Anita's (Figs) Reading continues for 2022. 8th thread!

Welcome to my 8th thread! Many thanks to all those who come to visit.

My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average.

Subdivided into: Shaky ( barely got there), loose ( average) and solid ( just not quite there for a 3.5 or 4)

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on

5= Absolutely perfect!

Books Read In January



Top 3 of the month:

Migrations
The Island of the sea women
From the Ashes

Books Read In February



Top 3 reads of the month:

A tale for the time being
Miss Benson's Beetle
All our shimmering skies

Books Read In March


Top Three ( not in order)

The Arctic Fury
Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
Library Of The Unwritten

Books Read In April



Top 3
Circe
Where The Crawdads Sing
The Kew Garden Girls

Books read in June



Best two: The Magician
Drive your plow over the bones of the dead

Books Read In July


Best of the month: Woman Watching

Books Read In August



Best: song of Achilles

October



So hard to choose! This month was chalk full of excellent reads.

Top three- Hamnet, Other birds, Woman of light.

November



Best: Our Missing Hearts

One that surprised me unexpectedly was Take my Hand

December

Favourite/important read of the past.

A YA Book: Here is what I originally wrote



John Corey Whaley: Where Things Come Back

Told from the perspective of an idealistic teenager, the reader is introduced to Cullen Witter who has just lost his cousin to a drug overdose. He is awkward, sensitive and mature and cannot wait to get out of his boring rural town of Lily Arkansas. However, soon his boring life takes a turn. His younger brother Gabriel goes missing, the mysterious extinct Lazarus bird is supposedly spotted in their town and Cullen falls in love with a woman who doesn't love him.

The second story is told from the perspective of a young failed missionary ( Benton) who ends up committing suicide. His roommate, Cabot Searcy finds Benton's research on the book of Enoch and becomes obsessed.

These two story lines seem to have no relation to one another, however, at the end, the two stories collide and everything ends up making sense.

This was a delightful read that kept me guessing until the end. Lot's of symbolism and quite a bit packed into the deceptively relaxed writing style.

Congrats on your new thread!

>16 streamsong: Thanks, Janet! Here, have some apple pie

Happy new thread, Anita! You have done some amazing reading this year!

>18 jessibud2: I am pleased that there have been very few "duds". Some books, I was a little harsh on and find that those actually stick with me more.

Happy weekend ahead :)

117. Alex Michaelides: The Maidens

Mariana, a psychotherapist receives a frantic call from her niece who is studying at Cambridge University. She is scared because her friend has been murdered. Mariana jumps on a train and soon becomes involved with the investigation. She immediately zeroes in on a professor and his cult like group of students called the maidens.

It was an ok mystery/crime. Some interesting turns. The "why" was a letdown ( simplistic) especially given all the complications and cleverness leading up to it.

An enjoyable read 3/5

Hail to your new thread. Also to your prodigious reading. Huzzah!

Happy new thread, Anita.

>14 figsfromthistle: That is a really good idea. You are also spotlighting a book unfamiliar to me which is even better!

Happy new thread Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita!

>1 figsfromthistle: Looking at the topper I wondered if it was an ornament on the middle spire, or a real bird.

Happy new thread, Anita!
>1 figsfromthistle: With a wonderful picture and >14 figsfromthistle: a BB that is available for me it is a very fruitful visit...
Have a wonderful weekend!

>21 weird_O: Nice to see you here in my new digs!

>22 PaulCranswick: I have been doing this for each new thread of mine. I used to put it on the 3rd or fourth post but decided to change the location this time.

>23 quondame: Thanks, Susan!

>24 FAMeulstee: If I remember correctly, it was not a real bird but an ornament.

>25 SirThomas: Hi Thomas. Thanks! The picture is from the Matthias church in Budapest.

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Happy new one, Anita!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread and happy weekend Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita! Hope you're having a good weekend.

>28 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie, >29 mstrust: Jennifer>30 The_Hibernator: Rachel and >31 bell7: Mary!

Happy New Thread!

>33 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary!

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Happy New Thread, Anita!

>1 figsfromthistle: I googled the picture, I wanted to know where the church was located, so special that checkered roof. So you made me learn a new skill;-)

And wishing you a nice Sunday.

Happy new thread Anita!

Happy new thread!

Hi Anita my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

>36 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Yes the roof is quite exquisite. When I took that picture, the sun was starting to set.

>37 humouress: Thanks!

>38 drneutron: Thank you.

>39 johnsimpson: Thanks, John. I hope you have a wonderful start to th week.

New-thread orisons, Anita, and a great reading week ahead!

>41 richardderus: Thanks, Richard!

Happy new thread, Anita!!

>43 curioussquared: Thanks!

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118. Michael Connelly: Desert Star

Book # 5 in the Renée Ballard series has Renee heading and building her own department ( cold case division). She must find civilian volunteers and of course her top pick is Harry Bosch. She lures him with the prospect that he can work on a cold case of his that he is desperate to solve on condition he also works on other cases.

This was ok. Not the most solid in the series. Bosch and Renee seem to be awkward around each other and as usual Bosch does not take direction well.

3/5 I think most will really enjoy this read but is was just ok for me.

119. Alice Hoffman: Practical Magic

All about Sally and Gillian growing up in a house with their aunts who are feared by many of the townsfolk. As adults, Sally and Gillian go in opposite directions only to be reunited again.

Sadly not a lot of magic but an interesting tale all the same. Book 3 in the series ( depending on how you read it).

3/5

120. Marie Benedict: Lady Clementine

A historical fiction that looks at the different roles lady Clementine, wife of Winston Churchill had and how some of her efforts were barely recognized or appreciated by the men surrounding her.

Very well researched and interesting. I would have never thought that Mrs. Churchill was involved in so much military strategy. A great book that touches upon mental health, women's rights , politics and the struggle for independence.

3.5/5

>47 figsfromthistle: - I read and enjoyed that one last year (or maybe it was the year before).

Hi Anita. Happy new thread!

From your previous thread, somehow as I was scrolling down and posting on October 8, I missed that your uncle had passed away. I’m so sorry.

I hope you have a good week.

>48 jessibud2: So far Benedict has not disappointed me. Always a good read.

>49 karenmarie: Hi Karen. Nice to see you and thank you:)

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Happy mid week!

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Happy Wednesday, Anita. Happy New Thread. I have Lady Clementine on shelf. Glad to know you liked it.

>52 msf59: Thanks! Happy Wednesday!

>51 figsfromthistle: Oh, we trod the same steps today! I'm so glad you had another 3day.

>54 richardderus: Based on my first guess I should have gotten it in two tries but I decided to go with an s at the end instead of a y

We shall see what tomorrow brings :)

>55 figsfromthistle: Ahhh yesssss that is thy mistake, milady.

>56 richardderus: We shall see what mistakes I make tomorrow ;)

121. Jill Heinerth: Into The Planet

An interesting memoir how Jill became a professional diver, her struggles in life and her career and how she fought to become one of the top divers in the world.

I thought it was quite honest. I had no idea that diving was a male dominated profession. There was plenty of description of dangerous dives that she took part in. Overall an interesting read.

3.5/5

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122. Celeste Ng: Our Missing Hearts

Noah Gardner is nine when his mother has to leave to ensure he can remain with his father and not be placed with another family. His mother, a poet, is found guilty of breaking certain rules imposed by the government ( PACT). Noah ends up moving and is strongly encouraged by his father to forget his mom, keep his head down and forget his culture. Noah is desperate to find his mother and seeks answers only she can give. With every citizen watching and reporting suspicious behaviour, he must tread carefully to find the answers he seeks.

This was quite a book! How oppression, false ideals, and fear can lead to distorted views that lead to grotesque consequences.

A very solid
3.5/5 Perhaps even a 4*

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>60 figsfromthistle: Hi there!! Wow, I love Ng, so that has to go on my wishlist. Noted as Figs Fault. LOL. Happy weekend!

>63 Berly: Hi Kim! I Think it will be one you will enjoy. This was the first book by Ng that I have read and will definitely be reading more.

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>65 figsfromthistle: Four! From a Canadian, no less! (I took 4 as well, but *I* hail from Texas where they ain't none o' them.)

>66 richardderus: Ha! I made another mistake and on my third guess used two letters that I had used on the second guess. That's what I get for being too tired.

I love maple syrup and have quite a few sugar maples on my property

Happy Monday, Richard!

123. Patricia Cornwell: Livid

Kay Scarpetta is back in Virginia testifying at a trial when her already hellish day gets worse. A murder occurs and then another. Both are connected but it is unclear if the connection also has to do with the trial she is testifying at.

# 26 in the series. Beginning up to the middle of the book was the "exciting part".

A generous 3.5/5

I am so far behind on that series, but I really do like Scarpette. : )

>69 Berly: It is a good series. Always keeps me entertained.

Happy Tuesday!

It's been an exhausting few days. Today is going to be another long work day ( 6 am -9pm). We had snow the past few days but most of it has melted again. I really need to get those snow tires on and fix one of the snow tires since it has a nail in it.

I haven't been watching a lot of TV. I did watch an episode of Ghosts ( UK version). I also finished reading birdcage which was a good read.

I covered up the endive lettuce with straw and harvested the last stuff in the garden before the snow came. I moved the chickens into the heated winter barn and got all the snow gear to the garage. Most of the leaves are gone from the lawn and I decided that those that decide to fall now can stay there until spring.

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124. Eve Chase: The Birdcage

Three sisters are asked by their father to attend a reunion of sorts at Blackpoint cottage. The siblings think it is to discuss selling the home and all are eager to be rid of it and the horrible memories that haunt them into adulthood.

A slow moving narrative alternating between past and present. It was a solid read. If you enjoy family saga's then you will enjoy this one.

3.5/5

125. Susan Wiggs: Sugar and Salt

Margot Salton loves cooking. She is well known fo her BBQ sauces and wants to move her business from food truck to restaurant. While pursuing this goal she meets some wonderful people and finds a romantic interest as well. However, for things to progress, she must tell him the truth about her past even if she risks losing him.

Very well written. However, readers should be aware that there may be some triggers. Based on the description on the inner cover, I thought this was going to be more about Margot's cooking and her restaurant and perhaps a little romance. The majority was focused on her past which had a very long sexual assault/rape description and of her ordeal after to clear her name. A good read if you go into it knowing that it is not a "fluff" read.

A solid 3.3/5

Hi Anita. I very much like the way you imported your cover photos. Can you please tell me the image height you used? Thanks.

And, congratulations on reading 125 books thus far this year!!!

>71 figsfromthistle: The cold has taken hold in my area of NE Pennsylvania. Snow is predicted for next week. My friend and neighbor who has a very bad back has a job working on the property of a local college. He is in a lot of pain. My heart goes out to him.

>75 Whisper1: Nice to see you here!!

The image width I use for when I do a review is 100. The images at the top ( books read) is 75

We have been quite lucky with snow. Up until a few days ago I was still harvesting cherry tomatoes. We received at good 10cm of snow overnight. I am glad I don't have to go anywhere today and can take my time to clear it all.

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>77 figsfromthistle: I got the word in three today!

>78 richardderus: Nice!

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>14 figsfromthistle: Thanks again for the BB - I love the book.
Have a wonderful weekend, Anita!

>81 SirThomas: Glad you enjoyed it!

Happy weekend reads!

126. Gods Of Jade and Shadow: Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Casiopea lives with her grandfather's home with her mother. Here she is subjected to a cruel cousin and is often punished by her grandfather. She is forced to earn her keep and is often exhausted. However, she has a fighting spirit and is determined to find a way out. By accident, she ends up accompanying and aiding a God of death. Her life will depend on their success.

I enjoyed this one. It reminded me a little of Madeline Miller's stories and of V.E Schwab's book, the invisible life of Addie Larue.

This was a very slow paced narrative though. Hardly any action even at crucial moments such as the final task could have had a bit more action/danger. Each test they complete together was a little subdued. This is why I give it a 3* instead of a 3.5. If there is a sequel to this one, I would read it. It is supposed to be set in the Jazz age, but to me it felt like it took place centuries ago.

I did enjoy this one more than Mexican gothic.

3/5 or 3.5/5

>83 figsfromthistle: I liked it 4.0 - the pacing was probably what I was in the mood for.

>84 quondame: I quite enjoyed the read as well. It was a very solid 3.5 star. Sometimes I overthink thinks ;)

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>85 figsfromthistle: Excellent Wordleing result! I took 4 to get there...Alpha-order obsession, you know.

>83 figsfromthistle: I don't think Moreno-Garcia is the author I'd recommend to any action-loving reader...she's more contemplative, more measured, and so ends up taking quite a while to say what she needs to say.

Weekend *smooch*

>86 richardderus: Hi Richard!

So far I have enjoyed all of Garcia's books that I have read. Her writing works for me although for others it may not be their style.

*smooch*

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Hi Anita! I hope you have a good week.

>74 figsfromthistle: Congrats on 125 books.

>89 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen!

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127. Marie Benedict: The Personal Librarian

Bella de Costa Greene has a passion for books. She secures a position with J.P Morgan as his personal librarian and curator of many rare manuscripts, books and art pieces. She becomes indispensable to Morgan and soon finds herself attending hierarchal social gatherings. However, she must tread carefully. If anyone would come to know her true heritage she'd lose everything she worked so hard for.

Benedict's writing is always easy going and nice. Greene sounds like a fascinating woman and I will be looking out for some books about her life in the future.

3.5/5

Hi Anita! I've enjoyed getting caught up here. Marie Benedict's books have caught my eye a time or two but I haven't read any yet. You're tempting me.

The Morgan Library and Museum is one of my favorite places in NYC. I should really give that novel a try...

>92 AMQS: Most of the stories are about women who make huge contributions but are not necessarily recognized or known for their efforts. The latest was a little different as Greene was recognized but had to keep her black heritage a secret.

I also enjoyed the other Einstein and her hidden genius ( more about contributions to science). I think you can pretty much pick any book of hers and it will not disappoint.

>93 katiekrug: Hi Katie! This one focuses a lot on her heritage and how she was able to negotiate for certain manuscripts in a cut throat environment. There is a bit about her personal conquests as well. If you have enjoyed Benedict's other works, you will enjoy this one ( even if it deviated a little).

Today I have a rare Tuesday off. Well almost. I still have to teach in the afternoon. I hope to get some much needed house cleaning done and run some errands. I have a lot of phone calls to return as well. Hopefully, I will be able to sit down and read. I am currently 1/4 of the way into The Trees. So far so good.

For supper I think I will make something light. A beef minestrone soup should do quite well.

Wordle should have been in three tries but there were quite a few possibilities.

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Hi Anita, It is such a colourful thread over here. Love how you list your monthly reads with book covers and "best of''s"!

>96 mdoris: Glad you like it :)

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I really need to start thinking a bit better. Last two days were embarrassing.

128. Percival Everett: Trees

Money, Mississippi, dead bodies are showing up. Beside the dead body is another body that has been dead for years. This body gets "stolen" and appears at other crime scenes. Two special detectives are sent to investigate and are greeted by racist cops. The brutal murders are retribution for the lynchings in the past especially the 1955 murder of Emmett Till.

A dark satire that is difficult to forget.

3.5/5

To my American friends, if you celebrate thanksgiving, I wish you a happy one!

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>91 figsfromthistle: I really enjoyed The Personal Librarian and had made a visit to the Morgan Library during a recent trip to New York. It was cool to put them both together.

>100 figsfromthistle: Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes. We are going to a friend's house so I am only responsible for pies!

Hi Anita my dear, just stopping by to hello.

>101 witchyrichy: Every time I go to New York, I never have time to visit the Morgan library. I really want to see it next time!

Enjoy your thanksgiving feast. It is always tastes better when someone else cooks :)

>102 johnsimpson: Hi John. Nice to see you :)

Thursday orisons, Anita!

>104 richardderus: Hi Richard! Hope you are enjoying your ham and lima beans/stuffing :)

>105 figsfromthistle: I lurve it! I'll finish it up later when I zoom with Rob. He suggested we do the same crockpot meal together, so I got his favorite gluten-free stuffing mix from Trader Joe's, he got the canned-ham pucks I enjoy, and we sourced our canned green beans, as usual, from Ammy. We'll be eating the same meal together ~150mi apart!

Such a great guy.

>106 richardderus: Aww that's such a great idea. You are both lucky to have each other :)

129. Serena Burdick: The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey

1898, Evelyn, a budding novelist marries the famous novelist,William Aubrey. At the beginning everything is copasetic. Both have lengthy debates about various topics and help each other with their writing. However, one becomes jealous and things take a drastic turn. Over a hundred years later, Abigail decides to find her birth father and discovers a whack of family secrets.

Plot was obvious however, it was a nice relaxed read. I did not care as much for Abby's timeline but enjoyed Evelyn's a lot.

Somewhere between 3-3.5/5

Did you watch Jeopardy tonight? I knew the answer to the clue about Marie Benedict's book, The Other Einstein and none of the contestants did, lol!

>109 jessibud2: I did! I also knew the answer and shouted it quickly because I thought the contestants would know it. They looked liked they never heard of Benedict....

Also what a phenomenal game Cris played!

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Hi Anita, just a quick hello and happy Friday to you!

>110 figsfromthistle: - I really like him. He is a quiet, thoughtful and understated but quite smart. I wish he'd smile more but he's still fun to watch.

Happy Friday, Anita. I am glad to see you liked The Trees. I have had that on my TBR, along with his latest one. Sounds like my cuppa.

Dropping in to say hi, and saw the mentions of the Morgan Library. They're having a sale at their bookstore on Sunday.

>113 jessibud2: He makes me smile because he looks almost angry during the game but then has nice relief written on his face at the end. Great player.

>112 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Happy weekend :)

>113 jessibud2: He reminds me a bit of Holzhauer

>114 msf59: I think you will enjoy it. Everett is quite a talented writer.

>115 mstrust: A book sale! I love bookstalls. Too far for me though. Happy weekend :)

>116 RebaRelishesReading: At first I thought he came off as a bit arrogant and all too business like. It is good to see him smile sometimes.

Hoping you have a lovely weekend-ahead's reads!

>119 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! I have a rare weekend off and can't wait to get some reading in. *smooch*

Happy weekend! Looking at all the book covers for the books you've read this year is very impressive.

>121 banjo123: Hi Rhonda! Thanks!.The book covers make it appear grander than it really is ;)

Happy weekend

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>124 figsfromthistle: Took me 6 today.

>125 humouress: Oh man! At least your streak is alive. This is the first three I've had in a while.

Happy Sunday :)

130. Dolen Perkins-Valdez: Take My Hand

Montgomery, Alabama 1973, Civil Townsend is eager to start her job at the family planning clinic. However, she soon discovers a lot of unacceptable practices and finds out that certain medications such as Depo-Provera are being administered to young girls. Civil is assigned to a family and becomes more involved than a nurse should. She finds them shelter, and gives them all a sense of stability. However, things change when the unthinkable happens and Civil, her community and the Williams family will never be the same again.

There are two timelines. 1973 ( the most interesting) and 2016. The recent timeline was only there to explore how those involved felt after the incident and how they coped and moved on. This timeline was quite weak.

This is based on a true story that happened right after the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment . I will be seeking out additional reading about both of these inhumane experiments.

3.5/5 Definitely, I will be reading more by this author.

Happy Monday!

The last two weeks I have been dealing with massive pain in my arm, wrist and mostly fingers. Such a burning constant pain. The joints are so sore, swollen and stiff that it is interfering with my daily routine. I have been icing it at work and at home which only helps for a bit. ah well. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in the new year so we will see....The medication that was given to me does not help either.

The weekend off was nice. I was able to catch up on household chores and relax a little. I went shopping with a friend and went out for lunch. I didn't buy too much. I avoided the massive crowds on Friday and found most deals still offered on Saturday.

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I am sorry to hear this, Anita.
It doesn't relieve pain, but you have read some very interesting books.
And congratulations on the Wordle.

>128 figsfromthistle: Sorry to hear you are in pain, Anita -- I hope it passes soon!

>128 figsfromthistle: I Wordled before caffeine kicked in. I...did not do as well as you.

Happy new-week's reads.

>128 figsfromthistle: I'm so sorry about your arm and hand pain. I hope there is imminent relief for you.

>129 SirThomas: Thank you :)

I have been blessed with great reading this year.

>130 curioussquared: Thanks! It has been a more frequent pain and is really debilitating. I usually have a high pain threshold so it's quite bad.

>131 richardderus: Hi Richard! Always remember to caffeinate first!! In my case I was twice caffeinated so that helped ;)

>132 quondame: Thank you. I have been plunging my hands in ice cube baths every two hours or so which helps me get through my day.

131. Barbara Kingsolver: Demon Copperhead

I finished this one yesterday and want to hold off on the review. I can't say it's my favourite by Kingsolver but I appreciate it all the same. Perhaps if I had read Charles Dickens I may have appreciated more-it's hard to say.

I think that many will enjoy this read.

>76 figsfromthistle: Anita, our weather in NE Pennsylvania is mercurial. One day it is very cold, and frost covered my plants, then the next few days we had 60 degree weather. I will add Demon Copperhead to my tbr list. I often wish there would be a course regarding Charles Dickens at a local college. I think he was way ahead of his time regarding human psychology long before it was studied. His astute writing regarding Scrooge in A Christmas Carol was so very insightful.

When his nephew who was asked by his wife why he continues to invite him every year to their Christmas get together. he said "Who does he hurt most; he hurts himself," caused me to pause and apply this to my former husband.

>128 figsfromthistle: I am saddened that you are in extreme pain. It is not easy living with this and trying to function. Reading is a salvation! I hope the medical team can get to the bottom of this --fast!

Your pain sounds troublesome, Anita. I'm sorry you can't see a rheumatologist until next year. Wait, it isn't that far away...unless one is suffering. Sending healing hugs...or better drugs.

I have been without a doctor for most of this year because my previous one decided to leave the field without much warning. I am fine, but it makes me nervous being at the mercy of urgent care if I have a problem. I connect with my new M.D. in early January.

I'm glad to see you're a Jeopardy fan. They do seem to have a lot of book questions (or should I say answers?). I'm slow on the draw with the response, but I do pretty well because of all the reading I've done over the years.

I'm eager to hear more of your thoughts on Demon Copperhead. I'm slowly moving up the library hold list. I will probably get it early in January.

Speaking of books and Jeopardy, tonight's final Jeopardy was another point for me! lol. I got it right and none of the contestants did. I never actually read Sarah Plain and Tall but I guessed it correctly. What I did know for sure, though, was that it WASN'T Anne of Green Gables! ;-)

Hope you can get relief soon for your pain, Anita. I am also waiting for an appointment with the rheumatologist - mine is in Feb!

Congratulations Shelley!

>135 Whisper1: I also do not like such swing in temperatures. I always end up wearing layers just in case.

You are quite right. There are always people in the family that get invited to gatherings and no one looks forward to their company. In the end they truly hurt themselves the most.

>136 Donna828: Oh no! I hope you are able to find a GP. It is a pain to use walk in clinics when you are ill.

I love Jeopardy and I usually watch it with my parents. I head over most nights. We are quite competitive about it ;) There have been a lot of bookish questions lately which has suited me just fine.

>137 jessibud2: Isn't it a great feeling when you get the right answer and everyone else is stumped? Good job!

Happy Tuesday!

A long work day for me ( 6 am until 9pm). I just hope everything goes well. Supper will probably be a salad that I am taking from home. I never really feel hungry at such a late hour.

Hopefully, my day does not go as badly as my wordeling.....

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6 am until 9pm? That sounds brutal. Good luck, Anita. I hope to kick off the New Year with Demon Copperhead. I am a big fan of Kingsolver.

Oof, best of luck on your long work day. It was a tough Wordle today - I was pleased (and surprised) to get it in four.

>128 figsfromthistle: that doesn't sound/feel good, Anita, I am sorry that you have to suffer that. Hope you had a better work day yesterday

>141 msf59: Ha! yes it is brutal! Luckily it went smoothly.

>142 bell7: It was a tough one. I almost didn't make it because to the odd starting letter.

>143 paulstalder: Thanks Paul. The pain was still there all day ( even with pain medication). I think I am getting used to it.

Happy mid week!

Today after work I am planning to go to my local library sale. It is a three day event but I want to get there today for the best selection. It is a small town so I suspect it won't be overly huge but I may just pick up something I like.

Yesterday, I read zero pages. I hope that I will be less exhausted today and start and finish another book.

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>145 figsfromthistle: It was a welcome 3day for me today, so I am a little bit less grouchy about my early start to the day.

Recuperate well with your normal day plus book-pillaging.

>146 richardderus: A three day! good job, Richard.

Today's weather is quite fitting for book browsing. Windy, rain, dark and cloudy.

132. The Winter Guest: W. C. Ryan

Maud Prendeville is supposedly killed by an IRA ambush. The only problem is that the IRA does not take responsibility for it. Harkin is put on the task of finding the true killer. He must tread carefully or he could be next.


3/5

I can hardly believe it but it's the end of another month!

Here are my book stats.

Male authors: 4
Female:12
Total books read:16
Longest book:560
Shortest:288
Total pages 5482
Average pages: 342
Pages per day: 182

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Happy Friday!

The weather has turned a little milder. The swings from extreme cold to really mild is quite annoying. I am always caught unprepared.

Today's dinner I have decided to make shepherds pie ( but with beef). I'll make a small salad to go with it and it should be enough.

Reading wise, I finished The Bookshop Of Secrets It was a solid read and a nice one for the start of the month.

I went to the library sale and was impressed. For such a small community they certainly had a decent sized sale. There were no set prices. You just give what you can.

I picked up 9 books

Salman Rushdie: the Golden House
Helen Oyeymei: Peaces
Zsuzsi Gartner:Better Living Through Plastic Explosives
Allison Bartlett: The Man Who loved books too much
Ian Williams: Reproduction
Alina Adams: the Nesting Dolls
Elise Goldbach: Rust: A Memoir of steel and grit
Howard Goldblatt: Chairman Mao would not be amused: Fiction from today's China
Ammar Habib:The Heart of Aleppo: The story of the Syrian Civil war

Wordle 531 4/6

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133. Mollie Rushmeyer: The Bookshop of Secrets

Hope Sparrow finds herself in an old disorganized bookshop hoping to find a set of books her mother left there. Hope knows that to move on to her future she will have to find out about her past and how she is connected to Wanishin Falls. With all the books piled high everywhere it is clear that she will need to stay longer to find what she needs. Luckily, the owners need help and they in return give her far more than she ever thought would be possible.

An entertaining read. A treasure hunt, some danger, romance and a whole lot of self discovery.

I give it a very solid 3 but probably a 3.5 because I was in the right mood.

This can be classified as a Christian fiction which I was not aware of before reading....but it did not overpower other narratives.

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>153 figsfromthistle: Same score for me today.

>151 figsfromthistle: Better Living Through Plastic Explosives was a mild success for me. I really don't *get* how it won the Giller Prize, though; good enough to read without regret doesn't make a book prize-worthy to me.

I hope your weekend goes smoothly.

>154 richardderus: oh no! I was hoping that it was going to be a good pick.....something funny. Good to know that I don't need to rush and read it ;)

So far weekend wise, all is well.

I hope your Sunday tomorrow is restful.

>156 Whisper1: So far not restful. It is a working weekend and today is supposed to be a a normal 8 hour shift but alas it is not meant to be. My hands are still hurting and not getting any better but plunging them into ice helps.

Anyhow, hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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I am so sorry about your hand pain. I thoroughly empathize as I am also having swollen and sore hands and will try to get a doctor's appointment for this week. I will have to give the ice water a try - I already take glucosamine and fish oil but several people have recommended tumeric for inflammation so I may try that too, Everyone seems to have a favorite potion!

I have not read anything by Marie Benedict. I guess I'll have to remedy that.

I just added Demon Copperhead to my library hold list. The length is daunting.

>158 streamsong: I'm taking glucosamine for arthritis pain in general and using the Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium) on my hands, but the opening of a dispensary on the corner where I drop Becky off when she teaches locally made me wonder if I should try a cannabis topical.

Mike managed to pick her up any number of times without noticing the interesting decor working its way over the building - or not connecting its psychedelic LA theme with the likely hood of mind altering product.

>158 streamsong: I have heard that turmeric is good to lessen inflammation. I hear making a turmeric poultice works as well however, I am hesitant as it will probably stain my hands ;)

For me, anything that heats my hands makes the pain worse. So far ice is working along with medication. I also have RSI which exacerbates the pain further

Hope you have a great start to the week!

>159 quondame: Hi Susan!

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>149 figsfromthistle: I looked at your stats, Anita, earlier today. They pulled me back. I sure wish I could read 182 pages each day. That's great, especially given your work hours.

.I sure do hope you can get some pain relief

Anita, I have started taking Genacol for inflammation. It contains turmeric. There are apparently a few different types of Genacol but this one says it's specifically for inflammation. I started taking it for knee pain a few years ago and I found it really helped. Now I am taking it for the arthritis in my hands and also, I found out last week that I have bursitis in my hip. Ah, the joys of aging...

Genacol is on the shelf at any pharmacy.

>161 weird_O: Thanks! My reading increases in the colder months because there is less outdoor garden things to do and it gets dark sooner. I am also able to read more because I really don't watch a lot of TV.

>162 jessibud2: Oh no! Boo for bursitis!

I will have to check Genacol out and see if I can take with the medication I am on on. ( Naproxene and Esomeprazole)

Happy Tuesday!

I can't believe it's only 19 days until Christmas! time certainly flies. I briefly went into a store on my lunch hour. It was packed.

On the weekend and on Monday I finished reading three books. I will get to a synopsis about them sometime soon. The Winners , The House In The Orchard and the Marsh Queen. I did not enjoy the winners as much as the other two books in the trilogy though.

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>163 figsfromthistle: - Ask the pharmacist if there are any interactions or contraindications. They are more knowledgeable than doctors about this sort of thing most of the time. Genacol has no *chemical medicine in it, as far as I know, as it's all natural so it should be ok. I did ask my doctor and my pharmacist, I also asked if it was something I could take every day, as people do for something like glucosamine, for example. Both checked and said there was nothing saying I couldn't.

>165 jessibud2: Cool! Good to know. Good idea to ask the pharmacist. Thanks :)

134. Fredrik Backman: The Winners

This is the third book in the Beartown trilogy. Timeline brings the reader to two years after the house party that changed the town forever. How has the community moved on? were there lessons learned or will hate and anger continue to dominate two rival towns?

3/5 Not my favourite of the three

135. Elizabeth Brooks: The House In The Orchard

Peggy inherits a house from her husband's aunt Maude who inherited from Miss Greenaway. Tales of ghosts and misfortune surround this house. Fortunately, Peggy finds Maude's diary and the majority of the book focuses on Maudes story.

The ending took me for surprise. The author also added the last bit a little too quickly.....

A solid 3/5

136. Virginia Hartman: The Marsh Queen

Loni is a ornithological artist working in the Smithsonian. When she receives a phonecall from her brother that she is needed in Florida to help out with their mother and sort through her mothers possessions she takes a leave of absence and gets there as soon as she can. Coming back home is difficult but she finds solace by canoeing and stirring up a friendship with the canoe shack owner. While there she uncovers clues to the true nature of her fathers death all those years ago.

Interesting idea. Not bad but do not believe the talk that this is anywhere comparable to where the crawdads sing ( no where close).

Some good writing and some things that did not work as well. Not a bad debut

3/5

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>170 figsfromthistle: Solid performance! And off a single correct letter! It took me 4 today.

*smooch*

>171 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! I was happy since it's been a while since I have worded in three. My second guess really helped.

Happy mid week!

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>173 figsfromthistle: Wow, Wordle in three, three days in a row!

Sweet Thursday, Anita. Stasia and I plan on doing a shared read of The Winners early in the New Year. Sorry, to hear it fell a little short.

I've read both >91 figsfromthistle: The Personal Librarian and >99 figsfromthistle: The Trees and really enjoyed both Anita. You are right, the latter certainly stays with you.

>128 figsfromthistle: Sorry to hear about your arms and hands. I hope that gets resolved. I occasionally have numbness or pain in hands or fingers, but it usually passes after a few days.

>174 FAMeulstee: Thanks! That what happens when I have breakfast before I wordle ;)

>175 msf59: It fell a little short because I was comparing it to the first two in the series that were a little more action packed. I think I also was not in the right headspace when reading it. I know that most will really enjoy the read-I hope you will as well.

>176 Caroline_McElwee: Hi! I guess we all deal with pain and discomfort at some point in our lives. Just gotta power through it :) Hope you have a great Friday!

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137. Louise Penny: A World Of Curiosities

Instalment number 18 of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series has Mr Gamache reminiscing about the past. However, sometimes the past can be tricky and have you second guessing previous decisions and theories. Especially when the past reappears.

A good solid entry. Less "action" in this one. There were some "random" things/words that were inserted here that added little to the plot and left me wondering-why? Overall a quick read.

A solid 3/5

>179 figsfromthistle: I'm not reading the books anymore, but the new Prime series is very good thank goodness.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Anita!

>180 richardderus: Hi Richard! Good to know about the series. I am going to watch the first episode soon.

Happy Saturday!

I have today off. I was lucky to get the day. Tomorrow it's back to work. I have lots to catch up on and since it is nice and sunny ( for a change) but cold, I may go out for a walk.

I also have no pirogues left so I am going to make a big batch and freeze them.

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Enjoy your day off - don't work too hard :)

>183 katiekrug: Ha! I will try not to ;)

>182 figsfromthistle: Making and freezing your needed pirogues sounds like a *good* day-off task because it's got a definite end to it. Too often we use time off to do the endless tasks like cleaning...but this one has long-term tangible benefits and also has that magical quality of being completeable that I treasure so much.

Anyway...I Wordled in 3 today because I'm using a new #2 word in rotation with my original one. Happy Saturday!

>185 richardderus: The Pirogues turned out great!

Oooh a new second word? Nice! Glad it is working for you. I have to admit that I am not as consistent. I always use different words each time I wordle. It does not always work though.

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>176 Caroline_McElwee: It is good to know Marie Benedict has another book on the market. I've added this, and The Trees to my tbr list. I read a lot of books regarding the murder of Emmett Till and the bravery of his very sad mother who refused to have her son's casket closed. Thousands walked past Mamie Till's son's terrible swollen face, with only one eye ball in a socket. She stood there all those hours. She wanted the world to see what two white men had done to her 14 year old son!

Many who write about the Civil Rights movement credit the murder of Emmett Till and his mother's supreme bravery as the jump start to the black community saying "We are NOT going to take this anymore; This is way too much.

>187 Whisper1: I hope you enjoy the reads. It was quite a brave thing for Emmett's mother to do and sent a powerful message. I hope to read more literature about it and the movement that followed after sometime in the new year. Any recommendations?

Happy Monday!

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>189 figsfromthistle: 4days are good days...I got a 3day, today, so that was nice.

Anita,

Here are a few recommendations, I will be sure to send more to you tomorrow:



I'm currently reading a rather large book regarding Robert Kennedy who was very committed to helping the poor and those who could not get out of poverty because of their skin color. According to what I've read so far, RFK was instrumental in pushing his brother, the president, to pay much more attention to the lynchings and murders, particularly in Birmingham, Alabama, also known as "Bombingham Alabama because the KKK would intentionally put houses on fire if they felt someone was didn't "know his place."

On the night that MLK was killed, he calmed the people by giving a speech that clearly, rightfully so, showed he cared about this country and the treatment blacks had to endure.

After his speech, there wasn't an uprising as there was in other major cities.
I believe this is from his speech, I will research more, and if I am wrong, I'll correct this:

I could go on and on. I'll stop here, but please message me if you want more suggestions. And, thanks for asking!!!

STATEMENT ON ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, APRIL 4, 1968
(The following text is taken from a news release version of Robert F. Kennedy's statement.)

Senator Robert F. Kennedy
Indianapolis, Indiana
April 4, 1968

I have bad news for you, for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world, and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight.

Martin Luther King dedicated his life to love and to justice for his fellow human beings, and he died because of that effort.

In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the United States, it is perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in. For those of you who are black--considering the evidence there evidently is that there were white people who were responsible--you can be filled with bitterness, with hatred, and a desire for revenge. We can move in that direction as a country, in great polarization--black people amongst black, white people amongst white, filled with hatred toward one another.

Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand and to comprehend, and to replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.

For those of you who are black and are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man. But we have to make an effort in the United States, we have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond these rather difficult times.

My favorite poet was Aeschylus. He wrote: "In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.

So I shall ask you tonight to return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King, that's true, but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love--a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke.

We can do well in this country. We will have difficult times; we've had difficult times in the past; we will have difficult times in the future. It is not the end of violence; it is not the end of lawlessness; it is not the end of disorder.

But the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings who abide in our land.

Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.

Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people.

Source: Papers of Robert F. Kennedy. Senate Papers. Speeches and Press Releases, Box 4, "4/1/68 - 4/10/68." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

>190 richardderus: Nice! A three day is always a happy one!

>191 Whisper1: Oh wow! Thank you for the suggestions. It looks like you have quite a bit of literature on this. Reading about RFK sounds like a good idea as well. I will PM you ( tomorrow).

Happy Tuesday!

Another long day for me. Work from 6 am to 9pm. I brought some leftover roast beef and mashed potatoes and gravy for a mid afternoon lunch to keep me going.

Yesterday after work, I went to a store to see what I could find for Christmas. I left without purchasing a single item. Too crowded at that time and I think it's wiser for me to make a list of ideas for each person so my shopping does not feel so hectic.

I finished reading two books Lessons In Chemistry and Heart of The sun Warrior

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My second word helped a lot Plays, Spore, Spoke

>193 figsfromthistle: 6am - 9 pm is a LONG day!

I'm with you -- I have to have a list when I go shopping.

Lessons in Chemistry is on my list and so is Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Too many books, so little time!

>193 figsfromthistle: I had the same number but a much weirder path.

I'll think ever so dotingly of your feet as you trudge through the last four hours of your shift. *there there, pat pat*

>194 curioussquared: Did you read the first in the celestial kingdom series as well? I enjoyed the first more than the second but that always happens with me in a series.

Lessons in chemistry was a good read for me as well. I am sure you will enjoy both when you get to them :)

>195 richardderus: Hi Richard! Well I managed to get out 40 minutes earlier ( I didn't take my lunch break). I think that made me more tired. Next time I will take my break and use it to nap ;)

138. Sue Lynn Tan: Heart of the Sun Warrior

Xingyin is back living on the moon and recovering from the years battle. However, the celestial Emperor and Empress are not exactly fans of hers and try their best to find her or her mother at fault for something-anything really. It does not take long, before trouble starts and Xingyin must flee from the moon, prepare to do battle, mend some fences and be honest about who she loves.

Second in the series. Not as strong as the first-but that's just second book syndrome ;) There is less action/battle scenes but Xingyin is able to finds the answers she seeks.

3.5/5

139. Bonnie Garmus: Lessons In Chemistry

Elizabeth Zott has a masters degree in chemistry. When an incident happens with her thesis supervisor, she is forced to leave and find another place to study and conduct her research. Here she meets a brilliant chemist, and begins to make headway in the lab she is working in. Every which way she turns, she is belittled by other "colleagues" and discouraged from pursuing academia. By accident she stars in a cooking show-done with a twist.

I found the book to be at times funny. I enjoyed Elizabeth and Calvin's awkward personalities and Elizabeth's grit and determination.

Please be aware- there is detailed graphic sexual assault scene in the first few pages.

3.5/5

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I really pulled this one out of a hat.

>196 figsfromthistle: No, I haven't read either yet but they're both on the list ;)

>200 curioussquared: Ah. Cool!

Happy Thursday!

Today we have icky weather. Ice rain, and some snow on its way. Lots of heavy winds as well. I am crossing my fingers that the power does not go out!

Yesterday I made a trip to my local used bookstore that is around the corner from where I work. I returned to getting my longer lunch hour on Wednesdays and find that browsing in the bookstore really helps me recharge and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

I found four titles:

Selections from Leaves of Grass By Walt Whitman- I couldn't resist the nice leather cover on this one.

The Sisters of Auschwitz: The True Story of Two Jewish Sisters' Resistance in the Heart of Nazi Territory by Roxane van Iperen

Postmark Berlin: A Mystery (A Collins-Burke Mystery, 11) : Anne Emery

Skyscrapers Hide the Heavens: A History of Indian-White Relations in Canada: J.R. Miller

I am finding my local library to be quite frustrating. They seem to only have popular selections and have very little classics, translated literature , world literature or even philosophy. Ah well I suppose thats why we have plenty of bookstores :)

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Hi Anita! My local library is difficult, too, though it's part of a larger system and I can always request books. Mostly, though, I use the digital library. And if I know I'm going to share a book with someone else, I'll buy it. I'm about to start reading the Drizzt books with Aaron and a pen pal friend.

>203 The_Hibernator: I find that even being part of the larger system there are quite a few "gaps" in the catalogue that really should not be there. Anyhow it's nice to see you here :)

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Today's wordle really should have been a twofer. That darn 4th letter had too many possibilities!

140. Anthony Horowitz: The Twist of a Knife

Anthony Horowitz is accused of murder and the only possible person that can try to clear his name is Daniel Hawthorne.

#4 in the series. It was ok. Not one of the stronger ones in the series. Lots of annoyances in this one. Also, if you were accused of murder, wouldn't you tell your wife? Or call from jail?

This book is comedic in the absurd sense.

A loose 3/5

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>206 figsfromthistle: Me too!

>205 figsfromthistle: I haven't been bit by the bug on Horowitz. I'm not even sure which one I read. I always want to be, since all y'all seem to get such a charge out of his stuff.

>207 richardderus: I have to admit that the Horowitz bug that I caught is a mild one.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Wordle 547 4/6

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Hi, Anita! Happy Sunday! I tried a couple Horowitz novels but just didn’t enjoy them so haven’t continued. Oh, well, there’s lots more out there!

>210 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! Thanks! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead :)

>202 figsfromthistle: It sounds like you are experiencing some nasty weather. We have below freezing temps with snow on the way tomorrow. I over did it today with wash, ironing, cleaning a large bedroom closet, and misc. items that needed to be done.

I send all good wishes for a wonderful holiday!

>212 Whisper1: Thank you for the beautiful image and message.

I hope you are able to relax a bit today.

Happy Monday!

It's a day off for me. Lots of household things to do. I hope to finish decorating and make a batch of cookies.

I have a chicken cooking ( for soup). It is so cold! I am hoping the soup will warm me up.

I finished reading Even though I knew The end. A nice quick read.

Wordle 548 3/6

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It’s freezing here too, but, then, it is winter in the northeast. I’ve been mostly hunkering down in the house but will be braving the cold today to run a few errands. I’ll be wearing my down puffy coat and Ugg boots so should survive. Wish me luck.

>215 Storeetllr: Good luck! The puffy coat sounds nice and warm! Don't forget to wear a hat ;)

141. C. L. Polk: Even though I knew the end

Helen is hired by a demon to investigate a murder. In exchange she will get her soul back.

Thats all I am going to say so I don't spoil it. It was a very short book. I quite like Polk's narrative style. I enjoyed reading Midnight bargain earlier on this year and look forward to reading more.

A solid 3.5/5

Until I read your thread, I didn't realize that Horowitz has two series out. The books are confusing because the covers look similar for all of his current series.

Soup sounds good for the cold weather. We are even experiencing cold (for us) on the West Coast. I'm hunkering down hoping that it and the snow go away soon.

>218 Familyhistorian: Hmm. Do you mean the Susan Ryeland series? They do have similar cover styles. I quite like the Ryeland series.

Stay warm!

Wordle 549 3/6

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Third guess was lucky.

(not my picture)

I made the traditional batch of cookies with my mom the other day. Something we always do together and is quite fun. Vanilla crescent cookies and Linzer cookies. It does not feel like Christmas until these are made.

The tree is decorated ( with the obligatory chocolate and candies on it) and my house is decorated now as well. I just have to hang the wreaths on the doors.

I am almost done with the dreaded holiday shopping but still have a few gifts to buy. My dad fell off a ladder while cleaning out the chimney and really twisted/sprained his ankle, and knee. He also twisted his back so I had to do his shopping for him.

I have not been reading a lot though and hope to get my focus back soon.

Wordle 550 4/6

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Wordle 551 5/6

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Ouch!

Happy Thursday!

Supposed to get a massive weather storm later today and into Friday.I will pick a few things up after work and hunker down for the weekend.

Finished reading A Factotum in the Book Trade and have yet to decide the next read.

Stay safe and warm, Anita! It’s supposed to be a doozy of a cold front over most of the country. Good reading weather.

>223 figsfromthistle: I hope your power stays on, your HoCho stays warm, and your blankie keeps you snug as a bug in a rug.

*smooch*

Hi Anita! Good to be almost done with the shopping? I still have to take the kids shopping for each other. But that's it. And Aaron just wrapped the last of the gifts. M10 and I are going to cook peppermint cookies tomorrow for Santa. It's a recipe sent me by one of my pen pals.

>224 Storeetllr: Thanks! I am not planning on travelling in the next few days so let it snow ;) I feel bad for those who have to travel though.

>225 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! I have the next 5 days off and really need it. Hoping to relax and decompress.

>226 The_Hibernator: Ooh peppermint cookies! Sounds delicious. I will probably do my wrapping tomorrow.

Hurray for 5 days in a row off! And it sounds like you have cookies, decoration and gifts in nice order...so that means more reading time, right? : ) Happy holidays.

142. Marius Kociejowski: A Factotum In the Book Trade

A memoir about how Marius came to be a book seller, a collector and how he forged friendships with those he met along the way.

I thought this was going to be funny. A grumpy, eccentric and sarcastic bookseller sounded like the perfect read. Some of it was-but most often it was boring. There was a lot of name dropping ( people who frequented the shop and authors he admired). Marius is a big poetry buff. Theres a bit of everything in this memoir. One thing is for sure- his idea of an ideal bookstore is right up my alley. A bookstore that is a bit disheveled, mysterious and allows for unexpected discoveries.

>228 Berly: I rarely have so many days off in a row and quite honestly am overdue. Great to recharge and as you said, read!

Hope your holidays are not too stressful :)

Congratulations on reading 142 books thus far this year! That is quite an accomplishment!

>231 Whisper1: Thank you :) I am hoping to get to 150 by the end of the month but so far my pace has slowed down.

With every good wish of the season Anita. I hope you get plenty of reading in.

>233 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you! May you have a wonderful Christmas as well :)

Wordle 552 4/6

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I need some help spreading the news... https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/23884/75-Books-Challenge-for-2023

>229 figsfromthistle: A big poetry buff! Gosh, thanks for the warning, Anita. I'll set phasers on "annihilate" and ready the photon torpedos in case anything survives.

*smooch*

Happy Christmas from my Christmas gnome!

>235 drneutron: Thanks! Wow you are fast getting the new group up!

>236 richardderus: I thought you would appreciate the warning. Have a wonderful weekend :)

>237 SandDune: Happy Christmas! What a cute gnome :)

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday/Christmas season!

Have a Happy Happy Christmas, Anita!

>240 quondame: Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. May it be filled with good food, good company and all the books you desire :)

Happy Christmas eve!

Well the majority of the storm has passed. Some snow is still expected and it is cold. Minus 16 celsius and a lot of wind. I think I will wait to clear my laneway until tomorrow afternoon.

Later today, I am heading over to my parents house. All festivities were cancelled with relatives and friends because we did not want them to risk travelling in such bad weather. So later in the evening I am sure there will be roasted chestnuts with a nice heavy bodied red wine :)

Of course this year since I am actually not working for Christmas, there are so many phone calls to make and it seems that my phone is ringing off the hook. The only thing I wish is that those who are overseas would remember that there is a 6 hour time difference ( I am behind time-they are ahead). Ah well.

I finished reading Look Both Ways. It was ok.

Wordle 553 5/6

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Hi Anita! One of my New Year's Resolutions is to keep in better touch with my LT friends.

>202 figsfromthistle: I am finding my local library to be quite frustrating. They seem to only have popular selections and have very little classics, translated literature , world literature or even philosophy. Our Library, in our small county, is also lacking in some things I’d like to see, but quite a few things are available as e-books and audio book downloads. Does your Library have those services?

>217 figsfromthistle: Onto the wish list it goes!

>243 karenmarie: Hi Karen! I just posted on your thread while you were over at mine. Great minds......

My library does have e-books however not any different selections than they have for physical books. I do have access to a a larger library system in the bigger city which is where I work. However, they too are limited in choice. I wonder what makes a particular branch decide what is important to buy and what is not. I am lucky and spoiled in the city as it is a university town, I have access to the public libraries and to the five various libraries at the University as well it is here where I find most of the stuff I cannot find elsewhere. However, the general public does not have access to it unless you are a researcher, employee or an alum.

Thank you for the Christmas wishes! Hope your holidays are stress free.

Merry Christmas, Anita. Have a great holiday.

>239 figsfromthistle: Love it. Some type of quail or prairie chicken?

>244 figsfromthistle: I’d love to have access to a good university library. Since I work for a research division Johns Hopkins, theoretically I can use that system (including Peabody Conservatory!) but all are in the middle of Baltimore and not at all easy to get to unless you live/work there. I’m jealous! 😀

>245 msf59: Thanks! Actually it is a grey partridge.

>246 drneutron: I am quite lucky in that respect. I spent many hours in those libraries and discovered some cool alcoves. I used to have a research room there which was quite handy. Too bad you don't live closer to your research archive. Are you able to do interlibrary loans?

143. Linwood Barclay: Look Both Ways

Garrett Island residents are part of a test group that have agreed to give up their conventional cars and use electric autonomous ones instead. Everything is going well and now is the time for a big media announcement and moment of truth. However, someone who holds a grudge corrupts the car's software and as a result, the cars begin hunting humans.

Fast paced thriller towards the middle.

3/5

>247 figsfromthistle: Yeah, but it takes a while and the resources can be hard to sort through. Because we’re a research division and we’re not local to the main campuses, it’s not a user friendly system. Once I’m retired, though, I plan to make better use. And also the Library of Congress, which is about the same distance away in a different direction.

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!

Merry Christmas

>249 drneutron: You are quite lucky that the library of congress is sort of close.

>250 witchyrichy: Nice to see you about! May you also have a wonderful holiday season!

I do want to learn how to crochet. I know how to knit-is it similar or really different?

>251 johnsimpson: Hi John! I wish you a wonderful Christmas. We received a lot of snow so it certainly looks like your picture :)

Merry Christmas Eve! Enjoy your Christmas off :)

>253 curioussquared: Thanks Natalie! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Well I am up and ready to go. I am cooking the Christmas dinner this year. The first time I have ever done it completely alone. I hope my guests ( just my parents this year) enjoy the food. It should be fun!

I did not clear the laneway yesterday. There was more snow on the way and it was too cold and windy. Minus 16 Celsius and with the windchill it was minus 30!! I may leave the snow until tomorrow. We shall see.

Wordle 554 3/6

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

Merry Christmas, Anita!

Minus 16 seems awfully cold, so stay safe and warm!

>255 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul!

>256 EllaTim: Thanks Ella, you too! I shall have to venture out tomorrow and clear the snow so I will make sure to bundle up.

>257 Berly: Thank you! May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

Ermahgerhhd, it's super-duper weird to think that tomorrow's 33°/1C high will feel warm.

Anita, I hope your meal went well, and your day was special!

>259 richardderus: Ha! yes that sounds rather balmy to me. Oddly enough next week we are supposed to get plus 7.... Maybe get my shorts out?

>260 Whisper1: Thank you. All went well. Everyone was happy with the food and went home happy. Today is clean up day and snow removal day :)

I blame the turkey for this one ;)

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Happy holidays, Anita! Hope you had a lovely Christmas and that the new year brings all good things!

>262 Storeetllr: Thanks! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

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144. Gwendolyn Womack: The Memory Painter

Ever since he was a child, Bryn has episodes/dreams where he becomes a different person. At the end of these episodes he stands in front of a newly created oil painting. This sudden talent makes him into a professional painter as an adult. However, when exhibiting his works at a gallery, a woman is taken aback when she recognizes a recurring dream in one of Bryn's painting. The two find eachotherer and also learn to remember past lives.

This memory is possible due to a group of scientists ( one being her dad) in the 80's who came up with a drug that reduces memory loss in patients with Alzheimer's. They took it one step further and swallowed the pill themselves to see what would happen with a healthy mind. They would suddenly wake up and be fluent in math, karate and many languages. However, an explosion happened in the lab and all research was buried.

This is Gwendolyn's debut novel. Her subsequent novels are a little more fine tuned but this was great start. Some of the memory flashbacks were boring and repetitive though. Excellent concept. Now I just wish I could take a pill and be fluent in 30 languages without studying! :)

A solid 3/5

>264 figsfromthistle: Ooh! I like the sound of that one.

>265 Berly: It was an interesting one about reincarnation and souls.

Added to my WL. : )

>267 Berly: Nice!

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Happy Thursday!

Well the cold weather is gone, snow is cleared and now we have plus 6-10 celsius! Considering our bone chilling Christmas I will take the milder weather any day!

Yesterday I had stuffed peppers with homemade tomato sauce for dinner.

I finished reading three books but have yet to put up a synopsis. Galatea, Atlas Paradox and The Anomaly None blew my mind but the Anomaly was quite a good read.This month has been a month full of good reads but probably nothing that will make the "best of " list.

Is it just me or does wordle seem to be harder since Christmas?
Wordle 558 4/6

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It's Friday!

Finished reading The Matchmaker's gift

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145. Olivie Blake: The Atlas Paradox

It's the second year for the remaining magicians at the Alexandrian Society. All are dealing with what happened the previous year and face an initiation test.

Should sound interesting, right? Unfortunately this suffered from second book- itis. Nine or ten perspectives and very few were interesting. Nothing really happens until the last two chapters in the end which was such a huge letdown after being so patient with long inner dialogues. Sure there were some philosophical moments but the momentum came too late. Perhaps the final book will be better. It is the last line in this one that will probably get me to read the next one.

Please note :In this series it is essential to read the first to understand/appreciate the second better.

A lower end 3/5.

146.Hervé Le Tellier: The Anomaly

Passengers on a Air France flight experience major turbulence and sustains heavy damage. A few months later, the same plane with the same people have the same experience. All these people now have doppelgängers.

Thats all I am going to say without spoiling the rest. The reader is presented with many different POV's and details about the life they lead.

3.5/5

147. Madeline Miller: Galatea

A very short read. A re writing/interpretation of the myth of Pygmalion.

I enjoyed it.

148. Lynda cohen Loigman: The Matchmaker's Gift

1910-Sara is only a child when she introduces a man to her sister who eventually marries her. What she does not realize is that she is destined to be a Shidduch (matchmaker ) and has the unique ability to see the light of two souls connecting. Unfortunately, her talent is seen as a threat and unholy by her community Shidduch's who are all male.

Fast forward to 1990, Sara's granddaughter is a well respected divorce lawyer. She is left to struggle with finding a hidden talent of her own-one she thought was completely bogus. However, when her personal life and her work life becomes entwined she is forced to acknowledge a different "sight".

A well written book. Happy/feel good read.

3.5/5

>273 figsfromthistle: I'm on the waiting list at library for this, and I'm pretty sure I'll like it, too...so it can stay there after this.

>272 figsfromthistle: ...and now THAT goes onto the waiting list! *sigh*

Happy 2023, Anita.

>275 richardderus: Glad I could get you with one before the end of the year. I have a couple more to add but you should be safe from those.

I hope you have a great New Years Eve, Richard. I will be heading over to the 2023 group to make my rounds and start a thread sometime in the evening. For now, I am off to work.

Wordle 560 4/6

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149. Martha Grimes: The Old Success

Three murders occur in a quaint town. Divisional Commander Brian Macalvie and Inspector Richard Jury investigate together with Tom Brownell ( who has never failed to solve a case).

I can't really say that this was a solid entry in the series ( # 25!). Book 24 was exciting. This however felt different and unfortunately I found that I did not care about the murders or the investigation.

A loose 3/5

150. Sara Gay Forden: The House of Gucci

A very detailed account of how the Gucci brand came to be, and how one man, despite many obstacles rose to create a highly coveted brand.

Interesting as it starts out with a murder however quickly veers to the workings of the Gucci business. I personally did not know a lot about the family so it was interesting to me.

3.5/5

Well that's it for the year. Please join me at my 2023 thread

>278 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on reaching 2 x 75, Anita!

>280 FAMeulstee: Thank you. It is the first time since logging my reading that I made it to 150 books :)

Hi Anita my dear, congratulations on hitting 2 X 75 books read for the year, dear friend.

>282 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!