Ruth records her reading in 2020

HERE is my main 2019 thread.

I'll be counting up my full reads, and talk about what I attempt and abandon, as well as sometimes writing about other media here.

My 2019 completions is down by about 30 from 2018, somewhere in the 135 range. There are an awful lot of discarded titles as well, which partially accounts for the drop. But exhaustion at the end of the day, as well as the demmed iPhone also contribute. My eyesight is failing too. Audio books are becoming more important every year.

I hope some of my LT friends will come by and keep me company.

Starred!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year, Ruth! Starring your thread.

>4 harrygbutler: Welcome Harry! I lost track of you last year. Happy reading!

I start the year re-watching a lovely permaculture themed film, The Biggest Little Farm. The Chesters bring a 200 acre California farm back to life, enlisting all sorts of interesting people and wildlife. At first the coyotes are seen as enemies, attacking livestock. But once a better system of protection is instituted, they turn to controlling the gopher population that threatens the fruit trees. Wonderfully rich diversity; and the hard lessons are apparent throughout. The cinematography is outstanding! John Chester was a wildlife documentarian in a previous lifetime. I wish I had a copy of the text - there were some very nice phrasings. Highly recommend.

>5 2wonderY: argh, film-bullet!

>6 fuzzi: I know. But I didn't think much of my chances of getting ahold of it. Would you believe that the Vienna Public Library has the DVD? I had to place a hold, but I might actually get to see this.

>6 fuzzi: and >7 MarthaJeanne: My work is complete for the day. So glad it's available - it's won quite a few film awards.

You might also see it on their website. I put the Wikipedia link on the work page, and it's at the bottom of the page. I subscribed, but didn't try watching online, as I didn't need to. The trailer is for sure on YouTube.

I hate to start the year with negatives, but there is a whole list of books started and not gonna finish. Looking at it as clearing the decks.

Started last year, and with good intentions, wanted to get through Walden and Common Sense. Hoped audio versions would work, but nope. Deleting them from my phone. Trying to acknowledge that I'm now only reading for pleasure, not improvement.

Other audio books I'm abandoning
Nothing With Strings, which I guess I read half a decade ago, with more pleasure. This was a filler download, so I don't feel guilty.
An Irish Country Doctor. I waited a long time in line for this, but by chapter 4, it still doesn't suit me, though I'm glad to know the basic contents and characters in passing.

Two library books I've invested significant time with are The Rent Collector and The Watchmaker of Filigree Street. Since I got half way through both, I am taking a credit of 1 book read. I may even add them to my catalog so I can review them. I do have opinions.

I may even voice them here later.

Meanwhile, I am having much better success with a different pile of books and will have more to report soon.

>9 2wonderY: ...I'm now only reading for pleasure, not improvement.

Yes! Totally agree.

I also started reading An Irish Country Doctor but kept thinking it was a thinly-veiled copy of Herriot's books. I didn't get very far.

>10 fuzzi: I think I might have had them confused. I read Herriot decades ago and enjoyed him. Taylor's characters are cantankerous and the village of Ballybucklebo makes one smile every time you hear it.

As pointed out here, the young doctor is much too 'limp' compared to old Dr. O’Reilly. Yes, I noticed that flaw.
Further, "Not only do they cure people, but they are at the heart of the community, and solve their problems too. This is made rather easier in Ballybucklebo because there are no epidemics, no chronic poverty, and no evidence of disaffected adolescents." A bit harsh.

I got half way through the audio of Imager - 1/2 and noticed I didn't really care about the who what and where. Discarded.

It took me ten days in order to record a book completed. Not a good indicator.

I don't remember where I heard of this title, but glad I found it. Counting by 7s - 2. It's a YA book, written very well and tugs at the appropriate heartstrings. It's about loss and growth and family.

Also, just to indulge, I listened to The Martian - 3. Still excellent!

>13 2wonderY: I may have told you about Counting! It's such a good book!

>13 2wonderY: Yes, and I thank you! Have you tried more by that author?

>15 2wonderY: No, but I have I'll Be There on my TBR.

That Sugar Film is over the top silly, but also contains a lot of good information. I may watch it again before returning it and see if there is more to be gleaned. Watching him eat all sorts of pure sugar was painful.

What is the main idea behind That Sugar Film?

First, that a typical diet of processed foods contains something like 40 teaspoons of sugar a day. Compares how the body processes sugars from various foods. (got me worried about fatty liver disease) Showcases a WV teen who was raised on Mountain Dew. He's had to have all his teeth removed, as they were rotting and broken. Discusses sugar as an addiction, and how the food industry is complicit.

>19 2wonderY: sounds a little like the movie about fast food that came out a few years ago: Super Size Me. The filmmaker became ill from his fast food only diet.

I haven't seen that one, but yes, it does. This one was made by Australians, and they incorporate a Hollywood dance extravaganza, with all the bells, whistles and glitter you could imagine.

I will probably have it finished by the time I get home this evening - I'm listening to The Girl Who Drank the Moon - 4, read by Katherine Kellgren. I love the way she reads. It's gotten very intense.

Several audio books:

I had started reading Call Down the Hawk, which purports to be book 1 of a series, but I began recalling half of the characters, so I went back and re-read The Raven Boys - 5 to re-familiarize myself with their histories.

I'm about half-way through D-Day Girls - 6, and will count it, though I will probably abandon it, if I can find something better. The author reads the book herself; which was a bad decision. I can't tell if it's her amateur reading or her inferior character development. It feels like an historical monograph with some names thrown in. Very disappointing.

While poking into attic boxes this weekend, I listened to Komarr - 7 again. Go Ekaterina!!

The Irish Country House is a documentary film made in 2005. A good portion of it was filmed from helicopter, so we get the basic shape of the estates, both preserved and ruins, and glimpse their wider settings; some quite remarkable.
There is some camera work that gives us exterior architectural close-ups, and a few interiors as well. The producer really liked grand staircases. Most properties are preserved as museums; a few are still owned by the families. Those were the most interesting, as we glimpse just a tiny bit of their active lives - sheep herding and hosting large hunting parties. One banquet scene and one actual cook at work.

There was one walk through the grounds, but the camera focus was off that day, and all is fuzzy.

I ended the evening watching some Warehouse 13, the 3rd season, because I bought it online and wanted to be sure it was physically in good shape. I love the quirky episode where the team enters a virtual reality game to save Fargo and friend. Claudia manifests as an elf, because she didn't clearly enunciate wanted to manifest as "herself."

I've starred your thread. :)

>25 2wonderY: I watched the first 4 seasons of Warehouse 13 several years back, right around the time the 5th season finished airing. I really enjoyed the show, but I had bad timing and the 5th season was nowhere to be found (legally anyway) after I finished season 4. Eventually it was available for rent/purchase, but by then I’d lost the momentum and never went back to it.

I still have it in the back of my mind as something I’d like to finish someday, but that would mean starting over from the beginning since I’ve forgotten so much. Have you watched it before, or are you watching it for the first time? I’d be interested to hear your general opinion on whether you liked how the show ended if/when you’ve watched season 5. I tend to end up disappointed with show endings.

>26 YouKneeK: I return to the Warehouse periodically; but I'm not sure that I've seen Season 5, as I haven't added it in my catalog; though it would be odd for me to not have pursued it. If it's in the Ohio Library catalog, I have. Of the other 4, season 4 is my favorite; and I just purchased that one too. It was still in the original store wrap!

I'm a hoarder, so I connect with the visuals in the warehouse, and keep coming back for the characters, the clever plots and the sassy techniques. There's one episode where they enter a comic book world. Zap! Pow!

Someone recommended SecondSpin.com to me for DVDs after my beloved half.com closed down, and I've been happy with purchases and service thus far.

Spent Friday working on the spare car, getting it ready for daughter to pick it up. I had left it without care since fall; and it had a dead battery and a very flat tire. I couldn't even open the back hatch (power locks) to access the jack and tools, until I cleaned the battery and tried that new gadget - portable battery in a box.

It worked, though I did have to buy new battery and tire - someone had slashed the tire. Next door neighbor made sure to allay my suspicions by telling me they had flats too.

Anyway, spent a good portion of the day in the cold rain and then at the mechanic's shop. Finally came home, got into dry clothes, and watched a couple of films.

As opposite >24 2wonderY:, which was good, I watched Portrait of England: Treasure Houses and Gardens, which won't touchstone yet.

It too used helicopter and pan and zoom cameras, but there was no narration, no identification of what we were viewing, just 53 minutes of random scenes with a baroque musical soundtrack. Frustrating.

Also watched most of The Boys are Back. The film failed to connect me with the characters, and I bailed at a stupid party scene.

>29 MarthaJeanne: Thanks!

Four expired audio books on my phone:
Thinking Fast and Slow - merely started, probably won't re-visit.
Good and Mad - about women and politics. Didn't grip me.
The Wrong Stars - I kept at this to near the half-way point. But it suffers greatly in comparison to others in the same sub-genre, and I gave it up for more interesting materials.
Gave up on D-Day Girls, as mentioned above.

In audio, I started Dandelion Fire this morning on the way to work, and the descriptions are blowing me away. New favorite author!

I'm more steadily moving through Fire Touched - 8 than has happened in quite a while, it seems. I may have it done tonight. Oddly, I'm not even charmed by Mercy or Adam any more. But the side characters offer entertainment. A fae lady, Margaret, asks Mercy for relationship advice. Her vampire love, Thomas, has never tried to consummate and is totally over-protective. Ack! Uncle Mike, the fae innkeeper plays a role here too; and of course Mercy's stick does whatever the hell it wants.

>31 2wonderY: FYI, you are touchstoning the wrong fire kissed, if you mean Patricia Briggs. Have you read the Alpha/Omega series from her? I find Charles and Anna to be more interesting. First book is Cry Wolf, Briggs.

>32 lesmel: I do like Charles and Anna and the books they are in, but they don't have quite the scope for stories.

>32 lesmel: Thanks, I did indeed have the title a bit mixed up. I have read some of the Alpha/Omegas too.

>33 quondame: I think that's why I'm slightly partial to Charles & Anna. Their books are tightly focused. The Mercy books (of which I feel like Adam has just barely become a real character) are a free-wheeling hot mess of a story arc now.

As a rule, I don't like graphic novels. Welcome to the Jungle - 9 proves the rule. I only read it in case there was any significant biography on Dresden. There was not. The most charming aspect of Harry Dresden is his inner monologue. Can't have that in the comix. Dull and disappointing.

Tossing back

A Touch of Fever - a worthless novelization in the Warehouse 13 world.
Never Look a Polar Bear in the Eye - just not what I expected. Same case with Pressure Cooker by Sarah Bowen.

Pressure Cooker: Why Home Cooking Won't Solve Our Problems and What We Can Do About It is sociology. I didn't return it. Will give it another try.

Author of Rooftoppers, read last year - another title caught my eye - Why you should read children's books, even though you are so old and wise - 10. Had to buy it online and was surprised at its tiny size. It's almost a mini. Double checked. Yep, not a condensation. The whole 63 small pages long. An essay. I enjoyed it, but would not recommend buying it. I may offer to pass it on, once I read it again.

This was a memorable quote:
"Rather, children’s fiction necessitates distillation: at its best, it renders in their purest, most archetypal forms hope, hunger, joy, fear. Think of children’s books as literary vodka."

Finishing two audio books~
Cold Days - 11 is a re-listen. Favorite part is when he visits his open grave and hangs out with the hags.

Dandelion Fire - 12 is the second in the 100 Cupboard series. I loved the first page. I mean loved it. That's usually an indication that the book will be excellent. Sadly, this is not as coherent as the first book. Everyone goes off in different directions, and we're definitely not in Kansas anymore. I'm winding close to the last disc, and some resolution seems nigh. I'm gonna give this author another chance. Sometimes, his descriptive passages are genius.

Front of the Class is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. I note that is a derived from the autobiographical Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had. (I didn't know that till I tried to touchstone.)

It's a feel good movie based on a truly difficult disability. The actor is convincing. It is painful to watch him twitch and bark and constantly get into trouble for it. His relationship with his father is explored in depth as well. Recommended.

Elena Shumilova - photographer

I've been reading books meant for Theia, bought at an Usborne party.

I was attracted by the author/illustrator Emma Yarlett:
Beast Feast - 13
Dragon Post - 14
and Nibbles the Book Monster - 15

Boy - 16, by Phil Cummings and illustrated by Shane Devries. I loved the execution of this story. The boy is deaf, and manages a ceasefire by asking pertinent questions. A couple of sign language words are incorporated into the illustrations.

and then, I won't count as read, but just enjoyed - Don't Tickle the Hippo!

Also listening to both Dresden file short story collections and writing descriptions so that I can finally keep them straight!

Side Jobs - 17 and Brief Cases - 18.

Ordered an adult novel by Jenny Offill and noticed she also wrote a picture book.

While You Were Napping - 19 is actually quite mean. Older sister tells little brother all of the awesome stuff he missed. Epic fun is described, very little of it true. Robots, fireworks, pirates, and a ride into outer space.

Country Living magazine has always been a brand I admire. So I ordered Simple Country Wisdom - 20. I didn't expect real wisdom, but got much less than expected. Typically, it would be a largish hardcover. This is a medium size paperback. Granted, it has old-fashioned thread bound quartos, but the binding is loose, raising fears of disintegration. There are pleasing (but not outstanding) photos and some recipes. The written content is as shallow as you'd expect from a magazine. Example: "Let hot foods cool naturally on the counter before putting them away."

The real treasure of the week is Where We Find Ourselves - 21. This is a new publication and worth a look-see. Hugh Mangum was an itinerant photographer in the South, from 1897 to 1922. He stored his glass plates in a building of his family's homestead near Durham, North Carolina. When they were recovered and examined, they proved to be a remarkable collection of portrait sitters.

Mangum wasn't forced into this career for lack of other opportunities. He pursued an art education as a boy and young man. His extended family had multiple businesses and assets.

There is little artifice in the portraits, and they mingle the races with frankness. I love old photos anyway. These are a treasure trove and Margaret Santor does an excellent job of research and detail and contextualization.

I'm spending a lot of time in the Dresden universe, writing out notes, so I can keep the timeline and characters straight. That kind of activity has become more important to me in the past couple of years.

I read the very short Twenty and Ten - 22, and will pass it on. This was a WW2 story in France. Twenty Catholic children and their caretaker nun take in and protect ten Jewish children from the Nazis. Not a lot of depth to the story.

>47 2wonderY: Do you have a dedicated journal for your book notes? I have a couple blank journals I keep thinking I'll use for book notes and then I never have notes to take.

>46 2wonderY: hmm. Worth a look.

My great grandfather was a photographer, I wonder what happened to all of his glass plates?

I do. I’ve used composition books for several decades. I have a short stack recording my reading. It’s nice to page back occasionally.

Returning to the library after just a brief browse:

The long weekend : life in the English country house, 1918-1939

How wives & daughters really lived in country house society over a century ago

Watched season two of M*A*S*H, having just acquired it to complete my collection.

Also, the movie made from the book - A Man Called Ove. The book was better, but the film was pretty good too. Caught most of the characterizations, but eliminated a few of the sub-stories.

This is a good season for a jigsaw puzzle. This was from my dad's immense hoard. We all took one and donated the rest. It was a comfort feel to do this activity again.



Painting by Marjolein Bastin. I've got and love some of her children's picture books.

I can now dispose of it.

Biblio-Style - 23 is full of pictures of homes like mine - stuffed - STUFFED - full with books. Some variations, quirky bookstores and a few public libraries; but mostly just room after room with books to the ceilings. A few minimalists, a guitar collector, one apartment full of nature's curiosities. You can even read the spines in some pictures. One kitchen view with books peeking from a cabinet above the sink. I was distressed that many books sloped. Do they not have enough books to keep them all straight up on the shelves? Frankly, I believe I love my own shelves the very best.

Doesn't she continue to look dashing at 93?

>54 2wonderY: good genes, and taking care of oneself?

I've enjoyed Elizabeth, and her Mum, for their pluckiness.

Some serious attitude here:


Photographer Rodrigo Kunstmann

Isabela Pereira de Jesus glared at doctors when she was born on February 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bwahaha!

A relative of yours?

No. my sister forwarded the story to me. The photo has become an internet meme, apparently.

>58 2wonderY: it reminded me of Eliza, my new granddaughter, who gave a daggers type of look to the photographer. I posted it on my main "Visions" thread...

I saw that! Yep. Same wise glance at this world.

There’s a Bat in Bunk Five - 24,
American Family Style - 25, Victorian Chic - 26,American Country Cottages - 27

All before putting them on the discard pile.

Also listening again to the Dresden Files Ghost Story - 28.

Finally got around to watching season five of Warehouse 13. Someone asked if it was worth pursuing. Oh, yes! The crew get sucked into a Spanish language TV melodrama. Hahahaha, snort!

>61 2wonderY: That was me asking about Warehouse 13 season 5. I'll have to try to fit it in sometime!

I follow the winds in my reading. If someone mentions a title or a series, I have to sample.

Two urban fantasies I tried recently -

Eve of Darkness - 29 was really really bad. I tossed it after listening to the bulk of it. Angels and fallen angels, but nothing at all appealing.

Kitty and the Midnight Hour - 30 was some better. The audio narrator's voice was rich, as Kitty is a radio DJ. The best plot point, for being unique in the genre, was a werewolf pack leader who was lazy, ignorant and selfish. I doubt I'll pursue the rest of the series.

In non-fiction, I was looking forward to Naomi Klein's newest On Fire. But because she ordered the essays in chronological order, the first part was old news and I'd heard it before. The audio expired before I got half way.

Continuing my Dresden review, I slogged through Grave Peril - 31 and intend to avoid it now forever. It's really bad. My notes follow, without spoiler brackets:

Harry alternates between helpless and powerful. It's really rather stupid. And the verbiage moving from one plot point to the next is tiresome. Harry has multiple near-death points, two of them deliberately self-inflicted.

The overarching story is muddy; characters are less than likable and often enough mean or untrustworthy. Harry cheats his godmother; Thomas sacrifices Susan. Justine has a personality problem.

There are lost threads. Kravos/Lydia injures Michael, breaking his wrist and then his ribs. But only the ribs are mentioned from then on, and he continues to wield his sword. Harry leaves Michael and Thomas defending his retreat in the Never-Never and how they survive and get home are never addressed.

After listening again, the storyline is still a bit fuzzy and fact thin. Appears Kravos staged a suicide so he could return as a powerful ghost. He pretends to be a demon, or Harry assumes as much. This is the Nightmare who is rousing ghosts by wrapping them in barbed wire magic and invading the dreams of the team that took him down. So when Harry tries to expel the being from Lydia, he's got the name wrong first try. At one of his death points, tiny clues get swept together to explain Kravos, and then he's easily banished.

Somehow, he is in league with Mavra and Bianca, all motivated by revenge against Harry, but never explained.

The only bit I liked was the power in the words "I love you."

The Kitty series is good! It's worth trying at couple more.

>64 lesmel: Okay, I will. I have found lots of good reading following your lead.

I am still reading in print, but going much slower, as eye fatigue is greater. So, how do I challenge myself? I take up jigsaw puzzles again! I've got a short stack up in the attic, and am pulling them out one or two at a time to test whether they are still worth keeping.
I completed the Bastin, but it was less than 100% fun. I tried another, but it was dark and muddy and I gave up on it quickly. Two boxes gone. So I tried "kick up your heels!" and found joy once more. It is a Victorian gathering in a parlor. The name of the puzzle is misleading. There are couples dancing, but obviously to strings, not drums. What makes this more interesting is it is made of different fabrics appliqued. All the wood furniture are various shades of brown corduroy. The ladies' dresses are all tiny chintz patterns. It is well made and easy to match pieces to holes.

I went looking for an image of the puzzle, as I did above. I didn't find it, but want to share this bizzare image -

I've got another one started on the dining room table, and it's coming together nicely. It's old postage stamps. And helpfully, they are all laid out upside right.

>65 2wonderY: I don't recall doing jigsaw puzzles, except for one that was a gift when I was a teenager. It was a green tennis court with white lines, and a stinker, but I finished it.

Oh, wait, I recall doing one of a map of Narnia, possibly a map of Middle Earth, but that would be more than 40 years ago.

I have one of shelves and racks of wine bottles sitting on a table under several months of 'Now where should I put this?' My recollection is that it was a lot harder than I had expected, and I had already given up before the other stuff got loaded onto it.

It was a winter activity that I enjoyed with my dad when young. I feel it wires the brain in visual logic.

We used to try to find the most fiendishly wicked puzzles for dad. He took on every one. But then he also did the devilishly hard crossword puzzles in ink.

I did order the next Kitty book, Kitty Goes to Washington - 32. Kitty inadvertently rocks her world, eh? Again Vaughn surprises with a vampire that doesn't fit the type.

Borrowed Shadowed Souls - 33 for Harry Dresden universe story, Cold Case, which I didn't like, even with Ramirez in it.

Best story is Baggage by Erik Scott de Bie. Would like to follow up on this character, a retired superhero gone to drink.
There is also a semi-cute story about a newt (named Gek) who has an eye stolen and hires a PI to recover it.

>70 2wonderY: I'm way behind in the Kitty series. I'll probably have to start at the beginning. Same with the Walker Papers (first book is Urban Shaman). I only have the last book in the series to read. I'l going to have to start over because I don't remember the storyline and characters in sync at all.

I'm making piles of discards and sorting paper. This is a never-ending task. There are always more piles under and behind those I disturb.

Finished the postage stamps jigsaw puzzle:



Two pieces missing, though I know for sure that I had one of them in hand earlier. Searching the floor...

Evenings, I've been listening to news shows and sorting piles (and playing endless games of Free Cell - shh!) Watched a bit of the first season of Fringe, but realized I've done it before and never bonded with the characters.

Just before hitting the pillows, I'm still reviewing the print version of Dandelion Fire, trying to establish the convoluted story line in my head, before I go on to the next book. The writer jumps around too much, following the various characters on their different paths.

I almost managed to finish listening to Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth - 34, by Rachel Maddow. It's a recent history of the oil and gas business. Maddow tells a good in-depth story. Lots of villains. I may order it again to listen to the last couple of chapters.

>73 2wonderY: I’ve tried watching Fringe twice, although it’s been several years. Somehow I never made it past the middle of Season 1 before unintentionally abandoning it. I thought I liked it while I was watching it, but I guess not enough to actively keep watching it.

>74 YouKneeK: I think that's what happened to me too. I just reached my fill of that particular kind of weird. It might be possible to pick up a later season to inquire whether characters developed more charisma.

I recall another series I started where the premise was a woman with intricate tattoos all over her body which were clues in each episode. More weird; too much reliance on it.

I love the quirky mix and warmth of the Warehouse crew.

Younger daughter just sent me an alarm provoking text, until I re-read it and checked to make sure I interpreted it correctly:

"I share an office with some one who's wife tested the first positive patient in the next county over."

The wife was not the patient, she is a nurse.
Still... here's hoping that proper clean protocol was observed.

Well, I had a quiet, freaked-out, but productive extended weekend. We were told to take our computers and work from home. "Call us if you have connectivity issues." Yeah, right. I won't give a complete list of all my issues, but it involved meeting with my boss and driving the rural countryside looking for enough phone bars and a shady spot to read the dang tablet screen. It took hours before we got all the issues taken care of. He packed up my whole system because I can't work on a tablet. My eyes are too compromised. I've got my monitor, keyboard AND mouse. Yay.

That was today.

Friday I took a chunk of cash out of the bank, packed the car with food, cordial, meds and whatever I thought I couldn't live without and drove to KY, expecting the country to go into lockdown; and knowing which end of the drive I wanted to be on.

Friday was 76 F; Friday night was 32F. Brisk. I was productive. Picked up an order of fruit trees and some veggie starts and began organizing this year's garden. Set up a bank account there with daughter's name on it, so they would have access to cash if needed. Ordered a small solar kit.

One of my work associates - my partner in the program, is leaving for a new job on Friday. I'm planning retirement in May, but considered moving it up. But our customers deserve a better transition than both of us leaving without notice. I will try to stick it out.

I've been reading, but slowly. I may be able to log them tomorrow, after a better night's sleep.

Theia decided she wanted hugs from me, perverse thing! Just when we are supposed to keep our distance. I bought her a pack of washable markers and she's learning her colors. She's delighted with 'light green' and 'dark green.'

Blessings to all.

>77 2wonderY: you up on the ridgetop?

I was till yesterday. I came back to WV to provide a little bit of continuity at work. Our customers are the owners of multifamily housing projects that serve very low income families. The government pays a part of the rent, and the National Office has been so far behind the curve providing us with support on the COVID issues we're facing.

>79 2wonderY: I remember reading your threads about the ridgetop, enjoyed all the trials and triumphs, and the enthusiasm you expressed.

I intend to resurrect that thread soon, too. I hope.

Want to clear these from my Overdrive list -

sampled, but tossed
Funny, You Don't Look Autistic - not funny
Cold Comfort Farm - prefer the text; this is an all-cast production
Born Survivors - got through part , but terribly depressing; too much so for right now.
Dept. of Speculation - didn't catch my interest.

I did finish listening to Death Masks - 35 and want to write my notes before I forget again.

In print, The Late Great Wizard - 36 was slightly better than just okay. I may go on to the next in the series.

We've got sunshine and warmer weather today. I've got doors and windows wide open trying to air out this stale smelling house. Also doing my version of cleaning, which isn't very effective. Piling more stuff at the front door for disposition.

Ha! I decided not to read Funny you don't look Autistic. I couldn't imagine it being funny, even though it has two very positive reviews. Just the title really turned me off.

When it's at the front of the library site without it's own waiting list, I can guess why.

I did recover the print-out and finish The Rose Garden Husband - 37. It's a sweet little tale. Now I can go on to The Wishing Ring Man (IF I can put hands on it again.)

84) Well, they do these big reads now and again, but the only time I bit, the book was awful. How do you write an awful pie cookbook? Art of the pie

https://www.librarything.com/work/18281601/book/139909226

>74 YouKneeK: Since all library materials are suspended and not overdue till further notice, I held onto Fringe and jumped back in on the last two discs. Although my opinion didn't improve, the season finale had a nice surprise cameo by a hale looking Leonard Nimoy who might be a regular in season 2.

>87 2wonderY: Oh that's cool, I didn't know that! That might be worth a third attempt. :)

I haven't been able to stay on task with anything. Very restless. Poking at piles and sampling all sorts of stuff. Even magazine articles are taking me several sittings to get through. I've got a short stack of Smithsonian and the NYT Sunday magazine; normally fascinating stuff.

Also picking at several physical books, but generally just before sleep.

On audio, sampled and tossed
Lending a Paw - another of those front page bait books on OverDrive.
The Library Book by Susan Orlean - contrary to most reviewers, I found the writing pale and self-referential.
Their Finest, by Lissa Evans - Ought to be right up my alley, WW2 London, but the characters are not catching my fancy. May give it another go before it expires.
Bear Town - I thought I'd try another by the author of A Man Called Ove. This had promise, but I let it go. Ice hockey guys and competition. Ugh.

Reread Lies Sleeping - 38 and Jim Butcher's Changes -39.
The one I stuck with and paid attention to was Call Down the Hawk - 40. The librarian recommended it, knowing I had read others by the author. It purports to be a first in a trilogy, but it's actually a continuation of the world and characters in The Raven Cycle. Part way through, I had to put it down and re-read The Raven Boys - 41, to recall some of the details and quirks, so this one would make more sense. It was absorbing, but the best characters are mostly absent here. And the ending was too abrupt. Like a Saturday serial cliff hanger. No, more like a leap off the cliff into ….

Oh, also watched Star Wars I, II and III, which I'd never gotten around to before. Sheesh. I recall seeing footage of the original Star Wars (IV) before the genius film cutting to pick up the pace and heighten the action. These were a lot like that footage. Seems someone forgot to employ that step. Even the documentaries plod. And not at all impressed by the acting.

>90 2wonderY: I saw the "prequels" once, each. I was not impressed.

I saw a couple of the others, since, just okay...rather bloated and with meh acting and dialogue.

I want a DVD of the original cut of the original trilogy starting with Star Wars...Han shot first! :D

Yes, I didn't like the digital replacement of old Vader's spirit at the end of VI. I've kept the original version.

I finally watched the new Disney version of A Wrinkle in Time, and thought it a travesty. It twists the characters and the story line subtly out of true. The witches were awful, especially Oprah Winfrey. The only characters I liked were Calvin and the Happy Medium.

Dismal numbers so far this year. It seems it's getting harder for me to concentrate.
Before bed, I'm working on an EarlyReviewer book and hanging with my Molly in The Melting of Molly. It gets better with every re-read.

In audio, spent a couple of days in WW2 England in Erik Larson's newest - The Splendid and the Vile - 42. Churchill travels to Bristol to officiate at a college graduation. The town was firebombed the previous night, and people are coming into the hall pulling their ceremonial robes over their still wet and grungy fire-fighting garb. Wow! That's the spirit!

Had to order it again before finishing it. Blowout - 43 read by the author, Rachel Maddow. She is so clear and thorough I admire her immensely. The oil and gas industry certainly knows where to invest their money - in politicians.

Also, in preparation for the release of book four, reread The Lights Go Out in Lychford - 44.

With a contented sigh, finished the quaint and cozy 1904 story The Little Grey House - 45. Really nothing special about it, but a loving and resourceful family making the best of their circumstance.

Maybe I've gotten Charles de Lint confused with some other writer. I'm remembering a book all about musicians and an epic battle in the park. Can't find it now ... War for the Oaks - ah! I was way off.

Anyway, I just finished Little (Grrl) Lost - 46. It was just a tad better than mediocre. It got more interesting briefly when Hadley was explaining about foundational words that make the universe. "... language is the oldest of magics." Diane Duane does it so much better.

>96 2wonderY: Jack of Kinrowan sort of fits your description. Grrl wasn't among his best, that's for sure.

I've tried a few of his Newland stories and got, not bored, but quickly sated. I have one other of his titles, but I might scratch him off my list.

It was the Emma Bull story I was remembering. Not sure how I got the two authors twixted.

>98 2wonderY: Stories or books? - the books develop into a much richer whole, but some of the earlier ones are more stepping stones than peaks. My favorite of all time is the novelette Riding Shotgun, nothing like your usual ghost story.

I think I read one of the books, possibly Someplace to Be Flying, and recently partial anthology of Newland short stories, but can't recall which one.

>100 2wonderY: The anthology Dreams Underfoot is definitely spotty, though there are two or three others. I love Someplace to Be Flying but it fits in to a matrix of Newford, and the magic is certainly more problematic than some of the others. I'd recommend Trader, or maybe Memory and Dream which is the first novel of his I read. But his flavor of wistful fantasy can't suit everyone.

I've been faithfully reading the Early Reviewer book I won last month. I've reached the half-way point and I quit. I've learned enough about Tilly/Tilda and her life, and I'm not interested to know more.
Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel - 46 1/2.

>102 2wonderY: I find myself quitting on books more lately. There are too many on my shelves, unread, deserving my time, to waste hours on something I am not enjoying.

Dismissed with prejudice - Rump, a boring re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin.

Have been browsing These Wonderful People - 47 and enjoying each of the bits and bobs of famous people. Jane Addams' story most fascinates me.

Counting it because I read enough to have an opinion and write a review. Conversations with Poppi about God - 48.

This has been sitting around my house for a long time. Glad I finally read it. Jip: his story - 49.

>106 2wonderY: need a home for that one?

No, it's a keeper. Going to the grands, most likely.

Three Came Home - 50 is the grim memoir of a mother and her young son in a Japanese internment camp in Borneo. Matter-of-fact reporting is what got us all through it. Her husband survived in an adjoining camp, as well.

Two very small works got read in full today.

Mrs. Knollys - 51 is a short story found in just two collections. It's a re-print from an 1883 magazine story. Mr. Knollys dies on their honeymoon, falling into an ice crevasse. Mrs. Knollys lives a full and loving life. His body is recovered near the end of her life and they are buried together.

Tom Ilderton - 52 is a collection of religious tales published in 1865. The first couple were fine, teaching about how to be a good example and to do your small bit of good in the world. But the last two were just weird. A sickly lamb is cared for by the shepherd's daughter and becomes boastful of his special privileges until he is taken to the butcher.
In the other, a child becomes reconciled to an early death, and her poor mother is glad that Annie wins her battle with fear. This one can go on the discard pile.

Well, I'm on part 7 of 11, and I'm still not into it. Lots of people here have liked it, but I'm neutral and ready to move on. I've got the next Peter Grant!

Od Magic - 53

I did finish Od Magic. There were a couple of characters that I might have liked to see more of. The structure of the book incorporated too many viewpoints, I thought.

I listened to Summer Knight - 54 as part of my Dresden files re-visit. This is where Karrin Murphy attacks a chlorofiend with a chainsaw!!

It also has a classic observation about air travel:

"Sometimes the most remarkable things seem commonplace. I mean, when you think about it, jet travel is pretty freaking remarkable. You get in a plane, it defies the gravity of an entire planet by exploiting a loophole with air pressure, and it flies across distances that would take months or years to cross by any means of travel that has been significant for more than a century or three. You hurtle above the earth at enough speed to kill you instantly should you bump into something, and you can only breathe because someone built you a really good tin can that has seams tight enough to hold in a decent amount of air. Hundreds of millions of man-hours of work and struggle and research, blood, sweat, tears, and lives have gone into the history of air travel, and it has totally revolutionized the face of our planet and societies.

But get on any flight in the country, and I absolutely promise you that you will find someone who, in the face of all that incredible achievement, will be willing to complain about the drinks.

The drinks, people."

Not focusing on a particular book. Got lots on my mind. Pulling more stuff out of the attic. Decided to try another jigsaw puzzle. It was a challenge to my eyes, but still satisfying. It only took two days to do, even with one upset where pieces flew everywhere.

That one looks like fun! (Even if the picture really messes with the whole topic.)

>112 2wonderY: I believe George Carlin said some similar things, but can't find the clip on YouTube.

>113 2wonderY: That messes with my head, let alone the topic! Felicitations on completing it in two days though.

Hey, when I change focus, all else suffers. Sadly, that means my reading list will run short this year.

I listened to the new Peter Grant novel, False Value - 55. Because I listened while tasking other things at home rather than in the car, I turned around and started it again, so I could better pick up on plot line and characters.

I was listening to Just Under the Clouds, but it expired just when I got to a good plot development. Don't think I'll pursue it further, but will count 1/2.

Quit The Bear and the Nightingale. Just didn't catch my interest.

Found this slim volume in my piles and thought I could finish it quickly. Eneas Africanus - 56. The fiction of the happy and loyal slave. Eneas is trusted to leave the plantation during the Civil War to protect the family silver. Since he doesn't understand geography, it takes him a decade to return. He brings his wife and three children and offers them to his beloved master as recompense for his delay. Deeply disgusting. Side by side comparisons with other fiction from that time and place would be interesting. I think in particular of A Fool's Errand; by One Of The Fools, which was written just post-Reconstruction.

>116 2wonderY: It's too bad The Bear and the Nightingale didn't catch you - it's a book that offers rewards for hardship and the series is quite rich.

>117 quondame: I may give it another go later. I picked it up because the Green Dragon crowd seemed pleased by it.

Before I get the fifth Lychford book, I thought I'd re-read 1, 2, and 3. I recently read 4.
Witches of Lychford - 57 I had forgotten that Lizzie and Autumn were such old friends. Odd though, how those two are local but don't seem to have the longterm community connections that history should have provided. Or am I missing something? They both feel like newcomers.

Tossing The Fate of Food. The author praises Monsanto and GMO seed without realistically assessing the downsides. Dependence on pesticides, reduced biodiversity, reduced nutritional value, increases in gut diseases, to name a few.

>119 2wonderY: my mother had a Rockwell gardening book that she kept even after she went Organic in the mid-1960s. I skimmed through it on several occasions. The descriptions of all the poisons to use and preparations for spraying was mind-boggling. No thanks.

Ben and Me - 58

Eeyore’s gloomy Little Instruction Book - 59

The Wizard's Map - 60 is a surprise disappointment. It lacks substance. The chapters are abrupt and the action moves along, but it seems very formulaic. The flesh of the story is missing from the skeleton of it.

You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington - 61 Irreverent. Frank. A somewhat new perspective. His presidential years are the most interesting bit. Not all flags and adoration. Feels very modern, in fact. Comparative lists are difficult to keep sense of in audio format.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate - 62 Not nearly as good as her other books. The physical and psychological challenges of a planetary survey team were interesting, but not especially so. Chambers does excel in her community building. That part was lovely.

Attempted, but abandoned The Husband Hunters, about American heiresses searching for British titles.

Tried to listen to Wonder, but, oops! the library copy is in Spanish.

I've been working my way through Howard's End. Not sure why I'm finding it difficult; I loved A Room with a View. I may just end with watching the film.

On the road this past weekend, I had a time finding titles to borrow rather than put on hold, so I fortunately decided on Little Men - 63. Still makes me cry with love and delight.

Recycled Home - 64. I wouldn't add it to my library, except my dislike is intense; and had to be expressed.

The cover offers a clue, but it's not the whimsical scissors on the wall. It's the brutal barrenness of the interior except for the odd and unique pieces. Plenty of odd; not much of livability, comfort or beauty.

>124 2wonderY: You seem to have forgotten to give it a rating. I'm sure it deserves one. Current average is 4.

Strange, this is a couple who write books, all the others were only on his page, in fact two didn't even have her available for 'other author' but as her name is on all the book covers, I added her.

I guess a couple of members really like it.

I'm a salvager and a recycler big time. My middle name is Scavenger. So I thought this would hold plenty of appeal. I see they also recycle their ideas. At least one other cover image is contained in this book.

I checked. At least three of their books have been translated into German because my library has them.

Had oldest granddaughter with me last week. Introduced her to one of my favorite YA series and she liked it so well, I gave her the collection. (Oh, that should be noted in the Discarded thread!)

Additionally, we listened to We Are Legion (We Are Bob) while in the car. She chuckled at most of the humor. Glad it transfers to the next generation; though there were a couple of references that were already out-dated. Since this is my third re-read, not adding it to my year's count. Same with one or two more Harry Dresdens.

Deconstructing Dylan - 65 is also YA, and the cover implies it is SF. Well, it sorta is; but the reveal is much less of note than the build-up suggests. He is a direct clone of his older and deceased brother. I thought the whole family over-reacted. His friend, Robyn, is refreshing.

Well, I'm not counting these as read, just browsed. Can't recall which one I went looking for and ordered the other from curiosity.

The Earth in Her Hands is a new Timber Press publication, so it's probably the one I wanted. It features 75 women from all over. Well, not exactly all. She lists US, Canada, England, Ireland, Wales, Australia, India and Japan in the introduction. Each profile is 4 pages; one a full page portrait, and the rest a short history and a few more photos. A few names most garden readers would recognize; all seem professional gardeners in some capacity. Mildly interesting.

Earth on Her Hands was published in 1998, and features 18 American gardeners. This is the one that encourages poring over the pages. Lots of luscious photos. Some of the portraits are genius, in sepia tone. These are all home gardens, and you feel privileged to be invited in. Very nice.

The Anatomy of Motive - 66 has been shelved with my small collection on the nature of evil. I finally cracked it open and quickly read most of it. John Douglas was an FBI expert on criminal personality profiling. This is a somewhat gruesome litany of awful crimes and the people who commit them. I learned some about the banality of evil. Not a keeper though.

I found a stash of old book recommendations from back when I worked at the bookstore. Ordered a bunch of titles from the library. Now I've lost the stack of notes again. Oh well.

Once Upon a time, the End - 67 is more of an adult joke than something you'd read to a child. For instance, there are Two Little Pigs instead of three. Rating it less than 3.

Checked out Warm Fuzzies: 30 sweet felted projects, hoping to see something substantial made from recycled sweaters. Nope. Mostly cutsey space wasting items made from factory felted wool blends in bright new colors.

Old Houses A National Trust for Historic Preservation Book by Henry Wiencek pulled me in by the wonderfully colored cabinet on the cover. But most of the inside images are slightly boring. Unrelieved historic furnishings just don't do it for me.

The Arts & Crafts Stencil Book, Mary MacCarthy
Disappointing. It claims inspiration from William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement. But the actual designs are simple, simple. The only items I admired were a few animal silhouettes and the concept of decorating tiles. Daughter has a period fireplace in her living room; but the tiles in it are the ugliest/plainest choices from the Batchelder catalog. I've suggested paint. Perhaps some subtle stencils would be acceptable.

Attempted to listen to Susannah Cahalan's The Great Pretender; but it's too depressing. Coincidentally, I'm considering disposing without having read Girl Interrupted and Postcards from the Edge. Reading first pages, though...

I found Postcards from the Edge - 68 on audio and listened to it while sorting papers. It was merely okay. I don't need to keep a copy on my shelves.

I found an envelope in one of the William Barclay books on which I had scribbled notes about Lloyd C. Douglas' contemporary novels. There are eight of them, and I've got six. Pulled them off the shelf to add to my notations on characters and themes. It appears I haven't actually read all of them; just three, from my recall. Looks like I may have found my next reading project. And instead of reducing, I went ahead and ordered the two I didn't have. The messaging in these books is so precious. And Douglas has a remarkable agility in conveying much in one sentence. The first line of White Banners:

After so long a pause that Marcia felt sure whoever it was must have gone away, the front doorbell rang again, a courteously brief 'still waiting.'

I finally watched the film adaptation of the book Wonder. I felt profoundly cheated. But I can't confirm my reaction just yet. It's been far too long since I read the book. I tried to listen to it last month, but the library audio is in Spanish! (The listing doesn't say so, and I pointed the problem out to staff. Hoping they will order it in English.)

What I recall of the book is that it was Augie who wanted to start regular school and that it was his overwhelmingly positive attitude and character and brilliance that won the day.

The film portrays a reluctant and meek Augie, pushed and encouraged by his parents. There is the same general outcome, but Augie is ROBBED!

The other impression I have is that the Pullman family is depicted in the film as wealthy. Their brownstone is opulent. I don't recall that in the book. Now I will have te re-read it in print. Julia Roberts is, of course, nice to look at; but it's Owen Wilson who shines as Augie's dad.

Also, sadly, the title character in the film gets third billing on the marquee - Jacob Tremblay.

It's taken me three rounds of borrow to get through this is how it always is - 69 and feel rewarded for my persistence. It is emotionally complex and successfully explores how the various members of the family deal with Claude/Poppy and the move to Seattle. And the trip to Thailand. Lovely! Highly recommended.

Finished Wise Child - 70 and can’t decide if I liked it or not. Will sleep on it and perhaps comment tomorrow.

The title character in Wise Child is called that as a teasing nickname. Everyone adopts it, and I'm not sure her birth name is ever mentioned. The first person narrative begins the story with her first memories and encounter with Juniper, the witch. With her mother long gone and her father at sea, Juniper volunteers to take her in when her grandmother dies. Though Juniper is unfailingly kind and helpful in the village and fostering Wise Child, the priest is hostile and Wise Child is inconstant.
Juniper, with her own backstory in another book, seems ideal. Always centered, never cross or angry, she requires hard work and study; but makes every effort to be loving and fun. So Wise Child leaves. She finds her birth mother and is welcomed there with rich gifts and no work requirements. Though she sees the fear and poverty of Maeve's employees, it means little to her. She does return to Juniper and a hard winter enables the village priest to trump up charges against Juniper.
Wise Child's cousin, Colman, is always around to help. He has his own follow-up book.

I may read the other two books. I like those characters much more than this one.

>139 2wonderY: & >140 2wonderY: I've read all three Juniper, Wise Child, and Colman. I can't remember anything of the three, oddly.

Since I'm dissolving one household and intend to keep the new one uncluttered; I thought I'd try some newer books on the subject.

Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life - 71 was just irritating. My impression is that Walsh tries to psychologize without a license. His assumptions about the reader were off-base.

Decluttering at the Speed of Life - 72 was much more acceptable. She writes as a fellow stuff person; and just shares what works for her, as well as stopping every few recommendations to praise the efforts.

I learned about meta-fiction here on LT; and find it fascinating. So listened to Redshirts - 73. It might have been more successful if I'd read in print; as characters and plot lines got somewhat muddled in my brain. But it seemed to work, in general. Amusing.

Two I attempted without finishing -

Me, by Elton John.

In echo of my own activities this year, L'Appart, by David Lebovitz. I enjoyed his descriptions of the various neighborhoods and units he examined while shopping for a Paris apartment. But, gosh, was he clueless about health and safety issues. Very fortunately, someone steered him to an architect before the deal was made.

Ew!

>145 2wonderY: I'm glad I missed that one...

>142 2wonderY: That's sort of funny. Walsh's Masters is in educational psychology.

>147 lesmel: Huh! Not impressed.

Five stars for Master of the Mountain - 74. Wiencek does not apologize for Thomas Jefferson. The first half of the book examines Jefferson’s writings on the natural rights of men, abolition, and the actual stories of his slaves at Monticello and his other holdings. As a young man, Jefferson thought abolition was necessary with certain requirements. As his prosperity and lavish lifestyle depended on his explicit exploitation of the peculiar institution; he began speaking in platitudes and putting off those who pressed him to champion abolition.

Jefferson diminishes greatly in my esteem.

The hero of the book is Edward Coles; who did free his slaves because of moral conviction. He went on to prosper and was a governor of Illinois and served in federal positions as well.

The second part of the book examines the Sally Hemings question as well as how other historians offer leniency to Jefferson.

I’ve been in Pittsburgh helping sister deal with very sick husband. Visiting hospital, asking questions, getting home ready for discharge. We made some major and minor changes for accessibility, safety and convenience. Very proud of us.

I’m back in KY and can report on Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts - 75. I’m not much of a mystery fan. I’d say the characters are a step above typical and the plot was mildly interesting. I won’t be pursuing the series.

Ordered The Rosie Result, so I thought I’d re-visit The Rosie Project - 76.

And then The Rosie Effect - 77.

Listened to Wonder - 78, and have to admit that the movie was fairly faithful; except for it's over-emphasis on sister Olivia's year. It certainly wasn't as traumatic in print.
I must be thinking of another story with a more eager and proactive protagonist.

In the midst of a very busy couple of months, I've started and abandoned at least a dozen books. I'll list them tomorrow because I'm too tired just now.

I did pull one from my children's shelf and am mostly through it. Magic in the Alley - 79 caught my attention from the premise. Like me, Cleery loves exploring her town from the back side of it. She acquires a box of magical tools and a talking crow who can't fly. She and her friend, Knobs, go looking for magic and try to solve Crow's problem. It's interesting enough to keep me reading, but I'll be able to add it to my discard pile when I'm done.

Oh, and the illustrations do not serve the story well. They are muddy and vague. When specific, they jar me unpleasantly from what I had already imagined.

I'm discouraged from the lack of interest in my new Little Free Library. Instead of keeping a pile of extras to re-stock it, I'm taking books to the library.

Another from my own shelves, Here Comes the Sun - 80. It had failed to fit into a transport box and I thought I'd revisit. This 1924 romance introduced me to the genre a few decades ago, so it sits fondly in my memory. But it slipped in my estimation this time. The characters are still fun, but the logic of the action is very poor. I'll be able to dispose of it now.

In audio, Out of My Mind - 81 and White Night - 82 are re-reads.

Tried and abandoned at various stages of completion:
Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic - interesting concept, but ultimately tiresome. For being on an urgent mission, it sure wandered around.
What Came from the Stars - not urgent, but still a lot of pointless wandering.
Evie Drake Starts Over - where did this one even come from?
The Devil You Know - is in my queue, but it was so forgettable, I can't recall anything about it.
I've also got The Sheep Look Up and don't recall it either.

Also quitting These Witches Don’t Burn. Way too juvenile for my taste.

>154 2wonderY: Evvie Drake may have been something you spotted on my list. Maybe. I read it for bookclub. Kinda drove me nuts; but found it ok in the end.

Probably so. I generally really like what you’ve read. I kept losing track of this story as I listened.

I keep losing track within a series and give up. Maybe it’s my age with a shorter attention span or the story is predictable and boring beyond words. Irritating regardless.

>158 BelindaCharp:. Plenty of good stuff out there though. I approve all of what you are reading right now. I haven’t read Philo, but I love Josephus.

Surviving Autocracy - 83 is an excellent review of the last few years in the Trump administration and the power of words and definitions.

I went to another Little Free Library in town to deposit a few books not moving in my neighborhood and pick up a few to stock. Y’know, mix it up a bit. I pulled what I might find interesting myself and read the Christmas themed romance. I hadn’t read Janet Dailey before and won’t again. It’s a Christmas Thing - 84 is extremely formulaic and repetitive. The two main characters plow through the same doubts over and over in much the same way throughout. The other characters remain single cardboard caricatures. What I found really offensive is the swift sweeping away of the the widow’s sorrow and lack of any understanding of the depths of emotion involved.

Of course I didn’t read the entire 551 pages; and it’s an encyclopedia, b’gosh. But even though I had it catalogued, I don’t ever recall dipping into it.

The Moving Picture Boy - 85 is fun browsing. It gives mini bios of boy actors born between 1895 and 1995, ordered according to birth. Lots of winsome pictures. It actually ends with Elijah Wood (1981) pre-Lord of the Rings.
Not sure if I’m keeping it long term.

Listened to The Blue Sword - 86 and was slightly disappointed. It was okay, but not up to the standard I would expect of McKinley.

Caring For Your Books - 87 has been on my shelf for a long time. It's a fairly insignificant book, and is going on the toss pile.

A Regency Christmas Carol - 88 is painfully bad. I like an occasional romance. Steer away from this collection of stories. The first was just okay, the second was painful, I had to skip to the last pages of the third. Not sure I'll even attempt the last two but I'm taking credit.

Seems my dry spell is lifting. Ah!

Did I count Ender's World - 89 yet? I've listened to the bulk of it in two borrows of the audio. It's a set of essays. I wrote a college paper on the novel. Must see if I can find that.

Gave A Regency Christmas Carol another chance and glad I did. It’s the fourth story that wins. Carla Kelly’s story, ‘Make a Joyful Noise’ is charming. A widowed marquis helps his mother recruit singers for the annual church choir competition. He writes to an old military friend from Wales to hire carpenters and a valet and a farm manager (and their wives) to come work on his estate. Did you know the Welsh are known for their voices? I didn’t, but Googling I found Only Boys Aloud. Do check them out!

>163 2wonderY: I recall reading somewhere about the choirs in Wales, and I believe one was mentioned in How Green Was My Valley.

I just did a web search, and wow: https://britishheritage.com/art-culture/welsh-male-voice-choirs

Maybe that's why I like to sing (Wales heritage on my mother's side).

In anticipation of the new Murderbot book, I re-read Exit Strategy - 90.

Sampled The Color of Water, as granddaughter was reading it for class. Also The Crucible for the same reason.

Listing the rest so I can delete them from my phone
1636 The Kremlin Games - I’ve read and enjoyed the original few in this universe. This was academically interesting but I couldn’t care for any of the characters.
Humble Pi

>165 2wonderY: I need to catch up reading the Murderbot books, as I just received Network Effect for Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

>167 quondame: Thanks and back atcha. You’ve been so quiet I forgot you were here!

Of course I couldn’t let a Christmas Day go by without reading at least one of Grace Richmond’s holiday books. Brotherly House - 91 is where I went.

I hope you all had a warm and blessed Christmas Day!

Abandoning a couple of audio books to make room for other borrows.

I’m about a third of the way through A Memory Called Empire. I was fine with the new ambassador’s POV and followed well enough. But the interlude introduced a much larger backstory and another POV from out of nowhere. Not interesting enough.

More than halfway through the murder mystery A Death of No Importance and find I don’t care about the narrator or the mystery.

I am reading rapidly through a very old romance, He Fell in Love with His Wife - 92 and appreciating it very much. The development of friendship and attachment between the couple feels real. And the author values equality between them way before his time. (1886)

I may just breeze through the remaining stories, but counting Connie Willis’ A Lot Like Christmas - 93. Mixed quality; the best so far is ‘Inn.’

Abandoned We Dream of Space to make room for better audios on the phone.

It’s been a markedly poor year for reading. This is about half of what I got through in 2019. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to and reading news stories rather than books. Too worried to be able to concentrate. Also seems my tolerance for poor writing is low; and that’s a good thing. Unsubscribed to one newspaper starting in January. Moving and shuffling books has brought some interesting stuff up to attention level. Looking forward to fresh readings in the new year.

>172 2wonderY: Amen to that. But so much of my life plans went smoothly and positively, that on the whole, it was a good year for me.