Anita (FAMeulstee) first round in 2012

A new year, a new 75 Books Challenge!

Just marking my spot, see ya all in the new year :-)


links
129 books read in 75 Books Challenge 2008: my thread
78 books read in 75 Books Challenge 2009: part one - part two
120 books read in the 75 Books Challenge 2010: first thread - second thread - third thread - fourth thread
81 books read in the 75 Books Challenge 2011: first round - second round

I joined a second challenge this year: (BOMBS) BOOKS OFF MY BOOK SHELVES 2012 Challenge
My goal is to read at least 40 (of 555!) childrens and YA books that reside on the shelf, unread or read before LT (as I never kept track of my readings before I joined LT), my BOMBS thread

reading summary 2011
own books: 28
library books: 53

fiction: 74
non-fiction: 7

female author: 27
male author: 54

5 stars: 7
4,5 stars: 15
4 stars: 30
3,5 stars: 13
3 stars: 15
2 stars: 1

Best reads of 2011
5 stars:
Spiegeljongen by Floortje Zwigtman, Dutch, YA
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Every man dies alone by Hans Fallada
Jackdaw Summer by David Almond
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
A game of thrones by George R.R. Martin

of the sixteen 4,5 star books I would like to mention
Raven summer by David Almond
A prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian
(and other books in the series, they gave me lots of well spend reading time, escaping from daily life...)

I finally fell for tickers too, I am going for 15.000 pages in 2012



And 40 Books Off My Book Shelves in 2012



books read February 2012
#22 Asterix collectie IV by Goscinny & Uderzo, 4 stars, msg 240
#21 The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan, 4 stars, msg 230
#20 Asterix collectie III by Goscinny & Uderzo, 4 stars, msg 227
#19 A storm of swords: Blood and Gold by George R.R. Martin, 5 stars, msg 206
#18 Asterix collectie II by Goscinny & Uderzo, 4 stars, msg 185
#17 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, 4,5 stars, msg 177
#16 Asterix collectie I by Goscinny & Uderzo, 4 stars, msg 162
#15 The Hermit and the Bear by John Yeoman, illustrations Quentin Blake, 4 stars, msg 155
#14 Dragonwings by Laurence Yep, 4,5 stars, msg 147
#13 The Friends by Kazumi Yumoto, 4,5 stars, msg 139
#12 How I Hunted the Little Fellows by Boris Zhitkov, 4 stars, msg 119
#11 The Bear and the People by Reiner Zimnik, 3 stars, msg 119
#10 The Little Roaring Tiger by Reiner Zimnik, 3,5 stars, msg 119
#9 To Green Angel Tower, Part 1 by Tad Williams, 4,5 stars, msg 113

books read January 2012
#8 A storm of swords, part 1: Steel and snow by George R.R. Martin, 4,5 stars, msg 84
#7 Stitches by David Small, 4 stars, msg 83
#6 The last Olympian by Rick Riordan, 4 stars, msg 74
#5 Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams, 4,5 stars, msg 71
#4 The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, 4 stars, msg 67
#3 The dragon chair by Tad Williams, 4,5 stars, msg 57
#2 De val van de Vredeborch by Thea Beckman, 3,5 stars, msg 50
#1 A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin, 5 stars, msg 35

books acquired February 2012
Asterix collectie by Goscinny & Uderzo
Côte d'Azur (De groene gids) travelguide from Michelin (edition 2010)
Het spel der tronen by George R.R. Martin
De strijd der koningen by George R.R. Martin
Negen open armen by Benny Lindelauf
De hemel van Heivisj by Benny Lindelauf
Uitweg - een waardig levenseinde in eigen hand by Boudewijn Chabot
And 18 books inherited from my father in law, tagged in my library as "erven Meulstee"

books acquired January 2012 (total 3)
Een storm van zwaarden: Staal en sneeuw
Een storm van zwaarden: Bloed en goud (translation of A storm of swords in two books) by George R. R. Martin
Een feestmaal voor kraaien (translation of A feast for crows) by George R.R. Martin

total books acquired in 2012: 28

Welcome back!

Hi! dropping in to leave my star

Happy 2012! *smooch*

*waves*

*drops off star*

got you and your little dog starred

Love your picture!

Anita! Glad to see you back with us once again!

Thank you for that festive new year greeting, Anita. I hope you and your family have a wonderful new year.

I will be visiting! love the pic up top :)

welcome Jim, Chelle, Richard, Faith, Brenda, Terri, Stasia, Donna and Kath to my new thread!
Over here 5,5 hours to go and then there will be 2012.

I am reading now two doorstoppers: A Clash of Kings and The Dragonbone Chair so it will take some time before I am going to review my first book of 2012 ;-)

I wish you a Happy New Year!

Great pic - what lovely dogs!

Found ya! :)

Hi, Anita! Glad to meet you. Happy New Year!

I enjoyed The Dragonbone Chair and the follow up books a lot, Anita, so I am hoping you enjoy it.

Happy New Year!

yay for Tad Williams - big fan

Welcome at my thread Nathalie, Sara and Joe!

Nathalie: the dogs are now both laying here next to me, Ari (the Pekingese) had a hard time last night with all the loud fireworks, Chimay (the smooth Chow Chow) doesn't care about noises.

Stasia & Brenda: that is so nice of LT, you read something you like and then half of this group seems to know what you are talking about :-)

Happily, over the years, Duncan has come to care less about noise and general upheaval...
comes to all of us with age, maybe? I keep it a secret from my family though, as it
makes a lovely excuse to say no thank you... can't make it ... to certain functions and so on..
so shhhhhhh lol

Hah! You are found out, Kath. In 2012, no excuse for you not coming to Joplin! :)

> 18: always good to have a good excuse, even better if it is a dog ;-)
Chimay never cared, she was born with us when we lived in Rotterdam, there the fireworks lasted three months (November-January), every day some young kids would burn a few fireworks... As Chimay was born at the end of October she heard it from the time her ears opened up... so never a problem for her :-)

> 19: ssshht Stasia... my thread is supposed to be a safe place :-)

#20: I beg forgiveness, Anita ;)

> 21: forgiven Stasia ;-)

And I updated my first post with favorite reads of 2011 and links to my previous treads in previous years.

Happy New Year, Anita! I hope to keep up with your thread this year, as you always seem to have excellent recommendations. I see you are tackling some epic fantasy already!

Speaking of epic fantasy, I am glad to see that A Game of Thrones was a favorite -- that's at the top of my list to start off the new year. :)

Happy New Year, Anita! I love your collage!

> 23: yes Sarah, true EPIC fantasy, each book in both series is many hunderds of pages! So those are no quick reads, but well worth the effort :-)

> 24: thanks Roni, I make the Happy New Year cards myself, make photoprints for the snail mail and smaller ones for use on the internet.

Love the review of last year! And Adore, just adore, your photo/card! Lovely job Anita.

thank you Susan!

I am glad to see that you liked Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Anita. I loved that one and got a copy for my personal library.

Happy New Year Anita. I'm glad to see you're enjoying the G.R.R. Martin books as I'm hoping to try them this year.

Happy New Year, Anita!

> 28: that was indeed a great read Stasia!

> 29: thanks Heather, I hope you like them too!

> 30: Hi Joe, your Book Cafe is a popular thread, I'll come by for a cup of coffee soon ;-)

>20 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita LOL

Stas, I can't leave for days of course..
not unless he can come too.. most of the time.
( his meds you know...)

:)

eta

stas...

I picked it up for nook, today 9 EL-IC, that is )

#32: Bring Dunkers with you!

I hope you enjoy EL-IC when you get to it, Kath.

Love your collage at the top of the page. Glad to see another fantasy fan here.

Book 1 De strijd der koningen by George R.R. Martin
from the library, fantasy, translation of A clash of kings, second book of A Song of Ice and Fire

Book description: After the death of King Robert Baratheon wannabe kings pop up, al with their own agenda. Both in Westeros and abroad. In Westeros the war spreads like fire, battles are won and lost.
Meanwhile old powers gather in the North....

Review: Again a masterpiece, after the first bok I doubted if George R.R. Martin could would be able to keep my high hopes up, and he did again in an incredible way.
By using the point of view of different characters in each chapter, there is no harsh line between good and evil, each of them has some of both.

I am in love with A song of Ice and Fire and am looking forward to the next books!

5 stars

> 34: Thanks and welcome, Ardene!

Found and starred you, Anita! I'm glad you're enjoying the GRR Martin books, they're among my all time favorites.

Happy New Year, Anita!

welcome Marcia and Nina
and Happy New Year to you too!

Oh, I'm such a big fan of the Song of Ice and Fire books - right now I'm about 2/3 done with the most recent one out, and they're still just as good as the first one!

> 40: Yes a great find those books, Amber!
I even like the so much that I am putting them on my "want to own" list!

Maybe someone will come out with a nice boxed set once he's completely finished with them!

I think there will be a boxed set eventually! They also did that with Harry Potter. Two more books, I saw, so I'd wait for a boxed set if you like them all.

Yes, probably better to wait... else you get all these different editions, not matching at all, like with Jean Auel. But I am not good at waiting ;-)
So I will be looking around second hand.

My mother got 1 through 5 in white-cover paperback edition of Auel's books, but she was afraid there would be no white-paperback published so she got the white-hardcover for book 6.
I think they're still rather consistent with the SoIaF covers, as everyone who has the series in their bookcase, all have the same editions (the colour ones with book 1 being orange-brown).

At the library there are already two different editions of ASoIaF, first three books were different covers and format...

I'm with you about the second-hand copies for now - I've got that for the first, what, four (can't remember which number we're up to)? and then my best friend bought the most recent one in hardback for my birthday. I'll definitely buy the boxed set later, though, and trade in my old ones; *must* have a matching set!

I'm so glad to find out that I'm not the only one obsessed with trying to keep all the books in a series looking the same. Sometimes they change halfway through a series, no matter what - the Wheel of Time, for example.

> 47: Yes Amber, a series should be in matching books!

> 48: no you are defenetly NOT the only one Nina, it is called bibliophiles ;-)

I could not wait, I bought 3 books of the A Song of Ice and fire series today:

Staal en Sneeuw book 3a, Bloed en Goud book 3b and Een feestmaal voor kraaien book 4.
The first two I read from the library, but they are on my wishlist now!

Book 2 De val van de Vredeborch by Thea Beckman
own, Dutch, YA, first book in my BOMBS challenge

Thea Beckman was a popular writer of YA in the Netherlands, mostly well researched historical fiction.
I own most of her books.

Book description In 1548 Jan Jacobs van Leemputte, 20 years old, is banned out of Antwerp, as he is accused of heresy. But as a brewer he can find work anywhere, he ends up in Utrecht. He married a brewers daughter and end as owner of the brewery and an important citizen of Utrecht.
Meanwhile the the Eighty Years' War (or Dutch War of Independence) breaks out.

ReviewThea Beckman wrote many great historic Young Adult books. The main characters in this book were real. On the Bakkersbrug in Utrecht is a statue of Catharina (Trijn) van Leemputte.
This is not Beckmans strongest book, but a good read anyhow. Maybe writing about real persons gave her not enough room to write a more gripping story.

3,5 stars

#35: I'll have to get to that series some time this year. Not now, but maybe in the summer.

#50: Funny, I had to think of Thea Beckman last week! I was in the Perigord, where you can find many remnants of the 100-year war between England and France (castles, fortified villages etc) and I had to think of her trilogy about Marie-Claire, I loved that one too! Just a shame that I didn't remember any of the historical information, just the story... :)

Too bad Beckman's books have not been translated into English. I love good, well-researched historical fiction.

I think Kruistocht in Spijkerbroek has been translated to English. At least there is a translation to Polish... There also is a movie of the first half of the book, which is an English movie, so maybe you can take a look at that :)

#54: Thanks for mentioning the book translated into English, Selene. I will see if I can locate a copy.

> 51: It is awesome Nathalie!

> 52: tarendz, yes those three are great, together with Hasse Simonsdochter and Kruistocht in spijkerbroek my personal top 5 of Thea Beckman books :-)

> 53 & 55: Stasia at least one is translated Crusade in jeans, not sure if it is availble in the USA or it is an UK edition

> 54: Selene, a bit more than half of the book, but I agree, as most with movies after a book, the book is much better and they have changed too much in the movie ;-)

Book 3 De drakentroon by Tad Williams
from the library, translated, fantasy, translation of The dragon chair

First book of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn

Book description In Osten Ard the king is dying, Prester John was a good king, his eldest son, Elias, will be king after him. The orphan Simon works in the kitchen of the castle. After Prester Johns death Simon gets involved in adventures he never imagined.

Review This is the first book of Tad Williams I read and again I have found a gem in epic fantasy, how lucky can I get?
Sadly for mr Williams I just read the first two books of A Song of Ice and Fire, else I would probably rated this book with 5 stars, but mr Martin writes a little bit better, so I give

4,5 stars

Tad Williams is pretty cool -- I loved his stand alone, The War of the Flowers, the best of his works, though I have not read all his stuff.

You've started the year nicely! I also should start with Thea Beckman. As a child I was absolutely not interested in history, so I skipped all but two of her books. Still history isn't my favourite topic, but I sometimes want to understand more about today. And I know I like her way of writing.

> 58: Sarah, this was my first Tad Williams, but sure not my last!
Tomorrow I will start reading the next book Stone of Farewell :-)

> 59: welcome boekenwijs!
Thank you, I am reading a lot at the moment, with this grey and rainy weather there is not a lot to do outside in the garden and the dogs don't like to walk in the rain either ;-)
Which Thea Beckman books did you read?

I hope you continue to enjoy the Sorrow, Memory and Thorn trilogy, Anita. I read it last year and thoroughly enjoyed the books.

drive-by *smooch* for Chimay and Ari's puppy-mommy

just keeping up.. not much to add :)

> 61: Stasia, I just started the second book, still enjoying!!

> 62 & 63: thanks for visiting my thread Richard and Kath!

I loved the trilogy way back when, while The War of the Flowers is sitting here in my tbr pile. Someday soon...

> 65: hi Roni
Ohhh, there is more of this great Tad Williams stuf??? ;-)

Book 4 De jongen in de gestreepte pyjama by John Boyne
own, YA, translation of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, second book in my BOMBS challenge

This book came from the inheritance of my mother in law.

Description Bruno is nine years old and lives in Berlin with his parents and his sister. Then his father gets a new job and they move. Next to the house is a long wire fence, he can see people in striped pyjamas there, but they never come near the fence. One day he meets Shmuel, a boy in striped pyamas. They become friends.

Review John Boyne took an unusual perpective to tell about WW II and the concentration camps, a nine year old boy who does not understand what is going on in the world and meets a jewish boy of the same age, who knows too much of what is going on at that moment in time. A compelling read, but somehow missing a bit to make it a great read. The ending was not expected...

4 stars

#67: That's another one-of-these-days-I'll-get-to-it books, but I'll probably end up watching the movie first. Glad you liked it! :)

I'm the other way around from you : I read the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy many years ago, and i found it so intricate and well-written, I haven't dared try any of Tad William's books since, for fear they won't measure up!

I read a couple of the Song of Ice and Fire series, and, while the writing was intense, all my favourite characters (including children) had been killed off by the end of the second book, so there's not much motivation for me to keep reading. Maybe some day ...

> 68: I have no intention to watch the movie, Sara, so I will hear from you how you like it ;-)

> 69: I would dare Nina,
I am very impressed with the first (and now reading the second) of the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy and think I will read more by Tad Williams. Even if it is less, it will still be very good! :-)

That is true, in A Song of Ice and Fire an awfull lot of people you care about die... but I still want to know how the survivers carry on.

Book 5 De steen des afscheids by Tad Williams
from the library, translated, fantasy, translation of Stone of Farewell

Second book of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn

Book description Simon and others who resist the new king are on their way. Meanwhile the gruel Storm King is roaring in the north. Even the summer is cold and windy.

Review The further adventures of Simon and others in Osten Ard are again a great read!

4,5 stars

I'm glad you're enjoying the Tad Williams trilogy Anita. I also read that one last year and liked it. I haven't read anything else by him yet . . . one of these days when I need a thick book to escape into.

I am escaping this whole month Arlene, mostly big books I am reading ;-)

Next week I won't read much, redoing some in the house, painting and wallpapering, with some help it should be done in a few days and then back to reading!

Book 6 De laatste Olympiër by Rick Riordan
from the library, translated, fantasy, translation of The last Olympian

The fifth and last book of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Book description Percy Jackson will soon be 16, the day the prophecy, which has now been completely revealed to him, will come true. The battle between the Gods and the Titans goes on and Percy and the other demi-gods from camp Half-Blood fight to keep Manhattan out of the Titans hands.

Review A good final book in the series.
But nothing goes as expected, I liked the twists in the story and the humor, that keeps it all going ;-)

4 stars

The Percy Jackson books are great reads. I just read the first two in the newer series The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune, and they are just as good, though a little more mature in content. Recommended, since you obviously enjoyed the first series. (Warning: the next volume isn't out until this fall!) :)

thank Sarah
I will have to wait a little longer for the translations.
But I think I will be safe if I put them on the TBR for 2014 ;-)

I'm reading the Percy Jackson books too, though I haven't started the second series yet.

Oh, I have The Boy in the Striped Pajamas on my MP3 player now. It's already making me sad.

I thought The Last Olympian raised the level of the series from good to classic, Anita.

#67: I agree with you on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. A good book, but something was missing. And I still don't know what to think of the ending. I don't know if it is originally intended for children, but imo it might be better to make them familiar with the facts using documentations or non-fiction before giving them this book to read.

>77 jadebird:: you like them too, Ren?

> 78: it is not only sad Terri

> 79: it was better, I agree Roni... but I think classic is a bit too much honor ;-)

> 80: Nathalie, the ending is only so bad if you know, if you don't know... well you don't know!

I like Riordan’s stuff. It’s cinematic, and often light, but lots of great action and fun twists on ancient material. I like The Red Pyramid too.

Book 7 Sprakeloos herinneringen by David Small
from the library, translated, graphic novel, autobiography, translation of Stitches

Found on Luxx thread

Book description David Small describes his youth in a dysfunctional family. Mostly in pictures with little text he shares traumatic memories.

Review My own youth was better in some ways and worse in others. I admire the way David Small deals with his youth in this book. I appriciated his afterword about his mother, father and brother.

4 stars

Book 8 Een storm van zwaarden, deel 1: Staal en sneeuw by George R.R. Martin
Own, fantasy, translation of A storm of swords, first part of the third book of A Song of Ice and Fire

Book description: An army gathers in the North, but elswhere kings and wannabe kings still fight eachother.

Review: This is really a great epic, each read a great joy, and there is more to come ;-)
By using the point of view of different characters in each chapter, there is no harsh line between good and evil, each of them has some of both.

As I am growing into A song of Ice and Fire, I am sure that on one point in my life I will read them again, so I bought 3 of the books recently.

4,5 stars

I haven't tried any of George R.R. Martin's books; I'm so out of it!

*waving* at Anita

#85: Neither have I, so you're not the long one. :) But they're extremely popular at my library. We barely have time to shelve them before someone's checking them out again.

> 85 & 87:
Well Ren and Sara, I am not exactly the first to read them ;-)
Stasia (waving back) is wiser, she plans to wait until the LAST book is published and we are only at 5 of 7 books now, so there is plenty of time to start!
I hated the waiting with Jean Auels books too, so I should have waited, but alas, I fell for them ;-)

Meanwhile our house is back in normal order.
Last week Frank and Chimay went away for a week and our friend Marcel and his two Chow Chows came here. He painted all the indoor woodwork, the paint should have been good painting once, but in fact it had to be done twice, so Marcel was not happy :-(
Frank was send away because he has trouble with the smell of paint. When last year the outside was painted it was hard on him, so we thought it would be better if the painting was done while he was away.

But it is done now, the hall has also new wallpaper and I am happy with the new colors!

Oooh, new paint and wallpaper - exciting! I can't wait until we have the time and funds to start re-doing our new place.

hi Amber
It only took a bit more than 6 years (the time we live here), I did wallpaper the livingroom before we moved in, it was soooo depressing, but did not have time back then to do more before the movers came with our stuff ;-)

Oooh, renovations! How nice.

So, 2 chow chows plus your pups? That’s a house full of doggies. Did they get along?

Thanks for making me feel so with-it because I’m cleverly waiting (like Stasia) for George Martin to finish his series before I start reading it. :)

I decided to take Stasia's approach as well. Maybe. Okay, for now. Those high ratings are so tempting.

Have a good week, Anita!

> 91: hi Ren
I will try to remember to take a picture of the re-done hall, with two dogs entering the house there, especially on rainy days, the white of the wallpaper won't last long on the lower parts of the wall ;-)

No, 2 Chow Chows (Whoopi and Kate) plus Ari.
Only one Chow more, Chimay (our remaining Chow) went away with Frank. Chimay and Whoopi are the same age (born 4 days apart) and both think they are Queen. They do know eachother and tolerate the other. Nearly a week together could be too much for them, so we decided not to take the risk as Chow Chows can be very nasty if they decide they don't like eachother...
Ari was completely smitten of young Kate (8 months), she had just been in heat and smelled great, at least that was what Ari thought ;-)

> 92: waiting would be wise Nathalie, but they are tempting, I know ;-)

And yesterday the last items arrived: covers for the radiators of the central heating!

A blue cover in the hall: 

And in the kitchen a dark pink:   (we have chairs in the same color there)

More pictures on my weblog

Oh awesome! :) Thanks for the sharing the pics. I'll have to pop over to your weblog on my next break (I'm @ work right now).

Okay, 2 queen-of-the-roost chows and little Ari. Dog-juggling! I got to pet our neighbor's English bulldog today. So cool.

Are feeling okay? I thought I saw your post on another thread that you might be under the weather? Hope not!

> 95: thanks Sara, we are very happy with the result!

> 96: English Bulldogs are nice dogs Ren, one of the breeds Frank likes, he likes those smushy faces.
But just like Chow Chows and Pekingeses... a lot of health problems in the breed :-(
I catched a cold, not very bad, but indeed a bit under the wheater... it will pass.

I hate colds. Get better!

Your new paint, wallpaper & covers look great!

Yuck on the cold, though. Time to curl up with a pup or two, a good book and something hot to drink.

Take care, my friend.

Love the new looks! Those are some fancy radiator covers. We are ending up completely cleaning/rearranging our front bedroom/office as a result of my bookcase project there, so I have an idea of how much work it can all be.

Oooh, your house looks lovely! Thanks for sharing the pictures!

> 98: On my way Ren, it isn't too bad ;-)

> 99: Thanks Janet, very happy with the new look.
The only thing that is left to do is the floor... but I think it will take at least two years before we are ready for such an enormous project...
One dog at my feet and enjoying To Green Angel Tower, Part 1.

> 100: yes Roni, always more work than you think, luckely I had help, I could not have done it on my own. And Frank is no help at all with these kind of things, allergic to dustmites (and some more) and uncurable clumsy!

>101 scaifea:: thank you Amber, it is goood to share here :-)

@ 60: I've read Kruistocht in spijkerbroek and De stomme van Kampen. The first one in my early twenties, the second as a teenager. I loved both, so I don't really know what kept (and keeps) me from reading more of her books.

@ 83: I recently bought Stitches and am looking forward to start reading it.

Anita - hi. This is my first visit to your interesting thread. The dogs on your profile page look cute. Will try to keep up with your thread more now that I have found it.

Isn't it great when you do things to change your home up? So much fun!
Yours looks great....love the colors!

Nice new look!

A while ago, I made it through the first 2 books, I think, of A Storm of Swords (edited for spoilers); I'm thinking of trying again (from the beginning, so I remember who everyone is), especially since I've recorded the TV series.

> 103: I think you will like the three books about the 100-years war, Boekenwijs, Geef me de ruimte!, Triomf van de verschroeide aarde en Het rad van fortuin. And I will see on your thread how you like Stitches!

> 104: welcome Paul!
The dogs not only LOOK cute, they ARE cute ;-)
Especially Ari, the Pekingese, who thrives on human attention.

> 105: Thanks Kath, it was a lot of work, but well worth it. It feels like the house fits better ;-)

> 106: thanks Nina.
The series is called A Song of Ice and Fire, the first book is A Game of Thrones, followed by A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords is the third book. Keeping up with all characters is not easy, but there are lists with all families at the end of each book, very handy!
And I think it is amazingly good written :-)

I have nearly finished To Green Angel Tower, Part 1 and saw the last book is just checked ou at the library AND there is only one available in the whole province. So it will probably take some time before I can start reading the last book :-(

Then my FIL has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism. His body reacts well to the medicines, but his energy is so low. As if he can't take anything anymore, so fragile.
He probably will not return to his house, we think he won't be able to live on his own again, so we will be searching for a good ederly-home for him and then sell his appartment...
Last fall Franks aunt, childless sister of his father was admitted to a special care home, because she suffers from dementia, probably Alzheimers. And this all comes down on Frank, as he only has one sister, who lives in the USA.
My mother is going down quickly too, but still refuses to discus any moving from her house, but my father is exhausted of taking care of her... luckely I am not an only child so we don't have to bear this all alone.

It is hard to see them all declining... old age can be so hard.

Sorry to hear about your FIL. Best wishes to him and I hope that he gets all the care he needs. Ageing is an unfortunate part of the road of life and it is painful sometimes watching our loved ones deteriorate.

Thanks Paul
I know it is a part of the road, for all of us, but it certainly ain't no easy part of that road for all involved!

FIL = father in law? I'm not sure. But I hope everything works out for you guys. :) He's very lucky to have family around that cares about him.

yes Sara, FIL = father in law and thank you!
Frank is going to visit him today, so tonight we will know more.

Book 9 De groene Engeltoren, deel 1: de Belegering by Tad Williams
from the library, fantasy, translation of To Green Angel Tower, Part 1, first part of the third book of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn

Book description: The further adventures of Simon, Binabik, Miriamele, prince Josua and a lot of others in Osten Ard.

Review: This was again a great read, just as good as the first two books were. Through the books Simon grows up and changes from the uncertain kitchenboy into a knight of price Josua. His adventures and those of other main charcters are told in a captivating style.

Now the long wait has started as the last book is not available at the moment, but it sure will be worth waiting for!

4,5 stars

oh no! Sorry to hear that your father in law is ill...
Very rough for you all, I am sure.

Chiming in with my sympathy and well-wishes for your father-in-law.

thanks Kath and Amber.

That Tad Williams series sounds good. :)

Facing the reality of aging and taking on the responsibility of caring for aging loved-ones is so difficult, as well as exhausting emotionally and physically. My best wishes for you and your family (including the cute dogs).

> 117: Yes it is a very good series, Ren!

Thank you, the small dog, Ari, is very good in cheering people up, Franks aunt and others in the special care home are always happy to see him. And Ari is happy to get attention and cuddles ;-)
Sadly he is not alowed into the hospital, so he can't cheer up my FIL...

I read three childrens books today, wich resided on my selves for a long time. Sadly they don't have a cover yet, but the new scanner is on its way ;-)


Book 10: De kleine brultijger by Reiner Zimnik
own, childrens, awarded, translated (from German), 3rd book in my BOMBS challenge

Sweet book with beautiful illustrations of the author.
The little roaring tiger likes to roar, but he is little, so the sound does not impress the other animals around. But the echo in the wood makes the sound larger and others, further away get afraid. Little roaring tiger wants to explore the world and is found by mean men, who sell him to a zoo, steal him again and sell him to the next zoo (and so on), finally he escapes and the mean man are locked up.

There seems to be an English edition named The Little Roaring Tiger.

3,5 stars


Book 11: De beer en de mensen by Reiner Zimnik
own, childrens, translated (from German), 4th book in my BOMBS challenge

Illustrated by the author.
This book is a bit more dated then the previous one.

A bear and a man travel along the roads, the man can juggle with 7 balls, the bear can dance. Each evening the man tells a story to the bear and blows his horn. The horn has only one tone, but it is incredible beautifull. After many years and adventures, the man dies and the bear is sold to bad people, luckely he escapes and goes to the wild bears. They don't want him around, because he has a ring through his nose and a horn at his neck, so he could be a spy of humans...
He gets rid of the ring, but keeps the horn and eventually finds a boy to travel the roads again.

Available in English: The Bear and the People

3 stars


Book 12: Het verboden bootje by Boris Zhitkov
own, childrens, awarded, translation of How I Hunted the Little Fellows, original in Russian, 5th book in my BOMBS challenge

Illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky

Based on a fond memory of his youth, Boris Zhitkov tells about a stay with his grandmother in Russia. She has a miniature ship in her living room and little Boris is intrigued by it. But his grandmother tells him he is not allowed to touch it. Boris starts to believe ther MUST be little men in the real-like ship and thinks of ways to get them out, so he can see them...
The story was good, but the illustrations were great!

4 stars

Oooh, I *love* Zelinsky's illustrations - they're always so so beautiful.

Yes, they are great Amber!

My scanner came today (my birthday), so the three books above have covers now :-)

Just found your thread and starred it accordingly.

Happy, happy birthday, Anita! I hope Frank and the fur kids do you up proud.

Happy Birthday, Anita! I hope you treat yourself to a few good books. :-)

:o Happy birthday :)

Happy Happy Birthday Dear One!

Happy birthday Anita!

Happy (if slightly belated) birthday wishes to you Anita. Hope you have a lovely weekend and can keep warm enough there.

Oh, Happy Happy Birthday!

Thanks Roni, Joe, Nick, Linda, Nora, Paul and Ren!

My birthday yesterday was perfect, we should have visited Franks father and my parents, as they can't travel to here, but the weather was so awful (snowstorm, very rare over here) that we went back after 30 km (about 20 miles), that took more than an hour!
Very wise desicion because all highways we would have taken were one big traffic jam, it would have taken hours... So we had a nice and quiet day together.

Then last night we had an historical low temperature here in Lelystad -22,9 C!

And Frank fell ill, vomiting diarrhea all night, poor poor Frank, but we still had his fathers pyjamas here, as we do his washing now he is in hospital. So I went today with Ari, due to phobia I never leave the house alone, picked up a friend halfway, as Ari isn't allowed into the hospital so I needed a companion there. My FIL is very weak, I didn't stay long, he was too tired and I always want to leave hospitals as quick as possible. So now I am back home, very tired, but proud that the mission was accomplished!

And yesterday my new scanner arrived, so I can go on scanning covers :-)

New scanner = joy!

Yes Richard
My previous one did not work with my present laptop, it is awesome and so fast!

Thinking of Frank and sending gentle hugs!

Anita, I am in awe of your command of the English language! I confess I am language phobic.

I'm glad you had a good birthday!

Happy Belated Birthday, Anita! :) Sorry to hear about the still bad news about your FIL, as well as the weather (-22.9 C?? I can't even beging to imagine that). At least you had some down time and got a new scanner. Lotsa fun! :)

> 133:Thanks Linda, well I got just 5 minutes ago the same symptoms :-(
So if I am missing here the next few days you all know why...

> 134: Thank you Sara
I am very happy with the scanner, started doing the covers the first year at LT, but then my old laptop broke down and the newer ones only work with USB...
-22.9 Celsius is about -9 Fahrenheit. Normal winters we might have a few nights -10 C, but this is realy unusual, a record for our province.

Oh, that's so cold. Try to stay warm and get well.

Belated Happy Birthday from me. Great that you now have a working scanner.

> 136: thanks Ren, our heating is working well, so we are warm :-)

> 137: Hi Kerry!
Thank you, I am very happy to continue scanning the covers, I hope that next month all my books on LT have covers.

book 13: De kippige, de dikke en ik by Kazumi Yumoto
own, YA, Awarded (Zilveren Griffel 1998, Batchelder Award 1997), translated from Japanese, English title The Friends, 6th book in my BOMBS challenge

Book description: Three japanese boys are curious abouth death. The grandmother of one of them has died recently and although he was at the funeral, he did not see the body. How does death look like?
They decide to watch an old man in the neighborhood, as they are sure he will die soon. But instead they become befriended with the old man and spend nearly all summer at his place.

4,5 stars

Belated Happy Birthday, Anita!
Just catching up on threads. Never heard about those Zimnik books.

So sorry to hear about your FIL's illness. I hope he'll regain some strength soon and that you'll find a good elderly-home for him. We have been in a similar situation with my grandmother some years ago. It was a very hard decision, but it was the only way to provide for all the medical care she needed. It took her some weeks to adjust to the new environment, but then her health and her spirits really improved there, and she participated in all the activities and excursions the home offered as long as it was possible for her.

A late Happy Birthday to you, Anita! I hope you feel better soon--everyone I see lately has been dealing with it. I've been washing my hands compulsively to avoid it.

It's so hard to deal with aging parents--to see the people who were always the strong ones in your life descending into near helplessness is too much sometimes. Good luck!

> 140: Thank you Nathalie, those Zimnik books are fairly old, De beer en de mensen was published in Dutch in 1957 and De kleine brultijger in 1970.

We hope it will go the same with my FIL as with your grandmother... but for now it will take some time before he can leave the hospital.

> 141: hi Terry, thanks, I still feel lousy, but during the day there has been slight improvement. Frank started a night ahead, and he has eaten some solid food today, so I guess I will be there tomorrow.

Your words about aging parents are spot on, thank you!

Happy Belated birthday!!
Hope Frank is feeling better

Oops! Happy Belated! Hope you're feeling better today. :)

Did you like De kippige, de dikke en ik by Kazumi Yumoto? It seems a clever plot idea.

> 143 & 144: thanks Celle and Faith
Today Frank is almost recovered.
I ate some solid food today AND could drink some coffee yeah!

> 145: YES Ren, I liked it very much, highly recommended, I rated it 4 1/2 star :-)
I wasn't very coherent yesterday, my review could have been better.

But there are more reviews on LT.

book 14: Vleugels voor de draak by Laurence Yep
own, YA, Awarded (Vlag en Wimpel 1988, Newbery Honor 1976), translated from Japanese, English title Dragonwings, 7th book in my BOMBS challenge

Book description: 1903, Moonshadow lives in China with his mother and grandmother. His father, Windrider, is in the Land of the Golden Mountain (USA). Then a letter from his father arrives, asking Moon Shadow to come to the Land of the Golden Mountain too.

Review:
This is a book about the first decade of the 20th century
This is a book about Chinese immigrants in San Francisco
This is a book about a dream
This is a book about the first pioneers in flying
This is a book about living through an earthquake

This book shows how cruel and how human some people can be
And in the end it tells us what really matters

recommended!

4,5 stars

BOMBS 7 down, 33 to go

> 146
I’m not firing on all thrusters myself today. I obviously just read right over your rating. Anyway, I’m going to look for the book!

> 148: Doesn't matter Ren, I hope you can find the book!

I've always overlooked Dragonwings when at the library, looks like I should read it.

> 150: I hope you will like it too, Kerry!

On LT I found out there are more books from Laurence Yep about Chinese immigrants, a series of 8 books called Golden Mountain Chronicles, but not all are rated good... Sadly only this one is translated, I guess it did not become the succes the publisher imagined :-(

Anita, you're going to think me somewhat tardy in my comment here but, then again, you know I only re-joined the challenge a few days ago! I just love those radiator covers! Very bold, very stylish! Radiators are ugly things that need covering (though they can be very handy for drying clothes on in the winter!) Over here in our American house we don't have radiators but rather 'forced-air heating'. Not as ugly as radiators, granted, but not so useful for drying clothes on either. I guess that's why most Americans use clothes dryers year round whilst I persist in being the 'eccentric British woman who insists on spending all spring, summer and fall drying her clothes on a rotary airer in the backyard rather than in the dryer whilst simultaneously bringing down surrounding house values by tens of thousands of dollars ;-)

> 152: hi Linda
We are very happy with the radiator covers, it all looks so much better!
In the hall we really needed to do something, wet dogs entering the house, radiator gets wet and starts to rust. So now we painted the radiator with very ugly anti-rust paint and then put the cover on.
I do have a dryer, we have way to many birds in the garden, when I would dry my wash there, it would come in all dirty again ;-)
What on earth could a rotary airer in the backyard have to do with surrounding house values?
I mean, using a rotary airer instead of a dryer, THAT would be a "green tip". LOL

Anita sometimes you are so droll - no-one else commented on your "perfect" day ending with Frank's vomiting! Irony perfection...hope you are both fully recovered.

book 15: De kluizenaar en de beer by John Yeoman, illustrations Quentin Blake
own, YA, Awarded (Zilveren Griffel 1987), translation of The Hermit and the Bear, 8th book in my BOMBS challenge

Book description: A bear is walking in the woods. He wants to help everyone, but he is very clumsy, so all other animals dislike him. Then he meets a hermit who wants someone to teach to. So the bear stays with the hermit and causes a lot of trouble. But anyway, they are happy together.

Review: A funny story, I can imagine if read out loud there would be a lot of laughter.
The illustrations of Quentin Blake are right on.

4 stars

BOMBS 8 down, 32 to go

> 154: hi Paul
Well, that was of course the little imperfection of that day LOL
Frank is recovered, I thought I was recovering well, but yesterday evening it all started again :-(
I guess I went to fast back on solid foods... So an other day on tea, a bit of white bread and boullion.

#155: I don't think I've read anything by John Yeoman, but The Hermit and the Bear definitely looks like something I'd enjoy. Plus I love Quentin Blake's illustrations. I've been a fan of his since I read some of Roald Dahl's books as a kid. Thanks for the rec! :)

Btw, I'm sorry to hear you're still under the weather! :(

#153: Believe it or not Anita, in some places in America there are rules against having a clothes line or rotary airer in your yard (this was the case with our previous home -which we owned- in Pennsylvania). Apparently, it can be deemed to ruin the aesthetics of a neighborhood which, in theory, could lower home values. As our current yard is fenced in, I didn't think twice about putting up an airer. Then a mom of one of Kidlet's friends came round one day and we were talking in the back yard. She pointed at my airer and said 'Oh wow! Do your neighbors mind?' To be honest, I hadn't even considered whether the neighbors would mind or not. I didn't really see it as being any of their business. Of course, once she'd said that I was worried half to death! However, my neighbors still talk to me and none of them have reported me to the local authorities yet so I assume they're OK with it :)

> 157: Thank you Sara
Today I feel slightly better, but I am not out of the woods yet :-(
I hope you Like The Hermit and the Bear!

> 158: If you say so, I believe you Linda, but over here that would be impossible!
Only in some small villages, on what we call "the Bible Belt", there might still be regulations about hanging out your clothers to dry on Sunday... but that is all oddnes on this subject in our country ;-)

> 151
I've read Dragon's Gate; it was good, but it didn't make me want to dash out and get another book by Yep.

> 160: you might like the one I read, Ren, I did not feel it was part of a series ;-)

I finally feel somewhat better today!
Wanted to share this picture I took, this is about 500 meters from our house:

book 16: Asterix collectie I by Goscinny & Uderzo
own, comic, part of the boxed set Asterix collectie

One of the favorites of my youth, I read them literary apart, when the remains got mixed up during a move, I threw them away. Recently I aquired the boxed set, second hand, because Linda (verdelambton) and Nathalie (Deern) were reading them and I longed to do the same.

contains:
-1- Asterix the Gaul 3,5 stars
-2- Asterix and the Golden Sickle 3,5 stars
-3- Asterix and the Goths 4 stars
-4- Asterix the Gladiator 3,5 stars
-5- Asterix and the Banquet 4,5 stars
-6- Asterix and Cleopatra 5 stars

Yes, Asterix and Obelix are still my heroes :-)

It is a fabulous comic, on nearly each picture is so much to see and the text is funny.
Asterix wears a helmet with wings, look at them carefully, as they are like dogears, reflecting Asterix' mood. In book 5 the dog Idefix appears for the first time, although he remains nameless in this episode, Obelix only notes him when they arey back in the village.

Asterix and Cleopatra is still my favorite!

Ooh, what a gorgeous photo! Thanks for posting it.

Good luck with the hunt for a place for your FIL. Hope he gets a little stronger every day.

#162: Ah yes, Cleopatra. Apparently she had a very pretty nose ;-)

Ahhhh, stunning picture. And yay to Asterix. Got to love him. I might pick up some of my old Asterix collections when I next stop by my mum's house.

Great photo, Anita! I hope you are feeling better today.

Beautiful picture, Anita. I'm glad you are feeling better. I've never read an Asterix! Must find!

Thanks all for liking the picture!

> 163: Ardene, my FIL is still very weak, he needs help with everything. At least he is off isolation now (he had an nasty stomach virus). Apparently places in nursing homes are scarce at the moment, so that will take a while.

> 164: A very pretty nose!

> 165: Yes Jenny, childhood favorites, like Asterix, can be so comforting.

> 166: Thanks Roni, yes I am feeling better, but I forgot to take my vitamin B12 yesterday and was yesterday evening and this morning complete off balance. Took my B12 today and now it is much better.

> 167: hi Ren, I am not sure Asterix will have the same impact it you haven't read it in your youth, but I do think you will at least like it ;-)

Sharing the fun of dogs and snow :-)

Chimay running full speed:

more pictures at the weblog

Ari having fun with a frozen tennisball (the round snowy thinghy in front of his paw):

more pictures at the weblog

And a video of Ari playing at You Tube

So cute!

I love the photos!

Hello to you dear one.

I hope Frank gets stronger every day.

Ari is so adorable. But that coat looks like a full time job!!

161 is gorgeous! You are quite the photographer!
Love your dog pics.. off to watch the video~

Oh my goodness, that video is too cute... I love how his fluffy fur flops around as he bounds through the snow!!! Absolutely adorable. :D

Aaaaw... so cute!! Thank you for posting pics and video, Anita.
I so miss dogs in my life!

> 170: Ari loves to hear that ;-)

> 171: thank you Linda!

> 172: Yes he is Jenny, and no full time job, once a week an hour to completely comb out, 3 or 4 times a week 20 minutes to brush, that is all.

> 173: thank you kath *blush*

> 174: We think he flops around like a rabbit, Faith ;-)
One of Ari's nicknames is "konijn van Olland", after Lodewijk Napoleon Bonaparte, king of Holland from 1806-1810. Lodewijk tried to speak Dutch and tried to say "koning van Holland" = king of Holland, instead he said "konijn van Olland" = rabbit of Olland. Royalty & rabbit, fits Ari ;-)

> 175: thanks Nathalie, maybe time to go and look for a dog of your own?

book 17: Het nachtcircus by Erin Morgenstern
from the library, fantasy, translation of The Night Circus

What can I say about a book so many others raved about?
A magical story in a magical circus. A tome full of imagination, a voyage, a lovestory...

Now and then I had to quit for a while to digest all impressions, then quick back to to book and read on!
The end was not completely of the same level, it felt a bit rushed, so

4,5 stars

I am so glad that you liked it too!!

So glad you enjoyed The Night Circus, Anita, and I loved the video of Ari!

> 178: I am do happy to make you glad kath :-)

> 179: I am not the ony one in this group, haven't seen a bad review ;-)
Ari says: "THANK YOU, I love to be loved"

#169: :D I love those photos, especially the video of Ari playing with his ball in the snow. Thanks for sharing!

> 181: thanks Sara, he is so much fun, this little furball, watching him play always make me smile and I hoped it would to the same to you all :-)

Beautiful pictures, Anita! Hope you're feeling better!

> 183: thanks Terri, yes I am doing better, but not in good shape yet.
We had some snow and sweeping it away wore me out, but we can safely walk around the house now ;-)

book 18: Asterix collectie II by Goscinny & Uderzo
own, comic, part of the boxed set Asterix collectie

contains:
-7- Asterix and the Big Fight 3,5 stars
-8- Asterix in Britain 4,5 stars
-9- Asterix and the Normans 3,5 stars
-10- Asterix the Legionary 4,5 stars
-11- Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield 4 stars
-12- Asterix at the Olympic Games 3,5 stars

I wonder how they translated Asterix in Britain in English, some of the jokes are about the English language, does it hold up in English translation?
I think Asterix in Britain and Asterix the Legionary are the best stories in this book.

The jokes are very funny in English - I've often wondered about the translations though, how they toe the line between an accurate translation, and making sure the hilarity comes across.

I brought my two books of six home from my mum's yesterday (although there is an overlap of two) and looking forward to curling up with them. Thanks for the reminder!

hi Jenny
In a few albums I saw some translation errors/inconsistencies, most I never noticed before, but I have become more critical, so I notice more ;-)
Even found a website with all running gags and comments on the translations, most cases I agreed LOL

I hope you enjoy them again, as much I did ;-)

Love the Asterix books... I've wondered about the translations as well, but that website you mention about comments on the translations sounds very interesting! I might have a look for it.

I looked of course at a Dutch site, but it has an English part too: Asterix around the world.
There seems to be a similair site, Asterix annotations

catching up, found out you had birthday, was ill and have a book on my TBR pile, belated birthday wishes and hope things are better at your end

> 190: Thanks Brenda, belated wishes are very welcome too ;-)
I hope you feel better soon!
Frank and I are both better now, so here all is well.

update Franks father, my FIL

Franks father is still in the hospital and very weak, we visited him today.
The pneumonia is back and he does not want to eat.
A lot of fluid in his lungs and even talking is difficult :-(

So we are not sure what we should hope for, a recovery or an ending...

So sorry to hear that. Having had pneumonia last year and knowing how much it took out of me, a 24 year old fit and active person, I can't imagine how debilitating it must be to an elderly person.

And having watched my grandmother desperately want to give up........well, if only we could tell our bodies when enough is enough, eh?

I hope that whatever the outcome is, he can be comfortable and at peace.

Take care

Thanks Jenny

Yesterday it looked like Franks faher had turned to the worse, today he felt a lot better!
He was his own self again, still weak, but so much better in spirit.

So now again we are going to look for a nice place in a nursing home :-)

*big sigh* of relief

Glad to hear he is feeling better!

Glad to hear Frank is feeling better. Keep us posted, and don't forget to take care of yourself.

thanks Roni and Ardene

We are happy Franks father is feeling better, but according to the doctors he isn't out of the woods yet, his spirits are better and that helps a lot. He has really accepted now that he can't go back to his own house, he won't be able to live on his own again. This is a big thing for him, as he tends to live like a hermit, with as less people around as possible...

It has been an emotional rollercoaster since Saturday, especially because my parents decided that it was a good time to try to reconcile me with my poisonous sisters... That hit hard, as we visited my parents when we just returned from visiting Franks father who was so bad.
Franks father has been a better parent to me than my own parents ever have been....

life is too short for poisonous sisters, just say no

thanks Brenda

That I did and put my parents on hold for some time, I haven't seen my sisters for a long time and don't intent to see them ever again!
My mother is the same, but usuall I can handle her and I don't want to cut off my dad. But if needed for my own sanity (or what is left of it) I even will do that...

I hope things look up for you, Anita. Glad to hear Frank's father has improved. Family tensions can really tear you up. My sympathy, and lots of positive thoughts for you.

Although I know you have been tied up with much more important things, I hope that Ari is appropriately proud of the Pekingnese who just won the Westminster Dog Show, Malachy.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/westminster-dog-show-2012-pekinges...

Just catching u. I see that your family roller coaster is a challenging one..
I am so sorry. Stand your ground with the sisters issue... take care of you first.

I missed the dog show and will hope to find it repeating......

> 200: thanks Joe, I come from a rather dysfunctional family, I try to keep myself out of it as much as possible, but once in a while I am forced into the mess...

> 201: Yes Roni, I have seen Malachy, last year he won the group too. Of course Ari is proud, although he thinks Malachy is not as charming as he is ;-)

> 202: hi kath, good to see you here.
I have learned my lesson in the past, with Franks help I will be able to stand my ground.
I missed the Best in Show, but saw it through the site of the Westminster Kennel Club:
http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/videos/#/Best%20In%20Show/2012/

(I like the looks of the FCI/non-US-bred Pekes a lot better than the ones around here. They have a little bit more leg under them, and seem to be able to do dog-like things much better (crazy things like running, playing, and eating) than the AKC standard bred dogs.)

You can tell Ari that I too think he is more handsome than the AKC Grand Champion Palacegarden Malachy. ;)

hi Emilie

Malachy was bred in the UK, I've seen his pedigree, rather heavy linebred (of the 8 grandparents only 5 different pekes), but I must admit he has good wide nostrills, I have seen worse.
But I know an USA import who could barely walk 100 meters :-(

The FCI standard was changed in 2010, but I haven't seen judges over here judge differently than before. It will take some years before we wil see really some improvement.

Meanwhile we are very happy with Ari, who walks easely 2-3 miles (not every day), plays around with Chimay (our smooth Chow Chow) and eats mainly raw ;-)

Ari said: "Thank you, I love people telling me I am handsome!"

Book 19 Een storm van zwaarden, deel 2: Bloed en goud by George R.R. Martin
Own, fantasy, translation of A storm of swords: Blood and Gold, second part of the third book of A Song of Ice and Fire

Book description: The army in the North starts the fight, one King comes to the rescue. Marriages ending in murder.

Review: I am still enjoying these books. A great epic, a great joy, and there is more to come ;-)
I still like that each chapter is told from the point of view of another charachter, so you get to know them and is no-one only good or evil. Some characters grow more on you than others, but living in Westeros is dangerous with all the wars around, so even favorites may be killed... I miss some of them, others I am glad they are gone!

5 stars

I haven't jumped into that series. I doubt I ever will, but you never know!

I am a little out of sorts reading wise. Don't know where I will go next... I have
quite a few that I need to read, but they are a variety of genres so? Who knows?

Hope all is well in your world :)

My library had the first few, but not the first in the series.

This morning my dear father in law passed away at the age of 84.
I miss him, but am glad the suffering has ended.

My father in law in 2005

I'm so sorry, Anita.

I'm sorry to hear that, Anita. I'm glad he rallied a bit to have a good final day, and that he isn't suffering any more. Hugs for you and Frank.

thanks Ren and Roni...

I wrote about him on my weblog

What a lovely memorial you wrote :)
It is clear that he was a sweet and well loved man, so nice
looking, too! I am so sorry for your family's loss.. and wish him
a gentle journey..

hugs

Safe journey home for your father-in-law. Your memorial blog was very touching.

#209: I'm sorry to hear about your father-in-law dying this morning, Anita, though I can understand (as you mentioned) at least his suffering has ended. I hope you and your family are able to cope well with his absence. Take care. :)

((((((Anita)))))). That was a beautiful tribute.

I am so sorry for your loss, Anita. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anita, I am so sorry for your loss.

Your memorial is lovely and heartfelt, and it gives such a clear picture of a fulfilled life, especially those last years with the three "adopted grandchildren".

I am sending hugs to you and Frank and hope you'll find the strength to get through it all now.

Oh, I am so so sorry for you and your husband. I'll be keeping you and him in my thoughts.

My sympathy to you and Frank, Anita. That's a beautiful tribute you wrote.

Anita I am so sorry for your loss! Hope you and Frank are hanging in there together! xo

I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that you, and he, no longer have to struggle through the battle between life and death. When I was a child, I believed death was the worst thing that could happen to anyone. Now I know differently.

I send you nothing but good thoughts and comfort, and hope that you are able to remember the man he was, and will always be in your heart.

Yesterday we felt mostly relieved that his suffering had ended, today the feeling of loss is almost overwhelming :-(
Thanks everybody, this group is amazing at times like this, I apriciate your outreach!
I might be more quiet the next days, but know you are a big help to me.

> 213: yes he was sweet kath, I wanted to write how I knew him, I am glad I told him how much I loved him last week when I visited.

> 214: Richard, also for your reaction on my weblog.

> 215: Sara, it is rather hard for Frank, as he lost both his parents within the last two years. But we have eachother!

> 216: Janet, that tribute was straight from the heart

> 217: thank you Sarah

> 218: Nathalie, yes the three girls were very good for him. We never had children, although we tried, I always was sorry for Franks father that we could not give him grandchildren.

> 219: thanks Amber

> 220: thank you Joe for taking the time to read it

> 221: Chelle, we will get through this, we are strong together

> 222: Jenny, thanks for your wise words, at some point death isn't the worst, although it often is when someone dies too young...
He will indeed live on in our hearts.

I'm so sorry to hear your father-in-law passed away. You and and your family are in my thoughts.

I'm sorry for your loss, Anita -- but glad, as you say, that the suffering is over and you're able to know he's at peace now. {{Hugs}} to you and your family.

thanks Mary and Faith

The funeral will be Friday, I won't attend... too many people and unknown surroundings, perfect set up for a panic attack and that would draw the attention to me instead of my dear father in law.
So Frank arranged that I can see him Thursday and then I can have my own personal farewell, probably take the camera for one final picture...

book 20: Asterix collectie III by Goscinny & Uderzo
own, comic, part of the boxed set Asterix collectie

contains:
-13- Asterix and the Cauldron, 3,5 stars
-14- Asterix in Spain, 4 stars
-15- Asterix and the Roman Agent, 4 stars
-16- Asterix in Switzerland, 4 stars
-17- Asterix The Mansions of the Gods 4,5 stars
-18- Asterix and the Laurel Wreath 3,5 stars

Needed some lighter reading that A feast for crows, so I took up the next Asterix collection.
In my memory Asterix in Switzerland was a favorite, but now I found Asterix The Mansions of the Gods the best of the bunch.

Sorry to hear of your recent loss, that photograph shows a wonderful looking man. I hope your week gets easier.

> 228: thank you Leonie
He was a wonderful man, kind and gentle.
We are coping, a loss like this needs time to heal.

book 21 De keizer van Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan
from the library, fantasy, translation of The Emperor of Nihon-Ja

Ranger's Apprentice, Book 10
I was happy when this book was available in the library, a bit of distraction was just what I needed.

Book description: The last adventure of Halt, Will, Horace, Alyss and Evanlyn takes place in Nihon-Ja, where Horace stays with the Emperor. The Eperor is threatened by his own men and Horace tries to help. Later our other friends come to the rescue, together with some vikings and a friend from the desert.

Review: Nearly all loose ends come together in this last episode of the Rangers Apprentice. A book full of action, nice turns and adventure.
It makes me a little sad to say goodbye to all the characters, I will miss them, but have very fond memories of them all :-)

4 stars

Anita
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know I'm thinking of you and sending love.

> 231: thanks Linda

Yesterday was the funeral, Franks sister flies back tomorrow and then the house must be cleared & sold... but no need to hurry, we are both tired now.

Rest the best you can.

Anita - trying to catch up after a hectic of weeks. Please accept my most belated of condolences to Frank and yourself on the passing of your FIL. Testing and trying times but I am sure that your natural positivitely will bring you both through this difficult period.

> 233: Thanks Ren, I will...

> 234: Thank you Paul, I saw on your thread how busy you were.

I am going to take a little break, only checking my thread once a week and no visitis elswhere.
I hope to be back on track in a few weeks.

Take care everyone!

take care of yourself, we'll be thinking of you and holding your place.

> 236: thanks Brenda!

Rest and relax...

Take it easy, Anita. We'll be thinking of you.

book 22: Asterix collectie IV by Goscinny & Uderzo
own, comic, part of the boxed set Asterix collectie

contains:
-19- Asterix and the Soothsayer, 3,5 stars
-20- Asterix in Corsica, 4,5 stars
-21- Asterix and Caesar's Gift, 3,5 stars
-22- Asterix and the Great Crossing, 3,5 stars
-23- Obelix and Co., 4 stars
-24- Asterix in Belgium, 4 stars

Continuing the light reading besides A feast for crows, so I took up the next Asterix collection.
I liked Asterix in Corsica best.

> 238 & 239:

thanks Chèli and Joe for stopping at my thread
I do rest, try to relax and also try to take is easy ;-)

Hello Dear One

I'm thinking of you today and thus sending a post to you letting you know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thinking of you also.

welcome back :)

> 242 - 244: thanks Linda, Sarah and Brenda!

Today catching up with some threads... will be busy tomorrow and the day after to Rotterdam to clean en tidy the appartment of my late FIL, so the real estate agent can take photos ant put it on sale...

Good to see you up and about on the threads today!

I'm pleased to see you're enjoying the Asterix books all over again Anita. Asterix in Corsica is a great one. "You spoke to my sister?" "I didn't realize...." "I don't like people speaking to my sister" "But I'm not interested in your sister. I only wanted to..." "You don't like my sister?" "Yes, yes, of course I like your sister" "Oh! So you like my sister, do you? Hold me back or I'll murder him!" And, of course, the Corsican cheese that is so ripe.. it meets a flaming torch and ... KABOOM! I love that book!

Yay, more Asterix!

Hi Anita!

thanks Linda, Faith and Ren for stopping at my thread.
One more big Asterix on the shelf to go, but as this is msg 250, I am going to try the continuation feature for the first time, wish me luck!