Random books from arubabookwoman's library

About meMy favorite reads of 2008 were:

Rashomon by Akugatawa
The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches by Gaetan Soucy
The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
Tree of Smoke by Dennis Johnson
Sacred Ground by Vikram Chandra
The Children by Edith Wharton
The Book of Ebenezer Le Page by E.G. Edwards
The Last September by Elizabeth Bowen
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
The Good Women of China by Xianan

My "desert island" books are:

The Raj Quartet by Paul Scott
Life: A User's Manuel by Georges Perec
The Goldbug Variations by Richard Powers
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
Tristram Shandy by Lawrence Stern
Ada by Vladimir Nabokove
The Makioka Sisters by Tanizaki
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Little Dorritt by Charles Dickens
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Runner-up "desert island" books would include:

Vanity Fair by William Thackeray
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Wild Swans by Chang
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Mr. Bridge/Mrs. Bridge by Evan Connell
The Manor and The Estate by I.B. Singer
Underworld by Don DeLillo
Absalom, Absalom by William Faulkner
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
and I could go on and on!

About my libraryThe books in the "Your Library" collection are books I currently own which are on my shelves. Within this collection, those tagged TBR are those I have yet to read.

All other Collections are books I do not own. The collection "Borrowed Books and No Longer Have" are books I've read that I once owned and gave away, or that I got from the library. All other collections are books I'm interested in to one degree or the other, many of which are LT recommendations. The books in the "Look For Now" category are the books currently at the top of the wish list.

When I star books, 3 stars means a very good book, one that I would have no hesitation in recommending, especially if you are interested in the genre or subject of the book. 3 1/2 stars is a very good book, one that I especially liked and connected with. 4 stars is an excellent book, standing out above most other books, a book which will stay with me a long time and which I may want to reread. A 4 1/2 star book is a near perfect book, which will probably be around for a long time. A 5 star book is a book I expect to be around for all time.

A 2 1/2 star book can be either a perfectly good book which did not resonate with me, or a book with minor flaws. 2 stars is a book I did not like, or which had major flaws. 1 1/2 stars means you are taking a big chance if you read that book. 1 or 1/2 means definitely do not bother reading the book.

Membership LibraryThing Early Reviewers/Member Giveaway

LocationPuget Sound Area

Favorite authorsNone

Account typepublic, lifetime

Connection NewsConnection News

URLs http://www.librarything.com/profile/arubabookwoman (profile)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/arubabookwoman (library)

Common KnowledgeSeries (210), Awards (544), Characters (6136), Places (1212)

Member sinceJan 1, 2009

Most recent activity

arubabookwoman rated:
Property by Valerie Martin

arubabookwoman rated:
The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati

arubabookwoman rated:
Counter-Clock World by Philip K. Dick

arubabookwoman rated:
SWANN'S WAY (The Modern Library) by Marcel Proust

arubabookwoman rated:
Genesis (Memory of Fire Trilogy) by Eduardo Galeano

arubabookwoman rated:
Middle Passage by Charles Johnson

Hey, Deborah! Your "desert island" books are meaty--which is as it should be I guess. Knowing me as you do...which book do you think I would like the best? And the Diary of a Rapist? Not exactly the most subtle title, huh? If I don't talk to you again, Merry Christmas! And I'll see you sometimes around the New Year, right? X0

posted by bonniebooks at 4:29 pm (EST) on Dec 13, 2009

Hey, Deborah! Your "desert island" books are meaty--which is as it should be I guess. Knowing me as you do...which book do you think I would like the best?

posted by bonniebooks at 4:23 pm (EST) on Dec 13, 2009

Aruba! I just noticed that you have climbed the heights of my "users with my books" list to spot #5 - a place I had not seen you before. So, I came to check out why that is and all I can say is that we share 341 titles of very good reading from a variety of genres! (even SF, quilting, and lots of JCOates!) I see you have a lot of "collections" (something I just haven't had time to explore although I have wanted it for a long time). Have you been adding books?

I have enjoyed looking through the list of books we share and I know I would be very comfortable in your library.

Best, Lois

posted by avaland at 7:24 am (EST) on Nov 29, 2009

Hi, Deborah! Our book group is supposedly going to discuss Snowflower and the Secret Fan in a couple of weeks. Have you read it? I read it at the beginning of the year, so not going to read it again. I might read Wild Swan as a related book though. What are you reading this week? I've got Hummingbird's Daughter or What I Loved to choose from. No, wait! I said I'd read Inkheart with someone. Have you read any of these? B.

posted by bonniebooks at 1:50 pm (EST) on Nov 2, 2009

Hi, Deborah! Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday. Are you doing anything fun tomorrow for your birthday? B.

posted by bonniebooks at 4:04 pm (EST) on Oct 25, 2009

Happy Almost Birthday to you!

posted by Whisper1 at 8:52 pm (EST) on Oct 24, 2009

Dear Deborah
Thanks for your note. I see some of my favourites on your profile (above). I am a pianist but teach beginner to intermediate guitar because there is a shortage of guitar teachers in my area. I'm not much of a guitarist and I teach chords, melodies and some Spanish (which I studied long ago).
Amanda XX

posted by amandameale at 12:59 am (EST) on Sep 14, 2009

Deborah;
I will be more than happy to do that.
I am looking forward to the January read of "World Without End"
also. I really enjoyed "Pillars of the Earth".
I hope the follow up is as good.
Thank you for letting me know.
You take care and hey--------read some good books between now and
then. Okay?
later dayz,
belva

posted by nannybebette at 11:19 pm (EST) on Sep 13, 2009

arubabookwoman!! We have a lot of interesting overlap in our collections. I saw you have The Rotters Club, a book I enjoyed quite a bit. Did you read the sequel (the name of which escapes me)?

posted by gregtmills at 2:46 pm (EST) on Sep 5, 2009

Deborah
I'm simply stopping by to say how much I enjoy your posts throughout the 75 book challenge group!

posted by Whisper1 at 10:46 am (EST) on Aug 23, 2009

Hi Deborah,

Ooh, it's marvelous to find someone else who loves Bleak House! You know, I've given the matter a lot of thought, and I think Allan is probably the most understated romantic hero in English literature. I vasilate about Esther, sometimes really liking her and sometimes just wanting to *shake* her.

posted by Catreona at 12:00 am (EST) on Aug 19, 2009

Noticed the books you were adding, Deborah. Looks like you're getting ready for your trips! :-) Saw Zeitoun in the bookstore yesterday, but was afraid to pick it up since I was in The Third Place bookstore on Ravenna which has no comfortable place to sit down and read.

posted by bonniebooks at 11:17 am (EST) on Aug 17, 2009

Zeitoun is terribly compelling. I can hardly put it down. I would have finished it in one sitting were it not for my company this weekend!

My best,

Teresa

posted by theaelizabet at 9:05 pm (EST) on Aug 16, 2009

Ignore comment about font. It only shows up different before it gets posted. Probably has always done that. Not a good sign that I haven't noticed it before. Yikes! B.

posted by bonniebooks at 1:23 am (EST) on Aug 16, 2009

That you may be interested in one of my threads.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/69879

posted by callmejacx at 12:37 am (EST) on Aug 14, 2009

Oops! I just realized that it's Tuesday we're meeting. See you on Tuesday! B.

posted by bonniebooks at 3:51 am (EST) on Aug 10, 2009

Hi Deborah, thanks for stopping by my thread. I recently found every book in my house that is considered a part of my TBR pile and shelved them. Realized that I bought some of these books many,many years ago but either lost interest in it or forgot why I bought them in the first place. So I chose the alphabetical by author option in LT and that's the way I'll read them, or at least attempt to read them. (fingers crossed)

Lynda

posted by Carmenere at 7:51 pm (EST) on Aug 5, 2009

Thank you for stopping by after I flagged your library. I confess that I have been a lazy reader most of my life and have not gone out of my way to read new, different authors and genres, especially those reflecting cultures and nationalities and what-have-you different from my own. You do an excellent job with this, so all I have to do is follow your lead.

posted by justchris at 12:10 am (EST) on Jul 24, 2009

Aagh - I finally get some LT time! Nice to hear from you and I love seeing what you're reading.

I spent 3 years at grad school at Yale in the early 90s, doing economics, then came back to do a couple of years in New York in investment banking from 2000 - 2002. We loved New York, and I had about 6 wonderful months off at the end (I chucked in the banking job and explored the city). It's great to be home now that we have 2 kids, but I do miss it. We travelled quite a bit but there are so many road trips awaiting us when the kids are bigger. Where are you? West Coast? I get you and rebeccanyc mixed up, because I always like both your books, but I know you're not in New York.

posted by cmt at 1:58 am (EST) on Jul 22, 2009

Hey again, I just got Nixonland at Costco. Looking forward to reading it. I remember trying to explain to my friends and family about Watergate break-in when it was first being reported--which was before he was re-elected as I recall. B.

posted by bonniebooks at 9:59 am (EST) on Jul 21, 2009

Deborah- Did you ever find the thread for "Pillars"? I hope you can join us. It's very good so far!
Mark

posted by msf59 at 9:47 pm (EST) on Jul 18, 2009

Hey, Deborah! Loved that rain we had--I was worrying about my water bill. I'm curious about your latest project. You didn't say what medium you're working in. I so admire your creativity. Love to see some of your work sometime. Hope your summer is going well, both my sons were home last week. Really enjoying my days but they're going by way too fast. I'm reading lots of good books, but not posting about them--I'd rather read. Take care and happy reading. Bonnie

posted by bonniebooks at 1:53 pm (EST) on Jul 16, 2009

Deborah- Hi, there! And yes I was the one leaving sneaky hints. This is my first hosting job in a group read, so I wanted to make sure the word got out. Please join us at http://www.librarything.com/topic/67664#... It's listed in the 50 Book Challenge, any problems let me know and we'll see you there!
Mark

posted by msf59 at 8:05 am (EST) on Jul 15, 2009

Hi Deborah,

Sorry it took me so long to respond. I was away and then I didn't notice your message until today.

I do counted cross stitch. I am definitely addicted to stitching and collecting stash. Sometimes collecting stash is half the fun although it can be harsh on the wallet!

What kind of needle work do you do?

I'll definitely need to check out that group. Thanks for the heads up!

Amy

posted by Amy-Sue at 1:40 pm (EST) on Jul 2, 2009

Thanks for your note on Tom Wolfe. I do plan to read more of him, but I think I will wait a little bit. After reading your review of [Nixonland], the book is moving up closer to the top of my TBR pile. Lately I have been fascinated by the 1960s and Nixon. I also bought [Nixon and Kissinger] recently but haven't started that one yet.

Thanks again for your reviews; they are very interesting.

posted by Bridget770 at 5:43 pm (EST) on Jul 1, 2009

Deborah

... Was it you wanted to know what I thought of The Myrtles Plantation??
Here is what I posted in my thread:

The Myrtles Plantation.

I was so annoyed with this author, I wanted to shake her. I do not suffer fools gladly. She went and bought a house that she knew was haunted, she experienced things there herself before the final purchase. She still wanted it. Fine, I would too. But then to run around and act silly and fearful each time something occurred, well that is just annoying. I seriously disliked her. Lillie Mae Scott, the housekeeper, I loved~ but Frances annoyed the bejeebers out of me.

Typical haunted house stuff. Nothing stood out much to me. Of course having lived with a " ghost" or a few in the past may have tainted my view a bit. I enjoy the company myself..

I couldn't find the threat where it was mentioned...

If it wasn't you... :(

:)

take care
kath

posted by mckait at 7:22 am (EST) on Jun 28, 2009

Good morning,

Yes, I think we do have a few books (and other things ;-) in common.

I lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico in the middle and late sixties when my parents moved down there. One of our neighbors had a little one-man airline which ferried tourists around, and I got to do as fair bit of island hopping when he had an empty seat, but I never made it to Aruba. (One of my good friends in high school had some relatives there, though: family name Juncosa.)

My textile books are mostly due to an interest in historic clothing, particularly of Early Medieval Britain and the Elizabethan era, but really almost anything before the 20th century.

I have a couple of quilt-tops (never attached to batting) that were pieced by two of my grandmother's older sisters shortly before they died of a fever in about 1904. One seems to be a log cabin design; I'm not sure of the other as it's all very pointy diamonds. Texas star has been suggested, but that's not quite it.

Feel free to poke around in the textile books. :-)

posted by Rowntree at 11:04 am (EST) on Jun 22, 2009

I don't consider myself to be a quilter, but I do like quilts and quilters. I was a member of a quilters guild when I lived in Fort Worth, and enjoyed seeing other members' quilts that were brought to meetings for 'show & tell', and listening to the guest speakers each month. I also liked helping to set up for the annual quilt show and seeing thae many lovely quilts on display.
["Hearts and Hands: The Influence of Women & Quilts on American Society"] reflects my interest in women's histories/lives as well as quilts.

posted by Catgwinn at 6:02 pm (EST) on Jun 19, 2009

Hi, I absolutely loved it. It was a very postmodern romp through England and you never quite knew where it was going to end up. I loved the playfulness of it. I do recommend it. I'd be interested to know what you thought.

posted by loremipsem at 11:36 pm (EST) on May 6, 2009

Dear Deborah,

Thanks for your message. I have just checked the catalogue of our local library, and "The Slynx" is there, so I'm going to get it out the next time I visit - thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks also for the kind words about my writing. If you follow the links to the title of my books on my profile, or visit my blog at

http://timjonesbooks.blogspot.com

then you can find out more about how to get hold of my books.

Regards
Tim

posted by timjones at 12:25 am (EST) on Feb 6, 2009

Hello, thank you for visiting my 75 book challenge. Are the SF books listed in your library representative of what you've read in this genre? I confess that I am unfamiliar with many of them. And of those authors that I recognized, for the most part I have not read the novels you listed. Octavia Butler is definitely on my list of authors to explore.

posted by justchris at 10:43 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2009

Med.Co. of Va (MCV)? that's where my brother did his peds residency years ago. He was on the teaching staff there for a good while, but, eventually gave up on Richmond and went back into rural public health service corp practice where he started out.

posted by bobmcconnaughey at 6:44 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2009

Hi
I'm simply stopping in to say hello and to thank you for recommending the book In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien. I finished this book tonight and enjoyed it tremendously.

posted by Whisper1 at 11:50 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2009

Thanks Deborah - I will definitely check that out as it will be good to be supported in my reading quest. Nice of you to mention it.

Cheers,

Karen

posted by kiwidoc at 3:08 pm (EST) on Jan 30, 2009

So, I feel a little guilty semi-panning the Updike book since he died today. *sigh*

posted by Sean191 at 4:18 pm (EST) on Jan 27, 2009

hi deborah,

thanks for the kind words. it's inspiring to know my thread is actually being read by some people :-) just so you know, i've starred your thread too!

looking forward to your posts over at the new group!

posted by deebee1 at 8:20 am (EST) on Jan 18, 2009

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