Gentle SPECTRUMS discussion

I am thrilled by the possibility of reading jointly with my new peers and friends. :) Please be welcome to list what you'd like help or company, right here. My 'TBR' shelf is very small here on Goodreads because I use it to lay out titles I own, that I forsee reading this year. It is another nice way to look for matches among us. Do feel free to say if you too, have such a shelf.

I fulfill challenges with books I own, a fun way to guide which ones I read next.
I'd love a buddy for chunksters or studious material. Some on my radar are these.

"The Midnight Side" Natasha Mostert -----> Done
"Light A Penny Candle" Maeve Binchy -----> Done
"The Lost Steps" Alejo Carpentier -----> Done
"Mariana" Susanna Kearsley -----> Done
"Skeletons" Kate Wilhelm-----> I think I gave this away for unpleasant racist topics.
"The Alchemist" Paulo Coelho -----> Done

I seldom buddy read, an easier way to tackle books I might not read so easily. It equally brings fun to books I am eager about. I wanted to let you know my friend, Kerri and I are reading "The Joy Luck Club" Amy Tan and "Around The World In 80 Days" Jules Verne, stating in July. I also propose "Artemis Foul" Eoin Colfer, since I have numerous copies of this series. A film of this youth science fiction adventure comes out tomorrow!

If you would like to read along, tune into the topic thread made for each book and tell us which page or chapter you stopped at each day. When each person has checked-in, raise any conversation or reaction that comes to mind, based on the earliest chapter we all finished. People who already read these are welcome to visit and chat along with us. Your hostess, with prayers and love for a safe, happy, prosperous summer: Carolyn.

C. wrote: "I seldom buddy read, an easier way to tackle books I might not read so easily. It equally brings fun to books I am eager about. I wanted to let you know my friend, Kerri and I are reading "The Joy ..."
Artemis Fowl sounds good too! I don't currently have a copy but I saw many of them the other day, so if I can find a copy of the first book/s I will let you know.
- Kerri

Yes, it is popular. I was introduced at a yard sale and found multiple copies until I picked my favourite condition. I am avoiding the film preview to go into the novel without the film's interpretive tone and without knowing what the story entails. I see you couldn't wait to read the "Harry Potter" début but if you were revisiting it, I am not deprived of another first-timer. ;)

I am glad you like the idea of being in this group, initially for the reading, because it is an ideal to transfer my reading list out of your "Pride And Prejudice" review link. Or if you keep it, at least not take up your review link with further conversation. It is nice to see I checked everything off my list in 2014 and to make a fresh list in 2020.

Here is my new list of books to read, starting in 2020. :)

Early in series: 1st Sue Grafton, 1st Nevada Barr, 1st Frances Fyfied, 1st solo novel in her name Frances Hegarty "Half Light", 4th David Handler, 1st P.D. James, 3rd Rex Stout.

Various: "Artemis Fowl" Eoin Colfer, "Pride And Prejudice", "The House Next Door" Anne River Siddons, "The Land Of Stories" Chris Colfer, "Midnight In The Garden Of Good & Evil", "All Creatures Great And Small", "Anne Frank, Diary Of A Young Girl", "Wuthering Heights", "Behind The Scenes At The Museum", "A Dry Spell" Susie Moloney, "The Winter People" Jennifer McMahon would be fun. I'll save that Phyllis A. Whitney hardcover for later. Haha.

Biographies: wildlife activist Biruté M.F. Galdikas "Reflections Of Eden", Kirk Douglas "My Stroke Of Luck", Goldie Hawn, Jeanne Cooper, Amy Poehler.

I read the first one years ago and I remember liking it, but I cannot remember specifics, so I am keen to reacquaint myself with them.
I am listening to the Harry Potter audio book, read by Stephen Fry, and really enjoying to so far. It's the first time I've listened to an audio book in years but I've already found myself able to listen to at least an hour a day, when I am cooking or tidying etc. I have read the Harry Potter books so many times that I could easily join in on a discussion anytime you do read them or maybe even re-read them again in physical book form -- I never tire of them!

It's very useful to have that list here, especially as I have noticed a few that I didn't see the first time I read it through! I'm particularly interested in "Reflections of Eden" now that I know what it is about -- I am quite determined to find a copy of it now!

Well, your "Pride And Prejudice" comment box is for discussing Jane Austen and tidbits you & I rolled out in that spot. Yes, it is handier to have a list posted in a topic for joint reading. Your eyes aren't playing tricks. I update it!

My young brother asked if I had L.M. Montgomery and if so, if I was willing to give her first book to his daughter from me. My niece at only age 9 has heard of and asked for "Anne Of Green Gables". I have 3-book boxsets and thus, am going to get grooving on the first novel. Being Canadian, I might start tomorrow. Do you have the series?

I am thrilled you are interested in Biruté's book, a Canadian among the trimates advocating for primates. I knew I needed to draw your attention to it when I saw the Fossey book on your wish list. I will wait for you on it, if you are enchanted enough to order it. This is one I doubt a second-hand New Zealand store would get in stock.

I am going to read "Where Nests The Water Hen" by Gabrielle Roy a few books from now. I couldn't find my copy of it or "The Joy Luck Club" but bought them at my favourite charity fundraiser. I will also read soon "Stories I Only Tell My Friends" by Rob Lowe. The nature of it makes it more suitable to discuss only in e-mail.

I hope you enjoy "Where Nests The Water Hen"! :)

Thank you Kerri! We are proud of Gabrielle in Manitoba and her writing and translation are devine. I will have a duplicate to gift or well when I find my original, the same as "The Joy Luck Club". Would you like to read Amy Tan's or Rob Lowe's book together next?

I'm happy with either! Do you have a preference? :)

Soon, I would like to read "The Joy Luck Club", "Artemis Fowl", and the second Anne Of Green Gables story "Anne Of Avonlea", if you have them. I would like to know how to pronounce their town. Is it Aaa-vahn-lee or Aaa-vahn-lee-ah?

It’s pronounced Aaa-vahn-lee, Carolyn. I think I might join you for “Artemis Fowl” and “Anne of Avonlea”. Just let me know when you think of starting those because I don’t have copies of either.

"It’s pronounced Aaa-vahn-lee, Carolyn."

Thank you, Leeanne! This is the benefit of you seeing shows and films. Do you still have "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth"? I have been wondering how long your loans carry over. I want to find the "September 31" mistake and see if your chapter has the same. Also, the last paragraph Kerri quoted is beautiful but I can tell it did not benefit fully from a great translation. I would love knowing what it should say. I need time to catch-up and will shortly, for you can't borrow books indefinitely.

I would like to start "Anne Of Avonlea" next week, unless you need longer. I think Kerri owns it and was going to obtain "Artemis Fowl" too. No rush. I want to finally give myself over to the cultural phenomenon "The Joy Luck Club", after our Canadian one. :) I think it would read beautifully to segue two classics back to back. Then try Mr. Eion Colfer's science fiction adventure.

Thanks for that Leeanne! I had wondered about that as well! :)

I still haven't found a copy of "Artemis Fowl" -- last time I checked, they had all of the books in the series except the first one! But by the time we have finished "Anne of Avonlea" and "The Joy Luck Club" I should have found it -- I will get it off of Trade Me if I can't find it in any second hand stores.

Where is the copy of "Artemis Fowl" you already read, Kerri? I imagine Leanne, you will borrow your Mom's book of "Avonlea"? Thank you for this pleasure at an important time for focus and peace for me, dear girls. If we have time, it would be great to converse about the books in the midst of reading them and not waiting for an overall summary. All input is enjoyed. Yours, Carolyn.

I think I borrowed the copy I read from my school library. If I can't find a copy to buy, I will check my local district library as well.

If you don’t mind I would like to quickly read “Anne of Green Gables” first. It shouldn’t take me too long so I’ll order it from my library this week. I’ll need to find a copy of “Artemis Fowl” too, either from the library or a friend.

I had to take my copy of “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth” back last week so I’m afraid I can’t find what you’d like to know about. :(

Leeanne, if you think you would notice "September 31", perhaps your copy did not have the chapter #44 error. That is my question. Your loans must last a month.

Ladies, I have a spare copy of "Artemis Fowl". If you believe you would like it enough to own it, I would gladly give it to either of you. It is a paperback in great condition.

Kerri, your birthday gift went out today! If interested, we could read "The Joy Luck Club" first. I am slow with the small print of Phyllis A. Whitney's "Skye Cameron".

I love mail and count on it, with dial-up internet unsuitable for transfering many files. In the future, you might have a book I need but trading is not necessary. :)

I am happy to wait for you to read "Anne of Green Gables" first Leeanne. Hopefully you will enjoy it! :)

My local stores website says they have copies of "Artemis Fowl" for only $6 each (new) so I'm sure I should be able to get a copy within the next two or three weeks, so if Leeanne is interested in your spare copy Carolyn that might work out well!

Thank you! :) I am happy to begin "The Joy Luck Club" whenever you want. I feel you with the small font issue -- I have a few paperback versions of classics where the font is so small that I can only read them during the day, in good lighting, if I am not tired!

I will be sure to send something in reply. I quite enjoy sending and receiving mail, though I get and send much less these days as so much is done online.

As I said above, I cherish mail and our internet requires us to continue relying on it, for anything more than a few photos. You will love the treat coming your way, with that first season of "Corner Gas" episodes.

I didn't know you have a dog as well as cats and was sorry to read he had a scare. I had to look up the word, which I suppose means a cyst. I am glad the danger spot was removed. We worried about Spirit not eating as much but it is a dental issue, thank the Lord. I am busy too but have much more to say about "Stories I Only Tell My Friends". When I am into "The Joy Luck Club", I hope we read in tandem and add updates.

Today of our four kittens' big tenth birthday. I want so much for Conan to be back in time for us to stop worrying or missing anymore time with him. It would mean the world to have him here for this milestone. We always miss their brother, Love, who ascended young from heart failure. We will no matter what, pamper their sisters, Angel and Petal, tomorrow! I can't believe my babies are going to be ten! I saw each of them born and could say what time it was.

Happy birthday to your cats! How incredible that you have known them since birth!

Yes it was a kind of cyst thing. Not too serious if removed early (she has a few stitches but doesn't seem to be in pain at all) but can turn cancerous if left. So of course we had it taken off as soon as possible.
What a relief for it to be a dental issue - Stevie has had a few dental issues as well, and since her most recent surgery she's had a much easier time keeping enough weight on which is good.

I look forward to "The Joy Luck Club"!

Just an update to say that I found a copy of "Artemis Fowl" on Trade Me for just a few dollars. It might take a week or two to arrive but shouldn't be any longer than that!

Thank you dearly, Kerri and Leeanne, for wishing our dear children a happy tenth birthday! I thank you on behalf of Angel, Petal, Conan wherever he has gotten so far, and in memory of our precious Love. As we wait for Conan, who received words of love telepathically, as well as our dear Love; Angel and Petal were pampered very much. Of course, so were their Mom and our senior boys, who are Dads to the kittens.

I walked around house and land for beautiful family pictures of the birthday girls and all of them. If anyone wondered how to celebrate a cat's birthday: it is well-wishes, songs, treats, and photography. :-) I need a photo of me with the birthday girls, which Ron will do today. We need some for ourselves for last month's anniversary. We aren't selfie people - I don't find that good quality. A self-timer on our digital camera is great.

I am glad you have "Artemis Fowl" loaded, just as I snatched the chance to re-purchase "The Joy Luck Club" and "Where Nests The Water Hen" (Manitoba's Gabrielle Roy for myself). When I find my invisible copies, I will compare the two, keep my favourites, and put the others in my gift / sell pile.

Leeanne, answering in bulk is swell. I am glad we remember what we talk about! Do you have the e-mail address I gave you awhile ago? Just like you with age, I too am cautious about divulging past a certain limit in public. Happy to tell you more about past job experiences if you drop me a line. So, does your Mom no longer have the book set?

Let me know when you have your "Anne Of Green Gables" and "Anne Of Avonlea" copies. I will get grooving as soon as you say so. I want to give my trio boxset to my niece, if my brother confirms he has waited for it directly from me. I like a break in between authors and need to read the third as well before Christmas mail time arrives.

Kerri, when you get a chance, please sift what you wrote about blue chicks out of the Anne conversation. I was fascinated and would love to find and follow it up in the wildlife thread we have. :) Leeanne, I am happy you went camping again. A different or new spot? Happy wilderness, outdoors days for us while it is warm! Yours truly, Carolyn.

I do have your email address written in my phone Carolyn and will send an email sometime soon to make sure you'll have mine.

I'm unsure if my mother ever had the box set of Anne. She has most of Maud's other books but somehow Anne has gone missing or was just given away for some unknown reason.

I did finish Anne of Green Gables and should be able to get Anne of Avonlea from my library sometime this week. Are we ready to start this one soon? I saw you were reading 'The Joy Luck Club." If you two aren't finished that yet I can wait.

This week is good enough. I finished "The Joy Luck Club" and am reading "The Night Circus". I thought perhaps you rented more than one book at once. I didn't find out when I asked previously: how long do library loans last?

Multiple conversations are my pleasure. Kerri & I are winding down "Stories I Only Tell My Friends" in e-mail. Out of the public eye so topics can be as personal as some books require. We are just starting to rave about "The Joy Luck Club" in this group. We will have volleyed it back & forth a nice bit, by the time I start "Anne Of Avonlea".

A great, fresh point came to mind about that one we shared together and when you have had a breather, I will add it. There is no limit to thoughts that occur to anyone. I don't know about you gals but I usually read at night, which is why I hope I don't sleep too soon and love to go, go go with books! :-)

I have “Anne of Avonlea” now and am ready and excited to start whenever you are!

Go ahead and start! I will be finished my intriguing hardcover of "The Night Circus" soon.

Oh, yay! I will start reading it tonight/early tomorrow as well -- looking forward to it!

Are you enjoying "The Night Circus", Carolyn? That's one that I quite like the sound of.

Kerri, I suggested Leeanne start because she wanted longer with our books previously and they are borrowed. Don't read too fast, now! ;> Leeanne, how long do loans last? I like "The Night Circus" very much. I usually only read at bedtime and might take another night or two to finish.

Don't worry, I haven't gotten past the first page yet as I've been busy catching up on a few shorter books that I've been wanting to read! I have spent most of my free time this evening catching up on my reviews here, so tomorrow I will catch up on the discussion about "A Journey To The Centre of the Earth" and hopefully your email as well. :)

Wonderful. There are other conversations to enjoy. I hope an e-mail soon contains "my present arrived". I have hardly made any headway lately in "The Night Circus" but am well past the 250 point, where you have to know what is going on next.

My library loans last 3 weeks, Carolyn. I’m glad you’re enjoying ‘The Night Circus’. I’ve heard it’s good but I have never read it.

I am glad to know the timeframe and am glad you got started on "Anne Of Avonlea". I am too and am making a conversation folder for our book now. "The Night Circus" was wonderful and I am excited about "The Starless Sea", which I shall treat myself to in my birth month!

In honour of my birthday and to pamper me, I read things I love entirely, starting on November 1! :) It is usually the fun, magical, enthralling, atmospheric paranormal mystery that folks read this month. Some Sylvia Browne and other non-religious spiritual encouragement is due to soothe my heart and mind too, in a hard year.