Thursday Thirteen #29

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Heigh ho, and it’s another book list.  Being in a frivolous mood, I was looking at my shelves and I wondered about books with titles that contain animal names but are not actually about animals.  Do I have thirteen of them? As it happens, I do, so here are………

          Thirteen Books That Have Animal Names In Their Titles
                                      (but are not about animals)

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  “Cry Wolf”  by WILBUR SMITH.  Almost everything Smith writes is about Africa, and his commitment to the continent runs through his work.  This is a tale about the invasion of Ethiopia by Italy in 1935, and three white people caught up in the maelstrom, as they join the outgunned and overpowered Ethiopians in resisting the invaders.  Exciting and even light hearted in parts, it doesn’t conceal Smith’s loathing for what Mussolini’s armies were doing.  Buy it here

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“Flashman And The Tiger”  by GEORGE MACDNALD FRASER.  The Flashman series of books is probably the most enjoyable written in the last half century.   Soldier, adventurer and (unbeknownst to everyone else) coward and poltroon, Harry Flashman, manages to become involved in most major events in the nineteenth century, usually against his will.  These books are his memoirs, discovered after his death in 1915.  I never enjoyed a set of books so much!  Buy it here

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“Pigs At The Trough”  by ARIANNA HUFFINGTON.  As the name suggests, this is a study of greed, both political and corporate.  Some of the facts here, and the money spent on pay-offs, bribery -- I mean lobbying -- are truly staggering.  Buy it here

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“The White Rabbit”  by BRUCE MARSHALL.  Not a very girlie book.  This is the true story of a British agent in occupied Europe during the war.  He was captured three times, tortured, and three times he escaped from various concentration camps.  For those who enjoy stories of courage and dedication, this is just what the doctor ordered.  Buy it here

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“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” by CHAPMAN, CLEESE, IDLE et al.   This is described as the scripts, but it is more accurately the transcripts, because it is word for word what was broadcast.  If you’ve seen the actual shows, they you can hear them in your head as you read.  Buy it here

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“Touch The Lion’s Paw  by  DEREK LAMBERT.  This is a thriller about a huge diamond robbery: the people who plan it and the men  who try to foil them.  Buy it here

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“The Stone Leopard”  by COLIN FORBES.  A plot to assassinate the president of France.  Terrorism and counter terrorism in Europe.  Bearing in mind what happened at Paris airport a few years ago, the cover art is rather poignant.   Buy it here

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“Bring On The Empty Horses”  by DAVID NIVEN.  This is the second volume of his memoirs, full of anecdotes from his days in Hollywood.  Most are very light hearted, but one episode, with a woman he doesn’t name, is very dark.  If you’re interested in movie history, or just enjoy an amusing set of reminiscences, you’ll like this.  Buy it here

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“Hornet’s Nest”  by PATRICIA CORNWELL.  One of her novels about her character, pathologist Kay Scarpetta.  The hornet’s nest of the title refers to the Police Department of Charlotte, North Carolina.   Buy it here

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“Night Of The Fox”  by JACK HIGGINS.   Another by Higgins in a book list. When he isn’t writing about terrorists and the IRA, he likes to write about World War Two.  This one is about the rescue of an Allied officer, who knows all the details of the Normandy landings,  captured by the Germans.  A dashing hero and the regulation beautiful woman to help him.  A lot of the action takes place on Jersey – the island of, not New.  Buy it here

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“So Long And Thanks For All The Fish”  by DOUGLAS ADAMS.  As the cover blurb says, this is the fourth volume of the Hitchhiker Trilogy.  The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was a touchstone in British comedy, being a brilliant radio series, closely followed by a number of books (of which this is one) and a TV series.  NB: I do not include in this list the dreadful film based on a what was left of the story after Hollywood executives with a mental age of ten pulled it to pieces.  If you haven’t read any of the books, I heartily recommend them.   Buy it here

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“Bear Island”  by ALISTAIR MACLEAN.   Not his best book by any means but it does manage to convey an atmosphere of all-pervading cold.  It takes place on and around a small island (a real place) inside the Artic circle.  Buy it here

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Item 13 comes in several parts because I have a number of books with birds in their titles, so here I present you wth an entire aviary....

“An Unkindness Of Ravens”  by RUTH RENDELL.  One of the Inspector Wexford mysteries. Beautifully written an plotted.  Buy it here

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“Hawks”  by JOSEPH AMIEL.  Quite a lot of these ‘bird’ books have aircraft on their covers.   This one is about he airline industry, power struggles, corruption and sabotage.   Buy it here

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“The Pelican Brief”  by JOHN GRISHAM.  I’m surprised that Grisham hasn’t turned up on one of my TT book lists before now, as I have almost all his books.  This one concerns lawyers (big surprise), murder, a beautiful woman and more.  Buy it here

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“Shroud For A Nightingale”  by P.D. JAMES.  One of her excellently written mystery stories featuring Insp. Adam Dalgliesh. This one is about the murders of a couple of nurses in a big city hospital.  Buy it here

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“A Hooded Crow”  by CRAIG THOMAS.  Another thriller by the author of “Firefox”.  This one all about smuggling, diplomacy, the KGB an sundry other ingredients of an exciting but not over demanding read.  Buy it here

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“To Kill A Mockingbird”  by HARPER LEE.  I don’t really have to say anything about this book, do I?  I expect almost all of you will have read it.  A lawyer who is an honourable man, and his two children living in a  small Southern town in the 1930s.  A rape case.  A vindictive man.  A neighbour no one ever sees.  Anyway, this is what my copy looks like.  Buy it here

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“Jackdaws”  by KEN FOLLETT.  He seems to churn them out pretty regularly these days, and so far I have enjoyed them all.  This one is about female secret agents behind enemy lines in the war.  The Allies sent 50 into occupied Europe and twelve of them never came home.  This novel stands as a tribute to what they did.  Buy it here

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“Sharpe’s Eagle”  by BERNARD CORNWELL.  A much better writer than the other Cornwell, in my opinion.  Richard Shape is a soldier in Wellington’s army, fighting Napoleon in the Peninsular war 1809-1814.  There is an entire series of books about this character and this is the first one published, but not the first one chronologically, since Cornwell has written a number of stories about Sharpe predating the action in this one.  Meticulously researched, exciting action, lots of fun.  Buy it here

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“Condor”  by THOMAS LUKE.  Another one with a plane on the cover.  At the end of the war, the Nazis tried to drop a biological bomb in America. It failed to ignite. 40 years later it is discovered and the only one who can disarm it is an ex-war criminal.   Buy it here

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Comments

[Chelle Y.]

Gosh! Do you read a book a day!?! :) One of these days, I am going to give YOU a topic, and see if you can come up with thirteen books that you have read on the topic I chose! :)

[Comedy Plus]

Love "To Kill A Mockingbird". I'd like to read "Pigs At The Trough" too. I so love coming here. You do this so very well. Have a great TT. :)

[pussreboots]

"Not a girlie book": I must read it immediately. I also have to admit to being one of a handful of people who has not read To Kill a Mockingbird (nor seen the film).

[Susan Helene Gottfried]

LOVE the Aviary idea, Nicholas!!

Happy TT, as always!

[SJ Reidhead]

Very good. Quite creative. "To Kill a Mockingbird" - incredible stuff.

SJ Reidhead
The Pink Flamingo

[Mary Emken]

I have read and have nine of John Grisham books, A Time To Kill,The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Chamber, The Street Lawyer, The Testament, The Brethren, The King of Torts. I like to get, A Painted House and Skipping Christmas. Do you have those two? If you do did you enjoy them? I've also read To Kill A Mocking Bird and saw the movie. I wasn't to crazy about The King Of Torts.

I have a lot of Mary Higgins Clark books. Couldn't put down,You Belong To Me, until I completly finished it.

There's a couple on your list I would like to read.

As usual your list is fantastic.

[Jackie]

Veddddddddddddddddddddy interesting!!

Happy TT :)

[Janet]

"An Unkindness Of Ravens"; that title intrigues me! Going to check it out. Thanks for visiting :-)

[Nicole Austin]

Another great book list! Have you ever counted how many books you have? I used to have tons of books but had to thin out my collection when moving.

[Lori]

Great idea...have you read all of those books?? Which one was the best?? Happy TT and thanks, as always, for stopping by. Dont forget to read your book!! I cant wait to hear your review.

[Wylie Kinson]

Wow - I've read THREE of these. This is a new record for me when it comes to your lists!

[The Gal Herself]

Thanks for visiting my TT. And thanks for showing that Monty Python cover, cuz it made me smile. (Pssst! Hornet's Nest is by Cornwell, but it's not a Scarpetta mystery.)

[Lori]

Okay, tell the truth. You work in a library or bookstore, right? *smile* Another cool list. I think I'll start coming here just to take notes.

[No Nonsense girl]

You oughta be the owner of a bookstore!!!! As always my friend, interesting and informative TT!!! :)

[WorksForMom]

Everytime I visit here I am amazed at all your books. Seeing your bookcase just made my mouth drop! :)

[Emmyrose]

Very nice books..

its just sad most of them is not available in my country :(

[Titania]

Hi Nick,

I confess, I am weak with the books you posted this week. However, Pigs At the Trough, sounds really interesting. Very appropriate title for all politicians. You can tell I am not fond of them. Is it okay to say I border on being an anarchist?

Was there a BBC program about Richard Sharpe? I think called Sharpes Landing?

I sent you a reply in regards to last weeks T13. Hope that you received it. :o)

Take care.

[Leslie Dicken]

Thanks for the comment on my blog! What a great list for your THIRTEEN! I'm ashamed to say that I've only read one of them....

[Megan]

Interesting list! I read and loved Follett's Jackdaws. I'd never heard of the Flashman series, but it looks like something I'll definitely have to check out.

Happy TT!

[marcia v]

again one of my favorite books To Kill A Mockingbird

[MeL]

I've read the book- To Kill a Mockingbird! It's a great book. Happy TT! :)

[Friday's Child]

You really came up with a good list.
Thanks for the visit.

[Jedi4sweet (Leslie)]

LOL

Believe me, sugar free jello is a lot of fun when ya put some cool whip on top! ; ) Dessert for 30 calories or less always brings a smile to my face!

Happy T13 to you!

[Blue Momma]

I've read the Pelican Brief and To Kill a Mockingbird. Finally, I've read a book on one of your lists. I was beginning to wonder about myself....

[Robin from Israel]

I reread the Hitchhiker series every few years just to keep my perspective on things. At this very moment So Long And Thanks For All The Fish is sitting under my son's bed, so that whoever is sitting with him as he falls asleep can read a few pages. I enjoy PD James as well, but I haven't read many.

[Midas]

I've only read Pelican Brief on this line-up.

I must have my nose burried too deep in romantic fiction for a long, long time.

[Babyamore (Trish)]

your knowledge on all things books is amazing - I only knew two of these or have read one ... To Kill a Mocking bird. I saw the Pelican Brief.

[AniqueAnik]

whooaa so much books to read.. thanks for sharing. It's my first time here hope you got time to visit my site. happy TT!

[Jane]

WOW! That's quite a list. My husband is a fan of some of the authors you mentioned. It is interesting how many phrases there are in the English language that use an animal in them.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. You mentioned telling my impressions of Venezuela. If you will scroll down below my T13 I shared about our recent trip. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people being led by a despot!

[Carrie Lofty]

In a way you could argue that Animal Farm fits the bill. Sure it features animals, but to allegory animals count?

[Xakara]

I have to go dig out my Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series now and reread it. It'll be a good excuse to clean the livingroom and throw some things in the closest where I think the books are.

To Kill A Mocking Bird was a great book and movie adaptation for so many reasons. And no, you didn't need to go into any of them. It's one of my fondest memories of school based reading assignments which is saying something in and of itself.

Happy Thursday, Nicolas. :)

~X

[Secret Agent Mama]

Another great book list, Nicholas!!

[MamaLee]

You are just amazing. Incredible list. And I'm a HUGE Monty Python fan. Figures, huh. LOL

Happy TT!

[Sandra Schwab]

Ha! At least I've read "To Kill a Mockingbird"! :) It was a present from my British penfriend when we were 14 or 15.

The David Niven memoirs sound fascinating. I'll need to check that one out.

Happy T13!

[Red Garnier]

I feel so bad because, yep, I've only read 3 of these too . . . But wow, excellent list!

[Maribeth]

With each week I am more impressed-I don't know if I will ever read as many books as you have. At least not until my children are grown.:)It takes me over a week or so to finish one

Maribeth

[Rae]

I have read to Kill A MockingBird & Monty Python's Flying Circus two good books great list as always happy TT

[RittyRats]

You are pretty creative with all these book lists! I'm glad to see a Grisham book FINALLY made one of your lists (my personal fave is "The Partner," heehee, loved the ending!); the main character of "Hornet's Nest" is not Kay Scarpetta. Sorry :(
I think that was Cornwell's first novel w/out Scarpetta. If I remember correctly, the reviews were not all that great for that book.
Next week how about trying a list of titles that include state names or cities? whaddyathink?!!
Thanks for stoppin' by and have a great weekend!

[Dawn]

Wow, another great list. I am definitely going to have to start reading more. Perhaps if I weren't blogging so much, I could fit it in better.

[Darla]

What a clever idea for a list! I've read the Grisham, Follett, & Adams, and thanks for reminding me that I wanted to find more Higgins books.

[Brenda ND]

I've only read one of your listed books. I'll have to add to my must reads.

[Harlekwin]

What do you know... I've actually read two of the thirteen you've listed. Great topic choice!

[Ann Aguirre]

You know, when I was around nine or so, I had sneaked out of bed to watch tele but being a cunning nine year old I didn't want to turn the TV on until I checked the Guide.

I found a listing for Monty Python's Flying Circus. Well, that sounded wonderful! Trapeeze artists? Jugglers? Lion-tamers? Bring it on!

Imagine my surprise when it was odd men dressed up in ladies clothing. But I liked it so well I would sneak out of bed each Sunday night at 11pm so I could watch it again.

[tommiea]

I can actually say I have read a couple of these!

happy Thursday, thanks for visiting my TT

[amypalko]

I am, as always, impressed by your book lists. Your collection must be so expansive and eclectic! My TT is up late today, but I did finally manage. It's on my trip to Madrid.

[Open Grove Claudia]

I love your lists Nicolas! :) I was all - "Hey, a hornet is NOT an animal" but of course you have extras for complainers like me.

Happy TT!

[samulli]

You forgot the bloody "Steppenwolf" by Herman Hesse. LOL
As usual I have never heard of most of those books. Loved "To kill a mockingbird", though.
And, uhm, Claudia: a hornet is absolutely an animal. What else should it be? *scratchesHead*
I have to admit I had to stop and think about what animal could be contained within the title "Monty Python's Flying Circus", since I always considered Monty Python just as a name. Well, duh. ;)

[Missy]

Awesome list! This is my first visit to your blog but it will definitely NOT be the last.

[she]

you read a lot! haha

[Amy]

I have read none of these-- I should get on that!

[Cindy Swanson]

What a clever list...I never would have thought of that! By the way, the only one I've read is "To Kill a Mockingbird."

[Dane Bramage]

You never fail to amaze me with your knowledge of all things books. Have you put together you list of favorites yet? I'll dig through your archives to find it if you have.

Thanks for visiting my T13 #53 13 Tidbits of Wisdom Edition

[Morgan St. John]

Ooo, I wanna read, Flashman and the Tiger! I love picking books by their cover. I do it all the time. And that one looks intriguing.

I recieved my copy of How to be Topp. An unusual read that I'm enjoying. I like the room and board parents. "Yes, Eustace. He's fine..." [which one's Eustace?] LOL, thanks again for another great list of books.

[Cindy]

Sharpes! Sharpe and Flashman in the same post is dangerous. :) I don't think Sharp would care for Flashie much.

I lvoe the Bernard Cornwell books!

[lutchi]

u have great collections of books....very neat . thanks for the comemnt.

[Matthew Didier]

This is the second TT to mention the venerable Douglas Adams I've come across! (Makes my heart sing!)

Notice you mentioned Sharpe's Eagle... but how about Sharpe's Tiger? (Cornwell's Sharpe book when he was a sergeant in India...)

[J. Lynne]

I've actually read two of the books this week. :) So Long and Thanks For The Fish and To Kill A Mockingbird. I thoroughly enjoyed both.

[Andi & Stien]

Hehehe, I just love Monty Python, altough I haven't read this book... yet.
Happy TT!

[Mark Caldwell]

I've not read So Long and Thanks for all the Fish in ages. Must put it on my pile of books to read again soon.

Great list :-)

[Terri]

You have very creative Thursday Thirteen posts. I've not read many of these books, but my dad is a big fan of Douglas Adams. Maybe I need to borrow his copies of Adams' books.

[Greg]

Good list. Did Wilbur Smith write about ancient Egypt?

[Amy R]

Monty Python rocks, so did David Niven. I liked him as the Bond in the original comedic Casino Royale, and So Long and Thanks for all the Fish was absolutely hilarious.

[Di]

Lie Down with Lions by Ken Follett...excellent book!
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell...brilliant book, unforgettable
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks
The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian
Wolf Whistle by Lewis Nordan

I probably could have done my own...but I got carried away.

[cajunvegan]

TKaM is the best book of all time, and I am not just saying that because I am an educator.

I saw a t-shirt the other day that had a dead mockingbird on it with the word "sin" underneath.

Thanks for stopping by my 13 things you might see on an English teacher's bumper sticker.

[Danielle]

Pelican Brief was very good. I like Grisham.

The Patricia Cromwell book sounds good...and the diamond theft one sounds like one me and my husband would enjoy!

[colleen]

Are all these on your bookshelf? Your desk is so much neater than mine. My mind is blank on titles right now, but my dad used to call me colly wolf and I am not a wolf.

[Julia]

All the books you listed, I never read them before. I however, have heard of "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "The Pelican Brief" and saw both movies.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of books you read and view on them if you do that :)

Happy Thursday Thirteen!

[Frigga]

I've read at least one of those... Happy TT13! :P

[Harris Channing]

Interesting list, I've read some of them.
Thanks and happy TT.

~Harris.

[Sheryl]

Looks like the last thing you need is another comment *smile*.
You won't be surprised that you've given me more "to read" titles either!
Like someone else earlier said, I'm ready for a TT on you and your books...where you get them, how much you read in a day, whether or not you're a librarian, when you fell in love with books/reading...etc.
:)

[Celticangel]

Wow. I actually own 2 and have read 4 of this week's list. Cool idea, by the way.

[karen]

fun tt! i love your copy of to kill a mockingbird- neat cover. i love that lee never published another novel- she was smart & knew she couldn't outdo, or even live up to, mockingbird.

[bernie]

Thanks for visiting my TT 13 Things Egyptian your grandchildren will never see

http://plancksconstant.org/blog1/2007/10/13_things_egyptian_your_grandchildren_will_never_s.html

[Tiffany Aller]

What a fun Thursday Thirteen list - I thought I was well read UNTIL I read your list - shamefully, I've only read TWO on your list - I've got to get cracking! Thanks for visiting my blog - I'm so glad I got to visit yours in return!

[Cassie]

Great idea for a TT and I am always looking for new titles to add to my TBR even though it's too long now! Thanks for visiting my blog...you'd asked what an active adult community is--my take is it's a 55+ community where the residents are independent and don't need any assistance. You don't have to make any type of deposit, just your house and homeowners association fee. The next level is independent adult community which means there are medical personnel somewhere are the grounds, transportation provided, at least one meal provided and so on. You DO have to make a substantial payment and then a monthly fee after that. Then you've got assisted living and it goes from there to nursing home.