fuzzi's Five Score in '24!

I can do it again...

...and maybe some will find their way to other good homes!

Welcome back, Fuzzi, and best wishes for a year of great reading in 2024.

>2 Eyejaybee: thank you!

#1 Nic of the Woods by Lynd Ward

Nic goes on vacation with his family to a cabin deep in the woods. While they go on a fishing trip he is left behind with the cook, runs away, and becomes hopelessly lost. Will Nic find his family again?

This is an old fashioned yet entertaining story that should please dog lovers young and old.

#2 The Wildlife Atlas by Sylvia A. Johnson

This appears to be a simple yet informative book of animals with realistic illustrations.

My copy's binding is so far gone the pages are about to fall out. I think I will send it to my grandchildren so they can enjoy the illustrations.

Popping in to look for Louis Lamour. Have you finished all of his books now? Happy reading.

It's so handy when a book with great illustrations is already falling apart so you have cause to just remove them for framing or let grandchildren have at the book without too much worry. I have a few too many titles vintage children's titles which are maybe only good for their illustrations but the binding is perfect and I'm too much a preservationist to tear out illustrations.

>6 pamelad: I've read most of L'Amour's books since 1987, but wanted to reread those I've not yet reviewed. I'm still working on that, but this year am encompassing more "westerns" in my reading.

New thread is here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/356917

Check out the list of suggested authors, some might surprise you!

>7 mabith: oh, I cringe when I see people using perfectly good books for "crafts". Some have even used books as a lamp-stand, drilling a hole through a stack of books for the electrical cord...really?!?

>8 fuzzi: They did! I've read crime novels by Robert Parker, Elmore Leonard and Tony Hillerman. I thought I'd read some by Larry McMurty but had him mixed up with Tom Robbins. Would Even Cowgirls Get the Blues count as a western?

I've definitely seen films of McMurty's books: The Last Picture Show and Terms of Endearment.

This western thread looks right up your alley.

>10 pamelad: and hopefully up the alley of others here on LT.

If a book takes place from the midwest US and beyond, on ranches or farms, about pioneers, homesteaders, explorers, all can be categorized as "Westerns".

I just went looking online for a simple definition of a western, and I was not impressed. The Wikipedia writers seem to have accepted a extremely limited stereotypical description. Another website declared that westerns are about "white people". L'Amour has non-white characters in his stories, even protagonists, and is not the only author to do so.

This definition is better:

What Is the Western Genre?
Western is a literature, film, and television genre. Westerns are primarily set in the American Old West between the late eighteenth century and late nineteenth century and tell the stories of cowboys, settlers, and outlaws exploring the western frontier and taming the Wild West.

The History of the Western Genre
Western novels emerged as a popular genre in the late 1800s. The first widely-read Western novel was The Virginian by Owen Wister, published in 1902. Other early Western fiction writers include Zane Grey, Ernest Haycox, and Louis L’Amour.

Western novels peaked in the 1960s and lost readership shortly after in the 1970s due to oversaturation of the Western genre on television and in movies. As western films lost popularity, so did western novels.

Actually that's not entirely true. L'Amour's books have been constantly in print, and other authors have continued to turn out books about The West, whether set in the past or current time.

How Did Western Genre Translate to Film?
The Western was the most popular film genre in Hollywood for decades. Westerns emerged during the silent film era in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. They experienced a revival in the late 1930s, which ushered in a golden age for Westerns that lasted into the 1970s. In the 1950s, Hollywood produced more Western movies than all other genres combined. During this time, actors like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood and directors like Howard Hawks and Sam Peckinpah became household names.

What Makes Westerns Different From Other Genres?
A Western novel is shaped and driven by the main characteristic of the genre: the setting in the American West during the second half of the nineteenth century. While not all Western novels are necessarily set during this time period, they all involve elements of the period and rely on the characteristics of the American frontier era, like cowboys, pioneers, and Native Americans. The characters, settings, and themes of Western novels are highly specific and belong exclusively to the Western genre.

What Are the Common Characteristics of Western Novels?
Westerns are defined by their genre-specific characters and settings. The essential elements of a western are:

Cowboys
Bad guys like criminals, outlaws, or bandits
The lawlessness of the region and era
Sheriffs
Native Americans
Western settlers or pioneers
References to the American Civil War
Descriptions of wilderness and vast landscapes
Ranches
Saloons
Railways
Shootouts and duels
Revenge

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-western-novel-definition-of-the-w...

#3 The Tiger and the Wolf by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Solid fantasy with intriguing characters that I came to love, and bemoan. The author does an excellent job of world-building, and of limiting the introspection of the protagonist to keep the plot moving forward. For 600 pages I was never bored, distracted.

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan

I Pearl Ruled this book at page 60. I don't like any of the characters, and even eccentric characters should be somewhat likable. The Penderwick and Blossoms (Betsy Byars) series have likable, 3 dimensional eccentric characters, so it can be done well. It wasn't here.

What really amazes me is this book won a Newbery. I don't see how.

#4 Deuteronomy (KJB)

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#5 The River Between Us by Richard Peck

An absorbing tale of a poor family living in southern Illinois at the start of the US Civil War. I was so drawn into the story and characters that I read on, late into the night. Another excellent work by this author.

>12 fuzzi: Adrian Tchaikovsky is a favourite author of mine, and that was a great series, it got even better as it went on.

>15 wookiebender: thanks! I would like to continue the series. I hope the public library has his other books in paperback.

#6 Indian Saddle-up by Glenn Balch

A "what if" explanation tale, of an 18th century young Comanche who discovered horses that had escaped from their Spanish owners. The introduction of a better method of hunting and fighting changed the Comanche way of life forever. It's respectfully written, without graphic violence, so suitable for pre-teens and up. I enjoyed it, and will keep it on my shelves for another read.

#7 How to Speak Chicken by Melissa Caughey

A picture-heavy, fun and informative look at our feathered friends who provide us with breakfast. There are personal stories, scientific facts, and studies of behavior included. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

#8 Nora's Chicks by Patricia MacLachlan

Nora is lonesome and unhappy in her new prairie home, far from Russia. Her dad has the cows and horses, her brother has a dog. But Nora has no friends of her own. Then one day her father brings home chicks "for eating". Nora has other plans.

I loved this story. And the illustrations are wonderful, too.

#9 The Iridescence of Birds: A Book about Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan

A book that is very pleasing to the eye, especially to those of us who appreciate art!

#10 When Grandfather Flew by Patricia MacLachlan

I loved most of this book. My mother taught me about watching birds, just like the grandfather does in this story. And the illustrations are like paintings in a museum, rich and rough and colorful.

But the ending bothered me. Don't let that keep you from the beauty within.

#11 What You Know First by Patricia MacLachlan

I'll admit it, reading this little book and looking at the striking illustrations brought a tightness to my throat, and a dampness to my eyes. I will gift it to my granddaughters, as they will soon be moving away from their current home, and what they knew first.

#12 Numbers (KJB)

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#13 Rimrunners by CJ Cherryh (reread, review from 2016)

Bet Yeager has been marooned on a dying space station, looking for any berth out of there, but when she signs on with an unknown spaceship, the Loki, not only is she targeted for persecution, but her secret past is threatened with exposure.

I love Bet, and love the author's ability to create a tough-as-nails yet vulnerable female protagonist. Recommended.

#14 How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham

When a city bird hits a high-rise window and falls to the pavement only Will notices, and wants to help.

A sweet little story, told with few words and simple illustrations, but it touched my heart in a big way.

#15 Imogene's Antlers by David Small

Imogene wakes up one morning and discovers she has grown antlers overnight. As one might imagine, this causes some difficulties. Her family reacts in a variety of ways, and work on a solution to the perceived problem.

Delightful, and funny, with plenty of amusing detail in the background of each illustration.

#16 Leviticus (KJB)

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#17 The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer

Fairly standard yet entertaining story by an author who is consistently good. I appreciated the lack of melodrama and the cast of interesting characters, but the widow was irritating enough to drop it half a star. Still, it was an enjoyable read.

#18 From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

A mildly amusing story of a preteen who runs away to New York City, and takes her younger brother with her. I never felt a connection with the children, and didn't wonder how their adventure was going to end.

#19 Hard Trail to Follow by Elmer Kelton

Elmer Kelton writes good stories, but this one is a cut above his usual. In the seventh installment of the Texas Rangers series we are back with Andy Pickard, former Texas Ranger. He is facing domestic issues when outlaws escape after shooting one of Andy's friends. This is the story not only of Andy reenlisting and tracking one of the outlaws, but also shows the perspective of the outlaw himself, and it is very well done. You don't need to read the previous books but the story will make a little more sense if you're familiar with the characters.

This one is staying on the shelves for a future reread.

#20 The Chicken Health Bible by Noah Phipps

A reference book that is short in actual practical information, and seriously in need of a competent editor. The sentence structure is disjointed, and the text keeps referring back to the book title. The composition of each section within reminds me of product descriptions written in English by someone who has very little command of that language.

>27 fuzzi: I wasn’t overly impressed with Mixed Up Files either when I read it as a kid. As an adult, I was surprised to find it was an award-winner.

#21 Visitor by CJ Cherryh

Wow. Engrossing. Politics and alien cultures and conflicts and overcoming hurdles, and a BIG twist that I didn't see coming!

#22 Cat Talk by Patricia MacLachlan

Each page has a short poem about the cat featured, as told BY the cat featured. The illustrations are lovely, with just a slight touch of whimsy.

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#23 Three Names by Patricia MacLachlan

A young boy recounts his great grandfather's tales from his youth, of school days in a one room schoolhouse, and of Three Names, their dog, in this charming little book.

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#24 Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan

Memories of living on a farm in the middle of a prairie, as told by a child from a century ago. There are descriptions included that must have been experienced, and they make the narrative richer. The illustrations are of mixed media, unusual, but don't distract the reader, just enhance the book.

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#25 Exodus (KJB)

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#26 All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan

A sweet book about a child born and raised on a farm as told from his perspective and from his family's reminisces. The illustrations are superb, too. This one is a keeper.

#27 Just Dance by Patricia MacLachlan

Sylvie is ten, and thinks about how exciting it would be away from her parent's Wyoming farm. Then summer vacation arrives and Sylvie starts discovering how exciting small town life can be.

Cute story.

#28 The Twits by Roald Dahl

After reading a few pages I was tempted to put down this nasty, mean-spirited narrative, for good, but I kept slogging and it got a little better. The monkeys and birds don't make up for the Twits.

#29 Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

This is an extremely engaging tale told in first-person by the youngest in a family of all boys. May Amelia lives in the Pacific Northwest of 1899, a rural community of farmers, loggers, and fishers. She's a bit of an impulsive and independent spirit of a girl who gets into issues, a lot. I can see why this would have been given a Newbery Honor award in 2000, it's good enough for the main Newbery Medal in my estimation. There's an author's note at the end that took me by surprise, a pleasant one, and endeared the character to me all the more. Definitely recommended.

Author Kate Banks passed away recently. Since I had not read any of her books I decided to check out her works.


#30 Mama's Coming Home by Kate Banks

Simple tale told in rhyme and pictures of Daddy and the kids trying to get things cleaned up as Mama's coming home from work. A young child would probably enjoy it.

#31 Max's Words by Kate Banks

Max's brothers have collections but won't share their coins or stamps with him. So Max decides to make himself his own collection, of words! As his collection grows so does the interest of his brothers.

Loved the story and the illustrations.

#32 City Cat by Kate Banks

Where are you going, City Cat?

In this delightful book of sketch and verse a City Cat tours major cities in Europe, flanked by a family on holiday. This would be fun to read out loud to children.

#33 Lost and Found by Kate Banks

Several animals of the forest discover an unusual object lying by a log. Wondering what it is and where it came from leads the creatures beyond the trees of their world. The story is just okay, but the illustrations are the best part of this book.

#34 Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin! by Lloyd Moss

This book is an introduction to musical instruments for younger children, and it's well done. The pictures are bright and active, the rhymes flow easily, and the onomatopoeias are fun to read out loud.

#35 The River People by Philip Wayre

An absorbing collection of tales by a naturalist who studied and raised otters in the 1970s and beyond. I liked how the author didn't feel it necessary to expound over the occasional losses of this subjects, and how he injected quiet humor into his narratives as well. I will be reading more books by this author.

#36 Kid Rodelo by Louis L'Amour

An ex-con, a few escaped prisoners, and a mysterious woman head into the desert with gold in their saddlebags, a posse of Yaquis on their trail. Will they survive the harsh desert, or will the lust for riches decimate their ranks before their pursuers can?

Good straightforward adventure story.

#37 Genesis (KJB)

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#38 The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks and Georg Hallensleben

Kitty is relocated and forgotten, so she sets out for home across France.

The story is good, but the illustrations are wonderful, reminding me of the Expressionist period of art. Very nice.

#39 Max's Dragon by Kate Banks and Boris Kulikov

While Max watches his brothers play croquet he finds rhyming words to describe his dragon. Fun times with Max's rhymes!

Oh NO! It ends in a cliff-hanger!!! And the library doesn't have a copy!!!!!!


#40 Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb

Engaging story told with different perspectives by characters of diverse backgrounds, who are being brought together in one quest for varying and often selfish reasons. I enjoyed how each person is given depth, and not just assigned a stereotypical persona. The dragons surprised me, which I found refreshing, and just solidifies my admiration for the author's ability to tell a deep and complicated tale.

Be sure to have book two in hand, as this one ends in a bit of a cliff-hanger.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

I stopped after fifty pages. Formula, like a list of characters that check all the boxes, but there's no heart in any of it. In comparison I liked the Penderwick books, and felt like a friend as I read them. No stars.

Have Spacesuit Will Travel by Robert Heinlein

What a disappointment! I generally appreciate and enjoy this author's books, even most of his earlier juvies but I won't be finishing this one. It started so well, included some of Heinlein's social commentary that has shown to be prophetic, and I found the more technical aspects to be intriguing. But then he lost my interest with a plot twist that was almost cartoonish, outlandish, bizarre, like a skit from Monty Python. Abandoned after fifty pages. No stars.

#41 Your Moon, My Moon: A Grandmother's Words to a Faraway Child by Patricia MacLachlan and Bryan Collier

Grandma and grandchild are half a world apart, but she reminds him that they still see the same moon.

A sweet/bittersweet tale that will personally touch many of us who live far away from our families.

#42 Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark

Story of a young man living in the Andes with his mentor, and how he learns the ways of the Incas. Mildly interesting, with lots of spiritual and mystic elements. Some portions of the story were rather vague, unclear, and so not satisfying to me.

#43 Max's Castle by Kate Banks

Max pulls out his blocks and soon he and his brothers find themselves in a magical land where words can work better than weapons! Cute read, I'm enjoying this series.

#44 The Lantern's Dance by Laurie R. King

A satisfying entry in the Russell/Holmes series, with several plot twists that caught me by surprise. As always, I recommend those new to the storyline start with the first two books, at least.

#45 Matthew (KJB)

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#46 White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan

Cute story of a family who does animal rescue and the new neighbors who move in next door. Not much depth for an adult read, but should be fine for the target audience of younger children.

#47 Other Men's Horses by Elmer Kelton

An engaging narrative of a young Texas Ranger on the trail of a man who allegedly killed a horse thief. There are several side plots that don't confuse but enrich the story, including a woman in search of her husband, and a Buffalo Soldier on the run for the shooting of a white man. It's a really good tale, recommended even if you've not read any previous books in the series.

#48 Fair Weather by Richard Peck

It's 1893 and Chicago is hosting the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the World's Fair, and people are coming from all over to see the sights. Rosie, her older sister and younger brother are invited to attend as guests of their aunt, a rich widow who lives in the city. As usual with this author's tales, things don't always go as planned, but with smile-inducing results. Fun read as an adult, probably would be a good book to eventually pass on to my grandchildren, who live in Chicago!

#49 Mark (KJB)

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#50 Jennifer, Hecate, MacBeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E.L. Konigsburg

I was underwhelmed by this story of two girls pretending to be witches. There were several smile-inducing situations but for me most of it fell rather flat. This is the second book I've read by this author that just didn't impress me at all, especially considering it was a Newbery Honor winner. Meh.

I always enjoy looking over your reads. Jotting down a few ideas for my TBR.