fuzzi's Keeping On Keeping On Thread Keeps On Keeping On for 2022!

I’ve completed my 75 books read in 2022 challenge, but I'm not going to stop my reading and reviewing!

Here's my 2022 ticker:



My Reading Register for 2022 is here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/338001#

I review EVERY book I read, but I don't "spoil", so read my reviews without fear!

Thanks for continuing to come by, leave a comment as you feel led. 😊

My granddaughters, from July 2022:

And my furry friends:


5/10/22 - Miss Deborah, aka Little Debbie, aka Miss Priss


Cleo

Happy new thread, Fuzzi!

>3 fuzzi: Miss Deborah is lovely colored, and Cleo still looks like a gentle old dog.

Happy new thread Fuzzi!

>1 fuzzi:, >2 fuzzi: So much adorableness!

Happy new one :)

Happy new thread, Fuzzi.

>6 laytonwoman3rd: What Linda said.

#80 I Can Be Your Friend by Pamela Kennedy (VeggieTales)

Simple rhyming book about friends, with lots of bright pictures to attract little one's eyes. This is a not-too-sweet board book that will probably be read over and over and over and ...

>4 FAMeulstee: Debbie is nicely marked, I agree. Cleo has always been a sweet, gentle dog. She and Debbie LOVE each other.

>5 quondame: >7 figsfromthistle: >8 PaulCranswick: thank you!

>6 laytonwoman3rd: they are, and almost match!

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread, Lor! Congrats on making it to 75 books!

I love the pics of your granddaughters playing with their doll house. Perfect gift!

Your fur family is lovely, too.

I had missed that Shaun Tan will have a new book out this fall. I enjoy reading about writers' and authors' processes, so I will definitely look for it.

>11 drneutron: thank you, and I appreciate all the work you do for the group!

>12 streamsong: thanks!

I did a Facetime with the girls yesterday, and got to see all the clothespin dolls they created. Ruthie counted them, there are ELEVEN dolls now. I guess more beds are needed...

Reading, well, REREADING The Cardinal of the Kremlin. It's been about 30 years since I first read it, so I don't recall ANYTHING.

Little Debbie has grown! I love that they love each other—my cat Peppa would tell you a dog can be a cat’s best friend.

Just dripping in to say Hi!!

If you've been to my Vistas thread then you're already aware that it's been a rough month for me (https://www.librarything.com/topic/338001#7930763).

However, instead of not reading at all I've been using comfort rereads to get through.


#81 Conagher by Louis L'Amour

This has to be my favorite of all the Louis L'Amour books, and I've read just about every one. The characters are appealing and the story is not the usual 'cowboy' type of book you might expect. The movie was pretty good, too, if you can overlook a few changes (of course), and it didn't hurt that it starred my favorite cowboy, Sam Elliott! I highly recommend the book, and to a lesser extent, the movie.

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#82 The Cherokee Trail by Louis L'Amour

Back in the saddle again with a good L'Amour reread. The locale is Colorado, about 1863. Mary Breydon is a newly widowed survivor of the battles that destroyed her family's plantation, a mother, and in desperate need of a job. After cleaning up the Cherokee Trail stagecoach station she has a home for her daughter as well as income for their future. But a face from the past is determined to make sure she never will be able to identify him as her husband's killer...

This story is probably in the top ten L'Amours that I have read...and I've read over 100 of his books...Nuff said.

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#83 Flint by Louis L'Amour

Recently diagnosed with a terminal illness, our hero leaves his eastern home for a quiet end to his life in the West...so he thinks.

Good, solid story from L'Amour. Recommended.

It's good to have recommendations as to the "best of" Louis L'Amour. He wrote so much, and some of them I have found to be meh (Hondo). But others, like Sackett, really hit the genre sweet spot for me. I vaguely remember seeing the Conagher movie, back before Sam Elliot got to be a parody of himself.

>18 laytonwoman3rd: Hondo was just okay. In its original short story form, The Gift of Cochise it's much better.

It's included in the short story collection War Party, which is one of L'Amour's best books.

My review:

War Party continues to be one of my favorite collections of short stories by this author. The story that gave this book its name was later expanded into Bendigo Shafter, in which one of the key characters is a strong and resourceful widow. The Gift of Cochise was eventually expanded into a full length story, Hondo, which is a good novel in itself but I prefer the simplicity of the shorter version. Even virtually unknown stories such as One for the Pot, about a mail-order bride's role in a land war, remain my favorite "comfort reads", to be read and enjoyed over and over. If you want to see why some of us enjoy Louis L'Amour's books so much, this would be a good place to start reading.

#84 The Man Called Noon by Louis L'Amour

This remains one of my favorite L'Amour stories, about a man with amnesia, trying to find out who he is before those who do know his identity find him, and kill him. Not formula, good story.

#85 Riding for the Brand by Louis L'Amour

One of my favorite collections of L'Amour's short stories. There's a forward by the author, and notes prior to each story. This book includes tales of cattle rustling, homesteading, man-hunting, and even one of someone taking the name and reputation of a murdered man. Good reads.

(reread, review from ?)

Happy new thread! And what adorable children and furry friends!

>22 witchyrichy: thank you, I agree!

#86 Destroyer by CJ Cherryh

One more thrilling installment in the Foreigner series by CJ Cherryh, with Paidhi Bren, Banichi, Jago and other characters we love, all caught in the beginning of a civil war.

#87 Curious George by H.A. Rey

A favorite from my childhood, destined for my grandchildren. There are some elements of the story that might worry adult readers, but can be explained to a curious child. Worthy of a reread after many years.

#88, 89, 90 The Little Bear Treasury by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak

This treasury consists of three Little Bear books: Little Bear, Little Bear's Friend, and Little Bear's Visit.They are in an I Can Read format, but the prose flows smoothly. The illustrations are delightful, too.

Somehow I missed reading these as a child, and as a mother. I'm glad my granddaughter wants her own copies, because it gave me the opportunity to discover the joys of Little Bear for myself!

#91 There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer

One of my children's favorites, and now one of my grandchildren's favorites. A little boy decides to do something about the Nightmare that is hiding in his bedroom closet, with surprising results. Fun story, fantastic artwork!

#92 Pretender by CJ Cherryh

More of political and less of physical fighting in this one, and plenty of Bren. I find myself intellectually stimulated by the author's world and society building, too.

>27 fuzzi: Mercer Mayer is a wonderful artist with his monsters—part menacing, part silly. My 2 favorites of his are One Monster After Another, which actually chronicles the adventures of a letter from one pen pal to another, and Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp—a classic southern-style folk tale about a fast-thinking black girl who runs afoul (but always bests through her cleverness) the nastiest meanies the swamp has to offer, including the Devil himself. I used to check them out of the school library but I loved them so much, I had to go out and get myself copies as an adult.

>29 CassieBash: I thought I'd already given my Grands Nightmare but apparently I got them There's an Alligator Under My Bed instead.

Just about anything Mercer Mayer is great! I've given several Little Critter books as well.

>30 fuzzi: I remember “Alligator”, too!

Little Critter was quite popular several years ago back when I was in public librarianship. Even though he started as easy read picture books, the characters were branched out into early chapter books around the late 90s-early 2000. You might look for some of those for your grands, too—especially if you have some ready for the chapter book challenge. :)

I love the image of your granddaughters playing with their house. And, of course, your images of your furry friends are delightful.

>31 CassieBash: I've been working on that. They have received six Little Critter books and two collections of the same. Now I need to get them A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog!

Ruthie is requesting I Can Read books like Little Bear and the Ramona series. In the last box I included The Hundred and One Dalmatians with the original classic illustrations by the Johnstone sisters. She squealed with delight when she saw the cover.



ETA: in that second picture Pongo and Misses are giving their pawtographs to a young fan.

>32 Whisper1: I love those images, too.

#93 The Strong Shall Live by Louis L'Amour

This book is an above average collection of Louis L'Amour's short stories, each one an example of the will to survive against the odds. In one tale, an actor faces certain death in order to protect innocents, while in another story Jim Bostwick realizes that he can't possibly survive an encounter with a gunfighter, an encounter he can't find a way to avoid. Each story has a different scenario, without predictable results or typical characters.

This collection contains ten stories of people facing danger and death, with courage and determination, without backing down. I liked each and every one of these narratives.

#94 Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban

Frances keeps finding excuses to not go to bed, or fall asleep. She reminds me of my own children at a young age. A delightful read, wonderful pictures, highly recommended for young and old.

#95 Deliverer by CJ Cherryh

The aiji's son Cajeiri is restless and bored as only an eight year old heir can be. He thinks his attempts at escape from parental authority are exciting. However, a challenger for the throne has plans to make Caijeiri's boring life very scary and dangerous.

As always, engaging and riveting read by this author.

#96 Nell's Quilt by Susan Terris

This was a very unsatisfying tale about a girl facing a forced marriage, but with a man she likes. I was looking forward to how she was going to handle her mixed emotions, but was instead provided with a strange self-harm type of story. The characters were very flat, two dimensional, no development except for the mother, but then just a little toward the end of the book. People with serious mental issues seemed to be added in just for shock value. I completed the story, hoping that a point of Nell's actions could be found, didn't happen. I also was frustrated with the abrupt ending. Not recommended for any age.

I read three books last night before bed!


#97 Lottie and Lisa by Erich Kastner

Simple and sweet story about twins separated at birth who discover their parents' secret. Yes, it's the source of The Parent Trap, but is much more gentle and less raucous than the Disney movie.

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#98 Crow Boy by Taro Yashima

Lovely story and illustrations about a small boy who is excluded by his classmates.

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#99 May I Bring a Friend? by Beatrice de Regniers

Laugh-out-loud funny story about a friend of the King and Queen who brings an unusual "friend" with him to tea, to lunch, to dinner. There's lots of repetition for the younger reader. Delightful.

Heh. Book bullet for your #97 - and when I got it from the library, I discovered he was the author of Emil and the Detectives which was a favorite book when I was a kid. I've remembered it, vaguely, all these years...so I got that from the library, too.

>40 jjmcgaffey: the author was why I grabbed Lottie and Lisa! I loved Emile and the Detectives as a child, and enjoyed it again when I reread it several years ago.

#100 Conspirator by CJ Cherryh

How does this author do it?

In the tenth installment of the Foreigner series we get pulled in yet again to political intrigue and personal relationships of those involved. It's never boring, never feels as if the author is just recycling previous plots.

Kudos!

#101 How to Teach Your Cat a Trick: In Five Easy Steps by Nicola Winstanley and Zoe Si

Enjoyable book about a little boy trying to teach his cat to do tricks while being totally oblivious to what his dog is doing. This one is worth sending to the grandchildren!

#102 King James Bible - Book of Second Corinthians

#103 Deceiver by CJ Cherryh

Bren finds himself temporarily homeless after higher ranking dignitaries claim his apartments in the capital city. But heading to his country home until things calm down somehow doesn't pan out as planned.

More politics, more action, more intrigue, never boring.

#104 Savage Sam by Fred Gipson (reread)

Reread in 2022, review from 2011:

I reread this after a number of years, and I'm now upping the rating to a 4 star. This is not just for youth/young adult readers, but is also a wonderful read for adults.

#105 Valley of the Sun by Louis L'Amour (reread)

I believe that the short story was the best area to showcase Louis L'Amour's writing talents, and this collection is a good example of what he could write in a couple dozen pages. As I read each tale, I again saw the author's sense of humor displayed, as is not always evident in the Western genre. In one example from this collection, a gambler is caught cheating, and reaches for his gun just as the victim of the crime starts shooting. To quote: "Lead, received in those proportions and with that emphasis and range, is reliably reported to be indigestible."

As usual, these are entertaining stories, with believable characters, and definitely worth a read. Recommended.

#106 Can You Spot the Leopard? by Karen B Winnick

I enjoyed the pictures and verse of this book, but was puzzled over the author's intended audience. Many of the words within such as "euphoric", and "cavorting" would be beyond the vocabulary of a primary school child, but the format of the story appears aimed at a preschool child. There's also a picture of a lion eating its bloodied prey, which seems inappropriate for a child of three or four. Still, the pictures are well done.

Congrats on passing the 100 mark!!

>49 Berly: thank you!!!!

I wasn't sure it was going to happen this year, RL has been hectic.

Huzzah!!

Hooray for a hundred! I'm glad you have a deep stash of comfort books to read!

>51 CassieBash: >52 streamsong: thank you! Thank you!

I have hundreds of unread books...

Congratulations on 100 books and best wishes for the next 100!

Happy Thanksgiving from Bottle Tree Farm

>54 witchyrichy: thank you.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and with people you love.

#107 Betrayer by CJ Cherryh

Betrayed, Bren and his team make their way through hostile territory as renegade factions attempt to assassinate him.

Yet another good read in the series.

Reread, review from 2013


#108 Irish Red by Jim Kjelgaard

This remains my favorite of the 'Red' books. Mike, son of 'Big Red', is a runt, and considered a "muttonhead" and worthless. Mike's problem is that he thinks very highly of himself and isn't interested in obeying unless he feels like it. How Mike begins to grow up and redeem himself in everyone's eyes makes for a very entertaining and enjoyable read, for adults and young people as well.

#109 When the Moon is Full: A Lunar Year by Penny Pollock and Mary Azarian

This book of months is full of lovely woodcut illustrations and poems that are pleasing to the ear. At the end there is a Q & A about the moon. It would make a nice addition to my granddaughters' bookshelves.

#110 Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman

Leaphorn investigates the disappearance of two young males who were experimenting with the occult. Interesting read, with information about archaeology thrown into the mix.

#111 Dauntless by Jack Campbell

Entertaining "space opera" story of a military officer who wakes out of suspended animation one hundred years in the future and finds himself lauded as a legend. Circumstances put him reluctantly into a position of authority at a time of crisis. Good read, will look for the next book in the series.

You are reading a lot of good books! I especially like the 101 dalmations illustrations. I also read May I Bring a Friend and Crow Boy.

Happy upcoming weekend to youi.

>61 Whisper1: you read Crow Boy and May I Bring a Friend? first, hit me with book bullets for both! I found a copy of May I Bring a Friend? online, and now my granddaughters have it.

Illustrations aren't necessary for a good book, but the Johnstone inks for The Hundred and One Dalmatians are like exquisite icing on a delicious cake.

Found a used copy of Charlotte's Web, snagged for my grandchildren, but decided to peruse it before sending...and I read the entire book!


#112 Charlotte's Web by EB White

I reread this recently, a favorite from my childhood. As an adult I appreciated the author's deft and light touch of description, and his ability to elicit emotional tugs to my heart. I even teared up over certain passages. Wonderful as an adult read, fantastic as a juvenile story as well.

And Garth Williams' illustrations are marvelous as expected.

>64 laytonwoman3rd: "and I read the entire book!" Of course you did! I reread it every few years, and it always brings me joy (and maybe a tear or two).

>64 laytonwoman3rd: I think it should have won the Newbery.

#113 West of Dodge by Louis L'Amour

This is a collection of short stories that were written after the author's "pulp" days, and as he was transitioning into full length novel writing...and it shows. There's less "shoot-em-up" or fistfight action, more talk, deeper plots, and some of the stories have a twist in them, which I really liked.

My favorite was probably Let the Cards Decide, about a mail order bride, but they all were good reading. Recommended.

#114 King James Bible - Book of Isaiah (66 chapters)

#115 The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley (Newbery Medal 1985)

This story sucked me in from the start and never let me go. I appreciate the author's ability to NOT feel obliged to explain everything, but instead to let the tale flow swiftly along, unimpeded. Now I need to reread The Blue Sword again.

>68 fuzzi: It's really funny. I love this book (and The Blue Sword, and most of what McKinley's written...), have reread it many times, and thought that it would be a good way to get (back) into audiobooks. Got it from the library - I don't know who the narrator was, and she was fine, but somehow hearing it rather than reading it made me realize for the first time that the book consists 90% of flashbacks - and flashbacks within flashbacks, and sometimes triple-layered... It flows so beautifully reading, but not (for me) audibly - more like eddies!

>69 jjmcgaffey: I can't do audio books, I need to see the printed words.

Funny thing, I was aware of flashbacks, but didn't realize how much of it was that way...as you said, it flows beautifully.

I really wanted to be able to do audiobooks - thus choosing a favorite to listen to. And it confirmed that I won't be doing that.

>71 jjmcgaffey: I tried to listen to my favorite Louis L'Amour stories, but my mind wandered off.

>63 fuzzi: I’ve re-read that one multiple times—don’t feel bad, I still tear up, too.

In case I don’t get back to LT before the holidays, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Dear Fuzzi

I send all good wishes for a warm and wonderful holiday!

>73 CassieBash: it's been a while for me, I'd forgotten so much of the story. That made it a little new.

Merry Christmas to you, too, and a Happy New Year!

https://youtu.be/iV5aUDAa7pU?t=122

>74 Whisper1: thank you, the same to you!

And, here is another wish for you

Another Newbery for 2022!


#116 When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Newbery Medal 2010)

An absorbing "what if" story based in New York City and told by a pre-teen girl. I didn't think I would enjoy it that much, but found myself pleasantly proved wrong. I appreciated how the people were more than two dimensional characters, and were very much like people we know in real life, in their thoughts and actions. Nicely done.

Happy holidays to you and yours, Fuzzi! Cheers!

Happy Christmas from my Christmas gnome!

Merry Christmas, Fuzzi!

I have been offline most of the month, busy baking, crocheting, traveling, and reading but didn't want to let the end of the year pass without wishing my LT friends good blessings!

#117 Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff (Newbery Honor 2003)

Well done first person narrative by an abandoned child who is unable to stay for long with any foster family with which she is placed.

>79 Carmenere: skol!

>80 SandDune: how cute, where's your gnome from?

>81 quondame: Merry Christmas, I want that tree!

>82 witchyrichy: glad you stopped by. The Chickadee is my favorite bird.

Malaysia's branch of the 75er's wishes you and yours a happy holiday season.

fuzzi, The Newbery books you recently read were good ones. Awhile back, I vowed to read all the Newbery honor and medal books. I made a dent, but didn't continue. Perhaps in 2023 I can pick up where I left off.

I hope you had a wonderful Day!

>87 Whisper1: thank you! It would be nice for someone to join me on the Newbery quest.

We had a very good Christmas, hope yours was joyous as well.

>85 PaulCranswick: >86 Berly: happy holidays back atcha!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

>89 CassieBash: thank you!

I'm reading one of my Christmas books, Fearless by Jack Campbell, hope to have it done before 2023 arrives.

I hope each and every one of you have had a wonderful Christmas holiday!

>91 fuzzi: That is some crèche! Fabulous kids!

OMG!!! SO cute!!

#118 Fearless: The Lost Fleet by Jack Campbell

Trouble for the fleet arises when one member from a group of freed POWs has delusions of grandeur. His actions and those of his misguided followers threaten to weaken the ability of the entire flotilla to survive.

My challenge thread for 2023 is here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/347129#8017662

It's kind of bare as of today (January 1, 2023) but more will be coming soon!

ETA: my 2023 journal thread is up! https://www.librarything.com/topic/347135#

>91 fuzzi: Cute!