with it! You should try it. What are you reading right now? I'm reading a Persephone, Consequences by E.M. Delafield and really loving it! I hope to review it soon.

postet av tuppy_glossop kl. 4:56 am (EST) den Nov 15, 2009

Hi Belva. Are you kidding? Of course I don't mind your peeking. I'm flattered you find my accumulations interesting. I'll return the favor, if you don't mind. Have a good one. Mary Lou

postet av MerryMary kl. 9:57 pm (EST) den Nov 14, 2009

Yesm Ethan Frome shocked me vividly. I was still a teenager when I read it and I would say it was one of the most jawdropping books I had ever read to that time. I have read quite a bit by Wharton but never was as moved by anything else as I was by Ethan Frome. The full list of Wharton books read by me is as follows:
348 Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton (read 6 Sept 1948)
535 The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton (read 20 Apr 1958) (Pulitzer Fiction prize for 1921)
1384 The Reef, by Edith Wharton (read 15 Apr 1976)
1385 Summer, by Edith Wharton (read 17 Apr 1976)
1386 Xingu and Other Stories, by Edith Wharton (read 18 Apr 1976)
1387 Old New York, by Edith Wharton (read 19 Apr 1976)

1389 A Son at the Front, by Edith Wharton (read 24 Apr 1976)
2405 The Custom of the Country, by Edith Wharton (read 28 Aug 1991)
3102 The House of Mirth, by Edith Wharton (read 12 Aug 1998)

postet av Schmerguls kl. 5:30 pm (EST) den Nov 14, 2009

Thank you, Belva! I think I am settling in well, especially as time goes on. And warm thanks for your wishes. Including those on reading! I am happily finishing a VMC 30th anniversary edition of A Game of Hide and Seek, which we bought in London on our honeymoon. Wishing you, also, happy reading, and more happy years.... Julie

postet av Eurydice kl. 3:38 pm (EST) den Nov 14, 2009

Hi Nannybebette, I just finished reading Bowen's A World of Love and share your views on it. I don't think there was much preparation for the ending. I had hoped that Maud's crisis would have more of an effect. Still, I almost want to re-read it!

Robin

postet av robinamelia kl. 6:11 am (EST) den Nov 13, 2009

Hi Belva

Just stopping by to say hi.

postet av Whisper1 kl. 7:50 pm (EST) den Nov 12, 2009

:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) )

Mary

postet av urania1 kl. 9:41 pm (EST) den Nov 11, 2009

The complete title of Shamela is as follows (make sure you are sitting down and note that some of the "f's" are actually "s's"):

AN APOLOGY FOR THE LIFE OF Mrs. SHAMELA ANDREWS. In which, the many notorious FALSHOODS and MISREPRESENTATIONS of a Book called PAMELA, Are expofed and refuted; and all the matchlefs ARTS of that young Politician, fet in a true and juft Light. Together with A full Account of all that paffed between her and Parfon Arthur Williams; whofe Character is reprefented in a manner fomething different from that which he bears in PAMELA. The whole being exact Copies of authentick Papers delivered to the Editor.

postet av urania1 kl. 4:26 pm (EST) den Nov 11, 2009

thanks belva. i'm glad you liked the little story. but i'm happier that your family seems to be gaining strength as your niece gets better. she's a strong one... yes she is.

postet av Banoo kl. 10:29 pm (EST) den Nov 9, 2009

Hi There!

Thanks ever so much for your kind message on my thread.

postet av Whisper1 kl. 10:30 pm (EST) den Nov 8, 2009

Belva,

Sorry I took so long to answer your question. I have spent the last three days winterizing my garden. I am perhaps 30% of the way through. We had so much rain this summer and fall that I let the garden go to rack and ruin. It just depressed me too much to look at it. Now I'm trying to make up for "Lost Time."

Question 1: I think we do plan to read the entire Proust. I would recommend getting the new translation rather than the Moncrieff unless you already own the Moncrieff. If you don't, then buy one volume at a time of the new translation. I directed a "real" time group. It took us two years to work through the entire piece. As you know, with LT groups spring up, then sometimes fall apart. Here's the ISBN for Swann's Way and the link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swanns-Way-Search-...

Question 2: Shamela. It is available on ManyBooks.net. I personally find it a bit boring. I would rather read Pamela, so unless you simply can't stand reading from a computer, go the internet route. I can't get the link right now because the site is down for the moment.

postet av urania1 kl. 5:04 pm (EST) den Nov 8, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thanks for stopping by my (mere)50 list and saying hello. I DO seem to jump all over the place (whereas you seem to be reading the entire place - 177 in 2009, migod!) BUT, I think I'm about ready to get back to reading some VMCs. I've been neglecting them...even as I've been collecting them. The wife and I did a little traveling around the Hudson River and the Ohio River valleys this fall, and every used book store I encountered seemed to have a few green spines.

Peace,
G

postet av Ganeshaka kl. 2:19 pm (EST) den Nov 8, 2009

Belva- It was great to hear from you! You made my day! :-)

Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 1:47 pm (EST) den Nov 8, 2009

Hi stranger- How are you, my friend? I miss our little chit-chats. It seems like it's been quite awhile. How is the niece doing? Last time I checked she seemed to be improving nicely. I am very happy with the Group Read. I think we picked a winner and there has been some nice discussions.
All is well in the Midwest! A beautiful day today, might get over 70! Stay in touch!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 12:24 pm (EST) den Nov 8, 2009

Many thanks! It's a great book. I'm appreciative of urania (aka, gustavas adolphurania) for suggesting it.

postet av A_musing kl. 8:52 pm (EST) den Nov 5, 2009

Thanks belva dear!
its gone now, so I wouldn't hvae known :)

Glad to hear things are going well for you and your family...
such relief!

Take care
hugs
k

postet av mckait kl. 4:36 pm (EST) den Nov 5, 2009

Awww, thanks, Belva! It's a little funny for that, of all things, to become a hot review, considering I wondered if it was oversharing just to post it. But I'm glad people like it:) The book isn't what I'd call "good" exactly, but it's certainly an interesting,and ultimately a valuable, experience. Cheers!

postet av booksfallapart kl. 2:01 pm (EST) den Nov 5, 2009

Hello Belva,

I just thought I'd drop by and say "hello" and let you know I'm thinking of you and Crissy and her family.

Sounds like the group read is going smashingly (I stopped by the thread and lurked a bit earlier today). Enjoy!!

Big bear hugs friend!
Joanne

postet av coppers kl. 9:21 pm (EST) den Nov 4, 2009

I'll get Janet in the mail to you by Friday. Enjoy!

Elaine

postet av Liz1564 kl. 8:30 pm (EST) den Nov 3, 2009

Hi Belva, Just coming by to say "Hi!" Hope you're doing alright? Always glad to hear the bits of good news about Chrissie! Take care and have fun with your group reading! Bonnie

postet av bonniebooks kl. 2:03 am (EST) den Nov 1, 2009

Thanks, Belva. I wouldn't have seen that it was "HOT" if you hadn't mentioned it. Great book.

postet av laytonwoman3rd kl. 2:50 pm (EST) den Oct 31, 2009

Thank you Belva. I think you'd like Black Swan Green.

postet av brenzi kl. 10:19 am (EST) den Oct 28, 2009

Thanks Belva! My first hot review ever, I'm so proud :-)

Thinking of you and Chrissie, and so glad it's working out so much better than it could have. All the very best to you all.

postet av ChocolateMuse kl. 2:35 am (EST) den Oct 28, 2009

Dearest Belva,
I found a most welcome little package from you when I got home today...stressed and with tired feet and mind. Thank you for your sweet note which served to cheer me up greatly.

postet av noodlejet22 kl. 6:03 pm (EST) den Oct 23, 2009

Thank you darling Belva for the book, which arrived today. Bless you!

postet av romain kl. 6:34 pm (EST) den Oct 21, 2009

Very Dear Belva,
THANK GOD FOR MIRACLES!
I am immensely grateful for Chrissy's recovery thus far and continue to pray for her complete return to normal life, and patience and courage for all of you. I hope that now you can get a good night's sleep!
Love
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 3:36 pm (EST) den Oct 20, 2009

Wow! What a compliment--you thinking I'm blonde. I had jet black hair for a small portion of my life but it is now pretty much gray/white. Thank you for the compliment on the review of Still Alice. I pretty much feel like I know you because I see you all over on the threads and I see we share a lot of the same books. I hope it's ok to add you to my ineresting libraries. Bonnie

postet av brenzi kl. 12:28 pm (EST) den Oct 20, 2009

Thank you so much for looking out for the books Belva - sorry I misunderstood!! Trusting that all is as well as it can be with you and yours.
Hugs
Julie x

postet av juliette07 kl. 3:47 pm (EST) den Oct 19, 2009

Belva,
Thank you for your lovely comment about The Snow Geese. We also enjoy the migration of Canada Geese where we live in PA, and are fortunate to have a pond which seems to serve as a stopover for literally hundreds of geese around Christmastime. I love it when they come in to land for the first time each season, honking like crazy! And strangely enough, every year one pair stays on to nest and raise goslings. I don't think it's the same pair every year. It's uncanny how predictable it is. And when the goslings reach a certain size, they all take off. We've lived in our house 5 years and have seen the cycle every year. It's pretty cool.
Thanks again
Laura

postet av lindsacl kl. 11:59 am (EST) den Oct 19, 2009

How are you? How is Chrissy?

Hugs
Linda

postet av Whisper1 kl. 6:52 am (EST) den Oct 18, 2009

Whoo! It took that book a L-O-N-G time to cross the country. I'm glad that it got to you safely, and I hope you enjoy it. (It's a Taylor that I haven't read, so I'm looking forward to it too.)
Hope things are well with you and yours this weekend.
Peggy

(Hmmmm. I see that you've added Wolf Hall. I'm waiting impatiently for my copy to arrive, and when it does, I believe it will supplant everything on the in-progress table.)

postet av LizzieD kl. 1:20 pm (EST) den Oct 17, 2009

Dear Belva - Thank you so much for thinking of me. I am really not especially fussy. Are you looking to give them a home:)))))
Hugs
Julie
x

postet av juliette07 kl. 1:19 pm (EST) den Oct 17, 2009

Now that I'm no longer "hot," my life has returned to my old normal. Hugs back atcha, Kathi

postet av kambrogi kl. 4:29 pm (EST) den Oct 15, 2009

Belva- How the heck are you? I have not seen you around the threads lately. You know that makes us sad! Well, I hope all is well with you, my friend! I'm just finishing another incredible non-fiction book called "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers. My review forthcoming. Take care!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 3:09 pm (EST) den Oct 15, 2009

Thanks,dear. It is silly, but that occasional 24 hours of fame does give one a lift, doesn't it? I am sorry to have fallen so far behind on reading the threads of my LT friends. Life has thoroughly interfered with my fun!

postet av kambrogi kl. 12:31 pm (EST) den Oct 13, 2009

Hi. I read your review in which you were wondering if Virginia Woolf had written any novels. She wrote many. I would recommend To The Lighthouse or Mrs. Dalloway as a place to start.

postet av solla kl. 1:00 pm (EST) den Oct 11, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thanks for comments. The Steinbeck museum is in Salinas, California. I sadly have no pictures but I do enthusiastically recommend for anyone. It has lots of things for kids, plus films, quote, letters.. its packed! For me I really enjoyed learning background on the books (since I am from the UK) but my favourite bit though was a replica on the camper in Travels with Charley. It was tiny!

Anyway nice to meet you and look forward to reading your 101010 & ABC challenge threads.

Claire

PS: Love your LT picture.

postet av clfisha kl. 8:20 am (EST) den Oct 8, 2009

Hi Belva,
There is nothing like a little alone time to help you decompress. I know I need it to destress as much as possible. I checked your thread earlier today and read the update on Crissy. Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.

On to Louise Penny. In order the books are:
Still Life
A Fatal Grace/Dead Cold
The Cruelest Month
A Rule Against Murder
The Brutal Telling

I don't usually listen to audio books except for an occasional mystery or memoir, but I actually prefer these on audio with Ralph Coshan reading. I have a feeling I could listen to him read a Shredded Wheat box and I would be enthralled. They are fun little mysteries peopled with a lot of quirky characters.

Yeah, and that Copper - she is a real water bug. There is nothing she likes more than getting in the lake/pool/river and chasing a tennis ball!! The picture will remind me of summer for a little while.

Keep well Belva. Deep cleansing breaths.

*Hugs*
Joanne

postet av coppers kl. 1:25 am (EST) den Oct 8, 2009

Keepin' up with my studies m'am :) Thanks for asking!

postet av girlunderglass kl. 2:42 pm (EST) den Oct 7, 2009

Bless your heart, dear Belva! I'm sure that you need the rest and doubly sure that you have earned it triple-ly! Hope your mother has a light case of flu....... I continue to remember Chrissy and her family in my prayers.
Enjoy your rest ---- and if you have a nap, that's great too!
I'll try to get the book out tomorrow.
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 12:31 pm (EST) den Oct 7, 2009

B, Not really quality reading,more mechanical than anything,I discovered three boxes of books in my barn and I'm starting to realize why they got left there. Most of them suck, I'm reading Where angels fear to thread only because E.M. Forester is one of my favorite authors,still I long for a good sword battle,not a bunch of English fops whining about their awful lifes as rich people. Still can't complain too much,nothing invested,nothing gained.I'll keep Chrissie at the top of my prayer list and her mom too. Later,S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 11:13 pm (EST) den Oct 6, 2009

Belva, just wanted to stop by and tell you what a joy it is reading your threads. Your responses are always so warm and you take the time to make people feel like they're old friends. Happy reading and enjoy these beautiful autumn days.

postet av Carmenere kl. 7:23 pm (EST) den Oct 6, 2009

B, It's mighty quiet around here, watcha doing? What are you reading? Who's on first? S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 11:36 pm (EST) den Oct 5, 2009

Hi Belva, Thank you for adding me to your interesting libraries list. We seem to have quite a few books in common. I am so glad you are part of the Virago group now. I value your comments.

Cheers, Maren

postet av Marensr kl. 12:23 am (EST) den Oct 4, 2009

Hi Belva!

I've been hanging out on the Reviews Reviewed group. They helped me create the review now on the Hot Thread by offering me suggestions for how to improve the original. What you see is the third revision. That it even ended up on Hot Reviews is hilarious!

I usually don't put so much effort into reviews, but I didn't care for the book all that much, yet wanted to write a decent review of it. It was from Concord Free Press. That press offers a newly published book (usually a different one each month or so) in exchange for the recipient making a charitable contribution to charity of choice and then passing the book along to someone else to do likewise. Each book has a registration number. I like that concept. I made a contribution to a food pantry, and now I'm offering this book up on LT's Member Giveaways (with Abby's permission, since there are strings attached).

Next (free) book up will be a new one by Gregory MacGuire. Check it out at www.concordfreepress.com .

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 10:15 am (EST) den Oct 3, 2009

hello and congratulations for your hot review listed on today's home page!

postet av Whisper1 kl. 3:16 pm (EST) den Oct 2, 2009

Belva dear - thank you for the interesting library note - I am honoured indeed! Julie x

postet av juliette07 kl. 12:52 pm (EST) den Oct 2, 2009

Hi Belva- Just a quick stop to say hey! Good job on the Hot Review! Have you stopped by my challenge, to see the comments on "The Shack"? It didn't work for me but I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Hope all is well with you friend and keep us updated on Chrissy!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 10:20 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Fantastic review of Their Eyes Were Watching God !!
Laura

postet av lindsacl kl. 7:32 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Dear Belva - please call me Julie! Hugs and prayers to you and yours across the pond x

postet av juliette07 kl. 5:19 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Hi Belva - just calling by to say many congratulations on your Eyes Were watching God review - it is featured on the home page!

postet av juliette07 kl. 5:06 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Your are always so very encouraging.

How is Chrissy?

postet av Whisper1 kl. 4:21 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Interestingly enough,Velma and I are both reading Dracula,Stoker, at the same time,unplanned,spooky huh? I'm glad to hear the niece is hanging in,she probably comes from good stock. I have all these wood projects hanging over me and so I read,but soon I have to get my rear in gear and put my nose to the grindstone, right after this chapter,chuckle, later,S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 4:14 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Well, that's a pretty good selection you have there. Another Virago that's been banned or challenged frequently is Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. I'm surprised The Awakening was not issued as a Virago, actually. Happy reading.

postet av laytonwoman3rd kl. 3:29 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Ah, of course. The Well of Loneliness, by Radclyffe Hall, has gone a round or two with the authorities.

postet av laytonwoman3rd kl. 2:34 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Offhand, I don't know of any others, Belva. I'll give the list a once-over, and see if I notice any.

postet av laytonwoman3rd kl. 2:26 pm (EST) den Oct 1, 2009

Belva - I read it years ago but don't own it. I'd love it!

Barbara

postet av romain kl. 5:55 pm (EST) den Sep 30, 2009

Thinking of you, Belva.

postet av AMQS kl. 9:04 pm (EST) den Sep 29, 2009

Hi Belva

You are such a kind, sincere, wonderful person.

How are you feeling?

postet av Whisper1 kl. 9:33 pm (EST) den Sep 28, 2009

Hi Belva.
I just dropped by to thank you for keeping us updated on your neice's condition. I was so relieved to hear of her improvement, but sad about the setback today. I'll continue to pray for her and you. Hang in there friend.
Velma

postet av Kirconnell kl. 9:01 pm (EST) den Sep 28, 2009

Hey, Belva,
I just got back from out of town and see that I have to read 53 messages to catch up on your thread. I haven't read them yet, but I just wanted to stop by and say hello now. I will get caught up soon. Take care.
--BJ

postet av billiejean kl. 11:26 am (EST) den Sep 28, 2009

I read your comment and immediately sent a prayer up for her and for your family. Hope is a most powerful thing and I wish it for her and for her family that loves her dearly. God's best to you and yours. Slim

postet av mudslideslim kl. 7:28 pm (EST) den Sep 27, 2009

Belva- My heart goes out to you! Please keep me posted on the condition of your dear niece. I'm so sorry!
your friend
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 9:47 am (EST) den Sep 27, 2009

You're welcome Belva, thanks for joining!

regards,

Laura

postet av digifish_books kl. 5:27 am (EST) den Sep 27, 2009

Well, I like science fiction books a lot; I like gaming books a bit. However, I've only read one Iain Banks book, The Algebraist, and I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. It wasn't bad, but it had been hyped a lot and I was disappointed. I've never tried anything else of his.

--Tad

postet av TadAD kl. 6:22 pm (EST) den Sep 24, 2009

Hi Belva,

Just stopping in to say hello.

--Tad

postet av TadAD kl. 5:59 pm (EST) den Sep 24, 2009

Ah, my life's mission: spreading giggle-induced incontinence across the globe from the comfort of my own living room...
:-D

postet av elliepotten kl. 5:29 pm (EST) den Sep 24, 2009

Thanks for the congrats. I really liked The Earth Hums... quite a lot.

Yes, love Tsukiyama's writing. I haven't read Language of Threads yet, but hope to get to it soon as it's a sequel and I forget characters and scenes too easily! I have that and The Street of a Thousand Blossoms to looks forward to! Yea!

Happy reading.
Terri

postet av teelgee kl. 12:33 am (EST) den Sep 24, 2009

Hi Belva. I have very mixed feelings about Wilbur Smith. He writes He-Man type adventure stories - focusing on manly men with lots of action and adventure. I suspect his history isn't as accurate as it could be. My husband loves him, thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread. I loved reading him when I was a teenager and now I read him for sheer escapism. I would suggest you read the one you got and see how you feel about it. His stuff is usually very readable and you'll know fairly quickly if it's your type of book.

All the best,

Judy

postet av DeltaQueen50 kl. 10:55 pm (EST) den Sep 22, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thanks for your message about my review. I hope you enjoy the book.

Ficus

postet av FicusFan kl. 9:26 pm (EST) den Sep 21, 2009

Nannybete
I just saw your comment and am very pleased to hear you're anticipating my biography of Louisa May Alcott. This is my first book - and let me tell you, I'm a very late bloomer in this regard. I always wanted to write a book - being such a big reader - and didn't think I was capable of it so just that feels like an accomplishment to me.

If you feel like going to louisamayalcott.net you can read the preface and first chapter. I left off the introduction and won't know how to post it until Friday, but it's a basic intro to who Louisa was. You can also see clips from the documentary that goes with it.

Just to think that someone is looking forward to the book makes me glad I wrote it.

Best,
Harriet Reisen

ps my mother gave me Edna Ferber to read way back and I really liked it. Recently my husband picked up one of her books and thought it help up. My mother always thought she should have a higher valuation, that because she was so popular the critics didn't appreciate her. What do you think?

postet av HarrietReisen kl. 7:49 pm (EST) den Sep 21, 2009

Belva
It simply sounds like you have had a lot going on in your life and my heart goes out to you.

Are you feeling better today?

Hugs
Linda

postet av Whisper1 kl. 9:13 am (EST) den Sep 21, 2009

So sad to read about your kitty! Hope you guys are doing better with your loss now.

postet av suslyn kl. 8:26 pm (EST) den Sep 20, 2009

Hi There

I noted on TadAD's thread that you mentioned you are not feeling well, so, I'm stopping by to give a hug and to say I hope today is better than yesterday and tomorrow brings total healing!

postet av Whisper1 kl. 5:43 pm (EST) den Sep 20, 2009

Belva- Remember, your work is never finished here on LT! Our job of spreading joy never ceases. We are the joy-spreaders!! I have keeper copies of Grapes and East of Eden and I just mooched a copy of Tortilla Flat. I know it's shameful but that's it. What was the Steinbeck non-fiction, you reviewed, awhile back? That sounded good too! Later friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 2:51 pm (EST) den Sep 20, 2009

Hello Belva,

Thank you for stopping by and I am Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you on the comment about Pastor Larry (Larry Huch). I am not on here very much because of my busy Schedule. I belong to over two dozen Social Sites - Plus we have over 100 Websites on the Internet in our own System! I met Pastor Larry & his wife Tiz at the Christian Booksellers Association International Christian Retail Convention. I go to this Event every year with my Agent. This year it was held in Denver, CO, and the Huch's were there signing their new books at the Whitaker House Booth, so we stopped by to say Hello to them. A Great couple ! Both of the Huch's are going to be "Guests" on my One-Hour Weekly Syndicated Radio Show in October 2009. Tiz will be first on Oct. 1 at 6PM-CST & Pastor Larry will be on Oct. 22 at 6PM-CST... www.AgingOutsidetheBox.net. Call-In to the Show at 1-323-203-0815 or Skype-LA Talk Radio. I have been to Israel and really enjoyed "The Torah Blessing". I am about to read Tiz's book, "No Limits No Boundaries". We recently had Pamela Hines, and Jerry & Shirley Rose on our Show as well. Thank you again for stopping by.

Shirley W. Mitchell
'The Golden Egg of Aging"

postet av Sensational kl. 3:53 am (EST) den Sep 20, 2009

Iron James Kidd at yer service ma'am, but alas tis late and I've an early voyage once again rescuing my fair niece from some disaster. Avast,I shall be off the air til' Sunday nite. Get well,that's a blasted order,S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 12:41 am (EST) den Sep 19, 2009

Ahoy! Well shiver me timbers,ye are alive,I had begun to think I was marooned this time for shore. It's good at last ye will read a bit about the Lard in his own true language,but don't be getting yere hopes up lass,it still turns out the same way. J.C. gets keelhauled by bunch of no good eye-tallions and those chicken-stuff members of his crew jump ship,alas,I'm caught up in the spirit whilst drinkin' the same. Tomorrow nite,me and the little lady will sitting in a theatre watching one the Bard's fine plays "Measure for measure" and one of my young friends from church,Miss Abby Jones,will one of the players. Things are going well and I'm starting to loosen up a bit. Harr! Enough of this drivel,time to walk the plank,get well,fair winds and a following wind.S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 11:38 pm (EST) den Sep 18, 2009

It's not really wrong, although it may not be tuned perfectly. LibraryThing weighs the similarity of the name with the popularity of the book. So, for example, "Harry Potter Goblet" gets matched to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, not to the one idiot who named a book exactly Harry Potter Goblet. Coming Out: An Act of Love is three times as popular, so it comes up first. That's why there's an "others" option, so you can change it to the one you want, which is on the list. Frankly, I think it should be tuned a bit—weighing exact matches higher. But the idea behind it is intentional.

postet av timspalding kl. 11:47 am (EST) den Sep 18, 2009

Belva,
how is it going with the Clayton? By the way, she wrote to me again.
:-))

postet av aluvalibri kl. 1:34 pm (EST) den Sep 17, 2009

Belva,
I am responding to the question you put up on your challenge thread. On September 9, you left a comment about the group read you and Mark are planning for November. I read on your thread that you had decided on [People of the Book]beginning November 1. I checked out the book and it looks interesting. I have never participated in a group read but I would be glad to give it a try. Hope this answers your question. Let me know how the group read works. Should I read the book before November 1?
I hope you have time soon to write your review on [Battle Cry of Freedom]. I am curious to read what you think of the book.
Bill

postet av wildbill kl. 10:01 am (EST) den Sep 17, 2009

I'd rather have St. Edmund, (St. George never even CAME to England - he was Turkish, I think) and I love the traditional story school children around here learn about (then-King) Edmund.

He was killed in battle somewhere not far from here, and when his henchmen went to look for his body, the head was missing. They looked around a bit, and heard a voice calling 'Over here' and behind a bush found the head, calling them, being guarded by a wolf which was holding it between its front paws.

The cat, now grown up, is called Dumbledore, and is the oddest shaped cat I've ever owned - rather short legs, stocky body and a very long tail!

postet av Teazle kl. 2:08 pm (EST) den Sep 16, 2009

Hi Belva! I thought I would reply here instead of on your challenge thread. First off, be comforted that God is in control, even when we are sick! In fact, sickness and physical problems are often given to us as opportunities to glorify God. I think of the man born blind... Jesus said that it was not because of his or his parents' sin that he was born blind, but that it was done so that the glory of God could be seen in his life. I'll continue to pray for Haley.

I was raised in the Assemblies of God myself, and my family is still in it. My husband and I have moved away from charismatic beliefs and practices in favor of a more Bible-based theology. We believe in God's total sovereignty, the complete sufficiency of Scripture, etc. Charismatics are often wonderful people (and certainly my brothers and sisters in the Lord), so passionate and excited for God, but I do think there is a lack of biblical teaching because it gets lost in all the emotions. And of course the crazier charismatic elements sometimes teach stuff that is actually antithetical to the Bible, claiming "new revelations" and all that. Have to be really careful with that!

I pray that the Lord will lead you to a healthy church where His Word is preached without fear or compromise. God bless you :)

Amy

postet av wisewoman kl. 12:09 pm (EST) den Sep 15, 2009

thank you so much for the congratulations!! I hope I did the book justice.

Hope you have a lovely evening with a cozy book beside you - we both know there is no better company than that! ;)
Eliza

postet av girlunderglass kl. 10:46 am (EST) den Sep 15, 2009

Hi Belva,

Thanks for the compliment on my review! I see that "Wolf Hall" is supposed to be released on October 13 in the US, but sometimes those release dates aren't always accurate. I bought my copy from The Book Depository, as I didn't want to lug it home from London (it's 650+ pages, but the UK edition is printed on heavy paper, so it has the size of a 800-900 page book). The Book Depository has this edition in stock, although the price has gone up considerably from when I bought it last month; it's now $23.23, which is still below the $27.00 list price. And, as I've mentioned before, shipping is free to the US with no minimum purchase, so you'd only pay $23.23 for it.

Cheers,
Darryl

postet av kidzdoc kl. 8:29 am (EST) den Sep 15, 2009

Hi Belva!

Just stopping by to say another enormous THANK YOU for the special little packet that arrived for me this morning! After another long week, it has put an enormous smile on my face. And the card is so sweet! Just like me and my sister when we were small. Tomorrow is my weekly day off again, so perhaps Evangeline will be my companion for the day...

My sister is going back to university on Thursday so it will be a busy day for her and Mum, packing everything and doing a bit of last-minute shopping and washing and all the other things that inevitably get left too late! I, on the other hand, intend to be as lazy as possible - not only will Hannah be leaving Thursday, but necessity dictates that I will be running the shop with my dad for the day, which should be interesting. I'll be the boss - but since he's not worked in a retail environment since he was at school it's more likely to mean a whole lot MORE work for me than a chance to put my feet up and delegate!

Big hugs Belva, and thank you for making such a lovely gift to someone so far away, xxx

postet av elliepotten kl. 8:02 am (EST) den Sep 15, 2009

Hey, Belva- I received the book today and wanted to thank you once again and thanks also for the very nice card. I probably won't get to it for a couple of weeks but it will go to the top of the pile and then I will pass it on to a fellow LTer. If you have someone in mind, let me know. I might get my wife to read it also. Nice response to the G.R.! I'm very impressed. It looks like St. Richard may join us! Hurray! I finished "Hummingbird's Daughter",(excellent!)and will be starting "The Eyre Affair". Take care, friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 10:13 pm (EST) den Sep 14, 2009

No, dear, I am not too clever, I just read them all, that's all!
You can find pretty inexpensive copies on Amazon (that is where I got mine from), and I know that you will be sorry there are no more than eight altogether.
Did you know that she also wrote children books as Victoria Walker? That, I believe, was her maiden name.
I also love Barbara Pym, whose style is very different, as you know.
Happy reading.
Hugs.
:-))

postet av aluvalibri kl. 5:15 pm (EST) den Sep 12, 2009

Thank you so much for your concern but I am fine. Just resting a lot. Not in a whole lot of pain. I just had the surgery on Wed. so need time to heal. I don't have lilttle ones around but boy would I like to have them around. It sure would keep me from being bored. LOL My little ones have all grown up. How dare they!!

postet av callmejacx kl. 5:06 pm (EST) den Sep 12, 2009

mmmmmmm....methinks it sounds like "Out of Love"......;-)
But the best ones, in my humble opinion, are "Moonshine" and "Past Mischief".
They all are doorstoppers, but very quick read too, don't you think so?
Hugs back to you.
:-))

postet av aluvalibri kl. 5:03 pm (EST) den Sep 12, 2009

Hi belva,
I'm sorry I haven't replied earlier (problems with internet connection ... they never seem to go away :)
'People of the Book' sounds like a great idea to me, I've had this on my wishlist / TBR pile for a long time.
Is there a thread set up to discuss which book / vote for them? I'll start scouring the threads now. If you or mark need a hand I'll be happy to help, I really enjoyed the chat about pillars of the earth.

thanks,
David

postet av yosarian kl. 6:51 am (EST) den Sep 12, 2009

Belva,

Regarding the group read in November: I own both books and haven't read either yet, but People of the Book has less pages, so I'm going to vote for that. November is National Novel Writing Month, you see.

-Tina

postet av myquillisquick kl. 3:33 pm (EST) den Sep 11, 2009

Battle Cry of Freedom is THE best one volume history of the Civil War that exists. And Mary Chestnut's diaries are terrific--I've read them twice. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent on the Union side.

Another absolutely terrific book is Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Since you live in Seattle, I'm sure the library system there has a copy of the PBS documentary, on DVD, by Ken Burns called The Civl War. Don't miss this.

On the PBS series, you',ll meet Shelby Foote who was a great author and a premier historian of the /Civil War. should you want to go deeper, get his 3 volume history of the Civil War. It's long--each volume is about 1000 pages--but it reads like a 3000 page novel that you can't put down.

An outstanding one volume history of the Battle of Gettysburg is by the historian Coddington, in case you're interested in that battle specifically.

Joyce

postet av Joycepa kl. 3:09 pm (EST) den Sep 11, 2009

Belva, Love your angel kitty! Hope you're ok dealing with the loss of your cat. I've got my geriatric boy curled up next to me (that's my cat not my husband ;-))and was thinking of you. Joanne

postet av coppers kl. 12:01 am (EST) den Sep 11, 2009

I have a few there myself (in kitty heaven) - losing the last one was especially hard since we had had him since he was six weeks old. He died at 15.

postet av koalamom kl. 1:31 pm (EST) den Sep 10, 2009

At this point in time I don't know anything about either book so give me some time to check it out. Either way I trust you so I'm on board which ever way you jump. I'm assembling a care package for you,one more item to go,so there,something good is coming.S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 11:35 pm (EST) den Sep 9, 2009

Hi Belva- You are doing an awesome job. I hope it's not taking up to much of your time. Funny, Bonnie jumped right in with a few choices too. I actually have "Midnight Children" in my tbr also so I wouldn't have a problem with it. I'm just not sure how accessible it is. I thought more would pick "13th Tale" but I'm down with "People" too. You are doing a great job, friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 7:30 pm (EST) den Sep 9, 2009

Belva,

I would probably prefer The People of the Book, but I would join for either.

A Jest of God is by Margaret Laurence (and it's also a VMC by the way!)

xx Christina

postet av christiguc kl. 2:14 pm (EST) den Sep 9, 2009

And I forgot to add--I join Peggy is suggesting that you put A Jest of God on your To-Be-Purchased-Very-Very-Soon list. You have one of those lists, right? ;)

postet av christiguc kl. 10:17 pm (EST) den Sep 8, 2009

Hi Belva- You are so excellent! That's perfect! Now, we'll see which way it goes! Thanks again, my go-getter friend! :-)
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 9:46 pm (EST) den Sep 8, 2009

Hi Belva- Thanks for the review on "The Line of Beauty". I remember other LTers praising it a few months ago and that's why I picked it up. I also loved how you so precisely chiseled my suggestions down to 2, which I think is perfect. Let's go with "The Thirteenth Tale" & "People of the Book" and see if we get any interest. I was thinking of posting them on my challenge and how about posting them on yours. You have a much larger fan base, I'm still small potatoes, actually closer to tater-tots.Have you read either author? I have read "March", by Brooks and loved it. I started "The Hummingbird's Daughter" and so far so good! It's a big shift in writing style, compared to the last couple I've read. Take care friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 7:55 pm (EST) den Sep 8, 2009

Belva, I was just checking our commonalities to see whether you have any Margaret Laurence. You don't, and you really, really should! Add A Jest of God (at least) to your most-wanted list! She is the very best Virago writer I've found this year, and I just wanted to pass her along! Our Patricia passed her to me.
(Did you just lose the angel kitty? I'm sorry. Our 18 year-old Dandy died this summer, and as that was going on, a mother cat with her two kittens began spending time in our yard. Now they are on our cat porch, and have come to stay. (My on-going project is to introduce them to Chibby, the senior cat, so that they can come in before winter. Dear Husband says he's not having 4 cats and a dog in the house all the time. We'll see.) At any rate, pets are irreplaceable, but new ones make their own places and soothe the pain of loss.
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 10:23 am (EST) den Sep 7, 2009

Belva,
Thank you for your kind note. I completely agree with you about TT's thread; he is someone I think would be wonderful to meet. So many of you seem to be such kind souls, and I'm so glad I've had the chance to get to talk books with all of you.

postet av thomasandmary kl. 11:17 pm (EST) den Sep 6, 2009

To A God Unknown is one of my favorite Steinbeck books. I've been reading through your group threads and that led me to your review. I've got to get back into my Steinbeck books. It is his writing more than any other that got me interested in reading.

postet av Banoo kl. 8:33 pm (EST) den Sep 6, 2009

Hi Belva! Did you hear a little mouse in your library? It was me... sneaking around looking for some juicy new reads. I luckily found The Mitfords: Letters Between Six Sisters. It sounds like something I can really sink my teeth into. Thanks. See you later!
Velma

postet av Kirconnell kl. 12:06 pm (EST) den Sep 6, 2009

Hey kid, I've heard the shack was pretty good, I can't believe it, I actually won a book,behind every illusion by christina harkenson can't wait, I'll let you know if its worthy,how was the game? I used to love to watch Steve Largent play but that was a long time ago.S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 11:20 pm (EST) den Sep 4, 2009

Hi Belva,
First of all, I'm so sorry about your kitten! Losses are always difficult, no matter whether they're human or animal.

The other reason I'm writing is that I have a Steinbeck question and decided to bring it to our resident Steinbeck Expert, without hijacking your challenge thread. In one of the chapters of my current book, the author makes reference to Steinbeck's The Pearl. He even includes some quotes, and it sounded really, really good. So, what do you think? Would you recommend it? And it would it be a good one to start with for someone who's still learning to appreciate Steinbeck?

Thanks!
Andrea, aka spacepotatoes

postet av spacepotatoes kl. 9:39 am (EST) den Sep 4, 2009

Belva,
Hi! I read about your kitten on Stasia's thread and I just wanted to stop by and say how sorry I am for your family's loss. I understand your wanting to stay in bed all day. Hope you are feeling better now and remembering the cute things that kitten did to make you happy!

Regina

postet av thomasandmary kl. 6:59 pm (EST) den Sep 3, 2009

I guess we do take a bit of poetic license with the language but that's what they get for giving license to poet's to start with.So the IRS called up a minister the other day and stated they had a problem with one his members deductions. They asked if Mr.Smith had indeed donated 40,000 to the building fund. The pastor's answer:
He will. S

postet av mudslideslim kl. 11:37 pm (EST) den Sep 2, 2009

Hi, Belva! Thanks for the compliments on my Crossriggs review! I appreciate it. As it happens, I've also reviewed a couple of your recent acquisitions:

My review of Nella Larson's Passing

My review of Mary Lavelle

Also:

My review of Land of Spices

My review of Travel Light

I love knowing that someone actually reads my reviews. Thanks!

Happy reading,
Rob

postet av rbhardy3rd kl. 4:48 pm (EST) den Aug 30, 2009

It is quite good, Belva, they all are. I would not call them romances (well, not only), they are more than that. They are just the kind of book that makes you feel well when you read it, that's it!

By the way, talking about Angela Carter, you should try to read The Bloody Chamber, which is a re-telling of several fairy tales, including Bluebeard or The Bloody Chamber of the title. Her writing is marvelous.

Paola :-))

postet av aluvalibri kl. 4:22 pm (EST) den Aug 29, 2009

Hi Belva -- I've already answered you in the July treehouse, but I've not read this one. According to Amazon reviewers. it's her first novel and somewhat atypical. It looks like it's pretty grim. The reviewers don't recommend starting an acquaintance with Carter with this novel -- for what that's worth.

postet av janeajones kl. 2:00 pm (EST) den Aug 29, 2009

Hi Belva! Thanks for stopping by my challenge thread and saying "hi"! I just wanted to say "hi" back and that I've been following your constantly-expanding thread. I also wanted to let you know that I'm reading Bonhoeffer (The Cost of Discipleship) right now - it's a very good read, although (for a Christian) very uncomfortable. Uncomfortable in the sense of challenging one's complacency. What was the name of the Bonhoeffer biography you read earlier in the year? I want to read it, but can't remember and am somehow unable to find it.

Enjoy your weekend!
Jennifer

postet av jfetting kl. 9:42 pm (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

I love this place (except for that bit last week). It has gotten me to read things I had never read or wanted to read and I have made some interesting friends. I am glad I followed laytonwoman's advice.

postet av koalamom kl. 8:33 pm (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

Belva- You give the best messages! You are so positive and informative! Me, I keep it brief & simply-put, much like my mini-reviews. We are who we are, right? I'm nearly done with "Shadow Divers" and cannot praise it enough. As far as another GR selection. It should be pretty easy. I'll just scan my tbr piles, which are loaded with amazing potential and come up with a couple suggestions. Let's wait until late October or early November, so we can make a dent in what we have. Also let me know when you might like to start "The Eyre Affair". We don't have to read it at the exact time but somewhere around it. Have a great weekend, friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 7:50 pm (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

Here's my extra: http://www.librarything.com/topic/68421

postet av koalamom kl. 7:09 pm (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

Here's the original: http://www.librarything.com/topic/49780

postet av koalamom kl. 7:08 pm (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

I'll have to track down the Trevanian one I mean......and I was thinking of Ludlum too. Most of those have been relegated to the attic, I think.
Uh - dear husband and I are 65. How much longer do I have to wait for him to mellow?
Happy Weekend!

postet av LizzieD kl. 4:37 pm (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

Hi, Tweetie! (The birds of a feather deal....)
Yeah, I read all of Trevanian when he was writing; I just haven't gotten around to recording them all here. Remember the primitive computer work the guy did in the Basque novel whose title I can't recall? (Is that Shibumi?) I need to reread that for fun.
Hmmmmm...... You suggested that I might be 'psycho.' That may be true, but I hope that was a slip for 'psychic!' And, just to keep this going, my next favorites of Sir Plum are the Mulliner stories. AND while we're talkeing about British humor, I trust that you read Saki.....? Good stuff!
I'm off tomorrow with my dearest high school friends and their husbands (some of whom are also our dear high school friends) for a truncated weekend at White Lake. My dear husband whose friends they are too won't go - says he saw them year before last, and that is apparently enough for him. Hope you have a good weekend.
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 9:50 am (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

Hi Belva,

It is so good to hear from you. I actually wrote a very long reply to you about two weeks ago and when I went to send it my laptop freaked out on me and the message I wrote to you was gone. I was so mad that I ended up turning off the computer and going to bed!

Anyhow, I am delighted to hear that you got a chance to get away for a few weeks. Was it very hot in and humid in Texas? The theater sounds like loads of fun! The bookstores you found sound great too. I would have probably bought just as many books and shipped them home as well...it's always difficult to find a bargain when it comes to books. I was at Borders in my area the other day to buy a book for school (Ishmael; An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit by Daniel Quinn...a must read when you have a chance) and as I was cruising the shelves I found another book that looked very interesting (The Writing on My Forehead, can't remember the authors name) so I picked that one up as well. When I paid for them the total was over 40 dollars! I wish they were at my dollar bookstore!

My summer was so busy that I have not had a chance to visit LT too often. Usually when I do visit it's to enter more books into my library. My sister was staying at my house for the summer (trying to get her daughter into show business)and that combined with keeping the house stocked with food and keeping it clean became a full time job!

The kids are now back in school, as well as myself, and life has settled down enough that I am finally able to start reading again. I just finished a book called The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer. As I like historical fiction this was right up my alley. I also read a book called In The Heart of The Canyon by Elisabeth Hyde. It's about a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. The characters are well developed and the story was pretty good, but I was expecting more suspense. At first the author got the reader to believe that because of some of the guests on the river trip were not compliant to the rules that disaster was soon to follow, which is what I was hoping for. What actually happens at about the three quarter mark in the book was pretty disappointing, but I will keep the book and re-read it someday because the author describes the grand canyon beautifully.
I was also able to read a few books over the summer. I read Alice Hoffman's The Third Angel (very, very good, highly recommend), The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar (also highly recommended),
Glenn Beck's Common Sense (I liked it; it's a keeper), and two YA novels. The first one is a really sweet story. It's called Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors and it's about a young girl living with her grandmother. Grandma's coffee house is losing to the competition that moved in next door and when our young girl meets an angel he grants her her hearts desire. She thinks he is a freak and tries to avoid him, but eventually, through trial and error, she makes a wish based on her true hearts desire and everyone lives happily ever after. A very sweet story, the kind that make you feel good all over. The second YA book is called Gone by Michael Grant. If you have grandsons who like to read this would be perfect for them. It's about what happens to a group of kids (teens to toddlers) who have to learn how to live without adults as one day all adults disappear. To make matters worse, some of the teens start mutating and gaining super human powers. Some use their powers for good, some for evil. Eventually it becomes the "good vs. the evil". All in all a very fast read.
I am currently reading Sinner by Ted Dekker, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn and WWII by Richard Mayburry.
I am also taking two geography classes and a math class. I am enjoying geography very much so far. I seriously am thinking that this may be a better career for me than nursing as nursing school is extremely stressful and very time consuming. My kids still need my guidance (both boys are in high school; oldest is a senior, youngest is freshman)and it seems as if they still can't do much for themselves if left alone. If I don't make dinner they don't eat! Same goes for cleaning the house and doing laundry...if I don't do it, it doesn't get done!

I have a question I am going to post (I guess that's what you would call a "new thread"?) and wanted to know what you think first. I have an opportunity to get an Amazon Kindle for my birthday and was wondering what others thought of the kindle. How is it compared to other book readers? Do you know anyone who has a kindle or other book reader? If so how do they like it? What are the difficulties or dislikes?

Anyway, it was wonderful to hear from you and I am sorry it took so long to get back to you. I hope your house is finally in order!

Roxie

postet av roxieb kl. 12:43 am (EST) den Aug 28, 2009

Belva, I just stopped by Jenny, motherofanimals (I think), where you had written something that suggested that you have never read Wodehouse. The first thing you should do in September is to find a copy of something Wodehousian - I'd suggest The Code of the Woosters. This is a part of your education that YOU MUST NOT NEGLECT!!!!!
Love,
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 11:20 pm (EST) den Aug 27, 2009

Hi Belva, your trip sounds great, I am glad you have had a good time. The theatre sounds like a lot of fun. Not so much fun to come home to the housework though, I hope you get through that very quickly.

We had our house decorated on the makeover show on the 13th and all went well with that. After that our week didn't go so well though, Andrew came down with a nasty illness which may have been swine flu and had to be treated for that and I had a fall and have some pretty spectacular bruises now. Luckily Joseph has avoided all illness and accident.

And we have something exciting to look forward to this weekend too, an outdoor showing of Emma by Jane Austin at Fountains Abbey.

postet av Jodyreadseverything kl. 3:05 pm (EST) den Aug 27, 2009

Hi Belva, the first book in Penman's Welsh Trilogy is 'Here Be Dragons'. Hope you can get a copy. It's an excellent series.
You have been so busy on LT since your return I doubt you have had time to read any books:-)
Best wishes,
Valerie

postet av englishrose60 kl. 3:32 am (EST) den Aug 27, 2009

Belva,
Let's meet in Waco, that is close to half way. When it gets closer and you have a date I'd love to try to work something out. It would be great to meet you.
I don't have any grand-kids yet but both sons have said I can expect some a year after they get back.lol I'm looking forward to that. Right now I'm helping my sister with her 9yr old daughter here in Houston. One of my sons should be back in January and I hope to be back home by then.
I look forward to seeing you in Waco next year.
Yours,
Lynda

postet av LA12Hernandez kl. 12:57 am (EST) den Aug 27, 2009

Hi! Belva,
Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to Texas. Unfortunately Copperas Cove is about 4 hours south of Dallas. San Antonio is 4 hours South of Cove and Houston is 4 hours east. El Paso on the other hand is 12 hours west, but we are still considered Central Texas.
Hitting all the Half Price Books store is my idea of a vacation. I've never heard of the Pocket Sandwich Theater but it sounds like a blast. What fun you had an your visit.
I also travel with just a back pack and the essentials. I rather not check in luggage. When I use to go on those week long business trips I was always surprised at the amount of luggage people would bring. I liked being in an out at the airport.
The first year I let my boys stay at home by themselves while I was on a three day trip, I told them I didn't want to find dishes in the sink,and the kitchen a total mess. We don't have a dish washer so all dishes have to be washed by hand. When I got home there were no dishes in the sink kitchen was clean. Then as I walked from my room back to the kitchen I picked up a glass, then a plate. a bowl, a spoon, an other glass well you can see where I'm going. By the time I collected all the dishes around the house I had a sink full, and yes I made the boys wash them.
I haven't been able to keep up on my reading this summer. So now that school is in I hope to have the time to catch up.
Glad to have you back.
Yours,
Lynda

postet av LA12Hernandez kl. 11:12 pm (EST) den Aug 26, 2009

Hey Belva!! Missed you tons! So glad you are back. Sounds like you had a great time and (except for the dishes and bathroom! LOL) the house didn't fall apart. :) Had a great time with the Pillars group read and just finished Into the Beautiful North, which I loved. Having a hard time getting much reading in as we do all the last minute get-ready-for-school stuff. The kids start in two weeks here. I look forward to reading more about all that happened with you.

Big Hugs!
Kim(berly)

postet av Berly kl. 10:56 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Yay!!! Belva's back! I'm so glad to hear you had so much fun! The theatre sounds like a hoot. Dishes and bathrooms - yuck, but what are you going to do? I keep hearing about Half Price Books but we don't have them here in CO. All's well with me. Got stung by a wasp at the lake on Sunday and still have a swollen leg. Thank goodness it didn't sting me higher up! I'm sad that summer's almost over thought, and school is back in session - where does the time go? I'm looking forward to catching up with you and your reading on the threads. I'm halfway through The Day the Falls Stood Still and love it. It's an ER book. I picked up The Moon is Down at the library today and am looking forward to stating it. Steinbeck, yay! I still have 100 or so pages to go in Pillars!! I'm such a loser ;( - I knew I wouldn't/couldn't keep up!! :)

Talk to you later!
Joanne

postet av coppers kl. 9:20 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Thanks Belva! Speak to you soon!

postet av englishrose60 kl. 2:13 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Welcome home Belva! Sounds like you had a good trip. Pity about the dishes and bathroom! I remember when I went away for a week a few years back. When I arrived back home I nearly turned round and went away again because the house was a bit of a mess but the family were so glad to see me I thought 'what the heck' and stayed. A lotta love is worth more than a spotless house.

I have completed my 999 Challenge and am free to read what I want until 2010. I am reading Argentine books for global reading plus some light reading from my vast tbr mountain plus the odd group read.

Look forward to reading your posts when you have caught up with things on LT.

Kind wishes
Valerie

postet av englishrose60 kl. 1:54 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

P.S. Lucky you, that you got to meet the famed alcottacre. That "reading machine" is real then, huh?

postet av bonniebooks kl. 12:15 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Glad you had such a great time! Yuck on the boy's bathroom! :-(( Hey, it's been much quieter while you were gone. Looking forward to seeing you back on the threads! B.

postet av bonniebooks kl. 12:13 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Nice hearing from you. Sounds like you had a great time - even if the dishes were waiting for you when you got home!

I just finished "Lord Jim". Not sure if it was my kind of book. I also read a few others, but you can find those listed on my 100 Challenge.

Glad to have you back.

postet av koalamom kl. 12:01 pm (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

VERY happy to have you back!
:-))))))))

postet av aluvalibri kl. 11:55 am (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Belva! I see you're adding books. Does mean you're home? I saw your thread up at the top today, but it was just BJ asking if you're back. Hope you had, or are still having, a good visit. Looking forward to reading your cheerful messages! B.

postet av bonniebooks kl. 12:31 am (EST) den Aug 25, 2009

Hi Belva
Guess what came in the mail yesterday! Thank you so much. I'm just awed with this gift coming through LT. This site has become a passion of mine. I don't post that often, but I'm always out there lurking. The people here are absolutely wonderful.
I've had a brief listen, and so far I love the music. We are leaving on a camping trip in a few minutes and I think it will be perfect serene music to play in the woods.
Thanks again,
Lorraine

postet av loosha kl. 1:07 pm (EST) den Aug 23, 2009

Belva,
Congrats on your HOT REVIEW!

postet av cyderry kl. 9:28 pm (EST) den Aug 10, 2009

Hi, Belva! Yes, now I can see that you have 1,166 books in "your library." Yeah! **smiling now** Tags don't have anything to do with it though. Did you know that you can use the lightening bolt at the top of your library to move whole sections of books if you want? For example, my children's library used to be included in my "your library" but I didn't like how children's books would show up on the random selection of books from my library on my profile, so I moved them all out with one move. (That was a mouthful! Am I making sense?) Anyway, it's cool! I'm still playing around with how I want to present my library, and I learned something from you too today. I didn't realize that I could make some of those gold categories that LT created go away, but then I saw you didn't have them, so voila! I inactivated some too. Thanks! Now I'm going to go check out your library! :-) Bonnie

postet av bonniebooks kl. 5:29 pm (EST) den Aug 8, 2009

Thank you for the lovely note and card, Belva. Yes, the readers in the VMC group are truly an amazing bunch! Enjoy the book.

~Deborah

postet av Cariola kl. 1:05 pm (EST) den Aug 8, 2009

Belva,
Just thought I would stop by. I see that like me, you have recently discovered Persephone and VMC. What a thrill to know that these books have existed all the while. I have only read a few but have enjoyed them and am excited to read more. Hunting for those green spines and tracking down the Persephones (tough in the US) has been a wonderful experience so far. I'm just happy to be able to share it with you and all of the wonderful folks on the forums.

Best wishes for happy hunting and reading,
Danielle

postet av noodlejet22 kl. 3:18 pm (EST) den Aug 6, 2009

Thanks so much for your kind message about my review of Travels with Charley and apologies for taking so long to reply - I've been busy moving house. Trying to get back into the swing of all things literary!

postet av 60GoingOn16 kl. 12:44 pm (EST) den Aug 6, 2009

Thanks for the note! I'm so glad to see so many folks enjoying the challenge. I have so many new books on my TBR list now! Plus I love being able to talk to someone about what I'm reading.

As for next year, I've heard two good ideas. One is the 8-9-10 challenge, 8 categories of 9 books. The other is the category challenge, which would just be that you come up with as many challenges as you like, as many books in each category as you like. Then it would be open, but would allow readers to be more organized.

I think I will just propose both, and see what people think. I'm good with either challenge.

Happy reading!

postet av cmbohn kl. 5:36 pm (EST) den Aug 3, 2009

Hi, Belva!
Still here, although way behind on posting. I got this really scary spider bite that hurt like anything and just couldn't read or post much. (My bite is still here after 2 weeks, but much, much better.) So then I got all behind. Plus, I haven't finished a book in forever. I am trying to catch up on War and Peace and Don Quixote. I am way behind on both. And I really like both books, too. I am, however, keeping up with Pillars. :) I am almost finished with the book that I am reading now, The Dark is Rising.

My baby will be off to college very soon, so we are trying to get her all organized -- not my greatest talent!! I also started a new thread for my 75 book challenge, but it has not had a post in a while. I hope to finish this book soon and post. I will drop by your thread later today or tonight.

Hope you are surviving that heat wave! We have had such mild weather that it has been unbelievable. Today, however, the 100s are returning. Thanks so much for stopping by. You made my day!
--BJ

postet av billiejean kl. 8:32 am (EST) den Aug 3, 2009

Hi Belva,

I'd say you have a nice "starter collection" there. So, let's see, of the ones I've read:

The Enchanted April: A charming romantic comedy, amusing rather than laugh-out-loud funny.

The Rising Tide: If you're in the mood for an upper-class family saga, this one fits the bill. I've read 4 or 5 of her novels and this is my favorite so far. Taking Chances is a very close second.

Frost in May: Loved, loved, loved this one.

Jonah's Gourd Vine: Great American regional novel. It made a ZNH fan out of me.

Travel Light: Delightful, light-weight fantasy novel. I was going to give this to my 12-year-old niece who was into fantasy and mythology last year, but is now into that dreadful Twilight series, alas. Hopefully she will grow out of that soon.

The Life & Death of Harriett Frean: Not a happy book, but an excellent read. It left me wanting more Sinclair, and, fortunately, Virago was happy to oblige.

I hope this helps. Re the card, mail is being forwarded to my new address (which I can PM if you like) just not very quickly.

Cheers,

A

postet av aguntherc kl. 10:58 pm (EST) den Aug 1, 2009

Belva,
Thanks for the lovely card! It's adorning the kitchen.
I am swamped with work (writing tests and exams...) but will try to read at least one Virago from the heap in August!
Have a great Sunday
Cushla

postet av cmt kl. 6:22 pm (EST) den Aug 1, 2009

Belva,

Thanks for the card. I've moved, so it took a while to get to me. I must confess that while I've "auditioned" (i.e., read a chapter or two of various novels) Bowen, I have yet to sit down and read one of her books all the way through. Your comments, however, make me want to dig some of her books out of storage and finally go for it.
Hope all's well with you.

Andrew

postet av aguntherc kl. 2:09 pm (EST) den Aug 1, 2009

Belva

Congratulations on your hot review listed on today's home page.

And, I agree with LizzieD's comments. You are a dear person!

postet av Whisper1 kl. 10:40 pm (EST) den Jul 31, 2009

Belva, what a dear person you are! Thank you for the lovely note. I'm enriched to have you in my life-online.
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 10:00 pm (EST) den Jul 31, 2009

Belva,
I have a lot of jewel cases, so don't worry about that, unless of course it's safer to ship.
Are you on Twitter? I'm enjoying it more and more...'Llusha'there.

postet av loosha kl. 8:26 pm (EST) den Jul 30, 2009

I'm plenty cool now. I've got a fan on me and lying in the bathtub is like swimming in the lake-it keeps me cool for hours after. I used to work for the Crisis Clinic in Seattle and I have to say that women rarely commit suicide that way. She must have been terribly depressed and not thinking straight, don't you think?

postet av bonniebooks kl. 4:48 am (EST) den Jul 30, 2009

I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.

But, on a happier note, I hope we will have many conversations to come here on Library Thing. ^_^

--Miss Chievous

postet av miss_chievous kl. 2:30 am (EST) den Jul 30, 2009

Hey Belva,
Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner, I've been in Mexico for a couple of weeks and trying to catch up. I did get some great books at 1/2 priced books before I left for vacation, didn't I. I tried reading The Corrections a couple of years ago but I felt it was more for a 20something person, but hey for a buck I'm willing to try again, even if I am a 40somethinger :). I read a few books while away so I'll be posting reviews shortly...........stay tuned. Lynda

postet av Carmenere kl. 7:11 am (EST) den Jul 27, 2009

Hi Belva :)
Thanks for your comment! I'm pretty new to writing book reviews but I'm really enjoying it. I just finished reading Atonement by Ian McEwan (another one towards the 50 goal yipee!) so I will put up a review of it in the coming days.
I'm sorry to hear about your computer, but it's always good if you can get a new one ;)

postet av ariebonn kl. 6:01 pm (EST) den Jul 22, 2009

Belva- Good morning and thanks! Now, I wish I would have spent a bit more time on it.It's still amazing how many people are turned off by this book. They find it dark & depressing. Yes, there are dark troubling moments but I find it positive and life-affirming as well. Thanks again, friend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 6:43 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

Thanks, Belva for the nice compliment.

I'm on a quest to find and read all of Steinbeck. Don't we all need a goal in life! ;-) I just bought East of Eden at a used book store this week and I've got them looking for several others. I'm not sure why I never read more Steinbeck before this. I read Cannery Row in college and a couple of times since but and loved it and Grapes of Wrath, which I also thought was terrific for a book group a few years ago. But that was all of his I ever read until last year. Maybe you need to be "older" to really appreciate him. :-)

Carolyn

postet av MusicMom41 kl. 2:15 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

Sorry about your not having a printer for the labels. Just write (or print) them by hand. They'll be fine!

You can also purchase self-stick labels directly from Bookcrossing, but that tends to get expensive after a while. I sometimes use those purchased labels for my bookrays because those labels are so pretty.

I'm off to bed now (late). G'night!

Madeline

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 1:34 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

Send me your email (on a private message) and I'll email you a document of the labels I made. You can cut them out and tape them in your book.

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 1:21 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

Belva,

Don't use a sticky note for the BCID *inside* the book. People will pull it out. Use clear packing tape to *permanently* tape that number inside of the book! Better yet, make a label or some kind of instructions with the BCID on it so people will know what to do. I made my own label that says:

-----------------------------
(I put the Bookcrossing logo here)

Hello!
Thank you for picking up
this traveling book which was
originally registered
by SqueakyChu of Rockville,
Maryland, USA.

Visit www.bookcrossing.com
and enter the BCID number to
record you have this book:

(I put the BCID number here)

It’s free, and you may remain
anonymous. Then read the book,
journal it, and pass it along
for someone else to enjoy!

----------------------------------

Use the sticky note to put on *top* of the book so people will know to take the book with them.

Madeline

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 1:12 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

Belva,

A word of warning as you wild release books. The "catch" rate for wild releases is usually only about 10%. Do not release books that you'll fret about if you never hear from again.

Go to my BookCrossing profile page and read about a few of my wild releases that had some interesting "catches".
http://www.bookcrossing.com/mybookshelf/...

I had good luck with a wild release this past week. I left a book on a bench at my Metro station, and it was caught and journaled the very next day. That does not often happen. It made my day!
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7319...

Madeline

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 1:05 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

Hi Belva,

Welcome to Bookcrossing!

Here are the FAQS for Bookcrossing:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/faqs
Section 5 of the FAQS is all about releasing books.

To release a book, go to the following page and enter the BCID of the book. Follow all the steps.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/release

You can register all of your books. You do NOT even have to give them away. You can keep them permamently. You can also wild release them, give them to other BookCrossers, mail them out on BookMooch, or give them away on LibraryThing Member Giveaway. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to do, though, is to tell people that the book has a BookCrossing label in it because that make some people VERY upset. Go figure! It's YOUR book!!

Please ask me any question at all about Bookcrossing. BookCrossing also has a very helpful newbie forum (I'm STILL trying to get Tim to put a newbie forum on LT). Anyway, the newbie forum on Bookcrossing is here:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/1
You can ask any question there as well.

An FYI: If you can find a local Bookcrossing group in your community, join it!! Bookcrossers in person are a fun bunch. We come in all ages, are avid readers, and like to just talk, hang out, and relax together.

Madeline

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 12:59 am (EST) den Jul 20, 2009

How do Belvaaah...no, grrrs of life have turned to rrrrrooooooowwwwwwrrrrrrrrrs of life. appliance hell, aunt-health hell, child in woe, unable to help hell. Ya know. Life as a mumblety-two year old.

But a nice message from you made me smile, so it's all bearable again! And a new computer for the old Belva-dear, may that be a thing of beauty.

xoxo
RMD

postet av richardderus kl. 10:54 pm (EST) den Jul 17, 2009

You're more than welcome Belva. I don't know about Texas - Christiguc lives there and may have scoured the whole state for Viragos :) I didn't get summer school this year (too many other people wanted it - usually they have to beg us to do it) so I am demo-ing the hall and glamming it up. But every day starts with e-mail and walking the dog and I have to get to both. Have a great day.

Much love

Barbara

postet av romain kl. 7:39 am (EST) den Jul 16, 2009

Hi belva, hope you are well. Just spotted the Alice Hoffman book on your profile photo, haven't read that one so will have to add it to the ever-growing TBR pile.

I'm trying to control the book buying until after we have been on the TV show but it's not a plan that's going well. I bought four new books yesterday, but one was for Joseph so that makes it better. We have been chosen to be on a home-makeover show, 60 Minute Makeover, and they are filming us on 13th August.

I'm feeling very proud of Joseph and his reading at the moment. Although I admit that at 15 weeks old he is not actually reading, yesterdays new book was a great success. When I showed him the book (No More Eee-orrh! - it's about a donkey who has to go to hospital when he looses his voice) he smiled and he reached out to take it. I knew he would be a book lover if I tried hard enough.

Take care, talk soon, Jody xx

Ooh, ps - it's your turn in the first line game and since we have a lot of similar books I am hopeful :-)

postet av Jodyreadseverything kl. 3:54 am (EST) den Jul 16, 2009

hi, belva.

Thank you for your kind words. And after reading your About Me, I apologize for my comment about cats.

I liked your review on Steinbeck's The Log from the Sea of Cortez, I think you gave me a good handle on what its qualities are.
Every Good Wish,
Stuart

postet av semckibbin kl. 11:01 pm (EST) den Jul 12, 2009

Hi Nannybebette!

A lot!!!!!

Thank you very much ;)

Marta

postet av martaco kl. 3:41 am (EST) den Jul 12, 2009

He is licking his mouth after eating. It is so long since he spat at me that I am not sure he has (but I think he has).

It is a compliment that you have found my library interesting.

Best regards,

Robert

postet av Mr.Durick kl. 1:29 am (EST) den Jul 11, 2009

Hello! Thank you for your very kind message! I am getting obsessed with this site, I am supposed to be working but I can't tear myself away! I have hundres more books I need to add so keep a watch out!

I am so lucky that I live in London and find Persephones and Viragos easy to come by. I am certainly going to keep an eagle eye out for Viragos from now on and buy up ones I already have/don't want to help other people out!

I look forward to getting to know you!

Rachel
x

postet av bigpinkmarshmallow kl. 10:23 am (EST) den Jul 10, 2009

thanks for stopping by and no, that isn't me in my profile pic but i sure wish it was! :) i saw we shared almost 400 great books and thought i would tag you for future reference. happy reading!

postet av amanaceerdh kl. 8:33 am (EST) den Jul 10, 2009

This is what's currently available on PBS and most of it has been sitting there for over a month because we all have them already.
Hope link works
http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/browse...

postet av romain kl. 4:39 pm (EST) den Jul 9, 2009

Belva darling!

Need your address to send you the Keane :) book.

Barbara

postet av romain kl. 9:47 am (EST) den Jul 9, 2009

Hi, Belva. I just wanted to let you know that I was a little late getting The Beth Book into the mail. But it's on its way now!

Rob

postet av rbhardy3rd kl. 6:19 pm (EST) den Jul 6, 2009

I did tell you that it was there.. lol
I kinda like the idea of not being nice.. GRRRRRR

as for "You are really something. I haven't yet
figured out just what, but you really are something!" ahem!

I am a meek and qiet little flower, of course..

k

postet av mckait kl. 2:54 pm (EST) den Jul 4, 2009

Check it out. It's called BookCrossing. You can find it at http://www.bookcrossing.com/

Here's my profile there:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/mybookshelf/...

Madeline

postet av SqueakyChu kl. 10:29 pm (EST) den Jul 2, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG8K4kYTp...

postet av nannybebette kl. 12:43 pm (EST) den Jul 2, 2009

You left a comment on my 50 Book Challenge about [Waiting] by [[Ha Jin]]. Yes, go ahead and read it especially if you like books set in modern China. Maybe I found the passivity of the main characters so completely frustrating that I rated the book 3/5. It is well written. ----I enjoyed reading your profile! I see that we share 26 books. I am going to read some of your reviews. I hope you are enjoying your reading this summer!!!!!

postet av Alice_Wonder kl. 9:15 am (EST) den Jul 1, 2009

Thank you for participating in my new thread. That one was getting too long so here is the second one. Hope to see you there often.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/67343

postet av callmejacx kl. 9:34 pm (EST) den Jun 30, 2009

Thanks, Belva! You always make my day! I still want to get together when you go to Texas if I am in town. (I have to take my baby to college in August.) Keep me up to date on your schedule. God bless.
--BJ

postet av billiejean kl. 12:30 pm (EST) den Jun 29, 2009

Hi, Belva!
I just wanted to stop by and say bye. I will be going on my trip to Spain for two weeks. I am going to miss LT. When I get back I will start a new thread over on 75 as the old one is kind of long. I will see you when I get back. I have Pillars of the Earth all ready to go. Good luck with all your projects and happy reading!
--BJ

postet av billiejean kl. 12:12 pm (EST) den Jun 29, 2009

Belva,
Thanks so much for your suggestions! I have read Howard's End - it's one of my favorites! I wouldn't have thought to pair them, but now I can see where they would compliment each other perfectly - both have that same sense of an earlier world fading away.... I like A Room with a View also, much not quite as much, and A Passage to India even less.
As far as the other authors you mention, I've read Anna Quindlen (two novels and all of her essay collections - enjoyed all of them) and Nicholas Sparks (ended up going through a full box of tissues while reading The Notebook!). I'll have to check out the others you recommend.

Cheers!
~Corrina

postet av callen610 kl. 6:37 am (EST) den Jun 21, 2009

Are you still here, Belva? I always like to speak when I see somebody that I know online.

postet av LizzieD kl. 11:32 pm (EST) den Jun 20, 2009

Thank you so much for stopping by and answering my question!

postet av avidmom kl. 11:44 pm (EST) den Jun 19, 2009

Thanks for your thoughts on Blackbird House. I was just curious to see what you thought; I enjoyed the use of red no matter what it meant. I haven't read many books where an author has done that.

Thank you also for your kind photo comment. I teach first grade and when it was Crazy Hair Day I dressed up like a pirate. Fun times!

postet av PaperbackPirate kl. 4:12 am (EST) den Jun 19, 2009

Belva, I cannot find your book thread. Can you direct me? Also, I see you like time travel books, or seem to, from your comments above. I love time travel books, but seldom meet a woman who agrees with me. Cheers, Kathi

postet av kambrogi kl. 7:59 am (EST) den Jun 13, 2009

Hey, Belva- I'm so glad you loved it. It's great passing on a book and having that person share your enthusiasm for it. I can't express enough about current non-fiction, it can be as thrilling as any fictional counterpart. I enjoyed your review. Ours were pretty similar. Have you read any Jon Kraukauer? He wrote "Into Thin Air" and "Into the Wild"? He's a great non-fiction writer. I also think "The Devil in the White City" was an incredible book. I received "Travels With Charley" today ,which I hope will kick-start me back into Steinbeck. I'm also trying to track down a copy of "Tortilla Flat", which I'm not sure if I read. Take care!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 8:09 pm (EST) den Jun 10, 2009

I have been to busy to read much these days. I am still trying to get through the Iliad and the Aenied. Thanks for stopping by my thread, Belva.

postet av LA12Hernandez kl. 9:23 pm (EST) den Jun 8, 2009

Belva dear,

So sorry for the delay in posting the virago to you but I'm here to say that it will
go out in the morning! Thank goodness I wasn't mailing perishables!

Crazy Cate

postet av bleuroses kl. 6:31 pm (EST) den Jun 8, 2009

Hi, Belva- Thanks for letting me know and I hope you enjoy it. Remember, I'll be 50 next month ,so unless you want to be motherly, I look at you more as a "big" sister, something I've never had. Take care and have a great weekend!
Mark

postet av msf59 kl. 7:07 am (EST) den Jun 6, 2009

Hi Belva! Drive-by hug

RMD

postet av richardderus kl. 1:21 pm (EST) den Jun 5, 2009

Hi again nannybebette,

I just looked through about half of your library. I don't have time to look at all of your books today, but will take another look tomorrow.

I was wondering if you actually have all these books in your home and if so did you get most of them from library sales, bookstores, friends, garage sales or used bookstores?

I actually have more books in common with you but only listed the books I actually have in my house. Can I list books I have read but no longer own?

I have to go through my books about once every two or three years and weed out the ones that are not my absolute favorites. I have also lost some due to lending them out and not remembering who has them...really annoying habit that I am learning to control as there are some books I really wish I still had. I am trying to convince my husband to let me put a wall of bookshelves in our living room in back of the sofa. He says that books don't belong in the living room, but our family room is all windows. Wish me luck! You know I have often thought that if I just do it he might like it.

Take care.
Roxieb

postet av roxieb kl. 5:51 pm (EST) den Jun 3, 2009

Hey, Belva!
I just mailed your book, so start looking sometime early next week. AND I clicked the right amount out into the Atlantic on your visitor map, enough that it picked up my correct location.
(I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Love in the Time of Cholera. I did although 100 Years of Solitude made me angry and took about 4 tries for me to get through.)
Peggy

postet av LizzieD kl. 4:34 pm (EST) den Jun 2, 2009

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