#6Degrees Of Separation Book Challenge From The Arsonist to My Antonia

My March #6Degrees challenge

Hosted by Kate from Books Are My Favourite And Best The idea is to start at the same book as other readers, then find themes that link six books, and see where you end up!

The starting point this month is The Arsonist by Chloe Hooper, a true crime novel. (I have not read this, but I have read my six books).

I chose fire as my link to my first book.

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. I’m sure I don’t need to tell readers about Harry Potter!

My next link goes from Goblet of Fire, to The Column Of Burning Spices by P.K. Adams. Book two of the Hildegard of Bingen series. Hildegard is regarded as Germany’s first physician; this book takes place in the twelfth century.

I chose burning as my link to my third book. The Burning (Spirit Warriors #3) by D.E.L. Connor. This is a #YA series, set in Montana around a group of teenagers and their connections to animal spirits revered by the Native Americans.

Spirit was my link to book four. Trusting The Currents by Lynnda Pollio. Told through a form of conscious storytelling. It is the story of two women: Lynnda Pollio who reached a point in her life when she was ready for a spiritual journey, and Addie Mae, a Southern African-American woman who chose to speak about her own teenage life through Lynnda.

My next link is about journeys. The Call Of The Canyon by Zane Grey. A western set in the 1920s. Parts of Arizona, particularly around Sedona, are said to be filled with strong cosmic forces conducive to healing and spiritual experiences. The author’s story of Glenn and Carley highlighted the effect the land can have on people.

The link to my last book is early settlers. My Ántonia by Willa Cather. Classic American historical fiction set in Nebraska in the 1880s. This story tells of harsh pioneering times, when people spread across America in search of a better future. They tamed the land, withstood the seasons and the hardships that Mother Nature threw at them and many thrived.

If you would like to take part, April’s challenge begins with How To Be Both by Ali Smith. (Posting date is April 6th)

 

This is my Review of the Month for the review collection on LovelyAudiobooks.info

2018 WHEN Are You Reading? @SamAnnElizabeth ‘s Challenge – Completed

Way back in January I decided to try this challenge run by Sam Ann Elizabeth 

The complete challenge was to include at least 12 books, one from each of the following eras:

• Pre 1500
• 1500-1599
• 1600-1699
• 1700-1799
• 1800-1899
• 1900-1919
• 1920-1939
• 1940-1959
• 1960-1979
• 1980-1999
• 2000-Present
• The Future

I wasn’t sure if I read widely enough across the timeline, but today my results surprised me. In sections where I’ve read a high volume of books, I’ve chosen a selection of books. Book titles have links to my reviews.

Pre 1500s

Athena’s Champion by David Hair and Cath Mayo – Greek mythology

Brethren by Robyn Young – Knights Templar

Smile Of The Wolf by Tim Leach – Set in Iceland

The Greenest Branch by J.K. Adams – Set in Germany and features Benedictine abbess Hildegard

The Heart Of The Conqueror by G. Lawrence – About William the Conqueror

Daughter Of War by S .J .A. Turney – Knights Templar

1500-1599

The Golden Lynx by C.P. Lesley – Set in Russia

1600-1699

Flood by Ann Swinfen – Set in England’s Fenlands

The Green Phoenix by Alice Poon – Set in China

1700-1799

The Earl And The Enchantress by Paulette Golden – Historical romance

Whales And Strange Stars by Kathy Sharp – Set in Kent

1800-1899

The Tides Between by Elizabeth Jane Corbett – YA tale of emigration

The Mysterious Lord Millcroft by Virginia Heath – Historical romance

From Governess To Countess by Marguerite Kaye – Historical romance

The Dressmaker’s Secret by Charlotte Betts – Features Princess Caroline Of Brunswick

Winds Of Time by Lilly Gayle – Historical romance set in Texas

My Antonia by Willa Cather – Classic American historical fiction set in Nebraska

1900-1999

The Wild Air by Rebecca Mascull – Featuring early women aviators

Call Of The Canyon by Zane Grey – Set in Arizona

The Captain And The Calvalry Trooper by Catherine Curzon – M/M romance set during WW1

1920-1939

Trusting The Currents by Lynnda Pollio – Set in small town America, with a spiritual theme.

The Madonna Of The Mountains by Elise Valmorbida (begins in 1923) Set in Italy

1940-1959

A Ration Book Christmas by Jean Fullerton – Family saga set in London during WW2

Never Say Goodbye by Hilary Green – A resistance-themed WW2 drama

1960-1979

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen (begins in 1962) Set in southern Georgia

Mourning Dove by Claire Fullerton – Set in Memphis

1980-1999

Nightfall Berlin by Jack Grimwood – A cold war thriller

Dear Comrade Novak by Silvia Hildebrant – Set in Romania during the revolution

Lucky Star by Holly Curtis – Coming of age story

2000- present

Connectedness by Sandra Danby (begins in 2009) – Story featuring adoption

Lush by Gabrielle Fernie – A true story soaked in gin

The Woman At Number 24 by Juliet Ashton – Set in Notting Hill

Future

Amendments by Hannah Lynn – Set in futuristic Britain

The Afterlife Of Alice Watkins by Matilda Scotney – Mild scifi

If you’d like to join in with the challenge for 2019 check out Sam’s blog post here.

Sunday Connection – Books We’ve Reviewed This Week Plus Blogosphere Links #SundayBlogShare

Sunday Connection February 25th

Monday – I reviewed western romance Call Of The Canyon by Zane Grey

Tuesday – Terry reviewed WW1 PTSD novella Fred’s Funeral by Sandy Day

Wednesday – Karen reviewed thriller The Weight Of Shadows by Karl Holton

Thursday –  I reviewed Romantic comedy The Year Of Surprising Acts Of Kindness by Laura Kemp

Plus women’s fiction A Country Escape by Katie Fforde

Friday – Judith reviewed horror Ghosts Of Manor House by Matt Powers

Saturday – Olga reviewed historical romance Tearagh’t by Craig Newnes

Plus links to the blogosphere

Be an organised blogger with these tips

http://avalinahsbooks.space/tools-can-help-organized-blogger-social-media-networking/

5 reasons your blog will never make any money

https://elenaopeters.com/2018/01/27/reasons-blog-never-make-money/

Why reading can make you a better writer

https://rachelpoli.com/2018/02/22/why-you-need-to-read-good-books-to-write-good-books-guest-post/

How to move your blog from Blogger to WordPress

http://avalinahsbooks.space/move-from-blogger-to-wordpress/

Confessions of a book blogger

https://booksnacksblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/23/blogging-confessions-sneaky-things/

My #Bookreview of historical #western #romance Call Of The Canyon by Zane Grey

The Call of the Canyon by Zane Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Call Of The Canyon is a western set in the 1920s.

Glenn Kilbourne returned from WW1 to America, a broken man both physically and emotionally. His determination to return home to his fiancé, New York socialite Carley Burch, gave him strength during the darker times of war. Yet he found that the country he had fought for did little for its returning soldiers, and the life he lived before the war no longer appealed to him.

Glenn set out for the West; he needed time to heal. He went to Oak Creek, Arizona where he almost died from the long-term effects of the war. But, slowly, the peace and care of the Hutter family helped him recover. For four years Glenn stayed away; although he wrote to Carley, she began to suspect she was losing him, so she headed west to fetch him back. But she too discovered the magic and beauty of the Arizona land.

I read about this book in another one called Trusting The Currents. It intrigued me and when I found a free copy I downloaded it immediately. Parts of Arizona, particularly around Sedona, are said to be filled with strong cosmic forces conducive to healing and spiritual experiences. The author’s story of Glenn and Carley highlighted the effect the land can have on people. The tantalising descriptions of the vast ancient landscape, including mountains, canyons, gullies, desserts, and old volcanoes, definitely called to me.

Written and set almost one hundred years ago, the storyline may be seen as simplistic, the terminology occasionally harsh to modern ears, but that’s the delight in reading a book like this. I was also pleased that I felt akin to Addie Mae from Trusting The Currents, now that I’ve read a book which inspired her to travel and follow in Glenn and Carley’s footsteps.

View all my reviews on Goodreads

“What subtle strange message had come to her out of the West? Carley Burch laid the letter in her lap and gazed dreamily through the window. It was a day typical of early April in New York, rather cold and gray, with steely sunlight. Spring breathed in the air, but the women passing along Fifty-seventh Street wore furs and wraps. She heard the distant clatter of an L train and then the hum of a motor car. A hurdy-gurdy jarred into the interval of quiet.” – Zane Grey, “The Call of the Canyon”

Zane Grey (1872-1939) was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that were a basis for the Western genre in literature and the arts. With his veracity and emotional intensity, he connected with millions of readers worldwide, during peacetime and war, and inspired many Western writers who followed him. Grey was a major force in shaping the myths of the Old West; his books and stories were adapted into other media, such as film and TV productions. He was the author of more than 90 books, some published posthumously and/or based on serials originally published in magazines.

AmazonUk | AmazonUS

Sunday Connection – What’s Been Happening This Week? #SundayBlogShare

Catch up With This Week’s Book Reviews.

Then Follow The Links To Posts From Around The Blogosphere

Monday – Chris reviewed romantic suspense Chasing Symmetry by Tempeste Blake

Tuesday – I reviewed romantic comedy Ruby Slips And Poker Chips by Heather Kindt

Wednesday – Chris reviewed children’s fiction Muffy & Valor by Karl Beckstrand

Thursday – I reviewed romantic comedy The Little Cafe In Copenhagen by Julie Caplin

Friday – Karen B reviewed thriller Hiding by Jenny Potts

Saturday – I reviewed humour novella Husband Training by Ruth Harris

Fun Post – Book Twins: If you liked Call Of The Canyon, then you might like Trusting The Currents

Plus links from around the blogosphere

What makes people follow your blog?

https://elgeewrites.com/why-i-follow-your-blog-and-how-you-can-make-others-do-the-same/

The Benefits of blog hopping

https://drizzleandhurricanebooks.com/2018/01/17/how-to-blog-hop-why-i-do-it-and-think-you-should-too/

Some pause for thought!

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2018/01/4-tips-for-engaging-international-readers/

Always good to see this one

https://thisislitblog.com/2018/02/02/authorsgetlit-5-tips-for-getting-a-blogger-to-review-your-book/

Leave no book behind!

http://www.danielaark.com/a-bookworm-book-blogger-manifesto/

#BookTwins If You Like Call Of The Canyon, you might like Trusting The Currents by Lynnda Pollio

“If you read … you’ll like …”

When you’ve read a book, do you sometimes find yourself thinking “oh, that really reminds me of *insert name of another book*”?

Welcome to a new feature, in which my team and I make reading suggestions based on your favourites, be they classics, or newer best sellers.  Our recommendations consider not just genre, but writing style, plot—and that ‘feel’ you can’t quite put your finger on.

If You Liked ….Call Of The Canyon by Zane Grey…. you might like Trusting The Currents by Lynnda Pollio

Call Of The Canyon is set in the Sedona area of Arizona. Much of this area is said to be filled with strong cosmic forces conducive to healing and spiritual experiences. Although Call of the Canyon may be seen primarily as a western romance, the magical properties of the land play a part in the story.

While Call of the Canyon is set in the 1920s, Trusting The Currents is set in the 1930s Georgia and is told in a form of conscious story-telling. It is the story of two women: Lynnda Pollio who reached a point in her life when she was ready for a spiritual journey, and Addie Mae, a Southern African-American woman who chose to speak about her own teenage life through Lynnda.

There are two links between the books: Addie Mae’s self-discovery and her strength to break away from the small town expectations, and Call Of The Canyon being on Addie Mae’s own reading list.

Trusting The Currents is a multi-layered book; the poetic writing creates beautiful pictures of 1930s Southern America, and Addie Mae’s rich Southern dialect drops you right into the era. I believe it will appeal to many readers on several different levels.

AmazonUk | AmazonUS

WWW Wednesday January 10th What Am I reading? @SamAnnElizabeth #AmReading

WWW Wednesday is a meme from Sam at Taking On A World Of Words

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Whales And Strange Stars by Kathy Sharp (currently reading) Historical fiction

A world beyond her own.

A sea captain passes through the forgotten port of Wych Ferry, and whiles away an hour relating his traveller’s tales to young Rosamund Euden. He tells her that the stars are different, if you sail far enough, that the horizon isn’t quite real, not when you get there; he speaks of sea serpents and whales, and mysterious islands.

To an impressionable girl who has never left her home, the whales and strange stars of his stories come to symbolise the great outside world she longs to see. The sea captain moves on, unaware of the dramatic events he has set in action as Rosamund’s search for adventure leads her into a world of dangerous secrets in the marshlands of eighteenth century Kent.

Torn between loyalty to her uncles, and her desire to discover what lies beyond the marshes, Rosamund seeks help from an unexpected source. But who can she really trust? AmazonUk | AmazonUS

Broken by Ivy Logan (recently finished) A Young Adult Fantasy
BROKEN BUT NOT LOST

The dark shadow cast by an ancient prophecy shatters an innocent family, but all that is broken is not lost.
Unaware of her supernatural legacy, half blood sorceress Talia has a unique childhood. Although protected by the love of her parents, Talia is instructed in the art of combat by her mother, Caitlin, a powerful sorceress of the Heichi clan.

When Talia’s family’s worst nightmare comes to pass, her protected life spins out of control. Everything she believes in and everyone she loves is cruelly snatched away and Talia is forced to flee the attentions of a mad king.

Choosing a path of retribution devoid of love and friendship, Talia comes to learn that love can be received even if it is not sought.

‘Broken’ is a tale of Talia’s coming of age, reuniting with her family, and seeking vengeance. Most of all, it chronicles, Talia’s rise from the ashes and how she finds herself again.

Set against a background of time travel and supernatural forces, read Talia’s epic saga of love, sacrifice, and discovering the hero within. AmazonUK | AmazonUS

The Call Of The Canyon by Zane Grey (my next read) Western. This book was mention in another book I recently read and caught my interest.

1924. From the master of the western comes a novel full of romance and adventure. The story begins: What subtle strange message had come to her out of the West? Carley Burch laid the letter in her lap and gazed dreamily through the window. It was a day typical of early April in New York, rather cold and gray, with steely sunlight. Spring breathed in the air, but the women passing along Fifty-seventh Street wore furs and wraps. She heard the distant clatter of an L train and then the hum of a motor car. A hurdy-gurdy jarred into the interval of quiet. Free Download AmazonUK | AmazonUS