Books read since January 7th, 2005 --

Cameo Lake, by Susan Wilson, c. 2001 -- link goes to blog as it's from the library. See entry of February 5th, 2005
The Longer The Thread by Emma Lathen, c. 1971
All Around The Town by Mary Higgins Clark, c. 1992
Writers Writing edited by Jenny Brown and Shona Munro, c. 1993
Room For One More by Virginia Nielsen, c. 1987
The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, c. 1997
A Mother's Reflection, by Elissa Ambrose, c. 2003 -- link goes to blog as it's from booksfree.com, see entry of January 18, 2005
Untie My Heart by Judith Ivory, c. 2002
A Warrior's Vow, by Marilyn Tracy, c. 2003 -- link goes to blog as it's from booksfree.com, see entry of January 7, 2005
Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley, c. 2000

See entry of January 29th, 2005 -- I now have my library copy of "Heart of a Woman," by Maya Angelou.

"Murder on Embassy Row," by Margaret Truman, c. 1984 -- Book 12 of 2005

(entry edited Feb 12 -- to include passages from book)

This copy comes from booksfree.com and will be read after I finish my current read, "Cameo Lake," by Susan Wilson, c. 2001.

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

"What is it about you, Sal, that keeps you from enjoying what you have instead of chasing after what you don't have?" p176
[comment: yes, it's cliche, but dang, i still like it :)]

"Cameo Lake," by Susan Wilson, c. 2001 -- book 11 of 2005

(entry edited daily Feb 7th - 11th -- quotes added)

This copy comes from the library. I imagine I'll start this one tomorrow as I only have about 50 pages left on my current read (The Longer The Thread by Emma Lathen, c. 1971).

Cheers.

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

Flakes of conversation from earlier in the day surrounded me. p48

The humidity was layered over the lake like whipped cream over a pie. p77

I wrote for a couple of hours, but my work was slow and mainly disjointed. The impulse which had given me my conflict had leveled out and now I had the technical work to do, the weaving of foreshadowing and believable character reaction. It was a little hard getting back to work on Monday morning, just like a real job. I was fidgety and eventually I abandoned the attempt and climbed into my [swim] suit. p144
[comment: any quote on writing intrigues me]

In theory we were to examine and rebuild our life, with the aid of a high-priced therapist. In practice, we just built new lives, the hub of our defeated marriage at the center, threads here and there crossing which would always keep us connected, but not close. p220

I tried to stand and shake off the enervation. I needed to pack, to gather our belongings spread from one corner to the other of the cabin, load the big car, and go home. Yet as I sat there, letting the dark cultivate my fears within its protective shield, a petri dish for my emotions and fears. p190
[comment: I like the petri dish analogy]

"The Heart of a Woman," by Maya Angelou, c. 1981

(entry edited Feb 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st)

This one is next after Room For One More by Virginia Nielsen, c. 1987. This copy is from booksfree.com

update 2/5/05 -- This one has bumped down the queue a bit. Sent booksfree copy back to them and am waiting for a copy from the library. I imagine it will show up at my branch shortly - I had to request within the system.

It is now Feb 14, 2005 -- and I have my copy from the library. This one is now next after Rancher's Bride by Jeanne Allan, c. 1990

Now Feb 16th, 2005 --

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

"Ask for what you want and be prepared to pay for what you get." p31

When I realized that Godfrey's idea was workable, the burden of tension left my body and for the first time in weeks I relaxed and my brain started to function. p74
[comment: had bad case of writers block. Any passage on the process of writing intrigues me]

I had worked two months for the SCLC, sent out tens of thousands of letters and invitations signed by Rev. [Martin Luther] King, made hundreds of statements in his name, but I had never seen him up close. He was shorter than I expected and so young. He had an easy friendliness, which was unsettling. Looking at him in my office, alone, was like seeing a lion sitting down at my dining-room table eating a plate of mustard greens. p107
[comment: I liked the last sentence in particular]

Female voices shot up like arrows over the crowd. p172

Every ill I knew at home, each hateful look on a white face, each odious rejection based on skin color, the mockery, the discenfranchisement, the lamentations and loud wailing for a lost world, irreclaimable security, all that long-onerous journey to msiery, which had not ended yet, had begun just below our plane [Sahara Desert]. I wept. Gut rose from time to time to bring me fresh Kleenex, and I didn't dare speak to him of my thoughts. I would not make a sound. If I opened my mouth, I might not be able to close it again. Screams would pierce the air and I would race the aisles like a mad thing.
I cramped my lips together until the seam between them meshed, and allowed, as my only expression, the warm tears gliding like honey down my face.
[comment: I liked the imagery of the honey. I needed to give you some context though.]

--
My thoughts after finishing the book:
I would recommend her autobiographies. This the first I have read and will read more as they come my way. She leaves me curious - and that's a great thing by my standards.

"A Mother's Reflection," by Elissa Ambrose, c. 2003

This one is next after Untie My Heart by Judith Ivory, c. 2002. It's from booksfree.com

(it's now Jan 23rd and I am adding passages as needed)

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

Like Megan, his hair had been a deep fiery red.
She remembered the way the nurses had clucked after Megan was born, swearing they had never seen so much hair on a newborn. "The devil's crown," one insensitive nurse had said. "Heiress of sin."
[comment: being a red head I am interested in remarks like this. and, yes, "grrrr"]

His thoughts drifted to Rachel. Okay. maybe he was more than a little out of tune; maybe he wasn't even in the orchestra. At his house, Rachel had made it clear that she had no intention of going where he'd been headed, but had he listened? p108

my opinion:
The plot kept me reading although I didn't think the language was overly original. I am most happy when I see great use of imagery/humour. It is one that I would recommed but it's not a re-read, if that makes sense.

Books read since Nov 17th, 2004 --

A Knight's Vow by Kurland et al , c. 2001 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Dec 31st, 2004.
You Never Can Tell by Kathleen Eagle, c. 2001 -- link goes to blog as the book is from library -- see entry of Dec 28th, 2004.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman, c. 1973, 1998
Voice of the Heart by Barbara Taylor Bradford, c. 1983
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe , c. 2002 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Dec 4th, 2004.
Dakota. A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris, c. 1993
Starting Over by Robin Pilcher , c. 2002 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Nov 30th, 2004.
The Hiding Place by Trezza Azzopardi, c. 2000
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer by Sena Jeter Naslund, c. 1999
Deck the Halls by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark, c. 2000
The Pint-Sized Secret by Sheryl Woods, c. 2000
Sincerely Yours by Gertrude Wood, c. 2000
The Mermaid by Betina Krahn , c. 1997 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Nov 5, 2004

"A Warriors Vow," by Marilyn Tracy, c. 2003

I'm currently reading Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley, c. 2000. However, I have literally rolled the dice to see that this one is next. Crazy method, I know, but it works for me. This book comes from booksfree.com

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

"Denial can be an attractive piece of real estate," she said.
Daggert gave her an odd look, one both measuring and slightly rueful, but he said, "True. Reality's ground is much stonier." p76

The Guadalupe Mountains sported more pockets of pure iron than almost any range in the entire mountainous state. And if pure iron was absent, the plentiful deposits of iron pyrite would lure the lightning as surely as any rod might.
The very top of the mountain was almost completely iron, iron pyrite and sheets of glass from the numerous times lightning had struck the sand there. Enrique had been right about the strange lights, but wrong the source, Daggert thought. Cima La Luz was aptly named "Light Peak," but from the frequent bolts of lightning striking there and reflecting in the glassy surface, not from alien spaceships stealing hapless humans. p162
[comment: I love passages like this -- can't vouch for it's authenticity as it's from fiction, but it sounds logical]

"A Knight's Vow," by Lynn Kurland, Patricia Potter, Deborah Simmons & Glynnis Campbell.

This copy comes from Booksfree.com. It is next after the book by Kathleen Eagle. I literally roll the dice to see what's next.

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

Juliana felt incredibly conspicuous in her Keds and Donna Karan suit. William removed his cloak from his shoulders and draped it over the front of her. It didn't, however, cover her shoes.
"Better?" he asked.
"Oh sure," she agreed. "It'll keep me warm until they stoke up the fire to burn me at the stake.
He only snorted out a litte laugh. p65
[comment: I think it would be fun to do some time traveling but there are extreme risks associated with it ]

I do not feel well enough to go to supper," he said. "You go along and entertain them." He looked old and frightened. Her heart contracted. Though he was not a man who showed affection, he had tuaght her to read, had given her the means to take her own adventure through books. He had allowed her to ride, or at least had not forbade it. She owed him much. She leaned over and kissed him, seeing the pleased surprise in his eyes.
Then she left the room and steeled herself for the evening ahead. p149
[comment: remember this is 1485. what a dad!]


"Clement suggested I make a living by tourneying, and I managed to do well for myself," he said. "I defeated many others, winning the value of their horse and mail in ransom, and I began to hoard a tidy sum."
"And what amount would have been enough?" Guenivere asked him, a trace of bitterness in her voice. "When would you have amassed enough to return?"
Beren ddin't reply, for he was not sure of the answer himself. Never for a moment had he forgotten her. Guenivere had been there with him always, his anchor and his talisman, the reason for all he did. And yet, even when Edward chose him, Beren had been no more than a bachelor knight, without lands to call his own. Would he come back and claim Brandreth? By what right? And so, he had always put off his return, thinking that he must do more, have more, BE MORE. p234
[comment: okay, i am probably thinking too much when I read - but this one clicked with me - why am I always wanting "more", more books to read, more sleep, more pieces to stitch etc? -- how can you tell when you've got 'enough'?"]

"Oh, Beren," Guenivere whispered. "I always acceoted you as you are. 'Twas you who would not. 'Twas you who valued knighthood and money and lands, not I. And though I admit to a young girl's fascination with the romances, I did not want to marry any of those heroes. Nor did I seek to make you into one. I only wished you see that you could do anything with your life that you wished, and you did, succeeding beyond imagining." p256
[comment: okay, it sounds twee - but i think it rings true]

no quote -- just an odd word -- forsooth; adv : an archaic word originally meaning `in truth' but now usually used to express disbelief.

"You Never Can Tell," by Kathleen Eagle, c. 2001

As soon as I finish The Princess Bride by William Goldman, c. 1973, 1998, I'll be reading this one. It is a library book from the Statesville Library, NC.

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

He was there, but no one really saw him.
Except Heather. She'd known who he was right away, as though there was still something inside him that glowed in the dark, still some fire in his belly. Maybe that was why he'd taken her in, taken to her, taken her. When she looked at him, she saw Kole Kills Crow. She knew him. She appreciated him. And that felt surprisingly good to him. p120
[comment: what makes you "glow"?]

Mary confirmed with a nod. "I used to help with their homework, and I'd tell the way I learned these things. The old stories about why Turtle walks in two worlds and why we must be alert when Frog's voice goes silent at night. Not all knowledge comes from science." p235

added passage on nature to entry of Dec 4th, 2004.

"The Beach House," by Mary Alice Monroe, c. 2002

I've decided that this'll be next after Dakota. A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris, c. 1993. This copy comes from Booksfree.com

From front cover: An unforgettable novel about finding your way home.

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

The night was blowsy but it was a good thing. The wind moved the clouds that had blanketed the sky earlier like a giant eraser. The stars now sparkled in a clear sky and made one understand why generations had so often compared them to diamonds. p112
[comment: the simple things we take for granted. when did you last look at the stars?]

"Isn't this the most beautiful place?"
She had to agree. It was low tide. The beach stretched far far out and gulleys coursed through the sand like rivers. In the distance, a small child chased a gull along the surf. What was most captivating, however, was the quiet. The din of humanity seemed so very far away. The only sounds they heard were the gentle roar of the surf and the cry of the gulls. p165
[comment: i'm a beach girl myself. any mention of the coast makes me salivate -- we're landlocked here]

"Turning forty does that to a person, she said.
"The ol' Tolstoy's bicycle theory?"
She laughed lightly and looked at him. "What's that?"
"Tolstoy wrote War and Peace at forty. He learned how to ride a bicycle in his sixties. It's supposed to be inspiring."
"Well, it is to me." p184

"Do you walk out here often? At night, I mean?" she asked, then felt silly for the question. "But of course you do. You live here."
"Actually, it's because I live here that I don't. I guess I take the ocean for granted. Look up there," he said, pointing to a row of houses up the beach. Even at this late hour, a number of them had lights still shining indoors. "See the gray flickering lights? They're all inside watching TV. I'm not the only one who takes it for granted."
"My condo faces Lake Michigan and I have to admit, I rarely stand at the window to look out at the lake anymore, either. But, I know it's there. I sense its presence. Every once in a while I look up and really see it. It takes me by surprise how beautiful it is. Like a gift, I appreciate it then. It may only be a moment, but in that moment my life is better. I suppose it's the same for those people, too." p264
[comment: I don't have the ocean to look at anymore but I do take the trees and the sky for granted. Until moments like these -- when I am reminded of the beauty.]

The wind teased her like a naughty child, lifting her skirt and pushing her forward with a gust. p353

Okay, since I last posted on the 17th November two books came in the mail --The Hiding Place by Trezza Azzopardi, c. 2000, and Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer by Sena Jeter Naslund, c. 1999. This took precedence over "Starting Over," by Robin Pilcher. It'a about 2pm and I will start this boook shortly. Happy reading to you all.

Starting Over by Robin Pilcher, c. 2002

This copy is from Booksfree.com. It's next after my current read of
Deck the Halls by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark, c. 2000

From back cover:
"[Pilcher] has an excellent sense of pace of his story. It's easy to feel you know these people and to grasp the complexiites of their relationships... a worthy novel." -- Houston Chronicle

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading each night.

Arthur's relaxed contentment in perusing the scenery was such that, when the incident took place, the most immediate thought that flashed through his mind was that his Maker had predestined the fifteen-minute journey to be a resstful and fitting climax to his otherwise disruptive life. They had just driven, at nothing more than a gentle pace over the crest of a hill on the twisting road when they were suddenly confronted by a speeding car heading straight towards them, its driver having become frustrated at being caught behind a queue of traffic that was fronted by a large, slow-moving tractor. p64
[comment: you literally don't know what's coming around the next corner -- and thank goodness for that]

Within two months, the guy had pulled enough strings to strangla an elephant. We were given Canadian nationality, the man found us a small house in Toronto and a job for my father in a high school there. p109
[comment: I like the first sentence of this quote]

"Perfect," Roberta replied, trying to stifle another yawn. "By Jimmy, I really have got the gapes." p194
[comment: thought this was a perfect place to stop last night :)]

He glanced across to where she sat, absently stroking the dog on her knee and staring out of the window at the ribbed surface of the cold grey water far below them. p385
[comment: I like the "ribbed" part.]

Books read since October 4th, 2004
The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum, c. 1971
Funny Letters From Famous People edited by Charles Osgood, c. 2003 -- link goes to blog as the book is from the library -- see entry of Oct 29, 2004
Between Friends by Debbie Macomber, c. 2002 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Oct 25, 2004
Wifey by Judy Blume, c. 1978
Home to You by Muriel Jensen, c. 2000
Sweet Revenge by Nina Bruhns, c. 2002
Intimate Enemies by Shana Abe, c. 2002 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Oct 12, 2004
Peep Show by Faith Bleasdale, c. 2002
Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey, c. 1998 -- link goes to blog as the book is from booksfree.com -- see entry of Oct 3, 2004
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac, c. 1958 -- link goes to blog as the book is from the library -- see entry of Oct 4, 2004

"Mermaid," by Betina Krahn, c. 1997

I am currently reading The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum, c. 1971, and Sincerely Yours by Gertrude Wood, c. 2000, is next. This one will follow. Title is from booksfree.com.

From back cover:
With the wit of The Last Bachelor; the charm of The Perfect Mistress, and the sparkle of The Unlikely Angel, Betina Krahn has penned an enchanting new romance about a woman ahead of her time and an academic who must choose between cold reason and The Mermaid.

I collect quotes as I read. These ones are fun, poetical, or even philosophical. Take what you like, and leave the rest. Note that these aren't necessarily the "best" in the book. These happen to be close to the spot where I stopped reading last night.

A warm bath, a change of clothes, and a cup of Maria's rich coffee, laced with something from Stephan's special shelf in the wine cellar, did wonders for Celeste's chilled spirits. She soaped and soaked and sipped, relishing the sudsy warmth between her bare toes and recalling the afternoon. p109
[comment: aah, the joys of life to be held. what simple things do you hold precious?]

"And you snored like a bear in winter." p187
[comment: ok, i agree. it is cliche, but i still like it.]

"Now give us the slick and skinny of it." p240
[comment: I hadn't heard this term before]

The words came haltingly at first, as if he were sorting through a much denser memory; condensing it, abstracting it, making it transferable. p288
[comment: recounting how he found something. i am fascinated with memories, subconscious etc]

added a passage re mail to "Funny Letters"

I added a passage on growth / standing up for yourself to entry re "Funny Letters."

added a passage on eating vegetables to entry on "Funny Letters ..."

added passage on parenting to entry re "Between Friends."