libri vermis

Oooo, I would be interested in your thoughts on Life Expectancy.

I like your attitude.

It is. In fact, I still have that one.

Here is mine, but I haven't read every book that was ever written (yet), so how could I know what everyone should read? 1. Little, Big by John Crowley because it is so strange and poignant, and yet seems under-appreciated. 2. Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes because this book is layered with meaning, although it seems simple at first glance 3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee because of this one line: "There is one kind of folks. Just folks." Well, there are other reasons as well. 4. A Canticle For Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr. because it is not just science fiction, it is deeply philosophical 5. 1984 by George Orwell because of it's frightening similarity to current reality

The Black Stallion series The Anne of Green Gables series A Wrinkle in Time And Dr. Seuss, of course.

Well, I feel a little bit better about myself now. I have over 600 books sitting on my shelf, but I would say I have read about 200 of them, if not more. The worst part is, if I like a book, I will not get rid of it, because I want to read it again. I hope I can re-read all of these before I die and still add more.

I mostly choose my books by hearing them mentioned by other people. If what was said sounds interesting, I will then go to amazon.com and read over the synopsis. If it sounds intriguing, I will purchase it. I also have a bad habit of wanting every book I can get my hands on by certain authors. This does not bode well for my pocketbook.

Thank you. And I certainly will.

Thank you! I am sure I will enjoy The Book of Lost Things. It sounds right up my alley. Well, now that I know, here is the only real review I have ever attempted. It's for Angels of Destruction by Keith Donohue. This book says much about the human condition, especially about the relationship between parent and child. The author paints so well in words the way we interact only on the surface, and fail to truly communicate our deepest hopes, loves, and fears. At moments, the book is heart-wrenching, not so much for what is said, but for what is unsaid. The characters are drawn so realistically, that when I was finished reading, I wanted to know what the future held for these people. The fantasy aspect to this book leaves much for one to question, but again, is that not part of the human condition? I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the fantastic, the painful, the hopeful, and the thoughtful. It grabs you by the heart from page one and does not let go. For those that have read The Stolen Child, I found this book to be superior, especially in terms of character development. I would also like to add that there are some things in this book that are left unanswered or unexplained. Some may have a problem with that. I didn't, as it seemed to be the author's intent. I don't think he wanted everything to be black and white and clearly defined. I think I will enjoy doing more reviews.

I have never kept a list of books I have read and that I plan to read before, so I am not sure how this is going to work. Books I have read in September/October and my star rating, one being lowest, five highest: Into The Green by Charles De Lint *** Dark Rivers of the Heart by Dean Koontz **** Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb ***** Cold Fire by Dean Koontz **** A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving ***** A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin ***** The next five books I am planning to read: The Book of Lost Things by John Connelly The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz Memory and Dream by Charles De Lint The Birthday of the World and Other Stories by Ursula Le Guin Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad Can I review a book in this thread if I want to? Not that my reviews are anything special.

Right now it is Robin Hobb's Farseer, Liveship, and Tawny Man series. They are all trilogies, but parts of an on-going story in the same world. So it's all one series to me.

Just received a book I ordered in the mail today. Infinite Jest by Dave Foster Wallace. I am almost 150 pages into The Lions of Al-Rassan, and it's getting better and better.

Cool. Thank you. I just hope my local library has it.

Maybe I will try that. Then next year, I could probably afford to buy four books a month in mass market paperback with amazon's 4 for the price of 3 deal. I can have will-power. I can, I can! Which book should I read first?

That will never work. Because if I like a book, it will drive me crazy if I can't own it.

I really want to read Terry Pratchett, but his Discworld series is so HUGE. I have so many other books and authors to read, plus I am lacking the funds and shelf space to start on his collection of works. Woe is me!

Flowers for Algernon is on my list of top ten books ever. Beware, though, and keep some tissues handy.

You are forgiven but don't ever do it again.

Thanks for the welcome. I have not read the Frankenstein trilogy yet, but it's in my TBR pile, which is quite large.

Methodical me is at constant war with my less linear side. Dean Koontz is a new favorite of mine. I have only read four of his books, but I have enjoyed what I have read, and am looking forward to reading more. I understand your feelings about Donaldson. People seem to either love him or hate him. I guess you cannot call his writing benign.

I loved this book. There is one particular part that sooooo gave me the creeps, but I won't give anything away.

I have also read UBIK, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, and VALIS. UBIK was my favorite. I haven't read The Man in the High Castle, but that is only because I am not really fond of alternate history books. I have heard that is it excellent.

Thank you for the welcome.