Writers Lost in 2014 Quiz – guessing closed

January 14, 2015January 21, 201521 Comments

Another year and another year of QUIZZES, this being the 6th year of Quizzes here at Stacy’s Books. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll join in this year. The more the merrier (and the more fun).

Here’s the nitty-gritty that I’ll only post this once.

I post the quiz Wednesday before noon and you have until noon on the next Tuesday to submit your answers as a Comment. I will hide comments on a regular basis.

The winner is the person with the most points at the end of each round (usually 5 months or so) and he or she will win a prize AND I’ll randomly draw a name from the rest of the participants to receive a prize too! So, you only have to get one question right to be eligible for a prize.

The winner will receive a Barnes & Noble gift card based on how many people participate. 30 participants= $30, 52=$52…So, the eventual winner could be you and you want as many people to guess as possible!

A few rules

1. No cheating. No googling or looking at other commenter answers. Yes, we’re going by the honor system 🙂

2. Your first answers will be the only ones accepted.

3. Play every week or just one time, you are always welcome 🙂 It only takes once to be eligible for a prize.

Okay, now that all of that is out of the way let’s get started. Let’s see if you know any of these writers who died in 2014.

Writers lost in 2014

1. This Columbian Nobel Prize winner died in Mexico City at the age of 87 and 100 years of mourning commenced. Gabriel Garcia Marquez

2. This caged bird lived 86 years and was the first poet to recite a poem at a Preisdential Inauguration since Robert Frost and she wrote seven very successful autobiographies. Maya Angelou

3. Best known for young adult literature, this fallen angel wrote over 100 books and won the Coretta Scott King Award for African-American authors five times. Walter Dean Myers

4. Phyllis was a British mystery author, well-known for her series about a Scotland Yard police commissioner and poet. PD James

5. (pic) This British author wrote and illustrated this beloved kids book series. Or you can give me the name of the other kids book author who wrote a series about a big red dog. Eric Hill and Norman Bridwell

6. This late bloomer knew where the heart was as soon as Oprah chose her first book. She only wrote three more before her death at 76. Billie Letts

7. This South African activist and author became one of July’s people when she died at the age of 90. Nadine Gordimer

8. His plain(song) novels were all set in Holt, Colorado. Kent Haruf

9. This British author helped create the romantic suspense genre with her gothic romances and her Merlin series. She went on to the crystal cave at 97. Mary Stewart

10. This ex-American spy won the National Book Award in both fiction and non-fiction before passing away at the age of 86. Now the snow leopard is travelling through snow country. Peter Matthiessen

Postcrossing Update

January 9, 20159 Comments

I’ve written about my love affair with Postcrossing a few times (here, here, and here) and while the past year I haven’t kept up with sending as many cards I love the fact that I still continue to be surprised when one pops up in my mailbox. Another great thing is that I can pick up and right where I left off and I wrote five postcards yesterday.

For every card that tells me a little about their life or just says hello because they don’t write English, there are those that tell me how their hobbies and interests intersect my own. It’s comforting to know that in this crazy world we are not all as different as we sometimes think we are. And sometimes I receive postcards like this, from strangers who bring war and conflict closer to home.

I’ve received a few more like this from Kiev over the past year and it has definitely made me feel more connected to the people there and what it going on internationally. Interestingly, I’ve received more postcards from Russia and it is never mentioned.

These are the countries I received cards from and the average length of time it took for them to get to me.

Postcards by country

	Country	Received	Avg travel (Received)
1	Australia	5	8 days
2	Belarus	12	27 days
3	Belgium	1	6 days
4	Brazil	1	92 days
5	Canada	1	10 days
6	China	10	24 days
7	Czech Republic	5	15 days
8	Dominican Republic	1	45 days
9	Estonia	2	10 days
10	Finland	8	9 days
11	France	2	54 days
12	Germany	28	14 days
13	Hong Kong	5	14 days
14	Iceland	1	14 days
15	India	3	11 days
16	Indonesia	1	25 days
17	Ireland	1	3 days
18	Israel	1	19 days
19	Japan	3	13 days
20	Korea (South)	2	13 days
21	Latvia	1	16 days
22	Lithuania	2	16 days
23	Morocco	1	9 days
24	Netherlands	23	10 days
25	New Zealand	2	16 days
26	Poland	9	47 days
27	Portugal	3	22 days
28	Russia	28	23 days
29	Singapore	4	12 days
30	Slovenia	2	12 days
31	Spain	5	59 days
32	Sweden	1	6 days
33	Switzerland	1	9 days
34	Taiwan	9	17 days
35	Thailand	1	14 days
36	Turkey	1	15 days
37	U.S.A.	22	12 days
38	Ukraine	11	26 days
39	United Kingdom	3	11 days

Of the 222 cards I’ve only received one set of repeats.

Appropriate, right? One is from Germany and the other from the Netherlands.

If you want to keep up with the postcards I receive you can visit the blog I’ve set up, Postcarder

And if you are interesting in giving it a try yourself I can’t recommend it enough! It’s fun, easy and a cheap way to travel. Visit Postcrossing.

Guess who is 7 years old today? with a giveaway!

January 7, 2015January 7, 201530 Comments

If you guessed Stacy’s Books – you win!! Hard to believe the difference between 2008 and today. This time in 2008 Jason and I were planning our first overseas trip to beautiful Italy and today I drove my 4-year-old to school at 7:40 am in 6 degrees wind chill temperatures. Seven years ago I would have holed up in the house in my jammies with a good book (after I’d woken up around 9am, of course)!

My reading and blogging time is limited these days, but I still love it. I know my blog needs a major facelift and I wish I had more time to visit my blogger friends, but I choose not to stress out over it. If the blog causes stress then it’s not fun and there have been a few periods over the years when I’ve considered stopping, but I just can’t. I get too much out of it. And most of what I get out of it is the friendship with you who take the time to read and comment. I can’t believe that I’ve known some of you that long. Kathy was my first commenter and at the time we were both just starting out. I couldn’t ask for a better first blog friend 🙂

I chose two pictures from each year I’ve been blogging and I want you to vote for one year to use as my profile pictures. If you vote you’ll be entered to win a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card. Interesting how you can see how my life has changed over the years just from these pics each year.

I’ll leave voting up for the month. Open internationally. Any comment with a #1 choice of year will be entered for $20 at Barnes & Noble.

2008 This is me enjoying Florence. (Florence, Italy) 100_0484 (Rome, Italy)

2009 ny me on met roof (New York) ki sunset (Lake Erie)

2010(San Francisco) France 094 (Versailles, France)

2011(Chagrin Falls)(Northport, Michigan)

2012(Home)(Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland)

2013(Gage) 074 (Kelleys Island, Ohio)

2014(Cleveland train show)(postcards from around the world)

Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

Mrs Pollifax Unveiled by Dorothy Gilman

January 6, 2015January 5, 20156 Comments

Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled. Finished 1-2-15, rating, 3.5/5, mystery, 216 pages, pub. 2000

Book #14 and last of the Mrs. Pollifax series.

After facing down hijackers on a flight to the Middle East and saving the lives of the passengers on board, a young American woman steps off the plane in Damascus in a blaze of celebrity and disappears. The CIA believes Amanda Pym was kidnapped, possibly murdered.

Masquerading as Amanda Pym’s worried aunt, Mrs. Pollifax begins her determined search, slipping through Damascus’s crooked streets and crowded souks . . . and trekking deep into the desert. Yet she is shadowed by deadly enemies, whose sinister agenda threatens not only Mrs. P. but the fragile stability of the entire Middle East. Only a miracle–or a brilliant counterplot– can forestall a disaster that will send shock waves around the world.

I’m having a difficult time deciding where to start. I read the first Mrs. Pollifax book in 2002 after a trusted bookstore friend admitted that she bought them all when they came out. At the time I thought it was odd since Mrs. Pollifax, a 60 something retired widower, seemed a bit long in the tooth for a 30-year-old. But I gave the first one a try to really enjoyed getting to know the spunky Mrs. P and how she brazenly went to work for the CIA in between her garden club meetings. For some reason I’ve allowed myself to read these out-of-order as they’ve become available to me, so this is only my 7th Mrs. Pollifax book, but I do plan to pick up the others as time allows.

These are cozy, spy novels which seems an odd combination but it works. There is always a lot of danger, especially in this one as she is forced to get in and out of Syria undercover. The books are dated but still enjoyable. Gilman didn’t know this would be the last Pollifax mystery, since she became ill and passed away before another could be written. I like the way the series ended since there was no end. The sweet, grandmotherly Mrs. Pollifax is still out there, saving the world with her friends.

I recommend this series for cozy mystery lovers who love to explore other cultures. This was from my own library.

Mailbox Monday – January 5

January 5, 201517 Comments

mmb-300x282 Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

So, Jill, thought I had too much free time and sent me this book just before Christmas. It is gorgeous. Most of the book is beautifully decorated cakes and step-by-step directions on how to do it yourself, but there are some yummy cake recipes to try too, one is even perfect for Gage since it’s dairy and gluten-free. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Thanks Jill 🙂

I’m adding a bonus pic of these adorable cupcakes from the book

Planet Cake.

Anything fun or yummy arrive in your mailbox this week?

I’m finally joining the Classics Club and the Buckeyes Win!!

January 2, 201516 Comments

I’ve eyed this challenge for years, but have always had enough sense to resist, but NO MORE! I’m feeling confident and pumped up after my Ohio State Buckeyes kicked butt last night and beat #1 Alabama. Sorry, still riding a little high 🙂

The rules are that I have to read 50 classics in 5 years time. I have to make a list (this is often where I’ve stalled out in the past) and to do this I have to define what classic means for me. I think a classic is something that stands the test of time and has something to say. I will use an arbitrary number of 25 years, so anything before 1990 (just typing that makes me feel old). The list can be changed as the years go on, but I think I’ll start with the classics that are sitting on my shelves right now, many of them for years. Take a look and tell me which one I should read first.

1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

2. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

3. Washington Square by Henry James

4. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

5. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

6. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

7. Ada by Vladimir Nabokov

8. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome

9. Night by Elie Wiesel

10. Up From Slavery by Booker T Washington

11. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

12. Cat’s Cradle or Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut

13. Aesop’s Fables

14. Good as Gold by Joseph Heller

15. Lady Chatterly’s Lover or Women in Love by DH Lawrence

16. Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy

17. Fear of Flying by Erica Jong

18. Moonstone or The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

19. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

20. The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

21. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

22. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

23. 1984 by George Orwell

24. Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone by James Baldwin

25. Babbit by Sinclair Lewis

25. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

26. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert m Pirsig

27. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

28. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

29. Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart

30. The Chosen by Chaim Potok

31. Christy by Catherine Marshall

32. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

33. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

34. Roll of Thunder Hear, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

35. Eva Luna by Isabel Allende

36. Gather Together in My Name by Maya Angelou

37. Villette by Charlotte Bronte

38. Oliver Twist or Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

39. The War of the Worlds by HG Wells

40. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

41. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann

42. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

43. The Two Towers by JRR Tolkien

44. Sophie’s Choice by William Styron

45. Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

46. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

47. The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

48. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

49. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

50. The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer

2014 Book Favorites and Stats

December 31, 201426 Comments

Books

I read 59 books this year (that’s 3 more than last year!), 23 of them being audio books.

Fiction 46, Non-fiction 13 (that’s 1 less non-fiction book than last year, surprised!)

Female authors 39, Male authors 20 (on par with last year)

This year I tried to read authors that I already knew and loved but I did manage to read 15 new to me fiction authors and that’s a good thing since 4 of them ended up on my favorite list!

Series books- continuing series 13 (Jack Reacher, Sarah Woolson, Kathryn Dance, Kinsey Millhone, Vanessa Michael Munroe, Lincoln Rhyme, Bailey Weggins, Robert Langdon, Milan Jacovich), new series 4 (Blue Heron, Cormoran Strike, All Souls Trilogy, Andy Hayes)

Oldest book read? Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Longest book? A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness at 579 pages

Most read author? Taylor Stevens (4-The Innocent, The Doll, The Vessel, The Catch)

Least Favorite book? The Invisible Man by HG Wells

Best audio book? The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith, read by Robert Glenister

My 5 favorite books this year

Gift from the Sea

I cannot possibly do this book of poetic beauty justice. The views of Lindbergh can be considered old-fashioned and antiquated, and they are, but that should not diminish the truth behind her words. As women, we all still struggle with finding time alone, relationships, midlife, aging. This slim memoir is to be savored one small chapter at a time and by those who can appreciate that it was written in a different, but no less significant period. Lindbergh lived a privileged (and in some ways tragic) life, but her words can be appreciated by every woman. I set aside time to fully appreciate each chapter with no outside noise or time constraints (a difficult task), and felt that I had visited and been restored by the sea.

The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress

This book really did have a little bit of everything. There were really bad bad guys, politicians without morals, the glitz of New York City, sexy showgirls, hardworking people trying to better themselves, lies, heartbreak, and, of course, murder. I loved it.

The Best Man

This was not all light and breezy, there were some somber issues like guilt, class, and abandonment and that added a nice layer to the story. The only thing keeping this from a higher rating is the mention Faith’s ‘rack’ more than once. But the tone and characters of the book left me happy and looking forward to the next in the series!

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry The Storied Life of AJ Fikry

I spent a few years working in bookstores and loved the experience and, most importantly, the people I worked with. Book people are the best kind of people, diverse in all ways but their love for the written word. So, it is no surprise that I loved this book about small town bookstore owner, A.J. Fikry.

The House We Grew Up In

The Birds, thanks to matriarch Lorelei, are a colorful and life-loving family. Lorelei loves to savor the beautiful moments and because she attaches these moments to actual objects in her mind the Bird home slowly starts to collect more things than it needs. When tragedy strikes and dysfunction ensues, the clutter becomes something much worse.

2014 Movie Favorites and Stats

December 30, 2014December 30, 201417 Comments

Movies

I watched 66 new to me movies this year (that’s up 4 from last year). I wrote two Book vs. Movie posts (Jack Reacher & Gone Girl –still time to vote in the polls), wrote a few Friday film talks and continued my 5 word movie reviews asking for your participation and help for charity. Please consider adding your thoughts to these reviews since they count towards money for charity, maybe even yours!

2014 was my most watched movie year with 26.

The oldest movie I watched was The Man Who Knew Too Much, 1956

Favorite animated film was The Lorax.

Favorite non-human character was Olaf from Frozen.

Two documentaries everyone should see – Fed Up and Happy

Best sequel was Horrible Bosses 2.

Cutest couple- Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis in Friends with Benefits

Most watched actor- Jason Bateman with 4 films. (Horrible Bosses 2, This is Where I Leave You, The Switch, Identity Theft)

Most watched actress was a 2 way tie with 3 movies each- Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, Mockingjay, American Hustle)

Jennifer Aniston (Just Go With It, Horrible Bosses 2, The Switch)

My 5 favorite movies this year

St. Vincent. One of my two favorite movies this year had humor, redemption, and a surprising amount of heart.

Edge of Tomorrow. My other favorite movie was Groundhog Day with guns and aliens.

The Impossible. Based on the true Thai tsunami, this movie drew me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until I’d gone through a few tissues.

Austenland. Sweet, funny and perfect for Austen lovers.

Mockingjay. Katniss still kicking ass and winning respect.

My most hated movie this year- Lucy.

December’s Movies

December 29, 2014April 11, 20186 Comments

If you have a few minutes to browse my past movies or look at the list I hope you will.

Now it’s your turn. Add your 5 words (or less!) to mine and earn $1 for charity. Once we get to $100 the person with the most reviews will choose the charity. Click here to see the past winners, the charities they chose and the other reviews you can add to. Anyone is welcome to join in at any time.

I hope that you will take a few minutes to participate when you can each month. It’s fun for me and for everyone else who reads it. I’m not looking for a critical review, just a few words about how you felt about the movie. This is ongoing so you can leave your 5 words anytime.

We’re up to $62

Whiplash, 2014 (Cast-JK Simmons, Miles Teller, Paul Reiser) Grade B+

True greatness takes bloody sacrifice.

The music teacher sells insurance. (Brendan)

Horrible Bosses 2, 2014 (Cast-Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Chris Pine, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz Grade B+

I laughed, laughed and laughed.

The Hobbit:The Battle of the Five Armies, 2014 (Cast-Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lily, Lee Pace, Orlando Bloom) Grade B

Lukewarm ending to good trilogy.

Inventing the Abbotts, 1997 (Cast-Joaquin Phoenix, Liv Tyler, Billy Crudup, Jennifer Connelly) Grade B

Brothers fall for rich sisters.

The Double, 2011 (Cast-Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Martin Sheen) Grade B-

Gere always fun to watch.

At First Sight, 1999 (Cast-Val Kilmer, Mira Sorvino, Kelly McGinnis, Nathan Lane, Steven Weber, Bruce Davison) Grade C

Blind man finds true love.

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 201414 Comments

I love Christmas cards and appreciate every one that friends and family take the time to send. Every year I choose a favorite and this year my favorite arrived today all the way from Moscow, Russia. I hope you all have quality time with family or friends.

Stacy's Books

books, movies, and boy