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Go for it, Joy. You won't regret it.

Today I finished reading The Coffee Trader by David Liss. Below is my review:

Setting: The Netherlands in the 1600s

The story and the well-drawn characters kept me reading but the plot was a bit confusing to follow. Who was tricking whom? Things became convoluted after a while as the many characters wove themselves into the plot. Also, the stock trading manipulations made dull reading, especially because I didn't quite understand them.

The suspenseful atmosphere kept things interesting enough. The idea that coffee was a mysterious new product in the 1600s engaged my interest.

I gave the book 2 stars.

I finished The Visitant. I enjoyed reading and learning about the Anasazi people, their culture, their environment. I also enjoy reading about archaeology, everything about the subject intriques me. The characters on the archaeological team were interesting and how their relationships to one another was well done. In the end, though, the reason for the murders was probably a big deal in ancient times but rather mundane to a person of our time with all our psychological disorders.
It's the first in a series but I don't think I'll go out of my way to find the rest. If I happen to see them at a yard sale or library book sale then I'll pick it up.

I started Karavans #1 by Jennifer Roberson and I have high hopes for this novel even though I didn't particularly like Roberson's main character in Shapechangers. Although I'm not very far in, these characters all seem to be better conceived and written. The concept behind Karavans is interesting to me: displaced people in a war-torn province must relocate by caravan to another province to avoid persecution by the brutally vicious war-lord. The only problem is Alisanos, a malefic forest that transforms humans into hideous creatures and can travel on it's own; no road is safe when Alisanos is on the move.
I also have the second book in the series, Deepwood: Karavans #2, sitting on my shelves for a while, I've been waiting 3 years for the 3rd and final installment of Karavans which has not been forthcoming, the only drawback of reading fantasy and it's usual trilogy format. I decided to just go ahead and start the series anyway.

I managed to finish Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs yesterday. I had to interrupt The Ships of Merior by Janny Wurts to do so. Erin & I have been eagerly waiting for Briggs' book & when I told her I'd gotten it, she informed me that she was taking it with her this weekend. Horrible child.

Bad bad child! LOL

Jackie and Jim: your reading pace is much better than mine. I'm gradually getting through Elizabeth Gilbert's bestseller, Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia. It's good but it's not compelling.

When a book isn't compelling to me, I don't put much time or effort into it. That could be why it takes longer for you.

I am still on my Sf kick--reading Star Trek now--Spock's World by Diane Duane. Quite good.

Btw, I am still having more computer issues. I tried to change my "currently reading" book to "read" and it won't take it. Tried to add my current book and it still won't take THAT.

I am saving for my new computer--should be soon. Until then, I fear my books read will be a little out of date. But I will still be reading your recommendation and chatting away!

Mary, I hope your computer problem clears up for you. Glad to know that you can still participate at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. It's fun hearing what everyone is reading. Such a variety! Somehow, even though I may not ever read the books mentioned, it's satisfying to be made aware of their existence and to know how high and wide the horizons of choice are. We have a world of choices and learning about them is stimulating to me.

Mary JL wrote: "I am still on my Sf kick--reading Star Trek now--Spock's World by Diane Duane. Quite good...."

As I recall there was a series of three (?) books for Spock. Very enjoyable! There are literally hundreds of Star Trek books out there, but the ones from the original series are, to me, the most enjoyable.
One of the first that I was aware of came out in 1976, Star Trek: The New Voyages has "8 original Star Trek Stories never seen on the screen".
They are wonderful stories that truly showcase the characters they portray.

Katherine: Yes, I have read the "New Voyages". The eight short stories vary a bit in quality--as most collections of short stories do--but overall it was a good collection.

With hundreds of Star Trek books outh there, I can't possible read them all. But certain authors, for me, do a better job and I seek out their works.

Joy: I can still post in groups. I can't change shelves. The staff a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ have advised me it is because I am using an older version of the Internet Explorer browser--I have the older version of IE 6.

Still aiming at August for my new computer, should no financial disaster occur. I am hoping to "cash in" on back to school specials, as college kids gear up for school.

Mary JL wrote: "Joy: I can still post in groups. I can't change shelves. The staff a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ have advised me it is because I am using an older version of the Internet Explorer browser--I have the older versio..."

Mary, at least now you know the reason for the problem shelving your books. That's one mystery solved. :)

Katherine M wrote: "As I recall there was a series of three (?) books for Spock. Very enjoyable! There are literally hundreds of Star Trek books out there, but the ones from the original series are, to me, the most enjoyable. ..."

KM, thanks for the link to Star Trek: The New Voyages.

Here is a link to the book which Mary mentioned: Spock's World.

Just recently, I started Certain Prey by John Sandford, the 13th installment of his Prey series of crime novels, set in Minneapolis and featuring police homicide detective Lucas Davenport. I've never read any of Sandford's work before; usually, if I read from a series, I prefer to sample the books in order, but this one was highly recommended by an Internet pen pal, who felt it could be read as a stand-alone, or out of order. (Of course, his previous recommendation was for a book I wound up not finishing; so I'll see if he improves his average with this one. So far, I think that he might. :-))

My best freind is a big fan of John Sanford. At her invitation, I did read two of the "Prey" series. I found them pretty good mysteries.

I read one or two of Sandford's Prey and enjoyed them. I can't remember which ones they were.

I am thoroughly enjoying Karavans #1. Interesting characters, races, setting. Lots of things I want to know more about. Roberson has a knack for dangling intriguing hints here and there of the things I want to know most. It holds my attention and fuels my fascination with this world. I hope she completes the series soon.

I've read a couple, as well. Don't recall which ones, but they'd be 3 stars. I was interested enough to try to get the series so that I could read it in order. I never got that far & got rid of them when I moved.

Werner wrote: "Just recently, I started Certain Prey by John Sandford, the 13th installment of his Prey series of crime novels, set in Minneapolis and featuring police homicide detective Lucas Davenport. I've ne..."

Thanks, Werner, Mary, Jackie, and Jim.
For readers' reference: Certain Prey by John Sandford

Joy, thanks for the link! I see that Certain Prey is the 10th installment in the series, not the 13th. The paperback edition I'm reading lists all the other Prey series novels (up to that time) in the front matter, with a short description; there were twelve of them, which was what misled me. (I didn't stop to think that the original hardcover publication of this book could have preceded that of some of the others --and I see now that, on the list before the title page, it's actually 10th!)

Thanks for the update, Werner.

PS-I just found this at Wiki:
"John Sandford is the pseudonym of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling novelist John Roswell Camp. Camp was born on February 23, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He received a B.A. in American History and a Masters in Journalism from the University of Iowa."
FROM:
The webpage lists all his books.

I started Broken Prey, the 16th book, a while ago. I picked up the hardcover edition at our library book sale.
However, I put it aside when reserved library books became available to me.Those had a due date. Will definitely finish it. I think Sanford mixes Davenport's personal life and his professional one excellently... And the mystery is always a mystery. Not one of those you can figure our in the first few chapters.

I had never heard of Sandford's Prey series before this. I see (per Wiki) that the series started in 1989. Eddie's been reading books by Nelson DeMille lately. Maybe I'll suggest Sandford's series next for him. As for me, I'm still plugging through Eat, Pray, Love. I've also started The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Did Eddie read DeMille's Night Fall?
I loved it. Held my interest until the last page.

Katherine wrote: "Did Eddie read DeMille's Night Fall?
I loved it. Held my interest until the last page."

Katherine, yes, Eddie read Night Fall and liked it. He gave it 5 stars. As you know, the story is centered around the TWA Flight 800 crash in 1996. One of these days, when I'm in the mood, I'll catch up on good mysteries like this one.

Night Fall sounds good; I like DeMille.

Tell me what you think of The Art of Racing in the Rain when you're done, Joy.

A friend of mine found some interesting articles about books & printing. I've only gotten into this one:

but it is great.

Here are the other two:
...

...

Jackie wrote: "... Tell me what you think of The Art of Racing in the Rain when you're done, Joy."

Jackie, I haven't gotten very far into it yet. So far, so good.

Jim wrote: "A friend of mine found some interesting articles about books & printing. I've only gotten into this one:

but it is great.
Here are the other two: http:..."

Interesting statistics, Jim. I found the following sentence very interesting: "In 1970, there were about 3,000 independent small presses. In 1997, that number had grown to 60,000".

I'm not surprised! :)

Also: "In the United States, half the books printed in 2002 and shipped to booksellers were returned to the publishing company to be remaindered or destroyed (Association of American Publishers). In the U.S., it is estimated, of the books printed that that do get sold to individuals, 95 percent are never read."

I'm not surprised. LOL

(Jim, your last 2 links didn't work for me. The first one was fine. Thanks for the info.)

I have just started Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, and I'm already hooked. Four women slaves have traveled with their masters to a resort in Ohio. The women are there to provide for the white Southern males every need.
I especially like the description of the resort, as it reminds me of the grand hotels of Saratoga where Southerners vacationed before the Civil War.
A book jacket quote: " Through unforgettable characters and luscious prose, Wench states down the difficult truths while never losing its beautiful beating heart". Wow!

Katherine wrote: "I have just started Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, and I'm already hooked. Four women slaves have traveled with their masters to a resort in Ohio. The women are there to provide for the white South..."

Katherine, thanks for bringing this book, (Wench) to our attention.

I checked out some of the GR reviews. One of them says:
==========================================================
"This story takes place before the Civil War, 1852-55, or thereabouts. Southern slaveholding gentlemen would visit a resort in Ohio with their "wenches", or slaves. Many of these women had children back at the plantation fathered by these men."
FROM: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
==========================================================

At the Amazon web page, a Booklist review says:
==========================================================
"Drawing on research about the resort that eventually became the first black college, Wilberforce University, the novel explores the complexities of relationships in slavery and the abiding comfort of women’s friendships."
FROM:
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I am starting a new author for me--Kelley Armstrong. Her other books were paranormal stories--this is her first regular mystery--Exit Strategy.

So far, Excellent.

That's interesting.
I read her Dime Store Magic and Industrial Magic. Both were entertaining. I'd really like to know what you think of this new regular mystery.

Jackie: So far, it is reading fast and well and keeping me glued to the pages when I have time. Unless she drops the ball with a bad ending, four stars looks probable so far.

Work tonight; should be finished by Thursday evening. I'll be sure to let you know.

Great, Thanks!

Switching now to fantasy, I am just starting Robin McKinley's The Outlaws of Sherwood. I enjoyed previously her adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" and so far this one is going well.

Mary JL wrote: "Switching now to fantasy, I am just starting Robin McKinley's The Outlaws of Sherwood. I enjoyed previously her adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" and so far this one is going well."

Thanks, Mary.
Reference links:
The Outlaws of Sherwood
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
Both by: Robin McKinley

I finished Karavans last night and started Deepwood: Karavans #2. The series is so good; the only thing troubling me is when the next one is going to come out. Jennifer Roberson's website says it would be out in 2008, and it also lists it as 'a work in progress'. And #4 has been bought, so it looks like I'm going to have a long wait to finish this series. I'm starting to rethink my recent idea of reading what I have, rather than wait for complete series to be published.

Jackie wrote: "I finished Karavans last night and started Deepwood: Karavans #2. The series is so good; the only thing troubling me is when the next one is going to come out. [author:Jennifer Robe..."

You're not alone feeling as you do, Jackie. Another GR reader, Jennifer, wrote (about the same book):
==========================================================
"I know it's awful, but when I've been waiting for the next installment of a good story (and I finally get my hands on it) when it's a skinny little book, I am sad! I waited patiently for this one - only to get wrapped up and am now waiting again...excellent story, wonderful creatures - but I want more, and now"
FROM: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
===========================================================

I commented on it and friend requested her. Thanks, Joy!

HELP! Does anyone watch Jeopardy? We have tornadoes close by & they have a weather watch on tonight so we didn't get to see the final game in the tournament of champions after following it every single night. If anyone could give us an update, it would be appreciated!

Never mind. Vijay won.

I just watched it now. Twice during the tournament my DVR dropped it. Very annoying.

Oh, good! More Jeopardy fans! I love that show. I've watched it for years--so long ago that Art Fleming was the first host of the show--before Alex Trebek, who I also like.

Needless to say the questions on books and authors rank among my favorites!

I enjoy Jeopardy too, when I can find it. There are so many channels now, that I lose track of what's where, when.

Which is why I love my DVR. Until we started recording programs, I never watched anything faithfully, just whatever I managed to remember which wasn't much.
For our area, Jeopardy is on Channel 10 at 7:30 PM Monday to Friday. Channel 10 also airs Jeopardy reruns during the week around noon, and one on Saturday at 7:30 PM.

Jackie wrote: "... For our area, Jeopardy is on Channel 10 at 7:30 PM Monday to Friday. Channel 10 also airs Jeopardy reruns during the week around noon, and one on Saturday at 7:30 PM."

Jackie, thanks so much for posting that info about the Jeopardy schedule! I've made a note of it and have set a reminder for tonight. :)

Much appreciated!

PS-Jackie, maybe I should think about getting a DVR. How does one do that? Maybe it would be worth the bother of learning how it works. Is it possible to record shows which air simultaneously? Sometimes I find myself hopping back and forth between the late night talk shows. I love a good talk show.

The other night, May 19, Jimmy Fallon had Jerry Seinfeld on as a guest. They were hilarious together. I was laughing out loud.

Oooh! I just surfed and found out that I can watch reruns of full episodes online. Here's a link to Fallon's show with Seinfeld on May 19:

(available until June 4)

The DVR is SO worth it! I honestly can't live without it now that I've got one. You can record two shows while watching a previously recorded show all at the same time.
I can watch 2 shows at the same time, not recorded (live TV), one will be on full screen and the other in a box in the corner. I don't use that as I refuse to watch commercials.
I can help you navigate the DVR or call the Time Warner techs and they'll help. Once you get used to it, it's very easy.
Just call Time Warner for the prices, let them know you have the HDTV box because the DVR is cheaper that way, you'll only pay for the service not the box since you already have one. You may need to switch out the box but it won't cost anything. A tech can come set it up or you can go to TW with your old box and they'll give you a new one.
Also, a big savings on services if you enter a contract. Since we have no other option than TW in our area, it's worth it. I have their internet, phone and cable services, when you have the 3 in 1 it's a huge savings anyway, one of the services is basically free, and then the contract saves an additional $25 or so a month. And it's all on one bill, very convenient.