Cara/Andrea here,
Well, we’re almost at the end of the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas. Tomorrow is celebrated by many Christians as the day that the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem and presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. So, it marks an end to the holiday merrymaking—a time to take a last slurp of champagne, a last bite of fruitcake and refocus on the year ahead, which lays before us like a brand-new notebook, the pages still pristine white and waiting to be filled with our daily scribbles.
I’ve done the usual reflection on resolutions. My list has a lot of little—and not so little—things I want to accomplish in the coming months. Some are wishful thinking (Oh, if only I could lean to write faster!) Some are tedious chores (organize household bills, clean up files—I’m executrix of my mother’s estate so have extra paperwork to deal with) And some are more fun endeavors. Like going over the hefty pile of books that has accumulated in my writing room, and sorting the just-finished ones go to the storage bookshelves in the attic and the TBR to keep close.
So I thought I’d share a few random thoughts on book I loved in 2010 and books I’m looking forward to reading in the first months of 2011.
It goes without saying that the books of my fellow Wenches were all a source of much pleasure—and much inspiration—in 2010. The incredible talents of my wonderful friends make me sigh, and keeps me striving to get better with my own writing. So a heartfelt huzzah to Jo, Joanna, Nicola, Anne, Susan, Mary Jo and Pat. Being part of this amazing group (including our multi-talented webmistress Sherrie!) is a source of great joy throughout the year.
Now, on to the rest of the pile. In looking at the stack waiting to be carried up to the attic, I see a few things that deserve special mention. I was late coming to Steig Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I’m not a huge Noir fan but I really loved the trilogy. And for some reason, I had never gotten around to reading Bernard Cornwall’s Sharpe novels. Ha—it took me a couple of months, but I went through every single book. Pure bliss, combining swashbuckling adventure with wonderful period detail. I’m also a huge historical mystery fan and Ireally enjoyed the latest books by Tasha Alexander, Lauren Willig and Deanna Raybourn. As for nonfiction, I adored Richard Holmes’s The Age of Wonder! And David King's 1814, which recounts the Congress of Vienna (more on that later this month) is already dog-earred from all my constant rereadings. It served as a fabulous research resource for two books I wrote in the past year.
Turning to the TBR, I have both fiction and nonfiction awaiting. I recently picked up several titles that look really interesting. The Vertigo Years is all about Europe 1900-1914, and looks fascinating. I’m toying with some Edwardian-era ideas so think it will be great background.) Sailing back a few centuries, I am also intrigued to start Pirates of the Barbary, which focuses on the tumultuous Mediterranean during the 1600s. Other interesting research books include a history of opium and a history of cotton. Oh, and Peter Ackroyd's Thames, The Biography just arrived from the Edward Hamilton catalogue.
I’ve also got Wolf Hall waiting. I’ve peeked at the first chapter, and find the writing style a little daunting. But will give it a try. On New Year's day, I kicked off 2011 by delving a new genre—steampunk! I had been hearing great things about The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook and am finding it very cool. (I would love to write a steampunk story someday, but I'm not sure I'm smart enough to create all the tech stuff!) I’m also looking forward to delving into more of my favorite historical mystery writers. Charles Finch, who writes a very charming low-key Victorian series, has a new one called A Stranger in Mayfair, and C.S. Harris has a new Sebastian St. Cyr book coming out in March.
Those are just a few of the books that have caught my fancy lately. How about you? Any real favorites from last year? And what’s on the top of your TBR read for the start of 2011?
Now that you’ve read the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books, you need to see the TV series. As is not uncommon, in many ways the books are far superior to the TV series: TV butchers the plots, many of the wonderful secondary characters are given short shrift, and Sean Bean looks nothing like the descriptions of Sharpe in the novels. And yet I love the TV shows because they were my introduction to the enormously attractive Sean Bean.
Now that you’ve read the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books, you need to see the TV series. As is not uncommon, in many ways the books are far superior to the TV series: TV butchers the plots, many of the wonderful secondary characters are given short shrift, and Sean Bean looks nothing like the descriptions of Sharpe in the novels. And yet I love the TV shows because they were my introduction to the enormously attractive Sean Bean.
Now that you’ve read the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books, you need to see the TV series. As is not uncommon, in many ways the books are far superior to the TV series: TV butchers the plots, many of the wonderful secondary characters are given short shrift, and Sean Bean looks nothing like the descriptions of Sharpe in the novels. And yet I love the TV shows because they were my introduction to the enormously attractive Sean Bean.
Now that you’ve read the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books, you need to see the TV series. As is not uncommon, in many ways the books are far superior to the TV series: TV butchers the plots, many of the wonderful secondary characters are given short shrift, and Sean Bean looks nothing like the descriptions of Sharpe in the novels. And yet I love the TV shows because they were my introduction to the enormously attractive Sean Bean.
Now that you’ve read the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books, you need to see the TV series. As is not uncommon, in many ways the books are far superior to the TV series: TV butchers the plots, many of the wonderful secondary characters are given short shrift, and Sean Bean looks nothing like the descriptions of Sharpe in the novels. And yet I love the TV shows because they were my introduction to the enormously attractive Sean Bean.
Wow, you’ve covered a huge territory! I wish I could find the time. I just finished Girl…Tattoo and while I admire his ability to make those characters sympathetic, I don’t think I have time to wade through two more volumes. And I’ve just ordered up IRON DUKE, too. I’ve been resisting because it sounds dreadfully dark and I’m so very tired of grim books, but the steampunk aspects entice me. There are so very many books I’d like to read, but with limited time, I pare the stacks down to those I need to read for various reasons, leaving out the books I’d like to read just to see what they’re about. Maybe, one day…
Wow, you’ve covered a huge territory! I wish I could find the time. I just finished Girl…Tattoo and while I admire his ability to make those characters sympathetic, I don’t think I have time to wade through two more volumes. And I’ve just ordered up IRON DUKE, too. I’ve been resisting because it sounds dreadfully dark and I’m so very tired of grim books, but the steampunk aspects entice me. There are so very many books I’d like to read, but with limited time, I pare the stacks down to those I need to read for various reasons, leaving out the books I’d like to read just to see what they’re about. Maybe, one day…
Wow, you’ve covered a huge territory! I wish I could find the time. I just finished Girl…Tattoo and while I admire his ability to make those characters sympathetic, I don’t think I have time to wade through two more volumes. And I’ve just ordered up IRON DUKE, too. I’ve been resisting because it sounds dreadfully dark and I’m so very tired of grim books, but the steampunk aspects entice me. There are so very many books I’d like to read, but with limited time, I pare the stacks down to those I need to read for various reasons, leaving out the books I’d like to read just to see what they’re about. Maybe, one day…
Wow, you’ve covered a huge territory! I wish I could find the time. I just finished Girl…Tattoo and while I admire his ability to make those characters sympathetic, I don’t think I have time to wade through two more volumes. And I’ve just ordered up IRON DUKE, too. I’ve been resisting because it sounds dreadfully dark and I’m so very tired of grim books, but the steampunk aspects entice me. There are so very many books I’d like to read, but with limited time, I pare the stacks down to those I need to read for various reasons, leaving out the books I’d like to read just to see what they’re about. Maybe, one day…
Wow, you’ve covered a huge territory! I wish I could find the time. I just finished Girl…Tattoo and while I admire his ability to make those characters sympathetic, I don’t think I have time to wade through two more volumes. And I’ve just ordered up IRON DUKE, too. I’ve been resisting because it sounds dreadfully dark and I’m so very tired of grim books, but the steampunk aspects entice me. There are so very many books I’d like to read, but with limited time, I pare the stacks down to those I need to read for various reasons, leaving out the books I’d like to read just to see what they’re about. Maybe, one day…
I have so many books on my TBR pile that I often wait to choose the next book until I have finished the book I am reading to see what I fancy whether it be a paranormal a category historical contempary. I am reading Tracey O’Hara’s Night’s Cold Kiss at the moment an urban fantasty and loving it. I also have a couple of yours on the TBR pile that I really need to get to as well oh if only I didn’t have to work and had more time LOL
Have Fun
Helen
I have so many books on my TBR pile that I often wait to choose the next book until I have finished the book I am reading to see what I fancy whether it be a paranormal a category historical contempary. I am reading Tracey O’Hara’s Night’s Cold Kiss at the moment an urban fantasty and loving it. I also have a couple of yours on the TBR pile that I really need to get to as well oh if only I didn’t have to work and had more time LOL
Have Fun
Helen
I have so many books on my TBR pile that I often wait to choose the next book until I have finished the book I am reading to see what I fancy whether it be a paranormal a category historical contempary. I am reading Tracey O’Hara’s Night’s Cold Kiss at the moment an urban fantasty and loving it. I also have a couple of yours on the TBR pile that I really need to get to as well oh if only I didn’t have to work and had more time LOL
Have Fun
Helen
I have so many books on my TBR pile that I often wait to choose the next book until I have finished the book I am reading to see what I fancy whether it be a paranormal a category historical contempary. I am reading Tracey O’Hara’s Night’s Cold Kiss at the moment an urban fantasty and loving it. I also have a couple of yours on the TBR pile that I really need to get to as well oh if only I didn’t have to work and had more time LOL
Have Fun
Helen
I have so many books on my TBR pile that I often wait to choose the next book until I have finished the book I am reading to see what I fancy whether it be a paranormal a category historical contempary. I am reading Tracey O’Hara’s Night’s Cold Kiss at the moment an urban fantasty and loving it. I also have a couple of yours on the TBR pile that I really need to get to as well oh if only I didn’t have to work and had more time LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Oh, I love the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books. And if you love them you MUST watch the videos, with Sean Bean as Sharpe! Just fabulous.
Some of my new-to-me author gloms in the last year have been courtesy of Word Wench guests. I’ve devoured all of Susanna Kearsley’s books — love them to bits!– and also Miranda Neville’s (especially the latest with the blue cover, sorry, titles elude me).
I also glommed all of Kate Forsyth’s books — she’s a fantasy writer. I read one of her books because she was talking at a conference I was going to, and I loved it so much I ordered more, and now I’ve now read everything she’s written.
Oh, I love the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books. And if you love them you MUST watch the videos, with Sean Bean as Sharpe! Just fabulous.
Some of my new-to-me author gloms in the last year have been courtesy of Word Wench guests. I’ve devoured all of Susanna Kearsley’s books — love them to bits!– and also Miranda Neville’s (especially the latest with the blue cover, sorry, titles elude me).
I also glommed all of Kate Forsyth’s books — she’s a fantasy writer. I read one of her books because she was talking at a conference I was going to, and I loved it so much I ordered more, and now I’ve now read everything she’s written.
Oh, I love the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books. And if you love them you MUST watch the videos, with Sean Bean as Sharpe! Just fabulous.
Some of my new-to-me author gloms in the last year have been courtesy of Word Wench guests. I’ve devoured all of Susanna Kearsley’s books — love them to bits!– and also Miranda Neville’s (especially the latest with the blue cover, sorry, titles elude me).
I also glommed all of Kate Forsyth’s books — she’s a fantasy writer. I read one of her books because she was talking at a conference I was going to, and I loved it so much I ordered more, and now I’ve now read everything she’s written.
Oh, I love the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books. And if you love them you MUST watch the videos, with Sean Bean as Sharpe! Just fabulous.
Some of my new-to-me author gloms in the last year have been courtesy of Word Wench guests. I’ve devoured all of Susanna Kearsley’s books — love them to bits!– and also Miranda Neville’s (especially the latest with the blue cover, sorry, titles elude me).
I also glommed all of Kate Forsyth’s books — she’s a fantasy writer. I read one of her books because she was talking at a conference I was going to, and I loved it so much I ordered more, and now I’ve now read everything she’s written.
Oh, I love the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books. And if you love them you MUST watch the videos, with Sean Bean as Sharpe! Just fabulous.
Some of my new-to-me author gloms in the last year have been courtesy of Word Wench guests. I’ve devoured all of Susanna Kearsley’s books — love them to bits!– and also Miranda Neville’s (especially the latest with the blue cover, sorry, titles elude me).
I also glommed all of Kate Forsyth’s books — she’s a fantasy writer. I read one of her books because she was talking at a conference I was going to, and I loved it so much I ordered more, and now I’ve now read everything she’s written.
Pat, I find that I can read on the exercise bike, and since working up a sweat helps keep me grounded, I can read everyday without feeling guilty about those 45 min.
So far, Iron Duke really doesn’t feel that dark–the setting is rather bleak, but the characters keep it moving. Maybe I’m just blocking out the bad vibes, becuase I’m not a huge fan of dark, depressing books. Anyway, I do recommend it.
Pat, I find that I can read on the exercise bike, and since working up a sweat helps keep me grounded, I can read everyday without feeling guilty about those 45 min.
So far, Iron Duke really doesn’t feel that dark–the setting is rather bleak, but the characters keep it moving. Maybe I’m just blocking out the bad vibes, becuase I’m not a huge fan of dark, depressing books. Anyway, I do recommend it.
Pat, I find that I can read on the exercise bike, and since working up a sweat helps keep me grounded, I can read everyday without feeling guilty about those 45 min.
So far, Iron Duke really doesn’t feel that dark–the setting is rather bleak, but the characters keep it moving. Maybe I’m just blocking out the bad vibes, becuase I’m not a huge fan of dark, depressing books. Anyway, I do recommend it.
Pat, I find that I can read on the exercise bike, and since working up a sweat helps keep me grounded, I can read everyday without feeling guilty about those 45 min.
So far, Iron Duke really doesn’t feel that dark–the setting is rather bleak, but the characters keep it moving. Maybe I’m just blocking out the bad vibes, becuase I’m not a huge fan of dark, depressing books. Anyway, I do recommend it.
Pat, I find that I can read on the exercise bike, and since working up a sweat helps keep me grounded, I can read everyday without feeling guilty about those 45 min.
So far, Iron Duke really doesn’t feel that dark–the setting is rather bleak, but the characters keep it moving. Maybe I’m just blocking out the bad vibes, becuase I’m not a huge fan of dark, depressing books. Anyway, I do recommend it.
Susan, Like you I’m usually disappointed when my favorite books are made for TV. (The exceptions are the harry Potter movies.) But I will definitely look for the Sharpe series just for Sean Bean!
Susan, Like you I’m usually disappointed when my favorite books are made for TV. (The exceptions are the harry Potter movies.) But I will definitely look for the Sharpe series just for Sean Bean!
Susan, Like you I’m usually disappointed when my favorite books are made for TV. (The exceptions are the harry Potter movies.) But I will definitely look for the Sharpe series just for Sean Bean!
Susan, Like you I’m usually disappointed when my favorite books are made for TV. (The exceptions are the harry Potter movies.) But I will definitely look for the Sharpe series just for Sean Bean!
Susan, Like you I’m usually disappointed when my favorite books are made for TV. (The exceptions are the harry Potter movies.) But I will definitely look for the Sharpe series just for Sean Bean!
Thank you, Helen! I hope you like them!
Thank you, Helen! I hope you like them!
Thank you, Helen! I hope you like them!
Thank you, Helen! I hope you like them!
Thank you, Helen! I hope you like them!
Anne, I really loved Miranda Neville’s books too. (The blue one is The Dangerous Viscount, and yes, it’s very fun!) I have Susan Kearsley’s Winter Sea on the TBR . . see, I told you I had way too many to list. Oh, there are SO many good books out there, but that’s a Good Thing!
Anne, I really loved Miranda Neville’s books too. (The blue one is The Dangerous Viscount, and yes, it’s very fun!) I have Susan Kearsley’s Winter Sea on the TBR . . see, I told you I had way too many to list. Oh, there are SO many good books out there, but that’s a Good Thing!
Anne, I really loved Miranda Neville’s books too. (The blue one is The Dangerous Viscount, and yes, it’s very fun!) I have Susan Kearsley’s Winter Sea on the TBR . . see, I told you I had way too many to list. Oh, there are SO many good books out there, but that’s a Good Thing!
Anne, I really loved Miranda Neville’s books too. (The blue one is The Dangerous Viscount, and yes, it’s very fun!) I have Susan Kearsley’s Winter Sea on the TBR . . see, I told you I had way too many to list. Oh, there are SO many good books out there, but that’s a Good Thing!
Anne, I really loved Miranda Neville’s books too. (The blue one is The Dangerous Viscount, and yes, it’s very fun!) I have Susan Kearsley’s Winter Sea on the TBR . . see, I told you I had way too many to list. Oh, there are SO many good books out there, but that’s a Good Thing!
I too am looking forward to the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book! March cannot come soon enough!
I just finished rereading all of the James Herriot books for fun and nostalgia. It was so nice to spend some time in Yorkshire with those wonderful characters – both human and animal.
Aren’t Miranda Neville’s books treasures?
I have a towering stack of Regency research books to read.
But, I will be slowing my pleasure reading down to a crawl now that I am recovering from my illness and have no excuse not to start my rewrites! SIGH!
I too am looking forward to the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book! March cannot come soon enough!
I just finished rereading all of the James Herriot books for fun and nostalgia. It was so nice to spend some time in Yorkshire with those wonderful characters – both human and animal.
Aren’t Miranda Neville’s books treasures?
I have a towering stack of Regency research books to read.
But, I will be slowing my pleasure reading down to a crawl now that I am recovering from my illness and have no excuse not to start my rewrites! SIGH!
I too am looking forward to the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book! March cannot come soon enough!
I just finished rereading all of the James Herriot books for fun and nostalgia. It was so nice to spend some time in Yorkshire with those wonderful characters – both human and animal.
Aren’t Miranda Neville’s books treasures?
I have a towering stack of Regency research books to read.
But, I will be slowing my pleasure reading down to a crawl now that I am recovering from my illness and have no excuse not to start my rewrites! SIGH!
I too am looking forward to the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book! March cannot come soon enough!
I just finished rereading all of the James Herriot books for fun and nostalgia. It was so nice to spend some time in Yorkshire with those wonderful characters – both human and animal.
Aren’t Miranda Neville’s books treasures?
I have a towering stack of Regency research books to read.
But, I will be slowing my pleasure reading down to a crawl now that I am recovering from my illness and have no excuse not to start my rewrites! SIGH!
I too am looking forward to the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book! March cannot come soon enough!
I just finished rereading all of the James Herriot books for fun and nostalgia. It was so nice to spend some time in Yorkshire with those wonderful characters – both human and animal.
Aren’t Miranda Neville’s books treasures?
I have a towering stack of Regency research books to read.
But, I will be slowing my pleasure reading down to a crawl now that I am recovering from my illness and have no excuse not to start my rewrites! SIGH!
Louisa, so glad you are feeling better!
I loved the Herriot books when I read them oh-so long ago. Glad you reminded me. I might have to carry them down for a re-read—but only after I make a little more headway on the new books!
Louisa, so glad you are feeling better!
I loved the Herriot books when I read them oh-so long ago. Glad you reminded me. I might have to carry them down for a re-read—but only after I make a little more headway on the new books!
Louisa, so glad you are feeling better!
I loved the Herriot books when I read them oh-so long ago. Glad you reminded me. I might have to carry them down for a re-read—but only after I make a little more headway on the new books!
Louisa, so glad you are feeling better!
I loved the Herriot books when I read them oh-so long ago. Glad you reminded me. I might have to carry them down for a re-read—but only after I make a little more headway on the new books!
Louisa, so glad you are feeling better!
I loved the Herriot books when I read them oh-so long ago. Glad you reminded me. I might have to carry them down for a re-read—but only after I make a little more headway on the new books!