Paladin of Souls is a beautiful book. I'd suggest reading The Curse of Chalion first, which is also lovely though not quite so brilliant, because it gives you a bit of a grounding in the 'verse. (Paladin is a rather loosely connected sequel to Chalion.)

I love this thread. In the last few days I've read Crusie's Bet Me; Castle's Afterglow and Robb's Divided in Death, which I think returns the series to the level of quality it was nearer the beginning and doesn't have that tired feeling the last couple had.

I love getting so many good recomendations. The only problem is that my TBR pile is bigger than I am, but I'm not sure that's really a problem.

That gave me chills. Note to self: seek out some Bujold.

Seconded. Thanks.

I think it's a million, through the current death tax legislation, until 2010.

Seconding or thirding love for Exodus.

I was just talking to my books-on-tape coworker about In Her Shoes. It's being made into a movie, is about all I know about it. My co-worker liked it. eta: I liked Good in Bed. edit to further add: In her Shoes. Directed by Curtis Hanson & starring Cameron Diaz and Tony Colette as the siblings.

I'm listening to Prodigal Summer on books on tape, again, the library finally having passed a bond measure that gave them enough money to buy a replacement for the broken tape. I'm having plot-spoiler-knowing-itch, and I can't scratch it, with the books on tape 'n' all. Has anyone else read it? I want to know if the coyotes end up eating the goat kids, if Mountain Girl shoots Eddie Bondo in the leg; if so, how many coyotes did he kill? Do any get away? Thanks!

I read Prodigal Summer, but 'twas a while back. I can't guarantee this is totally accurate, but...

Other meat eaters get the baby goats. Eddie Bondo doesn't get shot in the leg. He doesn't shoot any coyotes, either.

I've been thinking about re-reading this one. The TBR pile grows ever larger.

I love Bujold's books because I think many of them meet Faulkner's challenge:

"It is [the writer's] privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail."

I'm not normally a big fantasy fan, but the writing in The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls is luminous.

I certainly haven't thanked y'all enough for your recommendations. Thank you for the Tomorrow When the War Began series, Sorcery and Cecilia, Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation, Charlotte MacLeod et al.

Katerina, does Luca (Lusa? Lucia? seeing/hearing problem again) get to to keep the farm? (do enough goats make it so she has enough money?

It's a blessing and a curse to have to listen to every. single. word. on a book on tape. It takes longer, because, no skimming; OTOH, when the writing's lyrical, it's such a joy.

B. Kingsolver reads her own book, BTW. It's great.

Java: Yes, the goats save the farm. Yay! I THINK it's "Lusa," but I dunno. Will go fondle hardback tonight.

Kingsolver reading the book? Out loud? This I may have to hear for myself!

I've never read anything by Bujold. I'm assuming I should?