DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 5
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Discussions2021 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
Summer is here with it’s warm weather so it’s no surprise that I find myself craving some delicious chocolate ice cream treats!
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Welcome to the fifth thread of my 2021 Category Challenge thread. My name is Judy and I live in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I live quietly with my husband and our two grown daughters live fairly close by. Of course, our two grandchildren are the apples of our eyes, a girl, aged fifteen and a boy, aged 21. I have been a member of the Category Challenge for a good number of years and enjoy the preparation and planning that goes into building our categories. I don’t always follow my plans, but they are fun to make. Please feel free to join in on any conversation here, bookish or otherwise. All opinions are respected as long as we are polite and friendly to each other.
I have found that reading is very much like a box of chocolates as you never know what you are going to get, so this year I am taking my cue from Forrest Gump and have decided to match my reading categories to delectable chocolates. I chose to use chocolates from a Canadian chocolatier called Purdys. There is a Purdys in just about every large shopping mall in Canada and Canadians are very familiar with their goodies. For those who don’t know this store, I have put together a Purdys List of Personal Favourites – 15 chocolates to match my 15 categories. Some of these matches may make no sense to anyone, but I had a reason for each choice which I will explain as we go along. I apologize to anyone who is allergic to nuts as many of my favourites do have nuts in them. And while Purdys still define my categories, for this thread I turned to cold summer treats. What could be better on a warm day than an icy chocolate milkshake!
My reading goals during 2021 are pretty much the same as they have been in previous years:
1. Reduce the number of books on my shelves, kindles and audio account.
2. Read a good number of books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
And this year -
3. Series, series, series – try to gain some control over my series reading.
I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself as I tend to feel obligated to read one book from each category every month, leaving me little room for those fun surprises that come along. So no category targets this year but I usually read over 200 books a year so I expect each category will have a good amount of books added.
Please pull up a comfy chair, grab a book, choose a spoon or a straw and dig into these icy temptations.
__
__
Welcome to the fifth thread of my 2021 Category Challenge thread. My name is Judy and I live in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I live quietly with my husband and our two grown daughters live fairly close by. Of course, our two grandchildren are the apples of our eyes, a girl, aged fifteen and a boy, aged 21. I have been a member of the Category Challenge for a good number of years and enjoy the preparation and planning that goes into building our categories. I don’t always follow my plans, but they are fun to make. Please feel free to join in on any conversation here, bookish or otherwise. All opinions are respected as long as we are polite and friendly to each other.
I have found that reading is very much like a box of chocolates as you never know what you are going to get, so this year I am taking my cue from Forrest Gump and have decided to match my reading categories to delectable chocolates. I chose to use chocolates from a Canadian chocolatier called Purdys. There is a Purdys in just about every large shopping mall in Canada and Canadians are very familiar with their goodies. For those who don’t know this store, I have put together a Purdys List of Personal Favourites – 15 chocolates to match my 15 categories. Some of these matches may make no sense to anyone, but I had a reason for each choice which I will explain as we go along. I apologize to anyone who is allergic to nuts as many of my favourites do have nuts in them. And while Purdys still define my categories, for this thread I turned to cold summer treats. What could be better on a warm day than an icy chocolate milkshake!
My reading goals during 2021 are pretty much the same as they have been in previous years:
1. Reduce the number of books on my shelves, kindles and audio account.
2. Read a good number of books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
And this year -
3. Series, series, series – try to gain some control over my series reading.
I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself as I tend to feel obligated to read one book from each category every month, leaving me little room for those fun surprises that come along. So no category targets this year but I usually read over 200 books a year so I expect each category will have a good amount of books added.
Please pull up a comfy chair, grab a book, choose a spoon or a straw and dig into these icy temptations.
2DeltaQueen50
2021 Categories
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
3DeltaQueen50
2021 Tickers
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
4DeltaQueen50
How I Rate Books:
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - one I made an emotional attachment to
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - one I made an emotional attachment to
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me
5DeltaQueen50
2021 Bingo
1. Nature and Environment: Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
2. Title Describes You: A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
3. Contains a Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
4. You Heartily Recommend: Dodgers by Bill Beverly
5. Impulse Read: The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
6. Suggested by Another Generation: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
7. About Time or Time Word in Title: Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer
8. By or About Marginalized Group: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
9. 20 or Fewer LT Members: Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe
10. Classical Element in Title: Blood Salt Water by Denise Mina
11. Set Somewhere You'd Like to Visit: An Olive Grove At The Edge of the World by Jared Gulian
12. Dark or Light in Title: A Darker Side by Shirley Wells
13. Read a Cat or Kit: Grave's End by Elaine Mercado
14. New-to-You Author: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
15. Arts & Recreation: Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier
16. Senior Citizen Protagonist: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
17. Type of Building in Title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
18. Less Than 200 Pages: The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
19. Two or More Authors: The Last Escape by Bobby Adair and T. W. Paperbrook
20. Character You Would be Friends With: While I Live by John Marsden
21. One Word Title: Poppet by Mo Hayder
22. About History or Alternate History: Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert
23. Made You Laugh: The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John
24. Southern Hemisphere: Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks
25. About or Contains Magic: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
1. Nature and Environment: Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
2. Title Describes You: A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams
3. Contains a Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
4. You Heartily Recommend: Dodgers by Bill Beverly
5. Impulse Read: The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
6. Suggested by Another Generation: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
7. About Time or Time Word in Title: Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer
8. By or About Marginalized Group: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
9. 20 or Fewer LT Members: Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe
10. Classical Element in Title: Blood Salt Water by Denise Mina
11. Set Somewhere You'd Like to Visit: An Olive Grove At The Edge of the World by Jared Gulian
12. Dark or Light in Title: A Darker Side by Shirley Wells
13. Read a Cat or Kit: Grave's End by Elaine Mercado
14. New-to-You Author: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
15. Arts & Recreation: Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier
16. Senior Citizen Protagonist: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
17. Type of Building in Title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
18. Less Than 200 Pages: The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
19. Two or More Authors: The Last Escape by Bobby Adair and T. W. Paperbrook
20. Character You Would be Friends With: While I Live by John Marsden
21. One Word Title: Poppet by Mo Hayder
22. About History or Alternate History: Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert
23. Made You Laugh: The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John
24. Southern Hemisphere: Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks
25. About or Contains Magic: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
6DeltaQueen50
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning": The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg (Beginning a series)
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y": Rabbit, Run by John Updike
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things": The Gown by Jennifer Robson - "Girls in White Dresses"
4. Monochromatic Cover: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
6. A Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List: The Island by Olivia Levez
8. Set somewhere you have never visited: Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year:
10. A female villain or criminal: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum: Valley of the Kings by Cecelia Holland
12. Written by a woman and translated to English: Claudine's House by Colette
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020: In The Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters: A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
16. A building in the title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
17. Muslim character or author: Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi
18. Related to the past: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
19. Related to the present: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U: Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads: Educated by Tara Westover
23. A Cross Genre Novel: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
24. About Racism or Race Relations: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
25. Set on an island: The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages): The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice:
29. A Comfort Read: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
30. A Long Book: Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years: Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
32. Cover shows more than 2 people: Die A Little by Megan Abbott
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry: The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates
34. A book with a travel theme:
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer:
36. Six or More Words in the Title: An Olive Grove At The Edge of the World by Jared Gulian
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List":
38. Related to a word given to you by a random word generator: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee (Guide)
39. Involves an immigrant:
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover:
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author:
42. A Mystery or Thriller: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo
43. Contains elements of magic: Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold
44. Title Contains a Negative:
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet: The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography: Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!"
49. Book with an ensemble cast: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
50. Published in 2021: Safe and Sound by Philippa East
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name: The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs
52. Related to "The End"
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning": The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg (Beginning a series)
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y": Rabbit, Run by John Updike
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things": The Gown by Jennifer Robson - "Girls in White Dresses"
4. Monochromatic Cover: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
6. A Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List: The Island by Olivia Levez
8. Set somewhere you have never visited: Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year:
10. A female villain or criminal: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum: Valley of the Kings by Cecelia Holland
12. Written by a woman and translated to English: Claudine's House by Colette
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020: In The Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters: A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
16. A building in the title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
17. Muslim character or author: Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi
18. Related to the past: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
19. Related to the present: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U: Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads: Educated by Tara Westover
23. A Cross Genre Novel: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
24. About Racism or Race Relations: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
25. Set on an island: The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages): The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice:
29. A Comfort Read: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
30. A Long Book: Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years: Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
32. Cover shows more than 2 people: Die A Little by Megan Abbott
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry: The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates
34. A book with a travel theme:
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer:
36. Six or More Words in the Title: An Olive Grove At The Edge of the World by Jared Gulian
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List":
38. Related to a word given to you by a random word generator: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee (Guide)
39. Involves an immigrant:
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover:
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author:
42. A Mystery or Thriller: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo
43. Contains elements of magic: Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold
44. Title Contains a Negative:
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet: The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography: Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!"
49. Book with an ensemble cast: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
50. Published in 2021: Safe and Sound by Philippa East
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name: The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs
52. Related to "The End"
7DeltaQueen50
Sweet Georgia Browns Mystery and Police Procedural Series
Books Read
1. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French - 4.1 ★
2. Blood Salt Water (5) by Denise Mina - 4.1 ★
3. Diamond Solitaire (2) by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
4. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
5. The Ice Princess (1) by Camilla Lackberg - 3.8 ★
6. The Retribution (7) by Val McDermid - 3.8 ★
7. In the Cold Dark Ground (10) by Stuart MacBride - 4.1 ★
8. Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer - 4.1 ★
Books Read
1. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French - 4.1 ★
2. Blood Salt Water (5) by Denise Mina - 4.1 ★
3. Diamond Solitaire (2) by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
4. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
5. The Ice Princess (1) by Camilla Lackberg - 3.8 ★
6. The Retribution (7) by Val McDermid - 3.8 ★
7. In the Cold Dark Ground (10) by Stuart MacBride - 4.1 ★
8. Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer - 4.1 ★
8DeltaQueen50
Cherry Cordials Vintage Crime Novels
Books Read
1. Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts - 3.0 ★
2. The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon - 3.8 ★
3. The Case of the Sulky Girl by Erle Stanley Gardner - 4.0 ★
4. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
5. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
6. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
7. Green For Danger by Christianna Brand - 4.5 ★
8. The Saltmarsh Murders by Gladys Mitchell - 3.8 ★
9. Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
10. Murder For the Bride by John A. MacDonald - 3.6 ★
11. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts - 3.0 ★
2. The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon - 3.8 ★
3. The Case of the Sulky Girl by Erle Stanley Gardner - 4.0 ★
4. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
5. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
6. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
7. Green For Danger by Christianna Brand - 4.5 ★
8. The Saltmarsh Murders by Gladys Mitchell - 3.8 ★
9. Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
10. Murder For the Bride by John A. MacDonald - 3.6 ★
11. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie - 4.3 ★
9DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Creams More Mysteries and Crime Stories
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
2. Friday On My Mind by Nicci French - 3.8 ★
3. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
4. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
5. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
6. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith - 4.0 ★
7. Darktown by Thomas Mullen - 5.0 ★
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
2. Friday On My Mind by Nicci French - 3.8 ★
3. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
4. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
5. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
6. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith - 4.0 ★
7. Darktown by Thomas Mullen - 5.0 ★
10DeltaQueen50
Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels Light and Dark Fantasy
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
2. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
3. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
4. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
5. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
6. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.6 ★
7. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland - 4.3 ★
8. Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.0 ★
9. Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
2. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
3. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
4. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
5. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
6. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.6 ★
7. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland - 4.3 ★
8. Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.0 ★
9. Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
11DeltaQueen50
Almond Crunch Science Fiction
Books Read
1. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 ★
2. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
3. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
4. Death is a Welcome Guest by Louise Welsh - 4.3 ★
5. Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks - 3.0 ★
6. The Ion Raider by Ian Whates - 4.1 ★
7. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein - 3.5 ★
8. Adrift by Rob Boffard - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 ★
2. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
3. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
4. Death is a Welcome Guest by Louise Welsh - 4.3 ★
5. Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks - 3.0 ★
6. The Ion Raider by Ian Whates - 4.1 ★
7. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein - 3.5 ★
8. Adrift by Rob Boffard - 4.0 ★
12DeltaQueen50
Passionfruit Hearts Romance
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 3.7 ★
3. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
4. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas - 4.0 ★
5. Slightly Married by Mary Balogh - 4.5 ★
6. A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams - 4.0 ★
7. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - 3.5 ★
8. The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Cambell Allen - 3.5 ★
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 3.7 ★
3. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
4. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas - 4.0 ★
5. Slightly Married by Mary Balogh - 4.5 ★
6. A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams - 4.0 ★
7. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - 3.5 ★
8. The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Cambell Allen - 3.5 ★
13DeltaQueen50
Peanut Butter Daisies Children's Lit/YA
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
2. While I Live by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
4. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 7#9733;
5. Witch Child by Celia Rees - 3.8 ★
6. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - 4.0 ★
7. When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall - 3.6 ★
8. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - 4.3 ★
9. The Island by Olivia Levez - 3.6 ★
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
2. While I Live by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
4. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 7#9733;
5. Witch Child by Celia Rees - 3.8 ★
6. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - 4.0 ★
7. When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall - 3.6 ★
8. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - 4.3 ★
9. The Island by Olivia Levez - 3.6 ★
14DeltaQueen50
Chai Tea Caramels Books Set Around the World
Books Read
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (Sweden) - 4.2 ★
2. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (Spain) by Tariq Ali - 4.0 ★
3. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japan) - 4.1 ★
4. The Tea Planter's Wife (Ceylon) by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
5. The Taliban Cricket Club (Afghanistan) by Timeri Murari - 4.3 ★
6. A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar (China) by Suzanne Joinson - 4.2 ★
7. Valley of the Kings (Egypt) by Cecelia Holland - 3.1 ★
8. Little Black Lies (Falkland Islands) by Sharon Bolton - 3.8 ★
9. Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (Sweden) - 4.2 ★
2. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (Spain) by Tariq Ali - 4.0 ★
3. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japan) - 4.1 ★
4. The Tea Planter's Wife (Ceylon) by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
5. The Taliban Cricket Club (Afghanistan) by Timeri Murari - 4.3 ★
6. A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar (China) by Suzanne Joinson - 4.2 ★
7. Valley of the Kings (Egypt) by Cecelia Holland - 3.1 ★
8. Little Black Lies (Falkland Islands) by Sharon Bolton - 3.8 ★
9. Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi - 3.7 ★
15DeltaQueen50
Hedgehogs Books From the 1,001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
2. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by J. M. Machado de Assis- 3.8 ★
3. Voss by Patrick White - 2.0 ★
4. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
5. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
7. Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud - 3.8 ★
8. She by H. Rider Haggard - 3.2 ★
9. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood - 4.0 ★
10. Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton - 4.5 ★
11. Claudine's House by Colette - 4.2 ★
12. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson - 5.0 ★
13. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre - 5.0 ★
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
2. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by J. M. Machado de Assis- 3.8 ★
3. Voss by Patrick White - 2.0 ★
4. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
5. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
7. Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud - 3.8 ★
8. She by H. Rider Haggard - 3.2 ★
9. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood - 4.0 ★
10. Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton - 4.5 ★
11. Claudine's House by Colette - 4.2 ★
12. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson - 5.0 ★
13. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre - 5.0 ★
16DeltaQueen50
Vanilla Creams Non-Fiction
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - 3.8 ★
3. Grave's End by Elaine Mercado - 2.0 ★
4. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
5. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
6. An Olive Grove At the Edge of the World by Jared Gulian - 4.0 ★
7. Columbus in the Americas by William Least Heat-Moon - 3.8 ★
8. Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier - 4.0 ★
9. Educated by Tara Westover - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - 3.8 ★
3. Grave's End by Elaine Mercado - 2.0 ★
4. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
5. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
6. An Olive Grove At the Edge of the World by Jared Gulian - 4.0 ★
7. Columbus in the Americas by William Least Heat-Moon - 3.8 ★
8. Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier - 4.0 ★
9. Educated by Tara Westover - 4.5 ★
17DeltaQueen50
White Chocolate Cameos Historical Fiction/Reading Through Time
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
2. The Gown by Jennifer Robson - 4.0 ★
3. Pieces of Eight by John Drake - 3.8 ★
4. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
5. The Beacon At Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
6. Empire by Devi Yesodharan - 3.5 ★
7. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - 4.3 ★
8. The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley - 4.1 ★
9. The Cannons of Lucknow by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
10. Dawn's Early Light by Elswyth Thane - 4.0 ★
11. Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
2. The Gown by Jennifer Robson - 4.0 ★
3. Pieces of Eight by John Drake - 3.8 ★
4. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
5. The Beacon At Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
6. Empire by Devi Yesodharan - 3.5 ★
7. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - 4.3 ★
8. The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley - 4.1 ★
9. The Cannons of Lucknow by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
10. Dawn's Early Light by Elswyth Thane - 4.0 ★
11. Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell - 4.5 ★
18DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Letters AlphaKit - 2 Letters Each Month
A. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
B.
C. The Whispering Wall by Patricia Carlon - 4.0 ★
D. Fallen Women by Sandra Dallas - 4.0 ★
E.
F.
G.
H.
I. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim - 4.1 ★
J. The Almost Sisters by Josilyn Jackson - 3.8 ★
K. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - 4.0 ★
L.
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 3.4 ★
O. Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter - 4.3 ★
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q.
R. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
S. Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart - 4.5 ★
T. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
U. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.7 ★
V. The French for Always by Fiona Valpy - 4.0 ★
W. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
X. Irises by Franciso X. Stork - 3.7 ★
Y.
Z The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - 3.7 ★
A. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
B.
C. The Whispering Wall by Patricia Carlon - 4.0 ★
D. Fallen Women by Sandra Dallas - 4.0 ★
E.
F.
G.
H.
I. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim - 4.1 ★
J. The Almost Sisters by Josilyn Jackson - 3.8 ★
K. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - 4.0 ★
L.
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 3.4 ★
O. Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter - 4.3 ★
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q.
R. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
S. Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart - 4.5 ★
T. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
U. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.7 ★
V. The French for Always by Fiona Valpy - 4.0 ★
W. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
X. Irises by Franciso X. Stork - 3.7 ★
Y.
Z The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - 3.7 ★
19DeltaQueen50
Purdy's Gift Box Series Reading From All Genres
Books Read
1. A Darker Side by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
2. Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
3. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
4. Crimson Lake by Candice Fox - 4.5 ★
5. Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. A Darker Side by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
2. Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
3. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
4. Crimson Lake by Candice Fox - 4.5 ★
5. Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie - 4.3 ★
20DeltaQueen50
Sake & Sakura Truffles Author I Haven't Read Before
Books Read
1. Border Songs by Jim Lynch - 4.0 ★
2. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John - 4.0 ★
3. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
4. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
5. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
6. Safe and Sound by Philippa East - 4.0 ★
7. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - 3.5 ★
8. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James - 4.5 ★
9. The River At Night by Erica Ferencik - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. Border Songs by Jim Lynch - 4.0 ★
2. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John - 4.0 ★
3. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
4. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
5. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
6. Safe and Sound by Philippa East - 4.0 ★
7. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - 3.5 ★
8. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James - 4.5 ★
9. The River At Night by Erica Ferencik - 3.7 ★
21DeltaQueen50
Maple Leaf Melties Book That Don't Fit Elsewhere
Books Read
1. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
2. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
3. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell - 4.2 ★
4. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
5. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
6. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 2, Moon Machine by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
7. River of Porcupines by G. K. Aalborg - 3.7 ★
8. Descender Vol. 4, Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 5, Rise of the Robots by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 6, The Machine War by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
2. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
3. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell - 4.2 ★
4. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
5. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
6. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 2, Moon Machine by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
7. River of Porcupines by G. K. Aalborg - 3.7 ★
8. Descender Vol. 4, Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 5, Rise of the Robots by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 6, The Machine War by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
22DeltaQueen50
2021 Reading Plans
Group Reads and Hosting Duties:
February: Group Read of Voss by Patrick White
March: Hosting - ScaredyKit – Short Stories/Novellas
March: Hosting - HistoryCat - Early Modern History (1500 - 1800)
April: Hosting - SFFFKit – Series
April: Hosting - April Reading Thru Time – The Sun Never Sets
May: Hosting - Random Cat
July: Hosting - GenreCat - Romance
Year long Group Read: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
Group Reads and Hosting Duties:
February: Group Read of Voss by Patrick White
March: Hosting - ScaredyKit – Short Stories/Novellas
March: Hosting - HistoryCat - Early Modern History (1500 - 1800)
April: Hosting - SFFFKit – Series
April: Hosting - April Reading Thru Time – The Sun Never Sets
May: Hosting - Random Cat
July: Hosting - GenreCat - Romance
Year long Group Read: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
23DeltaQueen50
Welcome!
24Familyhistorian
>23 DeltaQueen50: Ain't that the truth! Happy new thread, Judy!
25MissWatson
Happy new thread, Judy! Time to enjoy some iced chocolate...
26DeltaQueen50
108. A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams - 4.0 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
BingoDog: Title Describes You
June TIOLI #3: A Standalone Capital Letter is in the Title
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams is set during the 1920s Jazz Age in New York. It’s high society amusing itself, with lots of secrets and scandal to spice up the story. It opens with a newspaper article giving details about a murder trial. We don’t know who was murdered or why, but as the story develops we are occasionally given more information via the newspaper. The main characters of this story consist of Theresa, a 44 year old Fifth Avenue socialite, her 22 year old lover, Octavian, Theresa’s brother Jay “Ox” Ochsner and his fiancee, 19 year old Sophie Fortescue, youngest daughter of the Patent King, an inventor who recently made his fortune. Unfortunately, Sophie and the young man, Octavian, find themselves attracted to each other which doesn’t please either Theresa or her brother. The Fortescue millions are the main attraction for Ox as he requires a cash input to uphold his society lifestyle. Theresa simply craves Octavian and doesn’t want to lose him.
The story unfolds through the two women’s viewpoints and these, along with the newspaper tidbits work well to keep the reader’s interest. Getting this inside view of their thoughts kept me sympathetic to both women and rounded out the characters, giving them both good and bad qualities. The language, settings, styles and customs brought the 1920s vividly to life.
A Certain Age gives us glimpses of the conflict many women were having with wanting more from their lives than what tradition dictated but in the long run this was a love story to which the author added family secrets, unsolved murders, and steamy affairs which kept the read entertaining.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
BingoDog: Title Describes You
June TIOLI #3: A Standalone Capital Letter is in the Title
A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams is set during the 1920s Jazz Age in New York. It’s high society amusing itself, with lots of secrets and scandal to spice up the story. It opens with a newspaper article giving details about a murder trial. We don’t know who was murdered or why, but as the story develops we are occasionally given more information via the newspaper. The main characters of this story consist of Theresa, a 44 year old Fifth Avenue socialite, her 22 year old lover, Octavian, Theresa’s brother Jay “Ox” Ochsner and his fiancee, 19 year old Sophie Fortescue, youngest daughter of the Patent King, an inventor who recently made his fortune. Unfortunately, Sophie and the young man, Octavian, find themselves attracted to each other which doesn’t please either Theresa or her brother. The Fortescue millions are the main attraction for Ox as he requires a cash input to uphold his society lifestyle. Theresa simply craves Octavian and doesn’t want to lose him.
The story unfolds through the two women’s viewpoints and these, along with the newspaper tidbits work well to keep the reader’s interest. Getting this inside view of their thoughts kept me sympathetic to both women and rounded out the characters, giving them both good and bad qualities. The language, settings, styles and customs brought the 1920s vividly to life.
A Certain Age gives us glimpses of the conflict many women were having with wanting more from their lives than what tradition dictated but in the long run this was a love story to which the author added family secrets, unsolved murders, and steamy affairs which kept the read entertaining.
27Helenliz
Happy new thread. I'd like some weather that would make an ice cream necessary. We had a week of summer and it seems to have gone again.
31spiralsheep
Happy new thread!
32rabbitprincess
Now I'm craving a chocolate milkshake from a diner! Maybe I'll have to get my other half to add ice cream to the grocery list. Happy new thread!
33VictoriaPL
Nice and roomy in here! :) have you starred.
37dudes22
Happy New Thread! And only 2 squares to go on your Bingo card.
>26 DeltaQueen50: - One of our book club members picked a Beatriz Williams book that takes place here in RI for her selection last year and introduced me to a new author. So not exactly a BB but a reminder that I need to read some more of her books.
>26 DeltaQueen50: - One of our book club members picked a Beatriz Williams book that takes place here in RI for her selection last year and introduced me to a new author. So not exactly a BB but a reminder that I need to read some more of her books.
38Jackie_K
Happy new thread - I'm definitely here for the chocolate! Like helenliz, we had a glorious summer week and are now back to muggy, grey and overcast/occasionally wet. Welcome to Scotland :)
39DeltaQueen50
>24 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. My computer decided to act up last night but luckily it started up ok this morning.
>25 MissWatson: We are having a spell of very warm weather right now so an icy chocolate treat sounds mighty good right now!
>27 Helenliz: I don't mind a few days of hot weather but mostly I prefer it to be cooler. I am much happier with the heat since my grandson put a small air conditioner in my computer room. Makes a huge difference.
>28 BLBera: I know, I try not to indulge in sweets too often but ice cream really appeals right now.
>29 scaifea: They are my favorites as well. They are so rich and filling that I can't eat one very often but about once a year, I like to indulge. The other day we picked up chocolate sundaes at Dairy Queen but even they were too much for us - next time we will split one.
>30 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I will be staying out of the heat and probably doing a fair amount of reading. I read and read but somehow my TBR doesn't seem to be shrinking!
>31 spiralsheep: Thanks. It's hard to believe that the year is half over.
>32 rabbitprincess: I love my food but when it gets really hot, I go off both eating and cooking - I just want to drink. A milkshake would certainly be filling.
>33 VictoriaPL: Welcome, Victoria. :)
>34 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!
>35 hailelib: I have two more squares to fill to complete my Bingo Card - I think I will be stretching this out to August!
>36 mstrust: Chocolate makes the world go around! (You would probably add pumpkins and maple syrup to that)
>37 dudes22: This was my first Beatriz Williams and I enjoyed it enough that I am sure I will be picking up more by her.
>38 Jackie_K: Help yourself to some virtual chocolate, Jackie. I have a suspicion that Scotland might be my perfect area. I love clouds and I love rain and I already know that the scenery is breath-taking!
>25 MissWatson: We are having a spell of very warm weather right now so an icy chocolate treat sounds mighty good right now!
>27 Helenliz: I don't mind a few days of hot weather but mostly I prefer it to be cooler. I am much happier with the heat since my grandson put a small air conditioner in my computer room. Makes a huge difference.
>28 BLBera: I know, I try not to indulge in sweets too often but ice cream really appeals right now.
>29 scaifea: They are my favorites as well. They are so rich and filling that I can't eat one very often but about once a year, I like to indulge. The other day we picked up chocolate sundaes at Dairy Queen but even they were too much for us - next time we will split one.
>30 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I will be staying out of the heat and probably doing a fair amount of reading. I read and read but somehow my TBR doesn't seem to be shrinking!
>31 spiralsheep: Thanks. It's hard to believe that the year is half over.
>32 rabbitprincess: I love my food but when it gets really hot, I go off both eating and cooking - I just want to drink. A milkshake would certainly be filling.
>33 VictoriaPL: Welcome, Victoria. :)
>34 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!
>35 hailelib: I have two more squares to fill to complete my Bingo Card - I think I will be stretching this out to August!
>36 mstrust: Chocolate makes the world go around! (You would probably add pumpkins and maple syrup to that)
>37 dudes22: This was my first Beatriz Williams and I enjoyed it enough that I am sure I will be picking up more by her.
>38 Jackie_K: Help yourself to some virtual chocolate, Jackie. I have a suspicion that Scotland might be my perfect area. I love clouds and I love rain and I already know that the scenery is breath-taking!
40VivienneR
Happy new thread! I've been a chocoholic since ever I can remember so your thread is always so tempting. But right now I'd give anything for that milkshake in the centre of the top picture.
42DeltaQueen50
>40 VivienneR: I'm torn between the milkshake and the Peanut Buster Parfait!
43VivienneR
>42 DeltaQueen50: Ok, you have the Peanut Buster Parfait and I'll have the milkshake. Peanuts are not my thing. :)
44DeltaQueen50
43 Sounds like a deal!
Whew! I just got home from picking up a few groceries and I am melting from the heat. Today is supposed to be a scorcher and although it's barely 10:00 am here it's already too hot to be out.
Whew! I just got home from picking up a few groceries and I am melting from the heat. Today is supposed to be a scorcher and although it's barely 10:00 am here it's already too hot to be out.
45DeltaQueen50
109. Claudine's House by Colette - 4.2 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
Around the Year in 52 Books: Written by a Woman and Translated into English
June TIOLI #6: Completes a Square in the Seattle Public Library Bingo Card
Claudine’s House by French novelist Colette is actually a collection of semi-biographical essays that explore her childhood in rural France. These are simple stories, written beautifully that hearken back to a different time and place capturing her past, her love of nature, and her relationships with various pets and family members.
Originally published in 1922 I found this an immersive read filled with poetic images of the lush French countryside. When she turns to her memories of family, in particular her mother, we can feel the bonds of love that existed. Although it doesn’t follow a strict timeline, we are given glimpses of her life as a child, a teenager and then as an adult with her own children. The author writes with verve, at times adding humor and at others a dark melancholy.
Claudine’s House is a gentle read that reminds one of the small pleasures that life can offer.
Category: Hedgehogs
Around the Year in 52 Books: Written by a Woman and Translated into English
June TIOLI #6: Completes a Square in the Seattle Public Library Bingo Card
Claudine’s House by French novelist Colette is actually a collection of semi-biographical essays that explore her childhood in rural France. These are simple stories, written beautifully that hearken back to a different time and place capturing her past, her love of nature, and her relationships with various pets and family members.
Originally published in 1922 I found this an immersive read filled with poetic images of the lush French countryside. When she turns to her memories of family, in particular her mother, we can feel the bonds of love that existed. Although it doesn’t follow a strict timeline, we are given glimpses of her life as a child, a teenager and then as an adult with her own children. The author writes with verve, at times adding humor and at others a dark melancholy.
Claudine’s House is a gentle read that reminds one of the small pleasures that life can offer.
46MissWatson
>45 DeltaQueen50: Sounds like a perfect introduction to Colette!
47BLBera
>45 DeltaQueen50: This sounds great, Judy. Onto the WL it goes!
48DeltaQueen50
>46 MissWatson: I think it was a perfect introduction. The story is short, sweet and beautifully descriptive.
>47 BLBera: She writes beautifully, Beth, so I think you would enjoy this one.
>47 BLBera: She writes beautifully, Beth, so I think you would enjoy this one.
49DeltaQueen50
110. In the Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride - 4.1 ★
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
Around the Year in 52 Books: Written by the Author of One of Your Best Book of 2020
June TIOLI #4: Rolling Challenge based on Tags
In the Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride is the tenth book in his Logan McRae police procedural series. These books are built around his strong, often eccentric characters and the stories are developed around circumstances that McRae finds himself in.
In this outing we find McRae dealing with a number of issues, first and foremost is that he has finally reached a decision about his comatose girlfriend. He is also investigating a brutal murder case and a new Superintendent of Serious Organized Crime has decided this case has some interest for her task force and she seems to have a personal vendetta against McRae. McRae has a strange history with organized crime and it isn’t helping that crime boss Wee Hamish Mowat has died leaving McRae in charge of his estate. If this wasn’t enough to deal with Professional Standards are lurking about, conducting an investigation into DCI Steel.
The story is skilfully developed, full of action and personal complications that has the reader gasping with horror one minute and then gasping with laughter the next. While In the Cold Dark Ground isn’t the best that this series has to offer, it does advance the time-line and gives the author a number of directions in which to take the next book.
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
Around the Year in 52 Books: Written by the Author of One of Your Best Book of 2020
June TIOLI #4: Rolling Challenge based on Tags
In the Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride is the tenth book in his Logan McRae police procedural series. These books are built around his strong, often eccentric characters and the stories are developed around circumstances that McRae finds himself in.
In this outing we find McRae dealing with a number of issues, first and foremost is that he has finally reached a decision about his comatose girlfriend. He is also investigating a brutal murder case and a new Superintendent of Serious Organized Crime has decided this case has some interest for her task force and she seems to have a personal vendetta against McRae. McRae has a strange history with organized crime and it isn’t helping that crime boss Wee Hamish Mowat has died leaving McRae in charge of his estate. If this wasn’t enough to deal with Professional Standards are lurking about, conducting an investigation into DCI Steel.
The story is skilfully developed, full of action and personal complications that has the reader gasping with horror one minute and then gasping with laughter the next. While In the Cold Dark Ground isn’t the best that this series has to offer, it does advance the time-line and gives the author a number of directions in which to take the next book.
50lsh63
>49 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, you reminded me of yet another series that I started and didn’t go back to for years! I have to find out where I am, I think book #5.
51pamelad
>45 DeltaQueen50: Thank you for the Colette reminder. I was surprised and pleased to find so many of her books on Overdrive and have borrowed The Vagabond for a re-read. Perhaps the renewed interest in her books is due to the film that starred Keira Knightley, who did a good job but didn't fit my idea of Collette.
52DeltaQueen50
>50 lsh63: I, too, have a number of series that I have fallen behind on and need to catch up with. There seems to be too many new series that catch my attention and cause the old favorites to get overlooked!
>51 pamelad: I wouldn't have picked up Colette except for the 1,001 List, but now that I have, I hope to read more of her.
>51 pamelad: I wouldn't have picked up Colette except for the 1,001 List, but now that I have, I hope to read more of her.
53DeltaQueen50
We are in the middle of a heat wave here and this is the hottest I have ever experienced. I told my grandson that he saved my live cause he came over last weekend and put in a small air conditioner in our den. My big fear now is that the power grid will go down. I think all of Western North America are having high temps so I hope everyone is being careful and staying as cool as they can.
54RidgewayGirl
Judy, I'm thinking of you and everyone out there, trying to survive. Your houses and buildings weren't designed for hot weather. Please stay hydrated and I'm glad you have a cool room. If you can, take a cool shower a few times a day and you'd be surprised how refreshing a pair of socks stored in the freezer can feel on hot feet.
55DeltaQueen50
>54 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. We put our pillows in the freezer before bed last night - they felt great for a short time. I am taking cold showers about three times a day and soaking my head in cold water often. Today is supposed to be the worst, so hopefully once we get through this, things will get better.
56dudes22
Sorry you're getting so much heat, Judy. We're having higher than normal temps too (90 Fs) but because we're close to the coast there's a breeze and it's a little cooler. My husband used to have a thing that went in the freezer and he put it around his neck while he was mowing the lawn to keep cool. Seems we wait all winter for some warm days and then they get just too warm. No happy medium.
57VictoriaPL
Oh no! Judy please take care.
58pamelad
>53 DeltaQueen50: The pandemic would be making the heatwave seem even worse, because you can't escape to an air-conditioned cinema, library or shopping centre. You could try a damp towel around your neck and damping down your clothing, which is uncomfortable but helps the fan cool you down more. You'll really appreciate the cool change! Fingers crossed that the electricity supply holds up. During our worst heatwaves in Melbourne we've had electricity restrictions, and when they're not enough, "load shedding" which means that areas are cut off altogether for a few hours.
60DeltaQueen50
Today was every bit as bad as I feared. We went for a drive later on this afternoon just to spend time in the air conditioned car. We also went out for dinner so I didn't have to cook. When we came home it was still over 40 celsius (102 fahrenheit) in the apartment.
>56 dudes22: We are trying all sorts of tricks to help cool us down, but since they are saying this is going to be the norm due to climate change, we really need to stock up on more portable coolers. Fingers are crossed that we don't lose power!
>57 VictoriaPL: Thanks Victoria, we are trying to keep as cool as we can.
>58 pamelad: With everyone running fans and air conditioners, my biggest fear right now is that the power will go out. We did go out to an air conditioned restaurant for dinner this evening, as more and more people get vaccinated, I am feeling a little safer going out in public.
59 Thanks, Mark. I am counting the days until this weather breaks.
>56 dudes22: We are trying all sorts of tricks to help cool us down, but since they are saying this is going to be the norm due to climate change, we really need to stock up on more portable coolers. Fingers are crossed that we don't lose power!
>57 VictoriaPL: Thanks Victoria, we are trying to keep as cool as we can.
>58 pamelad: With everyone running fans and air conditioners, my biggest fear right now is that the power will go out. We did go out to an air conditioned restaurant for dinner this evening, as more and more people get vaccinated, I am feeling a little safer going out in public.
59 Thanks, Mark. I am counting the days until this weather breaks.
61VivienneR
Thinking of you, Judy. It was 44C on our back porch today. In the fifteen years I've lived here, there was only once about ten years ago when it reached 42C. I'm hoping this isn't the new norm. The heat is to stick around until Thursday here in the Kootenays. Stay cool.
62MissWatson
I cannot even imagine temperatures like that, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that power doesn't fail. Your heatwave even made it to the German news yesterday...
64DeltaQueen50
>61 VivienneR: I don't think our outside temperatures are as high as yours are, Vivienne. It's just the inside that is impossible! Today we are supposed to be about 4 degrees cooler - so fingers crossed on that. You take care of yourself as well.
>62 MissWatson: Not so long ago, I wouldn't have been able to imagine temps. this high either! In the past we have been cooler here on the coast but things seemed to have changed.
>63 BLBera: Fingers crossed that this heat doesn't move east, Beth. I know the eastern part of the continent gets its own share of hot weather so you certainly don't need any of ours!
>62 MissWatson: Not so long ago, I wouldn't have been able to imagine temps. this high either! In the past we have been cooler here on the coast but things seemed to have changed.
>63 BLBera: Fingers crossed that this heat doesn't move east, Beth. I know the eastern part of the continent gets its own share of hot weather so you certainly don't need any of ours!
65DeltaQueen50
A small part of me wants to wish everyone a "Happy Canada Day" but the bigger part of me wants nothing to do with a celebration when we are still discovering the bodies of Indigenous children at various residential schools. I believe they have found over 600 unmarked graves so far. This is a national disgrace and both the government of Canada and the Catholic Church have a lot to answer for. My heart bleeds for the families that were forced to sent their children to these schools and for the children who suffered such horrors. Today, I am ashamed of my country.
66DeltaQueen50
111. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson - 5.0 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
July RandomCat: Summer
July TIOLI #6: Title Has 3 Words or Less
I found The Summer Book by Tove Jansson a delightful read. The author writes about the special bond that grandparents and children share as she offers up an assortment of adventures and stories about 85 year old Grandmother and ten year old Sophia. They are spending their summer on a small, remote island off the coast of Finland. Sophia's father is with them, but he is kept in the background throughout the book. Although separated by years, these two are boon companions as they argue, fight, laugh, plot and explore together. Grandmother is near the end of her life and is dealing with the anxieties of aging and coping with physical frailty. Sofia is just starting to expand her horizons, and learn about the workings of the world yet they compliment each other and feel free to express their opinions to each other.
Although my relationship with my granddaughter is quite different from the one portrayed in the book, I was reminded of some of our early conversations, before the child learned to guard herself and not expose her feelings directly. At times conversations between Sophia and her grandmother were deep and meaningful, at others light and completely random. I smiled a lot through this book but I was also touched by emotion at times as well.
The author has captured the relationship between these two, but she has also painted a picture of island life and the beauty of nature. From sunlit waters to stormy seas, her language is simple, descriptive and magical. The Summer Book was an excellent reflection of life and a joy to read and one that I was disappointed to see end.
Category: Hedgehogs
July RandomCat: Summer
July TIOLI #6: Title Has 3 Words or Less
I found The Summer Book by Tove Jansson a delightful read. The author writes about the special bond that grandparents and children share as she offers up an assortment of adventures and stories about 85 year old Grandmother and ten year old Sophia. They are spending their summer on a small, remote island off the coast of Finland. Sophia's father is with them, but he is kept in the background throughout the book. Although separated by years, these two are boon companions as they argue, fight, laugh, plot and explore together. Grandmother is near the end of her life and is dealing with the anxieties of aging and coping with physical frailty. Sofia is just starting to expand her horizons, and learn about the workings of the world yet they compliment each other and feel free to express their opinions to each other.
Although my relationship with my granddaughter is quite different from the one portrayed in the book, I was reminded of some of our early conversations, before the child learned to guard herself and not expose her feelings directly. At times conversations between Sophia and her grandmother were deep and meaningful, at others light and completely random. I smiled a lot through this book but I was also touched by emotion at times as well.
The author has captured the relationship between these two, but she has also painted a picture of island life and the beauty of nature. From sunlit waters to stormy seas, her language is simple, descriptive and magical. The Summer Book was an excellent reflection of life and a joy to read and one that I was disappointed to see end.
67katiekrug
>66 DeltaQueen50: - I am reading this one right now, Judy, and enjoying it quite a bit!
68dudes22
>66 DeltaQueen50: - Good choice for a summer read. I've made a note of it.
69Jackie_K
>66 DeltaQueen50: I've put that on the pile for this month's RandomCAT, I'm really looking forward to it!
70pamelad
>65 DeltaQueen50: It's terrible, and it's not only in Canada. It's hard to know what we, as individuals, can do now other than supporting indigenous organisations.
71VictoriaPL
>65 DeltaQueen50: Pamela is correct, it's a problem in many countries and it does weigh on your conscience as a citizen, I know. There are not always easy answers but I try to be hopeful for the future.
I’m glad to hear that your temps have dropped a bit.
I’m glad to hear that your temps have dropped a bit.
72VivienneR
>65 DeltaQueen50: We are not only having to live with climate change because of bad decisions by those who knew better and ignored the disastrous potential, but also the terrible consequences of history. I hope that at least now that equipment is available we'll be able to identify the children who suffered in residential schools and remember them and their families with respect. I'd like to think we'd learn our lessons but both climate change deniers and racism seems to be increasing.
Not much of a Canada Day here either. A wildfire started this afternoon nearby with an evacuation order for the Care Home and other addresses. I believe they have been evacuated to the Recreation Complex which can't be very comfortable. We are shrouded in smoke. Temp 41C.
Have a good weekend, Judy.
Not much of a Canada Day here either. A wildfire started this afternoon nearby with an evacuation order for the Care Home and other addresses. I believe they have been evacuated to the Recreation Complex which can't be very comfortable. We are shrouded in smoke. Temp 41C.
Have a good weekend, Judy.
73DeltaQueen50
My holiday ended up being quite a nice day as my younger daughter showed up with home baked cookies. Her husband is away right now so we had the afternoon and evening together and had a nice visit.
>67 katiekrug: The Summer Book was a great read for me during all that heat. It kept my mind off how hot I was!
>68 dudes22: I have never read anything by this author before so I was pleasantly surprised.
>69 Jackie_K: I think you will enjoy it, Jackie.
>70 pamelad: Yes, I don't think there is a country in the world that has a very good record for how they treated their indigenous people.
>71 VictoriaPL: I try to be hopeful for the future, Victoria, I would like to leave a better world for my grandchildren, but I am not sure that we are going to do that.
>72 VivienneR: I'm so sorry that you are suffering not only the heat but now smoke as well. This doesn't bode well for the rest of the summer. I agree with you about the deniers - I don't know what will make the people in charge finally sit up and take notice.
>67 katiekrug: The Summer Book was a great read for me during all that heat. It kept my mind off how hot I was!
>68 dudes22: I have never read anything by this author before so I was pleasantly surprised.
>69 Jackie_K: I think you will enjoy it, Jackie.
>70 pamelad: Yes, I don't think there is a country in the world that has a very good record for how they treated their indigenous people.
>71 VictoriaPL: I try to be hopeful for the future, Victoria, I would like to leave a better world for my grandchildren, but I am not sure that we are going to do that.
>72 VivienneR: I'm so sorry that you are suffering not only the heat but now smoke as well. This doesn't bode well for the rest of the summer. I agree with you about the deniers - I don't know what will make the people in charge finally sit up and take notice.
74thornton37814
Your thread is multiplying much too fast. Nice Thingaversary haul there on the last thread.
75DeltaQueen50
>74 thornton37814: Hi Lori and thanks for stopping by. I enjoyed choosing my books for my Thingaversary now I just have to fit them into my actual reading. :)
76DeltaQueen50
112. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - 4.3 ★
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book About Racism or Race Relations
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is the powerful story of a police shooting of an unarmed young black man. The story unfolds through the narration of Starr, a sixteen year old teen who was in the car when they were pulled over and watched while her seventeen year old friend Khalil was fatally shot. Being the only witness puts Starr in a very difficult position in her community as no one seems to want to hear the unvarnished truth, there are expectations on both sides and her evidence could put her and her family in danger.
This was an intense story that was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and the author has delivered a story that feels real. During the course of the book Starr, her family, and her friends go through the grief, anger, sadness and trauma that accompanies a sudden death but along with this, the author also wisely shows her characters sharing laughter, love, caring and hope. The development of her characters and their reactions raise the book to another level.
The Hate U Give is a gripping YA novel about Starr and her struggle for justice, her need to see Khalil remembered as a caring young man whose life was needlessly cut short. This is not a book that preaches how we should feel, instead the author has given us a traumatic, heart-wrenching yet hopeful story that is thought-provoking as it quietly shines a light on some very troubling political and racial issues.
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book About Racism or Race Relations
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is the powerful story of a police shooting of an unarmed young black man. The story unfolds through the narration of Starr, a sixteen year old teen who was in the car when they were pulled over and watched while her seventeen year old friend Khalil was fatally shot. Being the only witness puts Starr in a very difficult position in her community as no one seems to want to hear the unvarnished truth, there are expectations on both sides and her evidence could put her and her family in danger.
This was an intense story that was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and the author has delivered a story that feels real. During the course of the book Starr, her family, and her friends go through the grief, anger, sadness and trauma that accompanies a sudden death but along with this, the author also wisely shows her characters sharing laughter, love, caring and hope. The development of her characters and their reactions raise the book to another level.
The Hate U Give is a gripping YA novel about Starr and her struggle for justice, her need to see Khalil remembered as a caring young man whose life was needlessly cut short. This is not a book that preaches how we should feel, instead the author has given us a traumatic, heart-wrenching yet hopeful story that is thought-provoking as it quietly shines a light on some very troubling political and racial issues.
77LadyoftheLodge
Hi there! I am finally catching up with your thread. I like the idea of The Summer Book and will try to find it. Happy New Thread! Sorry I have been away for so long, I am finally feeling that I can relax a bit.
78dudes22
>112 DeltaQueen50: - This was the Reading Across Rhode Island book back in 2018 and I think a lot of high schools used it that year to promote discussion.
79BLBera
Hi Judy
>65 DeltaQueen50: Yes, I've been following the news, and it is shocking.
You remind me that The Hate U Give has been on my WL for far too long. The Summer Book sounds wonderful.
>65 DeltaQueen50: Yes, I've been following the news, and it is shocking.
You remind me that The Hate U Give has been on my WL for far too long. The Summer Book sounds wonderful.
80DeltaQueen50
>77 LadyoftheLodge: I am happy to see you, and now that you are halfway through your move, it's nice that you have some time to relax. I was really taken with The Summer Book and I hope you enjoy it as well.
>78 dudes22: Betty, I think this would be an excellent book for discussion - both at the high school level and for adults as well. The author places the reader right in the middle of the turmoil and I learned a lot.
>79 BLBera: Hi Beth, it's very disheartening that they keep finding more hidden graves at various locations. I totally recommend both The Hate U Give and The Summer Book!
>78 dudes22: Betty, I think this would be an excellent book for discussion - both at the high school level and for adults as well. The author places the reader right in the middle of the turmoil and I learned a lot.
>79 BLBera: Hi Beth, it's very disheartening that they keep finding more hidden graves at various locations. I totally recommend both The Hate U Give and The Summer Book!
81DeltaQueen50
113. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - 3.5 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
July TIOLI #6: Title Has 3 Words or Less
Zone One by Colson Whitehead is an interesting story that blends genre fiction with literary merit as the author sets this novel in a zombie ravaged post-apocalyptic America. A few years have passed since a mysterious plague caused society to crumble. Survivors have now gathered together and are optimistically going about reestablishing a government, carving out camps and cleaning out territory. One such mission is trying to reclaim New York City, or as they now call it, Zone One.
The story unfolds over a 3-day period as “Sweeper” Mark Spitz and his companions patrol portions of Manhattan. Along with this zombie clean-up the reader gets a number of flashbacks that explain how Mark Spitz survived the apocalypse and how he got his nickname. Of course, this all seems a little too easy, so we can’t help but wonder if things are about to take a turn for the worse.
What makes this story different to other zombie fiction is that although the author gives us a certain amount of zombie gore, he also gives us a self absorbed, deep thinking character that offers the reader a lot of well written observations and philosophy. I felt that the novel was a little too full of prose and lyrical language, that the pure punch of a zombie story was lost. There is no question about the excellence of the writing but I have to admit that I missed the cheesy zombie fun that I was hoping for.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
July TIOLI #6: Title Has 3 Words or Less
Zone One by Colson Whitehead is an interesting story that blends genre fiction with literary merit as the author sets this novel in a zombie ravaged post-apocalyptic America. A few years have passed since a mysterious plague caused society to crumble. Survivors have now gathered together and are optimistically going about reestablishing a government, carving out camps and cleaning out territory. One such mission is trying to reclaim New York City, or as they now call it, Zone One.
The story unfolds over a 3-day period as “Sweeper” Mark Spitz and his companions patrol portions of Manhattan. Along with this zombie clean-up the reader gets a number of flashbacks that explain how Mark Spitz survived the apocalypse and how he got his nickname. Of course, this all seems a little too easy, so we can’t help but wonder if things are about to take a turn for the worse.
What makes this story different to other zombie fiction is that although the author gives us a certain amount of zombie gore, he also gives us a self absorbed, deep thinking character that offers the reader a lot of well written observations and philosophy. I felt that the novel was a little too full of prose and lyrical language, that the pure punch of a zombie story was lost. There is no question about the excellence of the writing but I have to admit that I missed the cheesy zombie fun that I was hoping for.
82DeltaQueen50
114. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - 3.5 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
July GenreCat: Romance
Around the Year in 52 Books: Author is on U.S.A. Today's List of 100 Black Authors You Should Read
July TIOLI #9: "Samesies" Challenge
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory is a contemporary romance novel about how a fake romance became a real one. Alexa is a lawyer who now works for the mayor in Berkeley, California, while Drew is a pediatric surgeon who practices in L.A. They meet when their hotel elevator gets stuck and they are trapped, they get along very well and Drew tells Alexa that he is in San Francisco to attend an ex-girlfriend’s wedding. He needs a date and asks Alexa to come with him. He then confesses that he needs more than a date, he needs a fake girlfriend. Alexa, very attracted to Drew, agrees and their romance is launched. Their one night stand soon becomes alternate weekends at each other’s place.
Although Alexa is black and Drew is white, very little was said about any issues that could possibly arise from this. The book was mostly composed of hot sex followed by disagreements, then make-ups, and then more hot sex. I think they would have had less issues if they had just held back on the hot sex and had an actual conversation every now and again. Although there was a certain amount of charm as the couple worked out their issues, it still seemed like a rather immature relationship and I thought the story lacked depth.
On the plus side, the book was a quick and light-hearted read perfect for reading outside on a warm, sunny day.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
July GenreCat: Romance
Around the Year in 52 Books: Author is on U.S.A. Today's List of 100 Black Authors You Should Read
July TIOLI #9: "Samesies" Challenge
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory is a contemporary romance novel about how a fake romance became a real one. Alexa is a lawyer who now works for the mayor in Berkeley, California, while Drew is a pediatric surgeon who practices in L.A. They meet when their hotel elevator gets stuck and they are trapped, they get along very well and Drew tells Alexa that he is in San Francisco to attend an ex-girlfriend’s wedding. He needs a date and asks Alexa to come with him. He then confesses that he needs more than a date, he needs a fake girlfriend. Alexa, very attracted to Drew, agrees and their romance is launched. Their one night stand soon becomes alternate weekends at each other’s place.
Although Alexa is black and Drew is white, very little was said about any issues that could possibly arise from this. The book was mostly composed of hot sex followed by disagreements, then make-ups, and then more hot sex. I think they would have had less issues if they had just held back on the hot sex and had an actual conversation every now and again. Although there was a certain amount of charm as the couple worked out their issues, it still seemed like a rather immature relationship and I thought the story lacked depth.
On the plus side, the book was a quick and light-hearted read perfect for reading outside on a warm, sunny day.
83BLBera
Interesting comments on Zone One, Judy. I like Whitehead a lot, but have never understood the appeal of zombies, so I've avoided this one. Maybe I'll have to rethink that.
84DeltaQueen50
>83 BLBera: Beth, I think Zone One may appeal to people who don't normally read zombie books. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
85DeltaQueen50
115. Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
I chose to read Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain because it appears on the British Crime Writers Assoc. Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time and the H.R.F. Keating 100 Best Crime and Mystery Books. This is the 26th book in the author’s 87th Precinct series that features the police and detectives of a precinct in an imaginary American city.
I can certainly see why this book appears on both lists, as it is another gem in the police procedural genre. It features Detective Steve Carella as he follows his hunch as to who killed Sarah Fletcher, the junkie burglar who left his fingerprints on the knife or Sarah’s husband who openly rejoices in her death. There is also a side story that follows Detective Bert Kling as he recovers from a recent breakup with his girlfriend and becomes intrigued by one of the witnesses in the Fletcher case.
While there isn’t really a mystery to be solved here, the book paints a realistic picture of policing in the 1970s. It is set in the days leading up to Christmas and I enjoyed both the descriptions of the cold weather and the seasonal crimes that the precinct had to deal with. Sadie When She Died is fast paced and offers some great dialogue that immerses the reader in the story. As it was written and published in the 1970s it is somewhat dated, especially in it’s treatment and description of women but overall, this was a very good read.
Category: Cherry Cordials
I chose to read Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain because it appears on the British Crime Writers Assoc. Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time and the H.R.F. Keating 100 Best Crime and Mystery Books. This is the 26th book in the author’s 87th Precinct series that features the police and detectives of a precinct in an imaginary American city.
I can certainly see why this book appears on both lists, as it is another gem in the police procedural genre. It features Detective Steve Carella as he follows his hunch as to who killed Sarah Fletcher, the junkie burglar who left his fingerprints on the knife or Sarah’s husband who openly rejoices in her death. There is also a side story that follows Detective Bert Kling as he recovers from a recent breakup with his girlfriend and becomes intrigued by one of the witnesses in the Fletcher case.
While there isn’t really a mystery to be solved here, the book paints a realistic picture of policing in the 1970s. It is set in the days leading up to Christmas and I enjoyed both the descriptions of the cold weather and the seasonal crimes that the precinct had to deal with. Sadie When She Died is fast paced and offers some great dialogue that immerses the reader in the story. As it was written and published in the 1970s it is somewhat dated, especially in it’s treatment and description of women but overall, this was a very good read.
86mysterymax
I've meant to read 'Sadie' for years, you've given me a gentle push!
87DeltaQueen50
>86 mysterymax: This is the second of the 87th Precinct novels that I have read recently, the other being the first one, Cop Hater. I suspect I read a number of them years ago but don't remember which ones. I really liked both of them but will try to restrain myself from reading more of them too close together as I suspect they could start to blur together.
88DeltaQueen50
I don't often abandon a book, but I have decided to give up on Grange House as I just couldn't seem to get into it. As I was going to read it for this month's ScaredyKit theme of "Ghosts & Hauntings", I've decided to replace it with one of my Thingaversary books, The Sun Down Motel.
89DeltaQueen50
116. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland - 4.3 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
July SFFFKit: Historical Fantasy
July TIOLI #6: Title Has 3 Words or Less
I love historical fiction, adventure sagas and zombie stories so Dread Nation by Justina Ireland was a good fit for me. Jane McKeene, born just a few days after the dead first got up and walked during the Battle of Gettysburg, is of mixed racial heritage but like all Negros, she is required by law to attend a combat school in Baltimore and learn how to put down the dead. Unfortunately that is the role of blacks in this America, they are required to guard the whites against the walking dead, called shamblers.
Jane is nearing the end of her training and her thoughts are on returning to her home in Kentucky, but when people in the Baltimore area start to go missing, Jane and a fellow student, Katherine, get caught up in the middle of a conspiracy and they are shipped to Kansas and find themselves in a terrifying position. Not ones to give in easily, Jane and Katherine plot to find themselves a way out of this death-trap where shamblers are not the only danger that they face.
Dread Nation is a fun blend of period drama, alternative history, and zombie fantasy. It also takes a hard look at the socio-cultural elements that required having such a tight control over the black population. It is hard not to question the ‘freedom” that was granted to the black people at the conclusion of the Civil War. If people are not seen as fully equal with other humans, and don’t have the same rights as others – are they truly free? Even more importantly, does this idea not carry beyond this book to today’s society. This is definitely a YA series that I will be continuing on with.
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
July SFFFKit: Historical Fantasy
July TIOLI #6: Title Has 3 Words or Less
I love historical fiction, adventure sagas and zombie stories so Dread Nation by Justina Ireland was a good fit for me. Jane McKeene, born just a few days after the dead first got up and walked during the Battle of Gettysburg, is of mixed racial heritage but like all Negros, she is required by law to attend a combat school in Baltimore and learn how to put down the dead. Unfortunately that is the role of blacks in this America, they are required to guard the whites against the walking dead, called shamblers.
Jane is nearing the end of her training and her thoughts are on returning to her home in Kentucky, but when people in the Baltimore area start to go missing, Jane and a fellow student, Katherine, get caught up in the middle of a conspiracy and they are shipped to Kansas and find themselves in a terrifying position. Not ones to give in easily, Jane and Katherine plot to find themselves a way out of this death-trap where shamblers are not the only danger that they face.
Dread Nation is a fun blend of period drama, alternative history, and zombie fantasy. It also takes a hard look at the socio-cultural elements that required having such a tight control over the black population. It is hard not to question the ‘freedom” that was granted to the black people at the conclusion of the Civil War. If people are not seen as fully equal with other humans, and don’t have the same rights as others – are they truly free? Even more importantly, does this idea not carry beyond this book to today’s society. This is definitely a YA series that I will be continuing on with.
90DeltaQueen50
Looking back over my 2nd Quarter reading, I am wondering if I have gotten tougher on rating my reads. I only gave one book a 5 star rating although I did have a few 4.5 star reads to keep things interesting.
My Best Books of the 2nd Quarter:
A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
Beacon At Alexandria by Gilliam Bradshaw
Crimson Lake by Candice Fox
Green For Danger by Christianna Brand
Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Slightly Married by Mary Balogh
My Best Books of the 2nd Quarter:
A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
Beacon At Alexandria by Gilliam Bradshaw
Crimson Lake by Candice Fox
Green For Danger by Christianna Brand
Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Slightly Married by Mary Balogh
91Tanya-dogearedcopy
>90 DeltaQueen50: I rarely give out 5-star ratings myself. It literally has to be so good that I judge people on whether they love it or not and/or; It gets under my skin so much I dream about it!
This year, I have only one 5-star title: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (translated by Simon Armitage; narrated by Bill Wallis). Almost everything else is four stars… including Shakespeare! :-D
This year, I have only one 5-star title: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (translated by Simon Armitage; narrated by Bill Wallis). Almost everything else is four stars… including Shakespeare! :-D
92Tess_W
>90 DeltaQueen50: I know I have gotten tougher over the last few years. I seem to give a lot of "3"'s, which for me is an average read--though enjoyable.
93Helenliz
I'm wondering the reverse. Two 5 star reads in a year is almost unprecedented for me!
Also, I found out late yesterday that 7th July is world chocolate day. Sorry the celebration is a day late.
Also, I found out late yesterday that 7th July is world chocolate day. Sorry the celebration is a day late.
94DeltaQueen50
>91 Tanya-dogearedcopy: & >92 Tess_W: I think I do give out 5 stars too easily so I'm ok with tightening things up a bit. 3 stars is usually a read I didn't really enjoy for one reason or another. I tend to give average reads a 3.5 and good reads a 4.0. But rating is so selective - what I think of a book can be so different from what someone else thinks.
>93 Helenliz: I missed World Chocolate Day - I expect I will be kicked out of the Assoc. of Chocolate Lovers!
>93 Helenliz: I missed World Chocolate Day - I expect I will be kicked out of the Assoc. of Chocolate Lovers!
95pamelad
>94 DeltaQueen50: Lately I've been trying to spread my ratings across the whole scale, instead of clustering around 3 and 4 stars, but they depend on how I'm feeling at the time. I give unfairly low ratings to books that don't meet my expectations.
96DeltaQueen50
>95 pamelad: I think that is all we can do - judge a book by our own standards and expectations. There are a lot of books that are highly regarded by professional critics that wouldn't rate very high with me - yes, I am thinking of books like Lolita which however much I can understand why it is considered great literature, I personally didn't like it.
97DeltaQueen50
117. Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter - 4.3 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
July AlphaKit: O
July TIOLI #7: Title Forms An Acronym
Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O’Porter is a coming-of-age story about Renee and Flo, two fifteen year old teens living on Guernsey Island in the 1990s. While Renee is the class clown, outspoken and considered wild, Flo is quiet and totally under the thumb of queen-bee Sally, who cruelly uses Flo to make herself more important. Yet these two girls find themselves drawn together and are beginning to develop a strong friendship which they both desperately need as each one has a non-supportive dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, their insecurities and juvenile betrayals threaten to destroy their friendship.
The author who herself grew up on Guernsey Island used her teen diaries and memories to create this entertaining story that was at times humorous while at others quite heart breaking. She captures both the times and the voices of these teens accurately as she portrays their good and bad behaviour as well as their troubled home lives. The dialogue strikes one as authentic and the book captures episodes of drunkenness, bad sex and the casual humiliation that the young seem able to dish out to each other so easily.
Paper Aeroplanes manages to be both poignant and innovative as it explores how this friendship both strengthens and empowers these two young girls and has the reader rooting for the two to reconnect and save their relationship. With it’s well-drawn characters and realistic situations, I found Paper Aeroplanes highly readable and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Category: Chocolate Letters
July AlphaKit: O
July TIOLI #7: Title Forms An Acronym
Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O’Porter is a coming-of-age story about Renee and Flo, two fifteen year old teens living on Guernsey Island in the 1990s. While Renee is the class clown, outspoken and considered wild, Flo is quiet and totally under the thumb of queen-bee Sally, who cruelly uses Flo to make herself more important. Yet these two girls find themselves drawn together and are beginning to develop a strong friendship which they both desperately need as each one has a non-supportive dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, their insecurities and juvenile betrayals threaten to destroy their friendship.
The author who herself grew up on Guernsey Island used her teen diaries and memories to create this entertaining story that was at times humorous while at others quite heart breaking. She captures both the times and the voices of these teens accurately as she portrays their good and bad behaviour as well as their troubled home lives. The dialogue strikes one as authentic and the book captures episodes of drunkenness, bad sex and the casual humiliation that the young seem able to dish out to each other so easily.
Paper Aeroplanes manages to be both poignant and innovative as it explores how this friendship both strengthens and empowers these two young girls and has the reader rooting for the two to reconnect and save their relationship. With it’s well-drawn characters and realistic situations, I found Paper Aeroplanes highly readable and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
98hailelib
>66 DeltaQueen50: - I’ve put The Summer Book on my wishlist. I’m also thinking about reading a book by McBain.
After experimenting with ratings some time ago I decided to not give them since I had so much trouble deciding what to give.
After experimenting with ratings some time ago I decided to not give them since I had so much trouble deciding what to give.
99DeltaQueen50
It's blueberry season here in the lower mainland and we picked up our first batch this morning. I also stopped at a vegtable stand and got some Okanagan cherries which are so sweet and juicy that I had to come into the computer room in order to stop eating them! I also picked up local new potatoes, green beans and roma tomatoes. I love this time of year!
>98 hailelib: I hope you give a McBain book a try. He was one of the first to write a true police procedural and I find that part of the book very interesting. I could probably switch to a "three thumbs" system - thumbs up, thumbs down, and thumbs neutral.
>98 hailelib: I hope you give a McBain book a try. He was one of the first to write a true police procedural and I find that part of the book very interesting. I could probably switch to a "three thumbs" system - thumbs up, thumbs down, and thumbs neutral.
100Tanya-dogearedcopy
>99 DeltaQueen50: LOL, That's basically Litsy! :-)
101DeltaQueen50
>100 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Oh, I don't use Litsy, but maybe I should look into it.
102DeltaQueen50
118. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James - 4.5 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
July ScaredyKit: Ghosts and Hauntings
July TIOLI #12: Title Contains a Dwelling Place
If you are looking for a book that will raise goosebumps then The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James would be a great one to pick up. This excellently developed mystery story with supernatural elements added blends suspense with horror and the result was a riveting story that played out over two different time periods. Set in a small town in upstate New York, we visit both in 1982 and in 2017. In 2017 we follow along with Carly who arrives in Fell searching for answers about the disappearance of her Aunt Viv 35 years ago. And of course we also meet and follow Viv’s story in 1982.
Both these women end up working as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel, and both soon know that something is terribly wrong at this motel. Strange noises, lights that flicker on and off, doors that open and shut, and visitations from the dead are regular occurrences but beyond this, the real horror is that in 1982, Fell seems to have been the home base of a serial murderer. A number of woman’s bodies were discovered, one was even found on the grounds of the Sun Down, and she has become a regular spectre haunting the motel and being particularly active when a certain travelling salesman checks in. Viv gets caught up in the drama and vows to stop the serial murderer. Thirty-five years later, Carly suspects that the serial murderer may have gotten to Viv and she is searching for answers.
I was totally enthralled by this book with it’s strong sense of place, 1980s memorabilia, and the sheer creepiness of the motel. The two story lines were equally well done making The Sun Down Motel an excellent horror/suspense read. This was the first book I have read by Simone St. James but I am very happy that I have a couple more by her on my shelves.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
July ScaredyKit: Ghosts and Hauntings
July TIOLI #12: Title Contains a Dwelling Place
If you are looking for a book that will raise goosebumps then The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James would be a great one to pick up. This excellently developed mystery story with supernatural elements added blends suspense with horror and the result was a riveting story that played out over two different time periods. Set in a small town in upstate New York, we visit both in 1982 and in 2017. In 2017 we follow along with Carly who arrives in Fell searching for answers about the disappearance of her Aunt Viv 35 years ago. And of course we also meet and follow Viv’s story in 1982.
Both these women end up working as the night clerk at the Sun Down Motel, and both soon know that something is terribly wrong at this motel. Strange noises, lights that flicker on and off, doors that open and shut, and visitations from the dead are regular occurrences but beyond this, the real horror is that in 1982, Fell seems to have been the home base of a serial murderer. A number of woman’s bodies were discovered, one was even found on the grounds of the Sun Down, and she has become a regular spectre haunting the motel and being particularly active when a certain travelling salesman checks in. Viv gets caught up in the drama and vows to stop the serial murderer. Thirty-five years later, Carly suspects that the serial murderer may have gotten to Viv and she is searching for answers.
I was totally enthralled by this book with it’s strong sense of place, 1980s memorabilia, and the sheer creepiness of the motel. The two story lines were equally well done making The Sun Down Motel an excellent horror/suspense read. This was the first book I have read by Simone St. James but I am very happy that I have a couple more by her on my shelves.
103Tanya-dogearedcopy
>102 DeltaQueen50: Oooh! This sounds like something I would love (LOL, a potential 5-star!) :-)
104DeltaQueen50
>103 Tanya-dogearedcopy: I almost gave it 5 stars, but there were places where I felt the author was a little long-winded, but it's a very good read and I hope you enjoy it.
105Familyhistorian
Good to see that you made it through the heatwave, Judy. There was a report that less than 40% of homes in BC have air conditioning. I wonder if that will change after this year?
106VivienneR
>99 DeltaQueen50: You were lucky to get those Okanagan cherries, Judy. I read that a large percentage cooked on the trees during the heatwave. It has cooled off here in the Kootenays. Only 37C today!
107DeltaQueen50
>105 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I credit my grandson with helping me make it through the heatwave. He installed a small air conditioner in the room that I mostly hang out in - the one with the books, computer and TV. I have it set so it brings the room down to 20 degrees and that plus a fan kept me cool.
>106 VivienneR: I can well believe that the fruit cooked on the trees, Vivienne. We lost our begonias and impatiens from our front balcony, they cooked in the heat. OMG only 37C!! We are a balmy 25C today but what is really helping is that is has been cooling down to around 16C at night. I will keep my fingers crossed that it will cool down a few more degrees for you.
>106 VivienneR: I can well believe that the fruit cooked on the trees, Vivienne. We lost our begonias and impatiens from our front balcony, they cooked in the heat. OMG only 37C!! We are a balmy 25C today but what is really helping is that is has been cooling down to around 16C at night. I will keep my fingers crossed that it will cool down a few more degrees for you.
108Familyhistorian
>107 DeltaQueen50: You were lucky with his timing on that, Judy. I don't have air conditioning but have a nice cool basement, which helped.
109DeltaQueen50
>108 Familyhistorian: The timing was perfection! We are at the top of our building on the third floor and it really got hot in the apartment. On the hottest day the temp. was well over 40C.
110DeltaQueen50
119. Murder For the Bride by John D. MacDonald - 3.6 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
July TIOLI #9: Samesies Challenge
Murder for the Bride by John D. MacDonald starts off like many of his mysteries with the main character getting embroiled in a crime and having to become the investigator. In this case, Dil Bryant comes home to New Orleans from a business trip to Mexico to find that his new bride has been murdered.
Dil couldn’t believe that Laura was dead and even worse that she was being slagged off by the police as a worthless tramp who had seen him as an easy ride. It’s not until he’s taken aside by two black suited government men that he learns the truth. Laura came to America on a false passport, in reality she was a German girl, mistress to a prominent Nazi during the war. She slipped away to Russia after the war and was involved with a Russian Colonel who was in a very high position. It is believed that she stole important Communist secrets and then came to America by way of South America. Although it is believed that she was murdered by Russians, her old lover, the Nazi had been seen in her company just before her death. Dil goes on the hunt for answers and vengeance.
I found Murder For the Bride a solidly entertaining story, and very much a product of it’s time with both Nazis and Communists lurking about. Dil is the every-man American hero who gets pulled into a Communist conspiracy and fights for decency and truth. Although originally published in 1951, there were enough twists and turns to keep this far-fetched story readable and although not his best work, I thought the book distinctly showed the promise of this author’s exciting work to come.
Category: Cherry Cordials
July TIOLI #9: Samesies Challenge
Murder for the Bride by John D. MacDonald starts off like many of his mysteries with the main character getting embroiled in a crime and having to become the investigator. In this case, Dil Bryant comes home to New Orleans from a business trip to Mexico to find that his new bride has been murdered.
Dil couldn’t believe that Laura was dead and even worse that she was being slagged off by the police as a worthless tramp who had seen him as an easy ride. It’s not until he’s taken aside by two black suited government men that he learns the truth. Laura came to America on a false passport, in reality she was a German girl, mistress to a prominent Nazi during the war. She slipped away to Russia after the war and was involved with a Russian Colonel who was in a very high position. It is believed that she stole important Communist secrets and then came to America by way of South America. Although it is believed that she was murdered by Russians, her old lover, the Nazi had been seen in her company just before her death. Dil goes on the hunt for answers and vengeance.
I found Murder For the Bride a solidly entertaining story, and very much a product of it’s time with both Nazis and Communists lurking about. Dil is the every-man American hero who gets pulled into a Communist conspiracy and fights for decency and truth. Although originally published in 1951, there were enough twists and turns to keep this far-fetched story readable and although not his best work, I thought the book distinctly showed the promise of this author’s exciting work to come.
111msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy. I see you are enjoying the books. I was a big fan of MacDonald back in the day, especially the Travis McGee series. I also loved The Hate U Give and The Sun Down Motel sounds like a fun ride.
112DeltaQueen50
>111 msf59: Hi Mark, I've been enjoying some fun reads during the last week. Fingers crossed that they continue! I have really enjoyed reading John MacDonald's mysteries. So far I've stuck to his stand-alones being hesitant to start up yet another series.
113VivienneR
>102 DeltaQueen50: Great review! I've had this on my library wishlist for some time but the number of holds are not going down much. I hesitate putting any more holds on my card in case they all come in at once (as usual).
>107 DeltaQueen50: Sorry you lost your balcony flowers. I think most of mine must be heat resistant. I'm really surprised at how well they are doing although the foliage is looking a bit toasted. My birthday picnic (4th July) was postponed because it was so hot but when it rolled around on Thursday it was 37C, so still pretty hot. Nevertheless we had a good time and played Mah Jonng under sun umbrellas (I lost).
>107 DeltaQueen50: Sorry you lost your balcony flowers. I think most of mine must be heat resistant. I'm really surprised at how well they are doing although the foliage is looking a bit toasted. My birthday picnic (4th July) was postponed because it was so hot but when it rolled around on Thursday it was 37C, so still pretty hot. Nevertheless we had a good time and played Mah Jonng under sun umbrellas (I lost).
114DeltaQueen50
>113 VivienneR: I applaud that you are getting out and enjoying your summer instead of hiding away from the heat! We replaced the dead flowers with petunias and geraniums both of which thrive in the heat. I hope your hold on The Sun Down Motel moves along quickly.
115DeltaQueen50
120. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre - 5.0 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
July 1,001 Books Group Challenge: From a High School Curriculum
July TIOLI #14: Title Triggers an Earworm (Baby, It's Cold Outside)
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre is a brilliant literary thriller that was originally published in 1963. This book exposes the dirty, messy business of spies on both sides of the Cold War and is totally unlike James Bond with his martini on one side and a beautiful woman on the other. In this book we meet Alec Leamas, a disillusioned British spy who is both mentally and physically fatigued. He is being used as a faux defector to help a British mole from being exposed.
It’s obvious that the author has a strong understanding of how the British intelligence worked during the Cold War and the result is a unique and flawlessly crafted story. His characters are complex and nuanced to give the book a feeling of authenticity. As disturbing as the story content is, I was even more upset by the casual immorality of the characters. They go about their shadowy dealings much like playing a game, there is no sense of right or wrong in the unethical world of espionage.
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold is my first book by this author and I am now looking forward to reading more. This was an intelligent and dark story that shows how the line between good and evil can be blurred and the many twists and turns it takes, along with the excellent writing rises this book beyond the “spy genre” into the Classic it has become.
Category: Hedgehogs
July 1,001 Books Group Challenge: From a High School Curriculum
July TIOLI #14: Title Triggers an Earworm (Baby, It's Cold Outside)
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre is a brilliant literary thriller that was originally published in 1963. This book exposes the dirty, messy business of spies on both sides of the Cold War and is totally unlike James Bond with his martini on one side and a beautiful woman on the other. In this book we meet Alec Leamas, a disillusioned British spy who is both mentally and physically fatigued. He is being used as a faux defector to help a British mole from being exposed.
It’s obvious that the author has a strong understanding of how the British intelligence worked during the Cold War and the result is a unique and flawlessly crafted story. His characters are complex and nuanced to give the book a feeling of authenticity. As disturbing as the story content is, I was even more upset by the casual immorality of the characters. They go about their shadowy dealings much like playing a game, there is no sense of right or wrong in the unethical world of espionage.
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold is my first book by this author and I am now looking forward to reading more. This was an intelligent and dark story that shows how the line between good and evil can be blurred and the many twists and turns it takes, along with the excellent writing rises this book beyond the “spy genre” into the Classic it has become.
116thornton37814
>102 DeltaQueen50: I've heard mixed comments on that one from people who read it at our library. I really think it has to do with their reading preferences. Your comments make me think it may be a bit eerier than some of them liked.
117DeltaQueen50
>116 thornton37814: Lori, it definitely didn't pull any punches when it came to picturing the shady lifestyle that those in espionage were living. There are no good guys in the book, no matter what side they were on, if they were involved in spying then they lived in a gritty, underhanded manner.
118clue
>120 RidgewayGirl: Your review is very good and has helped nudge me along to the Le Carre reread plan that I swore to last year. I've only read one so far though and it was the newest and the last in the Smiley series so it wasn't an actual reread. I felt very sentimetal about it because I started reading about George in the 70s and the husband of a close friend and I used to talk endlessly about LeCarre's stories and his characters. She, Barbara, died last year, and her husband moved a couple of hours away. He had every book he had bought (lots) for many years. He took a lot with him of course and gave about 1000 away. I have the rest, about 250 or a little over, in boxes in my garage and dining room. The plan was for any I didn't want to go to be donated to the library but they're still not taking donations due to the build up of inventory (no book sales last year). I've been wondering if I'll run across the LeCarre's when I do get through them. I know many people would think it's silly to feel emotion over old books, but Barbara and Kurt were a big part of my life and we loved reading and loved sharing books with each other all those years!
119VivienneR
>115 DeltaQueen50: Great review! Le Carré is one of my favourite authors and is usually to be found on my to-be-read-again category.
120RidgewayGirl
>118 clue: Books hold a great deal of nostalgia and emotion in them. They become part of the time in which we read them and so are a part of what makes our memories richer. How wonderful to always remember good friends when you see a Le Carré novel.
121DeltaQueen50
>118 clue: I think reading can fill your senses with memories. Associating an author with certain friends is a wonderful thing. Actually I am rereading a book that I loved when much younger and it is bringing back memories of long-ago school days. Sights, smells and touch can also be evoked by books, all of which, I think, attributes to the avid reader's love of books.
>119 VivienneR: I don't know why I have never read le Carre before, I broke into the spy genre with James Bond but for some reason I never got around to le Carre. This is a mistake that I will rectify.
>120 RidgewayGirl: Exactly!
>119 VivienneR: I don't know why I have never read le Carre before, I broke into the spy genre with James Bond but for some reason I never got around to le Carre. This is a mistake that I will rectify.
>120 RidgewayGirl: Exactly!
122dudes22
>121 DeltaQueen50: - I only started reading Le Carre when there was all the fuss about A Legacy of Spies coming out 27 years after the end of the series. So far I've read the first three but need to get going on more.
123DeltaQueen50
>122 dudes22: I just picked up the first book, A Call For the Dead so I can start at the beginning of the series. I also just realized that I was mistaken when I said I hadn't read this author before. I read The Little Drummer Girl way back in the 1980s.
124DeltaQueen50
121. Dawn's Early Light by Elswyth Thane - 3.8 ★
Categry: White Chocolate Cameos
July Reading Through Time: Now We Are Free
July TIOLI #7: Title's Initials Form an Acronym
I originally read Dawn’s Early Light by Elswyth Thane many years ago and I held onto the memory of how much I enjoyed the book, so when I saw it was available for the Kindle I picked up a copy. This is the story of Julian Day, a young Englishman who arrives in Williamsburg, Virginia months before the beginning of the American Revolution. From his early stance of being pro-British, he eventually becomes so attached to his new country that by the middle of the book, he is off to join the American Continental army.
The details about the various campaigns were well researched and full of interesting details. Also living and working in Williamsburg brought Julian into contact with many important men of the times, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. This book is actually the first book in the author’s Williamsburg series, and so there are also many additional characters to follow. First and foremost is Tibby Mawes who meets Julian and falls in love with him, even though she is only eleven at the time. His best friend St. John Sprague draws him into his own family and Julian is treated as one of the family by St. John’s aunt and sister.
As much as I enjoyed revisiting this book, I am quite contented to end my reading of the series here. There are areas in the book, originally published in 1943, that I found quite dated, in particular, the author’s statements as to how happy and contented the slaves were but it certainly caught my attention that the colonists biggest concern when the British took the ammunition from their armoury was fear that the slaves would rise up against them. Overall I would say that I enjoyed reading about the various battles and campaigns, but that the romance angles felt contrived and rather superficial and didn’t really appeal to me as much as they did originally when I was twelve.
Categry: White Chocolate Cameos
July Reading Through Time: Now We Are Free
July TIOLI #7: Title's Initials Form an Acronym
I originally read Dawn’s Early Light by Elswyth Thane many years ago and I held onto the memory of how much I enjoyed the book, so when I saw it was available for the Kindle I picked up a copy. This is the story of Julian Day, a young Englishman who arrives in Williamsburg, Virginia months before the beginning of the American Revolution. From his early stance of being pro-British, he eventually becomes so attached to his new country that by the middle of the book, he is off to join the American Continental army.
The details about the various campaigns were well researched and full of interesting details. Also living and working in Williamsburg brought Julian into contact with many important men of the times, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. This book is actually the first book in the author’s Williamsburg series, and so there are also many additional characters to follow. First and foremost is Tibby Mawes who meets Julian and falls in love with him, even though she is only eleven at the time. His best friend St. John Sprague draws him into his own family and Julian is treated as one of the family by St. John’s aunt and sister.
As much as I enjoyed revisiting this book, I am quite contented to end my reading of the series here. There are areas in the book, originally published in 1943, that I found quite dated, in particular, the author’s statements as to how happy and contented the slaves were but it certainly caught my attention that the colonists biggest concern when the British took the ammunition from their armoury was fear that the slaves would rise up against them. Overall I would say that I enjoyed reading about the various battles and campaigns, but that the romance angles felt contrived and rather superficial and didn’t really appeal to me as much as they did originally when I was twelve.
125MissWatson
>124 DeltaQueen50: The plot reminds me very much of Bernard Cornwell's Redcoat. Makes you wonder if there's a connection.
126Tanya-dogearedcopy
>124 DeltaQueen50: I remember loving Johnny Tremaine (by Esther Forbes) as a kid (eleven- or twelve-years old at the time) and eagerly looked forward to re-reading it when my daughter was assigned the book in middle school. But oh, boy! We both ended up hating it! Also written at the end of WWII, it has quite the taste of patriotic propaganda and, a very vague sense of what is going on if you don’t know your history. I find it interesting that Dawn’s Early Light was written/published around the same time. I hadn’t thought about it before, but it makes sense that there would have been post-war novels written that would have reflected patriotic pride.
127DeltaQueen50
>125 MissWatson: I haven't read Redcoat, but I don't think there is any connection between these authors. The two books were published some 40 years apart so perhaps Cornwell was influenced by Elswyth Thane as she was quite prominent in her day.
>126 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Uh-oh - I also loved Johnny Tremain! Going back for re-reads doesn't always confirm one's love for a certain book. I think I will stay away from a re-read of JT. I guess we don't even realize how much the times that a book was written in affects it as much as the times the book is set in.
>126 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Uh-oh - I also loved Johnny Tremain! Going back for re-reads doesn't always confirm one's love for a certain book. I think I will stay away from a re-read of JT. I guess we don't even realize how much the times that a book was written in affects it as much as the times the book is set in.
128VictoriaPL
>127 DeltaQueen50: so true!
129DeltaQueen50
>128 VictoriaPL: It sort of scares me when I think of how influenced I could have been by my reading. Thank heavens I've grown and have been educated along the way which has given me a more liberal outlook.
130VictoriaPL
>129 DeltaQueen50: my husband and I watched a cartoon series we had loved as children on Netflix recently. We expected to be wrapped in a warm blanket of nostalgia but we’re horrified at how bad it was. It's interesting how time gives perspective.
131BLBera
>124 DeltaQueen50: I think I read some novels by Thane when I was in my teens as well, Judy. I remember liking them but now will not be tempted to revisit them. Too often, books don't stand the test of time. These days I am most tempted to reread classics that I'm sure I didn't appreciate at the time.
132DeltaQueen50
>130 VictoriaPL: Yes, I guess there are a lot of books, films and television shows that are best left to the past.
>131 BLBera: I remember loving Elswyth Thane's Williamsburg series, and I should have left it there - in my memories. I also remember another Thane story that I loved, it was a ghost story about a girl who fell in love with the ghost of a man who died in either WW I or II. I may yet give that one a re-read, but will try not to have too high an expectation.
>131 BLBera: I remember loving Elswyth Thane's Williamsburg series, and I should have left it there - in my memories. I also remember another Thane story that I loved, it was a ghost story about a girl who fell in love with the ghost of a man who died in either WW I or II. I may yet give that one a re-read, but will try not to have too high an expectation.
133DeltaQueen50
122. Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie - 4.3 ★
Category: Purdy's Gift Box
July TIOLI #10: Title Give Advice or an Order
Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie is the 9th book in her series that features Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and DI Gemma James. Gemma accepts an invitation to join her friend Hazel on a cooking weekend in the Scottish Highlands. It isn’t until the women arrive and meet the other guests that Gemma learns that Hazel’s purpose for being there is to test the waters between herself and her old love, Donald Brodie, a local distillery owner. When someone murders Donald, Hazel becomes the prime suspect and although Gemma wants to help her, she must tiptoe around the local authority, who obviously wants her to stay out of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Duncan, at home in London with their two boys, receives notice that his ex-Mother-in-Law is seeking custody of Kit, the son of his first wife. Although by appearance, it seems obvious that Kit is Duncan’s natural son, he was brought up believing himself the son of his mother’s second marriage. Kit is in a fragile state having been abandoned or overlooked most of his life. He appears to be resistant to getting a DNA test and Duncan is reluctant to force him. However, a positive DNA test would lay all custody concerns to rest.
Now You May Weep was both a great mystery story and an interesting step forward in the personal lives of the main characters. Duncan does come up to Scotland for a few days to assist and support Gemma, and this gave them a chance to discuss family matters and make plans. The author includes a story from the past which is skilfully done and helps to advance the plot. The setting is vividly described and transports the reader to the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to the next one.
Category: Purdy's Gift Box
July TIOLI #10: Title Give Advice or an Order
Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie is the 9th book in her series that features Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and DI Gemma James. Gemma accepts an invitation to join her friend Hazel on a cooking weekend in the Scottish Highlands. It isn’t until the women arrive and meet the other guests that Gemma learns that Hazel’s purpose for being there is to test the waters between herself and her old love, Donald Brodie, a local distillery owner. When someone murders Donald, Hazel becomes the prime suspect and although Gemma wants to help her, she must tiptoe around the local authority, who obviously wants her to stay out of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Duncan, at home in London with their two boys, receives notice that his ex-Mother-in-Law is seeking custody of Kit, the son of his first wife. Although by appearance, it seems obvious that Kit is Duncan’s natural son, he was brought up believing himself the son of his mother’s second marriage. Kit is in a fragile state having been abandoned or overlooked most of his life. He appears to be resistant to getting a DNA test and Duncan is reluctant to force him. However, a positive DNA test would lay all custody concerns to rest.
Now You May Weep was both a great mystery story and an interesting step forward in the personal lives of the main characters. Duncan does come up to Scotland for a few days to assist and support Gemma, and this gave them a chance to discuss family matters and make plans. The author includes a story from the past which is skilfully done and helps to advance the plot. The setting is vividly described and transports the reader to the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to the next one.
134msf59
Happy Saturday, Judy. Good review of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. I remember loving this one too but it has been decades.
135DeltaQueen50
>134 msf59: Hi Mark, somehow I overlooked many of the John le Carre novels when I was younger, I guess I was more of a James Bond fan. I was very impressed with The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and will now read more from this author.
136Tanya-dogearedcopy
>135 DeltaQueen50: I try to read at least one le Carré novel every summer! I read The Russia House last summer and did a re-read via audiobook last month to refresh my memory before I head into The Secret Pilgrim. Even though they are not all George Smiley books, there is a certain "Smiley" zeitgeist that holds all of the novels together. As James McBride once said, "George Smiley is the man!" :-)
137DeltaQueen50
>136 Tanya-dogearedcopy: I've picked up a copy of Call For the Dead which is, I believe, the first in the Smiley series.
138Familyhistorian
You've reminded me that I meant to get to the le Carre books soon, Judy.
Can you believe the lack of rain? I was sitting out on a friend's deck on Friday and felt a few drops on Friday but they didn't last very long.
Can you believe the lack of rain? I was sitting out on a friend's deck on Friday and felt a few drops on Friday but they didn't last very long.
139DeltaQueen50
>138 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. It's funny that you should mention the lack of rain, I was just checking the forecast for the next week to see if we could expect any rain but it looks to be sunny and warm through the week. It's been a long time since we've gotten any wet weather, and I think the Interior of the Province needs some moisture to help fight all the forest fires.
140DeltaQueen50
123. Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart - 4.5 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
July AlphaKit: S
July MysteryKit: Lady Cops & Robbers
July TIOLI #14: Title Triggers an Earworm - Waiting for a Girl Like You
The fact that this was based on actual events along with her excellent writing made Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart a fun and absorbing read. Constance Kopp and her sisters, Norma and Fleurette are driving in their horse drawn buggy on a summer day in 1914 when an automobile hits them. All three girls are slightly injured and the buggy is completely destroyed. The driver of the car is, Henry Kaufman, the drunken owner of a local silk manufacturing company who believes his position entitles him to ignore Constance’s requests that he pay for the damage.
Not only does he disregard her invoices, he and his gang of ruffians start a campaign of terror against the Kopp sisters. They drive by the isolated farm where the Kopp sisters reside, shouting insults, throwing bricks through windows with threatening notes. Constance files a complaint with the local sheriff, Robert Heath, and even with lawmen guarding the farm, the incidents continue and escalate into gunplay.
The story unfolds with plenty of twists that keeps the reader rooting for the sisters. The back story about the sisters is complex and interesting, as is their current situation. All three women are smart and independent but the narrator of the story, Constance, won my admiration for her cool composure, righteous anger and sly humor. The author has gone on and written two more books based on Constance’s life and I am looking forward to reading more about the fabulous Kopp sisters.
Category: Chocolate Letters
July AlphaKit: S
July MysteryKit: Lady Cops & Robbers
July TIOLI #14: Title Triggers an Earworm - Waiting for a Girl Like You
The fact that this was based on actual events along with her excellent writing made Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart a fun and absorbing read. Constance Kopp and her sisters, Norma and Fleurette are driving in their horse drawn buggy on a summer day in 1914 when an automobile hits them. All three girls are slightly injured and the buggy is completely destroyed. The driver of the car is, Henry Kaufman, the drunken owner of a local silk manufacturing company who believes his position entitles him to ignore Constance’s requests that he pay for the damage.
Not only does he disregard her invoices, he and his gang of ruffians start a campaign of terror against the Kopp sisters. They drive by the isolated farm where the Kopp sisters reside, shouting insults, throwing bricks through windows with threatening notes. Constance files a complaint with the local sheriff, Robert Heath, and even with lawmen guarding the farm, the incidents continue and escalate into gunplay.
The story unfolds with plenty of twists that keeps the reader rooting for the sisters. The back story about the sisters is complex and interesting, as is their current situation. All three women are smart and independent but the narrator of the story, Constance, won my admiration for her cool composure, righteous anger and sly humor. The author has gone on and written two more books based on Constance’s life and I am looking forward to reading more about the fabulous Kopp sisters.
141BLBera
I love the Crombie books, Judy, but unfortunately, I'm all caught up and have to wait for the next one.
142DeltaQueen50
>141 BLBera: Hi Beth, I have been reading the Crombie series at about 1 book a year, there are times that I want to just keep going as I do love reading about both Duncan and Gemma, but I like knowing that I always have more of the series to read. I hate being updated and having to wait for the author to publish another book!
143DeltaQueen50
124. The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Cambell Allen - 3.5 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Title Word is From the Nato Phonetic Alphabet (I = India)
July TIOLI #3: Title Contains a Place You Could Visit
Before he inherited his title as the Earl of Wilshire, Anthony Blake had been involved in highly secretive work for the British Government. This career ended when he took up the reins of his title and had fallen in love and was on verge of proposing marriage to Sophia Elliot. Unfortunately he is forced to resume his undercover work and go on the hunt for some valuable stolen documents and the thief who stole them. In order to protect Sophia, he had to step away from the romance and pretend that he had no interest in her beyond friendship, leaving her devastated and uncertain of what just happened.
After two years, he is still on hunt and the search leads him to India, where who should he meet but Sophia who has arrived as part of the “fishing fleet”. He still loves her but cannot say anything. She still loves him, but believes he only wants her friendship. As these two dance around each other, they also become involved in the intrigue and mystery that Anthony’s espionage work generates.
I found The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen mildly entertaining. I liked the characters and enjoyed the flirtatious banter between them and I appreciated the exotic setting, in fact, much of this book reminded me of the Pink Carnation series. Some of the espionage parts were a little overdone and I never had any doubt of the outcome but overall this light historical romance was a refreshing break from some of my more serious reads.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Title Word is From the Nato Phonetic Alphabet (I = India)
July TIOLI #3: Title Contains a Place You Could Visit
Before he inherited his title as the Earl of Wilshire, Anthony Blake had been involved in highly secretive work for the British Government. This career ended when he took up the reins of his title and had fallen in love and was on verge of proposing marriage to Sophia Elliot. Unfortunately he is forced to resume his undercover work and go on the hunt for some valuable stolen documents and the thief who stole them. In order to protect Sophia, he had to step away from the romance and pretend that he had no interest in her beyond friendship, leaving her devastated and uncertain of what just happened.
After two years, he is still on hunt and the search leads him to India, where who should he meet but Sophia who has arrived as part of the “fishing fleet”. He still loves her but cannot say anything. She still loves him, but believes he only wants her friendship. As these two dance around each other, they also become involved in the intrigue and mystery that Anthony’s espionage work generates.
I found The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen mildly entertaining. I liked the characters and enjoyed the flirtatious banter between them and I appreciated the exotic setting, in fact, much of this book reminded me of the Pink Carnation series. Some of the espionage parts were a little overdone and I never had any doubt of the outcome but overall this light historical romance was a refreshing break from some of my more serious reads.
144VictoriaPL
>143 DeltaQueen50: ha! I was going to comment that it sounds like a Pink Carnation book and then I came to your statement.
145DeltaQueen50
>144 VictoriaPL: Although not as good as the Pink Carnation series was, I guess the combination of espionage and romance brought the original series to mind.
146christina_reads
>143 DeltaQueen50: I've read Allen's Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, the first in a steampunk romance series, and enjoyed it more than I expected to! So I'm definitely interested in trying more of her work; this sounds like a fun one (and I really enjoyed the Pink Carnation books as well!).
147DeltaQueen50
>146 christina_reads: Definitely give it a try, Christina. I would also not hesitate to try another of this author's romances.
148DeltaQueen50
Finally I am going to visit my Mom! Now that everyone that can be vaccinated in my family has done so, I have booked myself on the ferry next Tuesday and expect to spend about 10 days on the Island. I can't wait!
149VictoriaPL
>148 DeltaQueen50: awesome news! I remember that exact feeling in April when I went to see my Mom. Have a wonderful trip!
150katiekrug
>148 DeltaQueen50: - That's great news, Judy!
151Jackie_K
>150 katiekrug: Brilliant news! I recently got to see my mum and dad for the first time in 2 years. Even with having no covid illness in our family, this pandemic has been brutal. I hope you enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time.
152Tess_W
>148 DeltaQueen50: Great News! Have a blessed time!
153pamelad
>148 DeltaQueen50: Have a great trip!
154lsh63
>148 DeltaQueen50: That’s great Judy! I hope you enjoy yourself!
155DeltaQueen50
>149 VictoriaPL:, >150 katiekrug:, >151 Jackie_K:, >152 Tess_W:, >153 pamelad:, >154 lsh63: Thanks so much, everyone. I have whinged and whined about not getting to see my Mom here so often and you have all been so kind and understanding.
I was watching a tv program the other day, I think it was 'The View', and they were talking about the bullying and general nastiness that one sees on social media and I was so thankful that I found LT and that we are a community that supports each other rather than tears each other down.
I was watching a tv program the other day, I think it was 'The View', and they were talking about the bullying and general nastiness that one sees on social media and I was so thankful that I found LT and that we are a community that supports each other rather than tears each other down.
156DeltaQueen50
125. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein - 3.5 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
July TIOLI #1: Book is tagged as "Military Fiction"
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein is widely considered a science fiction classic. Originally published in 1959 it clearly helped to establish the sub-genre of military sci-fi with the tropes of power armor, super soldiers, interstellar warfare, and hostile alien species. This book also has more that it’s fair share of critics who regard it as anti-Democratic propaganda due to it’s strong support of militarism. Regardless of the various sides, I found the book to be interesting and quite gripping.
Starship Troopers gives the reader a look into the mindset of a soldier, their fears, hopes and desires are clearly laid out and other than the fact that they travel by spaceship and fight a bug like alien species, these soldiers could be from any era. This isn’t just an action story, there is a great deal of introspection on the role of the soldier and how they are created. The author gives us a good balance of speculative philosophy and flat out action which keeps the book from becoming dull. We follow the main character, Johnnie Rico, as he makes the decision to join the military, his gruelling time at boot camp, and then his early years as a foot soldier in the Human-Arachnid War.
I found Starship Troopers definitely a product of it’s time. This book came out during the cold war and although it sticks to the soldier’s point of view, it is very obvious that the author is totally against communism. Personally, I don’t think this book has many lessons to teach us today, so I advise reading it simply for enjoyment and to gather a sense of history about the origins of science fiction. This book, along with other authors from the time period would give you a pretty good perspective.
Category: Almond Crunch
July TIOLI #1: Book is tagged as "Military Fiction"
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein is widely considered a science fiction classic. Originally published in 1959 it clearly helped to establish the sub-genre of military sci-fi with the tropes of power armor, super soldiers, interstellar warfare, and hostile alien species. This book also has more that it’s fair share of critics who regard it as anti-Democratic propaganda due to it’s strong support of militarism. Regardless of the various sides, I found the book to be interesting and quite gripping.
Starship Troopers gives the reader a look into the mindset of a soldier, their fears, hopes and desires are clearly laid out and other than the fact that they travel by spaceship and fight a bug like alien species, these soldiers could be from any era. This isn’t just an action story, there is a great deal of introspection on the role of the soldier and how they are created. The author gives us a good balance of speculative philosophy and flat out action which keeps the book from becoming dull. We follow the main character, Johnnie Rico, as he makes the decision to join the military, his gruelling time at boot camp, and then his early years as a foot soldier in the Human-Arachnid War.
I found Starship Troopers definitely a product of it’s time. This book came out during the cold war and although it sticks to the soldier’s point of view, it is very obvious that the author is totally against communism. Personally, I don’t think this book has many lessons to teach us today, so I advise reading it simply for enjoyment and to gather a sense of history about the origins of science fiction. This book, along with other authors from the time period would give you a pretty good perspective.
157mathgirl40
>156 DeltaQueen50: Great review, and it's motivating me to finally read this book. I'd read most of Heinlein's works in my youth and a number of other books inspired by Starship Troopers since then, but for some reason, I've never had the urge to read this one. I really should, as it is, as you point out, considered a classic of science fiction.
158MissWatson
>148 DeltaQueen50: I'm so happy for you, Judy! Enjoy!
159dudes22
>148 DeltaQueen50: - That is great news, Judy! Hope you have an awesome time.
160Helenliz
>148 DeltaQueen50: hoping that you have a lovely time visiting your mother.
161clue
>148 DeltaQueen50: And she'll be so happy to see you too! It probably seems like forever since you've seen each other.
162rabbitprincess
Hurray for seeing your mom!!
164DeltaQueen50
>157 mathgirl40: I didn't love Starship Troopers, but did find it a worthwhile read. I have a soft spot for early sci-fi, it's fun to see what they predict for the future - sometimes they are very close and at other times they are miles off!
>158 MissWatson:, >159 dudes22:, >160 Helenliz:, >162 rabbitprincess:, >162 rabbitprincess: & >163 BLBera: I am excited to finally be going to the Island, but I am a little nervous as well. I will probably spend most of the hour and half trip on the ferry in my car - just to be on the safe side. I don't keep my books after I read them, instead I cart them off to my family. They go through them and pick the ones they want to read, and the rest go to the second hand book store. I haven't been over for so long, I am not sure all the books that I want to take will fit in the car!
>158 MissWatson:, >159 dudes22:, >160 Helenliz:, >162 rabbitprincess:, >162 rabbitprincess: & >163 BLBera: I am excited to finally be going to the Island, but I am a little nervous as well. I will probably spend most of the hour and half trip on the ferry in my car - just to be on the safe side. I don't keep my books after I read them, instead I cart them off to my family. They go through them and pick the ones they want to read, and the rest go to the second hand book store. I haven't been over for so long, I am not sure all the books that I want to take will fit in the car!
165hailelib
Great that you are going to visit your Mom.
I read Starship Troopers back when I was reading a lot of Heinlein, mostly in the late sixties and early seventies. Then again much later after we saw the movie to see what they changed. I agree it's worth reading just to see an early military SF and to what the author was thinking at the time he wrote it. Later his stories were a bit different.
I read Starship Troopers back when I was reading a lot of Heinlein, mostly in the late sixties and early seventies. Then again much later after we saw the movie to see what they changed. I agree it's worth reading just to see an early military SF and to what the author was thinking at the time he wrote it. Later his stories were a bit different.
166msf59
Happy Saturday, Judy. I also loved Girl Waits With Gun and the follow-up but never did continue the series. Have a great trip and enjoy the time with your Mum.
167LadyoftheLodge
>155 DeltaQueen50: I feel the same about LT, always among friends here. LT was my lifeline during the pandemic. However, sad to say I stopped reading some threads in a different group because of the snide political comments and divisive remarks.
168LadyoftheLodge
Have a great time with your mum! I will be anxious to hear your report of how things went. Happy reunion!
169DeltaQueen50
It's certainly much easier to travel when you are younger - just throw a few clothes in a bag and off you go. Nowadays, I have to line up my medications, make ferry reservations, make sure I'm not leaving my hubby to starve, do laundry etc. (note to self: remember to wash up a couple of masks) I've loaded the car with all the books that I want to get rid of and I think I still have room for my clothes. Tomorrow I have a phone call with a doctor to get one last prescription, then in the afternoon I'll go and pick up that prescription at the drug store. I'll be glad when it's actually time to leave!
>165 hailelib: Hi Trisha. Through LT I discovered science fiction more recently and I have found that I enjoy much of this genre. It's fun to go back and read some of the earlier works from Asimov, Heinlein, Clifford D. Simak etc. I've never seen the movie of Starship Troopers but now I would really like to.
>166 msf59: Hi Mark. I have the second book in the series on my shelf and will decide after that if I want to continue on. I have so many series on the go now that I am inclined not to add this one as well.
>167 LadyoftheLodge: I love the fact that it is books and reading that is basis for most of our conversations here on LT. We veer into other subjects as well but pretty much always in a polite and respectful manner. This is a great site!
>168 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks so much, I am looking forward to seeing my family!
>165 hailelib: Hi Trisha. Through LT I discovered science fiction more recently and I have found that I enjoy much of this genre. It's fun to go back and read some of the earlier works from Asimov, Heinlein, Clifford D. Simak etc. I've never seen the movie of Starship Troopers but now I would really like to.
>166 msf59: Hi Mark. I have the second book in the series on my shelf and will decide after that if I want to continue on. I have so many series on the go now that I am inclined not to add this one as well.
>167 LadyoftheLodge: I love the fact that it is books and reading that is basis for most of our conversations here on LT. We veer into other subjects as well but pretty much always in a polite and respectful manner. This is a great site!
>168 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks so much, I am looking forward to seeing my family!
170DeltaQueen50
126. Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier - 4.0 ★
Category: Vanilla Creams
Bingo: Arts or Recreation
July TIOLI #2: Title Includes a Place You Could Visit
Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier is a combination of memoir and a loving remembrance of Cornwall, her physical and spiritual home. Many of her books were set in Cornwall and inspired by the Cornish landscape – Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, etc. She first came to Cornwall with her mother and sisters when she was 13. They purchased a house overlooking Fowey harbour and she learned to love watching the ships come and go from the harbour. She declared that she found herself both as a writer and a person in Cornwall.
Cornwall remained a special place throughout her life. Her first book was shaped by her love of Cornwall and a certain army major loved her book so much that he came to Fowey to meet her. Within 3 months they were engaged. Her writing was definitely influenced by her setting. She describes one of her favorite walks which took her to an empty house set deep in the woods and surrounded by red rhododendrons, this house became the model for Manderley in Rebecca.
Enchanted Cornwall was an enjoyable read both about this author’s life and her thoughts about the places that inspired her but it was the inclusion of so many photographs, both of her family and the countryside that made the book even more special. Along with the photographs are brief excerpts from her novels which gives the reader a clear picture of how DuMaurier used the landscape to develop her stories. Photographs of the moors that inspired Jamaica Inn, the hidden coves and waterways that were used in Frenchman’s Creek and, of course, the beautiful old house that became Manderley in Rebecca and eventually her own home of Menabilly are all included here. Enchanted Cornwall is a book for fans of this author among which I certainly count myself.
Category: Vanilla Creams
Bingo: Arts or Recreation
July TIOLI #2: Title Includes a Place You Could Visit
Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier is a combination of memoir and a loving remembrance of Cornwall, her physical and spiritual home. Many of her books were set in Cornwall and inspired by the Cornish landscape – Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, etc. She first came to Cornwall with her mother and sisters when she was 13. They purchased a house overlooking Fowey harbour and she learned to love watching the ships come and go from the harbour. She declared that she found herself both as a writer and a person in Cornwall.
Cornwall remained a special place throughout her life. Her first book was shaped by her love of Cornwall and a certain army major loved her book so much that he came to Fowey to meet her. Within 3 months they were engaged. Her writing was definitely influenced by her setting. She describes one of her favorite walks which took her to an empty house set deep in the woods and surrounded by red rhododendrons, this house became the model for Manderley in Rebecca.
Enchanted Cornwall was an enjoyable read both about this author’s life and her thoughts about the places that inspired her but it was the inclusion of so many photographs, both of her family and the countryside that made the book even more special. Along with the photographs are brief excerpts from her novels which gives the reader a clear picture of how DuMaurier used the landscape to develop her stories. Photographs of the moors that inspired Jamaica Inn, the hidden coves and waterways that were used in Frenchman’s Creek and, of course, the beautiful old house that became Manderley in Rebecca and eventually her own home of Menabilly are all included here. Enchanted Cornwall is a book for fans of this author among which I certainly count myself.
171JayneCM
>170 DeltaQueen50: BB for me - I love du Maurier!
172VictoriaPL
>170 DeltaQueen50: this sounds lovely! The Poldark series also makes Cornwall look so wonderful with the cliffs and moors and that beach. Definitely on the bucket list.
173DeltaQueen50
>171 JayneCM: I hope you enjoy Enchanted Cornwall, Jayne.
>172 VictoriaPL: As well as Du Maurier and the Poldark series, I also read a series of books by Derek Tangye about how he and his wife left London and went to live in a cottage by the sea in Cornwall. Those books really impressed me and Cornwall definitely sounded like an enchanted place!
>172 VictoriaPL: As well as Du Maurier and the Poldark series, I also read a series of books by Derek Tangye about how he and his wife left London and went to live in a cottage by the sea in Cornwall. Those books really impressed me and Cornwall definitely sounded like an enchanted place!
174clue
>170 DeltaQueen50: Oh I'll have to find that, I haven't known about it!
175DeltaQueen50
>174 clue: I believe this was one of the last books that she wrote before she passed away in 1989. Her love of Cornwall shines through on every page. I also found the parts about Menabilly interesting. She loved that home but couldn't own it as it was entailed. They were able to rent it for years but eventually she did move to the smaller dower house.
176DeltaQueen50
127. Darktown by Thomas Mullen - 5.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Creams
July TIOLI #2: Title Contains a Place You Could Visit
There is a lot going on in Darktown by Thomas Mullen a novel that features the first black men to serve as police in Atlanta, Georgia. It is set in 1948 during the Jim Crow era so these black cops have a lot of special rules and regulations to follow. They can only work in the negro areas of town, they aren’t trusted with cars, so they must walk a beat, they aren’t allowed to enter the police station through the front door and under no circumstances can they arrest a white person. They are barely tolerated by the white police but despite this, these eight officers understand the importance of their position as a link to future integration.
On the surface this is a book about crime, when a young black girl is found shot to death and left in an alley, a black cop, Lucius Boggs, along with his partner, Tommy Smith aren’t happy with the way the case is handled and start their own investigation on the side. This is totally against the rules so they must be careful not to be discovered. Meanwhile, the partnership of two white cops, Dunlow and Rakestraw is quickly deteriorating as the rookie, Rakestraw, starts seeing the corruption and prejudice that Dunlow adheres to.
I found Darktown to be thoroughly engrossing and suspense filled. This will be a book that I remember for a long time. The author supplies a great story and backs it up with accurate history that details the moral complexity of the times. This book helps to paint a picture of the racial injustices that existed, many of which persist to this day and helped me to better understand recent developments that have people calling out for changes. Darktown is a compelling and thought-provoking book that I highly recommend.
Category: Chocolate Creams
July TIOLI #2: Title Contains a Place You Could Visit
There is a lot going on in Darktown by Thomas Mullen a novel that features the first black men to serve as police in Atlanta, Georgia. It is set in 1948 during the Jim Crow era so these black cops have a lot of special rules and regulations to follow. They can only work in the negro areas of town, they aren’t trusted with cars, so they must walk a beat, they aren’t allowed to enter the police station through the front door and under no circumstances can they arrest a white person. They are barely tolerated by the white police but despite this, these eight officers understand the importance of their position as a link to future integration.
On the surface this is a book about crime, when a young black girl is found shot to death and left in an alley, a black cop, Lucius Boggs, along with his partner, Tommy Smith aren’t happy with the way the case is handled and start their own investigation on the side. This is totally against the rules so they must be careful not to be discovered. Meanwhile, the partnership of two white cops, Dunlow and Rakestraw is quickly deteriorating as the rookie, Rakestraw, starts seeing the corruption and prejudice that Dunlow adheres to.
I found Darktown to be thoroughly engrossing and suspense filled. This will be a book that I remember for a long time. The author supplies a great story and backs it up with accurate history that details the moral complexity of the times. This book helps to paint a picture of the racial injustices that existed, many of which persist to this day and helped me to better understand recent developments that have people calling out for changes. Darktown is a compelling and thought-provoking book that I highly recommend.
177VivienneR
Glad to hear you will be visiting your mother. Have a great reunion and a lovely time on the island.
178JayneCM
>173 DeltaQueen50: I love the Derek Tangye books, especially as there is lots abut flowers and cats. The covers are gorgeous.
179DeltaQueen50
>177 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne!
>178 JayneCM: The Derek Tangye books were great comfort reads, I loved reading about the flower farm and their various pets.
>178 JayneCM: The Derek Tangye books were great comfort reads, I loved reading about the flower farm and their various pets.
180DeltaQueen50
And, I'm off. I won't have much access to a computer but will catch up with everyone when I get back in two weeks.
183RidgewayGirl
>176 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad you liked the Mullen. He's one of my favorite authors.
184dudes22
I didn't realize that Mullen is actually a local author for me, so I will need to checkout his books.
185JayneCM
>180 DeltaQueen50: Have a fabulous time!
186Familyhistorian
Have a safe journey and a wonderful visit with your Mum, Judy. You reminded me that I have Darktown in the stacks and the sequel too. I should get to them soon.
187Nickelini
Oh wow, I lost you with your new thread, which is not new anymore. Caught up now! How are you doing with the latest heat wave? We are off to the Island to camp on a beach where it promises to be cooler
188RidgewayGirl
>184 dudes22: Thomas Mullen lives in Decatur, Georgia.
189dudes22
>188 RidgewayGirl: - Yes - but born and raised in RI. So sort-of local.
ETA: Fantasticfiction says he lives in Washington DC. OOPS - I see his web site says Georgia.
ETA: Fantasticfiction says he lives in Washington DC. OOPS - I see his web site says Georgia.
190DeltaQueen50
I am enjoying my time in Victoria. My Mom is in good health but her 100 years definitely show. She can't be left on her own for long as she tends to remember her past activities and tries to do them. She thinks she needs to go outside and water the garden even though my brother has already done so. She isn't very steady on her feet, so we try to encourage her not to wander around outside as she has taken a few falls. We are having some warm weather but yesterday it was cloudy which helped to lessen the heat. Today those clouds are looking like smoke so I think we are being affected by the wild fires in B.C.
>181 hailelib: & >182 katiekrug: Thanks, Trisha and Katie. We aren't doing much just catching up on all the family news and we are having a large family dinner tomorrow night as one of my nephews is away camping for the weekend.
>183 RidgewayGirl: I have previously read The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen and really liked that one so I will certainly be reading more by this author!
>185 JayneCM: Thanks, Jayne.
>186 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I have Lightning Men on my Kindle so I will be fitting it in soon. Darktown was really good!
>187 Nickelini: Sounds like you are in the best place to be in this heat. Cooling off in the ocean sounds very inviting!
>181 hailelib: & >182 katiekrug: Thanks, Trisha and Katie. We aren't doing much just catching up on all the family news and we are having a large family dinner tomorrow night as one of my nephews is away camping for the weekend.
>183 RidgewayGirl: I have previously read The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen and really liked that one so I will certainly be reading more by this author!
>185 JayneCM: Thanks, Jayne.
>186 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I have Lightning Men on my Kindle so I will be fitting it in soon. Darktown was really good!
>187 Nickelini: Sounds like you are in the best place to be in this heat. Cooling off in the ocean sounds very inviting!
191VictoriaPL
>190 DeltaQueen50: my husband's 101 yr old grandfather is the same. Every 15 minutes he wants to go outside - to water the garden, check the hummingbird feeders, the mail, the garage door, etc. And he did take a tumble two years ago and broke his hip, luckily the neighbor heard him. You wouldn't think he could wear you out like a toddler does! 😂
192threadnsong
Hello Judy! I'm finally, finally getting back into The Swing of LT and catching up on your thread and many reading adventures.
>115 DeltaQueen50: I fell in absolute LOVE with John LeCarre when I read A Perfect Spy earlier this year. I remember my mom gushing over his work (speaking of books that have memories - I read her copy!) and only now reading it because of one of the Challenges this year. And I may not have enjoyed it in my younger years, but boy did it blow me away!!
>156 DeltaQueen50: I read Starship Troopers after I saw the movie, and I found it completely different - much more pared down than the hi-tech of the movie. It is a Heinlein I really liked. The phrase from the book that I still remember the most is "on the jump and on the run" to describe the method the soldiers used to escape the bugs, and the single-mindedness of military combat.
>176 DeltaQueen50: I just visited Thomas Mullen's page and I am so going to have to get his books! He sounds like a fantastic author, kudos that he's local, and I read his essay about the parallels between his book about the 1918 pandemic and when he and his family came down with Covid. Thank you for your excellent review about Darktown!
And congrats on finally, finally getting to visit your mother. My heart just went out to you last year when you were agonizing about wanting to visit her but not being able to. I am so happy for you now and many virtual hugs for your reunion.
>115 DeltaQueen50: I fell in absolute LOVE with John LeCarre when I read A Perfect Spy earlier this year. I remember my mom gushing over his work (speaking of books that have memories - I read her copy!) and only now reading it because of one of the Challenges this year. And I may not have enjoyed it in my younger years, but boy did it blow me away!!
>156 DeltaQueen50: I read Starship Troopers after I saw the movie, and I found it completely different - much more pared down than the hi-tech of the movie. It is a Heinlein I really liked. The phrase from the book that I still remember the most is "on the jump and on the run" to describe the method the soldiers used to escape the bugs, and the single-mindedness of military combat.
>176 DeltaQueen50: I just visited Thomas Mullen's page and I am so going to have to get his books! He sounds like a fantastic author, kudos that he's local, and I read his essay about the parallels between his book about the 1918 pandemic and when he and his family came down with Covid. Thank you for your excellent review about Darktown!
And congrats on finally, finally getting to visit your mother. My heart just went out to you last year when you were agonizing about wanting to visit her but not being able to. I am so happy for you now and many virtual hugs for your reunion.
193msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy. Glad you had a good visit with your Mom. Good review of Darktown. I still have to read The Last Town on Earth. I think I still have it on shelf too.
194BLBera
I"m so glad you're having some great time with your mom, Judy. I hope I'm still as mobile when I'm her age!
195DeltaQueen50
I am home again and ready to catch up with everyone! I am not quite ready to jump back into cooking so we are going to go out for dinner tonight. Tomorrow I will have to go out for groceries and then get back into my cooking and cleaning routine.
>191 VictoriaPL: I hate that my Mom has to be watched so closely but she would probably wander off it just left to her own devices. I also feel bad that my brother is having to mostly deal with this.
>192 threadnsong: I am excited to read more John LeCarre and don't know why I didn't pick up his books sooner! I thought I hadn't seen the Starship Troopers movie but my brother assures me that we watched it some years ago. Obviously it didn't leave a strong impression but I do know it was very different from the more introspective book. Thomas Mullen is very much an author that I am looking forward to reading more from. Thanks for the virtual hugs, I do feel much better now that I was able to see my Mom.
>193 msf59: Hi Mark, I had an excellent visit with my family but I am also happy to be home and getting back to my routine.
>194 BLBera: Hi Beth, I am very thankful that my family has had my mother as long as we have and although her memory isn't all that it used to be, she certainly remembers all her family right down to the youngest great-grandchild! Health is the one thing that we need to hold onto as we advance into our senior years - good health makes all the difference!
>191 VictoriaPL: I hate that my Mom has to be watched so closely but she would probably wander off it just left to her own devices. I also feel bad that my brother is having to mostly deal with this.
>192 threadnsong: I am excited to read more John LeCarre and don't know why I didn't pick up his books sooner! I thought I hadn't seen the Starship Troopers movie but my brother assures me that we watched it some years ago. Obviously it didn't leave a strong impression but I do know it was very different from the more introspective book. Thomas Mullen is very much an author that I am looking forward to reading more from. Thanks for the virtual hugs, I do feel much better now that I was able to see my Mom.
>193 msf59: Hi Mark, I had an excellent visit with my family but I am also happy to be home and getting back to my routine.
>194 BLBera: Hi Beth, I am very thankful that my family has had my mother as long as we have and although her memory isn't all that it used to be, she certainly remembers all her family right down to the youngest great-grandchild! Health is the one thing that we need to hold onto as we advance into our senior years - good health makes all the difference!
196DeltaQueen50
So my reading really suffered while I was away, I only finished 3 books. Usually be this time in the month I have managed to finish 6 or 7 books. I may have to revamp my August reading plans, but as long as I am enjoying what I read, I am happy.
I am not going to write a detailed review for these following books, but I did complete a mystery, a zombie book and a fantasy story:
First up was Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton which was an interesting mystery read, mostly due to the setting of the Falkland Islands. When her best friend fails to protect her two children, letting the car she left them in roll off a cliff causing the 2 boys to drown, a distraught mother vows revenge. Some three or fours years pass but just before she can act, a couple of young boys disappear, including the young son of her ex-best friend and the Islanders begin to search for the children although some suspect there is a predator among them. Lots of twists and turns that lead to an interesting conclusion.
I then finished Instauration, the third book in a zombie trilogy by Sarah Lyons Fleming which wrapped up the series over 800 plus pages of zombie mayhem.
And I started a new-to-me fantasy series with Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold. This is an older series that was first published in 2006 and it is a story of magic and budding love that I enjoyed and look forward to continuing.
I am not going to write a detailed review for these following books, but I did complete a mystery, a zombie book and a fantasy story:
First up was Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton which was an interesting mystery read, mostly due to the setting of the Falkland Islands. When her best friend fails to protect her two children, letting the car she left them in roll off a cliff causing the 2 boys to drown, a distraught mother vows revenge. Some three or fours years pass but just before she can act, a couple of young boys disappear, including the young son of her ex-best friend and the Islanders begin to search for the children although some suspect there is a predator among them. Lots of twists and turns that lead to an interesting conclusion.
I then finished Instauration, the third book in a zombie trilogy by Sarah Lyons Fleming which wrapped up the series over 800 plus pages of zombie mayhem.
And I started a new-to-me fantasy series with Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold. This is an older series that was first published in 2006 and it is a story of magic and budding love that I enjoyed and look forward to continuing.
197hailelib
I read Beguiled a few years ago and then the rest of that series. I’ve thought about reading them again as I liked them.
198DeltaQueen50
>197 hailelib: Hi Trish. I love everything that Lois McMaster Bujold writes!
199mstrust
I'm so glad you had a good visit with your mom! Stressful, no doubt, but she's lucky to have her family.
200Nickelini
>196 DeltaQueen50:
Oh, Little Black Lies sounds good!
Oh, Little Black Lies sounds good!
201lsh63
Welcome back Judy! I’m so glad that you were able to spend some time with your mom! It sounds like she has a good support system and is comfortable which is good. You said it regarding good health!
203DeltaQueen50
>199 mstrust: Hi Jennifer. It was great to finally get to spend some time with Mom and the rest of the family. My great-nephews were a shock to me as they have all grown so much, even the youngest who is two. He was just a tiny baby when I last saw him. I forgot how much young children change and grow so quickly!
>200 Nickelini: Little Black Lies was a pretty good thriller and didn't take the action "over the top" as many thrillers do. Of course the setting of the Falkland Islands some 10 years after the war with Argentina made it very interesting.
>201 lsh63: Hi Lisa, I am very happy to have had that time with my Mom. I also hope that I don't have to wait much before going back for another visit.
>200 Nickelini: Little Black Lies was a pretty good thriller and didn't take the action "over the top" as many thrillers do. Of course the setting of the Falkland Islands some 10 years after the war with Argentina made it very interesting.
>201 lsh63: Hi Lisa, I am very happy to have had that time with my Mom. I also hope that I don't have to wait much before going back for another visit.
205DeltaQueen50
>204 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I am happy to be back among the comforts of home, but I do wish I didn't have the laundry and grocery shopping to get done ASAP!
206DeltaQueen50
I didn't get a chance to do any book shopping while I was away, but I did bring the following home for my shelves:
No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
The Historians by Cecilia Ekback
Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
The Historians by Cecilia Ekback
Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
207Familyhistorian
Sounds like you had a wonderful time visiting your mum and catching up with family, Judy. Hopefully you'll be able to go back again soon.
208clue
>206 DeltaQueen50: I've had a reread of Dr. Zhivago on my mind for probably a year. I hope you like it as much as I did when I read it years ago. I think I need a reread category next year.
209DeltaQueen50
>207 Familyhistorian: It was lovely to see my Mom again after so much time, and it relieved my mind from worry as I can see she is being well looked after. I plan to go back for another visit in the Fall.
>208 clue: I am not sure when I will be able to fit in Dr. Zhivago but hopefully not too much time will pass before I pick it up.
>208 clue: I am not sure when I will be able to fit in Dr. Zhivago but hopefully not too much time will pass before I pick it up.
210DeltaQueen50
131. Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer - 4.1★
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
Bingo: To Do With Time
August TIOLI #3: A Title Word Implies a Measurement of Time
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer is the second book in the Benny Griessel police series. Set in Cape Town, South Africa this is a taunt thriller that keeps the reader on edge throughout all of the 13 hours he writes about. In one memorable day, Benny and his proteges have to deal with two murder cases, and try to rescue a young American tourist, who is on the run from a group of men who are trying to kill her. The South African setting generates a certain amount of racial issues which the author deftly handles, all the while continuing to build up the excitement. Benny is also dealing with his sobriety and has a meeting with his estranged wife scheduled for the end of the day, is she ready to forgive him and accept him back into her life or does she have other plans.
Thirteen Hours is a well written thriller that blends edge-of-your-seat suspense with the daily problems of policing in South Africa. Manpower shortages, a blackout, and the protocols of dealing with other police departments have to be dealt with. The narrative jumps back and forth between the investigations which can be rather irksome at times, also the reader is never informed why the young American is being hunted until the very end. The author does build to a satisfactory conclusion with a desperate last minute rescue attempt, but be warned, there is torture involved which may upset some readers.
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
Bingo: To Do With Time
August TIOLI #3: A Title Word Implies a Measurement of Time
Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer is the second book in the Benny Griessel police series. Set in Cape Town, South Africa this is a taunt thriller that keeps the reader on edge throughout all of the 13 hours he writes about. In one memorable day, Benny and his proteges have to deal with two murder cases, and try to rescue a young American tourist, who is on the run from a group of men who are trying to kill her. The South African setting generates a certain amount of racial issues which the author deftly handles, all the while continuing to build up the excitement. Benny is also dealing with his sobriety and has a meeting with his estranged wife scheduled for the end of the day, is she ready to forgive him and accept him back into her life or does she have other plans.
Thirteen Hours is a well written thriller that blends edge-of-your-seat suspense with the daily problems of policing in South Africa. Manpower shortages, a blackout, and the protocols of dealing with other police departments have to be dealt with. The narrative jumps back and forth between the investigations which can be rather irksome at times, also the reader is never informed why the young American is being hunted until the very end. The author does build to a satisfactory conclusion with a desperate last minute rescue attempt, but be warned, there is torture involved which may upset some readers.
211pammab
Glad you had a good visit! I see you brought home a bunch of classics and liked Beguilement. I wonder sometimes whether I should try myself on Bujold's fantasy again. When I first read Beguilement, I was less addicted to the author and the age difference in the romance made me quite uncomfortable, but I'm not sure I'd have the same reaction today.
212VivienneR
>195 DeltaQueen50: Glad you had a nice visit with your mother. She must have been glad to see you too.
No book buying?? But of course you had to bring back some books. It's been decades since I read Doctor Zhivago and I remember that I loved it. Little Black Lies sounds like a good mystery and the time frame is interesting. Adding it to my wishlist.
No book buying?? But of course you had to bring back some books. It's been decades since I read Doctor Zhivago and I remember that I loved it. Little Black Lies sounds like a good mystery and the time frame is interesting. Adding it to my wishlist.
213Crazymamie
All caught up with you, Judy. Welcome home - I'm glad you got to visit your mom and hang with your family. So lovely. Talking over the phone is just not the same as catching up in person.
You hit me with three BBs: Claudine's House, The Sun Down Motel, and Enchanted Cornwall.
Hooray for dipping into Le Carré - he is one of my favorite authors. Several years ago I listened to him narrate his own memoir The Pigeon Tunnel, and it was full of fabulous.
I also have Dr. Zhivago in the stacks and am hoping to get to it soon - it moved with us from Indiana, so it has been very patiently awaiting its turn.
You hit me with three BBs: Claudine's House, The Sun Down Motel, and Enchanted Cornwall.
Hooray for dipping into Le Carré - he is one of my favorite authors. Several years ago I listened to him narrate his own memoir The Pigeon Tunnel, and it was full of fabulous.
I also have Dr. Zhivago in the stacks and am hoping to get to it soon - it moved with us from Indiana, so it has been very patiently awaiting its turn.
214DeltaQueen50
The smoke from the many wildfires here in the west has moved in and this morning the sky looks totally grey, the sunlight that does seep through is a strange orange shade. Along with this, we are in the middle of a heat wave and today the temp is going to be around 33C (92F). I got up at 6 this morning and popped a pork roast in the oven so we can have cold sliced meat for dinner and I don't have to heat up the kitchen later on. Today will be a day of messing around on my computer, reading and trying to stay cool.
>211 pammab: Beguilement is not as good as the other fantasy books that I have read by her, but good enough that I will continue. If you haven't read it, I would suggest trying her "World of Five Gods" trilogy. It starts with The Curse of Chalion. I was surprised when the age difference was revealed in Beguilement as that is usually something that really bothers me, but as the Lakers are so different from the Farmers, I am hoping it doesn't get too yucky.
>212 VivienneR: I did go clothes shopping with my sister one day, but we didn't want to leave my Mom alone for too long so my brother and I didn't stray too far from home. The best 2nd hand bookstores are out in Sidney and that would have meant being away for half a day. I took over about 7 bags of books for my brother and sister to paw through and I choose just three of theirs to bring back home.
>213 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie. I feel much better about my Mom now after being able to spend some time with her. We got a little emotional when I was saying goodbye, but I think we were both very aware that everytime I leave, it could be a final goodbye. I am looking forward to reading more of John Le Carre and I expect Dr. Zhivago will be read next year.
>211 pammab: Beguilement is not as good as the other fantasy books that I have read by her, but good enough that I will continue. If you haven't read it, I would suggest trying her "World of Five Gods" trilogy. It starts with The Curse of Chalion. I was surprised when the age difference was revealed in Beguilement as that is usually something that really bothers me, but as the Lakers are so different from the Farmers, I am hoping it doesn't get too yucky.
>212 VivienneR: I did go clothes shopping with my sister one day, but we didn't want to leave my Mom alone for too long so my brother and I didn't stray too far from home. The best 2nd hand bookstores are out in Sidney and that would have meant being away for half a day. I took over about 7 bags of books for my brother and sister to paw through and I choose just three of theirs to bring back home.
>213 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie. I feel much better about my Mom now after being able to spend some time with her. We got a little emotional when I was saying goodbye, but I think we were both very aware that everytime I leave, it could be a final goodbye. I am looking forward to reading more of John Le Carre and I expect Dr. Zhivago will be read next year.
215DeltaQueen50
132. The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson - 3.8 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
August AlphaKit: J
August TIOLI #4: Title Starts With The Definitive Article
I found The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson to be a satisfying and entertaining read. This author excels in writing about the south in America, and in this book she tackles a family that has more than a few complications. The main character, Leia, single at 38, is a writer of graphic novels and is dealing with a number of issues, some career orientated but also she finds herself pregnant with a biracial child after a one night stand and she is trying to look after her beloved 90 year-old grandma, Birchie who, it appears is suffering from dementia as she openly revealed a marital affair between the new pastor and a parishioner. Meanwhile her step-sister is going through a marriage breakdown so Leia takes on the temporary care of her niece, Lavender.
Leia is the author of a popular graphic novel series featuring a super hero, and the author dedicates a lot of time in supplying details of the thought process that goes into the developing of the series. I wasn’t as interested in this as I was in the family drama.
I listened to an audio version of the book as read by the author and it originally felt like a very light read, full of southern charm and humor but as the story develops, the author shines a light on some very serious issues – pregnancy, separation, murder, Alzheimer’s and racism. Jackson creates vivid characters that are distinct and authentic and has placed them in serious, life alternating situations which makes for an interesting read. She also includes a mysterious, old family secret which amps up the drama. I will be looking for more by Josilyn Jackson as this was the second book by this author that I have enjoyed.
Category: Chocolate Letters
August AlphaKit: J
August TIOLI #4: Title Starts With The Definitive Article
I found The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson to be a satisfying and entertaining read. This author excels in writing about the south in America, and in this book she tackles a family that has more than a few complications. The main character, Leia, single at 38, is a writer of graphic novels and is dealing with a number of issues, some career orientated but also she finds herself pregnant with a biracial child after a one night stand and she is trying to look after her beloved 90 year-old grandma, Birchie who, it appears is suffering from dementia as she openly revealed a marital affair between the new pastor and a parishioner. Meanwhile her step-sister is going through a marriage breakdown so Leia takes on the temporary care of her niece, Lavender.
Leia is the author of a popular graphic novel series featuring a super hero, and the author dedicates a lot of time in supplying details of the thought process that goes into the developing of the series. I wasn’t as interested in this as I was in the family drama.
I listened to an audio version of the book as read by the author and it originally felt like a very light read, full of southern charm and humor but as the story develops, the author shines a light on some very serious issues – pregnancy, separation, murder, Alzheimer’s and racism. Jackson creates vivid characters that are distinct and authentic and has placed them in serious, life alternating situations which makes for an interesting read. She also includes a mysterious, old family secret which amps up the drama. I will be looking for more by Josilyn Jackson as this was the second book by this author that I have enjoyed.
216VivienneR
>214 DeltaQueen50: The smoke has been hanging around here too but not bad until yesterday when we became once more enveloped in it. We had a heavy rainstorm last weekend that brought some relief, our first real rain this summer.
Cooking at 6am is an excellent idea. By the end of summer fresh cool salads have limited appeal and I yearn for something pulled out of a hot oven.
Farewells always so difficult. You have my sympathy as I have gone through it so often because all my family are overseas. My long distance phone bills have always been enormous.
Cooking at 6am is an excellent idea. By the end of summer fresh cool salads have limited appeal and I yearn for something pulled out of a hot oven.
Farewells always so difficult. You have my sympathy as I have gone through it so often because all my family are overseas. My long distance phone bills have always been enormous.
217hailelib
I can remember before air conditioning in the South and cooking in the mornings to serve cold meals later in the day was the only way to go.
The last serious fire near us left smoke in the air for several days which owe were unhappy about. It must be much worse up where you are. Maybe you will have enough rain and wind to more it along before long.
The last serious fire near us left smoke in the air for several days which owe were unhappy about. It must be much worse up where you are. Maybe you will have enough rain and wind to more it along before long.
218DeltaQueen50
>216 VivienneR: Yesterday both the smoke and the heat were bad, but a light breeze came up last night and so far today it feels a little cooler and not so smoky. Apparently we are under another heat dome but I sure hope we don't push this one east and you end up with it!
>217 hailelib: My dinner worked out great last night. The cold sliced meat was exactly what we wanted and I just cooked a few new potatoes and added some raw veggies. When it gets really hot both my husband and I lose our appetites - all I want to do is drink something with ice cubes in it!
>217 hailelib: My dinner worked out great last night. The cold sliced meat was exactly what we wanted and I just cooked a few new potatoes and added some raw veggies. When it gets really hot both my husband and I lose our appetites - all I want to do is drink something with ice cubes in it!
219DeltaQueen50
133. Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell - 4.5 ★
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
August Reading Through Time: Food
August TIOLI #6: A Title Word is Pictured on the Cover
Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell is a historical fable set in a 16th century Tuscan village. As the title suggests, the tomato is very important to this tale. In fact food is front and center throughout the book. Jewish farmer Davido grows the “love apple” with great care and love, cruel Guiseppe and his assistant Benito forage for truffles, the new village priest relishes food and spends much of his time planning his next meal. But when the stepdaughter of Guiseppe, Mari, falls in love with the Jewish farmer, things start to get complicated.
The story plays out much like a Shakespearean comedy which comes to a climax at the Feast of the Drunken Saint donkey race. Throughout the story, there is a puzzlement about the tomato. Although many uses of the raw fruit are described, they do not yet know how to cook the tomato successfully and have yet to discover the wonders of tomato sauce.
High in humor and high-jinx, the reader roots for the young lovers to find happiness and for tomato sauce to be discovered. Tomato Rhapsody was an unusual, clever and engaging story that also manages to shine a light on the oppression of Jews during the Renaissance. The story is both earthy and bawdy and an altogether delightful read.
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
August Reading Through Time: Food
August TIOLI #6: A Title Word is Pictured on the Cover
Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell is a historical fable set in a 16th century Tuscan village. As the title suggests, the tomato is very important to this tale. In fact food is front and center throughout the book. Jewish farmer Davido grows the “love apple” with great care and love, cruel Guiseppe and his assistant Benito forage for truffles, the new village priest relishes food and spends much of his time planning his next meal. But when the stepdaughter of Guiseppe, Mari, falls in love with the Jewish farmer, things start to get complicated.
The story plays out much like a Shakespearean comedy which comes to a climax at the Feast of the Drunken Saint donkey race. Throughout the story, there is a puzzlement about the tomato. Although many uses of the raw fruit are described, they do not yet know how to cook the tomato successfully and have yet to discover the wonders of tomato sauce.
High in humor and high-jinx, the reader roots for the young lovers to find happiness and for tomato sauce to be discovered. Tomato Rhapsody was an unusual, clever and engaging story that also manages to shine a light on the oppression of Jews during the Renaissance. The story is both earthy and bawdy and an altogether delightful read.
220Crazymamie
Happy Saturday, Judy!
>215 DeltaQueen50: I liked that one, too. My favorite by her so far is Between, Georgia.
>219 DeltaQueen50: A direct hit! Onto The List it goes, and I'll add my thumb if you posted that review.
>215 DeltaQueen50: I liked that one, too. My favorite by her so far is Between, Georgia.
>219 DeltaQueen50: A direct hit! Onto The List it goes, and I'll add my thumb if you posted that review.
221BLBera
Tomato Rhapsody sounds great, Judy. Onto the list it goes!
222DeltaQueen50
>220 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, my previous Josilyn Jackson read was A Grown Up Kind of Pretty and it was a lovely read. I am looking forward to reading more by this author - and I have noted that you enjoyed Between, Georgia. Thanks for the thumb - Tomato Rhapsody was a very different and fun read.
>221 BLBera: Hi Beth. Tomato Rhapsody was an excellent historical read. The author delivered a fun, earthy story yet still managed to get his timing and facts right. I picked this one up on a whim and struck gold!
>221 BLBera: Hi Beth. Tomato Rhapsody was an excellent historical read. The author delivered a fun, earthy story yet still managed to get his timing and facts right. I picked this one up on a whim and struck gold!
223DeltaQueen50
134. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie - 4.3 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
Around the Year in 52 Books: Author's Career Spanned More Than 21 Years
August TIOLI #6: A Title Word is Pictured on the Cover
Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie was a fun read. It was a “locked room” mystery with the “room” in this case being an airplane travelling from France to England. Among the passengers is the great detective, Hercule Poirot, and he takes it quite personally when a fellow passenger is murdered. Madame Giselle, a money lender and blackmailer, is found dead toward the end of the flight appearing to have died from a wasp sting but Poirot discovers a thorn with a discolored tip on the floor by the deceased and a later discovery of a blowpipe makes how the murder was committed apparent. Since the blowpipe was discovered hidden in Poirot’s seat, the jury at the inquest wanted to deliver a verdict that would name him as the murderer!
Inspector Japp and Poirot work together on this case digging into the lives and background of the passengers and as always there were plenty of red herrings to throw the reader off the track. Eventually Poirot was able to put all the pieces together and the book reaches a very satisfactory end with his big reveal which outlines his suspicions, his thought processes and how he zeroed in on the murderer.
Death in the Clouds has one of the most ingenious methods of murder. It also has plenty of humor, particularly pointed at one of the passengers, a writer of mystery novels. The story moves quickly and even Poirot’s attempt at matchmaking was interesting. I will long remember this whimsically strange and outrageous story.
Category: Cherry Cordials
Around the Year in 52 Books: Author's Career Spanned More Than 21 Years
August TIOLI #6: A Title Word is Pictured on the Cover
Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie was a fun read. It was a “locked room” mystery with the “room” in this case being an airplane travelling from France to England. Among the passengers is the great detective, Hercule Poirot, and he takes it quite personally when a fellow passenger is murdered. Madame Giselle, a money lender and blackmailer, is found dead toward the end of the flight appearing to have died from a wasp sting but Poirot discovers a thorn with a discolored tip on the floor by the deceased and a later discovery of a blowpipe makes how the murder was committed apparent. Since the blowpipe was discovered hidden in Poirot’s seat, the jury at the inquest wanted to deliver a verdict that would name him as the murderer!
Inspector Japp and Poirot work together on this case digging into the lives and background of the passengers and as always there were plenty of red herrings to throw the reader off the track. Eventually Poirot was able to put all the pieces together and the book reaches a very satisfactory end with his big reveal which outlines his suspicions, his thought processes and how he zeroed in on the murderer.
Death in the Clouds has one of the most ingenious methods of murder. It also has plenty of humor, particularly pointed at one of the passengers, a writer of mystery novels. The story moves quickly and even Poirot’s attempt at matchmaking was interesting. I will long remember this whimsically strange and outrageous story.
224christina_reads
>223 DeltaQueen50: One of my favorite Christies! (I feel like I say that a lot...but truly, I've re-read this one several times!)
225DeltaQueen50
>224 christina_reads: Hi Christina. I am pretty sure that Death in the Clouds will remain one of my all-time favorites as well.
226DeltaQueen50
135. Descender Vol. 4, Orbital Mechanics,
Descender Vol 5, Rise of the Robots,
Descender Vol 6, The Machine War by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
August GenreCat: Poetry, Drama & Graphic Novels
Descender, Vol. 4: Orbital Mechanics
This volume of the Descenders, both continues to fill in the back stories of some of the characters as well as moving the story along. Tim-21, Telsa and Quon escape the Machine Moon and head out to look for the ancient robot who may hold the answers they are looking for. Unfortunately, the forever-10 year old Tim-21 that accompanies them may not be the right Tim which puts both Quon and Telsa in danger.
Tim-21’s brother Andy and his companions are moving every closer to discovering where Tim-21 is, but then Driller explains why he calls himself a Killer and Andy must deal with the consequences of his confession.
By this 4th volume we are familiar with the characters and the story so the fast action and many twists that this volume brings keeps the story moving and the reader engaged. The artwork in this volume creates a futuristic background, while the characters are depicted showing emotions that make us care about what is happening to them.
Descender, Vol. 5: Rise of the Robots
From it beautiful cover to the excellent artwork inside, this volume covers a lot of territory and action. The story is divided amongst several main characters, and the universe is now on the brink of war. Tim-21 is the key to it all, and both sides feel they are in the right.
The story lines feature favorite characters like Driller, Andy and Effie, Telsa and Quon but the coming confrontation between mankind and robots overshadows everything. The climax is coming, the stories are starting to converge, the robots are making their move. The action isn’t everything as Lemire poses many questions about the relationship between man and machine and ensures that we are given much to reflect upon.
Descender, Vol. 6: The Machine War
This is the finale of the series and the author does not disappoint. Our favorite characters are teamed up for the final showdown between AI and mankind. Tim-21’s value is indisputable but he is being pulled in many directions. We are given more backstory about the sentient beings that seem to be at the heart of this conflict.
As always the artwork perfectly pictured the action. There were emotional scenes as Tim-21, Bandit and Andy finally met face to face, and the kiss between Effie and Andy as they waited to die was exquisitely portrayed. This climactic volume brings a close to the Descender saga, but it also set the stage for a companion series entitled the Ascender.
The 6 books that made up the Descender series were beautifully drawn and colored. The galactic story was heartfelt, the characters were engaging, and the action was stunning.
Descender Vol 5, Rise of the Robots,
Descender Vol 6, The Machine War by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
August GenreCat: Poetry, Drama & Graphic Novels
Descender, Vol. 4: Orbital Mechanics
This volume of the Descenders, both continues to fill in the back stories of some of the characters as well as moving the story along. Tim-21, Telsa and Quon escape the Machine Moon and head out to look for the ancient robot who may hold the answers they are looking for. Unfortunately, the forever-10 year old Tim-21 that accompanies them may not be the right Tim which puts both Quon and Telsa in danger.
Tim-21’s brother Andy and his companions are moving every closer to discovering where Tim-21 is, but then Driller explains why he calls himself a Killer and Andy must deal with the consequences of his confession.
By this 4th volume we are familiar with the characters and the story so the fast action and many twists that this volume brings keeps the story moving and the reader engaged. The artwork in this volume creates a futuristic background, while the characters are depicted showing emotions that make us care about what is happening to them.
Descender, Vol. 5: Rise of the Robots
From it beautiful cover to the excellent artwork inside, this volume covers a lot of territory and action. The story is divided amongst several main characters, and the universe is now on the brink of war. Tim-21 is the key to it all, and both sides feel they are in the right.
The story lines feature favorite characters like Driller, Andy and Effie, Telsa and Quon but the coming confrontation between mankind and robots overshadows everything. The climax is coming, the stories are starting to converge, the robots are making their move. The action isn’t everything as Lemire poses many questions about the relationship between man and machine and ensures that we are given much to reflect upon.
Descender, Vol. 6: The Machine War
This is the finale of the series and the author does not disappoint. Our favorite characters are teamed up for the final showdown between AI and mankind. Tim-21’s value is indisputable but he is being pulled in many directions. We are given more backstory about the sentient beings that seem to be at the heart of this conflict.
As always the artwork perfectly pictured the action. There were emotional scenes as Tim-21, Bandit and Andy finally met face to face, and the kiss between Effie and Andy as they waited to die was exquisitely portrayed. This climactic volume brings a close to the Descender saga, but it also set the stage for a companion series entitled the Ascender.
The 6 books that made up the Descender series were beautifully drawn and colored. The galactic story was heartfelt, the characters were engaging, and the action was stunning.
227DeltaQueen50
136. The Island by Olivia Levez - 3.6 ★
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
Around the Year in 52 Books: Fits a prompt that didn't make the final list (Reader's Choice)
August TIOLI #1: A Furniture Vocabulary Word is in the Title
I both loved and hated The Island by Olivia Levez. This debut novel tells the story of a young girl who survives a plane crash and finds herself alone on a tropical desert island. The story switches from the present as she struggles to survive to the past when she lived with her addict prostitute mother, her mother’s lecherous boyfriend, and basically raised her younger brother.
Frances was one of a planeload of juvenile delinquents and camp staffers who were headed to a skills-based rehabilitation program on an Indonesian island. When it comes to surviving, 16 year old Frances is her own worst enemy. She managed to smuggle vodka onto the plane and is drunk when the plane crashes, she gets out of the plane but in a drunken stupor she also destroys or discards most of the life-saving supplies that were on the raft. Life is difficult on the island where she needs to find water, food and shelter. With a dog as her only companion she also must face her painful memories about how her anger and need for revenge led her to do a terrible thing. It was quite difficult to like Francis, she had been hurt and disappointed so much in life that she tended to lash out quickly before she got hurt again. She acts first and then silently regrets her actions.
The book unfolds in a series of very short chapters that alternate from the present to her past. The author tells a raw, emotional story that draws the reader in but it was never explained to my satisfaction why there was a need to ship these delinquent teens from England off to Indonesia. Surely they could have arrange a survival camp in the U.K. The book was beautifully written and I particularly loved all the details that went into Frances learning to survive, but the ending of the book was so abrupt and totally came out of left field and I was left feeling very unsatisfied. So, mixed feelings about the book, but I would certainly read more by this author if offered the chance.
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
Around the Year in 52 Books: Fits a prompt that didn't make the final list (Reader's Choice)
August TIOLI #1: A Furniture Vocabulary Word is in the Title
I both loved and hated The Island by Olivia Levez. This debut novel tells the story of a young girl who survives a plane crash and finds herself alone on a tropical desert island. The story switches from the present as she struggles to survive to the past when she lived with her addict prostitute mother, her mother’s lecherous boyfriend, and basically raised her younger brother.
Frances was one of a planeload of juvenile delinquents and camp staffers who were headed to a skills-based rehabilitation program on an Indonesian island. When it comes to surviving, 16 year old Frances is her own worst enemy. She managed to smuggle vodka onto the plane and is drunk when the plane crashes, she gets out of the plane but in a drunken stupor she also destroys or discards most of the life-saving supplies that were on the raft. Life is difficult on the island where she needs to find water, food and shelter. With a dog as her only companion she also must face her painful memories about how her anger and need for revenge led her to do a terrible thing. It was quite difficult to like Francis, she had been hurt and disappointed so much in life that she tended to lash out quickly before she got hurt again. She acts first and then silently regrets her actions.
The book unfolds in a series of very short chapters that alternate from the present to her past. The author tells a raw, emotional story that draws the reader in but it was never explained to my satisfaction why there was a need to ship these delinquent teens from England off to Indonesia. Surely they could have arrange a survival camp in the U.K. The book was beautifully written and I particularly loved all the details that went into Frances learning to survive, but the ending of the book was so abrupt and totally came out of left field and I was left feeling very unsatisfied. So, mixed feelings about the book, but I would certainly read more by this author if offered the chance.
228DeltaQueen50
137. Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi - 3.7 ★
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
Around the Year in 52 Books - A Book that has a Muslim Character or Author
2021 GeoKit: Africa
August TIOLI #7: At Least 2 Nouns are Embedded in Author's Name
Bled Dry is the second book by Abdelilah Hamdouchi that I have read and this author isn’t interested in luring tourists to Morocco as he appears to relish showing the dark side of this country. This story is set in Casablanca and details a gruesome double murder. The senior investigator is Detective Hanash, who works the case along with his team but it becomes obvious right from the start that the police aren’t trying very hard to understand the crime and arrive at the truth, but instead to simply reach a result which will lead to their appearing to have solved the crime.
The author gives us a bird’s eye view of the casual corruption that exists in day to day life in Morocco. We read of police torture, the moral perversion that sees young girls led into prostitution and coming under the thumb of those who control them, and how unemployed young men are being lured into religious extremism. Bled Dry is less of a detective story and more a statement about the poverty and lack of opportunity in this country.
The author does not hesitate to depict graphic and gory scenes that can be quite disturbing, but I feel that this book gives an insight into the seedy side of the country, the areas not necessarily been seen by the tourists. The writing can be a little choppy in areas, but perhaps this is the result of being a translation. There are no admirable characters in this story, and I felt sorry for every woman that appeared on the pages, from housewives to prostitutes, they live a shadow life, totally under the rules and domination of men.
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
Around the Year in 52 Books - A Book that has a Muslim Character or Author
2021 GeoKit: Africa
August TIOLI #7: At Least 2 Nouns are Embedded in Author's Name
Bled Dry is the second book by Abdelilah Hamdouchi that I have read and this author isn’t interested in luring tourists to Morocco as he appears to relish showing the dark side of this country. This story is set in Casablanca and details a gruesome double murder. The senior investigator is Detective Hanash, who works the case along with his team but it becomes obvious right from the start that the police aren’t trying very hard to understand the crime and arrive at the truth, but instead to simply reach a result which will lead to their appearing to have solved the crime.
The author gives us a bird’s eye view of the casual corruption that exists in day to day life in Morocco. We read of police torture, the moral perversion that sees young girls led into prostitution and coming under the thumb of those who control them, and how unemployed young men are being lured into religious extremism. Bled Dry is less of a detective story and more a statement about the poverty and lack of opportunity in this country.
The author does not hesitate to depict graphic and gory scenes that can be quite disturbing, but I feel that this book gives an insight into the seedy side of the country, the areas not necessarily been seen by the tourists. The writing can be a little choppy in areas, but perhaps this is the result of being a translation. There are no admirable characters in this story, and I felt sorry for every woman that appeared on the pages, from housewives to prostitutes, they live a shadow life, totally under the rules and domination of men.
229DeltaQueen50
138. Educated by Tara Westover - 4.5 ★
Category: Vanilla Creams
Around the Year in 52 Books: Posted In One of ATY Best Book of the Month Threads
2021 GeoKit: North America
August TIOLI #2: Published Between 1930 and 2021
Reading about Tara Westover’s life in Educated wasn’t an easy read. The author has transformed herself from the daughter of a survivalist, fundamentalist, anti-science, anti-medicine and anti-education parents into a Cambridge educated historian and author. This book is a tribute to the power of education and to learning how to re-think one’s ideology. She faced many obstacles including the trauma of domestic abuse to break free and learn how to make her own choices about how she sees and experiences the world.
Born to Mormon survivalists, Tara grew up in the remote Idaho mountains preparing for the end of the world. The events of Ruby Ridge struck terror into her father and he was sure that his family could be next on the government’s list. He felt that the family should have as little interaction with government agencies as possible, this included hospitals and schools. Tara basically educated herself and decided to enroll at Brigham Young University on her own, this wasn’t easy as she was both financially and scholastically limited, but she managed.
Educated is a powerful story, written by an articulate author exploring her memories. I was both inspired by and filled with admiration for Tara Westover.
Category: Vanilla Creams
Around the Year in 52 Books: Posted In One of ATY Best Book of the Month Threads
2021 GeoKit: North America
August TIOLI #2: Published Between 1930 and 2021
Reading about Tara Westover’s life in Educated wasn’t an easy read. The author has transformed herself from the daughter of a survivalist, fundamentalist, anti-science, anti-medicine and anti-education parents into a Cambridge educated historian and author. This book is a tribute to the power of education and to learning how to re-think one’s ideology. She faced many obstacles including the trauma of domestic abuse to break free and learn how to make her own choices about how she sees and experiences the world.
Born to Mormon survivalists, Tara grew up in the remote Idaho mountains preparing for the end of the world. The events of Ruby Ridge struck terror into her father and he was sure that his family could be next on the government’s list. He felt that the family should have as little interaction with government agencies as possible, this included hospitals and schools. Tara basically educated herself and decided to enroll at Brigham Young University on her own, this wasn’t easy as she was both financially and scholastically limited, but she managed.
Educated is a powerful story, written by an articulate author exploring her memories. I was both inspired by and filled with admiration for Tara Westover.
230DeltaQueen50
139. The French for Always by Fiona Valpy - 4.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
August AlphaKit: V
August TIOLI #4: Title Starts with the Definitive Article
In a romance novel what can be better than a wedding or two, well, in The French for Always by Fiona Valpy we have five wedding weekends to read about. Sara Cox and her boyfriend Gavin have purchased and renovated a Chateau in the Bordeaux region of France. They are set up as a wedding destination and it appears that their first year is going to bring success. Unfortunately, Gavin and Sara’s relationship isn’t quite as successful, with Sara feeling like she has lost herself and is rather smothered as Gavin seems to feel he should be in control at all times. When Gavin is found in an extremely compromising position with a bridesmaid, he walks out and Sara is left to complete the wedding season on her own.
Sara and her crew carry on and find that things not only go well, they seem to run smoother with Gavin out of the picture. They replace Gavin as the DJ with a neighbour, Thomas, a handsome young Frenchman from a local winery. Sara and Thomas slowly come to the realization that they love each other, but Thomas has always dreamed of travelling and Sara has fallen in love with this small corner of France and wants to put down permanent roots. She has sunk her life savings into the Chateau and would like to be able to buy Gavin out of his side of the business.
How Sara and Thomas work through their differences to reach their happy ending makes for a pleasant, light read that offers blue skies, lots of sunshine, wine, romance and, of course, weddings. The French for Always was a lovely escape read that required nothing from the reader except to relax and enjoy.
Category: Chocolate Letters
August AlphaKit: V
August TIOLI #4: Title Starts with the Definitive Article
In a romance novel what can be better than a wedding or two, well, in The French for Always by Fiona Valpy we have five wedding weekends to read about. Sara Cox and her boyfriend Gavin have purchased and renovated a Chateau in the Bordeaux region of France. They are set up as a wedding destination and it appears that their first year is going to bring success. Unfortunately, Gavin and Sara’s relationship isn’t quite as successful, with Sara feeling like she has lost herself and is rather smothered as Gavin seems to feel he should be in control at all times. When Gavin is found in an extremely compromising position with a bridesmaid, he walks out and Sara is left to complete the wedding season on her own.
Sara and her crew carry on and find that things not only go well, they seem to run smoother with Gavin out of the picture. They replace Gavin as the DJ with a neighbour, Thomas, a handsome young Frenchman from a local winery. Sara and Thomas slowly come to the realization that they love each other, but Thomas has always dreamed of travelling and Sara has fallen in love with this small corner of France and wants to put down permanent roots. She has sunk her life savings into the Chateau and would like to be able to buy Gavin out of his side of the business.
How Sara and Thomas work through their differences to reach their happy ending makes for a pleasant, light read that offers blue skies, lots of sunshine, wine, romance and, of course, weddings. The French for Always was a lovely escape read that required nothing from the reader except to relax and enjoy.
231Carmenere
Judy! You go, girl! You're having a great summer of reading, not to mention those tasty treats you have scattered around your thread.
I also consider The Hate U Give and Educated to be extremely powerful. Both left a lasting impression on me.
Enjoy the remainder of your weekend :0)
I also consider The Hate U Give and Educated to be extremely powerful. Both left a lasting impression on me.
Enjoy the remainder of your weekend :0)
232msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy. I hope this weekend is finding you well. Any cooler there? Hooray for Educated. It is such a terrific memoir. I am also glad to see how much you enjoy GNs. There is joy everywhere in the book world.
233Jackie_K
>229 DeltaQueen50: I felt similarly to you about Educated - she can certainly write!
234BLBera
>227 DeltaQueen50: The Island sounds interesting, Judy.
Great comments on Educated; I had mixed feelings about that one, maybe because I read it right after reading The Glass Castle -- too many dysfunctional families at once!
Great comments on Educated; I had mixed feelings about that one, maybe because I read it right after reading The Glass Castle -- too many dysfunctional families at once!
235DeltaQueen50
Whew! We spent the morning catching up on some general house cleaning and tidying. Now that it's not so hot here anymore I find I have more energy for chores. We are expecting to have a quiet Sunday and I hope to spend this afternoon buried in my books.
>231 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, it's great to hear from you. I have been enjoying my summer reading and hope to still have a few more weeks of that before the rains of autumn close in on us.
>232 msf59: Hi Mark, it is cooler here - and I am very happy about that! Now that I am getting back to using the library on a more regular basis, I hope to indulge myself in many more graphic novels.
>233 Jackie_K: I hope that Tara Westover has more books in her. She is an historian so it would be great if she put some books out dealing in her specialty.
>234 BLBera: After reading about the dysfunctional family in Educated and the darkness that was in Bled Dry I was certainly ready for the light romance that was The French for Always! I feel more on an even keel now.
>231 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, it's great to hear from you. I have been enjoying my summer reading and hope to still have a few more weeks of that before the rains of autumn close in on us.
>232 msf59: Hi Mark, it is cooler here - and I am very happy about that! Now that I am getting back to using the library on a more regular basis, I hope to indulge myself in many more graphic novels.
>233 Jackie_K: I hope that Tara Westover has more books in her. She is an historian so it would be great if she put some books out dealing in her specialty.
>234 BLBera: After reading about the dysfunctional family in Educated and the darkness that was in Bled Dry I was certainly ready for the light romance that was The French for Always! I feel more on an even keel now.
236VivienneR
>223 DeltaQueen50: You just reminded me that this is yet another Agatha Christie book that I want to re-read soon. I love the way it she often killed off the "baddie".
>235 DeltaQueen50: Glad you are enjoying cooler weather too. We had a decent amount of rain and the smoke has cleared. It's wonderful to open windows to let in the fresh, cool air.
>235 DeltaQueen50: Glad you are enjoying cooler weather too. We had a decent amount of rain and the smoke has cleared. It's wonderful to open windows to let in the fresh, cool air.
237DeltaQueen50
>236 VivienneR: Vivienne, I am very happy to hear that you got some rain and that the smoke has lifted. I was feeling a little guilty when we got the rain as I knew the Interior needed it even more than we here on the coast did. Now we just need to get a handle on these rising Covid numbers!
238DeltaQueen50
140. The River At Night by Erica Ferencik - 3.7 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
August RandomCat: On the Road Again
August TIOLI #3: A Word in the Title Imples Time Measurement
The River At Night by Erica Ferencik is a suspense thriller about four middle aged women who get together once a year on a “girls” vacation. This year they are going on a whitewater river raft trip to the beautiful, yet dangerous wilderness of Maine. This was planned by the ringleader of the group, Pia, who is looking forward to the adventure. The other three women, Win, Rachel and Sandra, are less enthusiastic but they follow along. Their river guide is a college student named Rory, who has only travelled the river five times, and seems a little over-confident.
At first the group are entranced by their river experience but all too soon they experience a freak accident that leaves the women stranded, separating them from their raft and everything they need to survive. Unfortunately, their troubles have just begun as they huddle together in the night, they catch a glimpse of a fire. As they stumble into the strange camp their nightmare is just starting.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the portions of the book that dealt with wilderness survival, I found the “man against man” part rather over the top and unbelievable. This is a problem that I have with most thrillers, in their desire to stir the audience and keep us in suspense, the plot lines tend to get pretty wild and crazy. The River At Night is certainly a page-turner with plenty of tension and suspense and more than a touch of creepiness which made this a good escape read but I would have like the adventure to have been a little more realistic.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
August RandomCat: On the Road Again
August TIOLI #3: A Word in the Title Imples Time Measurement
The River At Night by Erica Ferencik is a suspense thriller about four middle aged women who get together once a year on a “girls” vacation. This year they are going on a whitewater river raft trip to the beautiful, yet dangerous wilderness of Maine. This was planned by the ringleader of the group, Pia, who is looking forward to the adventure. The other three women, Win, Rachel and Sandra, are less enthusiastic but they follow along. Their river guide is a college student named Rory, who has only travelled the river five times, and seems a little over-confident.
At first the group are entranced by their river experience but all too soon they experience a freak accident that leaves the women stranded, separating them from their raft and everything they need to survive. Unfortunately, their troubles have just begun as they huddle together in the night, they catch a glimpse of a fire. As they stumble into the strange camp their nightmare is just starting.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the portions of the book that dealt with wilderness survival, I found the “man against man” part rather over the top and unbelievable. This is a problem that I have with most thrillers, in their desire to stir the audience and keep us in suspense, the plot lines tend to get pretty wild and crazy. The River At Night is certainly a page-turner with plenty of tension and suspense and more than a touch of creepiness which made this a good escape read but I would have like the adventure to have been a little more realistic.
239DeltaQueen50
141. The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - 3.7 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
2021 AlphaKit: Z
August TIOLI #15: A Coming of Age Book That Was Recommended to You
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner is the story of three misfit teens growing up in a small town in the south. Travis would rather stay in his fantasy world based on his favorite book. He dresses in black, wears a dragon head necklace and carries a wooden staff. He has an abusive father who can’t stand that Travis is alive while his older brother died in Afghanistan. Dill is facing a bleak future and can’t see a way out for himself. He and his mother struggle to make ends meet. His father was a fundamentalist lay preacher who handled snakes but was sent to prison for the possession of child pornography. Lydia is an unusual free spirited girl. She comes from a wealthy family and is an up and coming fashion blogger who doesn’t fit in with most of the other teens in town but sees through the pain and darkness to the potential in both boys. Unfortunately in this, their senior year, only Lydia is able to make plans for university.
The story is told in alternative chapters, from Lydia, Dill and Travis’s point of view. The main thrust of the story is about the friendship between these three who, even though there are misunderstandings, tears and hidden feelings for each other, have a unique bond. This is also a coming-of-age story about experiencing a tragedy and learning how to move on.
The story moved slowly and at times I contemplated giving up on it but I am glad that I stuck with it. The Serpent King is a story of heartbreak and tragedy, but it is also one of hope, faith and how friendship can be both life affirming and life changing. I found it to be a creative and emotional but I personally would have liked to have seen it edited down about 50 – 80 pages.
Category: Chocolate Letters
2021 AlphaKit: Z
August TIOLI #15: A Coming of Age Book That Was Recommended to You
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner is the story of three misfit teens growing up in a small town in the south. Travis would rather stay in his fantasy world based on his favorite book. He dresses in black, wears a dragon head necklace and carries a wooden staff. He has an abusive father who can’t stand that Travis is alive while his older brother died in Afghanistan. Dill is facing a bleak future and can’t see a way out for himself. He and his mother struggle to make ends meet. His father was a fundamentalist lay preacher who handled snakes but was sent to prison for the possession of child pornography. Lydia is an unusual free spirited girl. She comes from a wealthy family and is an up and coming fashion blogger who doesn’t fit in with most of the other teens in town but sees through the pain and darkness to the potential in both boys. Unfortunately in this, their senior year, only Lydia is able to make plans for university.
The story is told in alternative chapters, from Lydia, Dill and Travis’s point of view. The main thrust of the story is about the friendship between these three who, even though there are misunderstandings, tears and hidden feelings for each other, have a unique bond. This is also a coming-of-age story about experiencing a tragedy and learning how to move on.
The story moved slowly and at times I contemplated giving up on it but I am glad that I stuck with it. The Serpent King is a story of heartbreak and tragedy, but it is also one of hope, faith and how friendship can be both life affirming and life changing. I found it to be a creative and emotional but I personally would have liked to have seen it edited down about 50 – 80 pages.
240LadyoftheLodge
I am glad to be catching up with all the threads I missed over the last few weeks while we have been moving into our new house. I am having fun unpacking my books and reorganizing the new book room with its beautiful white built in shelves.
241DeltaQueen50
>240 LadyoftheLodge: Have fun organizing your book shelves! The two floor to ceiling built-in book shelves are what sold me on our apartment - I love being able to put my finger on my real books and to admire the display they make. : )
242DeltaQueen50
142. Adrift by Rob Boffard - 4.1 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
August ScaredyKit: Adrift
August TIOLI #2: Published Between 1930 and 2021
Adrift by Rob Boffard is an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi thriller about a small group of people on a tourist shuttle becoming stranded in deep space with very few options. Sigma Station is a tourist centre situated on the edge of the Horsehead Nebula. When the station is suddenly attacked and destroyed, thousands of people are killed but one small group in a tourist shuttle is overlooked. They have no weapons, very little food or drink and no idea of what to do next. The pilot manages to get them to the gate that allows the spaceships to jump through the wormholes to come to Sigma, but it has been destroyed as well. Not only that, but the attack ship is also there and this time it doesn’t appear to overlook them.
There was a lot going on in this book. Both passengers and crew had interesting backstories. Some of the passengers had ulterior motives for being there while others had secrets they were unwilling to share. The narrative jumps among the characters but the main focus is on Hannah, the tour guide who was on her first day at work, Corey a ten year old passenger who is obsessed with spaceships, and Jack an angry, estranged alcoholic. The story isn’t as much about the science of space as it is about the interaction among the characters, how they react to danger and who is reliable under stress and can come up with ideas for their survival.
I enjoyed this sci-fi survival story both for the exciting adventure and also for the development of the characters. As most of the story was set in the small tourist shuttle, it was quite claustrophobic but the author nailed the tension that developed both from the close confines that these people were in as well as the dire situation that they were thrust into. Adrift is a clever, thrilling, and well written book.
Category: Almond Crunch
August ScaredyKit: Adrift
August TIOLI #2: Published Between 1930 and 2021
Adrift by Rob Boffard is an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi thriller about a small group of people on a tourist shuttle becoming stranded in deep space with very few options. Sigma Station is a tourist centre situated on the edge of the Horsehead Nebula. When the station is suddenly attacked and destroyed, thousands of people are killed but one small group in a tourist shuttle is overlooked. They have no weapons, very little food or drink and no idea of what to do next. The pilot manages to get them to the gate that allows the spaceships to jump through the wormholes to come to Sigma, but it has been destroyed as well. Not only that, but the attack ship is also there and this time it doesn’t appear to overlook them.
There was a lot going on in this book. Both passengers and crew had interesting backstories. Some of the passengers had ulterior motives for being there while others had secrets they were unwilling to share. The narrative jumps among the characters but the main focus is on Hannah, the tour guide who was on her first day at work, Corey a ten year old passenger who is obsessed with spaceships, and Jack an angry, estranged alcoholic. The story isn’t as much about the science of space as it is about the interaction among the characters, how they react to danger and who is reliable under stress and can come up with ideas for their survival.
I enjoyed this sci-fi survival story both for the exciting adventure and also for the development of the characters. As most of the story was set in the small tourist shuttle, it was quite claustrophobic but the author nailed the tension that developed both from the close confines that these people were in as well as the dire situation that they were thrust into. Adrift is a clever, thrilling, and well written book.
243Crazymamie
Hello, Judy! You got me with Adrift - adding it to The List, and I'll add my thumb to your review if you posted it.
Hoping that your Friday is full of fabulous!
Hoping that your Friday is full of fabulous!
244DeltaQueen50
>243 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, Adrift was a good read for me so I hope you also enjoy it. Fabulous Friday is well under way with my husband making blueberry pancakes for breakfast!
245RidgewayGirl
>242 DeltaQueen50: Making note of this one, not for me but for my husband. Rumors are that supply issues make shopping early for Christmas a good idea and I am trying to get started on that.
246hailelib
Also adding Adrift to my list and a couple of other titles as well. Have a great weekend!
247DeltaQueen50
>245 RidgewayGirl: Getting on top of Christmas early sounds like a great idea - I will have to get going on it myself. It really isn't that far off when you stop to think about it.
>246 hailelib: Hi Trisha, I hope you are having a great weekend as well. I also hope you enjoy Adrift when you get to it.
>246 hailelib: Hi Trisha, I hope you are having a great weekend as well. I also hope you enjoy Adrift when you get to it.
249DeltaQueen50
>248 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, it's currently 11:00 am here on the west coast and I have finished all my chores - the rest of the day is for rest, relaxation and reading!
250DeltaQueen50
Today is also going to for putting up a new thread! I'm off to make that happen. :)
My new thread is up and ready - please click on the continuation below.
My new thread is up and ready - please click on the continuation below.
Ce sujet est poursuivi sur DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 6.
