Monthly Archives: June 2014

Book Review: 1776 by David McCullough

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Donna

I read 1776 when it first came our in 2005 and recently re-read it for the nonfiction book group I lead.  I was again impressed with this story of the American Revolution.  When I look at that year all I … Continue reading →

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Classics Club – December Question

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Donna

Here’s the Classic Club’s question of the month: What is your favorite memory of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol? Have you ever read it? If not, will you? Why should others read it rather than relying on the film adaptions? I have … Continue reading →

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Vintage Mystery Reading Challenge

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Donna

  After promising myself “no more challenges,” here I go committing to another one! However whenMy Reader’s Block challenges us to read vintage mysteries, I get all weak in the knees and start reaching for my collection of Allingham, Sayers, Marsh … Continue reading →

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TBR Pile Challenge 2013

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Donna

Adam at Roof Beam Reader has announced his fourth annual TBR Pile Challenge. The goal is to read books that have been sitting on the shelf or your to be read list for more than one year.  I am SO guilty of … Continue reading →

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Book Reviews: Margery Allingham and John Dickson Carr

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Donna

Sweet Danger is the fifth book featuring Albert Campion.  Here Campion and friends must uncover clues leading to the just restoration of a earldom to a down-and-out family.  A country doctor, a London crime boss, and the bells of a … Continue reading →

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Sexism and Racism in Classic Literature

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Donna

Classics Club June Meme   Think of an example of a classic you’ve read that presents issues like racism/sexism as acceptable within society. Do you think the reception of this classic work would be the same if it were newly … Continue reading →

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There’s No Place Like Home

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Donna

  Oh what a half-year it has been in my blogging life.  Last December certain of my blog posts’ comments were “taken over” (that’s the only way I can describe it) by some other blogger.  I noticed this when my … Continue reading →

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Book Reviews: Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Donna

  I read these two Henry James short novels as part of my Classics Club challenge.  Their names were famous and I knew they were short, but I had never gotten around to them.  While I can now say I’ve … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Donna

I’ve spent the last ten weeks reading (actually re-reading) and discussing “Bleak House;” this has been a truly enjoyable experience.  Many consider “Bleak House” Dickens finest novel and you won’t get an argument from me on that. Within the somewhat … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Advise and Consent by Allen Drury

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Donna

The third entry into the library’s Political Fiction discussion group was “Advise and Consent” by Allen Drury which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1959.  Its focus is the confirmation hearing for the President’s nominee for Secretary of State, … Continue reading →

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