May & April Reading Lists
Jun. 1st, 2010 08:51 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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christianreaderApril books: 4
May books: 8
2010 total: 30
Holiday With Violence (1952) - Ellis Peters
Re-Read. This is one of my favorites for its descriptions of the Italian countryside, beautiful cities, crowded trains, and a great cat-and-mouse-style chase. Four young English tourists are shocked and saddened when a gentleman is brutally attacked in the adjoining traincar. However the danger does not end there, but follows the four; unawares, they have walked away with a valuable piece of evidence.
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones (2008) (Scotland Street #5) - Alexander McCall Smith
I love the title of this one, but the plot seemed to meander even more than usual and that is quite a lot for an AMcS novel. I kept thinking I had missed whole chapters somewhere. Maybe, I was distracted --I'd been in a bit of a reading slump. For me there were few memorable anecdotes. Still, Bertie is so enduring that I am looking forward to reading the next in the series as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #10) (2009) - Alexander McCall Smith
This was another pleasant read from the series. Although Mma Ramotswe has never seen a football game in her life, she is hired to investigate a local team in trouble. Meanwhile, she also has to face the potential demise of her old friend: the tiny white van. And Mma Makutsi's arch-nemesis, Violet Sephotho, returns to cause more trouble.
The Double Comfort Safari Club (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #11) (2010) - Alexander McCall Smith
Now I am completely caught up with the latest in the series, and with this one AMcS took me completely by surprise with a certain turn of events. A new case sends the ladies on a brief safari with lovely and potentially dangerous sights. The part I enjoyed the most was learning more about Mma Grace Makutsi's relationship with Phuti Radiphuti.
The Gabriel Hounds (1967) - Mary Stewart
While vacationing in the Middle East, Christy Mansel unexpectedly runs into her cousin Charles. He suggests a visit to Dar Ibrahim, the crumbling palace owned by their eccentric elderly great-aunt. Once inside the ancient walls, events take a dangerous turn. I love her books, but if there has to be a least-favorite on the list, so far, it's this one. There was something, I could not quite put my finger on, that was lacking. Maybe I was just too distracted by other real life events, but I had such trouble getting into this story.
Heist Society (2010) - Ally Carter
Recommended by both![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
modmerseygirl and main_hoon_emily. My problem was the monotonous audio-book reader and the grating nasally voice she bestowed on some of the characters. Once I was used to it --and found that it could be improved (slightly) by adjusting the playback speed-- I enjoyed the fun and fluffy story, which I found described as either the teenage-version of Ocean's 11 or How To Steal A Million. Kat's father is falsely accused of stealing the art collection of a powerful mobster. She and her young crew are given just two weeks to track down and steal back the loot.
Akimbo and the Elephants (1990) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Lions (1992) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Crocodile Man (1993) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Snakes (2006) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Baboons (2008) - Alexander McCall Smith
These are children's chapter books, and in audio-book form are just under an hour each. The reader is AMcS, himself. (Delightful!) Akimbo is a courageous young African boy who lives on the edge of a game preserve with his parents. For the age I imagine him to be, some of the adventures seem far-fetched and more than a child could handle emotionally. The stories are well-written, charming, and even exciting. I enjoyed hearing about the animals and the beautiful descriptions of Africa.
The Unfinished Clue (1934) - Georgette Heyer
The story is an average "cozy" English countryside murder mystery, but Heyer showcases her flair for great characterizations --the self-absorbed diva character, in particular, kept me very amused. Everyone becomes a suspect when a weekend-party ends in the murder of disagreeable Sir Arthur Billington-Smith.
May books: 8
2010 total: 30
Holiday With Violence (1952) - Ellis Peters
Re-Read. This is one of my favorites for its descriptions of the Italian countryside, beautiful cities, crowded trains, and a great cat-and-mouse-style chase. Four young English tourists are shocked and saddened when a gentleman is brutally attacked in the adjoining traincar. However the danger does not end there, but follows the four; unawares, they have walked away with a valuable piece of evidence.
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones (2008) (Scotland Street #5) - Alexander McCall Smith
I love the title of this one, but the plot seemed to meander even more than usual and that is quite a lot for an AMcS novel. I kept thinking I had missed whole chapters somewhere. Maybe, I was distracted --I'd been in a bit of a reading slump. For me there were few memorable anecdotes. Still, Bertie is so enduring that I am looking forward to reading the next in the series as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #10) (2009) - Alexander McCall Smith
This was another pleasant read from the series. Although Mma Ramotswe has never seen a football game in her life, she is hired to investigate a local team in trouble. Meanwhile, she also has to face the potential demise of her old friend: the tiny white van. And Mma Makutsi's arch-nemesis, Violet Sephotho, returns to cause more trouble.
The Double Comfort Safari Club (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #11) (2010) - Alexander McCall Smith
Now I am completely caught up with the latest in the series, and with this one AMcS took me completely by surprise with a certain turn of events. A new case sends the ladies on a brief safari with lovely and potentially dangerous sights. The part I enjoyed the most was learning more about Mma Grace Makutsi's relationship with Phuti Radiphuti.
The Gabriel Hounds (1967) - Mary Stewart
While vacationing in the Middle East, Christy Mansel unexpectedly runs into her cousin Charles. He suggests a visit to Dar Ibrahim, the crumbling palace owned by their eccentric elderly great-aunt. Once inside the ancient walls, events take a dangerous turn. I love her books, but if there has to be a least-favorite on the list, so far, it's this one. There was something, I could not quite put my finger on, that was lacking. Maybe I was just too distracted by other real life events, but I had such trouble getting into this story.
Heist Society (2010) - Ally Carter
Recommended by both
modmerseygirl and main_hoon_emily. My problem was the monotonous audio-book reader and the grating nasally voice she bestowed on some of the characters. Once I was used to it --and found that it could be improved (slightly) by adjusting the playback speed-- I enjoyed the fun and fluffy story, which I found described as either the teenage-version of Ocean's 11 or How To Steal A Million. Kat's father is falsely accused of stealing the art collection of a powerful mobster. She and her young crew are given just two weeks to track down and steal back the loot. Akimbo and the Elephants (1990) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Lions (1992) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Crocodile Man (1993) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Snakes (2006) - Alexander McCall Smith
Akimbo and the Baboons (2008) - Alexander McCall Smith
These are children's chapter books, and in audio-book form are just under an hour each. The reader is AMcS, himself. (Delightful!) Akimbo is a courageous young African boy who lives on the edge of a game preserve with his parents. For the age I imagine him to be, some of the adventures seem far-fetched and more than a child could handle emotionally. The stories are well-written, charming, and even exciting. I enjoyed hearing about the animals and the beautiful descriptions of Africa.
The Unfinished Clue (1934) - Georgette Heyer
The story is an average "cozy" English countryside murder mystery, but Heyer showcases her flair for great characterizations --the self-absorbed diva character, in particular, kept me very amused. Everyone becomes a suspect when a weekend-party ends in the murder of disagreeable Sir Arthur Billington-Smith.
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