1WelshBookworm
OVERVIEW:
2023 was a great year for reading! I prioritized ME time over unpacking and settling into my new house (although I did unpack – just on a relaxed and as the spirit moved me schedule). And the yard wasn’t a huge summer priority, because I needed to see what was already here. I did plant a few new shrubs, set up the fairy garden and some water features, did some cleanup of unwanted things, and then planted about 150 bulbs that will come up in the spring. So 2024 is when I can begin landscaping and gardening in earnest. In honor of that, one of my new themes will be Garden titles.
I love to make lists. My TBR category on Goodreads contains over 3,000 titles. The lists aim to focus my choices on something more manageable – I’ll try to keep it under 300 this year – from which I aim to read at least 50 books. Themes are the heart and soul of my reading choices throughout the year. These might revolve around a word, a time period, a specific location, etc. but I also randomly pick reads from my TBR ocean in several different fixed group categories: non-fiction, Welsh and Arthurian fiction, historical fiction (pre-20th century), other fiction (20th/21st centuries, sci fi, fantasy), and series (divided into new series started and old series continued). I used to have quarterly “mini-themes” but these have morphed into lists added under Time and Place. Then there are always leftovers from the previous year (or years), and new online group reads and challenges that spark my interest. No, my goal is NOT to read every book in these lists. One from each list would be ambitious enough! I always want to read far more than I will ever accomplish.
I am also resurrecting my old Pyramid Goal scheme that I used to do: 12 of something, 11 something else, 10, etc. which would be 78 titles if they were all different, but I allow books to count in more than one group.
Finally, an explanation of my color rating scale. I don't like the limitations of Goodreads 1-5 star rating system, so I add colors to my ratings to give it a little more nuance.
Ratings
Gold = 5+ stars (Gold medal, my highest rating)
Purple = about 5 stars (Grand Champion ribbon)
Blue = between 4.5 and 5 stars (Blue ribbon, 1st prize)
Red = about 4 stars (2nd prize ribbon)
Pink = between 3.5 and 4 stars (tickled pink, in the pink, ...but not quite red?)
Green = about 3 stars (Green for Go, not outstanding, but I'd read more by this author - or not)
Yellow = between 2.5 and 3 stars (Caution)
Orange = about 2 stars (Hazard Warning, LOL!)
Black = about 1 star (Black-balled and also probably not finished)
Gray = DNF (not rated)
2023 was a great year for reading! I prioritized ME time over unpacking and settling into my new house (although I did unpack – just on a relaxed and as the spirit moved me schedule). And the yard wasn’t a huge summer priority, because I needed to see what was already here. I did plant a few new shrubs, set up the fairy garden and some water features, did some cleanup of unwanted things, and then planted about 150 bulbs that will come up in the spring. So 2024 is when I can begin landscaping and gardening in earnest. In honor of that, one of my new themes will be Garden titles.
I love to make lists. My TBR category on Goodreads contains over 3,000 titles. The lists aim to focus my choices on something more manageable – I’ll try to keep it under 300 this year – from which I aim to read at least 50 books. Themes are the heart and soul of my reading choices throughout the year. These might revolve around a word, a time period, a specific location, etc. but I also randomly pick reads from my TBR ocean in several different fixed group categories: non-fiction, Welsh and Arthurian fiction, historical fiction (pre-20th century), other fiction (20th/21st centuries, sci fi, fantasy), and series (divided into new series started and old series continued). I used to have quarterly “mini-themes” but these have morphed into lists added under Time and Place. Then there are always leftovers from the previous year (or years), and new online group reads and challenges that spark my interest. No, my goal is NOT to read every book in these lists. One from each list would be ambitious enough! I always want to read far more than I will ever accomplish.
I am also resurrecting my old Pyramid Goal scheme that I used to do: 12 of something, 11 something else, 10, etc. which would be 78 titles if they were all different, but I allow books to count in more than one group.
Finally, an explanation of my color rating scale. I don't like the limitations of Goodreads 1-5 star rating system, so I add colors to my ratings to give it a little more nuance.
Ratings
Gold = 5+ stars (Gold medal, my highest rating)
Purple = about 5 stars (Grand Champion ribbon)
Blue = between 4.5 and 5 stars (Blue ribbon, 1st prize)
Red = about 4 stars (2nd prize ribbon)
Pink = between 3.5 and 4 stars (tickled pink, in the pink, ...but not quite red?)
Green = about 3 stars (Green for Go, not outstanding, but I'd read more by this author - or not)
Yellow = between 2.5 and 3 stars (Caution)
Orange = about 2 stars (Hazard Warning, LOL!)
Black = about 1 star (Black-balled and also probably not finished)
Gray = DNF (not rated)
2WelshBookworm
THEMES
Themes are the heart and soul of my reading choices. I like to pick at least one new annual theme every year. This year it’s two. Sometimes a theme gets carried over for another year (or two). I also keep adding titles for old themes to my TBR, so that has become a whole category in itself. Some of those themes are Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, Music, Birds, Stars, and “Wife” titles. I used to have quarterly themes, but those tend to be specific locations or time periods, so I've moved them to that category.
Laurel Opens a New Door MAIN THEME - NEW
Already read:
READ 2019 A Wind in the Door
READ 2023 The Revolving Door of Life
READ 1. The Ten Thousand Doors of January
2. The Door
READ 3. The Door in the Wall
4. Mary Poppins Opens the Door
READ 5. The Door to Camelot
6. The Door of No Return
7. Under the Whispering Door
READ 8. The House with the Golden Door (#2 of trilogy, read READ The Wolf Den first)
9. The House of Doors
READ 10. Behind Closed Doors (read prequel first: READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies)
11. The Doors of Eden
12. The Book of Doors
___________________________(a few more)
13. Leopard at the Door
14. Winter at the Door
15. Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
16. The Door in the Hedge
17. The House of Closed Doors
Gardens NEW
1. The Forgotten Garden
READ 2. Murder in a Scottish Garden
3. The Garden by the Sea
4. The Garden of Evening Mists
READ 5. The Secret Garden (reread)
READ 6. The Rose Garden
7. In the Night Garden
8. The Victory Garden
9. The Forbidden Garden
10. The Garden of Earthly Delights
11. The Last Garden in England
12. The Garden
_________________________________
13. In Her Garden
14. The Serpent Garden
15. The Red Garden
16. The Twilight Garden
17. The Samurai's Garden
Keeping It Light continued from 2023
1. The Brighter the Light
2. A Vision of Light
3. The Fall of Light
4. A Marvellous Light
5. The Light Years
6. Claire of the Sea Light
7. Light Changes Everything
8. The Light Through the Leaves
9. Light to the Hills
10. Painting the Light
11. Woman of Light
12. Pillars of Light
The Odyssey I keep listing this one, and never starting it! Maybe this is the year? Originally, my themes revolved around a literary classic, so it’s nice to have at least one literary theme going.
Obviously, I have to start with
The Odyssey and The Iliad so those aren't part of this list...
1. The World of Odysseus
2. An Orchestra of Minorities
3. Ulysses and
Ulysses: Complete Text with Integrated Study Guide from Shmoop
4. An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic
5. Omeros
6. Olympus, Texas
7. The Penelopiad
8. The Oceans and the Stars
9. Ilium
10. Ransom
11. Over the Wine-Dark Sea
12. The Siege of Troy
Old Themes: Random Picks
1. A Year of Ravens (birds)
2. The Ice Swan (birds)
3. The Winter Rose (winter)
4. Second Star to the Left (stars)
5. The Drago Tree (trees)
6. The Watery Part of the World (Moby Dick)
7. The Piano Teacher (music)
READ 8. Lovely War (music)
9. 1932 (Pride and Prejudice)
10. The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (Pride and Prejudice)
11. The Ninth Wife (wife titles)
12. The Chocolate Maker's Wife (wife titles)
Themes are the heart and soul of my reading choices. I like to pick at least one new annual theme every year. This year it’s two. Sometimes a theme gets carried over for another year (or two). I also keep adding titles for old themes to my TBR, so that has become a whole category in itself. Some of those themes are Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, Music, Birds, Stars, and “Wife” titles. I used to have quarterly themes, but those tend to be specific locations or time periods, so I've moved them to that category.
Laurel Opens a New Door MAIN THEME - NEW
Already read:
READ 2019 A Wind in the Door
READ 2023 The Revolving Door of Life
READ 1. The Ten Thousand Doors of January
2. The Door
READ 3. The Door in the Wall
4. Mary Poppins Opens the Door
READ 5. The Door to Camelot
6. The Door of No Return
7. Under the Whispering Door
READ 8. The House with the Golden Door (#2 of trilogy, read READ The Wolf Den first)
9. The House of Doors
READ 10. Behind Closed Doors (read prequel first: READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies)
11. The Doors of Eden
12. The Book of Doors
___________________________(a few more)
13. Leopard at the Door
14. Winter at the Door
15. Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
16. The Door in the Hedge
17. The House of Closed Doors
Gardens NEW
1. The Forgotten Garden
READ 2. Murder in a Scottish Garden
3. The Garden by the Sea
4. The Garden of Evening Mists
READ 5. The Secret Garden (reread)
READ 6. The Rose Garden
7. In the Night Garden
8. The Victory Garden
9. The Forbidden Garden
10. The Garden of Earthly Delights
11. The Last Garden in England
12. The Garden
_________________________________
13. In Her Garden
14. The Serpent Garden
15. The Red Garden
16. The Twilight Garden
17. The Samurai's Garden
Keeping It Light continued from 2023
1. The Brighter the Light
2. A Vision of Light
3. The Fall of Light
4. A Marvellous Light
5. The Light Years
6. Claire of the Sea Light
7. Light Changes Everything
8. The Light Through the Leaves
9. Light to the Hills
10. Painting the Light
11. Woman of Light
12. Pillars of Light
The Odyssey I keep listing this one, and never starting it! Maybe this is the year? Originally, my themes revolved around a literary classic, so it’s nice to have at least one literary theme going.
Obviously, I have to start with
The Odyssey and The Iliad so those aren't part of this list...
1. The World of Odysseus
2. An Orchestra of Minorities
3. Ulysses and
Ulysses: Complete Text with Integrated Study Guide from Shmoop
4. An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic
5. Omeros
6. Olympus, Texas
7. The Penelopiad
8. The Oceans and the Stars
9. Ilium
10. Ransom
11. Over the Wine-Dark Sea
12. The Siege of Troy
Old Themes: Random Picks
1. A Year of Ravens (birds)
2. The Ice Swan (birds)
3. The Winter Rose (winter)
4. Second Star to the Left (stars)
5. The Drago Tree (trees)
6. The Watery Part of the World (Moby Dick)
7. The Piano Teacher (music)
READ 8. Lovely War (music)
9. 1932 (Pride and Prejudice)
10. The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (Pride and Prejudice)
11. The Ninth Wife (wife titles)
12. The Chocolate Maker's Wife (wife titles)
3WelshBookworm
TIME AND PLACE
The Ancient World: NEW, with titles drawn from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Ultimate Reading List (URL)
1. I, Claudius (URL)
2. The Assyrian (URL)
3. The Beacon at Alexandria (I think I’ve read this years ago…) (URL)
4. Gates of Fire (URL)
5. The Gilded Chamber: A Novel of Queen Esther (URL)
6. The Hippopotamus Marsh (URL)
7. King and Goddess (URL)
8. One for Sorrow (an old leftover…)
9. The Eagle and the Raven
10. Roman Blood (URL)
11. The Silver Pigs (URL)
READ 12. People of the Wolf (URL)
Macbeth/Thorfinn/Vikings: (continued from 2022)
1. King Hereafter
READ 2. Lady Macbeth
3. Macbeth: A Novel
4. Macbeth
5. A Sacred Storm
6. Tomb for an Eagle
7. Flight of the Wren
8. The Golden Horn
9. The Half-Drowned King
10. The Whale Road
11. Viking Warlord: A Saga of Thorkell the Great
12. The Swan's Road
The Plantagenets/Wars of the Roses (continued from 2022)
1. The Summer Queen
2. Queen By Right
3. Bloodline
4. Eleanor de Montfort: A Rebel Countess in Medieval England
5. The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors
6. Blood & Roses: the Paston Family and the Wars of the Roses
7. Blood Sisters: The Women Behind The Wars Of The Roses
8. Edward IV and the Wars of the Roses
9. Cecily Neville: Mother of Richard III
10. The Queen’s Rival
READ 11. The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case
12. Brothers York
Wales/Arthurian: Random Picks
1. Unholy Island
2. Sing Them Home
3. Excalibur Rising: Book One of an Arthurian Saga
4. King of the World's Edge
5. Dark Age Monarch: The Reign of King Arthur
6. Among Others
7. A Welsh Childhood
8. Lancelot And The Wolf
9. The Silent Quarry
10. The Strictly Business Proposal
11. Shoes for Anthony
12. The Long Walk Home
Historical Fiction: Random Picks
1. Jade Dragon Mountain
2. The Woman with the Blue Star
3. Essex Dogs
4. John the Pupil
5. Jane the Quene
6. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
7. Hodd
8. The King's Witch
9. Queen of the North
10. Drake - Tudor Corsair
11. Stone's Fall
12. Paris
Other Fiction: Random Picks
1. The Paying Guests
2. The Children of the King
3. Americanah
4. The Magician
5. Animal Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
6. Flight Risk
7. The Poison Tide
8. The Habitation of the Blessed
9. The Hills Were Joyful Together
READ 10. The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
11. Cloudstreet
12. Murder of a Straw Man
Non-fiction: Random Picks
1. Shakespeare's Wife
2. Giving Up the Ghost
3. Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II
4. The Otters' Tale
5. My Venice and Other Essays
READ 6. The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
7. A Wood of One's Own
8. She Wolves: The Notorious Queens of Medieval England
9. Wanderland
10. Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland
11. Fathoms: The World in the Whale
12. The Lost Words
The Ancient World: NEW, with titles drawn from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Ultimate Reading List (URL)
1. I, Claudius (URL)
2. The Assyrian (URL)
3. The Beacon at Alexandria (I think I’ve read this years ago…) (URL)
4. Gates of Fire (URL)
5. The Gilded Chamber: A Novel of Queen Esther (URL)
6. The Hippopotamus Marsh (URL)
7. King and Goddess (URL)
8. One for Sorrow (an old leftover…)
9. The Eagle and the Raven
10. Roman Blood (URL)
11. The Silver Pigs (URL)
READ 12. People of the Wolf (URL)
Macbeth/Thorfinn/Vikings: (continued from 2022)
1. King Hereafter
READ 2. Lady Macbeth
3. Macbeth: A Novel
4. Macbeth
5. A Sacred Storm
6. Tomb for an Eagle
7. Flight of the Wren
8. The Golden Horn
9. The Half-Drowned King
10. The Whale Road
11. Viking Warlord: A Saga of Thorkell the Great
12. The Swan's Road
The Plantagenets/Wars of the Roses (continued from 2022)
1. The Summer Queen
2. Queen By Right
3. Bloodline
4. Eleanor de Montfort: A Rebel Countess in Medieval England
5. The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors
6. Blood & Roses: the Paston Family and the Wars of the Roses
7. Blood Sisters: The Women Behind The Wars Of The Roses
8. Edward IV and the Wars of the Roses
9. Cecily Neville: Mother of Richard III
10. The Queen’s Rival
READ 11. The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case
12. Brothers York
Wales/Arthurian: Random Picks
1. Unholy Island
2. Sing Them Home
3. Excalibur Rising: Book One of an Arthurian Saga
4. King of the World's Edge
5. Dark Age Monarch: The Reign of King Arthur
6. Among Others
7. A Welsh Childhood
8. Lancelot And The Wolf
9. The Silent Quarry
10. The Strictly Business Proposal
11. Shoes for Anthony
12. The Long Walk Home
Historical Fiction: Random Picks
1. Jade Dragon Mountain
2. The Woman with the Blue Star
3. Essex Dogs
4. John the Pupil
5. Jane the Quene
6. The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
7. Hodd
8. The King's Witch
9. Queen of the North
10. Drake - Tudor Corsair
11. Stone's Fall
12. Paris
Other Fiction: Random Picks
1. The Paying Guests
2. The Children of the King
3. Americanah
4. The Magician
5. Animal Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
6. Flight Risk
7. The Poison Tide
8. The Habitation of the Blessed
9. The Hills Were Joyful Together
READ 10. The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
11. Cloudstreet
12. Murder of a Straw Man
Non-fiction: Random Picks
1. Shakespeare's Wife
2. Giving Up the Ghost
3. Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II
4. The Otters' Tale
5. My Venice and Other Essays
READ 6. The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
7. A Wood of One's Own
8. She Wolves: The Notorious Queens of Medieval England
9. Wanderland
10. Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland
11. Fathoms: The World in the Whale
12. The Lost Words
4WelshBookworm
SERIES and AUTHORS
Next-in-Series: Random Picks (Starred titles are within 1 or 2 of finishing the series.)
READ 1. Poison, Your Grace (Simon & Elizabeth, #2 of 4)
2. *A God in Ruins (Todd Family, #2 of 2)
3. *The Kremlin's Candidate (Red Sparrow Trilogy, #3 of 3)
READ 4. *The Heart of Summer (Finfarran Peninsula, #6 of 8)
5. *The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, #3 of 3)
6. Dead Water (Shetland Island, #5 of 8)
7. Real Tigers (Slough House, #3 of 8) (read The List first, #2.5) (in collection Standing by the Wall)
8. Peach Pies and Alibis (Charmed Pie Shoppe, #2 of 5)
9. *Big Sky (Jackson Brodie, #5 of 5)
READ 10. The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody, #2 reread of 20)
11. Home (Gilead, #2 of 4)
12. The Lost Gardens (English Garden Mystery, #2 of 6)
New Series: Random Picks
READ 1. Bloody Jack
2. Apollo's Raven
3. The Cost of the Dream
4. Chaucer and the House of Fame
5. The Golden Crucifix
6. Murder at Melrose Court
READ 7. To Shield the Queen
8. The Silent Woman
READ 9. Anne of Green Gables
10. A Sorcerer's Treason
11. A Dark Anatomy
READ 12. Books Can Be Deceiving
Ongoing long term series
1. Alexander McCall Smith – 44 Scotland Street series
READ 2023 The Revolving Door of Life #10 of 17
READ The Bertie Project #11 of 17
READ A Time of Love and Tartan #12 of 17
The Peppermint Tea Chronicles #13 of 17
2. Rita Mae Brown – Mrs. Murphy series (rereading, #18 will be new)
Sour Puss #14 of 31
3. Donna Andrews – Meg Langslow series
READ Cockatiels at Seven #9 of 34)
Six Geese A-Slaying #10 of 37
4. Diana Gabaldon – reread in chronological order
Outlander
5. Madeleine L’Engle
The Other Side of the Sun
The Small Rain
6. Alan Bradley – Flavia De Luce series (rereading) (#5 will be new)
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (reread)
7. Alexander McCall Smith - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (rereading) (#4 will be new)
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Tears of the Giraffe
8. Elizabeth Chadwick - all series in chronological order...
First Knight
The Conquest
The Winter Mantle
9. Candace Robb - Owen Archer series
The Lady Chapel
The Nun's Tale
10. Diana L. Paxson/Marion Zimmer Bradley - Avalon series
The Fall of Atlantis
Ancestors of Avalon
Sword of Avalon
Ravens of Avalon
The Forest House
Lady of Avalon
Priestess of Avalon
The Mists of Avalon
11.
12.
Next to read other than the above:
1. A Crown of Lights (Merrily Watkins, #3)
2. A Terrible Village Poisoning (Dinner Lady Detectives, #3)
3. Due or Die (A Library Lover's Mystery, #2)
4. The Mummy Case (Amelia Peabody, #3 reread)
READ 5. The Doublet Affair (Ursula Blanchard, #2)
6. Queen's Ransom (Ursula Blanchard, #3)
7. A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel (Hugh de Singleton Chronicles, #2)
8. Curse of the Blue Tattoo (Bloody Jack, #2)
9. Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables, #2)
10. Murder at a Scottish Social (Scottish Shire, #3)
11. A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Gamache, #2)
12. Mortal Fall (Glacier Mysteries, #2)
READ *13. The Temple of Fortuna (Wolf Den trilogy, #3)
14. Murder, Simply Stitched (Amish Quilt Shop, #2) There is also a prequel...
15. Plainly Murder
16. Raiders of the Nile (Gordianus the Finder, #2)
*17. The Quest for Carbonek (Pendragon's Heir, #2)
READ *18. A Game of Lies (DC Morgan, #2)
*19. The Lady Flirts With Death (Simon and Elizabeth, #3)
*20. The Year of Lost and Found (Finfarran, #7)
*21. Other People's Houses (DC Morgan, #3, coming in 2025)
*22. The Secret Keeper (Ladies in Waiting, #2)
23. Raw Material (DI Beatrice Stubbs, #2)
24. The Lily Pond (Faraway Island, #2)
25. People of the Fire (North America's Forgotten Past, #2)
Next-in-Series: Random Picks (Starred titles are within 1 or 2 of finishing the series.)
READ 1. Poison, Your Grace (Simon & Elizabeth, #2 of 4)
2. *A God in Ruins (Todd Family, #2 of 2)
3. *The Kremlin's Candidate (Red Sparrow Trilogy, #3 of 3)
READ 4. *The Heart of Summer (Finfarran Peninsula, #6 of 8)
5. *The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials, #3 of 3)
6. Dead Water (Shetland Island, #5 of 8)
7. Real Tigers (Slough House, #3 of 8) (read The List first, #2.5) (in collection Standing by the Wall)
8. Peach Pies and Alibis (Charmed Pie Shoppe, #2 of 5)
9. *Big Sky (Jackson Brodie, #5 of 5)
READ 10. The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody, #2 reread of 20)
11. Home (Gilead, #2 of 4)
12. The Lost Gardens (English Garden Mystery, #2 of 6)
New Series: Random Picks
READ 1. Bloody Jack
2. Apollo's Raven
3. The Cost of the Dream
4. Chaucer and the House of Fame
5. The Golden Crucifix
6. Murder at Melrose Court
READ 7. To Shield the Queen
8. The Silent Woman
READ 9. Anne of Green Gables
10. A Sorcerer's Treason
11. A Dark Anatomy
READ 12. Books Can Be Deceiving
Ongoing long term series
1. Alexander McCall Smith – 44 Scotland Street series
READ 2023 The Revolving Door of Life #10 of 17
READ The Bertie Project #11 of 17
READ A Time of Love and Tartan #12 of 17
The Peppermint Tea Chronicles #13 of 17
2. Rita Mae Brown – Mrs. Murphy series (rereading, #18 will be new)
Sour Puss #14 of 31
3. Donna Andrews – Meg Langslow series
READ Cockatiels at Seven #9 of 34)
Six Geese A-Slaying #10 of 37
4. Diana Gabaldon – reread in chronological order
Outlander
5. Madeleine L’Engle
The Other Side of the Sun
The Small Rain
6. Alan Bradley – Flavia De Luce series (rereading) (#5 will be new)
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (reread)
7. Alexander McCall Smith - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (rereading) (#4 will be new)
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Tears of the Giraffe
8. Elizabeth Chadwick - all series in chronological order...
First Knight
The Conquest
The Winter Mantle
9. Candace Robb - Owen Archer series
The Lady Chapel
The Nun's Tale
10. Diana L. Paxson/Marion Zimmer Bradley - Avalon series
The Fall of Atlantis
Ancestors of Avalon
Sword of Avalon
Ravens of Avalon
The Forest House
Lady of Avalon
Priestess of Avalon
The Mists of Avalon
11.
12.
Next to read other than the above:
1. A Crown of Lights (Merrily Watkins, #3)
2. A Terrible Village Poisoning (Dinner Lady Detectives, #3)
3. Due or Die (A Library Lover's Mystery, #2)
4. The Mummy Case (Amelia Peabody, #3 reread)
READ 5. The Doublet Affair (Ursula Blanchard, #2)
6. Queen's Ransom (Ursula Blanchard, #3)
7. A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel (Hugh de Singleton Chronicles, #2)
8. Curse of the Blue Tattoo (Bloody Jack, #2)
9. Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables, #2)
10. Murder at a Scottish Social (Scottish Shire, #3)
11. A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Gamache, #2)
12. Mortal Fall (Glacier Mysteries, #2)
READ *13. The Temple of Fortuna (Wolf Den trilogy, #3)
14. Murder, Simply Stitched (Amish Quilt Shop, #2) There is also a prequel...
15. Plainly Murder
16. Raiders of the Nile (Gordianus the Finder, #2)
*17. The Quest for Carbonek (Pendragon's Heir, #2)
READ *18. A Game of Lies (DC Morgan, #2)
*19. The Lady Flirts With Death (Simon and Elizabeth, #3)
*20. The Year of Lost and Found (Finfarran, #7)
*21. Other People's Houses (DC Morgan, #3, coming in 2025)
*22. The Secret Keeper (Ladies in Waiting, #2)
23. Raw Material (DI Beatrice Stubbs, #2)
24. The Lily Pond (Faraway Island, #2)
25. People of the Fire (North America's Forgotten Past, #2)
5WelshBookworm
LEFTOVERS and LIBRARY BOOKS
A combination of old and new. Sort of a catch-all for anything that doesn't fit above. I have leftovers from 2021, mostly from A Good Yarn, and finishing up my previous alphabet challenge. Books that are the oldest in my TBR ocean. Books that have been started but abandoned, and then of course there is new stuff that catches my eye and gets checked out from the library....
2023 Leftovers not finished:
READ 1. Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
READ 2. Moby-Dick or, the Whale - reread
3. Wolf Hall #1 of 3
4. ...And Ladies of the Club
5. The Evening Chorus
6. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
7. Queen By Right
8. The Summer Queen
9. The Fall of Atlantis
READ 10. The Wild Inside (A Good Yarn, G is for Glacier National Park)
11. Miss Eliza's English Kitchen
12. King Hereafter
13. Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
2023 Leftovers not started:
1. Her Royal Spyness
2. Shards of Honor
3. Cup of Blood
READ 4. Midwinter of the Spirit
5. The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
6. Key Witness: A Hermann Preiss Mystery
7. City of Masks
8. Laurentian Divide
9. Ambrosius Aureliani
10. The Crown Jewels Conspiracy
11. Death at La Fenice
12. The Road to Avalon
The 12 Oldest in My TBR Ocean:
1. The Long Walk Home (owned)
2. Within the Fetterlock
3. Thirteenth Night
4. Kilt Dead (owned)
5. The Tale of Hill Top Farm
6. Her Royal Spyness (owned)
7. The Last Troubadour
8. The Book of Joby (owned)
9. The Fall of Atlantis (owned)
10. Mozart's Sister
11. Vivaldi's Virgins
12. The Expected One (owned)
Shiny New Things:
1. Hester – have ARC
READ 2. The Last Party – have ARC
3. The House of Lincoln (have ARC)
4. Menewood (have ARC) sequel to Hild
5. The Running Grave (purchased)
READ 6. The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case (purchased)
7. Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children's Tales (Christmas present)
READ 8. The Wild Robot Protects - #3 in a series I've read
READ 9. The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and READ Dragons at Crumbling Castle - I think there's a third book, too...
READ 10. The Enchanted April
READ 11. Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
12.
A combination of old and new. Sort of a catch-all for anything that doesn't fit above. I have leftovers from 2021, mostly from A Good Yarn, and finishing up my previous alphabet challenge. Books that are the oldest in my TBR ocean. Books that have been started but abandoned, and then of course there is new stuff that catches my eye and gets checked out from the library....
2023 Leftovers not finished:
READ 1. Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
READ 2. Moby-Dick or, the Whale - reread
3. Wolf Hall #1 of 3
4. ...And Ladies of the Club
5. The Evening Chorus
6. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
7. Queen By Right
8. The Summer Queen
9. The Fall of Atlantis
READ 10. The Wild Inside (A Good Yarn, G is for Glacier National Park)
11. Miss Eliza's English Kitchen
12. King Hereafter
13. Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
2023 Leftovers not started:
1. Her Royal Spyness
2. Shards of Honor
3. Cup of Blood
READ 4. Midwinter of the Spirit
5. The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
6. Key Witness: A Hermann Preiss Mystery
7. City of Masks
8. Laurentian Divide
9. Ambrosius Aureliani
10. The Crown Jewels Conspiracy
11. Death at La Fenice
12. The Road to Avalon
The 12 Oldest in My TBR Ocean:
1. The Long Walk Home (owned)
2. Within the Fetterlock
3. Thirteenth Night
4. Kilt Dead (owned)
5. The Tale of Hill Top Farm
6. Her Royal Spyness (owned)
7. The Last Troubadour
8. The Book of Joby (owned)
9. The Fall of Atlantis (owned)
10. Mozart's Sister
11. Vivaldi's Virgins
12. The Expected One (owned)
Shiny New Things:
1. Hester – have ARC
READ 2. The Last Party – have ARC
3. The House of Lincoln (have ARC)
4. Menewood (have ARC) sequel to Hild
5. The Running Grave (purchased)
READ 6. The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case (purchased)
7. Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children's Tales (Christmas present)
READ 8. The Wild Robot Protects - #3 in a series I've read
READ 9. The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and READ Dragons at Crumbling Castle - I think there's a third book, too...
READ 10. The Enchanted April
READ 11. Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
12.
6WelshBookworm
BOOK GROUPS
Daytimers is one of the book clubs I run for the library. We read a different genre or category each month. This will probably be the last year I will be participating since I am retiring at the end of year, and we are down to 4 members. Perspectives is my church book club. They read about 9 books a year, and I am not committed to reading all of them. Various online groups that I follow have monthly group reads. I don’t participate often, but I would like to do more of them. A Good Yarn is a group I lead that reads our own books based on themes. For the past year we have been reading through the alphabet geographically with the choice of reading a specific location, or a generic place, or both...
Daytimers Book Club
READ 2023 Jan: Miss Benson's Beetle
READ Feb: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
DNF Mar: The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear
READ 2023 Apr: The Maid
READ May: The Seed Keeper
READ Jun: The Quarry Girls
READ Jul: The Personal Librarian
READ Aug: Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom
READ Sep: The Woman in the Library
READ Oct: West with Giraffes
READ Nov: Remarkably Bright Creatures
READ Dec: Lessons in Chemistry
Perspectives Book Club
READ Jan: Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
READ Feb: Our Missing Hearts
READ Mar: The Mountains Sing
READ Apr: The Seed Keeper
READ May: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
Summer/Sep: This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving
READ Oct: The Covenant of Water
READ Nov: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
READ Dec: Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World
Next year:
Jan: The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family
Feb: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
A Good Yarn: Random picks
Jan: Locations beginning with N
READ The Weaver and the Witch Queen (Norway)
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn (Nova Scotia)
Feb/Mar: Locations beginning with O
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings (The Orville, outer space)
Tomb for an Eagle (Orkney)
READ The Unquiet Bones (Oxford)
Apr/May: Locations beginning with P
READ The Wolf Den (Pompeii)
Paris (Paris)
READ Bloody Jack (a pirate ship - except that it wasn't really, I just thought it would be)
Jun/Jul: Locations beginning with Q
READ Still Life (Quebec)
READ The Quarry Girls (a quarry)
Aug/Sep: Locations beginning with R
READ The Seven Wonders (Roman Empire)
READ The Rose Garden (a rose garden)
Oct/Nov: Locations beginning with S
READ West With Giraffes (San Diego)
READ Lady Macbeth (Scotland)
Dec/Jan 2025: Locations beginning with T
READ The Temple of Fortuna
Reading Through Time
Quarterly themes:
Jan-Mar: Prehistoric
READ People of the Wolf
Apr-Jun: Ancient/Biblical Times
READ The Wolf Den - ancient Pompeii
READ The House with the Golden Door - ancient Pompeii
READ The Seven Wonders
The Assyrian
Jul-Sep: Arthurian Britain
READ The Romance of Tristan
READ The Door to Camelot
First Knight
Ygerna
Ambrosius Aureliani
The Road to Avalon
Oct-Dec: Medieval/Vikings
READ Lady Macbeth
READ The Door in the Wall
Monthly themes:
January: Janus - doors, gates, twins, duality, past vs. future,
READ Midwinter of the Spirit - I think this could fit here, with its juxtaposition of old traditions/paganism and "New Age" spirituality
READ The Ten Thousand Doors of January
February: Aquarius & Amethyst - apparently both space travel and water are associated with Aquarius...
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
READ Bloody Jack
March: Medicine & Epidemics -
READ Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
READ The Unquiet Bones - protagonist is a surgeon
April: characters with disabilities -
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies - protagonist has Bipolar disorder
May: International Labour Day -
READ Secrets of the Sprakkar - how women are able to succeed in their careers thanks to generous family leave and government day care programs
June: Wonders of the World -
READ The Seven Wonders
July: Vive la France -
READ Still Life (Quebec)
Paris
August: Joy of Reading
READ Among the Janeites
READ The Personal Librarian
September: Royal to the Bone
READ Poison, Your Grace
October: Adultery
READ To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
November: Biographies & Memoirs
READ The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
December: Reader's Choice
Various Online Groups
Jan:
READ 2023 The Bookshop on the Corner (The Reading Loft)
Feb:
READ *The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case (On the Porch Swing, open discussion, but we had to commit to our selection by Dec. 12... so I picked this one.
Apr:
READ The Cloisters (The Reading Loft)
Daytimers is one of the book clubs I run for the library. We read a different genre or category each month. This will probably be the last year I will be participating since I am retiring at the end of year, and we are down to 4 members. Perspectives is my church book club. They read about 9 books a year, and I am not committed to reading all of them. Various online groups that I follow have monthly group reads. I don’t participate often, but I would like to do more of them. A Good Yarn is a group I lead that reads our own books based on themes. For the past year we have been reading through the alphabet geographically with the choice of reading a specific location, or a generic place, or both...
Daytimers Book Club
READ 2023 Jan: Miss Benson's Beetle
READ Feb: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
DNF Mar: The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear
READ 2023 Apr: The Maid
READ May: The Seed Keeper
READ Jun: The Quarry Girls
READ Jul: The Personal Librarian
READ Aug: Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom
READ Sep: The Woman in the Library
READ Oct: West with Giraffes
READ Nov: Remarkably Bright Creatures
READ Dec: Lessons in Chemistry
Perspectives Book Club
READ Jan: Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
READ Feb: Our Missing Hearts
READ Mar: The Mountains Sing
READ Apr: The Seed Keeper
READ May: The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
Summer/Sep: This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving
READ Oct: The Covenant of Water
READ Nov: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
READ Dec: Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World
Next year:
Jan: The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family
Feb: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
A Good Yarn: Random picks
Jan: Locations beginning with N
READ The Weaver and the Witch Queen (Norway)
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn (Nova Scotia)
Feb/Mar: Locations beginning with O
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings (The Orville, outer space)
Tomb for an Eagle (Orkney)
READ The Unquiet Bones (Oxford)
Apr/May: Locations beginning with P
READ The Wolf Den (Pompeii)
Paris (Paris)
READ Bloody Jack (a pirate ship - except that it wasn't really, I just thought it would be)
Jun/Jul: Locations beginning with Q
READ Still Life (Quebec)
READ The Quarry Girls (a quarry)
Aug/Sep: Locations beginning with R
READ The Seven Wonders (Roman Empire)
READ The Rose Garden (a rose garden)
Oct/Nov: Locations beginning with S
READ West With Giraffes (San Diego)
READ Lady Macbeth (Scotland)
Dec/Jan 2025: Locations beginning with T
READ The Temple of Fortuna
Reading Through Time
Quarterly themes:
Jan-Mar: Prehistoric
READ People of the Wolf
Apr-Jun: Ancient/Biblical Times
READ The Wolf Den - ancient Pompeii
READ The House with the Golden Door - ancient Pompeii
READ The Seven Wonders
The Assyrian
Jul-Sep: Arthurian Britain
READ The Romance of Tristan
READ The Door to Camelot
First Knight
Ygerna
Ambrosius Aureliani
The Road to Avalon
Oct-Dec: Medieval/Vikings
READ Lady Macbeth
READ The Door in the Wall
Monthly themes:
January: Janus - doors, gates, twins, duality, past vs. future,
READ Midwinter of the Spirit - I think this could fit here, with its juxtaposition of old traditions/paganism and "New Age" spirituality
READ The Ten Thousand Doors of January
February: Aquarius & Amethyst - apparently both space travel and water are associated with Aquarius...
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
READ Bloody Jack
March: Medicine & Epidemics -
READ Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
READ The Unquiet Bones - protagonist is a surgeon
April: characters with disabilities -
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies - protagonist has Bipolar disorder
May: International Labour Day -
READ Secrets of the Sprakkar - how women are able to succeed in their careers thanks to generous family leave and government day care programs
June: Wonders of the World -
READ The Seven Wonders
July: Vive la France -
READ Still Life (Quebec)
Paris
August: Joy of Reading
READ Among the Janeites
READ The Personal Librarian
September: Royal to the Bone
READ Poison, Your Grace
October: Adultery
READ To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
November: Biographies & Memoirs
READ The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
December: Reader's Choice
Various Online Groups
Jan:
READ 2023 The Bookshop on the Corner (The Reading Loft)
Feb:
READ *The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case (On the Porch Swing, open discussion, but we had to commit to our selection by Dec. 12... so I picked this one.
Apr:
READ The Cloisters (The Reading Loft)
7WelshBookworm
CHALLENGES
Alphabet (A-Z titles) challenge.
This is a long term personal challenge. The only rule here, is that I have to read the alphabet in order. And no rule on how long to spend on each letter. The focus is on the letter B this year, but there are still A titles I am finishing/adding, and I may begin C later in the year….
READ Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
All My Fortunes (reread)
The Amber Spyglass
Ambrosius Aureliani
Americanah
...And Ladies of the Club
READ Anne of Green Gables
The Assyrian
----------------------------------------
The Beacon at Alexandria
Beartown
READ Behind Closed Doors
READ The Bertie Project
Big Sky
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
Bloodline
READ Bloody Jack
READ The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories
The Book of Doors
The Book of Joby
READ Books Can Be Deceiving
Braids of Song: Weaving Welsh Music into the American Soul
The Brighter the Light
Brothers York
---------------------------------------
The Chinese Sailor by Allan Jones
The Chocolatier's Ghost
City of Masks
A Conspiracy of Friends
Corrag
Courting Mr. Lincoln
Crimson Shore
The Crystal Cave
The Cuckoo's Cry
Cup of Blood
Laurel's One From Each List Challenge (On the Same Page 3rd Annual 12 + 4 Reading Challenge
Since I have roughly 16 lists going, I thought I would pick one book from each list. The aim is to read at least 12…
READ 1. Behind Closed Doors
READ 2. The Secret Garden
3. Light to the Hills
4. The Penelopiad
5. 1932
6. One for Sorrow
READ 7. Lady Macbeth
8. Bloodline
9. The Long Walk Home
10. Queen of the North
READ 11. The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
12. Wanderland
-------------------------------------------------------
13. Dead Water
READ 14. Books Can Be Deceiving
15. The Evening Chorus
16. Her Royal Spyness
Rebecca's List:
This is a group challenge on LibraryThing's Club Read 2024 (continued from 2022 and 2023) to collectively read all the books on a late member's reading list. This is not a promise to read all of these, but potentially to read...These are some that are of interest to me, that no one else has read yet.
1. The World of Odysseus - a likely candidate because of my Odyssey theme!
2. The Bear: History of a Fallen King
3. The Reindeer People: Living with Animals and Spirits in Siberia - someone else has read this one...
4. Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
5. The Power of Music mannes
6. Genes, Peoples, and Languages
7. Through the Language Glass: Why the World Looks Different in Other Languages
8. The Singing Life of Birds: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong
9. The Fairies Return, or New Tales for Old
10. Stars of the Long Night
READ 11. The Romance of Tristan
12. The Romance of the Rose
-----------------------------
13. The Book of Lamentations
14. The Fallen Sky: An Intimate History of Shooting Stars
15. Ginkgo: The Tree That Time Forgot
16. A History of Dogs in the Early Americas
#FoodandLit2024
It may be too hard to read another book per month, so I'm thinking I might do films. Dinner and a movie!
Jan: Ghana
Feb: New Zealand
Mar: South Korea
Apr: Venezuela
May: Spain
Jun: Iceland
Jul: Turkey
Aug: Jamaica
Sep: Malaysia
Oct: Botswana
Nov: Canada
Dec: Finland
On the Same Page monthly genre challenge:
Jan: Science Fiction
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
Feb: Romance
READ The Romance of Tristan
READ Lovely War
Mar: Mystery
READ Books Can Be Deceiving
READ Curse of the Pharoahs
Apr: Historical Fiction
READ The Wolf Den (ancient Pompeii)
READ To Shield the Queen - 16th century England
READ The Doublet Affair
READ The Unquiet Bones
May: Non-fiction
READ The Princes in the Tower
June: Thrillers
READ The Quarry Girls
July: Fantasy
READ The Door to Camelot
August: Humor/Comedy
READ Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair
READ Cockatiels at Seven
September: Young Adult
READ Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
READ Poison, Your Grace
October: Horror
Cat Out of Hell
November: Domestic Suspense
READ I Let You Go
December: Holiday
On the Same Page cover color challenge:
Jan: White or Sky Blue
The Ice Swan
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
Feb: Light Pink or Chocolate Brown
The Forbidden Garden
READ Lovely War
READ The Unquiet Bones
Mar: Goldenrod or Purple
READ Dragons at Crumbling Castle
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
READ The Curse of the Pharaohs
Thirteenth Night
Her Royal Spyness
Apr: Bright Deep Green (not neon: think emerald or green crayon) or Pewter Gray
READ To Shield the Queen
READ Poison, Your Grace
May: Ruby Red or Sapphire Blue
READ The Bertie Project
Jun: Lavender or Yellow
READ Still Life
Jul: Burgundy or Pale Gold (think the color of a nice white wine)
READ The Princes in the Tower
READ Murder, Plain and Simple
Aug: Hot Pink or Forest Green
READ The Last Party
Sep: Cream/Beige or Salmon/Coral
READ Ahab's Wife
Oct: Deep Orange or Black
READ West with Giraffes
Sour Puss
Cat Out of Hell
Nov: Teal or Violet
READ The Temple of Fortuna
Her Royal Spyness
Dec: Silver or Holiday Red
READ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Alphabet (A-Z titles) challenge.
This is a long term personal challenge. The only rule here, is that I have to read the alphabet in order. And no rule on how long to spend on each letter. The focus is on the letter B this year, but there are still A titles I am finishing/adding, and I may begin C later in the year….
READ Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
All My Fortunes (reread)
The Amber Spyglass
Ambrosius Aureliani
Americanah
...And Ladies of the Club
READ Anne of Green Gables
The Assyrian
----------------------------------------
The Beacon at Alexandria
Beartown
READ Behind Closed Doors
READ The Bertie Project
Big Sky
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
Bloodline
READ Bloody Jack
READ The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories
The Book of Doors
The Book of Joby
READ Books Can Be Deceiving
Braids of Song: Weaving Welsh Music into the American Soul
The Brighter the Light
Brothers York
---------------------------------------
The Chinese Sailor by Allan Jones
The Chocolatier's Ghost
City of Masks
A Conspiracy of Friends
Corrag
Courting Mr. Lincoln
Crimson Shore
The Crystal Cave
The Cuckoo's Cry
Cup of Blood
Laurel's One From Each List Challenge (On the Same Page 3rd Annual 12 + 4 Reading Challenge
Since I have roughly 16 lists going, I thought I would pick one book from each list. The aim is to read at least 12…
READ 1. Behind Closed Doors
READ 2. The Secret Garden
3. Light to the Hills
4. The Penelopiad
5. 1932
6. One for Sorrow
READ 7. Lady Macbeth
8. Bloodline
9. The Long Walk Home
10. Queen of the North
READ 11. The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
12. Wanderland
-------------------------------------------------------
13. Dead Water
READ 14. Books Can Be Deceiving
15. The Evening Chorus
16. Her Royal Spyness
Rebecca's List:
This is a group challenge on LibraryThing's Club Read 2024 (continued from 2022 and 2023) to collectively read all the books on a late member's reading list. This is not a promise to read all of these, but potentially to read...These are some that are of interest to me, that no one else has read yet.
1. The World of Odysseus - a likely candidate because of my Odyssey theme!
2. The Bear: History of a Fallen King
3. The Reindeer People: Living with Animals and Spirits in Siberia - someone else has read this one...
4. Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
5. The Power of Music mannes
6. Genes, Peoples, and Languages
7. Through the Language Glass: Why the World Looks Different in Other Languages
8. The Singing Life of Birds: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong
9. The Fairies Return, or New Tales for Old
10. Stars of the Long Night
READ 11. The Romance of Tristan
12. The Romance of the Rose
-----------------------------
13. The Book of Lamentations
14. The Fallen Sky: An Intimate History of Shooting Stars
15. Ginkgo: The Tree That Time Forgot
16. A History of Dogs in the Early Americas
#FoodandLit2024
It may be too hard to read another book per month, so I'm thinking I might do films. Dinner and a movie!
Jan: Ghana
Feb: New Zealand
Mar: South Korea
Apr: Venezuela
May: Spain
Jun: Iceland
Jul: Turkey
Aug: Jamaica
Sep: Malaysia
Oct: Botswana
Nov: Canada
Dec: Finland
On the Same Page monthly genre challenge:
Jan: Science Fiction
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
Feb: Romance
READ The Romance of Tristan
READ Lovely War
Mar: Mystery
READ Books Can Be Deceiving
READ Curse of the Pharoahs
Apr: Historical Fiction
READ The Wolf Den (ancient Pompeii)
READ To Shield the Queen - 16th century England
READ The Doublet Affair
READ The Unquiet Bones
May: Non-fiction
READ The Princes in the Tower
June: Thrillers
READ The Quarry Girls
July: Fantasy
READ The Door to Camelot
August: Humor/Comedy
READ Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair
READ Cockatiels at Seven
September: Young Adult
READ Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
READ Poison, Your Grace
October: Horror
Cat Out of Hell
November: Domestic Suspense
READ I Let You Go
December: Holiday
On the Same Page cover color challenge:
Jan: White or Sky Blue
The Ice Swan
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
READ The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
Feb: Light Pink or Chocolate Brown
The Forbidden Garden
READ Lovely War
READ The Unquiet Bones
Mar: Goldenrod or Purple
READ Dragons at Crumbling Castle
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
READ The Curse of the Pharaohs
Thirteenth Night
Her Royal Spyness
Apr: Bright Deep Green (not neon: think emerald or green crayon) or Pewter Gray
READ To Shield the Queen
READ Poison, Your Grace
May: Ruby Red or Sapphire Blue
READ The Bertie Project
Jun: Lavender or Yellow
READ Still Life
Jul: Burgundy or Pale Gold (think the color of a nice white wine)
READ The Princes in the Tower
READ Murder, Plain and Simple
Aug: Hot Pink or Forest Green
READ The Last Party
Sep: Cream/Beige or Salmon/Coral
READ Ahab's Wife
Oct: Deep Orange or Black
READ West with Giraffes
Sour Puss
Cat Out of Hell
Nov: Teal or Violet
READ The Temple of Fortuna
Her Royal Spyness
Dec: Silver or Holiday Red
READ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
8WelshBookworm
GOALS
Books: 60
Cumulative Pages: 18,000
At the time of this posting (Dec. 25), I only have 2 books to go to meet my 2023 goal of 60 books, but my previous record is 52 and I have already beat that. So I think I will say 60 books again for 2024 and/or a cumulative page total of 18,000 (previous record: 17,384 but I may yet beat that). This is a stretch, but that’s the point of setting goals, isn’t it!
Laurel’s Pyramid Goals
12 From 12 Different Lists (13/12)
Midwinter of the Spirit (Leftovers, not Started)
The Ten Thousand Doors of January (Themes: Doors)
The Romance of Tristan (Challenges, Rebecca's List)
Lovely War (Old Themes, Random Picks)
The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories (Time and Place, Other Fiction Random Picks)
Books Can Be Deceiving (New Series, Random Picks)
Curse of the Pharoahs (Next to Read in Series)
The Secret Garden (Themes: Gardens)
The Wild Inside (Leftovers, Not Finished
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case (Time and Place, The Plantagenets)
Lady Macbeth (Time and Place, Macbeth/Vikings)
The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi (Non-fiction, Random Picks)
The People of the Wolf (Time and Place, The Ancient World)
11 Historical Fiction (14/11)
Curse of the Pharoahs (1890s)
The Wolf Den (ancient Pompeii)
To Shield the Queen (16th century England)
The Doublet Affair (16th century England)
The Unquiet Bones (14th century England)
Her Highness' First Murder (16th century England)
The House With the Golden Door (Pompeii, 76 A.D.)
The Seven Wonders (1st c. BC)
The Personal Librarian (early 20th century)
Ahab's Wife (19th century)
Poison, Your Grace (16th century England)
Lady Macbeth (11th century Scotland)
The Temple of Fortuna (79 AD - Rome and Pompeii)
The Door in the Wall (14th century England)
10 Themes (old or new) (10/10)
The Ten Thousand Doors of January (Doors)
Lovely War (Music)
The Secret Garden (Gardens)
Murder in a Scottish Garden (Gardens)
The House With the Golden Door (Doors)
The Door to Camelot (Doors)
The Rose Garden (garden titles)
Ahab's Wife (Moby Dick)
Behind Closed Doors (doors)
The Door in the Wall (doors)
9 Leftovers (5/9)
Midwinter of the Spirit
The Wild Inside
Moby Dick
Ahab's Wife
Among the Janeites - leftover from earlier in the year
8 Next-in-Series (9/8)
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder
Curse of the Pharoahs
The Wild Robot Protects
The Doublet Affair
Murder in a Scottish Garden
The Bertie Project
Poison, Your Grace
The Heart of Summer
A Game of Lies
The Temple of Fortuna
7 Titles That Start With B (6/7)
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories
Books Can Be Deceiving
Bloody Jack
The Bertie Project
Behind Closed Doors
6 New to me Authors (12/6)
The Ten Thousand Doors of January (debut novel) (Alix Harrow)
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot (Marianne Cronin)
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies (J. J. Marsh)
The Mountains Sing (Nguyen Phan Que Mai)
Books Can Be Deceiving (Jenn McKinlay)
Dragons at Crumbling Castle (Terry Pratchett) - yes, believe it or not, I have never read any Terry Pratchett...
Secrets of the Sprakkar
The Wolf Den (Elodie Harper)
The Seed Keeper (Diane Wilson)
The Cloisters (Katy Hays)
The Enchanted April (Elizabeth von Arnim)
The Unquiet Bones (Mel Starr)
Still Life (Louise Penny)
The Seven Wonders
The Door to Camelot
5 Nonfiction (5/5)
Destiny of the Republic
Secrets of the Sprakkar
The Princes in the Tower
The Truths We Hold
The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
4 Translated Books (not originally English) (4/4)
The Romance of Tristan (medieval French)
The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories (Scottish Gaelic)
The Caiman (Spanish)
A Faraway Island (Swedish)
3 Chunky Books (over 500 pages) (4/3)
Midwinter of the Spirit - 544 p.
Moby Dick - 720 p.
Ahab's Wife - 668 p.
The Covenant of Water - 724 p.
2 Welsh authors (3/2)
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
The Last Party
1 Classic (4/1)
The Romance of Tristan
The Secret Garden
Anne of Green Gables
Moby Dick
Books: 60
Cumulative Pages: 18,000
At the time of this posting (Dec. 25), I only have 2 books to go to meet my 2023 goal of 60 books, but my previous record is 52 and I have already beat that. So I think I will say 60 books again for 2024 and/or a cumulative page total of 18,000 (previous record: 17,384 but I may yet beat that). This is a stretch, but that’s the point of setting goals, isn’t it!
Laurel’s Pyramid Goals
12 From 12 Different Lists (13/12)
Midwinter of the Spirit (Leftovers, not Started)
The Ten Thousand Doors of January (Themes: Doors)
The Romance of Tristan (Challenges, Rebecca's List)
Lovely War (Old Themes, Random Picks)
The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories (Time and Place, Other Fiction Random Picks)
Books Can Be Deceiving (New Series, Random Picks)
Curse of the Pharoahs (Next to Read in Series)
The Secret Garden (Themes: Gardens)
The Wild Inside (Leftovers, Not Finished
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case (Time and Place, The Plantagenets)
Lady Macbeth (Time and Place, Macbeth/Vikings)
The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi (Non-fiction, Random Picks)
The People of the Wolf (Time and Place, The Ancient World)
11 Historical Fiction (14/11)
Curse of the Pharoahs (1890s)
The Wolf Den (ancient Pompeii)
To Shield the Queen (16th century England)
The Doublet Affair (16th century England)
The Unquiet Bones (14th century England)
Her Highness' First Murder (16th century England)
The House With the Golden Door (Pompeii, 76 A.D.)
The Seven Wonders (1st c. BC)
The Personal Librarian (early 20th century)
Ahab's Wife (19th century)
Poison, Your Grace (16th century England)
Lady Macbeth (11th century Scotland)
The Temple of Fortuna (79 AD - Rome and Pompeii)
The Door in the Wall (14th century England)
10 Themes (old or new) (10/10)
The Ten Thousand Doors of January (Doors)
Lovely War (Music)
The Secret Garden (Gardens)
Murder in a Scottish Garden (Gardens)
The House With the Golden Door (Doors)
The Door to Camelot (Doors)
The Rose Garden (garden titles)
Ahab's Wife (Moby Dick)
Behind Closed Doors (doors)
The Door in the Wall (doors)
9 Leftovers (5/9)
Midwinter of the Spirit
The Wild Inside
Moby Dick
Ahab's Wife
Among the Janeites - leftover from earlier in the year
8 Next-in-Series (9/8)
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder
Curse of the Pharoahs
The Wild Robot Protects
The Doublet Affair
Murder in a Scottish Garden
The Bertie Project
Poison, Your Grace
The Heart of Summer
A Game of Lies
The Temple of Fortuna
7 Titles That Start With B (6/7)
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories
Books Can Be Deceiving
Bloody Jack
The Bertie Project
Behind Closed Doors
6 New to me Authors (12/6)
The Ten Thousand Doors of January (debut novel) (Alix Harrow)
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot (Marianne Cronin)
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies (J. J. Marsh)
The Mountains Sing (Nguyen Phan Que Mai)
Books Can Be Deceiving (Jenn McKinlay)
Dragons at Crumbling Castle (Terry Pratchett) - yes, believe it or not, I have never read any Terry Pratchett...
Secrets of the Sprakkar
The Wolf Den (Elodie Harper)
The Seed Keeper (Diane Wilson)
The Cloisters (Katy Hays)
The Enchanted April (Elizabeth von Arnim)
The Unquiet Bones (Mel Starr)
Still Life (Louise Penny)
The Seven Wonders
The Door to Camelot
5 Nonfiction (5/5)
Destiny of the Republic
Secrets of the Sprakkar
The Princes in the Tower
The Truths We Hold
The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
4 Translated Books (not originally English) (4/4)
The Romance of Tristan (medieval French)
The Blue Mountains, and Other Gaelic Stories (Scottish Gaelic)
The Caiman (Spanish)
A Faraway Island (Swedish)
3 Chunky Books (over 500 pages) (4/3)
Midwinter of the Spirit - 544 p.
Moby Dick - 720 p.
Ahab's Wife - 668 p.
The Covenant of Water - 724 p.
2 Welsh authors (3/2)
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
The Last Party
1 Classic (4/1)
The Romance of Tristan
The Secret Garden
Anne of Green Gables
Moby Dick
9WelshBookworm
Miscellaneous statistics and other record keeping
Total books read: 70
Cumulative pages read: 23,122
Genre breakdown:
Adventure - 4
Childrens - 3
Classic - 4
Contemporary - 5
Cozy mystery - 6
Domestic fiction - 1
Dystopia/alternate history - 1
Fantasy - 6
Historical fiction - 14
Humorous - 1
Literary fiction - 6
Love stories - 1
Mystery - 9
Mystery/thriller - 5
Non-fiction, History - 4
Non-fiction, Cultural/Social Studies - 2
Science fiction - 2
Format:
Print - 23
Audiobooks - 47
Source:
Owned (print) - 4
Owned (ebook) - 8
Owned (Audible or Chirp) - 10
Libby ebook or eaudiobook) - 38
Library (print book) - 8
Library (audiobook) - 2
Online - 1
Chunky books (More than 500 pages) read:
Midwinter of the Spirit - 544 p.
Moby Dick - 720 p.
Ahab's Wife - 668 p.
The Covenant of Water - 724 p.
Chunkiest books (to be long-term projects):
...And Ladies of the Club - 1184 p. (started in 2022 and maybe even before that)
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - 1006 p. (a group read last year, and I had started it once before several years ago)
The Running Grave - 960 p.
The Crown Jewels Conspiracy - 948 p.
Outlander - 850 p. (another reread - I haven't read the last several books in the series, but wanted to reread all the others first)
Paris - 809 p.
The Mirror and the Light - 757 p. (I have to read Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies first...)
Ulysses - 732 p. (I started this with a group read several years ago. Kept it to finish eventually as part of my Odysseus theme which so far hasn't gotten off the ground)
Ilium - 731 p. (another "Odyssey" themed book)
King Hereafter - 721 p. (one of the best books I've ever read, and high time for a reread - also spurred my "Macbeth" mini-theme)
The Eagle and the Raven - 704 p.
A Sacred Storm - 704 p.
Shortest books (for when I am getting behind and need to read something short):
READ Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi - 70 p.
Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - 106 p.
The Lost Words - 112 p.
READ The Door in the Wall - 128 p.
The Golden Crucifix - 168 p.
READ The Door to Camelot - 172 p.
A Welsh Childhood - 186 p.
King of the World's Edge - 191 p.
Animal Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland - 192 p.
The Penelopiad - 198 p.
Cookbooks cooked from:
Sunset International Vegetarian Cook Book
Magazines read:
1. Smithsonian, June 2018. 84 p.
The war against invasive Lionfish, the race to save endangered rhinos, tracing a stolen WWII sculpture
2. Smithsonian, July/Aug. 2018. 120 p.
The "Mount Everest" of surfing, new technology to decipher ancient scrolls, the fight to recover the remains of family killed in the Spanish American War
3. Smithsonian, Sept. 2018. 88 p.
Secrets of American history: Bigfoot fetish, Sigmond Freud and Woodrow Wilson, women codebreakers of the Cold War, the roots of the populist conservative movement, African American deaths during Reconstruction
4. Smithsonian, Oct. 2018. 88 p.
Recreating a virtual model of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, snowy owls, William T. Vollmann writes about WWI, the coloring book craze and Johanna Basford
5. Smithsonian, Nov. 2018. 96 p.
the future of our bison, development of corn, the annual symphony in the Flint Hills (https://symphonyintheflinthills.org/), newly translated diaries by young women murdered in the Holocaust, Becoming Anne Frank by Dara Horn ("People love dead Jews."), two Holocaust poets.
6. Smithsonian, Dec. 2018. 100 p.
Ingenuity Awards, Special Report: How We're Still Paying for the Confederacy,
7. Smithsonian, Jan/Feb 2019. 124 p.
"America At War." Special issue about the war on terror, incl. the Priest of Abu Ghraib, the military as path to citizenship, the legacy of Black Hawk Down, transgender service members, rehabilitating a retired war dog.
8. Smithsonian, March 2019.
I pretty sure I read and recorded this, but the entry seems to have disappeared. There was a feature on some artefacts of famous women in U.S. history. I was quite intrigued by a article about singer and banjo player Rhiannon Giddens. And an article on Sandra Day O'Connor.
9. Smithsonian, April 2019. 84 p.
Napoleon's Last Days. 100th anniversary of Women's Suffrage. Reconstructing famous old rums and whiskeys using high-tech chemistry.
Total books read: 70
Cumulative pages read: 23,122
Genre breakdown:
Adventure - 4
Childrens - 3
Classic - 4
Contemporary - 5
Cozy mystery - 6
Domestic fiction - 1
Dystopia/alternate history - 1
Fantasy - 6
Historical fiction - 14
Humorous - 1
Literary fiction - 6
Love stories - 1
Mystery - 9
Mystery/thriller - 5
Non-fiction, History - 4
Non-fiction, Cultural/Social Studies - 2
Science fiction - 2
Format:
Print - 23
Audiobooks - 47
Source:
Owned (print) - 4
Owned (ebook) - 8
Owned (Audible or Chirp) - 10
Libby ebook or eaudiobook) - 38
Library (print book) - 8
Library (audiobook) - 2
Online - 1
Chunky books (More than 500 pages) read:
Midwinter of the Spirit - 544 p.
Moby Dick - 720 p.
Ahab's Wife - 668 p.
The Covenant of Water - 724 p.
Chunkiest books (to be long-term projects):
...And Ladies of the Club - 1184 p. (started in 2022 and maybe even before that)
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - 1006 p. (a group read last year, and I had started it once before several years ago)
The Running Grave - 960 p.
The Crown Jewels Conspiracy - 948 p.
Outlander - 850 p. (another reread - I haven't read the last several books in the series, but wanted to reread all the others first)
Paris - 809 p.
The Mirror and the Light - 757 p. (I have to read Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies first...)
Ulysses - 732 p. (I started this with a group read several years ago. Kept it to finish eventually as part of my Odysseus theme which so far hasn't gotten off the ground)
Ilium - 731 p. (another "Odyssey" themed book)
King Hereafter - 721 p. (one of the best books I've ever read, and high time for a reread - also spurred my "Macbeth" mini-theme)
The Eagle and the Raven - 704 p.
A Sacred Storm - 704 p.
Shortest books (for when I am getting behind and need to read something short):
READ Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi - 70 p.
Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - 106 p.
The Lost Words - 112 p.
READ The Door in the Wall - 128 p.
The Golden Crucifix - 168 p.
READ The Door to Camelot - 172 p.
A Welsh Childhood - 186 p.
King of the World's Edge - 191 p.
Animal Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland - 192 p.
The Penelopiad - 198 p.
Cookbooks cooked from:
Sunset International Vegetarian Cook Book
Magazines read:
1. Smithsonian, June 2018. 84 p.
The war against invasive Lionfish, the race to save endangered rhinos, tracing a stolen WWII sculpture
2. Smithsonian, July/Aug. 2018. 120 p.
The "Mount Everest" of surfing, new technology to decipher ancient scrolls, the fight to recover the remains of family killed in the Spanish American War
3. Smithsonian, Sept. 2018. 88 p.
Secrets of American history: Bigfoot fetish, Sigmond Freud and Woodrow Wilson, women codebreakers of the Cold War, the roots of the populist conservative movement, African American deaths during Reconstruction
4. Smithsonian, Oct. 2018. 88 p.
Recreating a virtual model of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, snowy owls, William T. Vollmann writes about WWI, the coloring book craze and Johanna Basford
5. Smithsonian, Nov. 2018. 96 p.
the future of our bison, development of corn, the annual symphony in the Flint Hills (https://symphonyintheflinthills.org/), newly translated diaries by young women murdered in the Holocaust, Becoming Anne Frank by Dara Horn ("People love dead Jews."), two Holocaust poets.
6. Smithsonian, Dec. 2018. 100 p.
Ingenuity Awards, Special Report: How We're Still Paying for the Confederacy,
7. Smithsonian, Jan/Feb 2019. 124 p.
"America At War." Special issue about the war on terror, incl. the Priest of Abu Ghraib, the military as path to citizenship, the legacy of Black Hawk Down, transgender service members, rehabilitating a retired war dog.
8. Smithsonian, March 2019.
I pretty sure I read and recorded this, but the entry seems to have disappeared. There was a feature on some artefacts of famous women in U.S. history. I was quite intrigued by a article about singer and banjo player Rhiannon Giddens. And an article on Sandra Day O'Connor.
9. Smithsonian, April 2019. 84 p.
Napoleon's Last Days. 100th anniversary of Women's Suffrage. Reconstructing famous old rums and whiskeys using high-tech chemistry.
10WelshBookworm
Open for business - here's to 2024!
12labfs39
Welcome back to Club Read 2024, Laurel! I love lists too, and yours are always so much fun to read. Makes me want to toss aside the book I'm reading (which I want to finish for tomorrow's book club meeting) and make some of my own.
13WelshBookworm
It is fun, and it takes me about a week every November to compile all the lists - plus this year I had two years worth of books added to my TBR ocean (about 600 titles - I know - I have to live forever...) to make the slips to draw from. But I enjoy it, and look forward to doing it every year, so I guess that is the main thing!
14WelshBookworm
January Plans
I am currently reading 4 books, all of which I think will be finished by the end of 2023. That's the plan anyway!
READ 2023 Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey - 60 pages left.
READ 2023 Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners - audiobook for Daytimers (meets Dec. 29) - about 3 1/2 hours left
READ 2023 A Cornish Christmas Murder - about 100 pages left
READ The Weaver and the Witch Queen - 286 pages left. I can carry this one into 2024 if necessary, but I'm going to try and finish it.
Next on audio - I've already read January's book club book, so I can indulge in something that might take awhile. I have wanted to read
READ Midwinter of the Spirit for 5 years now and the season has gotten away from me every year. I own this on Audible, so I will start it as soon as I finish Evergreen Tidings. After that, I have a Libby hold on
READ Ten Thousand Doors of January - It is telling me there is a 4-week wait.
Other possibilities:
The Ice Swan for the January cover color challenge. Available on Libby (no waiting).
Sing Them Home for A Good Yarn (N is for Nebraska). Available on Libby (no waiting).
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
For Perspectives I have
READ The Destiny of the Republic checked out from the library. The audiobook on Libby was going to be "several months" so print it is.
Another "N" book for A Good Yarn from my lists is
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories From Cape Breton (Nova Scotia) and it also fits the January cover color challenge.
My first book of the New Year might be
A Midwinter's Tail - it was on my Dec. 2023 plans but didn't get to it. It's not too long and it would be a fun, cozy read for New Year's Day.
In leftovers and chunky books, I'd like to get to
READ The Wild Inside - I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, it never will be.
Looking at my chunky book leftovers (may take more than one month...) I've settled on finishing
READ Ahab's Wife and
READ Moby Dick - I don't need to start them over I don't think, but they have been long paused - since they got packed up when I moved, and I didn't get to them in 2023. I didn't get to ANY of them in 2023 - I wanted to read new things. But now I feel motivated to pick them up again.
So wish me luck!
15WelshBookworm
Just discovered I have another Christmasy "next-to-read-in-series" book on my Kindle, so I'm adding
READ An Unfortunate Christmas Murder to my plans, while it is still "Christmas season."
READ An Unfortunate Christmas Murder to my plans, while it is still "Christmas season."
16WelshBookworm
While I'm learning to post pictures here, I never did post an "update" on Mr. B in October. I just couldn't bear to. Anyway, here he is, taken shortly after I rescued him five years ago. He was the sweetest cat, and a big cuddler. I never expected to lose him so soon, and despite still having 5 other cats, I really miss him.
17WelshBookworm
Here's another picture...
18rhian_of_oz
Let's try something.
(https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/fe/d9/fed98d78d4704df636e6268364142674357414a_v5.jpg)
(https://www.librarything.com/pic/10473861)
I got the first URL by right-clicking on your photo and selecting "Copy image address". The second URL is the one you used in your post. I have no idea why one works and not the other.
(https://pics.cdn.librarything.com//picsizes/fe/d9/fed98d78d4704df636e6268364142674357414a_v5.jpg)
(https://www.librarything.com/pic/10473861)
I got the first URL by right-clicking on your photo and selecting "Copy image address". The second URL is the one you used in your post. I have no idea why one works and not the other.
19labfs39
Just a note that if you add width=400 (or some other number, you can play around with it) after img and before src=" the picture will be smaller. I usually set book covers to 140.
20WelshBookworm
>18 rhian_of_oz: Thanks. I tried them multiple ways and nothing was working.
21kjuliff
>19 labfs39: I have my screen enlarged because of my low vision so I can’t see what most members see. I’ve been using width =150 for book covers for reviews. What’s a good size for the normally-sighted?
22WelshBookworm
Yay! I got the pictures working! Thanks everyone.
Let's try some more just to be sure. Here's a picture of 3 of the kittens last year...Vinny (Vincent), Henry, and Jess. Vinny went to a new home - a friend who wanted a black cat.
And the other kitten, Dora. Of course, they are all grown up now. Dora is my new little snuggler. She's the only one I can sleep with yet. The others are all much too interested in my feet under the covers.
And here is Beatrix, the Mama:
Let's try some more just to be sure. Here's a picture of 3 of the kittens last year...Vinny (Vincent), Henry, and Jess. Vinny went to a new home - a friend who wanted a black cat.
And the other kitten, Dora. Of course, they are all grown up now. Dora is my new little snuggler. She's the only one I can sleep with yet. The others are all much too interested in my feet under the covers.
And here is Beatrix, the Mama:
23labfs39
Cute kitties! Glad you figured out how to add images.
>21 kjuliff: 150 pixels is fine for book covers, Kate. Obviously you can make them as big as you want, but threads start to lag and skip if there are too many overly large photos.
>21 kjuliff: 150 pixels is fine for book covers, Kate. Obviously you can make them as big as you want, but threads start to lag and skip if there are too many overly large photos.
24RidgewayGirl
I am very much in favor of more cat pictures on LibraryThing. They are all adorable.
25WelshBookworm
>23 labfs39: Lisa wrote: "Glad you figured out how to add images."
Thanks. Me too. Now I can add some books covers to my reviews. If the page gets slow to load, I'll start another thread like a lot of you all do.
Thanks. Me too. Now I can add some books covers to my reviews. If the page gets slow to load, I'll start another thread like a lot of you all do.
26WelshBookworm
In addition to posting monthly plans, I've decided to add a monthly log...
January Log
Finished:
Midwinter of the Spirit - audiobook, finished Jan. 15
The Destiny of the Republic - for Perspectives Book Club - finished Jan. 21
The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings - January genre challenge and cover color challenge - finished Jan. 31
Currently reading:
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder - started Dec. 30
The Ten Thousand Doors of January - started Jan. 17
Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton - started Jan. 24, A Good Yarn "N" challenge (Nova Scotia), and January cover color challenge (sky blue)
The Romance of Tristan - started Jan. 29
Ongoing Longer Reads:
Ahab's Wife - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby Dick - restarted on Jan. 8
Next up:
A Midwinter's Tail - maybe.
The Doors of Eden - Purchased on Chirp Books
The Princes in the Tower
Holds Pending:
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot - for Feb. Daytimers
New Acquisitions:
The Fallen from Paradise - purchased with Audible credit - fits the Jan sci fi genre and blue color cover challenge
Wild and Distant Seas - ARC - Moby Dick theme...
Within the Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
Last Night -Kindle, Amazon first picks
This Impossible Brightness - Kindle, Amazon first picks
The Doors of Eden - Fits the Jan. challenge criteria (genre AND cover color) - discounted on Chirp audio today (the 21st) so I bought it - my hold on Libby was over 16 weeks....
January Log
Finished:
Midwinter of the Spirit - audiobook, finished Jan. 15
The Destiny of the Republic - for Perspectives Book Club - finished Jan. 21
The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings - January genre challenge and cover color challenge - finished Jan. 31
Currently reading:
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder - started Dec. 30
The Ten Thousand Doors of January - started Jan. 17
Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton - started Jan. 24, A Good Yarn "N" challenge (Nova Scotia), and January cover color challenge (sky blue)
The Romance of Tristan - started Jan. 29
Ongoing Longer Reads:
Ahab's Wife - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby Dick - restarted on Jan. 8
Next up:
A Midwinter's Tail - maybe.
The Doors of Eden - Purchased on Chirp Books
The Princes in the Tower
Holds Pending:
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot - for Feb. Daytimers
New Acquisitions:
The Fallen from Paradise - purchased with Audible credit - fits the Jan sci fi genre and blue color cover challenge
Wild and Distant Seas - ARC - Moby Dick theme...
Within the Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
Last Night -Kindle, Amazon first picks
This Impossible Brightness - Kindle, Amazon first picks
The Doors of Eden - Fits the Jan. challenge criteria (genre AND cover color) - discounted on Chirp audio today (the 21st) so I bought it - my hold on Libby was over 16 weeks....
27dchaikin
I’m really sorry about Mr. B.
You have so many titles here, I’ partially in awe and partially overwhelmed. I’ll gently plug Omeros, because I enjoyed it so much.
You have so many titles here, I’ partially in awe and partially overwhelmed. I’ll gently plug Omeros, because I enjoyed it so much.
28lisapeet
So sorry about Mr. B—we lost our own very beloved Mr. B (an orange tabby, full of personality and sweets) in February 2020, so just seeing the name gives me a little twinge. Your other kitties are great! Oh, and the books, too.
29WelshBookworm
I've acquired 5 books today. See post above (#26). The Fallen from Paradise was highlighted by Audible in their daily email, and the description of it as both a book and a musical with 9 songs and soundtrack intrigued me. Since I need a Sci Fi book for the On the Same Page monthly genre challenge and it also fits the cover color challenge, I used one of my Audible credits to purchase it. I had one Sci Fi book in my lists that I had placed a hold on, but the waiting list is 16 weeks. Definitely not going to get it in January!
I am starting Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President today. It is for my Perspectives book club which meets on the 23rd. About a chapter a day will have it read in time.
I am starting Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President today. It is for my Perspectives book club which meets on the 23rd. About a chapter a day will have it read in time.
30labfs39
>29 WelshBookworm: I'm toying with reading Destiny of the Republic soon too, although Millard has a new book out about the Nile that would mesh well with all the Africa reading I've been doing lately.
31WelshBookworm
I've added Moby-Dick or, The Whale and Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer into the daily mix of scheduled reads. This gives me a time-table to follow and aims to prevent letting them lapse. My other books are "unscheduled" - meaning I'll finish them when I finish them. It's been over a year since these two books were paused. I was maybe about 25% on both, but I am restarting them. I've set Moby Dick at 3 chapters/day and Ahab's Wife at 15 pages/day. If I stay on track I will finish them both on Feb. 21 and then I'll pick up another of my long-paused books.
33WelshBookworm
>32 dchaikin: It might be. I've read it before. This is a reread for me.
35WelshBookworm
>34 AlisonY: Welcome, Alison. The more the merrier!
36arubabookwoman
Interested in seeing how you compare Moby Dick and Ahab's Wife. Do they jive well together, or do they fight each other with discrepancies etc?
37WelshBookworm
>36 arubabookwoman: One week into a six-week read, but I am noting some interesting parallels. Clearly the author of Ahab's Wife has structured her book on Moby Dick. There are "excerpts" (quotations from various other literature) as a sort of "preface" in both books. The chapters are mostly short, and I can tell there are going to be a lot miscellaneous ruminations about all manner of things. The book is also illustrated with woodcuts reminiscent of the 1930 edition of Moby Dick with illustrations by Rockwell Kent. Reading them in parallel, I had no sooner read a chapter titled "Nantucket" in one, to find a chapter titled "Nantucket" in the other. Also having just read about Ishmael and Queegueg attending a service at the Seamen's Bethel Chapel, then we have Una and her parents attending the same chapel with its prow of a ship for a pulpit. Then we have Ishmael and Queequeg eating chowder at the Try Pots Tavern, run by Mrs. Hosea Hussey and comments about the cow whose milk is rather "fishy" because of what the cow eats. In the other book we have Kit and Giles arriving at the Lighthouse where Una lives with her aunt and uncle. They have chowder for supper, and her aunt says she got the recipe from Mrs. Hussey at the Try Pots, and Giles and Kit regale them with descriptions of Mrs. Hussey's necklace made of fish (cod) vertebrae, and the cow dining on fish remnants out back. So I would say they jive very well together.
38labfs39
>37 WelshBookworm: Oh, how interesting, Laurel. I read Ahab's Wife years ago, but without having read Moby Dick. I see now that that was a mistake.
39WelshBookworm
Mid-January update:
Since I started most of my current reads right around the turn of the year, I have yet to actually finish anything, so I feel like I'm behind already. Nevermind that 3 of the books I'm reading are over 500 pages long, and two more are over 300... Well my audiobook, Midwinter of the Spirit is within reach, and since I have been hibernating with the cold weather on this long holiday weekend, I decided to listen to it in the bath last night. 2 1/2 hours left now. And we are getting to the denouement. So I hope to get it finished by tomorrow. It was a good choice to read right around Christmas time - like Dicken's Christmas Carol with its ghosts and visitations. I am enjoying the juxtaposition of the Church of England vs. the pagan lore of Herefordshire as well as "New Age" spirituality, the newness of having women clergy and the resistance to that, and then what is actual paranormal activity vs. people with evil intent.
Otherwise, I am keeping up with all my "scheduled" reads, but the other books are in grave danger of going by the wayside, since it is late by the time I get to bed, and my lighter bedtime reading gets abandoned... or I fall asleep on the sofa, and wake up at 3:30 am....
Since I started most of my current reads right around the turn of the year, I have yet to actually finish anything, so I feel like I'm behind already. Nevermind that 3 of the books I'm reading are over 500 pages long, and two more are over 300... Well my audiobook, Midwinter of the Spirit is within reach, and since I have been hibernating with the cold weather on this long holiday weekend, I decided to listen to it in the bath last night. 2 1/2 hours left now. And we are getting to the denouement. So I hope to get it finished by tomorrow. It was a good choice to read right around Christmas time - like Dicken's Christmas Carol with its ghosts and visitations. I am enjoying the juxtaposition of the Church of England vs. the pagan lore of Herefordshire as well as "New Age" spirituality, the newness of having women clergy and the resistance to that, and then what is actual paranormal activity vs. people with evil intent.
Otherwise, I am keeping up with all my "scheduled" reads, but the other books are in grave danger of going by the wayside, since it is late by the time I get to bed, and my lighter bedtime reading gets abandoned... or I fall asleep on the sofa, and wake up at 3:30 am....
40dchaikin
>37 WelshBookworm: how interesting!
>39 WelshBookworm: sometimes i find posting updates here helps me when I haven’t finished a book in a while. It sounds like you’re reading is terrific.
>39 WelshBookworm: sometimes i find posting updates here helps me when I haven’t finished a book in a while. It sounds like you’re reading is terrific.
41labfs39
>40 dchaikin: I think you meant >39 WelshBookworm:
42dchaikin
>41 labfs39: yup. fixed. Sorry :)
43WelshBookworm
>41 labfs39: I figured that.
44WelshBookworm
1. Midwinter of the Spirit
4 red stars.
This was a good choice to read right around Christmas time - like Dicken's Christmas Carol with its ghosts and visitations. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the Church of England vs. the pagan lore of Herefordshire as well as "New Age" spirituality, the newness of having women clergy and the resistance to that, and then what is actual paranormal activity vs. people with evil intent. This felt so terribly dated, but I have to remind myself that 1999 really was almost 25 years ago, not yesterday (even if it feels like it), plus the ordination of women in the Church of England came 20 years after the Episcopal Church in the U.S. began ordaining women clergy. Nevertheless, it felt to me more like the 1970s when "New Age" spirituality became part of popular culture and I was a young graduate student wrestling with matters of faith and spirituality, and keenly interested in paranormal phenomena, being a bit psychic myself. I was also the daughter of a minister, so I can appreciate that while Merrily is being pulled into her role as a clergyperson and finding comfort in tradition, her daughter Jane is just at the age where she is rebelling against all things "church", but does not yet have the maturity to sort out what might be truly harmful. I wouldn't put this book in the horror category, but there is certainly a lot of suspense, and the author doesn't want us to easily discern what is truly going on either.
This book was made into a 3-part TV miniseries, and I am looking forward to watching it.
Description: When offered the post once styled Church of England Deliverance Minister, the Reverend Merrily Watkins -- parish priest and single parent -- cannot easily refuse. But the retiring exorcist, strongly objecting to women priests, not only refuses to help Merrily but ensures that she's soon exposed to the job at its most terrifying. And things get no easier as an early winter slices through the old city of Hereford, a body is found in the River Wye, an ancient church is desecrated and there are signs of dark ritual on a hill overlooking the city.
Cumulative pages: 544
4 red stars.
This was a good choice to read right around Christmas time - like Dicken's Christmas Carol with its ghosts and visitations. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the Church of England vs. the pagan lore of Herefordshire as well as "New Age" spirituality, the newness of having women clergy and the resistance to that, and then what is actual paranormal activity vs. people with evil intent. This felt so terribly dated, but I have to remind myself that 1999 really was almost 25 years ago, not yesterday (even if it feels like it), plus the ordination of women in the Church of England came 20 years after the Episcopal Church in the U.S. began ordaining women clergy. Nevertheless, it felt to me more like the 1970s when "New Age" spirituality became part of popular culture and I was a young graduate student wrestling with matters of faith and spirituality, and keenly interested in paranormal phenomena, being a bit psychic myself. I was also the daughter of a minister, so I can appreciate that while Merrily is being pulled into her role as a clergyperson and finding comfort in tradition, her daughter Jane is just at the age where she is rebelling against all things "church", but does not yet have the maturity to sort out what might be truly harmful. I wouldn't put this book in the horror category, but there is certainly a lot of suspense, and the author doesn't want us to easily discern what is truly going on either.
This book was made into a 3-part TV miniseries, and I am looking forward to watching it.
Description: When offered the post once styled Church of England Deliverance Minister, the Reverend Merrily Watkins -- parish priest and single parent -- cannot easily refuse. But the retiring exorcist, strongly objecting to women priests, not only refuses to help Merrily but ensures that she's soon exposed to the job at its most terrifying. And things get no easier as an early winter slices through the old city of Hereford, a body is found in the River Wye, an ancient church is desecrated and there are signs of dark ritual on a hill overlooking the city.
Cumulative pages: 544
45labfs39
I'm glad your Christmas/New Year read was a good one. Which of your book lists will you pick from next?
46WelshBookworm
>45 labfs39: My hold on The Ten Thousand Doors of January just came in, from my Themes: Doors list. So that will be next. Thought I still had a couple weeks to wait, but I'm so happy to actually get it in January... (and yes, I know the character's name is January, not that it takes place in January....)
47WelshBookworm
I watched the ITV production of Midwinter of the Spirit last night. It was pretty good. I would watch it again. I'm sure it was intended to lead to an extended series, but alas, that didn't happen. Here's an overview by someone who has not read the book: https://www.room207press.com/2017/04/we-dont-go-back-40-midwinter-of-spirit.html
I wholeheartedly agree that a film must be allowed to be its own thing, and that you can't pare a 544 p. book down into 140 minutes without leaving a great deal out. So having said that I thought it was pretty good, it definitely strayed quite a bit.
What I liked:
I do think in general they captured the essence of the book.
I liked the actor that portrayed Merrily. It really emphasized just how young she was (even if she did have a 16-year-old daughter).
I think the film managed to keep the ambiguity of the paranormal - you could go either way with it.
What I didn't like:
Wrong season. I got no sense of it being wintertime at all.
The relationship between Merrily and Jane. In the film, Jane was an out and out rebel, despising her mother's profession. Yes, she did this in the book, too, but it was more ambivalent. She came across as much more savvy in the book, and she was able to come around on her own, even helping and supporting her mother in the final scene at the Cathedral.
The Satanists or whatever they were. First of all - everything in the film was tied into this group, and it was such a mishmash that I never got any sense of what exactly they were trying to do. It was all too unfocused. I'm not explaining that very well.
Some very key people in the book were left out of the film entirely. I think this contributed to my overall feeling that the book was just too "diluted" in the film.
I wholeheartedly agree that a film must be allowed to be its own thing, and that you can't pare a 544 p. book down into 140 minutes without leaving a great deal out. So having said that I thought it was pretty good, it definitely strayed quite a bit.
What I liked:
I do think in general they captured the essence of the book.
I liked the actor that portrayed Merrily. It really emphasized just how young she was (even if she did have a 16-year-old daughter).
I think the film managed to keep the ambiguity of the paranormal - you could go either way with it.
What I didn't like:
Wrong season. I got no sense of it being wintertime at all.
The relationship between Merrily and Jane. In the film, Jane was an out and out rebel, despising her mother's profession. Yes, she did this in the book, too, but it was more ambivalent. She came across as much more savvy in the book, and she was able to come around on her own, even helping and supporting her mother in the final scene at the Cathedral.
The Satanists or whatever they were. First of all - everything in the film was tied into this group, and it was such a mishmash that I never got any sense of what exactly they were trying to do. It was all too unfocused. I'm not explaining that very well.
Some very key people in the book were left out of the film entirely. I think this contributed to my overall feeling that the book was just too "diluted" in the film.
48WelshBookworm
Sunday update (Jan. 21):
Contrary to popular opinion, it is not ALWAYS the coldest day of the year on my birthday. It got up to 21 today after a week in the deep freezer. Going to be 30s the rest of the week. You'd think I would have gotten lots of reading done, but sadly I am falling behind. The only book that really matters is Destiny of the Republic for book club on Tuesday. 70 pages to go. I have meant to do some catching up today, but instead I made a cake for myself, and now am contemplating what would be a good movie to watch tonight. And - oh, look - there's a documentary about James Garfield...
Two more acquisitions: Chirp Books had The Doors of Eden on sale, and my hold on Libby was over 16 weeks, so I bought it. It fits the genre challenge and the cover color challenge for January. Audiobook, so I'll read it next after The Ten Thousand Doors of January.
Also got my ILL hold on The Romance of Tristan so I need to get to that in the next couple of weeks before it has to go back.
Contrary to popular opinion, it is not ALWAYS the coldest day of the year on my birthday. It got up to 21 today after a week in the deep freezer. Going to be 30s the rest of the week. You'd think I would have gotten lots of reading done, but sadly I am falling behind. The only book that really matters is Destiny of the Republic for book club on Tuesday. 70 pages to go. I have meant to do some catching up today, but instead I made a cake for myself, and now am contemplating what would be a good movie to watch tonight. And - oh, look - there's a documentary about James Garfield...
Two more acquisitions: Chirp Books had The Doors of Eden on sale, and my hold on Libby was over 16 weeks, so I bought it. It fits the genre challenge and the cover color challenge for January. Audiobook, so I'll read it next after The Ten Thousand Doors of January.
Also got my ILL hold on The Romance of Tristan so I need to get to that in the next couple of weeks before it has to go back.
51rv1988
>48 WelshBookworm: Happy Birthday!
52WelshBookworm
Thanks for the birthday wishes! I finished reading Destiny of the Republic. Review tomorrow.
53Julie_in_the_Library
Happy birthday!
54WelshBookworm
#2 Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
4.5 blue stars rounded up.
Although I attended Garfield Elementary School (one of many so named), I knew next to nothing about this president. How did he come to be so honored when he only served a few months as president? I'm not sure this book answers that question - it is not a biography. It's a narrative history mainly of those few months. As portrayed here, you might think that Garfield is quite a heroic figure, along with Alexander Graham Bell, against the despicable Charles Guiteau and Dr. Doctor Bliss. But I don't rate a book for what it is not. It's a snapshot of people and a time and a place in history and it is fascinating to think about all the what if's - what if Garfield had survived and served out his term? What if medical practice had been quicker to adopt the necessity of sterilization put forth by Joseph Lister? Would Alexander Graham Bell still have invented his induction balance device? You quickly realize that we are caught between two worlds in politics and in medicine, and that some things never change - the allure of corruption, or our inability to address mental illness, for example. One bright spot here - the redemption of Chester Arthur and just who is this Julia Sand? Now there's a whole other book to be written... This is a book that will make you want to learn more about, well, everything - Garfield's early life, his wife Lucretia, Garfield's writing (we only get tantalizing quotes at the beginning of each chapter), how politics changed (at least temporarily) for the better - and a book that does that is a good book.
Description: James A. Garfield may have been the most extraordinary man ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, and a renowned and admired reformist congressman. Nominated for president against his will, he engaged in a fierce battle with the corrupt political establishment. But four months after his inauguration, a deranged office seeker tracked Garfield down and shot him in the back. But the shot didn’t kill Garfield. The drama of what happened subsequently is a powerful story of a nation in turmoil. The unhinged assassin’s half-delivered strike shattered the fragile national mood of a country so recently fractured by civil war, and left the wounded president as the object of a bitter behind-the-scenes struggle for power—over his administration, over the nation’s future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care. A team of physicians administered shockingly archaic treatments, to disastrous effect. As his condition worsened, Garfield received help: Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, worked around the clock to invent a new device capable of finding the bullet.
Cumulative pages: 883
4.5 blue stars rounded up.
Although I attended Garfield Elementary School (one of many so named), I knew next to nothing about this president. How did he come to be so honored when he only served a few months as president? I'm not sure this book answers that question - it is not a biography. It's a narrative history mainly of those few months. As portrayed here, you might think that Garfield is quite a heroic figure, along with Alexander Graham Bell, against the despicable Charles Guiteau and Dr. Doctor Bliss. But I don't rate a book for what it is not. It's a snapshot of people and a time and a place in history and it is fascinating to think about all the what if's - what if Garfield had survived and served out his term? What if medical practice had been quicker to adopt the necessity of sterilization put forth by Joseph Lister? Would Alexander Graham Bell still have invented his induction balance device? You quickly realize that we are caught between two worlds in politics and in medicine, and that some things never change - the allure of corruption, or our inability to address mental illness, for example. One bright spot here - the redemption of Chester Arthur and just who is this Julia Sand? Now there's a whole other book to be written... This is a book that will make you want to learn more about, well, everything - Garfield's early life, his wife Lucretia, Garfield's writing (we only get tantalizing quotes at the beginning of each chapter), how politics changed (at least temporarily) for the better - and a book that does that is a good book.
Description: James A. Garfield may have been the most extraordinary man ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, and a renowned and admired reformist congressman. Nominated for president against his will, he engaged in a fierce battle with the corrupt political establishment. But four months after his inauguration, a deranged office seeker tracked Garfield down and shot him in the back. But the shot didn’t kill Garfield. The drama of what happened subsequently is a powerful story of a nation in turmoil. The unhinged assassin’s half-delivered strike shattered the fragile national mood of a country so recently fractured by civil war, and left the wounded president as the object of a bitter behind-the-scenes struggle for power—over his administration, over the nation’s future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care. A team of physicians administered shockingly archaic treatments, to disastrous effect. As his condition worsened, Garfield received help: Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, worked around the clock to invent a new device capable of finding the bullet.
Cumulative pages: 883
55labfs39
>54 WelshBookworm: I liked River of Doubt, so I picked up Destiny of the Republic, even though US presidents aren't people I tend to read about. I'm glad to know it's interesting. I will probably read her book on the Nile, River of the Gods, next as I requested it from the library and it should be almost here.
56WelshBookworm
>55 labfs39: Yes, I'd like to read that one, too, now.
57kidzdoc
Fabulous review of Destiny of the Republic, Laurel. I'm somewhat familiar with the medical misadventures that led to President Garfield's death, so I'll be on the lookout for this book.
58dchaikin
>54 WelshBookworm: sounds like a great and actually inspirational read.
59WelshBookworm
I found a PBS Documentary based on Candace Millard's book last night: American Experience: The Murder of a President. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/garfield/
Every bit as fascinating as the book, and well-acted. The recreated scenes were interspersed with narration, photos, excerpts from letters, etc.
Every bit as fascinating as the book, and well-acted. The recreated scenes were interspersed with narration, photos, excerpts from letters, etc.
60arubabookwoman
Re River of Doubt, there's an interesting novel about Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon adventure, Roosevelt's Beast. I've read it, but still need to get to River of Doubt
61valkyrdeath
>54 WelshBookworm: I knew absolutely nothing about Garfield before reading that book but it quickly became one of my favourite non-fiction reads. It's been nearly 10 years since I read it but the details have stuck with me more than most non-fiction I've read. I still vividly remember the section where he ends up getting voted as the presidential candidate despite his own protests that he wasn't even running for it.
62lisapeet
Extremely belated happy birthday! I'm just catching up after a couple of weeks off the site.
63WelshBookworm
>62 lisapeet: Thank you, Lisa! I celebrate all month, so you're good...
64WelshBookworm
January is fast disappearing! How did that happen? I've decided that any monthly challenges (A Good Yarn, the genre challenge, the cover color challenge, etc.) need to be at least started during the month in question - even if it takes me 6 months to finish, at least I started it in the right month. Ha ha. Okay. So I've had two possible sci fi picks lined up, both audiobooks, and both also fit the cover color challenge, but I already have a Good Yarn book started that also fits that. The problem is - the bluetooth went out in my car again. It has been a whole week and I haven't been able to listen to my current read (which I'd like to finish before I start a new one...) I'll try again this afternoon to get it reconnected, before my one hour drive to my women's choir rehearsal this evening. (I even tried plugging the phone in manually, which worked last time this happened, and maybe I should just do that ALL the time, but I couldn't get that to work either.) One way or another, I will get it working today. If nothing else, I will use ear buds! Anyway, with only 3 days left in January, I took a look at everything tagged sci fi in my TBR, and sorted by number of pages. I've got several chunky books going, and I really need something short that I can finish fast. So I just downloaded (Libby) the graphic novel The Orville, Season 1.5. I enjoyed the TV series very much! Perfect. Only about 80 pages. I might even get it read this afternoon!
65labfs39
>64 WelshBookworm: How did that happen indeed! Good luck with all your reading projects.
66WelshBookworm
#3 The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings
3 green stars.
If you are a fan of the TV show, you will like this. I am not sure this could stand alone. Obviously it would help to be familiar with the show and the characters. Consider these to be two mini-episodes that take place just after the end of season one. I thought the second story especially had some merit about a group of humans that have embraced the Krill's worship of Avis. There were some ideas there that could be expanded into a full episode. The artwork is colorful, the characters are recognizable. But this is all too short, and just a tease really.
Description: Picking up where season one of Seth MacFarlane's space adventure TV series leaves off, this volume contains four episodic chapters:
In part 1 of New Beginnings: Ed and Gordon follow a faint distress signal belonging to a long-lost Union vessel only to end up shot down on an irradiated, war-torn desert planet in the hands of an unknown species. In part 2 of New Beginnings: As Ed and Gordon uncover the truth of a century-old war, they fear that their eventual rescue may endanger the rest of the Orville crew. Not only does the crew's lives hang in the balance but all life on the entire planet.
In part 1 of The Word of Avis: The Orville intercepts a small Union ship en route to the interstellar territory of the easily aggravated Krill. They thought the passengers were just a simple group of xenoanthropologists, but they turn out to be something much more interesting. In part 2 of The Word of Avis: Dragged off course and into Krill territory, the Orville crew find themselves in a battle for their lives, with threats from both outside and within.
Cumulative pages: 979
3 green stars.
If you are a fan of the TV show, you will like this. I am not sure this could stand alone. Obviously it would help to be familiar with the show and the characters. Consider these to be two mini-episodes that take place just after the end of season one. I thought the second story especially had some merit about a group of humans that have embraced the Krill's worship of Avis. There were some ideas there that could be expanded into a full episode. The artwork is colorful, the characters are recognizable. But this is all too short, and just a tease really.
Description: Picking up where season one of Seth MacFarlane's space adventure TV series leaves off, this volume contains four episodic chapters:
In part 1 of New Beginnings: Ed and Gordon follow a faint distress signal belonging to a long-lost Union vessel only to end up shot down on an irradiated, war-torn desert planet in the hands of an unknown species. In part 2 of New Beginnings: As Ed and Gordon uncover the truth of a century-old war, they fear that their eventual rescue may endanger the rest of the Orville crew. Not only does the crew's lives hang in the balance but all life on the entire planet.
In part 1 of The Word of Avis: The Orville intercepts a small Union ship en route to the interstellar territory of the easily aggravated Krill. They thought the passengers were just a simple group of xenoanthropologists, but they turn out to be something much more interesting. In part 2 of The Word of Avis: Dragged off course and into Krill territory, the Orville crew find themselves in a battle for their lives, with threats from both outside and within.
Cumulative pages: 979
67WelshBookworm
February plans:
Currently reading 7 books (yikes!) which is much too ambitious, but a couple of those are long term reads that I won't finish until the end of February. I won't list them here - see my February log which I'll post shortly.
When I finish the current audiobook, I'll be starting
READ The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot for my Daytimers book club. I need to read
READ Our Missing Hearts first for my Perspectives book club - they meet sooner - but I still have a two week hold. Hopefully it will come sooner.
The February genre challenge is "romance" and the cover color challenge is chocolate brown or pink. I have a hold on
READ Lovely War which fits both, but the hold is 5 weeks. I do have a couple other options...
The Forbidden Garden or
The Chocolate Maker's Wife. Not sure those would be considered a romance, but I am currently reading
READ The Romance of Tristan so that works...
A Good Yarn is doing "O" locations. I just finished
READ The Orville Season 1.5 which fits (both The Orville as a location, and outer space as a location.) Perhaps I should let it go at that while I get caught up, but we'll see. I can always add an update later.
I'll be starting
READ The Princes in the Tower soon for an online book club.
And that is plenty to contemplate for now....
68WelshBookworm
February Log
Finished:
The Ten Thousand Doors of January - finished Feb. 3
The Romance of Tristan - finished Feb. 7
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot - finished Feb. 13
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder - finished Feb. 15
Our Missing Hearts - finished Feb. 20
Currently reading:
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
Ahab's Wife - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby Dick - restarted on Jan. 8
Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton - started Jan. 24, A Good Yarn "N" challenge (Nova Scotia), and January cover color challenge (sky blue)
The Princes in the Tower - started Feb. 7
Lovely War - Feb. genre challenge and cover color challenge - started Feb. 21
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies - short (90 p.) Prequel to Behind Closed Doors - started Feb. 21
The Ice Swan for the January cover color challenge - started Feb. 23
Next up:
Tooth and Claw - for The Reading Loft
A Vision of Light - Audible
The Beacon at Alexandria - started Feb. 17, but paused almost immediately to swap in another book.
Tomb for an Eagle - A Good Yarn (O is for Orkney)
Possibly Pending:
The Wild Inside - I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
Secrets of the Sprakkar - on hold on Libby ~3 weeks
The Wolf Den - on hold on Libby ~12 weeks
The Mountains Sing - Perspectives book club book for March
The Unquiet Bones - O setting (Oxford) for a Good Yarn, and Feb. cover color challenge
The Wild Robot Protects - placed hold on Libby
New Acquisitions:
The Beacon at Alexandria - purchased on Kindle
A Vision of Light - purchased on Audible
A Marriage of Lions - Kindle, on sale
Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph - Audible credit
Beatrice Stubbs Series Boxset One - Audible credit
Song of Roland - Chirp audiobooks, translation by D.D.R. Owen
Still might read:
A Midwinter's Tail - it was on my Dec. 2023 plans but didn't get to it. Save for Dec. 2024?
Sing Them Home for A Good Yarn (N is for Nebraska). Owned.
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
The Fallen from Paradise - owned on Audible - fits the Jan sci fi genre and blue color cover challenge
Wild and Distant Seas - ARC - Moby Dick theme...
Within the Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Doors of Eden - Fits the Jan. challenge criteria (genre AND cover color) - discounted on Chirp audio today (the 21st) so I bought it - my hold on Libby was over 16 weeks....
The Forbidden Garden - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
The Chocolate Maker's Wife - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
Finished:
The Ten Thousand Doors of January - finished Feb. 3
The Romance of Tristan - finished Feb. 7
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot - finished Feb. 13
An Unfortunate Christmas Murder - finished Feb. 15
Our Missing Hearts - finished Feb. 20
Currently reading:
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
Ahab's Wife - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby Dick - restarted on Jan. 8
Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton - started Jan. 24, A Good Yarn "N" challenge (Nova Scotia), and January cover color challenge (sky blue)
The Princes in the Tower - started Feb. 7
Lovely War - Feb. genre challenge and cover color challenge - started Feb. 21
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies - short (90 p.) Prequel to Behind Closed Doors - started Feb. 21
The Ice Swan for the January cover color challenge - started Feb. 23
Next up:
Tooth and Claw - for The Reading Loft
A Vision of Light - Audible
The Beacon at Alexandria - started Feb. 17, but paused almost immediately to swap in another book.
Tomb for an Eagle - A Good Yarn (O is for Orkney)
Possibly Pending:
The Wild Inside - I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
Secrets of the Sprakkar - on hold on Libby ~3 weeks
The Wolf Den - on hold on Libby ~12 weeks
The Mountains Sing - Perspectives book club book for March
The Unquiet Bones - O setting (Oxford) for a Good Yarn, and Feb. cover color challenge
The Wild Robot Protects - placed hold on Libby
New Acquisitions:
The Beacon at Alexandria - purchased on Kindle
A Vision of Light - purchased on Audible
A Marriage of Lions - Kindle, on sale
Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph - Audible credit
Beatrice Stubbs Series Boxset One - Audible credit
Song of Roland - Chirp audiobooks, translation by D.D.R. Owen
Still might read:
A Midwinter's Tail - it was on my Dec. 2023 plans but didn't get to it. Save for Dec. 2024?
Sing Them Home for A Good Yarn (N is for Nebraska). Owned.
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
The Fallen from Paradise - owned on Audible - fits the Jan sci fi genre and blue color cover challenge
Wild and Distant Seas - ARC - Moby Dick theme...
Within the Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Doors of Eden - Fits the Jan. challenge criteria (genre AND cover color) - discounted on Chirp audio today (the 21st) so I bought it - my hold on Libby was over 16 weeks....
The Forbidden Garden - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
The Chocolate Maker's Wife - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
69labfs39
>67 WelshBookworm: I love the cat picture
71WelshBookworm
>69 labfs39: and >70 markon: Thanks! I like it too. It makes me think of a Celtic knot....
72RidgewayGirl
>67 WelshBookworm: What gorgeous, healthy cattos! How many are there? I count three.
73WelshBookworm
>72 RidgewayGirl: Yes, there are three in the picture: Henry on top, Mama (Beatrix) on the left, and Jessie on the right. I have 5 cats all together.
74WelshBookworm
#4 The Ten Thousand Doors of January
4 red stars.
Themes: Doors
Not without its faults, but I enjoyed it and would read more by this author. I wasn't sure what this book wanted to be at first with its nested, book within a book structure. But once the pieces began to fall into place it got harder to put down. The writing is beautiful. It is full of metaphors about books, and doors, and the power of words. The tale is inventive, and full of adventure, with perhaps a tendency to be over the top occasionally. There are good guys and bad guys and a loveable dog. There are sailors and scholars (Scallers!), mad men, vampires, evil governesses, strong women, interconnected worlds, and lots and lots of doors. There probably won't be a sequel, but there were loose ends that leave at least the possibility.
Description: In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut. In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place. Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure, and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world, and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.
Cumulative pages: 1,353
4 red stars.
Themes: Doors
Not without its faults, but I enjoyed it and would read more by this author. I wasn't sure what this book wanted to be at first with its nested, book within a book structure. But once the pieces began to fall into place it got harder to put down. The writing is beautiful. It is full of metaphors about books, and doors, and the power of words. The tale is inventive, and full of adventure, with perhaps a tendency to be over the top occasionally. There are good guys and bad guys and a loveable dog. There are sailors and scholars (Scallers!), mad men, vampires, evil governesses, strong women, interconnected worlds, and lots and lots of doors. There probably won't be a sequel, but there were loose ends that leave at least the possibility.
Description: In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut. In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place. Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure, and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world, and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.
Cumulative pages: 1,353
75dchaikin
>74 WelshBookworm: sounds interesting
76valkyrdeath
>74 WelshBookworm: I've not read anything else by her and I've heard mixed opinions of her longer works, but at the end of last year I listened to the audiobooks of both the Fractured Fables novellas by Alix E. Harrow in one day and really enjoyed them. Nothing too deep but they were a lot of fun.
77WelshBookworm
>76 valkyrdeath: I may have been generous with 4 stars, but I thought it was impressive enough as a debut novel. I expect the next books to be even better, but of course that isn't always the case.
78WelshBookworm
#5 The Romance of Tristan
4 red stars.
The original French text of Beroul is described as a poem, and this is a prose translation. I do wish the translator/editor had included at least a sample of the French poetry in his introduction, so that we could see the structure and rhyme scheme. Nor did he say much about Beroul. Admittedly, almost nothing is known. I would have liked a little more historical context. I found most of the introduction unenlightening. Perhaps I would get more out of his analysis reading it AFTER I had read the translation, so that's what I recommend. The prose translation itself is delightful, and unexpectedly humorous. The author is firmly on the side of the lovers, and presumes that God and his readers are too. They get into one predicament after another, but always manage to outwit the powers that be in a very clever manner. This is not the tragedy that other retellers have portrayed.
Description: This edition contains perhaps the earliest and most elemental version of the tragic legend of Tristan and Yseult in a distinguished prose translation. Alan S. Fredrick summarizes missing episodes and includes a translation of 'The Tale of Tristan's Madness.'
Cumulative pages: 1,529
4 red stars.
The original French text of Beroul is described as a poem, and this is a prose translation. I do wish the translator/editor had included at least a sample of the French poetry in his introduction, so that we could see the structure and rhyme scheme. Nor did he say much about Beroul. Admittedly, almost nothing is known. I would have liked a little more historical context. I found most of the introduction unenlightening. Perhaps I would get more out of his analysis reading it AFTER I had read the translation, so that's what I recommend. The prose translation itself is delightful, and unexpectedly humorous. The author is firmly on the side of the lovers, and presumes that God and his readers are too. They get into one predicament after another, but always manage to outwit the powers that be in a very clever manner. This is not the tragedy that other retellers have portrayed.
Description: This edition contains perhaps the earliest and most elemental version of the tragic legend of Tristan and Yseult in a distinguished prose translation. Alan S. Fredrick summarizes missing episodes and includes a translation of 'The Tale of Tristan's Madness.'
Cumulative pages: 1,529
79dchaikin
>78 WelshBookworm: ooh, fantastic. What translation/edition did you use? I’ve thought about this - although I only know that because I found “Béroul” in my notes. 🙂 (with dates)
80WelshBookworm
>79 dchaikin: I read the Beroul translated by Fredrick. I've read other versions in the past (Bedier) but it has been a long time, so I really can't compare. I read this one because it was on Rebecca's List. I've read plenty of "modern" fiction retellings also, as I read a lot of Arthurian fiction.
81WelshBookworm
#6 The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
5 purple stars
Without a doubt, this will be in my top ten this year. I adored Lenni and Margot both, and wish they were real people that I could hang out with. Margot, especially, had such an interesting life - I could listen to her stories all day. It's sad, and sometimes a bit heavy, but there is humor too, and philosophical ponderings about life. Their friendship is special. Margot and "Father" Arthur serve as surrogate parents for Lenni. Ultimately it is about finding love and being loved. I had a special older friend in my life, too, but I would be hard pressed to turn it into a book. Still, we all have stories to tell. The last line will stick with me for a long time. "It isn't so big, close up."
Description: Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Though the teenager has been told she’s dying, she still has plenty of living to do. Joining the hospital’s arts and crafts class, she meets the magnificent Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel, who transforms Lenni in ways she never imagined. As their friendship blooms, a world of stories opens for these unlikely companions who, between them, have been alive for one hundred years. Though their days are dwindling, both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni’s doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital’s patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived—stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy.
Cumulative pages: 1,851
5 purple stars
Without a doubt, this will be in my top ten this year. I adored Lenni and Margot both, and wish they were real people that I could hang out with. Margot, especially, had such an interesting life - I could listen to her stories all day. It's sad, and sometimes a bit heavy, but there is humor too, and philosophical ponderings about life. Their friendship is special. Margot and "Father" Arthur serve as surrogate parents for Lenni. Ultimately it is about finding love and being loved. I had a special older friend in my life, too, but I would be hard pressed to turn it into a book. Still, we all have stories to tell. The last line will stick with me for a long time. "It isn't so big, close up."
Description: Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Though the teenager has been told she’s dying, she still has plenty of living to do. Joining the hospital’s arts and crafts class, she meets the magnificent Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel, who transforms Lenni in ways she never imagined. As their friendship blooms, a world of stories opens for these unlikely companions who, between them, have been alive for one hundred years. Though their days are dwindling, both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni’s doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital’s patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived—stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy.
Cumulative pages: 1,851
82dchaikin
>81 WelshBookworm: sounds sad. Great review
83labfs39
>81 WelshBookworm: Nice review. I like "and wish they were real people that I could hang out with." I've encountered characters like that.
84rhian_of_oz
>81 WelshBookworm: You've made this sound very appealing (despite the sad and heavy) so I'm adding this to my wishlist.
85WelshBookworm
>84 rhian_of_oz: It really isn't that sad and heavy. It's more about living than dying, and I found it rather inspiring and uplifting. But yes, you may shed some tears at the end.
86WelshBookworm
#7 An Unfortunate Christmas Murder
3 pink stars
A "next-in-series" read because it was Christmas-time.
A pink star rating may be a tad generous, but I have the next book in the series. The plot was decent. I'm just not terribly enamored of the characters. Margery and Clementine are now married and Margery is now the school's kitchen manager. Clementine kind of took a backseat in this "episode" I thought. The rivalry between the two schools was kind of fun. And they manage to get into plenty of trouble, with Christmas trees catching on fire, spying on the neighboring school's Christmas pageant rehearsals, keeping on the good side of their neighbor, Dawn. A dog kidnapping. Climbing through air vents... No mention of ear trumpets this time, but I got seriously tired of everything being described as "ginormous." A couple of times is funny, but by the dozenth time it starts to be wearing. I like to sandwich cozies in between more serious reading, but the fact that this took me more than 6 weeks to finish says it was okay, but not very compelling. I probably won't pick up the next book until it shows up in my annual random reading picks.
Description: In the small town of Dewstow, 'tis the season for gold, frankincense, and murder... It’s Margery’s first year as kitchen manager for Summerview school and supported by her wife, Clementine, she is trying to stay focused. When a tragic accident claims the life of the music teacher during rehearsals for the Christmas concert planning, they are caught in the crossfire. Mrs Smith, the Head of Drama, becomes the prime suspect, and is desperate for the Dinner Lady Detectives to clear her name. Mrs Smith is convinced that it’s sabotage by her rival from Ittonvale Secondary, but there’s evidence that points to her own misdeeds. Can Margery and Clementine trust their friend? And when things start to heat up in the kitchen, will they make it out in time?
Cumulative pages: 2,137
3 pink stars
A "next-in-series" read because it was Christmas-time.
A pink star rating may be a tad generous, but I have the next book in the series. The plot was decent. I'm just not terribly enamored of the characters. Margery and Clementine are now married and Margery is now the school's kitchen manager. Clementine kind of took a backseat in this "episode" I thought. The rivalry between the two schools was kind of fun. And they manage to get into plenty of trouble, with Christmas trees catching on fire, spying on the neighboring school's Christmas pageant rehearsals, keeping on the good side of their neighbor, Dawn. A dog kidnapping. Climbing through air vents... No mention of ear trumpets this time, but I got seriously tired of everything being described as "ginormous." A couple of times is funny, but by the dozenth time it starts to be wearing. I like to sandwich cozies in between more serious reading, but the fact that this took me more than 6 weeks to finish says it was okay, but not very compelling. I probably won't pick up the next book until it shows up in my annual random reading picks.
Description: In the small town of Dewstow, 'tis the season for gold, frankincense, and murder... It’s Margery’s first year as kitchen manager for Summerview school and supported by her wife, Clementine, she is trying to stay focused. When a tragic accident claims the life of the music teacher during rehearsals for the Christmas concert planning, they are caught in the crossfire. Mrs Smith, the Head of Drama, becomes the prime suspect, and is desperate for the Dinner Lady Detectives to clear her name. Mrs Smith is convinced that it’s sabotage by her rival from Ittonvale Secondary, but there’s evidence that points to her own misdeeds. Can Margery and Clementine trust their friend? And when things start to heat up in the kitchen, will they make it out in time?
Cumulative pages: 2,137
87WelshBookworm
Mid-February update:
I've significantly updated message number 68 above (February log). Now that I am starting to catch up with my reading, I've added a few more pending titles. I purchased
The Beacon at Alexandria on Kindle, and hope to get to that soon. Also added a short story which is a prequel to one of my "doors" theme titles:
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
Then I added another section of titles I've considered for challenges, or they were recently acquired. Those are probably farther out than "Possibly Pending" and some may get abandonned, but at this point I'm trying to keep them on my radar and not scattered in various update posts.
I've significantly updated message number 68 above (February log). Now that I am starting to catch up with my reading, I've added a few more pending titles. I purchased
The Beacon at Alexandria on Kindle, and hope to get to that soon. Also added a short story which is a prequel to one of my "doors" theme titles:
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
Then I added another section of titles I've considered for challenges, or they were recently acquired. Those are probably farther out than "Possibly Pending" and some may get abandonned, but at this point I'm trying to keep them on my radar and not scattered in various update posts.
88labfs39
>87 WelshBookworm: Six weeks into the new year sounds like a good time to revisit our goals and plans.
89markon
>81 WelshBookworm: Sounds like fun.
90WelshBookworm
Following the thread on pencils on Kevin's (stretch) thread, it has occured to me that coloring books are books. So here is a picture I've been working on from the book Lovely Animals color by numbers. I've got 4 of her books. I'm not very talented at coloring (shading and all that), so I do prefer the color by number books. I have a ridiculous number of pencil sets. This one is with Castle Arts Soft Touch & Pasteltint colored pencils.
91dicentra8
>90 WelshBookworm: Oh the style is similar to the ones I used to do as a kid and personally my favourite. I really miss the "color by numbers". I think I'll look around for it.
92WelshBookworm
>91 dicentra8: Inês, I loved it as a kid too. That's why I got back into it as an adult. I've always liked crafts that had to do with color. I probably have at least two bookcase shelves full of coloring books - not all color by number, but mostly. One of these days I should add them to my LT shelves along with my cookbooks.
93WelshBookworm
I'll be finishing my current audiobook before book club tonight, and I don't have to start my next book club book for a couple of weeks, so I just asked my coworker for a random number, and that turned out to be A Vision of Light from my 2024 priority book shelf. Spent an Audible credit for it, so I'll be starting it tomorrow.
Oops, nevermind. Just looked at what I already have checked out on Libby, and I need to listen to Lovely War first for the Feb. cover color challenge. I thought I was still on the waiting list...
Oops, nevermind. Just looked at what I already have checked out on Libby, and I need to listen to Lovely War first for the Feb. cover color challenge. I thought I was still on the waiting list...
94WelshBookworm
#8 Our Missing Hearts
3.5 pink stars
This had some nice things going for it. The overall concept. The importance of art and storytelling in difficult times. The exploration of what makes a good parent. The characters of Bird and Sadie. Everyone else was rather underdeveloped. In fact, maybe underdeveloped is my overall description of this book. I loved the idea of heroic underground librarians, but again - underdeveloped. Everything they did was very passive. The idea of PACT was rather chilling, but whatever led up to it was not very credibly explained. And the ending - I feel like I'm still waiting for the conclusion.
Description: Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner lives a quiet existence with his loving father, a former linguist who now shelves books in a university library. His mother Margaret, a Chinese American poet, left without a trace when he was nine years old. He doesn’t know what happened to her—only that her books have been banned—and he resents that she cared more about her work than about him. Then one day, Bird receives a mysterious letter containing only a cryptic drawing, and soon he is pulled into a quest to find her. His journey will take him back to the many folktales she poured into his head as a child, through the ranks of an underground network of heroic librarians, and finally to New York City, where he will finally learn the truth about what happened to his mother, and what the future holds for them both. Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can ignore the most searing injustice. It’s about the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children, and the power of art to create change.
Cumulative pages: 2,472
3.5 pink stars
This had some nice things going for it. The overall concept. The importance of art and storytelling in difficult times. The exploration of what makes a good parent. The characters of Bird and Sadie. Everyone else was rather underdeveloped. In fact, maybe underdeveloped is my overall description of this book. I loved the idea of heroic underground librarians, but again - underdeveloped. Everything they did was very passive. The idea of PACT was rather chilling, but whatever led up to it was not very credibly explained. And the ending - I feel like I'm still waiting for the conclusion.
Description: Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner lives a quiet existence with his loving father, a former linguist who now shelves books in a university library. His mother Margaret, a Chinese American poet, left without a trace when he was nine years old. He doesn’t know what happened to her—only that her books have been banned—and he resents that she cared more about her work than about him. Then one day, Bird receives a mysterious letter containing only a cryptic drawing, and soon he is pulled into a quest to find her. His journey will take him back to the many folktales she poured into his head as a child, through the ranks of an underground network of heroic librarians, and finally to New York City, where he will finally learn the truth about what happened to his mother, and what the future holds for them both. Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can ignore the most searing injustice. It’s about the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children, and the power of art to create change.
Cumulative pages: 2,472
95cindydavid4
>81 WelshBookworm: hi, thanks for sending me your link (why is it so hard to find LTers threads?) first, love your kitties, second love your themes! what a great idea. I was in a book group once that did a theme a month, and the group could read whatever they wanted in that theme. the discussions were always interested.
Liked that review of all our missing hearts. I liked it alot when I read it, but like you felt there was too much missing, esp the background of the pact. Saw a lot of connections to our world today, and based on what else shes written, Im assuming that was on purpose.
Im really interested in lenni and margo,. sounds like something id read. on my list i should probably ask - im not a fan of twee. Do you think Ill be put off by it?
Liked that review of all our missing hearts. I liked it alot when I read it, but like you felt there was too much missing, esp the background of the pact. Saw a lot of connections to our world today, and based on what else shes written, Im assuming that was on purpose.
Im really interested in lenni and margo,. sounds like something id read. on my list i should probably ask - im not a fan of twee. Do you think Ill be put off by it?
96kjuliff
>95 cindydavid4: Yes it can be difficult to find members’ threads. You need to know the title of the thread which is hard if the member’s name isn’t in it, or if their last post was more than a few days ago.
97ursula
>67 WelshBookworm: We get cat puddles like that around here too. :) Yours look so content and cozy!
98WelshBookworm
>95 cindydavid4: Not twee. I really loved it. And suggested it for my church book club, so it's on our list for May. And I did like listening to Our Missing Hearts. I cared about Bird, and she kept the suspense going in the last third of the book. Yes, I agree the ambiguity at the end was probably on purpose. We all have a choice what we're going to do - in the next presidential election for example... I could have rounded my rating up to 4 stars. I thought about it, but decided not.
99labfs39
>95 cindydavid4: For Club Read members, maybe you could bookmark our group page https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/24164/Club-Read-2024. It's a single page long and it's easier to scan the titles for the username you want.
100WelshBookworm
Update and an upcoming week off:
Ugh, I keep starting new books and then changing my mind on what is a priority, and I really need to try and finish some of the ones I'm currently reading.
READ The Weaver and the Witch Queen Started back in December! So I really hope to get that finished this week.
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton isn't terribly long, so I will prioritize getting that finished as well.
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies is only 90 pages, so that could be knocked out in a day.
Then I started
The Ice Swan last night just because. Could I possibly get that read this week, too?
Ugh, I keep starting new books and then changing my mind on what is a priority, and I really need to try and finish some of the ones I'm currently reading.
READ The Weaver and the Witch Queen Started back in December! So I really hope to get that finished this week.
READ The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton isn't terribly long, so I will prioritize getting that finished as well.
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies is only 90 pages, so that could be knocked out in a day.
Then I started
The Ice Swan last night just because. Could I possibly get that read this week, too?
101labfs39
>100 WelshBookworm: That's a lot! Good luck!
102rhian_of_oz
>100 WelshBookworm: Good luck, I hope something sticks.
I'll be interested to hear what you think about The Weaver and the Witch Queen.
I'll be interested to hear what you think about The Weaver and the Witch Queen.
103WelshBookworm
Just a book-keeping note: I've completely redone message #6 above. It wasn't working to list all book club selections in one monthly list, so I went back and listed my real life book clubs separately.
104labfs39
>103 WelshBookworm: Wow, that's a lot to track.
105WelshBookworm
Happy Saint David's Day!!
Plans for March:
I had hoped to finish more books this week, but alas, I've been distracted by doctor's visits (annual wellness exam) and genealogy and the necessary neverending housework. I won't relist those - trying to minimize how many posts I have to edit with READ when I do finish them. You can see them in the March log which will follow this post anyway.
On audio, I am still reading
READ Lovely War (4 hours to go.) Next up is
READ The Mountains Sing for Perspectives book club (meets March 19.) After that, I haven't decided if I'll be doing the Daytimers book on audio or not:
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear It's non-fiction so maybe not. I'll update that later in March.
For A Good Yarn, we have decided to go back to two months per letter, so still on O. I'd like to read
Tomb for an Eagle (set in Orkney) and possibly
READ The Unquiet Bones (Oxford)
Then the Hardy group on Goodreads is starting
Far From the Madding Crowd on March 17 to go through most of May. I am aiming to finish up Moby Dick and Ahab's Wife by then for long term reads.
I would like to get going on some B titles for one of my annual challenges...
The Beacon at Alexandria
READ Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies prequel to
Behind Closed Doors by JJ Marsh, a Welsh author (and also a "doors" theme title.)
For the March cover color challenge (goldenrod or purple) some of the above may fit. If not I have
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford which is a short story, so I should be able to squeeze it in. And possibly
READ The Curse of the Pharaohs on audio if I'm not listening to the Daytimer's book. If not that, I might listen to
READ The Secret Garden to kick off my "garden" theme titles.
The March genre focus is mystery, and again several of the above fall into that category.
And that is definitely enough lined up to start with!
106WelshBookworm
March Log
Finished:
Lovely War - Feb. genre challenge and cover color challenge - finished Mar. 3
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies - short (90 p.) Prequel to Behind Closed Doors - started and finished on Mar. 5
The Mountains Sing - Perspectives book club - finished on Mar. 12
The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn - finished Mar. 14
Books Can Be Deceiving - audiobook finished on Mar. 17
Dragons at Crumbling Castle - finished on Mar. 22
The Curse of the Pharoahs - finished Mar. 29
Currently reading:
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
Far From the Madding Crowd - started on Mar. 19
Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World - started Mar. 30
Next up:
The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner
The Wild Robot Protects
The Unquiet Bones
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Tomb for an Eagle - owned on Kindle, A Good Yarn - O is for Orkney
Behind Closed Doors - Audible
The Wolf Den - checked out on Libby
Possibly Pending:
The Wild Inside- I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
The Secret Garden
New Acquisitions:
His Castilian Hawk - .99 on Amazon
The Irish Inheritance - free on Amazon
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
The Fallen from Paradise - owned on Audible - fits the Jan sci fi genre and blue color cover challenge
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Doors of Eden - Fits the Jan. challenge criteria (genre AND cover color) - Chirp audio
The Forbidden Garden - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
The Chocolate Maker's Wife - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
Finished:
Lovely War - Feb. genre challenge and cover color challenge - finished Mar. 3
Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies - short (90 p.) Prequel to Behind Closed Doors - started and finished on Mar. 5
The Mountains Sing - Perspectives book club - finished on Mar. 12
The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn - finished Mar. 14
Books Can Be Deceiving - audiobook finished on Mar. 17
Dragons at Crumbling Castle - finished on Mar. 22
The Curse of the Pharoahs - finished Mar. 29
Currently reading:
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
Far From the Madding Crowd - started on Mar. 19
Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World - started Mar. 30
Next up:
The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner
The Wild Robot Protects
The Unquiet Bones
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Tomb for an Eagle - owned on Kindle, A Good Yarn - O is for Orkney
Behind Closed Doors - Audible
The Wolf Den - checked out on Libby
Possibly Pending:
The Wild Inside- I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
The Secret Garden
New Acquisitions:
His Castilian Hawk - .99 on Amazon
The Irish Inheritance - free on Amazon
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
The Fallen from Paradise - owned on Audible - fits the Jan sci fi genre and blue color cover challenge
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Doors of Eden - Fits the Jan. challenge criteria (genre AND cover color) - Chirp audio
The Forbidden Garden - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
The Chocolate Maker's Wife - alternate Feb. cover color challenge
109kjuliff
>108 dchaikin: How can this be?
110WelshBookworm
>108 dchaikin: This will be my first Hardy, other than poetry...
111markon
As Lisa said, so many choices! I hope you enjoy The mountains sing. I liked it a lot when I read it.
112dchaikin
>109 kjuliff: Victorian literature is one of my biggest holes. I’ve spent the last ten years filling some holes in the 20th century and ancient literature, but not much in the 19th century. 😁
113kjuliff
>112 dchaikin: I see. I just assumed you’d read the better-known writers as your reading is so extensive.
114WelshBookworm
#9 Lovely War
4 red stars.
Listen to the audiobook if you can. This was a lovely production with multiple narrators and even a pianist. I loved the combination of Greek mythology and music which made this not just another WWI or WWII book. Some reviewers did not like the framing technique of the Greek Gods, but that made it something a little different. It puts an interesting perspective on the whims of the gods as they interact with mortals depending on their interests (Ares - War, Aphrodite - Love, Hades - Death, Apollo - Fame (or Music?), etc.) and they aren't necessarily at cross-purposes. The love stories themselves were sweet and entirely suitable for teenaged readers or those who want "clean" love stories. By itself, that probably wouldn't have been enough to carry the book, but there was enough history (some real people were included among the military personnel), the racial tensions of black regiments serving in WWI, the role of musicians and other entertainers, the influence of jazz, the effects of PTSD on soldiers, etc. Be warned, there is some graphic violence and murder in the telling, but as in a typical romance be assured that all will be well in the end. While I enjoyed the "performance" I do feel that the way the story was written kept the reader feeling more like an observer than the kind of immersive reading experience that would have merited 5 stars.
Description: A critically acclaimed, multilayered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where gods hold the fates - and the hearts - of four mortals in their hands. They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect turned soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the US Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though war is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of love.
Cumulative pages: 2,943
4 red stars.
Listen to the audiobook if you can. This was a lovely production with multiple narrators and even a pianist. I loved the combination of Greek mythology and music which made this not just another WWI or WWII book. Some reviewers did not like the framing technique of the Greek Gods, but that made it something a little different. It puts an interesting perspective on the whims of the gods as they interact with mortals depending on their interests (Ares - War, Aphrodite - Love, Hades - Death, Apollo - Fame (or Music?), etc.) and they aren't necessarily at cross-purposes. The love stories themselves were sweet and entirely suitable for teenaged readers or those who want "clean" love stories. By itself, that probably wouldn't have been enough to carry the book, but there was enough history (some real people were included among the military personnel), the racial tensions of black regiments serving in WWI, the role of musicians and other entertainers, the influence of jazz, the effects of PTSD on soldiers, etc. Be warned, there is some graphic violence and murder in the telling, but as in a typical romance be assured that all will be well in the end. While I enjoyed the "performance" I do feel that the way the story was written kept the reader feeling more like an observer than the kind of immersive reading experience that would have merited 5 stars.
Description: A critically acclaimed, multilayered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where gods hold the fates - and the hearts - of four mortals in their hands. They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect turned soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the US Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though war is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of love.
Cumulative pages: 2,943
115labfs39
>114 WelshBookworm: What an unusual blend of elements!
116dchaikin
>114 WelshBookworm: i like the concept. Enjoyed your review
117WelshBookworm
#10 Black Dogs, Yellow Butterflies
3.5 pink stars
This is a prequel novella to the Beatrice Stubbs mystery series by Welsh author (now living in Switzerland) J.J. Marsh. It is available free from the author by signing up for the newsletter on her website. It is not a mystery in itself, but introduces the main recurring characters, the kind of work that Beatrice does, the people she works with, and the physical and psychological effects of her bipolar disorder (aptly described by the title.) I don't think that is a spoiler, since the author states it upfront in her description of the series on her website. I won't say more than that about "the incident." I was thrown a little bit by the switch midstream from a story about a case, which gets summarily resolved in a paragraph, and then we are on to the events of the 2011 London riots in which Beatrice is called back to London from a badly needed vacation with her boyfriend in Devon to help quell the uprising. As a "reader magnet" though, this did its job and I am eager to read more about Beatrice, Matthew, and Adrian.
Description from the author: It’s summertime and there’s something in the air. Everyone is celebrating: a wedding, a pregnancy, a promotion. Tensions are rising and so are temperatures. But Beatrice Stubbs has other things on her mind. Fighting battles at work, with loved ones and even her hair, she’s not prepared for her worst enemy. In this prequel to The Beatrice Stubbs Series, we find out the real story behind ‘the incident’ and why some secrets should be kept forever.
Description of the series: Beatrice is in her fifties and considering early retirement after many years of duty to the Metropolitan Police. She is well aware that the stress and emotional turmoil of her job makes her battle with bipolar disorder more difficult. Yet she persists, fearing the emptiness of life without Scotland Yard. Her long-suffering partner Matthew, Classics Professor, is still trying to persuade her to move in with him after twenty years of coupledom. Her downstairs neighbour, Adrian, is a wine merchant and soloist with the London Gay Men’s Choir. His friendship with Beatrice and his fascination with her job give him great pleasure and occasionally, life-threatening drama. Sent on international assignments by her irascible boss, Hamilton, Beatrice collaborates with police forces all over Europe to track down bad guys. Some teams are more successful than others but whatever the outcome, working with Beatrice Stubbs is an experience none of them will forget.
Cumulative pages: 3,033
3.5 pink stars
This is a prequel novella to the Beatrice Stubbs mystery series by Welsh author (now living in Switzerland) J.J. Marsh. It is available free from the author by signing up for the newsletter on her website. It is not a mystery in itself, but introduces the main recurring characters, the kind of work that Beatrice does, the people she works with, and the physical and psychological effects of her bipolar disorder (aptly described by the title.) I don't think that is a spoiler, since the author states it upfront in her description of the series on her website. I won't say more than that about "the incident." I was thrown a little bit by the switch midstream from a story about a case, which gets summarily resolved in a paragraph, and then we are on to the events of the 2011 London riots in which Beatrice is called back to London from a badly needed vacation with her boyfriend in Devon to help quell the uprising. As a "reader magnet" though, this did its job and I am eager to read more about Beatrice, Matthew, and Adrian.
Description from the author: It’s summertime and there’s something in the air. Everyone is celebrating: a wedding, a pregnancy, a promotion. Tensions are rising and so are temperatures. But Beatrice Stubbs has other things on her mind. Fighting battles at work, with loved ones and even her hair, she’s not prepared for her worst enemy. In this prequel to The Beatrice Stubbs Series, we find out the real story behind ‘the incident’ and why some secrets should be kept forever.
Description of the series: Beatrice is in her fifties and considering early retirement after many years of duty to the Metropolitan Police. She is well aware that the stress and emotional turmoil of her job makes her battle with bipolar disorder more difficult. Yet she persists, fearing the emptiness of life without Scotland Yard. Her long-suffering partner Matthew, Classics Professor, is still trying to persuade her to move in with him after twenty years of coupledom. Her downstairs neighbour, Adrian, is a wine merchant and soloist with the London Gay Men’s Choir. His friendship with Beatrice and his fascination with her job give him great pleasure and occasionally, life-threatening drama. Sent on international assignments by her irascible boss, Hamilton, Beatrice collaborates with police forces all over Europe to track down bad guys. Some teams are more successful than others but whatever the outcome, working with Beatrice Stubbs is an experience none of them will forget.
Cumulative pages: 3,033
118WelshBookworm
#11 The Mountains Sing
4 red stars
Beautifully told, and as the description says, "steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam." I loved the folk wisdom and the proverbs, and listening to this book on audio, the melodic feel of the language. I do recommend the audiobook, because without hearing it spoken, I would have no idea how the words are pronounced. Although the author says she grew up in south Việt Nam, this novel really seemed to present things from the point of view of the north Vietnamese. Although forced to leave the family farm, they flee only to Hanoi, not farther south. Not fans of communism, the distrust between north and south is clear, as well as no love lost for Americans who wreaked havoc on their country with the bombing and Agent Orange and all the other horrors of war. Some of that may have reflected a certain amount of propaganda. I wasn't always sure that I could trust the point of view of the narrators. There are lots of coincidences and a somewhat unrealistic ending. I also found the two timelines back and forth very confusing, perhaps because both are about the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. But certainly the importance and love of family comes through, and the importance of forgiveness in healing from trauma. My book club discusses this next week. Perhaps I will add their impressions later.
Description: Trần Diệu Lan, who was born in 1920, was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. Years later in Hà Nội, her young granddaughter, Hương, comes of age as her parents and uncles head off down the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to fight in a conflict that tore not just her beloved country, but her family apart. Vivid, gripping, and steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam, The Mountains Sing brings to life the human costs of this conflict from the point of view of the Vietnamese people themselves, while showing us the true power of kindness and hope.
Cumulative pages: 3,385
4 red stars
Beautifully told, and as the description says, "steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam." I loved the folk wisdom and the proverbs, and listening to this book on audio, the melodic feel of the language. I do recommend the audiobook, because without hearing it spoken, I would have no idea how the words are pronounced. Although the author says she grew up in south Việt Nam, this novel really seemed to present things from the point of view of the north Vietnamese. Although forced to leave the family farm, they flee only to Hanoi, not farther south. Not fans of communism, the distrust between north and south is clear, as well as no love lost for Americans who wreaked havoc on their country with the bombing and Agent Orange and all the other horrors of war. Some of that may have reflected a certain amount of propaganda. I wasn't always sure that I could trust the point of view of the narrators. There are lots of coincidences and a somewhat unrealistic ending. I also found the two timelines back and forth very confusing, perhaps because both are about the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. But certainly the importance and love of family comes through, and the importance of forgiveness in healing from trauma. My book club discusses this next week. Perhaps I will add their impressions later.
Description: Trần Diệu Lan, who was born in 1920, was forced to flee her family farm with her six children during the Land Reform as the Communist government rose in the North. Years later in Hà Nội, her young granddaughter, Hương, comes of age as her parents and uncles head off down the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to fight in a conflict that tore not just her beloved country, but her family apart. Vivid, gripping, and steeped in the language and traditions of Việt Nam, The Mountains Sing brings to life the human costs of this conflict from the point of view of the Vietnamese people themselves, while showing us the true power of kindness and hope.
Cumulative pages: 3,385
119labfs39
>118 WelshBookworm: I thought The Mountains Sing was beautifully written too. In my review, I included this info about and by the author, which you may find interesting:
Born in northern Vietnam in 1973, but growing up in southern Vietnam after the war, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai had a foot in both worlds. She won a writing competition at the age of ten, but her parents did not want her to be a writer due to the hardships authors faced from censors. Her brother started to teach her English when she was in the eighth grade, and she eventually won a scholarship to university in Australia. She has written eleven books—poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction—but this is her first novel and first book to be written in English.
It may seem ironic that I have chosen to write this novel, by far my most personal work to date, in English, which is also the language of invasive military powers and cultures. But this language has given me a new voice and a way to fictionalize the turbulent events of my country's past, including those that have not yet been sufficiently documented in Vietnamese fiction, such as the Great Hunger or the Land Reform. I am also responding to Hollywood movies and novels written by those Westerners who continue to see our country only as a place of war and the Vietnamese as people who don't need to speak—or, when we do, sound simple, naïve, cruel, or opportunistic. The canon of Việt Nam war and post-war literature in English is vast, but there is a lack of voices from inside Việt Nam.
-Climbing Many Mountains: an Essay by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Born in northern Vietnam in 1973, but growing up in southern Vietnam after the war, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai had a foot in both worlds. She won a writing competition at the age of ten, but her parents did not want her to be a writer due to the hardships authors faced from censors. Her brother started to teach her English when she was in the eighth grade, and she eventually won a scholarship to university in Australia. She has written eleven books—poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction—but this is her first novel and first book to be written in English.
It may seem ironic that I have chosen to write this novel, by far my most personal work to date, in English, which is also the language of invasive military powers and cultures. But this language has given me a new voice and a way to fictionalize the turbulent events of my country's past, including those that have not yet been sufficiently documented in Vietnamese fiction, such as the Great Hunger or the Land Reform. I am also responding to Hollywood movies and novels written by those Westerners who continue to see our country only as a place of war and the Vietnamese as people who don't need to speak—or, when we do, sound simple, naïve, cruel, or opportunistic. The canon of Việt Nam war and post-war literature in English is vast, but there is a lack of voices from inside Việt Nam.
-Climbing Many Mountains: an Essay by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
120WelshBookworm
>119 labfs39: Thank you, Lisa. I still have somewhat mixed feelings about it. In 1973 I was a senior in high school, and the draft had just ended the year before. I was of the generation that abhored our involvement in Viet Nam. On the one hand we wore the bracelets of soldiers MIA and on the other hand we were conscientious objectors. Images like My Lai and all the atrocities that were coming to light, not to mention the consequences of Agent Orange fed our collective guilt. But then there is the guilt of abandoning them entirely to Communism, too. We are really more familiar with the stories of the "boat people" escaping Viet Nam after the communists took over the whole country. What is modern Viet Nam really like? Do we demonize them like we do China and North Korea? Now here we are caught between Israel and the Palestinian peoples and Hamas. There just are no winners when it comes to war.
121labfs39
>120 WelshBookworm: I read an interesting dual memoir lately written by a father, who escaped South Vietnam when the Americans left, and his daughter, who was born in the US but lived in both Hanoi and Saigon as a young adult. Although I had some problems with the relationship dynamics in the book, I thought the depictions of North and South Vietnam both then and now were interesting, especially since most of what I've read about Vietnam has to do with the war, not current times.
My daughter's school used to go to Vietnam for a month as their capstone project in the 8th grade, but her year they switched to Peru. She was so disappointed, although she ended up loving Peru. Although I have not been, Vietnam seems to be a vibrant country with an interesting meld of cultural influences. I don't feel there is anything to pity or demonize, but then I was too young during the Vietnam War to absorb the horror and guilt that some Americans a little older than me feel. Have you read much about or from the country?
My daughter's school used to go to Vietnam for a month as their capstone project in the 8th grade, but her year they switched to Peru. She was so disappointed, although she ended up loving Peru. Although I have not been, Vietnam seems to be a vibrant country with an interesting meld of cultural influences. I don't feel there is anything to pity or demonize, but then I was too young during the Vietnam War to absorb the horror and guilt that some Americans a little older than me feel. Have you read much about or from the country?
122WelshBookworm
>121 labfs39: No not much. What was the book you read?
123labfs39
>122 WelshBookworm: Sorry, the book was My Vietnam, Your Vietnam.
124WelshBookworm
>123 labfs39: Okay, thanks. Doesn't seem to be available at my library, but I could try Interlibrary Loan...
125WelshBookworm
#12 The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton = Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile Ceap Breatainn
3 green stars. This was a Barnes and Noble "Freebie Friday" that I've had practically since I first bought a Nook e-reader. It now seems to be quite expensive!
This collection of Gaelic stories from Cape Breton is only a small portion of what has been collected of an important oral tradition passed down through generations of story tellers. It is especially important now, as the language is dying out. These settlers of Cape Breton came from the Western Highlands of Scotland mainly during the early nineteenth-century where they continued to pass down their stories, some of which are very old indeed, dating back to early medieval times. Some of the "hero tales" have their counterparts in Ireland, other tales can be linked to Iceland and the Vikings. Another variety of tales, the "wonder tales" have an even wider distribution. The first story in this collection "Ian Son of the Big Fisherman" is found in most European and some Asian traditions and is at least as old as ancient Greece. There are tall tales, tales about robbers and thieves, tales of the Fionn, clan traditions, and fairy tales. The tales were collected between 1964 and 1989. At the end, the author presents a list of the reciters with short biographies. This is meant to be an introduction, not a definitive study. For those who want to learn more, there is a bibliography of key works on Gaelic and world storytelling.
Description: Shaw provides both the Gaelic texts and English translations. When possible, he identifies both the original Gaelic storyteller and the local reciters. Reciters in the collection include Joe Neil MacNeil, a major Canadian storyteller, as well as others whose stories have never before been published. The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton showcases a unique and neglected storytelling tradition.
Cumulative pages: 3,624
3 green stars. This was a Barnes and Noble "Freebie Friday" that I've had practically since I first bought a Nook e-reader. It now seems to be quite expensive!
This collection of Gaelic stories from Cape Breton is only a small portion of what has been collected of an important oral tradition passed down through generations of story tellers. It is especially important now, as the language is dying out. These settlers of Cape Breton came from the Western Highlands of Scotland mainly during the early nineteenth-century where they continued to pass down their stories, some of which are very old indeed, dating back to early medieval times. Some of the "hero tales" have their counterparts in Ireland, other tales can be linked to Iceland and the Vikings. Another variety of tales, the "wonder tales" have an even wider distribution. The first story in this collection "Ian Son of the Big Fisherman" is found in most European and some Asian traditions and is at least as old as ancient Greece. There are tall tales, tales about robbers and thieves, tales of the Fionn, clan traditions, and fairy tales. The tales were collected between 1964 and 1989. At the end, the author presents a list of the reciters with short biographies. This is meant to be an introduction, not a definitive study. For those who want to learn more, there is a bibliography of key works on Gaelic and world storytelling.
Description: Shaw provides both the Gaelic texts and English translations. When possible, he identifies both the original Gaelic storyteller and the local reciters. Reciters in the collection include Joe Neil MacNeil, a major Canadian storyteller, as well as others whose stories have never before been published. The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton showcases a unique and neglected storytelling tradition.
Cumulative pages: 3,624
126labfs39
>124 WelshBookworm: It was an early reviewer book, so won't be published until April I think.
127WelshBookworm
>126 labfs39: Ah! Okay. I'll watch for it then.
128rocketjk
>125 WelshBookworm: Wow. Love that. Thanks for the review.
129dchaikin
>125 WelshBookworm: how interesting!
On Vietnam - my daughter was there in December with American born Vietnamese friends, and loved it. In my own panic “research”, everyone i talked to who had recently been to Vietnam was quite reverent about their visit.
On Vietnam - my daughter was there in December with American born Vietnamese friends, and loved it. In my own panic “research”, everyone i talked to who had recently been to Vietnam was quite reverent about their visit.
130WelshBookworm
#13 Books Can Be Deceiving
3.5 pink stars rounded up.
I enjoyed this despite some pretty big plot holes. Don't think about it too hard - it's a cozy mystery! I needed something short and light, and this fit the bill, with a protagonist that I could identify with - academic librarian turned public librarian, likes crafts and book clubs, set in Connecticut where I was born. The characters are caricatures but sometimes that can be fun. The plot was slow to take off, but once it did, I didn't want to stop listening. Actually, it reminded me a lot of the Murder She Wrote series, although the main character is much younger. There's a hint of romance to be developed, and I'll continue with the series.
Description: Lindsey is getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a New York editor visits town, creating quite a buzz. Lindsey’s friend Beth wants to sell the editor her children’s book, but Beth’s boyfriend, a famous author, gets in the way. When they go to confront him, he’s found murdered—and Beth is the prime suspect. Lindsey has to act fast—before they throw the book at the wrong person.
Cumulative pages: 3,906
3.5 pink stars rounded up.
I enjoyed this despite some pretty big plot holes. Don't think about it too hard - it's a cozy mystery! I needed something short and light, and this fit the bill, with a protagonist that I could identify with - academic librarian turned public librarian, likes crafts and book clubs, set in Connecticut where I was born. The characters are caricatures but sometimes that can be fun. The plot was slow to take off, but once it did, I didn't want to stop listening. Actually, it reminded me a lot of the Murder She Wrote series, although the main character is much younger. There's a hint of romance to be developed, and I'll continue with the series.
Description: Lindsey is getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a New York editor visits town, creating quite a buzz. Lindsey’s friend Beth wants to sell the editor her children’s book, but Beth’s boyfriend, a famous author, gets in the way. When they go to confront him, he’s found murdered—and Beth is the prime suspect. Lindsey has to act fast—before they throw the book at the wrong person.
Cumulative pages: 3,906
131WelshBookworm
I've dithered about adding an update post this month, but I keep adding "filler" audiobooks while I wait for holds on the ones I really want to read right now. Normally, I would have another book club book to listen to this month (Daytimers), but since it is non-fiction I decided to read it instead. It is too soon to start my next book for Perspectives, and then the next Daytimers book for the end of April I have already read, so I have some space to fill.
I just finished
READ Books Can Be Deceiving - This was one of my Random Picks this year and it fit the genre challenge for March (mystery) and my personal challenge to read titles that start with the letter B this year.
Next I had planned another cozy mystery
READ The Curse of the Pharaohs which is also a Random Pick (Next in Series) and fits the March cover color challenge. But I had forgotten to download it from Libby while I had access to Wifi and had to find something else for my long drive to choir rehearsal. That turned out to be
READ Dragons at Crumbling Castle, a collection of short stories for children by Terry Pratchett. That had been prompted by a review of the second collection
READ The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner: And Other Stories which includes a set of stories set in Llandaffwnfafegettupagogo in the Wild West of Britain, Wales and of course THAT went straight to my Want to Read (Now) list.
Waiting in the wings is still
Behind Closed Doors by Welsh author J.J. Marsh and it's another B title and one of "door" themed titles.
I'd like to start
READ The Unquiet Bones which is set in Oxford for this months A Good Yarn. But my hold on Libby says ~6 weeks yet. Maybe it's just as well that A Good Yarn decided not to meet this month because of conflicts.
I'm jumping the gun a bit on this next one, because I won't get it started until April, but with no Daytimers book and a fair amount of time to cope with a monster book, I've got the latest Cormoran Strike book purchased and ready to go
The Running Grave
For print books I have plenty on the go already, but I'll just add
READ The Wild Robot Protects which I just learned about - it's a children's book, but I've read the first two in the series and loved them. Should be easy to squeeze in.
Also a short story/novella, and another mystery, and it fits the cover color challenge
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
I just finished
READ Books Can Be Deceiving - This was one of my Random Picks this year and it fit the genre challenge for March (mystery) and my personal challenge to read titles that start with the letter B this year.
Next I had planned another cozy mystery
READ The Curse of the Pharaohs which is also a Random Pick (Next in Series) and fits the March cover color challenge. But I had forgotten to download it from Libby while I had access to Wifi and had to find something else for my long drive to choir rehearsal. That turned out to be
READ Dragons at Crumbling Castle, a collection of short stories for children by Terry Pratchett. That had been prompted by a review of the second collection
READ The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner: And Other Stories which includes a set of stories set in Llandaffwnfafegettupagogo in the Wild West of Britain, Wales and of course THAT went straight to my Want to Read (Now) list.
Waiting in the wings is still
Behind Closed Doors by Welsh author J.J. Marsh and it's another B title and one of "door" themed titles.
I'd like to start
READ The Unquiet Bones which is set in Oxford for this months A Good Yarn. But my hold on Libby says ~6 weeks yet. Maybe it's just as well that A Good Yarn decided not to meet this month because of conflicts.
I'm jumping the gun a bit on this next one, because I won't get it started until April, but with no Daytimers book and a fair amount of time to cope with a monster book, I've got the latest Cormoran Strike book purchased and ready to go
The Running Grave
For print books I have plenty on the go already, but I'll just add
READ The Wild Robot Protects which I just learned about - it's a children's book, but I've read the first two in the series and loved them. Should be easy to squeeze in.
Also a short story/novella, and another mystery, and it fits the cover color challenge
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
132labfs39
>131 WelshBookworm: My niece and I read Wild Robot and now she's reading Wild Robot Escapes to me. We are both enjoying them.
133WelshBookworm
Well, my hold on The Unquiet Bones came up early, but I have postponed it for a couple of weeks. Almost done with Dragons at Crumbling Castle and while that has been fun, I think I will listen to The Curse of the Pharoahs rather than the next Pratchett since it is due back first. I need something light right now, but more involving than short stories. My mom is in surgery at this moment for a wound on her foot (she is diabetic) that is infected, and the infection has spread to the bones. We have given consent to have toes amputated if necessary. She may be furious with us - she is 93 - but I don't think she is ready to die just yet. Still, it could be a long healing process ahead. Hard to know what the right decision is.
134WelshBookworm
#14 Dragons at Crumbling Castle: And Other Tales
4 red stars
Stories written when Sir Terry Pratchett was a teenager, with all the incipient wit and humor of works to come. I found these amusing - perhaps not great - but I think middle grade kids would love them. Good enough to want to read more of them. I especially liked the stories about the Carpet People who are smaller than a speck of dust (a grain of salt is the size of a house to them...), setting sail across the linoleum in search of the mythical land of "Rug."
Description: A wonderful collection of short stories by master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, featuring dragons, dinosaurs, cavemen and car races! Dragons have invaded Crumbling Castle, and all of King Arthur's knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies. It's a disaster! Luckily, there's a spare suit of armour and a very small boy called Ralph who's willing to fill it. Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers. But there's a teeny weeny surprise in store...
Fourteen fantastically funny stories from master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, full of time travel and tortoises, monsters and mayhem!
Story List:
CD 1: Dragons at Crumbling Castle, The Great Speck, Hunt the Snorry, Tales of the Carpet People (beginning)
CD 2: Tales of the Carpet People (concluded), Hercules the Tortoise, Dok the Caveman, The Big Race
CD 3: Another Tale of the Carpet People, The Great Egg - dancing Championship, Edwo the Boring Knight
CD 4: The 59A Bus Goes Back in Time, The Abominable Snowman, The Blackbury Monster, Father Christmas Goes to Work at the Zoo
Cumulative pages: 4,245
4 red stars
Stories written when Sir Terry Pratchett was a teenager, with all the incipient wit and humor of works to come. I found these amusing - perhaps not great - but I think middle grade kids would love them. Good enough to want to read more of them. I especially liked the stories about the Carpet People who are smaller than a speck of dust (a grain of salt is the size of a house to them...), setting sail across the linoleum in search of the mythical land of "Rug."
Description: A wonderful collection of short stories by master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, featuring dragons, dinosaurs, cavemen and car races! Dragons have invaded Crumbling Castle, and all of King Arthur's knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies. It's a disaster! Luckily, there's a spare suit of armour and a very small boy called Ralph who's willing to fill it. Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers. But there's a teeny weeny surprise in store...
Fourteen fantastically funny stories from master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, full of time travel and tortoises, monsters and mayhem!
Story List:
CD 1: Dragons at Crumbling Castle, The Great Speck, Hunt the Snorry, Tales of the Carpet People (beginning)
CD 2: Tales of the Carpet People (concluded), Hercules the Tortoise, Dok the Caveman, The Big Race
CD 3: Another Tale of the Carpet People, The Great Egg - dancing Championship, Edwo the Boring Knight
CD 4: The 59A Bus Goes Back in Time, The Abominable Snowman, The Blackbury Monster, Father Christmas Goes to Work at the Zoo
Cumulative pages: 4,245
135WelshBookworm
Update on Mom: She had the mid-metatarsal amputation. Today she is reportedly sitting up, no pain, and talking up a storm. My sister drove out to Rapid City yesterday, so she is there. Mom will need a second surgery in a week to close everything up.
Last night, I went to the local Gilbert&Sullivan production of Utopia, Ltd. What great fun! And a needed diversion!
Today I am catching up on things like dishes, and bills, and hopefully - reading!
Tomorrow - major winter storm expected here in Minnesota, so I predict more reading!
Last night, I went to the local Gilbert&Sullivan production of Utopia, Ltd. What great fun! And a needed diversion!
Today I am catching up on things like dishes, and bills, and hopefully - reading!
Tomorrow - major winter storm expected here in Minnesota, so I predict more reading!
136rhian_of_oz
>135 WelshBookworm: I'm glad to hear your mum seems to be recoevering well from her first surgery and I'm hoping the second goes just as well.
I also hope your winter storm was bad enough to keep you at home and reading, but no so bad that it caused any damage.
I also hope your winter storm was bad enough to keep you at home and reading, but no so bad that it caused any damage.
137WelshBookworm
#15 The Curse of the Pharaohs
3.5 pink stars
Next-to-read-in-series
My comments on the first book of the series still hold here. I like the witty banter, but the sexism and racism is very dated. I love Ramses and look forward to when he is old enough to join his parents in Egypt. Amelia is a force to be reckoned with, and happily Emerson is a match for her. Anyway, good enough for a quick and cozy getaway from more demanding reads.
Description: Victorian gentlewoman Amelia Peabody Emerson and her archaeologist husband are busy raising their young son; yet Amelia dreams only of the dust and detritus of ancient civilizations. Happily, circumstances are about to demand their immediate presence in Egypt. Sir Henry Baskerville had just discovered a tomb in Luxor when he promptly died under bizarre circumstances. The tabloids scream of The Curse of the Pharaohs! Amelia and her husband arrive to find the camp in disarray and the workers terrified. A ghost even appears. It is not at all what Amelia considers an atmosphere conducive to scientific discovery. Thus the indomitable Victorian sets about bringing order to chaos and herself close to danger. How Amelia triumphs over evil and those who would stand between her and her beloved antiquities makes for a delightfully spirited adventure.
Cumulative pages: 4,552
3.5 pink stars
Next-to-read-in-series
My comments on the first book of the series still hold here. I like the witty banter, but the sexism and racism is very dated. I love Ramses and look forward to when he is old enough to join his parents in Egypt. Amelia is a force to be reckoned with, and happily Emerson is a match for her. Anyway, good enough for a quick and cozy getaway from more demanding reads.
Description: Victorian gentlewoman Amelia Peabody Emerson and her archaeologist husband are busy raising their young son; yet Amelia dreams only of the dust and detritus of ancient civilizations. Happily, circumstances are about to demand their immediate presence in Egypt. Sir Henry Baskerville had just discovered a tomb in Luxor when he promptly died under bizarre circumstances. The tabloids scream of The Curse of the Pharaohs! Amelia and her husband arrive to find the camp in disarray and the workers terrified. A ghost even appears. It is not at all what Amelia considers an atmosphere conducive to scientific discovery. Thus the indomitable Victorian sets about bringing order to chaos and herself close to danger. How Amelia triumphs over evil and those who would stand between her and her beloved antiquities makes for a delightfully spirited adventure.
Cumulative pages: 4,552
138WelshBookworm
>136 rhian_of_oz: Thank you, Rhian. Yes, it went well. She is eating more and in pretty good spirits, despite being quite confused at times. The stress and being out of her routine has really exacerbated her dementia, which normally is fairly mild. I just hate that she has had to go through this at all. It really breaks my heart! I will be going out to Rapid City on Monday to be with her. Another sister is there through Sunday.
139WelshBookworm
Several of my audio holds on Libby have become available, and since I'll be doing a lot of driving the next two weeks. I checked them out. I've set aside the Pratchett and started Secrets of the Sprakkar.
140rv1988
>139 WelshBookworm: Safe travels, and I hope your mother feels better soon.
141WelshBookworm
#16 Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World
3.5 pink stars
Eliza Reid draws on interviews with women in a variety of high-profile positions, to discuss how Iceland is working to achieve gender equality in its society. She provides a strong case for the need for generous maternity (and paternity) leave and subsidized child care to allow women to be able to pursue careers. Yet despite having achieved a high level of gender equality, gender stereotyping still exists, and more troubling - the seemingly high levels of rape and domestic abuse. Nevertheless, her book creates a certain amount of cultural envy. Come on, USA! Why do we remain so backward?
Description: This captivating book takes you on a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of Iceland while shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and untold secrets of its influential women. Uncover the hidden resilience, strength, and determination of these trailblazing women as they challenge societal norms, break barriers, and spearhead groundbreaking initiatives across various fields. From pioneering environmental activists to innovative entrepreneurs, groundbreaking scientists to visionary artists, this book showcases the remarkable contributions and impact these women have made on a global scale. Through meticulous research and intimate interviews, First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid uncovers the captivating stories of these fearless women, delving into their personal triumphs, struggles, and the strategies they employed to overcome obstacles. Experience their triumphs, learn from their setbacks, and be inspired by their indomitable spirit.
Cumulative pages: 4,840
3.5 pink stars
Eliza Reid draws on interviews with women in a variety of high-profile positions, to discuss how Iceland is working to achieve gender equality in its society. She provides a strong case for the need for generous maternity (and paternity) leave and subsidized child care to allow women to be able to pursue careers. Yet despite having achieved a high level of gender equality, gender stereotyping still exists, and more troubling - the seemingly high levels of rape and domestic abuse. Nevertheless, her book creates a certain amount of cultural envy. Come on, USA! Why do we remain so backward?
Description: This captivating book takes you on a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of Iceland while shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and untold secrets of its influential women. Uncover the hidden resilience, strength, and determination of these trailblazing women as they challenge societal norms, break barriers, and spearhead groundbreaking initiatives across various fields. From pioneering environmental activists to innovative entrepreneurs, groundbreaking scientists to visionary artists, this book showcases the remarkable contributions and impact these women have made on a global scale. Through meticulous research and intimate interviews, First Lady of Iceland Eliza Reid uncovers the captivating stories of these fearless women, delving into their personal triumphs, struggles, and the strategies they employed to overcome obstacles. Experience their triumphs, learn from their setbacks, and be inspired by their indomitable spirit.
Cumulative pages: 4,840
142WelshBookworm
#17 The Weaver and the Witch Queen
4 red stars.
I thought this was going to be historical fiction with a little magic, but I have to put this firmly in the fantasy category. It may be based on tales of shapeshifting in the Norse sagas, but the author admits the whole magical system was completely made up. 4 stars may be greatly over-rated. This book took me 3 1/2 months to finish reading. To be fair, a lot of print books seem to end up that way with me, where audiobooks do not get set aside for other multiple reads. And if there were a sequel, I would probably read it, so 4 stars it is. As a fantasy story about three women who formed a childhood pact to always be there for each other, and then find that pact tested to its limits, I enjoyed it. Just don't take anything depicted here as historical.
Description: Oddny and Gunnhild meet as children in tenth century Norway, and they could not be more different: Oddny hopes for a quiet life, while Gunnhild burns for power and longs to escape her cruel mother. But after a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy that involves Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to help one another always. When Oddny’s farm is destroyed and Signy is kidnapped by Viking raiders, Oddny is set adrift from the life she imagined—but she's determined to save her sister no matter the cost, even as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of the raiders who participated in the attack. And in the far north, Gunnhild, who fled her home years ago to learn the ways of a witch, is surprised to find her destiny seems to be linked with that of the formidable King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway. But the bonds—both enchanted and emotional—that hold the two women together are strong, and when they find their way back to each other, these bonds will be tested in ways they never could have foreseen in this deeply moving novel of magic, history, and sworn sisterhood.
Cumulative pages: 5,208
4 red stars.
I thought this was going to be historical fiction with a little magic, but I have to put this firmly in the fantasy category. It may be based on tales of shapeshifting in the Norse sagas, but the author admits the whole magical system was completely made up. 4 stars may be greatly over-rated. This book took me 3 1/2 months to finish reading. To be fair, a lot of print books seem to end up that way with me, where audiobooks do not get set aside for other multiple reads. And if there were a sequel, I would probably read it, so 4 stars it is. As a fantasy story about three women who formed a childhood pact to always be there for each other, and then find that pact tested to its limits, I enjoyed it. Just don't take anything depicted here as historical.
Description: Oddny and Gunnhild meet as children in tenth century Norway, and they could not be more different: Oddny hopes for a quiet life, while Gunnhild burns for power and longs to escape her cruel mother. But after a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy that involves Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to help one another always. When Oddny’s farm is destroyed and Signy is kidnapped by Viking raiders, Oddny is set adrift from the life she imagined—but she's determined to save her sister no matter the cost, even as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of the raiders who participated in the attack. And in the far north, Gunnhild, who fled her home years ago to learn the ways of a witch, is surprised to find her destiny seems to be linked with that of the formidable King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway. But the bonds—both enchanted and emotional—that hold the two women together are strong, and when they find their way back to each other, these bonds will be tested in ways they never could have foreseen in this deeply moving novel of magic, history, and sworn sisterhood.
Cumulative pages: 5,208
143WelshBookworm
April plans:
As I said a few days ago, I'm going to be driving a lot in the next couple of weeks and have a number of audiobooks lined up:
READ The Wolf Den - for A Good Yarn (P is for Pompeii) and historical fiction challenge for April. After that
READ The Cloisters - a group read for The Reading Loft
READ The Seed Keeper - for Perspectives book club
READ The Enchanted April - fits the April cover color and genre challenges.
Nothing new in print until I finished more of what I'm already reading! I've already read The Daytimers book for April. The April cover color challenge is emerald green or pewter gray. The genre challenge is historical fiction. And A Good Yarn is reading "P" locations. Would like to get to one of my "garden" theme books. Maybe
READ The Secret Garden - I've got that on audible.
144WelshBookworm
April Log
Finished:
Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World - finished April 1
The Weaver and the Witch Queen - finished April 2
The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner: And Other Stories - started and finished on April 4
The Wild Robot Protects - finished April 6
The Wolf Den - finished April 9
The Seed Keeper - finished April 14
The Cloisters - finished April 19
To Shield the Queen - finished Apr. 23
The Enchanted April - finished Apr. 29
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
The Unquiet Bones - started on Apr. 19
The Doublet Affair - started Apr. 29
Next up:
Anne of Green Gables - A Good Yarn (P is for Prince Edward Island)
Her Highness' First Murder - reread
Poison, Your Grace - April cover color challenge
Possibly Pending:
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
The Secret Garden
New Acquisitions:
The Enchanted April - Chirp audiobooks
Her Highness' First Murder - Kindle purchase
Poison, Your Grace - Kindle purchase
Paris - Audible credit
The Princes of Ireland - Audible credit
The Rebels of Ireland - Audible credit
Miss Bennet's Dragon - Kindle purchase
A Court of Betrayal - Kindle purchase
An English Garden Murder - Kindle purchase
Playing for Freedom: The Journey of a Young Afghan Girl - Kindle freebie
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
Tomb for an Eagle - owned on Kindle, A Good Yarn - O is for Orkney
The Wild Inside- I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
Finished:
Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World - finished April 1
The Weaver and the Witch Queen - finished April 2
The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner: And Other Stories - started and finished on April 4
The Wild Robot Protects - finished April 6
The Wolf Den - finished April 9
The Seed Keeper - finished April 14
The Cloisters - finished April 19
To Shield the Queen - finished Apr. 23
The Enchanted April - finished Apr. 29
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
The Unquiet Bones - started on Apr. 19
The Doublet Affair - started Apr. 29
Next up:
Anne of Green Gables - A Good Yarn (P is for Prince Edward Island)
Her Highness' First Murder - reread
Poison, Your Grace - April cover color challenge
Possibly Pending:
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
The Secret Garden
New Acquisitions:
The Enchanted April - Chirp audiobooks
Her Highness' First Murder - Kindle purchase
Poison, Your Grace - Kindle purchase
Paris - Audible credit
The Princes of Ireland - Audible credit
The Rebels of Ireland - Audible credit
Miss Bennet's Dragon - Kindle purchase
A Court of Betrayal - Kindle purchase
An English Garden Murder - Kindle purchase
Playing for Freedom: The Journey of a Young Afghan Girl - Kindle freebie
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
Tomb for an Eagle - owned on Kindle, A Good Yarn - O is for Orkney
The Wild Inside- I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
145WelshBookworm
#18 The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner: And Other Stories
4 red stars.
I think I liked these a tad more than the first collection, but that's because 4 of the stories were set in the "Wild West of Britain" i.e. Wales in a village called Llandaffwnfafegettupagogo. Another set of stories were set in Blackbury, and usually involved time travel. In one story, a magician with a toothache starts turning things back to his own time, and everyone starts talking Elizabethan. In another, a faulty TV sends a man back to the time of the dinosaurs, where an intrepid time traveler has set up a pub. Like the first collection, cute stories but not great.
Description: This second batch of storytelling gems features stories written when Sir Terry was just 17 years old and working as a junior reporter. In these pages, new Pratchett fans will find wonder, mayhem, sorcery, and delight—and loyal readers will recognize the seeds of ideas that went on to influence his most beloved tales later in life.
Cumulative pages: 5,544
4 red stars.
I think I liked these a tad more than the first collection, but that's because 4 of the stories were set in the "Wild West of Britain" i.e. Wales in a village called Llandaffwnfafegettupagogo. Another set of stories were set in Blackbury, and usually involved time travel. In one story, a magician with a toothache starts turning things back to his own time, and everyone starts talking Elizabethan. In another, a faulty TV sends a man back to the time of the dinosaurs, where an intrepid time traveler has set up a pub. Like the first collection, cute stories but not great.
Description: This second batch of storytelling gems features stories written when Sir Terry was just 17 years old and working as a junior reporter. In these pages, new Pratchett fans will find wonder, mayhem, sorcery, and delight—and loyal readers will recognize the seeds of ideas that went on to influence his most beloved tales later in life.
Cumulative pages: 5,544
146labfs39
>145 WelshBookworm: That's such a great book title!
147WelshBookworm
#19 The Wild Robot Protects
4 red stars.
I had forgotten the emphasis on including science facts but the messages here seemed a little heavy-handed. Interesting to learn about the "new and improved" Roz, and all about life in the ocean, but I missed the interaction of Roz and her friends on the island.
Description: Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect. But when mysterious, dangerous waters surround the island, the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources. Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. So the wild robot sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide. During her journey, Roz encounters amazing geological formations and incredible creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the toxic waters. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island and everything she loves? This thrilling third installment of the Wild Robot series takes readers on a new adventure through the ocean and to the frigid northern waters where Roz may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Cumulative pages: 5,832
4 red stars.
I had forgotten the emphasis on including science facts but the messages here seemed a little heavy-handed. Interesting to learn about the "new and improved" Roz, and all about life in the ocean, but I missed the interaction of Roz and her friends on the island.
Description: Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect. But when mysterious, dangerous waters surround the island, the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources. Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. So the wild robot sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide. During her journey, Roz encounters amazing geological formations and incredible creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the toxic waters. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island and everything she loves? This thrilling third installment of the Wild Robot series takes readers on a new adventure through the ocean and to the frigid northern waters where Roz may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Cumulative pages: 5,832
148labfs39
>147 WelshBookworm: I'm sorry this one didn't live up to the others. I'm sure my niece will want to read it after we finish Wild Robot Escapes.
149WelshBookworm
#20 The Wolf Den
4 red stars.
A sometimes emotionally difficult read, since this depicts the lives of women enslaved to work as prostitutes in Pompeii. Not overly familiar myself with ancient Roman customs, what little research I did supported the general historical accuracy of the lives of these women, including the wearing of togas. Normally only worn by men, it is generally accepted that prostitutes did wear a form of toga, which would have marked them as inferior. Free women did not wear togas, and the usual stola and tunic was forbidden to prostitutes. As slaves, they had no legal protection, and were often abused. Any resulting children were the property of the owner, to dispose of (or not) as they pleased. Not heavy on plot. This is about the women and their complicated feelings and relationships with each other, with their owner, with the community, and with their customers.
Description: Amara was once the beloved daughter of a doctor in Greece, until her father’s sudden death plunged her mother into destitution. Now Amara is a slave and prostitute in Pompeii’s notorious Wolf Den brothel or lupanar, owned by a cruel and ruthless man. Intelligent and resourceful, she is forced to hide her true self. But her spirit is far from broken. Buoyed by the sisterhood she forges with the brothel’s other women, Amara finds solace in the laughter and hopes they all share. For the streets of the city are alive with opportunity—here, even the lowest-born slave can dream of a new beginning. But everything in Pompeii has a price. How much will Amara’s freedom cost her?
Cumulative pages: 6,296
4 red stars.
A sometimes emotionally difficult read, since this depicts the lives of women enslaved to work as prostitutes in Pompeii. Not overly familiar myself with ancient Roman customs, what little research I did supported the general historical accuracy of the lives of these women, including the wearing of togas. Normally only worn by men, it is generally accepted that prostitutes did wear a form of toga, which would have marked them as inferior. Free women did not wear togas, and the usual stola and tunic was forbidden to prostitutes. As slaves, they had no legal protection, and were often abused. Any resulting children were the property of the owner, to dispose of (or not) as they pleased. Not heavy on plot. This is about the women and their complicated feelings and relationships with each other, with their owner, with the community, and with their customers.
Description: Amara was once the beloved daughter of a doctor in Greece, until her father’s sudden death plunged her mother into destitution. Now Amara is a slave and prostitute in Pompeii’s notorious Wolf Den brothel or lupanar, owned by a cruel and ruthless man. Intelligent and resourceful, she is forced to hide her true self. But her spirit is far from broken. Buoyed by the sisterhood she forges with the brothel’s other women, Amara finds solace in the laughter and hopes they all share. For the streets of the city are alive with opportunity—here, even the lowest-born slave can dream of a new beginning. But everything in Pompeii has a price. How much will Amara’s freedom cost her?
Cumulative pages: 6,296
150WelshBookworm
Mid-April update (close enough):
I've done 43 hours worth of driving in the last week and a half. First to Rapid City to see my mom in the hospital. Then I went to stay with my sister in Illinois, and from there driving down to Indianapolis where my cousin and aunt live to see the eclipse and driving back the same day. In hindsight, not the greatest planning. Despite WAZE and Google Maps telling me it was a 3 1/2 hour drive, I knew there would be considerable traffic AND I would lose an hour. So I left Illinois at 7:00 am. I figured even if it took 5 or 6 hours I would still get to my cousin's house by the start of the partial eclipse and have time to set up my cameras. Wrong. Once I reached I-65 just south of Gary, Indiana it was bumper to bumper traffic as far as the eye could see. Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Creep along at 20 mph with occasional higher speeds. OMG! Traffic didn't lighten up at all until after Lafayette and then I was flooring the gas to 80, to try and get there in time. I almost made it. But at 3:00 I was still 7 minutes away, and the total eclipse was starting in 4 minutes, so I pulled off at a gas station along the road (I had just gotten off I-65 where stopping for the eclipse was NOT allowed.) I only had time to whip out my cell phone camera with the handheld little solar filter. It didn't focus well. I had planned to use my DSL Nikon with tripod and a zoom lens for the totality portion of the eclipse. Oh well! At least I saw it, and the sky was clear, it was awesome!, and I took some pictures and video with the cell phone which I posted on Facebook, but the quality was less than ideal.
Then I proceeded to my aunt's house (she's 95 but still lives in her own home!) My cousin and his wife came over, and we all went out for an early dinner. I wanted to delay starting back, to avoid the heaviest traffic. They offered to put me up overnight, but I thought surely it wouldn't be as bad if I waited a few hours to leave. Ha ha. Guess again. If anything, I-65 after Lafayette was even worse. I was creeping along at 3 mph, with long stops just sitting. At that rate, I might have gotten back by morning... I had to get off of there!! I called my brother-in-law back in Illinois to text me an alternate route getting off at the next possible exit. Which he did. And the traffic was much more normal after that. But it had taken me 3 hours to get to that point, and still had 3 hours to go at normal driving conditions. So 7 hours to get there - 6 hours to get back to my sister's house!
Now I am back home. And I may be turning around to go back to Rapid City tomorrow. Ugh! We thought mom was getting moved to long term care today, but apparently she is not. The foot is healing very well. Better than expected, and no sign of infection in her foot. Yay! But the dementia/confusion has gotten worse. It is a struggle to get her to focus on eating and doing the physical therapy needed. The doctor thinks that might be secondary to the antibiotics which she has to take for another 4-6 weeks. (Fingers crossed.) Hence the long-term temporary care arrangement. So the antibiotics were switched. I see no point in going out there again RIGHT NOW, unless she is being moved and will need help settling in to another place that isn't home, and bringing clothes and things from her apartment. I'll go tomorrow if she is going to be moved tomorrow or Friday, but at this point we don't know and are waiting to hear. I have to go back to work on Tuesday, and I really don't want to ask for more time off if she isn't being moved until later.
AND my phone decided to quit syncing with my car yet again. So I have had to resort to sort of holding the phone on my chest where I can hear it while I drive. I might have finished one more book otherwise. Still, I am 4 books ahead of schedule so that is something! I finished The Wolf Den and next up will be The Seed Keeper for Perspectives book club which meets next week.
I am "unreading" Far From the Madding Crowd. It's not a DNF since I only managed two chapters so far and am hopelessly behind with the group that was reading it. I really do want to read it and other Hardy books but now is just not the time. I am still currently reading 5 books that have gotten a bit stalled. Then there are at least 8 more books from my 2023 leftovers that I am determined to finish this year.
I've done 43 hours worth of driving in the last week and a half. First to Rapid City to see my mom in the hospital. Then I went to stay with my sister in Illinois, and from there driving down to Indianapolis where my cousin and aunt live to see the eclipse and driving back the same day. In hindsight, not the greatest planning. Despite WAZE and Google Maps telling me it was a 3 1/2 hour drive, I knew there would be considerable traffic AND I would lose an hour. So I left Illinois at 7:00 am. I figured even if it took 5 or 6 hours I would still get to my cousin's house by the start of the partial eclipse and have time to set up my cameras. Wrong. Once I reached I-65 just south of Gary, Indiana it was bumper to bumper traffic as far as the eye could see. Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Creep along at 20 mph with occasional higher speeds. OMG! Traffic didn't lighten up at all until after Lafayette and then I was flooring the gas to 80, to try and get there in time. I almost made it. But at 3:00 I was still 7 minutes away, and the total eclipse was starting in 4 minutes, so I pulled off at a gas station along the road (I had just gotten off I-65 where stopping for the eclipse was NOT allowed.) I only had time to whip out my cell phone camera with the handheld little solar filter. It didn't focus well. I had planned to use my DSL Nikon with tripod and a zoom lens for the totality portion of the eclipse. Oh well! At least I saw it, and the sky was clear, it was awesome!, and I took some pictures and video with the cell phone which I posted on Facebook, but the quality was less than ideal.
Then I proceeded to my aunt's house (she's 95 but still lives in her own home!) My cousin and his wife came over, and we all went out for an early dinner. I wanted to delay starting back, to avoid the heaviest traffic. They offered to put me up overnight, but I thought surely it wouldn't be as bad if I waited a few hours to leave. Ha ha. Guess again. If anything, I-65 after Lafayette was even worse. I was creeping along at 3 mph, with long stops just sitting. At that rate, I might have gotten back by morning... I had to get off of there!! I called my brother-in-law back in Illinois to text me an alternate route getting off at the next possible exit. Which he did. And the traffic was much more normal after that. But it had taken me 3 hours to get to that point, and still had 3 hours to go at normal driving conditions. So 7 hours to get there - 6 hours to get back to my sister's house!
Now I am back home. And I may be turning around to go back to Rapid City tomorrow. Ugh! We thought mom was getting moved to long term care today, but apparently she is not. The foot is healing very well. Better than expected, and no sign of infection in her foot. Yay! But the dementia/confusion has gotten worse. It is a struggle to get her to focus on eating and doing the physical therapy needed. The doctor thinks that might be secondary to the antibiotics which she has to take for another 4-6 weeks. (Fingers crossed.) Hence the long-term temporary care arrangement. So the antibiotics were switched. I see no point in going out there again RIGHT NOW, unless she is being moved and will need help settling in to another place that isn't home, and bringing clothes and things from her apartment. I'll go tomorrow if she is going to be moved tomorrow or Friday, but at this point we don't know and are waiting to hear. I have to go back to work on Tuesday, and I really don't want to ask for more time off if she isn't being moved until later.
AND my phone decided to quit syncing with my car yet again. So I have had to resort to sort of holding the phone on my chest where I can hear it while I drive. I might have finished one more book otherwise. Still, I am 4 books ahead of schedule so that is something! I finished The Wolf Den and next up will be The Seed Keeper for Perspectives book club which meets next week.
I am "unreading" Far From the Madding Crowd. It's not a DNF since I only managed two chapters so far and am hopelessly behind with the group that was reading it. I really do want to read it and other Hardy books but now is just not the time. I am still currently reading 5 books that have gotten a bit stalled. Then there are at least 8 more books from my 2023 leftovers that I am determined to finish this year.
151markon
Wow Laurel, that's a lot of driving! I hope things with your mother get better quickly and you can get her moved and help her start settling in.
152RidgewayGirl
>150 WelshBookworm: That is an adventure! You probably drove right past my town. I was lucky enough to be living in the path of the last US total eclipse and so watched it from lawn chairs in our own driveway with friends who drove down from NJ. Glad you at least got to see it, if in a less than ideal setting. I hope things with your mother go well.
153labfs39
>150 WelshBookworm: Oh no! Sorry the eclipse watching got so complicated. The night before the eclipse, my sister decided she wanted to drive the three or four hours north to be in totality (we were 97.2% here). I thought that an incredibly bad idea. After the recent storm, there are still trees down everywhere, and she had no idea where she was going to watch it or eat or get gas. And a minimum of eight hours in the car with my two nieces? No, not, nay, never. So we had an eclipse party in the yard and had a great time. :-)
Hope all goes well with your mom's recovery and move.
Hope all goes well with your mom's recovery and move.
154WelshBookworm
Tired of the constant phone disconnection problem. Verizon store clerk couldn't get it to work either - though it paired with HER car just fine. Well, I'm not paying for a software diagnostic on the car, so I bought a Bluetooth speaker. It was lovely listening to my audiobook on the way home, and I can use the speaker in the house too. Win-win. I just can't make phone calls while I'm driving, and since I never do anyway, it's not a problem!
155labfs39
>154 WelshBookworm: I'm glad you got it solved. You've been dealing with this problem for ages.
156WelshBookworm
>155 labfs39: Well, it's a work-around. I wouldn't say it is solved. A little more Googling tonight, and I've learned you can download SYNC updates from the Ford website and install it yourself via a USB port in the car. I just might give it a try.... But for now I'll be using the speaker in the car.
157WelshBookworm
#21 The Seed Keeper
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
Book clubs: Read for both Daytimers and Perspectives book clubs.
This story is told through the eyes of four Dakhóta women, Rosalie Iron Wing, her school friend Gaby Makespeace, her great grandmother Marie Blackbird, and her aunt Darlene Kills Deer. Although it jumps around in time a bit, the main narrator is Rosalie. I liked the framing of the story of the cache of seeds, and the importance of these seeds to the survival of the native people. The history is complicated. Several generations were torn apart by the removal of children to boarding schools. Rosalie, herself, marries a white man, and they have a mixed-race son. While the focus on the women was powerful, I would have liked to have gotten more insight into the minds of her husband John, and her son Tommy. Especially Tommy, who spends his early life trying to earn the love and respect of his father. He grows up not really understanding his native roots or what motivated Rosalie to leave after the death of John, in search of her roots and her family.
Description: Rosalie Iron Wing has grown up in the woods with her father, Ray, a former science teacher who tells her stories of plants, of the stars, of the origins of the Dakhóta people. Until, one morning, Ray doesn’t return from checking his traps. Told she has no family, Rosalie is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato—where the reserved, bookish teenager meets rebellious Gaby Makespeace, in a friendship that transcends the damaged legacies they’ve inherited. On a winter’s day many years later, Rosalie returns to her childhood home. A widow and mother, she has spent the previous two decades on her white husband’s farm, finding solace in her garden even as the farm is threatened first by drought and then by a predatory chemical company. Now, grieving, Rosalie begins to confront the past, on a search for family, identity, and a community where she can finally belong. In the process, she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron—women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss, through war and the insidious trauma of boarding schools.
Cumulative pages: 6,668
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
Book clubs: Read for both Daytimers and Perspectives book clubs.
This story is told through the eyes of four Dakhóta women, Rosalie Iron Wing, her school friend Gaby Makespeace, her great grandmother Marie Blackbird, and her aunt Darlene Kills Deer. Although it jumps around in time a bit, the main narrator is Rosalie. I liked the framing of the story of the cache of seeds, and the importance of these seeds to the survival of the native people. The history is complicated. Several generations were torn apart by the removal of children to boarding schools. Rosalie, herself, marries a white man, and they have a mixed-race son. While the focus on the women was powerful, I would have liked to have gotten more insight into the minds of her husband John, and her son Tommy. Especially Tommy, who spends his early life trying to earn the love and respect of his father. He grows up not really understanding his native roots or what motivated Rosalie to leave after the death of John, in search of her roots and her family.
Description: Rosalie Iron Wing has grown up in the woods with her father, Ray, a former science teacher who tells her stories of plants, of the stars, of the origins of the Dakhóta people. Until, one morning, Ray doesn’t return from checking his traps. Told she has no family, Rosalie is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato—where the reserved, bookish teenager meets rebellious Gaby Makespeace, in a friendship that transcends the damaged legacies they’ve inherited. On a winter’s day many years later, Rosalie returns to her childhood home. A widow and mother, she has spent the previous two decades on her white husband’s farm, finding solace in her garden even as the farm is threatened first by drought and then by a predatory chemical company. Now, grieving, Rosalie begins to confront the past, on a search for family, identity, and a community where she can finally belong. In the process, she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron—women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss, through war and the insidious trauma of boarding schools.
Cumulative pages: 6,668
158labfs39
>157 WelshBookworm: That sounds interesting, Laurel. I'll keep an eye out for it.
159WelshBookworm
#22 The Cloisters
3 green stars.
I wanted to like this a lot more, given that I am keenly interested in all things medieval, and I have a ridiculous number of Tarot decks. I do not believe that tarot or any other form of divination can predict the future. I suppose the idea of fate was meant to create an atmosphere of foreboding, but on the whole I found the gothic aspects of this novel to be very tame. I got only a vague impression of the Cloisters and the gardens although there were some very atmospheric scenes. The plot was very slow to unfold. And I wasn't really moved by the reveal at the end. Bottom line: these are all very flawed characters, and the main interest is in their complex relationships. Although this left me underwhelmed, I would read more from this author, so 3 green stars.
Description: When Ann Stilwell arrives in New York City, she expects to spend her summer working as a curatorial associate at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Instead, she finds herself assigned to The Cloisters, a gothic museum and garden renowned for its medieval art collection and its group of enigmatic researchers studying the history of divination. Desperate to escape her painful past, Ann is happy to indulge the researchers’ more outlandish theories about the history of fortune telling. But what begins as academic curiosity quickly turns into obsession when she discovers a hidden 15th-century deck of tarot cards that might hold the key to predicting the future. When the dangerous game of power, seduction, and ambition at The Cloisters turns deadly, Ann becomes locked in a race for answers as the line between the arcane and the modern blurs.
Cumulative pages: 6,980
3 green stars.
I wanted to like this a lot more, given that I am keenly interested in all things medieval, and I have a ridiculous number of Tarot decks. I do not believe that tarot or any other form of divination can predict the future. I suppose the idea of fate was meant to create an atmosphere of foreboding, but on the whole I found the gothic aspects of this novel to be very tame. I got only a vague impression of the Cloisters and the gardens although there were some very atmospheric scenes. The plot was very slow to unfold. And I wasn't really moved by the reveal at the end. Bottom line: these are all very flawed characters, and the main interest is in their complex relationships. Although this left me underwhelmed, I would read more from this author, so 3 green stars.
Description: When Ann Stilwell arrives in New York City, she expects to spend her summer working as a curatorial associate at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Instead, she finds herself assigned to The Cloisters, a gothic museum and garden renowned for its medieval art collection and its group of enigmatic researchers studying the history of divination. Desperate to escape her painful past, Ann is happy to indulge the researchers’ more outlandish theories about the history of fortune telling. But what begins as academic curiosity quickly turns into obsession when she discovers a hidden 15th-century deck of tarot cards that might hold the key to predicting the future. When the dangerous game of power, seduction, and ambition at The Cloisters turns deadly, Ann becomes locked in a race for answers as the line between the arcane and the modern blurs.
Cumulative pages: 6,980
160rocketjk
>159 WelshBookworm: Jeepers! My wife and I and our two visitors from California visited the Cloisters last weekend! We got out OK, though. No murders that I know of. Sorry you didn't like the book better. The museum in real life is very cool, though. I hadn't been there since I was a kid. My mother used to love it. In the old days they used to pipe in Gregorian chant. They don't do that anymore, or at least there weren't doing it last Saturday.
161WelshBookworm
>160 rocketjk: That sounds very cool! Next time I get to NYC I'll have to try and go there.
162lisapeet
>159 WelshBookworm: I've heard a few disappointed reviews of this, but I'll probably at least give it a shot, since the Cloisters that Jerry mentioned are (is?) the museum closest to me, and I go there a lot. It's one of those reliably cool places that you bring out of town friends but never get sick of going yourself.
163rocketjk
>162 lisapeet: "It's one of those reliably cool places that you bring out of town friends but never get sick of going yourself."
Right! Also, it's surrounded by beautiful garden trails to walk, and even during the seasons when the gardens aren't in bloom, there are lovely trails along heights that let you look down at, and across, the Hudson River. Quite the view.
Right! Also, it's surrounded by beautiful garden trails to walk, and even during the seasons when the gardens aren't in bloom, there are lovely trails along heights that let you look down at, and across, the Hudson River. Quite the view.
164WelshBookworm
#23 To Shield the Queen
4.5 blue stars rounded up
This reminds me so much of the kind of books I loved as a teenager - history and mystery with just a little bit of romance. The author builds her plot around the well-known but never solved death of Amy Robsart, Lady Dudley. Here is all the court intrigue, the constant plots surrounding Elizabeth and Mary Stewart, and the religious turmoil between Catholic and Protestant. Ursula Blanchard is recently widowed with a young daughter. Her family circumstances have left her quite impoverished when she is sent to be a lady-in-waiting to the young Queen Elizabeth. Then Elizabeth sends Ursula to attend Lady Dudley and to use her powers of observation to find out if there is any truth in the rumors that someone wishes her dead, perhaps even her own husband. In the wake of Amy's death, Ursula has sent her servant with an urgent message to the court, but he is set upon and killed. From that point on, Ursula is determined to find out who killed him and bring them to justice. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. Ursula is a strong and independent woman, but not out of character for the time period. She is fiercely loyal to her Queen and willing to sacrifice her own happiness to ensure her safety. I can't wait to read more of what promises to be a delightful series.
Description: Rumor has linked Queen Elizabeth I to her Master of Horse, Robin Dudley. And what rumors, at that: but for his ailing wife, Amy, Dudley would wed her majesty, the gossipmongers are whispering. To quell idle tongues, Elizabeth dispatches Ursula Blanchard to tend to the sick woman's needs. But not even Ursula can prevent the "accident" that takes Amy's life. Did she fall or was she pushed? Was Ursula a pawn of Dudley and the Queen? Suddenly Ursula finds herself at the center of the scandal, trying to protect Elizabeth as she loses her heart to a Frenchman who may be flirting with sedition against her Queen. She can trust no one, neither her lover nor her monarch, as she sets out to find the truth in a glittering court that conceals a wellspring of blood and lies.
Cumulative pages: 7,316
4.5 blue stars rounded up
This reminds me so much of the kind of books I loved as a teenager - history and mystery with just a little bit of romance. The author builds her plot around the well-known but never solved death of Amy Robsart, Lady Dudley. Here is all the court intrigue, the constant plots surrounding Elizabeth and Mary Stewart, and the religious turmoil between Catholic and Protestant. Ursula Blanchard is recently widowed with a young daughter. Her family circumstances have left her quite impoverished when she is sent to be a lady-in-waiting to the young Queen Elizabeth. Then Elizabeth sends Ursula to attend Lady Dudley and to use her powers of observation to find out if there is any truth in the rumors that someone wishes her dead, perhaps even her own husband. In the wake of Amy's death, Ursula has sent her servant with an urgent message to the court, but he is set upon and killed. From that point on, Ursula is determined to find out who killed him and bring them to justice. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way. Ursula is a strong and independent woman, but not out of character for the time period. She is fiercely loyal to her Queen and willing to sacrifice her own happiness to ensure her safety. I can't wait to read more of what promises to be a delightful series.
Description: Rumor has linked Queen Elizabeth I to her Master of Horse, Robin Dudley. And what rumors, at that: but for his ailing wife, Amy, Dudley would wed her majesty, the gossipmongers are whispering. To quell idle tongues, Elizabeth dispatches Ursula Blanchard to tend to the sick woman's needs. But not even Ursula can prevent the "accident" that takes Amy's life. Did she fall or was she pushed? Was Ursula a pawn of Dudley and the Queen? Suddenly Ursula finds herself at the center of the scandal, trying to protect Elizabeth as she loses her heart to a Frenchman who may be flirting with sedition against her Queen. She can trust no one, neither her lover nor her monarch, as she sets out to find the truth in a glittering court that conceals a wellspring of blood and lies.
Cumulative pages: 7,316
165WelshBookworm
#24 The Enchanted April
3.5 pink stars
Published in 1922, this Golden Oldie is quite charming. Four very different women find themselves unlikely companions renting a beautiful Italian castle for a month. They each have their own reasons for wanting to escape their lives. One by one, each of the women is subtly affected by the magic of their surroundings (or is it the kind and generous nature of Lottie rubbing off on everyone...?) Hearts and minds are being changed, and it isn't just the women, after the two married women invite their husbands and the owner of the castle shows up. Unrealistic, but did I say charming? The gentle humor made me laugh out loud a few times... I am looking forward to watching the movie.
Description: Beguiling, witty, and gently comedic, The Enchanted April tells the tale of four very different women who escape dreary London for an Italian castle in Portofino, shortly after World War I. Elizabeth von Arnim’s ageless novel compellingly responds to the eternal question of how to achieve happiness in life. An immediate best seller upon its first publication, the story of unlikely female friendship, newfound empowerment, rekindled love, and unexpected romance has been adapted for stage and screen, including a 1991 Oscar-nominated film, and a Tony-nominated play in 2003.
Cumulative pages: 7,604
3.5 pink stars
Published in 1922, this Golden Oldie is quite charming. Four very different women find themselves unlikely companions renting a beautiful Italian castle for a month. They each have their own reasons for wanting to escape their lives. One by one, each of the women is subtly affected by the magic of their surroundings (or is it the kind and generous nature of Lottie rubbing off on everyone...?) Hearts and minds are being changed, and it isn't just the women, after the two married women invite their husbands and the owner of the castle shows up. Unrealistic, but did I say charming? The gentle humor made me laugh out loud a few times... I am looking forward to watching the movie.
Description: Beguiling, witty, and gently comedic, The Enchanted April tells the tale of four very different women who escape dreary London for an Italian castle in Portofino, shortly after World War I. Elizabeth von Arnim’s ageless novel compellingly responds to the eternal question of how to achieve happiness in life. An immediate best seller upon its first publication, the story of unlikely female friendship, newfound empowerment, rekindled love, and unexpected romance has been adapted for stage and screen, including a 1991 Oscar-nominated film, and a Tony-nominated play in 2003.
Cumulative pages: 7,604
166WelshBookworm
May plans:
All those car trips in April have put me 5 books ahead of schedule! And yet I still feel as though I am not reading as much as I would like. Probably that's because I still have quite a few "in progress" that I haven't been making progress on. And now - gardening weather is almost here! So all bets are off.
Normally, my top reading priority is the two book club books of the month, but this month I have already read both of them, so that frees up some time to get other things read.
Next up, are the various "challenges:" A Good Yarn, cover color challenge and the genre challenge. A Good Yarn is still on the letter P for locations and I am interested in quite a few titles. Would like to read 2, and maybe even squeeze in a third... Choices are
READ Anne of Green Gables (Prince Edward Island)
READ Bloody Jack (a pirate ship) - not really set on a pirate ship after all....
Paris (Paris, of course)
The Ice Swan (Paris) already in progress...
The Gilded Chamber: A Novel of Queen Esther (Persia)
The Mozart Code (Prague)
READ The House with the Golden Door (Pompeii)
The cover color for May is ruby red or sapphire blue. Some of these contain both...
Bloodline
Blood & Roses: The Paston Family and the Wars of the Roses (also fits the genre for May)
The King's Witch
Genre choice for May is Non-fiction. This gives me a chance to finish up a couple of books in progress. Don't need to add any...
READ The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence
Then there is the stuff from previous months that I haven't gotten to yet, but still want to read.
Tomb for an Eagle (O is for Orkney)
Behind Closed Doors (yearly focus on B titles)
READ The Secret Garden (garden theme and maybe a green cover)
The Beacon at Alexandria (another B title)
The Summer Queen (a 2023 leftover and a green cover, also historical fiction)
Queen By Right (green cover and historical fiction)
READ Her Highness' First Murder (reread before the next book...)
Poison, Your Grace (next in series, pewter cover and historical fiction)
And finally, I really, really want to resume and finish these:
READ Moby-Dick or, The Whale and
READ Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
Really, can we just stop time, so I can read ALL of these before June presents new titles I have to read?
167WelshBookworm
May Log
Finished:
The Doublet Affair - finished May 5
The Unquiet Bones - finished May 9
The Secret Garden - finished May 12
Bloody Jack - finished May 18
Anne of Green Gables - finished May 26
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence - started on Mar. 6
Her Highness' First Murder - reread, started on May 10
Murder in a Scottish Garden - audiobook, started May 29
Next up:
Still Life
A Faraway Island - checked out on Libby
Poison, Your Grace - April cover color challenge
Stormbird (reread)
Margaret of Anjou (reread)
Bloodline - May cover challenge
The Quarry Girls - for Daytimers Book Club
Possibly Pending:
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
New Acquisitions:
Added to Audible because they were free.... not sure I should list these because they aren't actually "owned" and can expire at any time...
Anne of Green Gables (narrated by Rachel McAdams)
Season of the Raven
Season of the Fox
Lost Innocents
The Final Toll
Caught Red-Handed
A Swarming of Bees
Queen of a Distant Hive
The Silver Pigs
Virgins
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stormbird
Margaret of Anjou (aka Trinity)
Bloodline
Ravenspur: Rise of the Tudors
The Assyrian
--------------------------------------
The Fire in the Flint - Kindle
A Cruel Courtship - Kindle
The Half-Drowned King - Kindle
The Sea Queen - Kindle
The Golden Wolf - Kindle
The White Hare - Chirp sale
Pillars of Light - Chirp sale
The Samurai's Garden - Chirp sale
Island of Ghosts - Kindle purchase
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
Tomb for an Eagle - owned on Kindle, A Good Yarn - O is for Orkney
The Wild Inside- I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
Finished:
The Doublet Affair - finished May 5
The Unquiet Bones - finished May 9
The Secret Garden - finished May 12
Bloody Jack - finished May 18
Anne of Green Gables - finished May 26
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence - started on Mar. 6
Her Highness' First Murder - reread, started on May 10
Murder in a Scottish Garden - audiobook, started May 29
Next up:
Still Life
A Faraway Island - checked out on Libby
Poison, Your Grace - April cover color challenge
Stormbird (reread)
Margaret of Anjou (reread)
Bloodline - May cover challenge
The Quarry Girls - for Daytimers Book Club
Possibly Pending:
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
New Acquisitions:
Added to Audible because they were free.... not sure I should list these because they aren't actually "owned" and can expire at any time...
Anne of Green Gables (narrated by Rachel McAdams)
Season of the Raven
Season of the Fox
Lost Innocents
The Final Toll
Caught Red-Handed
A Swarming of Bees
Queen of a Distant Hive
The Silver Pigs
Virgins
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stormbird
Margaret of Anjou (aka Trinity)
Bloodline
Ravenspur: Rise of the Tudors
The Assyrian
--------------------------------------
The Fire in the Flint - Kindle
A Cruel Courtship - Kindle
The Half-Drowned King - Kindle
The Sea Queen - Kindle
The Golden Wolf - Kindle
The White Hare - Chirp sale
Pillars of Light - Chirp sale
The Samurai's Garden - Chirp sale
Island of Ghosts - Kindle purchase
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
Tomb for an Eagle - owned on Kindle, A Good Yarn - O is for Orkney
The Wild Inside- I've started it a couple of times, and if I don't read it soon, I never will.
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
168labfs39
So many good plans, but like you, I'm all bets are off when gardening season starts. If you figure out how to stop time, can you stop it for me too?
I have so many good memories of Anne of Green Gables, both from my own childhood and from when my daughter was young. I recently started a Swedish series that has been likened to Anne, although it's more melancholy. The first book is A Faraway Island. It's about two Jewish sisters who are sent to Sweden in 1939 to escape the growing threat in Austria. They are separated into two different households in the same village, and the eldest, who is the protagonist, is settled with an older couple. The woman appears cold but is actually sympathetic, and the man, who is often away on a fishing boat, spoils her. There are school troubles, friend troubles, etc. You can see the parallels.
I have so many good memories of Anne of Green Gables, both from my own childhood and from when my daughter was young. I recently started a Swedish series that has been likened to Anne, although it's more melancholy. The first book is A Faraway Island. It's about two Jewish sisters who are sent to Sweden in 1939 to escape the growing threat in Austria. They are separated into two different households in the same village, and the eldest, who is the protagonist, is settled with an older couple. The woman appears cold but is actually sympathetic, and the man, who is often away on a fishing boat, spoils her. There are school troubles, friend troubles, etc. You can see the parallels.
169WelshBookworm
#25 The Doublet Affair
4 red stars
Although Ursula is only 26, the narrator of this book put me in mind of Murder She Wrote's Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). I had to repeatedly remind myself that this is a very young Angela Lansbury, and with dark hair, not red. Unfortunately, Ursula's spying activities are not conducive to being reconciled with her estranged husband, who must remain in France because of his possibly traitorous involvement in plots against Queen Elizabeth. We haven't seen much of Ursula's 6-year old daughter yet. Will we see more of her in future installments? Ursula's servants, Fran Dale and Roger Brockley, have put their lives on the line more than once. And Ursula has not always been forthcoming about the danger she is putting them in. And yet they remain loyal to her.
Another solid entry in this historical mystery series. I will keep reading them.
Description: Sortie of Ursula's old acquaintances may be plotting to overthrow Elizabeth in favor of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the re-establishment of the Catholic faith. Ardent, some would say fanatical, believers will stop at nothing -- smuggling, counterfeiting, civil war, perhaps murder -- to further their cause. One of Elizabeth's spies is already dead and the clues to his death point in a troubling direction. Most disturbing to Ursula is whether her old friends Ann and Leonard Mason could be mixed up in a treasonous plot against the Queen. There have been rumors that all is not as it should be with the Masons. Secretary of state Sir William Cecil needs his own spy in the Mason home and Ursula is the obvious choice, She knows the family, she can justify her visit by helping to care for the Masons' five children, and she can perhaps use her newly acquired skill at lockpicking to uncover some surprising truths. Torn between her devotion to Elizabeth, still a young woman like herself, and her longing to be reunited with her exiled Catholic husband, Matthew, in France, Ursula makes a difficult bargain that balances personal happiness against duty to Queen and country. Her journey takes her into dangerous territory eventually into the underground cells of the Tower of London itself Whatever happens, she will never again be quite as trusting or quite as secure.
Cumulative pages: 7,972
4 red stars
Although Ursula is only 26, the narrator of this book put me in mind of Murder She Wrote's Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). I had to repeatedly remind myself that this is a very young Angela Lansbury, and with dark hair, not red. Unfortunately, Ursula's spying activities are not conducive to being reconciled with her estranged husband, who must remain in France because of his possibly traitorous involvement in plots against Queen Elizabeth. We haven't seen much of Ursula's 6-year old daughter yet. Will we see more of her in future installments? Ursula's servants, Fran Dale and Roger Brockley, have put their lives on the line more than once. And Ursula has not always been forthcoming about the danger she is putting them in. And yet they remain loyal to her.
Another solid entry in this historical mystery series. I will keep reading them.
Description: Sortie of Ursula's old acquaintances may be plotting to overthrow Elizabeth in favor of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the re-establishment of the Catholic faith. Ardent, some would say fanatical, believers will stop at nothing -- smuggling, counterfeiting, civil war, perhaps murder -- to further their cause. One of Elizabeth's spies is already dead and the clues to his death point in a troubling direction. Most disturbing to Ursula is whether her old friends Ann and Leonard Mason could be mixed up in a treasonous plot against the Queen. There have been rumors that all is not as it should be with the Masons. Secretary of state Sir William Cecil needs his own spy in the Mason home and Ursula is the obvious choice, She knows the family, she can justify her visit by helping to care for the Masons' five children, and she can perhaps use her newly acquired skill at lockpicking to uncover some surprising truths. Torn between her devotion to Elizabeth, still a young woman like herself, and her longing to be reunited with her exiled Catholic husband, Matthew, in France, Ursula makes a difficult bargain that balances personal happiness against duty to Queen and country. Her journey takes her into dangerous territory eventually into the underground cells of the Tower of London itself Whatever happens, she will never again be quite as trusting or quite as secure.
Cumulative pages: 7,972
170WelshBookworm
#26 The Unquiet Bones
3.5 pink stars, rounded up
Hugh de Singleton, for all his dullness and religious and scholarly bent, probably should have become a monk. Instead he became a surgeon. I quite liked him. And I enjoyed the historical details of dress, and food, and medicine. He is a bit of a philosopher and acquainted with John Wycliff, who is a character in these novels. With a bit of luck, he attracts the attention of a local lord and is made his bailiff. Do not expect a fast-paced thriller. This is decidedly cozy, and with a Christian focus, but not annoyingly so. Hugh needs a wife, someone to liven him up a bit, so maybe we will have a bit of romance added in some future installment?
Description: Hugh of Singleton, fourth son of a minor knight, has been educated as a clerk, usually a prelude to taking holy orders. However, feeling no certain calling despite a lively faith, he turns to the profession of surgeon, training in Paris and then hanging out his sign in Oxford. A local lord asks him to track the killer of a young woman whose bones have been found in the castle cesspit. She is identified as the impetuous missing daughter of a local blacksmith, and her young man, whom she had provoked very publicly, is in due course arrested and sentenced at the Oxford assizes. From there the tale unfolds, with graphic medical procedures, droll medieval wit, misdirection, ambition, romantic distractions, and a consistent underlying Christian compassion.
Cumulative pages: 8,224
3.5 pink stars, rounded up
Hugh de Singleton, for all his dullness and religious and scholarly bent, probably should have become a monk. Instead he became a surgeon. I quite liked him. And I enjoyed the historical details of dress, and food, and medicine. He is a bit of a philosopher and acquainted with John Wycliff, who is a character in these novels. With a bit of luck, he attracts the attention of a local lord and is made his bailiff. Do not expect a fast-paced thriller. This is decidedly cozy, and with a Christian focus, but not annoyingly so. Hugh needs a wife, someone to liven him up a bit, so maybe we will have a bit of romance added in some future installment?
Description: Hugh of Singleton, fourth son of a minor knight, has been educated as a clerk, usually a prelude to taking holy orders. However, feeling no certain calling despite a lively faith, he turns to the profession of surgeon, training in Paris and then hanging out his sign in Oxford. A local lord asks him to track the killer of a young woman whose bones have been found in the castle cesspit. She is identified as the impetuous missing daughter of a local blacksmith, and her young man, whom she had provoked very publicly, is in due course arrested and sentenced at the Oxford assizes. From there the tale unfolds, with graphic medical procedures, droll medieval wit, misdirection, ambition, romantic distractions, and a consistent underlying Christian compassion.
Cumulative pages: 8,224
171kjuliff
>165 WelshBookworm: Thank you for this review. I happened upon the film version earlier this week and it’s quite delightful, as is the book.
172WelshBookworm
#27 The Secret Garden
5 blue stars
A timeless classic and I really don't need to say anything. I probably read this as a child, and have seen it as a musical. I did not remember how much the characters refer to "magic" as an explanation of the restorative powers of nature. As an avid gardener myself, there is a certain amount of magic involved in nurturing plants and watching the wonders of nature unfold. I listened to this as the "second half" of an audiobook that included Jane Eyre, narrated by Alison Larkin. She renders the Yorkshire dialect very ably.
“As an orphan myself, these two great novels affected me deeply as a child. Narrating them as an adult was a privilege and showed me that the courage it takes for an unwanted girl to forge her own path in the world is the same today as it was when these two masterpieces were written...” (Alison Larkin)
Description: When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a terrible illness, she is thrust into a new life with her reclusive uncle in the confines of the enigmatic Misselthwaite Manor. Consumed by bitterness and loneliness, Mary’s life is about to change once more when she stumbles upon a hidden key and a long-forgotten door—a gateway to a secret garden full of mystery and splendor, where time stands still. As Mary unravels the mysteries of the secret garden's neglected beauty, she embarks on a new adventure with her spirited maid and loyal companion Martha, her kind-hearted brother Dickon, and Colin, Mary’s fragile cousin, whose illness has confined him in his chambers for years. Soon, Mary starts to blossom through the healing power of nature, helping Colin rediscover the beauty of life.
Cumulative pages: 8,555
5 blue stars
A timeless classic and I really don't need to say anything. I probably read this as a child, and have seen it as a musical. I did not remember how much the characters refer to "magic" as an explanation of the restorative powers of nature. As an avid gardener myself, there is a certain amount of magic involved in nurturing plants and watching the wonders of nature unfold. I listened to this as the "second half" of an audiobook that included Jane Eyre, narrated by Alison Larkin. She renders the Yorkshire dialect very ably.
“As an orphan myself, these two great novels affected me deeply as a child. Narrating them as an adult was a privilege and showed me that the courage it takes for an unwanted girl to forge her own path in the world is the same today as it was when these two masterpieces were written...” (Alison Larkin)
Description: When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a terrible illness, she is thrust into a new life with her reclusive uncle in the confines of the enigmatic Misselthwaite Manor. Consumed by bitterness and loneliness, Mary’s life is about to change once more when she stumbles upon a hidden key and a long-forgotten door—a gateway to a secret garden full of mystery and splendor, where time stands still. As Mary unravels the mysteries of the secret garden's neglected beauty, she embarks on a new adventure with her spirited maid and loyal companion Martha, her kind-hearted brother Dickon, and Colin, Mary’s fragile cousin, whose illness has confined him in his chambers for years. Soon, Mary starts to blossom through the healing power of nature, helping Colin rediscover the beauty of life.
Cumulative pages: 8,555
173dicentra8
>172 WelshBookworm: Currently reading The Secret Garden and enjoying it (just started it yesterday). Somehow it wasn't part of my childhood but glad I'm reading it now.
174WelshBookworm
I watched the 1975 BBC version of The Secret Garden last night. Very well done I thought. Loved the house and the gardens and the animals....the robin was adorable. Dickon was pretty cute too. ;-)
175WelshBookworm
Speaking of gardens... it is that time of year we can begin planting in Minnesota. I went to a huge plant sale at the State Fair Grounds on Saturday and spent an insane amount of money. Mostly shrubs and perennials, so it's an investment. I only planted a few shrubs last summer. I needed to see what came up that was already here before I started serious planning. Now I'm trying to catch up with mowing - my little house has quite a large yard. Then I need to put together the four raised garden beds that I bought and fill them with dirt. I did buy some vegetables at the Fair Grounds - tomatoes, eggplants, peppers mostly. Some chard, and kale, and beets. It remains to be seen if this will cut into my reading, but I'm 5 books ahead in my annual goal so I'm not too worried.
176labfs39
>175 WelshBookworm: Wow! Ambitious, Laurel. You'll have to post picture later in the summer. We had two feet of snow in early April which set our growing season back a bit. My tulips and daffodils are finally blooming, but it's still too cold to plant. I should get some things started indoors, but I haven't yet.
178WelshBookworm
>177 Ann_R: Thank you, Lisa.
179WelshBookworm
#28 Bloody Jack
3.5 pink stars
Given the title, I really expected this to be more about pirates. Still, it is a rollicking good adventure story. The dialect may give some readers problems, but as an audiobook it shines. Katherine Kellgren does a marvellous job as narrator. Definitely aimed at a teenaged market, but since there is a fair amount of racy/romantic and violent content I would recommend this for older teens. Mary/Jacky is plucky, resourceful, imaginative (sometimes it is hard to tell if things are actually happening, or if it is her imagination), and pretty naive. I probably would have loved this at 15, but at 70 I'm not going out of my way to continue the series.
Description: Life as a ship's boy aboard HMS Dolphin is a dream come true for Jacky Faber. Gone are the days of scavenging for food and fighting for survival on the streets of 18th-century London. Instead, Jacky is becoming a skilled and respected sailor as the crew pursues pirates on the high seas. There's only one problem: Jacky is a girl. And she will have to use every bit of her spirit, wit, and courage to keep the crew from discovering her secret. This could be the adventure of her life...if only she doesn't get caught.
Audiobook narrated by Katherine Kellgren.
Cumulative pages: 8,859
3.5 pink stars
Given the title, I really expected this to be more about pirates. Still, it is a rollicking good adventure story. The dialect may give some readers problems, but as an audiobook it shines. Katherine Kellgren does a marvellous job as narrator. Definitely aimed at a teenaged market, but since there is a fair amount of racy/romantic and violent content I would recommend this for older teens. Mary/Jacky is plucky, resourceful, imaginative (sometimes it is hard to tell if things are actually happening, or if it is her imagination), and pretty naive. I probably would have loved this at 15, but at 70 I'm not going out of my way to continue the series.
Description: Life as a ship's boy aboard HMS Dolphin is a dream come true for Jacky Faber. Gone are the days of scavenging for food and fighting for survival on the streets of 18th-century London. Instead, Jacky is becoming a skilled and respected sailor as the crew pursues pirates on the high seas. There's only one problem: Jacky is a girl. And she will have to use every bit of her spirit, wit, and courage to keep the crew from discovering her secret. This could be the adventure of her life...if only she doesn't get caught.
Audiobook narrated by Katherine Kellgren.
Cumulative pages: 8,859
180WelshBookworm
May update:
How can I be 5 books ahead, and feel like I am behind? I think it is because I have made no progress on those titles that had gotten paused, AND I am champing at the bit to start planning for June, when I have barely started any of my planned May books!
Today starts an 18-day "vacation" with lots of gardening plans. But today is also gray and windy so I'm not wanting to be outdoors. An online friend of mine, who happens to be a channeler and does past-life stuff, responded to my gardening plans by casually saying "well you know how it is when you were once a gardener at the hanging gardens of Babylon..."
Of course, that sent me right to Google to "research" this. One theory suggests that the hanging gardens were actually in Nineveh, not Babylon. This makes sense to me. I have a book in my lists above called
The Assyrian. Now whether or not you believe in past lives, it is as good a reason as any other to move a book up on my Want-to-Read list, and it is free on Audible. It is about the son of Sennacherib, the creator of the famed palace and gardens in Nineveh... close enough. Looking for it on Libby it suggested a couple of other books to me:
Song of Redemption which is about King Hezekiah and his daughter - Hezekiah was the king of Judah during the reign of Sennacherib. And now I see that that is the second of a series so I must read the 1st book first...
Gods and Kings which I already own on Kindle. Oh good, it is also about Hezekiah...
The prophet Isaiah is also from that time period, so I put a hold on
Isaiah's Daughter.
Since it seems I am going down a rabbit hole here, anyone have any other suggestions?
How can I be 5 books ahead, and feel like I am behind? I think it is because I have made no progress on those titles that had gotten paused, AND I am champing at the bit to start planning for June, when I have barely started any of my planned May books!
Today starts an 18-day "vacation" with lots of gardening plans. But today is also gray and windy so I'm not wanting to be outdoors. An online friend of mine, who happens to be a channeler and does past-life stuff, responded to my gardening plans by casually saying "well you know how it is when you were once a gardener at the hanging gardens of Babylon..."
Of course, that sent me right to Google to "research" this. One theory suggests that the hanging gardens were actually in Nineveh, not Babylon. This makes sense to me. I have a book in my lists above called
The Assyrian. Now whether or not you believe in past lives, it is as good a reason as any other to move a book up on my Want-to-Read list, and it is free on Audible. It is about the son of Sennacherib, the creator of the famed palace and gardens in Nineveh... close enough. Looking for it on Libby it suggested a couple of other books to me:
Song of Redemption which is about King Hezekiah and his daughter - Hezekiah was the king of Judah during the reign of Sennacherib. And now I see that that is the second of a series so I must read the 1st book first...
Gods and Kings which I already own on Kindle. Oh good, it is also about Hezekiah...
The prophet Isaiah is also from that time period, so I put a hold on
Isaiah's Daughter.
Since it seems I am going down a rabbit hole here, anyone have any other suggestions?
181labfs39
>180 WelshBookworm: I don't have any suggestions, but I'm interested in what you find.
182WelshBookworm
#29 Anne of Green Gables
5 blue stars
A children's classic. I've read this before, seen the movies, seen the TV show, and seen it as a play. Still delightful.
Description: Eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley has just arrived at Green Gables, and already her guardians want to send her back. First, she’s not the boy the Cuthberts expected. Second, she talks too much. And even with her generous spirit, the redhead’s a trouble magnet. She gets the neighbor drunk and nearly poisons the pastor! Still, despite a rocky start, the fiery Anne wins over her guardians and her new community. She enjoys life at Green Gables, excels in school, and earns a coveted scholarship. But when tragedy hits, Anne must choose between her dreams and the only home she’s ever known. In this beloved coming-of-age story, Lucy Maud Montgomery drew from her own experiences growing up in Canada during the nineteenth century to introduce generations of readers to one of literature’s most original and inspiring characters.
Cumulative pages: 9,195
5 blue stars
A children's classic. I've read this before, seen the movies, seen the TV show, and seen it as a play. Still delightful.
Description: Eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley has just arrived at Green Gables, and already her guardians want to send her back. First, she’s not the boy the Cuthberts expected. Second, she talks too much. And even with her generous spirit, the redhead’s a trouble magnet. She gets the neighbor drunk and nearly poisons the pastor! Still, despite a rocky start, the fiery Anne wins over her guardians and her new community. She enjoys life at Green Gables, excels in school, and earns a coveted scholarship. But when tragedy hits, Anne must choose between her dreams and the only home she’s ever known. In this beloved coming-of-age story, Lucy Maud Montgomery drew from her own experiences growing up in Canada during the nineteenth century to introduce generations of readers to one of literature’s most original and inspiring characters.
Cumulative pages: 9,195
183labfs39
>182 WelshBookworm: My daughter was crazy about Anne, as well as the Megan Follows movies, so we took her to Prince Edward Island when she was five. We saw a wonderful production there, and because there were a lot of Mennonites in the audience, they gave it a spin in that direction which was an interesting take.
184WelshBookworm
JUNE Plans:
I shouldn't be here, procrastinating. I got these raised garden beds put together last week, and dirt is being delivered tomorrow. I need to be outside, lining them with cardboard and shredded paper and sticks and grass clippings, etc. Some of the $500 worth of plants that I bought mid-May have already died - the small ones that don't stay watered long enough. After I get the dirt and get it shoveled into the beds, I will be busy planting. Not all of the plants I have will even go in them - just the vegetables... So I have no excuse to not be out there, except that it's been raining off and on for weeks, and I had to work yesterday and other commitments, and now I am just being lazy.
I have all this coming week off, and later in the week I will be going to Rapid City to see my mom, who is improving by leaps and bounds. She MAY be going back to her assisted living apartment in a couple of weeks. By the way, her birthday was yesterday. Happy 94 years young, Mom! My sisters and I had a conference call with her yesterday, and all sang Happy Birthday. She sounds so much more like her old self. Last time I was there, she was still in the hospital. We hope she will be done with rehab soon, because as of last Sunday, health insurance has declined to cover her, because she "can walk." That doesn't mean she is stable enough yet to get around on her own. We are now on the 3rd level of appeals...
I've managed to read 5 books in May, but I still feel terribly behind. I have several audiobooks ready to go for the trip, but won't get to them all...
READ Still Life - Q is for Quebec, for A Good Yarn
READ The Bertie Project - a B title (annual goal), and a ruby/sapphire book cover for the May challenge
Also want to read
Bloodline for the same cover challenge, but it has been 8 years since I read that series, so I'm going to reread
Stormbird and
Margaret of Anjou
For later in the month, I have
READ The Quarry Girls - for Daytimers Book Club, also Q is for quarry for A Good Yarn and I believe it is also a thriller which is the June genre challenge.
If I should actually get through all those audiobooks in June, I have
Behind Closed Doors from Audible, which has a lavender cover (June cover challenge) and
The Assyrian which is on my ancient history theme list and mentioned in my May update (above).
I have plenty of unfinished print books to finish, so I won't reiterate those, but I may add
Her Royal Spyness which has a lavender cover, and I couldn't locate a free audiobook version.
And now it's raining again...
I shouldn't be here, procrastinating. I got these raised garden beds put together last week, and dirt is being delivered tomorrow. I need to be outside, lining them with cardboard and shredded paper and sticks and grass clippings, etc. Some of the $500 worth of plants that I bought mid-May have already died - the small ones that don't stay watered long enough. After I get the dirt and get it shoveled into the beds, I will be busy planting. Not all of the plants I have will even go in them - just the vegetables... So I have no excuse to not be out there, except that it's been raining off and on for weeks, and I had to work yesterday and other commitments, and now I am just being lazy.
I have all this coming week off, and later in the week I will be going to Rapid City to see my mom, who is improving by leaps and bounds. She MAY be going back to her assisted living apartment in a couple of weeks. By the way, her birthday was yesterday. Happy 94 years young, Mom! My sisters and I had a conference call with her yesterday, and all sang Happy Birthday. She sounds so much more like her old self. Last time I was there, she was still in the hospital. We hope she will be done with rehab soon, because as of last Sunday, health insurance has declined to cover her, because she "can walk." That doesn't mean she is stable enough yet to get around on her own. We are now on the 3rd level of appeals...
I've managed to read 5 books in May, but I still feel terribly behind. I have several audiobooks ready to go for the trip, but won't get to them all...
READ Still Life - Q is for Quebec, for A Good Yarn
READ The Bertie Project - a B title (annual goal), and a ruby/sapphire book cover for the May challenge
Also want to read
Bloodline for the same cover challenge, but it has been 8 years since I read that series, so I'm going to reread
Stormbird and
Margaret of Anjou
For later in the month, I have
READ The Quarry Girls - for Daytimers Book Club, also Q is for quarry for A Good Yarn and I believe it is also a thriller which is the June genre challenge.
If I should actually get through all those audiobooks in June, I have
Behind Closed Doors from Audible, which has a lavender cover (June cover challenge) and
The Assyrian which is on my ancient history theme list and mentioned in my May update (above).
I have plenty of unfinished print books to finish, so I won't reiterate those, but I may add
Her Royal Spyness which has a lavender cover, and I couldn't locate a free audiobook version.
And now it's raining again...
185WelshBookworm
June Log
Finished:
Murder in a Scottish Garden - finished June 6
Still Life - finished June 13
The Bertie Project - finished June 19
The Quarry Girls - finished June 22 (gotta love road trips!)
The Wild Inside - finished June 29
Her Highness' First Murder - finished June 30
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
Next up:
The House With the Golden Door - hold came available on Libby June 23
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
The Seven Wonders - checked out on Libby
Murder, Plain and Simple - checked out on Libby
Possibly Pending:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
New Acquisitions:
The Curse of the Flores Women - Amazon First Reads selection
The House of Closed Doors - free Kindle
I, Richard Plantagenet - free Kindle
Getting the Most Out of RootsMagic 10 - no touchstone yet... Seems like I just got RootsMagic 9 a few months ago, but some of the new features include health updates, and DNA tracking, so I had to upgrade....
People of the Wolf - Audible credit
The Forgotten Garden - Audible credit
The Maid - Chirp audiobooks
The Lady Flirts With Death - Kindle purchase
Her Majesty's Mischief - Kindle purchase
Still might read:
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
Finished:
Murder in a Scottish Garden - finished June 6
Still Life - finished June 13
The Bertie Project - finished June 19
The Quarry Girls - finished June 22 (gotta love road trips!)
The Wild Inside - finished June 29
Her Highness' First Murder - finished June 30
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started Feb. 7
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
Next up:
The House With the Golden Door - hold came available on Libby June 23
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
The Seven Wonders - checked out on Libby
Murder, Plain and Simple - checked out on Libby
Possibly Pending:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
New Acquisitions:
The Curse of the Flores Women - Amazon First Reads selection
The House of Closed Doors - free Kindle
I, Richard Plantagenet - free Kindle
Getting the Most Out of RootsMagic 10 - no touchstone yet... Seems like I just got RootsMagic 9 a few months ago, but some of the new features include health updates, and DNA tracking, so I had to upgrade....
People of the Wolf - Audible credit
The Forgotten Garden - Audible credit
The Maid - Chirp audiobooks
The Lady Flirts With Death - Kindle purchase
Her Majesty's Mischief - Kindle purchase
Still might read:
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
186WelshBookworm
Gardening update:
Skip this if you aren't interested in my gardening adventures. But some of you have requested updates... So...
Everything takes much, much longer than planned. With so much rain last week, it took 3 or 4 days to get the garden beds put together. On Thursday, I went to the garden center to see about dirt. Alas, they did not deliver on weekends, and I thought Friday would be too soon, since I still had to get the bottoms lined with cardboard. So Monday it was. And they came late.
I only got about 10 bucketsfull of dirt into the beds before the mosquitoes began to devour me, and began to realize how much work that was going to be.
Yesterday (Tuesday) was a No Good, Very Bad Day. First of all, I had planned to go to Rapid City on Thursday to see my mom. Her 94th birthday was Sunday, and she was still going to be in rehab for a couple more weeks. Oh - and insurance has now declined any more coverage "because she can walk!" She isn't independent enough to go back to assisted living yet. Anyway, I was feeling completely overwhelmed by the whole project, and especially because I needed to have it DONE and get my poor plants planted. I bought them almost a month ago, and some of them have already died.
I am doing my best to keep everything watered until it can be planted.
So I decided I needed something bigger than a bucket, and went looking at wheelbarrows. It was all I could do not to cry asking for help at Menard's! Why do they put them 12 feet above the ground? I needed to try them out and see how they handled. An employee got down a very pretty little red wheelbarrow, but after loading it with 4 bags (4 cubic feet) of dirt, I could feel it wobbling from side to side, and that was quickly going to really strain my 70-year-old back. That left choosing something with at least two wheels. I might have gotten a cart (wagon) but the 4 cubic foot wagon looked too small, and the next size available was 10 cubic feet! I eventually left with the parts for a 6-cubic feet two-wheeled wheelbarrow. Forgive my language, but it was a bitch to put together. Parts wouldn't line up. I didn't have the right tools (a ratchet wrench) and made do with pliers. That took the rest of the afternoon, and then all hell broke loose and it started POURING. I did not get the dirt covered. And my sister reported that she got an email saying Mom had four new sores on her good foot. She had a partial amputation on one foot because of a sore that wouldn't heal, and the infection spread to the bones... Great. I had pretty much decided I needed to postpone my visit so I could finish filling and planting the raised beds before I go back to work next week. I called Mom and discussed it with her and she was fine with it, but my sister wasn't happy saying she had been taking comfort that I was going to be there...
Happily, today has been a much better day. Mom went to wound care and the report is that her toes look better already. There really is no need to rush out there. I can be more help when she is ready to go back "home" hopefully in a couple weeks. I got the wheelbarrow finished putting together, for better or worse. The two wheels was DEFINITELY a good idea. I could shovel dirt in from my pile, wheel it over to one of the beds, and shovel the dirt in. I could even tip it when I had emptied it enough, and it went faster than I expected. I have half filled two beds today.
I quit early because it was threatening to rain again. This time I got the dirt covered.
I might read a book at bedtime, or I might veg out with Star Trek: Enterprise - finishing up Season One on DVD. Then on to Season Two. (Not for the first time - these are my comfort binge DVDs...) I am aiming to watch ALL the series and movies in chronological order.
Skip this if you aren't interested in my gardening adventures. But some of you have requested updates... So...
Everything takes much, much longer than planned. With so much rain last week, it took 3 or 4 days to get the garden beds put together. On Thursday, I went to the garden center to see about dirt. Alas, they did not deliver on weekends, and I thought Friday would be too soon, since I still had to get the bottoms lined with cardboard. So Monday it was. And they came late.
I only got about 10 bucketsfull of dirt into the beds before the mosquitoes began to devour me, and began to realize how much work that was going to be.
Yesterday (Tuesday) was a No Good, Very Bad Day. First of all, I had planned to go to Rapid City on Thursday to see my mom. Her 94th birthday was Sunday, and she was still going to be in rehab for a couple more weeks. Oh - and insurance has now declined any more coverage "because she can walk!" She isn't independent enough to go back to assisted living yet. Anyway, I was feeling completely overwhelmed by the whole project, and especially because I needed to have it DONE and get my poor plants planted. I bought them almost a month ago, and some of them have already died.
I am doing my best to keep everything watered until it can be planted.
So I decided I needed something bigger than a bucket, and went looking at wheelbarrows. It was all I could do not to cry asking for help at Menard's! Why do they put them 12 feet above the ground? I needed to try them out and see how they handled. An employee got down a very pretty little red wheelbarrow, but after loading it with 4 bags (4 cubic feet) of dirt, I could feel it wobbling from side to side, and that was quickly going to really strain my 70-year-old back. That left choosing something with at least two wheels. I might have gotten a cart (wagon) but the 4 cubic foot wagon looked too small, and the next size available was 10 cubic feet! I eventually left with the parts for a 6-cubic feet two-wheeled wheelbarrow. Forgive my language, but it was a bitch to put together. Parts wouldn't line up. I didn't have the right tools (a ratchet wrench) and made do with pliers. That took the rest of the afternoon, and then all hell broke loose and it started POURING. I did not get the dirt covered. And my sister reported that she got an email saying Mom had four new sores on her good foot. She had a partial amputation on one foot because of a sore that wouldn't heal, and the infection spread to the bones... Great. I had pretty much decided I needed to postpone my visit so I could finish filling and planting the raised beds before I go back to work next week. I called Mom and discussed it with her and she was fine with it, but my sister wasn't happy saying she had been taking comfort that I was going to be there...
Happily, today has been a much better day. Mom went to wound care and the report is that her toes look better already. There really is no need to rush out there. I can be more help when she is ready to go back "home" hopefully in a couple weeks. I got the wheelbarrow finished putting together, for better or worse. The two wheels was DEFINITELY a good idea. I could shovel dirt in from my pile, wheel it over to one of the beds, and shovel the dirt in. I could even tip it when I had emptied it enough, and it went faster than I expected. I have half filled two beds today.
I quit early because it was threatening to rain again. This time I got the dirt covered.
I might read a book at bedtime, or I might veg out with Star Trek: Enterprise - finishing up Season One on DVD. Then on to Season Two. (Not for the first time - these are my comfort binge DVDs...) I am aiming to watch ALL the series and movies in chronological order.
187labfs39
What a time you've had! I can commiserate about the gardening. I had a load of mulch delivered yesterday, shoveled as much as I could then covered the rest because it was supposed to pour. Disabled part of my stone wall for rocks to cover the tarp, but of course it didn't rain. Unfortunately I didn't get a wheelbarrow with two wheels, and I regret it every time I use the darn thing. I've managed to get the flowers I had bought into the ground, but the tomato and pepper plants are waiting forlornly for me to revamp the soil in my raised bed. Tell me again why we love gardening so much, lol!
188WelshBookworm
>187 labfs39: Fresh tomatoes, of course! I'm pleasantly surprised not to be sore today. Yes, I can tell I've had some exercise, but nothing is protesting too loudly. Today is nice and cool and breezy - so perfect - and no rain in the forecast. Yes, get yourself a new wheelbarrow! You'll be glad you did.
I wonder if I could listen to audiobooks while I move dirt around?? I may try it. I've got the books lined up for my trip to Rapid City, but that is now postponed a couple of weeks! My bluetooth speaker has a strap that will go around my wrist, if that isn't too awkward...
I wonder if I could listen to audiobooks while I move dirt around?? I may try it. I've got the books lined up for my trip to Rapid City, but that is now postponed a couple of weeks! My bluetooth speaker has a strap that will go around my wrist, if that isn't too awkward...
189SassyLassy
>188 WelshBookworm: While I know some people listen to audiobooks as they garden, the people who want to help us all find connection with our surroundings advise against it.
There is so much more you notice (sounds, sights, weeds(!)), when you work in the garden, or do anything outdoors, in an unmediated manner.
As for listening to audiobooks in your garden, that's a completely different matter, and a reward for all that work!
There is so much more you notice (sounds, sights, weeds(!)), when you work in the garden, or do anything outdoors, in an unmediated manner.
As for listening to audiobooks in your garden, that's a completely different matter, and a reward for all that work!
190WelshBookworm
#30 Murder in a Scottish Garden
3.5 pink stars
This worked better for me as an audiobook than reading the first book in print. Katherine Kellgren is an able narrator, and while I know better than to think the dialect is in any way authentic, she managed to sound Scottish enough that I wasn't put off by it. Parts of the backstory are alluded to, but I think you could get by with this as a standalone. Since this took place mostly on the Leery Estate, we didn't get as much of the atmosphere of the little seaside town, or of the knitting shop, or even of Paislee's friends and neighbors. Even DI Mack Zeffer is only a very minor character. Still this proved to be a pleasant diversion, and I am not averse to reading more of the series.
Description: In the charming Scottish shire of Nairn, sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw must root out a garden variety killer. Paislee's custom sweater and yarn business is the sole support for her ten-year-old son Brody, and also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terrier. So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she'll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him. Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody's class will be visiting on a field trip. So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot. It's not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery's nephew, Charles Thomson. With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying to lead her down the garden path...
Cumulative pages: 9,499
3.5 pink stars
This worked better for me as an audiobook than reading the first book in print. Katherine Kellgren is an able narrator, and while I know better than to think the dialect is in any way authentic, she managed to sound Scottish enough that I wasn't put off by it. Parts of the backstory are alluded to, but I think you could get by with this as a standalone. Since this took place mostly on the Leery Estate, we didn't get as much of the atmosphere of the little seaside town, or of the knitting shop, or even of Paislee's friends and neighbors. Even DI Mack Zeffer is only a very minor character. Still this proved to be a pleasant diversion, and I am not averse to reading more of the series.
Description: In the charming Scottish shire of Nairn, sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw must root out a garden variety killer. Paislee's custom sweater and yarn business is the sole support for her ten-year-old son Brody, and also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terrier. So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she'll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him. Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody's class will be visiting on a field trip. So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot. It's not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery's nephew, Charles Thomson. With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying to lead her down the garden path...
Cumulative pages: 9,499
191SassyLassy
>190 WelshBookworm: Paislee Shaw - that's too funny!
192WelshBookworm
>191 SassyLassy: It almost tells you everything you need to know.... Even the name of the shire, Nairn, while I realize it IS an actual shire, makes me think of Narnia for some reason...
193WelshBookworm
WE. ARE. DONE!
I just had to take a picture of the very last load of dirt... 6 cubic yards. 5 days. Never again. Ha ha ha!
Now I'm going to have a long soak in a hot bath, and start listening to Still Life on Libby which is due in 5 days, and someone is waiting for it, of course.
I just had to take a picture of the very last load of dirt... 6 cubic yards. 5 days. Never again. Ha ha ha!
Now I'm going to have a long soak in a hot bath, and start listening to Still Life on Libby which is due in 5 days, and someone is waiting for it, of course.
194rocketjk
>193 WelshBookworm: Congratulations! That looks great. My wife and I (well, mostly her) built some raised beds about 10 years ago, but we used cinder blocks. Then we had to dig the dirt out to lay down wire mesh to keep the gophers out. (We should have known about the gophers, but we were new to the area.) Can't wait to see the photos of your crops. Cheers!
195Jim53
>193 WelshBookworm: Wow! Those look great. Well done. You really earned that long soak.
196WelshBookworm
>194 rocketjk: Thanks, Jerry. No gophers here. And anyway, the reason I needed raised beds is because the former house owner filled in that area of the yard with gravel, not dirt. It is impossible to dig down at all, and I suspect even gophers would be deterred!
>195 Jim53: Thanks, Jim. I think I need another soak tonight. My left shoulder is feeling out of whack. Not painful - it just feels like it needs to "pop" back into place. I'll get another hour of Still Life listened to. This is one of those series that has been hyped for so long, it's pleasant, but a lot of characters to keep track of, and I'm not sure it is quite living up to the hype...
>195 Jim53: Thanks, Jim. I think I need another soak tonight. My left shoulder is feeling out of whack. Not painful - it just feels like it needs to "pop" back into place. I'll get another hour of Still Life listened to. This is one of those series that has been hyped for so long, it's pleasant, but a lot of characters to keep track of, and I'm not sure it is quite living up to the hype...
198WelshBookworm
#31 Still Life
3.5 pink stars, rounded up
This is a long-running series with a devoted fan base. So perhaps I was expecting too much. The characters are a bit stereotypical, but memorable. Like a cozy mystery we get to know the town and its residents, but this is a traditional mystery. Inspector Gamache is no amateur, but a seasoned investigator. He puts the puzzle pieces together thoughtfully and methodically, with quite a bit of reliance on psychology and understanding what makes people tick. These people are not all likeable, but they will probably get under your skin a little bit. Add in a bit of humor, philosophy, art, and Quebecois politics. One character - the rooky Yvette Nichol - I did not understand what that sub-plot was all about except perhaps to show that Inspector Gamache is not perfect - she may have had a lot to learn, but his impatience with her was unkind. Anyway, at this point I don't know if she will be a recurring character, so there may be some arc to her development, or not... I probably will read more of this series if it turns up in one of my random read lists, but I'm not rushing out to get the next one.
Description: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.
Cumulative pages: 9,792
3.5 pink stars, rounded up
This is a long-running series with a devoted fan base. So perhaps I was expecting too much. The characters are a bit stereotypical, but memorable. Like a cozy mystery we get to know the town and its residents, but this is a traditional mystery. Inspector Gamache is no amateur, but a seasoned investigator. He puts the puzzle pieces together thoughtfully and methodically, with quite a bit of reliance on psychology and understanding what makes people tick. These people are not all likeable, but they will probably get under your skin a little bit. Add in a bit of humor, philosophy, art, and Quebecois politics. One character - the rooky Yvette Nichol - I did not understand what that sub-plot was all about except perhaps to show that Inspector Gamache is not perfect - she may have had a lot to learn, but his impatience with her was unkind. Anyway, at this point I don't know if she will be a recurring character, so there may be some arc to her development, or not... I probably will read more of this series if it turns up in one of my random read lists, but I'm not rushing out to get the next one.
Description: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.
Cumulative pages: 9,792
199lisapeet
Your raised beds look great. I built three in 2007 out of 2x4s, and they lasted a good dozen years before rotting, but they were too low to grow anything other than herbs and greens. I'd like to put in new ones, and right now I'm fascinated by these modular corner pieces—they work on a kind of Lincoln Log principle, where you stake them and then slide boards into the slots... it looks so simple I keep thinking there's gotta be a catch, but maybe not. You can also stack them up to 2' high, which would solve that problem.
The only thing giving me pause is getting in all the dirt. My house and yard are raised up from the street, up nine steps and then all the way to the back of the lot, it's either hump everything myself or see if I can get someone to do it as part of a delivery. A few years ago I would have just done it and called it a workout, but these days my knees are unpredictably cranky. And oyyyy that's a lot of dirt.
The only thing giving me pause is getting in all the dirt. My house and yard are raised up from the street, up nine steps and then all the way to the back of the lot, it's either hump everything myself or see if I can get someone to do it as part of a delivery. A few years ago I would have just done it and called it a workout, but these days my knees are unpredictably cranky. And oyyyy that's a lot of dirt.
200WelshBookworm
>199 lisapeet: It is a lot of dirt. A 4 x 8 by 12-inch bed will need about 1.2 cubic feet of dirt, which is a bobcat full, or about 40 40-pound bags. Do you have any kind of alley or driveway access in the back? If not, I think you will definitely need to hire some guys to do it. Good luck!
I got the rest of my plants today, but too late to plant. And tomorrow is supposed to rain all day, and I'm working tomorrow, so it will have to wait until Sunday.
I got the rest of my plants today, but too late to plant. And tomorrow is supposed to rain all day, and I'm working tomorrow, so it will have to wait until Sunday.
201WelshBookworm
#32 The Bertie Project
4 red stars.
As other reviews have stated, this wasn't one of the better books. I gave it 4 stars for old time's sake. The star is still Bertie, but it just feels so WRONG that he has to put up with his mother again. Stuart comes so close to making a brave stand, but then his general decency reasserts itself. I am glad that his mother has stayed in Edinburgh to help mitigate things. McCall Smith's spoof of feminism and political correctness run amok is getting a little old. The Bruce and Clare storyline was amusing, but I'm not sure what the point of Angus Lordie's "defenestration" was. Pat was nowhere to be seen, and there was only a very brief scene with Big Lou. So basically - nothing happens, except Irene is baaack.
Description: Bertie's respite from his overbearing mother, Irene, is over. She has returned home from the Middle East, only to discover that her son has been exposed to the worst of evils: cartoons, movies, and even carbonated beverages. But the one who should be most concerned is her unfortunate husband, Stuart, upon whom her wrath is about to descend. Meanwhile, Bruce has fallen in love with someone other than himself; Big Lou wants to adopt her beloved Finlay; Matthew and Elspeth host the Duke of Johannesburg for supper; and Bertie decides he wants to move away from Scotland Street altogether and live with his grandmother, Nicola. Will Irene and Stuart's marriage survive? Will Bruce's newfound love last? And can Bertie really be leaving home?
Cumulative pages: 10,086
4 red stars.
As other reviews have stated, this wasn't one of the better books. I gave it 4 stars for old time's sake. The star is still Bertie, but it just feels so WRONG that he has to put up with his mother again. Stuart comes so close to making a brave stand, but then his general decency reasserts itself. I am glad that his mother has stayed in Edinburgh to help mitigate things. McCall Smith's spoof of feminism and political correctness run amok is getting a little old. The Bruce and Clare storyline was amusing, but I'm not sure what the point of Angus Lordie's "defenestration" was. Pat was nowhere to be seen, and there was only a very brief scene with Big Lou. So basically - nothing happens, except Irene is baaack.
Description: Bertie's respite from his overbearing mother, Irene, is over. She has returned home from the Middle East, only to discover that her son has been exposed to the worst of evils: cartoons, movies, and even carbonated beverages. But the one who should be most concerned is her unfortunate husband, Stuart, upon whom her wrath is about to descend. Meanwhile, Bruce has fallen in love with someone other than himself; Big Lou wants to adopt her beloved Finlay; Matthew and Elspeth host the Duke of Johannesburg for supper; and Bertie decides he wants to move away from Scotland Street altogether and live with his grandmother, Nicola. Will Irene and Stuart's marriage survive? Will Bruce's newfound love last? And can Bertie really be leaving home?
Cumulative pages: 10,086
202RidgewayGirl
>193 WelshBookworm: Your raised beds look fantastic! I hope your shoulder is fully recovered.
203WelshBookworm
Thanks everyone! Here they are planted! I am now in Rapid City to see my mom. We have finally been given the word that she will be going back to her assisted living apartment next week. She is amazing. 94, and she is more than ready to leave health care. She is standing, walking, getting around in a wheel chair, and pretty much able to be relatively independent again. So proud of her!
204labfs39
>203 WelshBookworm: Congrats to you and your mom! Your beds look fabulous.
206WelshBookworm
>205 lisapeet: From left to right:
1. Strawberries, lettuce, romaine, chard, scallions, beets, and radishes.
2. Bush beans, assorted peppers, marigolds.
3. Mostly eggplants, kale, lavender, and zucchini. There's one tomato that didn't fit in the 4th bed...
4. Tomatoes, basil, squashes, pumpkin, watermelon.
1. Strawberries, lettuce, romaine, chard, scallions, beets, and radishes.
2. Bush beans, assorted peppers, marigolds.
3. Mostly eggplants, kale, lavender, and zucchini. There's one tomato that didn't fit in the 4th bed...
4. Tomatoes, basil, squashes, pumpkin, watermelon.
207WelshBookworm
#33 The Quarry Girls
4 red stars.
This was a hard book for me to rate. It's kind of a muted thriller. Yes, there are some chilling scenes, and a sense of uneasiness throughout. And it is about a serial killer. There's a lot going on, but not a lot of action, so I never got that sense of immediate danger of a thriller. But as a coming-of-age story, I think it works very well. I graduated from high school in 1973. Kids had quite a bit of freedom back then. I rode my bike all over to places 10-20 miles away without supervision. But I also remember the level of fear inculcated in all girls about being alone outside at night. I grew up pretty much believing that boys were jerks, men were dangerous, and that women were second-class citizens. You didn't let it rule your life, but that undercurrent was always there. That's kind of what this book was like, except that there really was someone preying on girls in this community. It is based on true crimes that did occur in the St. Cloud area in the 70s. And that is chilling. Some of those murders were never solved, or not until years later. The historical aspects were spot on - banana-seat bikes, TV dinners, mood rings, ear piercing parties, etc. and evokes a certain nostalgia of that time and place.
Description: Minnesota, 1977. For the teens of one close-knit community, summer means late-night swimming parties at the quarry, the county fair, and venturing into the tunnels beneath the city. But for two best friends, it’s not all fun and games. Heather and Brenda have a secret. Something they saw in the dark. Something they can’t forget. They’ve decided to never tell a soul. But their vow is tested when their friend disappears―the second girl to vanish in a week. And yet the authorities are reluctant to investigate. Heather is terrified that the missing girls are connected to what she and Brenda stumbled upon that night. Desperately searching for answers on her own, she learns that no one in her community is who they seem to be. Not the police, not the boys she met at the quarry, not even her parents. But she can’t stop digging because she knows those girls are in danger. She also knows she’s next.
Cumulative pages: 10,421
4 red stars.
This was a hard book for me to rate. It's kind of a muted thriller. Yes, there are some chilling scenes, and a sense of uneasiness throughout. And it is about a serial killer. There's a lot going on, but not a lot of action, so I never got that sense of immediate danger of a thriller. But as a coming-of-age story, I think it works very well. I graduated from high school in 1973. Kids had quite a bit of freedom back then. I rode my bike all over to places 10-20 miles away without supervision. But I also remember the level of fear inculcated in all girls about being alone outside at night. I grew up pretty much believing that boys were jerks, men were dangerous, and that women were second-class citizens. You didn't let it rule your life, but that undercurrent was always there. That's kind of what this book was like, except that there really was someone preying on girls in this community. It is based on true crimes that did occur in the St. Cloud area in the 70s. And that is chilling. Some of those murders were never solved, or not until years later. The historical aspects were spot on - banana-seat bikes, TV dinners, mood rings, ear piercing parties, etc. and evokes a certain nostalgia of that time and place.
Description: Minnesota, 1977. For the teens of one close-knit community, summer means late-night swimming parties at the quarry, the county fair, and venturing into the tunnels beneath the city. But for two best friends, it’s not all fun and games. Heather and Brenda have a secret. Something they saw in the dark. Something they can’t forget. They’ve decided to never tell a soul. But their vow is tested when their friend disappears―the second girl to vanish in a week. And yet the authorities are reluctant to investigate. Heather is terrified that the missing girls are connected to what she and Brenda stumbled upon that night. Desperately searching for answers on her own, she learns that no one in her community is who they seem to be. Not the police, not the boys she met at the quarry, not even her parents. But she can’t stop digging because she knows those girls are in danger. She also knows she’s next.
Cumulative pages: 10,421
208RidgewayGirl
>207 WelshBookworm: This sounds like a book I'd like, and funnily enough I have a copy because I had a brief conversation with the author and she was lovely.
209WelshBookworm
June update:
Since I just got back from visiting my mom, this seems like an opportunity to do an update. Thanks to road trips I am still 5 books ahead of schedule on my annual goal of 60 books. And that is despite all the time I have spent in the yard instead of reading. And looking at my audiobook vs. print book stats makes me think there is a definite advantage to reading one book at a time. I can't start a new audiobook until I finish the previous one. Not so with print books, which means they sometimes get paused for months because I have picked up something new. Maybe I need to change that. Or at least make a greater effort to finish the oldest ones...
My hold on the audiobook of
READ The House With the Golden Door finally came available on Libby, so that is going to bump it ahead of other audiobooks I had planned.
Also, I've started reading the posts on the Reading Through Time group, so now I have a whole 'nother list of challenges to do. Monthly as well as quarterly. I debated whether to add it to my Challenges list, which is already quite long, and decided to add it to my Book Groups (post #6). Since it is already June, I'm going to be quite flexible and not require myself to read a book in the given month, esp. for Jan-Jun so I'll just plug in whatever I've read this year that fits, and going forward at least try to START the books in the given month for the challenge. The quarterly themes may just be "all year" themes, since two of them already are - the Ancient/Biblical theme (2nd Q.) and Arthurian fiction (3rd Q.) Anyway, I figure I can do it any way I want to....
I added the RTT group because I am up-to-date on every single Club Read post. I may not comment on a lot of things, but I want you all to know that I have read every single post so far this year (except for skimming over the French language ones - sorry!). I know I could use Google translate but chances are the books aren't available in English anyway....
Another challenge that interest me is the Food and Lit challenge on Litsy, but I have no desire to start following posts there. Nor do I think I can add another country every month. Too much else I'm trying to do. But I might add the countries to my cookbook thread and just do a recipe a month...tempting.
Since I just got back from visiting my mom, this seems like an opportunity to do an update. Thanks to road trips I am still 5 books ahead of schedule on my annual goal of 60 books. And that is despite all the time I have spent in the yard instead of reading. And looking at my audiobook vs. print book stats makes me think there is a definite advantage to reading one book at a time. I can't start a new audiobook until I finish the previous one. Not so with print books, which means they sometimes get paused for months because I have picked up something new. Maybe I need to change that. Or at least make a greater effort to finish the oldest ones...
My hold on the audiobook of
READ The House With the Golden Door finally came available on Libby, so that is going to bump it ahead of other audiobooks I had planned.
Also, I've started reading the posts on the Reading Through Time group, so now I have a whole 'nother list of challenges to do. Monthly as well as quarterly. I debated whether to add it to my Challenges list, which is already quite long, and decided to add it to my Book Groups (post #6). Since it is already June, I'm going to be quite flexible and not require myself to read a book in the given month, esp. for Jan-Jun so I'll just plug in whatever I've read this year that fits, and going forward at least try to START the books in the given month for the challenge. The quarterly themes may just be "all year" themes, since two of them already are - the Ancient/Biblical theme (2nd Q.) and Arthurian fiction (3rd Q.) Anyway, I figure I can do it any way I want to....
I added the RTT group because I am up-to-date on every single Club Read post. I may not comment on a lot of things, but I want you all to know that I have read every single post so far this year (except for skimming over the French language ones - sorry!). I know I could use Google translate but chances are the books aren't available in English anyway....
Another challenge that interest me is the Food and Lit challenge on Litsy, but I have no desire to start following posts there. Nor do I think I can add another country every month. Too much else I'm trying to do. But I might add the countries to my cookbook thread and just do a recipe a month...tempting.
210labfs39
>209 WelshBookworm: RTT is a wormhole I haven't explored yet. I'm worried I'll get sucked in to the vortex! I participate in a half-hearted way in Reading Globally, but don't follow all the challenges.
Interesting about your experiences with print vs audio. I have struggled with audio, so my dilemma is between print and e-books. I have acquired quite a few e-books since purchasing an e-reader a couple of years ago, but I default to paper. When I do read on the e-reader, I seem to read quickly. I want to try and find a better balance between the two.
Interesting about your experiences with print vs audio. I have struggled with audio, so my dilemma is between print and e-books. I have acquired quite a few e-books since purchasing an e-reader a couple of years ago, but I default to paper. When I do read on the e-reader, I seem to read quickly. I want to try and find a better balance between the two.
211cindydavid4
>209 WelshBookworm: glad youve joined us at RTT and of course you can just start with the june theme. Its a fun group with great topics, looking forward to seeing your posts
212cindydavid4
>210 labfs39: actually RTT and RG were the first places I explored, even before club read. So Its quite comfortable for me; I dont do all the challenges, but I enjoy the topics and like hearing what others are reading
213labfs39
>212 cindydavid4: Lois/avaland started both Reading Globally and Club Read, so they share a feel.
214cindydavid4
excellent!
215WelshBookworm
Ooh - I just had a thought. Instead of reading a book for #FoodandLit2024 I could do films. Dinner and a movie! Hah! I've added the challenge to #7 above.
216WelshBookworm
#34 The Wild Inside
2.5 yellow stars but rounded up.
This was almost a DNF for me. But it's been on my reading lists for a long time and despite how much this dragged with endless navel-gazing by an investigator haunted by a horrific experience which killed his father when he was a teen I wanted to find out "who done it." The murdered man was a very unsavory character - a drug addict, and physically abusive to both people and animals. I will add a trigger warning here for animal abuse. All of his associates were equally unsavory, there are graphic descriptions of the remains of the victim, and a lot of bad language. With so many unlikeable characters, the reveal of the murderer was frankly sad. On the plus side, if you like character studies and psychology this might be a good book. Glacier National Park was beautifully described in its wildness and physical beauty. The grizzly bear too was a poignant and haunting character. I did like young Monty, and since he is featured in the next book, it's possible I might give the series another try.
Description: It was a clear night in Glacier National Park. Fourteen-year-old Ted Systead and his father were camping beneath the rugged peaks and starlit skies when something unimaginable happened: a grizzly bear attacked Ted’s father and dragged him to his death. Now, twenty years later, as Special Agent for the Department of the Interior, Ted gets called back to investigate a crime that mirrors the horror of that night. Except this time, the victim was tied to a tree before the mauling. Ted teams up with one of the park officers—a man named Monty, whose pleasant exterior masks an all-too-vivid knowledge of the hazardous terrain surrounding them. Residents of the area turn out to be suspicious of outsiders and less than forthcoming. Their intimate connection to the wild forces them to confront nature, and their fellow man, with equal measures of reverence and ruthlessness. As the case progresses with no clear answers, more than human life is at stake—including that of the majestic creature responsible for the attack. Ted’s search for the truth ends up leading him deeper into the wilderness than he ever imagined, on the trail of a killer, until he reaches a shocking and unexpected personal conclusion.
Cumulative pages: 10,825
2.5 yellow stars but rounded up.
This was almost a DNF for me. But it's been on my reading lists for a long time and despite how much this dragged with endless navel-gazing by an investigator haunted by a horrific experience which killed his father when he was a teen I wanted to find out "who done it." The murdered man was a very unsavory character - a drug addict, and physically abusive to both people and animals. I will add a trigger warning here for animal abuse. All of his associates were equally unsavory, there are graphic descriptions of the remains of the victim, and a lot of bad language. With so many unlikeable characters, the reveal of the murderer was frankly sad. On the plus side, if you like character studies and psychology this might be a good book. Glacier National Park was beautifully described in its wildness and physical beauty. The grizzly bear too was a poignant and haunting character. I did like young Monty, and since he is featured in the next book, it's possible I might give the series another try.
Description: It was a clear night in Glacier National Park. Fourteen-year-old Ted Systead and his father were camping beneath the rugged peaks and starlit skies when something unimaginable happened: a grizzly bear attacked Ted’s father and dragged him to his death. Now, twenty years later, as Special Agent for the Department of the Interior, Ted gets called back to investigate a crime that mirrors the horror of that night. Except this time, the victim was tied to a tree before the mauling. Ted teams up with one of the park officers—a man named Monty, whose pleasant exterior masks an all-too-vivid knowledge of the hazardous terrain surrounding them. Residents of the area turn out to be suspicious of outsiders and less than forthcoming. Their intimate connection to the wild forces them to confront nature, and their fellow man, with equal measures of reverence and ruthlessness. As the case progresses with no clear answers, more than human life is at stake—including that of the majestic creature responsible for the attack. Ted’s search for the truth ends up leading him deeper into the wilderness than he ever imagined, on the trail of a killer, until he reaches a shocking and unexpected personal conclusion.
Cumulative pages: 10,825
217WelshBookworm
#35 Her Highness' First Murder
4.5 blue stars
This was a reread, prior to continuing the series. Loved it still!
Here's my review from 2013:
A Simon & Elizabeth Mystery : Book One.
Setting: Hampstead Castle, London
Time: 1546
Main characters: Elizabeth Tudor (daughter of Henry VIII, future Elizabeth I, Queen of England) - age 13; Simon Malden, son of the court physician at Hampstead Castle, age 14; Hugh Bellows, captain of the Welsh Guard.
First paragraph, Chapter One: Simon heard the cries as they climbed the steep hill to the castle. Screams vibrated with pain and panic, fluctuating between wordless shrieks and "No, don't!" repeated several times. His father, striding ahead with his soft bag over one shoulder, seemed unaware, but Simon cringed. Despite daily encounters with people in pain, the physician's son could not become inured to it.
Favorite line: On the way home Elizabeth ignored Bess' comments on women who waved goodbye by use of a dog's paw. (p. 115)
This isn't marketed as young adult, but with two teen-aged protagonists it certainly could be. The language is simple and direct, somewhat like a cozy mystery. Although the murders are gruesome and a couple of the victims are prostitutes, there is no gratuitous violence or sex. The author has clearly done a lot of historical research and I like the way she works details into the plot about clothing, food, descriptions of places, etc. in such a way that it is easy to visualize being there. She has a subtle sense of humor that I enjoyed very much (see favorite line above). Elizabeth is mature beyond her 13 years, and the author lets us know of the queen she will become through her introspection. As a mystery, I was kept guessing. We follow the clues along with Elizabeth and Simon, and we know what they know when they know it. No sudden twist of plot or resolution that comes out of nowhere. I really look forward to reading more of this series.
Description: When headless corpses begin appearing on the streets of London, Elizabeth Tudor is as shocked as everyone else. When one of her own ladies is murdered, Elizabeth joins with new friend Simon Maldon to find the killer. Henry VIII, also shocked by the murders assigns one of his Welsh guardsmen, Hugh, to investigate, since the women are dressed as nuns and might signal new religious troubles. Suspects include a madman, a courtier, a reformer, a well-known criminal, and others, even Elizabeth's castellan. Simon, discovering that he is good at the art of disguise, plays various parts as he works at narrowing the list. Elizabeth's part in the investigation is kept secret from the king, who would certainly not approve. But it cannot be kept secret from the killer, and in the end, he turns his attention to them. Simon, Elizabeth, and Hugh face a murderer who is beyond caring how many die, as long as he gets what he wants.
Cumulative pages: 11,171
4.5 blue stars
This was a reread, prior to continuing the series. Loved it still!
Here's my review from 2013:
A Simon & Elizabeth Mystery : Book One.
Setting: Hampstead Castle, London
Time: 1546
Main characters: Elizabeth Tudor (daughter of Henry VIII, future Elizabeth I, Queen of England) - age 13; Simon Malden, son of the court physician at Hampstead Castle, age 14; Hugh Bellows, captain of the Welsh Guard.
First paragraph, Chapter One: Simon heard the cries as they climbed the steep hill to the castle. Screams vibrated with pain and panic, fluctuating between wordless shrieks and "No, don't!" repeated several times. His father, striding ahead with his soft bag over one shoulder, seemed unaware, but Simon cringed. Despite daily encounters with people in pain, the physician's son could not become inured to it.
Favorite line: On the way home Elizabeth ignored Bess' comments on women who waved goodbye by use of a dog's paw. (p. 115)
This isn't marketed as young adult, but with two teen-aged protagonists it certainly could be. The language is simple and direct, somewhat like a cozy mystery. Although the murders are gruesome and a couple of the victims are prostitutes, there is no gratuitous violence or sex. The author has clearly done a lot of historical research and I like the way she works details into the plot about clothing, food, descriptions of places, etc. in such a way that it is easy to visualize being there. She has a subtle sense of humor that I enjoyed very much (see favorite line above). Elizabeth is mature beyond her 13 years, and the author lets us know of the queen she will become through her introspection. As a mystery, I was kept guessing. We follow the clues along with Elizabeth and Simon, and we know what they know when they know it. No sudden twist of plot or resolution that comes out of nowhere. I really look forward to reading more of this series.
Description: When headless corpses begin appearing on the streets of London, Elizabeth Tudor is as shocked as everyone else. When one of her own ladies is murdered, Elizabeth joins with new friend Simon Maldon to find the killer. Henry VIII, also shocked by the murders assigns one of his Welsh guardsmen, Hugh, to investigate, since the women are dressed as nuns and might signal new religious troubles. Suspects include a madman, a courtier, a reformer, a well-known criminal, and others, even Elizabeth's castellan. Simon, discovering that he is good at the art of disguise, plays various parts as he works at narrowing the list. Elizabeth's part in the investigation is kept secret from the king, who would certainly not approve. But it cannot be kept secret from the killer, and in the end, he turns his attention to them. Simon, Elizabeth, and Hugh face a murderer who is beyond caring how many die, as long as he gets what he wants.
Cumulative pages: 11,171
218Jim53
>198 WelshBookworm: I'm generally a Penny fan, but I'm not a hardcore devotee. I found the first couple of books in this series frustrating. They do improve, but only you can decide whether it's worth the effort to get there. I've had similar experiences with other authors, e.g., the first couple of volumes of Deborah Crombie's series featuring Duncan Kincaid aren't nearly as good as subsequent entries (that's one of my favorite series, BTW, if you happen to be looking for more, along with Julia Spencer-Fleming's Clare Fergusson series).
219WelshBookworm
Mid-year update:
By all counts, I'm having a great reading year so far. 6 books ahead of schedule based on my goal of 60:
Read 35/60
Cumulative pages read 11,171 / 18,000
Pyramid goals:
12 From 12 Different Lists (9/12)
11 Historical Fiction (6/11)
10 Themes (old or new) (4/10)
9 Leftovers (2/9)
8 Next-in-Series (6/8)
7 Titles That Start With B (5/7)
6 New to me Authors (12/6)
5 Nonfiction (2/5)
4 Translated Books (not originally English) (2/4)
3 Chunky Books (over 500 pages) (1/3)
2 Welsh authors (2/2)
1 Classic (3/1)
I need to step up on the theme reads. 6 to go. I've only read one of my "Door" titles so far, although I have read the prequel for one, and the first of the series for another. I have read two "Garden" titles. I am also way behind on Leftovers - 7 to go there. I have two lists - one for titles I wanted to read in 2023 but didn't get to, and one for titles I started reading but got paused. Those are the ones I really want to clear off the lists!! Some of them actually got paused in 2022 with all the stress and panic about the farm, and then buying a house and moving! There are 8 that I am especially determined to finish this year:
READ Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - currently around page 400 of 650 or so. Almost two-thirds. Concurrently reading
READ Moby-Dick or, The Whale
Half through but paused so long, I may start them over...
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
I may save those two for August, when the cover color challenge includes forest green...
Wolf Hall - may save for December when the cover color challenge includes red.
:...And Ladies of the Club - given to me long ago by my grandmother who loved it. Need to add it to my schedule by September as it will take at least 4 months to read it.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - October would be good for this one when the cover color challenge is black. I don't think I need to start it over.
And finally
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel which will get priority soon as part of RTT's 3rd quarter theme of Arthurian fiction.
Then there are some unfinished book club books and books started for challenges:
The Ice Swan - started in January and paused. The RTT theme for July is France, so I hope that will get me to get it read!
READ The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started for a book group challenge in Feb. I own the book, which doesn't help get it read (no pending due date!) but I picked it up last night again, and I should be able to finish it in a week.
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - book club book for March - did not have it read by the meeting, and after that it loses the need to get it read. I hope to prioritize it as soon as I finish Princes. July is looking like a busy reading month!
Two more from last year (or older) that I really would like to finish:
The Evening Chorus
Miss Eliza's English Kitchen
And a bunch of books never gotten to, that are a fairly high priority just because... In fact, I'm thinking that in 2025 I may greatly scale back on the random reads (it used to be 30 books, not 200+) and prioritize some of these high interest books. I'm not getting any younger. In 25 years I'll be 95 and at ~60 books a year that's 1,500 books. My TBR is around 3,800 and I easily add about 300 books a year! Clearly I need to do some weeding and prioritizing there! These are the ones I'd still like to get to THIS year:
Tomb for an Eagle - 4th Quarter RTT (Vikings)
One for Sorrow - 2nd Q RTT (Ancient World)
READ The Rose Garden
People of the Wolf - 1st Q RTT (prehistoric)
The Assyrian and sequel - 2nd Q RTT (Ancient World)
The Beacon at Alexandria - 2nd Q RTT
The Road to Avalon and sequels - 3rd Q RTT
(Arthurian)
The Bordeaux Connection: A White Hart Prequel - a B title
The Crown Jewels Conspiracy and sequels
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - next-to-read in series and it's short
Her Royal Spyness - I keep adding this for every purple cover color challenge...
Bloodline and I need to reread the first two books first...
Within The Fetterlock
READ Behind Closed Doors
A Vision of Light and sequels
READ Lady Macbeth
Death at La Fenice
And that is 30 books right there, not counting the sequels! Without adding my book club books or anything else new. You see my problem!
By all counts, I'm having a great reading year so far. 6 books ahead of schedule based on my goal of 60:
Read 35/60
Cumulative pages read 11,171 / 18,000
Pyramid goals:
12 From 12 Different Lists (9/12)
11 Historical Fiction (6/11)
10 Themes (old or new) (4/10)
9 Leftovers (2/9)
8 Next-in-Series (6/8)
7 Titles That Start With B (5/7)
6 New to me Authors (12/6)
5 Nonfiction (2/5)
4 Translated Books (not originally English) (2/4)
3 Chunky Books (over 500 pages) (1/3)
2 Welsh authors (2/2)
1 Classic (3/1)
I need to step up on the theme reads. 6 to go. I've only read one of my "Door" titles so far, although I have read the prequel for one, and the first of the series for another. I have read two "Garden" titles. I am also way behind on Leftovers - 7 to go there. I have two lists - one for titles I wanted to read in 2023 but didn't get to, and one for titles I started reading but got paused. Those are the ones I really want to clear off the lists!! Some of them actually got paused in 2022 with all the stress and panic about the farm, and then buying a house and moving! There are 8 that I am especially determined to finish this year:
READ Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - currently around page 400 of 650 or so. Almost two-thirds. Concurrently reading
READ Moby-Dick or, The Whale
Half through but paused so long, I may start them over...
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
I may save those two for August, when the cover color challenge includes forest green...
Wolf Hall - may save for December when the cover color challenge includes red.
:...And Ladies of the Club - given to me long ago by my grandmother who loved it. Need to add it to my schedule by September as it will take at least 4 months to read it.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - October would be good for this one when the cover color challenge is black. I don't think I need to start it over.
And finally
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel which will get priority soon as part of RTT's 3rd quarter theme of Arthurian fiction.
Then there are some unfinished book club books and books started for challenges:
The Ice Swan - started in January and paused. The RTT theme for July is France, so I hope that will get me to get it read!
READ The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - started for a book group challenge in Feb. I own the book, which doesn't help get it read (no pending due date!) but I picked it up last night again, and I should be able to finish it in a week.
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - book club book for March - did not have it read by the meeting, and after that it loses the need to get it read. I hope to prioritize it as soon as I finish Princes. July is looking like a busy reading month!
Two more from last year (or older) that I really would like to finish:
The Evening Chorus
Miss Eliza's English Kitchen
And a bunch of books never gotten to, that are a fairly high priority just because... In fact, I'm thinking that in 2025 I may greatly scale back on the random reads (it used to be 30 books, not 200+) and prioritize some of these high interest books. I'm not getting any younger. In 25 years I'll be 95 and at ~60 books a year that's 1,500 books. My TBR is around 3,800 and I easily add about 300 books a year! Clearly I need to do some weeding and prioritizing there! These are the ones I'd still like to get to THIS year:
Tomb for an Eagle - 4th Quarter RTT (Vikings)
One for Sorrow - 2nd Q RTT (Ancient World)
READ The Rose Garden
People of the Wolf - 1st Q RTT (prehistoric)
The Assyrian and sequel - 2nd Q RTT (Ancient World)
The Beacon at Alexandria - 2nd Q RTT
The Road to Avalon and sequels - 3rd Q RTT
(Arthurian)
The Bordeaux Connection: A White Hart Prequel - a B title
The Crown Jewels Conspiracy and sequels
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - next-to-read in series and it's short
Her Royal Spyness - I keep adding this for every purple cover color challenge...
Bloodline and I need to reread the first two books first...
Within The Fetterlock
READ Behind Closed Doors
A Vision of Light and sequels
READ Lady Macbeth
Death at La Fenice
And that is 30 books right there, not counting the sequels! Without adding my book club books or anything else new. You see my problem!
220WelshBookworm
Plans for July:
There is still far too much gardening to be done. I've planted all the vegetables, but none of the perennials I bought in May. Its a wonder they haven't all died, but we've had plenty of rain so I haven't had to remember to water them every day. Still, the pressure is off, so I can focus a little more on reading.
As my previous post outlined, I need to renew my efforts to tackle leftovers. Last night I picked up
READ The Princes in the Tower - if I keep at it daily it'll be finished in a week. Next up will be
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence. Later in the month, I hope to resume
READ Moby Dick and
READ Ahab's Wife.
On audio, I'm about to start
READ The House With the Golden Door which came available on Libby and has 7 holds waiting so I need to read it NOW. Then I have
READ The Seven Wonders and
READ Murder, Plain and Simple (for A Good Yarn, Q is for quilt shop) lined up. After that, I hope my hold on my book club book will be in
READ The Personal Librarian. If not, I have another pick for A Good Yarn (and also a garden theme book)
The Forgotten Garden (Q is for Queensland)
On Kindle, I have just started
READ Poison, Your Grace, the next book in the Simon and Elizabeth mystery series. I am itching to start some of my Ancient Times/Biblical theme list. This was also the 2nd Quarter theme for Reading Through Time, and I haven't gotten to any of this list yet. To start off, I have
Gods and Kings followed by the sequel
Song of Redemption. I think there are more in the series. We'll see how I like them. Then I want to read
The Assyrian and if I like it, the sequel
The Blood Star. I also have
Beacon at Alexandria lined up.
Nevermind that the 3rd Quarter theme of Arthurian Fiction has started. We have three months, so I may just use July to catch up on Ancient Times.
The monthly RTT theme is France. So somehow this month I'd like to finish
The Ice Swan which I started back in January and is currently paused. Maybe after Poison, Your Grace?
The genre challenge for July is fantasy and that would pair well with Arthurian fiction. Maybe I can carry that into August.... we'll see how I'm doing mid-month and add titles then. I can't think about adding any more right now. Also, the cover color challenge for July is burgundy and/or pale gold. I'm still playing catch up with April, May and June:
READ Behind Closed Doors would give me lavender for June. Another lavender/yellow that also fits the fantasy genre is
The Fall of Atlantis - that should have been another leftover listed in my last post, but I forgot it.
Goodness knows how I am going to manage all of this! Which 5 or maybe 6 books out of that dozen am I going to finish?
There is still far too much gardening to be done. I've planted all the vegetables, but none of the perennials I bought in May. Its a wonder they haven't all died, but we've had plenty of rain so I haven't had to remember to water them every day. Still, the pressure is off, so I can focus a little more on reading.
As my previous post outlined, I need to renew my efforts to tackle leftovers. Last night I picked up
READ The Princes in the Tower - if I keep at it daily it'll be finished in a week. Next up will be
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence. Later in the month, I hope to resume
READ Moby Dick and
READ Ahab's Wife.
On audio, I'm about to start
READ The House With the Golden Door which came available on Libby and has 7 holds waiting so I need to read it NOW. Then I have
READ The Seven Wonders and
READ Murder, Plain and Simple (for A Good Yarn, Q is for quilt shop) lined up. After that, I hope my hold on my book club book will be in
READ The Personal Librarian. If not, I have another pick for A Good Yarn (and also a garden theme book)
The Forgotten Garden (Q is for Queensland)
On Kindle, I have just started
READ Poison, Your Grace, the next book in the Simon and Elizabeth mystery series. I am itching to start some of my Ancient Times/Biblical theme list. This was also the 2nd Quarter theme for Reading Through Time, and I haven't gotten to any of this list yet. To start off, I have
Gods and Kings followed by the sequel
Song of Redemption. I think there are more in the series. We'll see how I like them. Then I want to read
The Assyrian and if I like it, the sequel
The Blood Star. I also have
Beacon at Alexandria lined up.
Nevermind that the 3rd Quarter theme of Arthurian Fiction has started. We have three months, so I may just use July to catch up on Ancient Times.
The monthly RTT theme is France. So somehow this month I'd like to finish
The Ice Swan which I started back in January and is currently paused. Maybe after Poison, Your Grace?
The genre challenge for July is fantasy and that would pair well with Arthurian fiction. Maybe I can carry that into August.... we'll see how I'm doing mid-month and add titles then. I can't think about adding any more right now. Also, the cover color challenge for July is burgundy and/or pale gold. I'm still playing catch up with April, May and June:
READ Behind Closed Doors would give me lavender for June. Another lavender/yellow that also fits the fantasy genre is
The Fall of Atlantis - that should have been another leftover listed in my last post, but I forgot it.
Goodness knows how I am going to manage all of this! Which 5 or maybe 6 books out of that dozen am I going to finish?
221WelshBookworm
July Log
Finished:
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - finished July 8
The House with the Golden Door - finished July 13
Murder, Plain and Simple - finished July 19
The Seven Wonders - finished July 31
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
The Door to Camelot - started July 15
Next up:
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
Possibly Pending:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel
The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
New Acquisitions:
Daughter of Fire: A Novel - Amazon first reads
In Any Lifetime - Amazon first reads
The Wild Hunt - Kindle
Shield-Maiden: Under the Howling Moon - Kindle, free
The Door to Camelot - Kindle purchase
The Irish Princess - Kindle purchase
Dark, Witch & Creamy - Kindle, free
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
Finished:
The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case - finished July 8
The House with the Golden Door - finished July 13
Murder, Plain and Simple - finished July 19
The Seven Wonders - finished July 31
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
The Door to Camelot - started July 15
Next up:
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
Possibly Pending:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel
The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
New Acquisitions:
Daughter of Fire: A Novel - Amazon first reads
In Any Lifetime - Amazon first reads
The Wild Hunt - Kindle
Shield-Maiden: Under the Howling Moon - Kindle, free
The Door to Camelot - Kindle purchase
The Irish Princess - Kindle purchase
Dark, Witch & Creamy - Kindle, free
Still might read:
The Running Grave - purchased on Audible.
Within The Fetterlock - purchased print copy on Amazon
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - March cover color challenge
222labfs39
>220 WelshBookworm: I love the lily. Yesterday I finished planting the perennials I had and spread the load of mulch I had had dumped on a tarp out front. That was a hot, dirty job, but it's done.
223WelshBookworm
>222 labfs39: Thanks. I brought that one over from the farm when I moved. I was really pleased to see it blooming this week! Now I MUST get out and finish mowing and weed some of those 4-foot tall thistles before they choke said lily...
224WelshBookworm
#36 The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case
4 red stars.
I have been fascinated by the story of "The Princes in the Tower" since I was a teenager spending hours after school every day researching the genealogies of the royal families of Europe. I have never believed that Richard III murdered the boys, though this has been the prevailing story ever since Henry VII assumed the throne. So put me firmly in the Ricardian camp. Nor did I believe that Henry VII would have done such a thing. I poured over those genealogies trying to figure out who might benefit. Now we have the benefit of Philippa Langley's extensive research into all of the principals involved. The book was a slog at times, just because of the volume of information presented, but also the fact that it was organized like a cold case report, so it was difficult to keep track of the overall timeline. It would be nice to have more of a narrative report, but I'm sure this was aimed at historians and serious researchers, not the general public. The idea that the boys survived and were smuggled out of England is not a new theory, but what Philippa does is to present all of the available evidence and reinterpret it in a different way. Nothing here provides definitive proof, and the research continues to look for new evidence. I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will scoff at her ideas. The most interesting bit of speculation was buried in one of the appendices - the evidence pointing to the idea that Edward V survived the battle of Stoke, and was taken to Coldridge in Devon where he was given a new name, John Evans, and lived out his life in secret as the deer parker. Can we hope that Philippa might be able to find DNA evidence to support this theory?
Description: In the summer of 1483, Edward V (age 12) and his brother Richard Duke of York (age 9), disappeared from the Tower of London. For over five hundred years, history has judged that they were murdered on the orders of their uncle, Richard III. Following years of intensive research in British, American, and European archives, Philippa Langley has uncovered astonishing new archival discoveries that radically change what we know about the fate of the princes in the Tower. Established by Langley in 2016, "The Missing Princes Project" employs the methods of a cold-case police inquiry. Using investigative methodology, it aims to place this most enduring of mysteries under a forensic microscope for the very first time.
Cumulative pages: 11,667
4 red stars.
I have been fascinated by the story of "The Princes in the Tower" since I was a teenager spending hours after school every day researching the genealogies of the royal families of Europe. I have never believed that Richard III murdered the boys, though this has been the prevailing story ever since Henry VII assumed the throne. So put me firmly in the Ricardian camp. Nor did I believe that Henry VII would have done such a thing. I poured over those genealogies trying to figure out who might benefit. Now we have the benefit of Philippa Langley's extensive research into all of the principals involved. The book was a slog at times, just because of the volume of information presented, but also the fact that it was organized like a cold case report, so it was difficult to keep track of the overall timeline. It would be nice to have more of a narrative report, but I'm sure this was aimed at historians and serious researchers, not the general public. The idea that the boys survived and were smuggled out of England is not a new theory, but what Philippa does is to present all of the available evidence and reinterpret it in a different way. Nothing here provides definitive proof, and the research continues to look for new evidence. I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will scoff at her ideas. The most interesting bit of speculation was buried in one of the appendices - the evidence pointing to the idea that Edward V survived the battle of Stoke, and was taken to Coldridge in Devon where he was given a new name, John Evans, and lived out his life in secret as the deer parker. Can we hope that Philippa might be able to find DNA evidence to support this theory?
Description: In the summer of 1483, Edward V (age 12) and his brother Richard Duke of York (age 9), disappeared from the Tower of London. For over five hundred years, history has judged that they were murdered on the orders of their uncle, Richard III. Following years of intensive research in British, American, and European archives, Philippa Langley has uncovered astonishing new archival discoveries that radically change what we know about the fate of the princes in the Tower. Established by Langley in 2016, "The Missing Princes Project" employs the methods of a cold-case police inquiry. Using investigative methodology, it aims to place this most enduring of mysteries under a forensic microscope for the very first time.
Cumulative pages: 11,667
225Jim53
>224 WelshBookworm: Have you read The Daughter of Time? Tey has her detective, Alan Grant, laid up in the hospital, where he spends his time researching the case of the boys in the tower, sending his friend and assistant to the library for more and more material as he focuses obsessively on the historical case. I enjoyed it.
226WelshBookworm
>225 Jim53: I probably did, since I read everything on that subject I could find. But this is a prompt I need to read more Tey, so I have put The Man in the Queue on my TBR.
227WelshBookworm
#37 The House with the Golden Door
3.5 pink stars, rounded up. Caution: there are spoilers below...
I didn't like this quite as well as the first book, but I have still given it 4 stars. It's a compelling emotional story with complex characters. Amara has won her freedom in the last book, but here she seems to be in many ways even more constrained in her life. She manipulates people in order to maintain a very precarious position, and yet she engages in some extremely risky behavior in her search for love and happiness. She puts herself in debt to her former owner in order to help at least a couple of her friends from the brothel. I loved the focus of her relationship with Britannica, the Celtic slave woman who wants to be a gladiator. On the other hand, her relationship with Victoria disintegrates into a heartbreaking betrayal. And then there is Philos. As things become ever more precarious, Amara resorts to becoming ever more cold and calculating. Her determination will help her to land on her feet, but at what cost? There is much to be resolved yet in the third book. I will be reading it.
Description: The life of a courtesan in Pompeii is glamorous yet perilous. At night in the home her patron bought for her, the house with the golden door, Amara’s dreams are haunted by her past. She longs for her sisterhood of friends—the women at the brothel she was forced to leave behind—and worse, finds herself pursued by the cruel and vindictive man who once owned her. To be truly free, she will need to be as ruthless as he is. Amara knows her existence in Pompeii is subject to Venus, the goddess of love. Yet finding love may prove to be the most dangerous act of all.
Cumulative pages: 12,139
3.5 pink stars, rounded up. Caution: there are spoilers below...
I didn't like this quite as well as the first book, but I have still given it 4 stars. It's a compelling emotional story with complex characters. Amara has won her freedom in the last book, but here she seems to be in many ways even more constrained in her life. She manipulates people in order to maintain a very precarious position, and yet she engages in some extremely risky behavior in her search for love and happiness. She puts herself in debt to her former owner in order to help at least a couple of her friends from the brothel. I loved the focus of her relationship with Britannica, the Celtic slave woman who wants to be a gladiator. On the other hand, her relationship with Victoria disintegrates into a heartbreaking betrayal. And then there is Philos. As things become ever more precarious, Amara resorts to becoming ever more cold and calculating. Her determination will help her to land on her feet, but at what cost? There is much to be resolved yet in the third book. I will be reading it.
Description: The life of a courtesan in Pompeii is glamorous yet perilous. At night in the home her patron bought for her, the house with the golden door, Amara’s dreams are haunted by her past. She longs for her sisterhood of friends—the women at the brothel she was forced to leave behind—and worse, finds herself pursued by the cruel and vindictive man who once owned her. To be truly free, she will need to be as ruthless as he is. Amara knows her existence in Pompeii is subject to Venus, the goddess of love. Yet finding love may prove to be the most dangerous act of all.
Cumulative pages: 12,139
228WelshBookworm
Mid-July update:
Wow! How did it get to be mid-July already? That went fast! I've not made as much progress as I would have liked. Only two books finished this month. Oh, I'm still 5 books ahead of schedule, but I was really hoping to polish off maybe 8 titles this month. Some of that can be attributed to needing to work on the garden, but some of it is that I'm trying to finish books I don't really want to read, or that are too long to read quickly and make room for other reads. I am enjoying
READ Poison, Your Grace but it is long, and it is a book I own, so no harm if I pause it temporarily. I may continue to pause
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence or I may eventually decide it is a DNF. I don't know yet. It's a 3-star book at best for me, and I'm not terribly invested in it.
On audio, I'm about to start
READ Murder, Plain and Simple. I don't really need another Q book (quilt shop location) for A Good Yarn, but a short cozy might be just what I need right now to clear the palate, so to speak. It has a hold on Libby and is due back in 4 days, so I either prioritize it or let it go. It wasn't on any of my lists and I chose it only for the Q location, so not likely to read it later if I let it go. I'll give it two hours tonight and see if it grabs me...
The two July challenges that I haven't met yet, are the Reading Through Time monthly theme (France) and the On the Porch Swing monthly genre challenge (fantasy). The
The Ice Swan which I started in February and then paused fits the France challenge. So right now I think I will prioritize it over Poison. I'm about 1/4 in and I don't need to start it over. Although maybe I will.
Now then - fantasy. A quick sort of my 2024 "shelf" shows
READ The Door to Camelot is the shortest at 172 pages. And it is $3 on Kindle, so accessible. It is also one of my "theme" reads (door titles), and the RTT quarterly theme right now is Arthurian fiction. I do need to prioritize my "leftovers" list, and there are two there that I do intend to read, hopefully this quarter:
The Fall of Atlantis which I have started several times and it has been on my TBR forever. It is marginally Arthurian - part of the Avalon series that includes The Mists of Avalon. The other one on my leftovers list is
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel and both of those books are quite long (502 pages and 415 pages). So The Door to Camelot it is. Perhaps I can even finish it in a few days.
Wow! How did it get to be mid-July already? That went fast! I've not made as much progress as I would have liked. Only two books finished this month. Oh, I'm still 5 books ahead of schedule, but I was really hoping to polish off maybe 8 titles this month. Some of that can be attributed to needing to work on the garden, but some of it is that I'm trying to finish books I don't really want to read, or that are too long to read quickly and make room for other reads. I am enjoying
READ Poison, Your Grace but it is long, and it is a book I own, so no harm if I pause it temporarily. I may continue to pause
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence or I may eventually decide it is a DNF. I don't know yet. It's a 3-star book at best for me, and I'm not terribly invested in it.
On audio, I'm about to start
READ Murder, Plain and Simple. I don't really need another Q book (quilt shop location) for A Good Yarn, but a short cozy might be just what I need right now to clear the palate, so to speak. It has a hold on Libby and is due back in 4 days, so I either prioritize it or let it go. It wasn't on any of my lists and I chose it only for the Q location, so not likely to read it later if I let it go. I'll give it two hours tonight and see if it grabs me...
The two July challenges that I haven't met yet, are the Reading Through Time monthly theme (France) and the On the Porch Swing monthly genre challenge (fantasy). The
The Ice Swan which I started in February and then paused fits the France challenge. So right now I think I will prioritize it over Poison. I'm about 1/4 in and I don't need to start it over. Although maybe I will.
Now then - fantasy. A quick sort of my 2024 "shelf" shows
READ The Door to Camelot is the shortest at 172 pages. And it is $3 on Kindle, so accessible. It is also one of my "theme" reads (door titles), and the RTT quarterly theme right now is Arthurian fiction. I do need to prioritize my "leftovers" list, and there are two there that I do intend to read, hopefully this quarter:
The Fall of Atlantis which I have started several times and it has been on my TBR forever. It is marginally Arthurian - part of the Avalon series that includes The Mists of Avalon. The other one on my leftovers list is
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel and both of those books are quite long (502 pages and 415 pages). So The Door to Camelot it is. Perhaps I can even finish it in a few days.
229labfs39
My reading slowed this month as well. It's so hot here, plus I had a long weekend in NYC. I need to stop adding books to my TBR and actually read some!
230WelshBookworm
#38 Murder, Plain and Simple
4 red stars
I found this book to be an enjoyable cozy read - pretty typical of the genre with a bit of humor and a potential love interest for future installments. The author is not Amish, but does live in or near Amish country. I can't vouch for her portrayal of the Amish, but it was refreshingly humanizing. They weren't portrayed as saintly or ultra-religious. Her portrayal of the tensions between the Amish of the community and the "Englisch" seemed authentic. And the tourists! There were enough plausible suspects to keep one guessing about the murderer, but neither was the reveal surprising. I liked the chemistry between Angie and Sheriff Mitchell, and found it amusing that Angie seemed stuck on the idea that he thought she was the killer. The book apparently contains "tips for quilters" at the end. The audiobook did not. The narrator did a good job, and I would listen to more of this series.
Description: When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio. With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch. On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart. With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems....
Cumulative pages: 12,486
4 red stars
I found this book to be an enjoyable cozy read - pretty typical of the genre with a bit of humor and a potential love interest for future installments. The author is not Amish, but does live in or near Amish country. I can't vouch for her portrayal of the Amish, but it was refreshingly humanizing. They weren't portrayed as saintly or ultra-religious. Her portrayal of the tensions between the Amish of the community and the "Englisch" seemed authentic. And the tourists! There were enough plausible suspects to keep one guessing about the murderer, but neither was the reveal surprising. I liked the chemistry between Angie and Sheriff Mitchell, and found it amusing that Angie seemed stuck on the idea that he thought she was the killer. The book apparently contains "tips for quilters" at the end. The audiobook did not. The narrator did a good job, and I would listen to more of this series.
Description: When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio. With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch. On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart. With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems....
Cumulative pages: 12,486
231WelshBookworm
#39 The Seven Wonders
4 red stars
Perhaps a tad generous, especially if you are coming to this series after the Roma Sub Rosa series about the older Gordianus "the Finder." But I like to read books in internal chronological order, so this is my introduction to Steven Saylor's books. There are four books in the "Ancient World" series, and I guess these could all be considered prequels to the later series. Not sure if they should also be considered young adult or not, but that is kind of the vibe of this one - Gordianus is goofy, awkward, and naive. I found it quite entertaining. It felt like being on a bus tour (no buses in 92 B.C., I know) with a chatty tour guide (or in this case, various local characters) expounding on the history of each of the Seven Wonders of the World, and various aspects of Roman, Greek, or Egyptian culture and history as we go. And it brought to mind a memory from my childhood playing "school" with my sisters - I was the teacher, of course, being the oldest, and I had a little booklet of facts all about the Seven Wonders that I used for my "lessons." I remember it very vividly. Yes, I loved history even then, and I was a very nerdy, scholarly child. So anyway - this book is like a collection of short stories. At each location, Gordianus gets to solve some little mystery, and have some kind of romantic/sexual encounter (not explicit). Technically, this predates the Roman "Empire", but Rome (like Gordianus) is certainly on the cusp of what it will become.
Description: The year is 92 B.C. Gordianus has just turned eighteen and is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime: a far-flung journey to see the Seven Wonders of the World. Gordianus is not yet called "the Finder"―but at each of the Seven Wonders, the wide-eyed young Roman encounters a mystery to challenge the powers of deduction. Accompanying Gordianus on his travels is his tutor, Antipater of Sidon, the world's most celebrated poet. But there is more to the apparently harmless old poet than meets the eye. Before they leave home, Antipater fakes his own death and travels under an assumed identity. Looming in the background are the first rumblings of a political upheaval that will shake the entire Roman world. Teacher and pupil journey to the fabled cities of Greece and Asia Minor, and then to Babylon and Egypt. They attend the Olympic Games, take part in exotic festivals, and marvel at the most spectacular constructions ever devised by mankind. Along the way they encounter murder, witchcraft and ghostly hauntings. Traveling the world for the first time, Gordianus discovers that amorous exploration goes hand-in-hand with crime-solving. The mysteries of love are the true wonders of the world...
Cumulative pages: 12,807
4 red stars
Perhaps a tad generous, especially if you are coming to this series after the Roma Sub Rosa series about the older Gordianus "the Finder." But I like to read books in internal chronological order, so this is my introduction to Steven Saylor's books. There are four books in the "Ancient World" series, and I guess these could all be considered prequels to the later series. Not sure if they should also be considered young adult or not, but that is kind of the vibe of this one - Gordianus is goofy, awkward, and naive. I found it quite entertaining. It felt like being on a bus tour (no buses in 92 B.C., I know) with a chatty tour guide (or in this case, various local characters) expounding on the history of each of the Seven Wonders of the World, and various aspects of Roman, Greek, or Egyptian culture and history as we go. And it brought to mind a memory from my childhood playing "school" with my sisters - I was the teacher, of course, being the oldest, and I had a little booklet of facts all about the Seven Wonders that I used for my "lessons." I remember it very vividly. Yes, I loved history even then, and I was a very nerdy, scholarly child. So anyway - this book is like a collection of short stories. At each location, Gordianus gets to solve some little mystery, and have some kind of romantic/sexual encounter (not explicit). Technically, this predates the Roman "Empire", but Rome (like Gordianus) is certainly on the cusp of what it will become.
Description: The year is 92 B.C. Gordianus has just turned eighteen and is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime: a far-flung journey to see the Seven Wonders of the World. Gordianus is not yet called "the Finder"―but at each of the Seven Wonders, the wide-eyed young Roman encounters a mystery to challenge the powers of deduction. Accompanying Gordianus on his travels is his tutor, Antipater of Sidon, the world's most celebrated poet. But there is more to the apparently harmless old poet than meets the eye. Before they leave home, Antipater fakes his own death and travels under an assumed identity. Looming in the background are the first rumblings of a political upheaval that will shake the entire Roman world. Teacher and pupil journey to the fabled cities of Greece and Asia Minor, and then to Babylon and Egypt. They attend the Olympic Games, take part in exotic festivals, and marvel at the most spectacular constructions ever devised by mankind. Along the way they encounter murder, witchcraft and ghostly hauntings. Traveling the world for the first time, Gordianus discovers that amorous exploration goes hand-in-hand with crime-solving. The mysteries of love are the true wonders of the world...
Cumulative pages: 12,807
232WelshBookworm
Making plans for August and beyond:
First of all, how is it August already? The garden is doing its thing for now, and I haven't had to pay too much attention. A good thing, because it has been too hot to want to be outdoors much. I'm still postponing the rest of the planting, and those perennials and things can just wait until cooler weather in the fall. But it seems I haven't been reading that much either. I barely finished four books in July. I can afford to be lazy, or busy, whatever the excuse is, since I am still 4 books ahead of schedule on the annual goal. But I feel like I'm behind, because there are so many books I want to read for the various monthly challenges that I feel perpetually behind.
This is why I have been thinking about changing my whole approach next year and focusing only on leftovers. Going back to previous years' lists and not doing any new "random reads" lists, but filling them with those titles that are still begging to be read. But I can never resist new themes, and this last week or so I have gotten a doozy of an idea, thanks to J.D. Vance.... I'll call my thread something like Laurel's Crazy Cat Lady Chronicles.... I've already filled notepads with all the cat titles in my TBR ocean. There's at least 40. Then I started writing down all the cozy mystery series that feature cats. There's another 30 at least. This is perfect for my alphabet challenge, because I'll be doing titles that start with the letter C next year. Other themes that spring to mind: Castles. And Chronicles. OMG, I have over 50 titles in my TBR in a series with Chronicles as part of the name of the series. So this is going to be interesting, but I still have 5 months to figure out how to structure it.
But back to August...
For Daytimers book club, we'll be reading
READ Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - the book we were supposed to read has too many holds to get copies this month, so I've rearranged our schedule for the rest of the year.
For Goodreads, we are doing the letter R for the next two months. I could get some more of my Roman Empire books read perhaps. Some other possibilities:
The Kremlin's Candidate (Russia)
READ The Rose Garden (a rose garden...)
Rhuddlan which I have as an ebook
The August genre challenge is humor/comedy and my coworker plunked this on my desk yesterday, so I checked it out. Perfect.
READ Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair
But looking through my TBR I also found this, I have it as an ebook
Mister Darcy's Dogs - sounds fun, and I can use some lighter reads. I've also got
READ Cockatiels at Seven lined up. One of my favorite humorous authors.
The cover color challenge is hot pink or forest green. Looking at my list of options, the only one available yesterday on audio I could start right away was
READ The Last Party - I am greatly enjoying the narrator's Welsh accent and the snippets of Welsh language.
The RTT theme for August is "The Joy of Reading." I'm still on the waiting list for
READ The Personal Librarian which was last month's Daytimers book. I'm next in line, so hopefully soon. Otherwise, Among the Janeites fits the bill.
The quarterly theme is still Arthurian fiction.
233WelshBookworm
August Log
Finished:
Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair - finished August 2
The Last Party - finished August 15
The Door to Camelot - finished August 21
The Personal Librarian - finished August 23
Cockatiels at Seven - finished August 27
A Time of Love and Tartan - finished August 28
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
Mister Darcy's Dogs - started August 21
Next up:
The Year of Lost and Found (aka The Heart of Summer)
Possibly Pending:
The Rose Garden
Rhuddlan
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
New Acquisitions:
The Moonflowers: A Novel - Amazon first reads pick
Wanderland - purchased hardcover
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Audible credit
The Rose Garden - Audible credit
Pendragon's Heir - Audible purchase
Still might read:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
Finished:
Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair - finished August 2
The Last Party - finished August 15
The Door to Camelot - finished August 21
The Personal Librarian - finished August 23
Cockatiels at Seven - finished August 27
A Time of Love and Tartan - finished August 28
Currently reading:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - restarted on Jan. 8
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - restarted on Jan. 8
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
Mister Darcy's Dogs - started August 21
Next up:
The Year of Lost and Found (aka The Heart of Summer)
Possibly Pending:
The Rose Garden
Rhuddlan
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
New Acquisitions:
The Moonflowers: A Novel - Amazon first reads pick
Wanderland - purchased hardcover
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Audible credit
The Rose Garden - Audible credit
Pendragon's Heir - Audible purchase
Still might read:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
234WelshBookworm
#40 Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair
4.5 blue stars
Linney is quite a character. Cat owners will recognize many of these behaviors. But be warned. I laughed. And I cried. This is a lovely tribute to the older cats in our lives, and some of the trials that aging brings. If you have loved and lost a cat, the last section of the book might hit a little too close to home. +-0ooooo-*9++++++++
That last comment was added by one of my cats... Something about 9 lives maybe?
Description: What if our cats could talk? Would they ask endless questions about why we haven't given them wet food...again? Would they scream greetings at the first sign of life before the sun even rises? Linney certainly will. Have you met Linney yet? If not, prepared to be blessed! Lucy Knisley's online Linney comics are here collected for the very first time. With all-new comics, this collection shows us just how amazing, and what a true gift, all cats are.
Cumulative pages: 13,015
4.5 blue stars
Linney is quite a character. Cat owners will recognize many of these behaviors. But be warned. I laughed. And I cried. This is a lovely tribute to the older cats in our lives, and some of the trials that aging brings. If you have loved and lost a cat, the last section of the book might hit a little too close to home. +-0ooooo-*9++++++++
That last comment was added by one of my cats... Something about 9 lives maybe?
Description: What if our cats could talk? Would they ask endless questions about why we haven't given them wet food...again? Would they scream greetings at the first sign of life before the sun even rises? Linney certainly will. Have you met Linney yet? If not, prepared to be blessed! Lucy Knisley's online Linney comics are here collected for the very first time. With all-new comics, this collection shows us just how amazing, and what a true gift, all cats are.
Cumulative pages: 13,015
235labfs39
>232 WelshBookworm: I can't believe it's August either. Where did the time go? I love hearing how you parse and reparse your reading and plans. So much fun for a list-lover to follow. I read The Personal Librarian for my book club, and it was interesting. Better than a similar historical fiction title that we read last month set during the same time and town, The Lioness of Boston.
Love the photo!
>234 WelshBookworm: Very funny: both the book description and your review.
Love the photo!
>234 WelshBookworm: Very funny: both the book description and your review.
236WelshBookworm
>235 labfs39: Yeah, my cat really did type that walking across the keyboard. I decided to leave it in....
237WelshBookworm
#41 The Last Party
4.5 blue stars rounded up
You'll have to forgive my bias, but I love everything Welsh, and this book set in a small North Wales village on the English border, has plenty of atmosphere, and enough Welsh dialog thrown in to make me happy. On the Welsh side of Llyn Drych (Mirror Lake) is the little village of Cwm Coed with all the drawbacks of small towns everywhere. And on the English side, is a new posh development called The Shore aimed at attracting wealthy English buyers, and offering nothing for the locals. Nevermind that its creator is one of their own, a local boy become a famous singer, but whose career is now waning. When he goes missing during his New Year's Eve party and then is found dead in the lake the next day, both English and Welsh detectives are brought in. Ffion Morgan lives in Cwm Coed, and much to her chagrin, the English detective assigned to the case is the man she had a one night stand with on New Year's Eve. Leo is a black officer originally from Liverpool, but now is the object of some very racist bullying from his current boss. His ex-wife is also keeping him from having a relationship with his young son. As Ffion observes, he needs to "grow a pair." She has her own secrets and it isn't long before we realize she might be somewhat morally ambiguous for a police officer. There are plenty of suspects here, and plenty of secrets. This is a slow-burning psychological thriller, and I guarantee you will not guess who-done-it. The last page delivered one final twist that left my jaw hanging. Did she really do that??! An interesting plot device is to structure the book in mirror fashion. The police investigation and the relationship between Ffion and Leo progresses chronologically, but interspersed we have the actions of the people at the party first revealed moving backwards in time, and then in the second half of the book moving forward again to the party and the resolution of the police case. I am glad there is a second book in the series. Leo and Ffion make a great team, and we hope they will see more of each other in the future.
Description: It's the party to end all parties….but not everyone is here to celebrate. On New Year's Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests. His vacation homes on Mirror Lake are a success, and he's generously invited the village to drink champagne with their wealthy new neighbors. But by midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake. On New Year's Day, Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects. The tiny community is her home, so the suspects are her neighbors, friends and family―and Ffion has her own secrets to protect. With a lie uncovered at every turn, soon the question isn't who wanted Rhys dead…but who finally killed him. In a village with this many secrets, murder is just the beginning.
Cumulative pages: 13,421
4.5 blue stars rounded up
You'll have to forgive my bias, but I love everything Welsh, and this book set in a small North Wales village on the English border, has plenty of atmosphere, and enough Welsh dialog thrown in to make me happy. On the Welsh side of Llyn Drych (Mirror Lake) is the little village of Cwm Coed with all the drawbacks of small towns everywhere. And on the English side, is a new posh development called The Shore aimed at attracting wealthy English buyers, and offering nothing for the locals. Nevermind that its creator is one of their own, a local boy become a famous singer, but whose career is now waning. When he goes missing during his New Year's Eve party and then is found dead in the lake the next day, both English and Welsh detectives are brought in. Ffion Morgan lives in Cwm Coed, and much to her chagrin, the English detective assigned to the case is the man she had a one night stand with on New Year's Eve. Leo is a black officer originally from Liverpool, but now is the object of some very racist bullying from his current boss. His ex-wife is also keeping him from having a relationship with his young son. As Ffion observes, he needs to "grow a pair." She has her own secrets and it isn't long before we realize she might be somewhat morally ambiguous for a police officer. There are plenty of suspects here, and plenty of secrets. This is a slow-burning psychological thriller, and I guarantee you will not guess who-done-it. The last page delivered one final twist that left my jaw hanging. Did she really do that??! An interesting plot device is to structure the book in mirror fashion. The police investigation and the relationship between Ffion and Leo progresses chronologically, but interspersed we have the actions of the people at the party first revealed moving backwards in time, and then in the second half of the book moving forward again to the party and the resolution of the police case. I am glad there is a second book in the series. Leo and Ffion make a great team, and we hope they will see more of each other in the future.
Description: It's the party to end all parties….but not everyone is here to celebrate. On New Year's Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests. His vacation homes on Mirror Lake are a success, and he's generously invited the village to drink champagne with their wealthy new neighbors. But by midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake. On New Year's Day, Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects. The tiny community is her home, so the suspects are her neighbors, friends and family―and Ffion has her own secrets to protect. With a lie uncovered at every turn, soon the question isn't who wanted Rhys dead…but who finally killed him. In a village with this many secrets, murder is just the beginning.
Cumulative pages: 13,421
238WelshBookworm
#42 The Door to Camelot
3 green stars
I should have been more careful when I purchased this last month. Because it is clearly incomplete as it stands. It isn't just that it ends with a cliff-hanger. The characters have been introduced, but not developed. What I thought was part 1 of a series is really part 1 of a novel. And why buy all three parts if you don't know if you will like it or not? Well, I liked it enough to want to give the author a fair chance, so now I have gone ahead and purchased the full novel under the title Pendragon's Heir. That was cheaper than purchasing the next two parts separately. It feels a little bit like a bait and switch, so I'm a little irritated with Amazon. As for the book itself, this is aimed at the teen market. Whether it will prove to be a coming of age tale remains to be seen. The story, so far, is an interesting blend of turn-of-the-century England with medieval Camelot after the death of King Arthur. His daughter Blanchefleur had been taken to the future to keep her safe from those who wish to see King Arthur's legacy of the Round Table destroyed. The doorway is a bit of a cliche - it's a wardrobe. No talking animals here, but the style is reminiscent of Narnia with its medieval/Christian vibe. I even wanted to revisit Malory or my Arthurian encyclopedia to refresh myself on the characters, but it seems to me they are true to type, and/or would fit in well with T.H. White. I shall save the rest of my review for the full trilogy. This "installment" cannot stand alone.
Description: What if King Arthur had a daughter? Blanche was an ordinary girl in 1900 England...until the knight crashed through her door. Now, her guardians say she’s a princess lost in time, and her father’s enemies want her dead. Raised in the wild, Perceval has never known his father. Hoping for answers, he sets out to pledge his sword to the legendary King Arthur Pendragon. But dark forces threaten Camelot - and darker secrets fester behind the legend. Sparks fly when Perceval steals a kiss from the strange damsel he finds in the forest. Blanche doesn’t trust this brash young knight...but as assassins close in, he might be her only chance of survival.
Cumulative pages: 13,591
3 green stars
I should have been more careful when I purchased this last month. Because it is clearly incomplete as it stands. It isn't just that it ends with a cliff-hanger. The characters have been introduced, but not developed. What I thought was part 1 of a series is really part 1 of a novel. And why buy all three parts if you don't know if you will like it or not? Well, I liked it enough to want to give the author a fair chance, so now I have gone ahead and purchased the full novel under the title Pendragon's Heir. That was cheaper than purchasing the next two parts separately. It feels a little bit like a bait and switch, so I'm a little irritated with Amazon. As for the book itself, this is aimed at the teen market. Whether it will prove to be a coming of age tale remains to be seen. The story, so far, is an interesting blend of turn-of-the-century England with medieval Camelot after the death of King Arthur. His daughter Blanchefleur had been taken to the future to keep her safe from those who wish to see King Arthur's legacy of the Round Table destroyed. The doorway is a bit of a cliche - it's a wardrobe. No talking animals here, but the style is reminiscent of Narnia with its medieval/Christian vibe. I even wanted to revisit Malory or my Arthurian encyclopedia to refresh myself on the characters, but it seems to me they are true to type, and/or would fit in well with T.H. White. I shall save the rest of my review for the full trilogy. This "installment" cannot stand alone.
Description: What if King Arthur had a daughter? Blanche was an ordinary girl in 1900 England...until the knight crashed through her door. Now, her guardians say she’s a princess lost in time, and her father’s enemies want her dead. Raised in the wild, Perceval has never known his father. Hoping for answers, he sets out to pledge his sword to the legendary King Arthur Pendragon. But dark forces threaten Camelot - and darker secrets fester behind the legend. Sparks fly when Perceval steals a kiss from the strange damsel he finds in the forest. Blanche doesn’t trust this brash young knight...but as assassins close in, he might be her only chance of survival.
Cumulative pages: 13,591
239WelshBookworm
#43 The Personal Librarian
3 green stars
This should have been a fascinating story about a real woman, and it kept my interest for about 40% of the book. After that, it got very repetitive and same old, same old. Surely there was more to her life than the constant race angle. There isn't a lot of historical evidence that this was even an issue for her. I found the descriptions of her relationships, even with her father, to be contrived, and sorry, but the sex scenes were just cringeworthy. And the whole storyline about her lover's business dealings and "betrayal" was wholly made up. I wanted to like this book much more than I did. What I did learn about her, I found very interesting. She was well educated, shrewd, maybe even brilliant in her ability to acquire manuscripts and artwork for the Pierpont Morgan Library. I would have liked more about how the library became open to the public, and about her directorship in her later life. The authors' notes at the end of the book were more interesting. I get that this is fiction, but I think they took too many liberties, and I found myself questioning much of the story.
Description: In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
Cumulative pages: 13,932
3 green stars
This should have been a fascinating story about a real woman, and it kept my interest for about 40% of the book. After that, it got very repetitive and same old, same old. Surely there was more to her life than the constant race angle. There isn't a lot of historical evidence that this was even an issue for her. I found the descriptions of her relationships, even with her father, to be contrived, and sorry, but the sex scenes were just cringeworthy. And the whole storyline about her lover's business dealings and "betrayal" was wholly made up. I wanted to like this book much more than I did. What I did learn about her, I found very interesting. She was well educated, shrewd, maybe even brilliant in her ability to acquire manuscripts and artwork for the Pierpont Morgan Library. I would have liked more about how the library became open to the public, and about her directorship in her later life. The authors' notes at the end of the book were more interesting. I get that this is fiction, but I think they took too many liberties, and I found myself questioning much of the story.
Description: In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
Cumulative pages: 13,932
240labfs39
>239 WelshBookworm: Although I liked this book a little more than you, I was not completely sold either. And the whole storyline about her lover's business dealings and "betrayal" was wholly made up. Do you mean her relationship with Bernard Berenson? Because that was real.
241WelshBookworm
>240 labfs39: Yes, the relationship was real, but his shady business dealings was made up.
242WelshBookworm
#44 Cockatiels at Seven
4 red stars
More laugh-out-loud entertainment from one of my favorite authors for long road trips....
Description: When her old friend Karen drops by with two-year-old son Timmy, Meg Langslow reluctantly agrees to babysit “just for a little while.” But when nightfall comes, the toddler is still in residence and Karen isn’t answering any phone calls. Meg decides she must find out what’s happening, so the next morning, with Timmy in tow, she retraces her friend’s footsteps---and begins to suspect that Karen’s disappearance is tied to at least one serious crime. Has Karen been killed or kidnapped? Is she on the run from the bad guys? Or is she one of the bad guys? The police don’t seem to care, so Meg once again plays sleuth---this time with a toddler as her sidekick. As usual, Meg’s extended family adds to the complications in her life. What covert animal welfare project are Dad and the curmudgeonly zoologist Dr. Montgomery Blake working on---and will Meg have to make another late-night trip to bail them out of jail? Why does Meg’s brother keep disappearing---is he merely trying to avoid babysitting, or is he involved in something more mysterious? Will taking care of Timmy dampen newly married Meg and Michael’s enthusiasm for starting a family of their own? And are any of Meg’s relatives reliable enough to be trusted with a two-year-old---especially a two-year-old whose whereabouts might be of interest to some very dangerous people?
4 red stars
More laugh-out-loud entertainment from one of my favorite authors for long road trips....
Description: When her old friend Karen drops by with two-year-old son Timmy, Meg Langslow reluctantly agrees to babysit “just for a little while.” But when nightfall comes, the toddler is still in residence and Karen isn’t answering any phone calls. Meg decides she must find out what’s happening, so the next morning, with Timmy in tow, she retraces her friend’s footsteps---and begins to suspect that Karen’s disappearance is tied to at least one serious crime. Has Karen been killed or kidnapped? Is she on the run from the bad guys? Or is she one of the bad guys? The police don’t seem to care, so Meg once again plays sleuth---this time with a toddler as her sidekick. As usual, Meg’s extended family adds to the complications in her life. What covert animal welfare project are Dad and the curmudgeonly zoologist Dr. Montgomery Blake working on---and will Meg have to make another late-night trip to bail them out of jail? Why does Meg’s brother keep disappearing---is he merely trying to avoid babysitting, or is he involved in something more mysterious? Will taking care of Timmy dampen newly married Meg and Michael’s enthusiasm for starting a family of their own? And are any of Meg’s relatives reliable enough to be trusted with a two-year-old---especially a two-year-old whose whereabouts might be of interest to some very dangerous people?
243WelshBookworm
#45 A Time of Love and Tartan
4.5 blue stars
Perhaps generous since nothing much happens yet again, except for a decision by Irene Pollock that will have a HUGE impact on Stuart, Bertie, and Ulysses. Still I love revisiting all of these delightful characters and their lives.
Description: When Pat accepts her narcissistic ex-boyfriend Bruce's invitation for coffee, she has no idea of the complications in her romantic and professional life that will follow. Meanwhile, Matthew, her boss at the art gallery, attracts the attention of the police after a misunderstanding at the local bookstore. Whether caused by small things such as a cup of coffee and a book, or major events such as Stuart's application for promotion, change is coming to Scotland Street. But for three seven-year-old boys--Bertie Pollock, Ranald, and Big Lou's foster son, Finlay--it also means getting a glimpse of perfect happiness.
Cumulative pages: 14,492
4.5 blue stars
Perhaps generous since nothing much happens yet again, except for a decision by Irene Pollock that will have a HUGE impact on Stuart, Bertie, and Ulysses. Still I love revisiting all of these delightful characters and their lives.
Description: When Pat accepts her narcissistic ex-boyfriend Bruce's invitation for coffee, she has no idea of the complications in her romantic and professional life that will follow. Meanwhile, Matthew, her boss at the art gallery, attracts the attention of the police after a misunderstanding at the local bookstore. Whether caused by small things such as a cup of coffee and a book, or major events such as Stuart's application for promotion, change is coming to Scotland Street. But for three seven-year-old boys--Bertie Pollock, Ranald, and Big Lou's foster son, Finlay--it also means getting a glimpse of perfect happiness.
Cumulative pages: 14,492
244WelshBookworm
I can't believe it is September already! Where has the summer gone? I just got back from spending a week in Pennsyvania. I was asked to teach a folk-dancing seminar at the North American Festival of Wales again this year, and since it was in Pittsburgh I added a couple of days to do some family history stuff - visiting 6 cemeteries and a little church with connections to my mother's Pennsylvania "Deutsch" ancestors. I should have finished another two books on the drive back to Minnesota, but my traveling companion wanted to listen to Outlander. Now I have no objection to rereading Outlander - it's on my list of books to reread, but there was no way we were going to finish a 32-hour book. And now that I am back, there are other things waiting for my attention.
So I'll be starting
READ The Rose Garden tomorrow. Still doing R locations for A Good Yarn book club. My other book club book is
READ The Woman in the Library My hold on Libby says "available soon." I have not gotten to the book for Perspectives and I think I am skipping that one this month.
I have made no progress on any print books in several weeks. I still would like to read
Mister Darcy's Dogs for the August genre challenge (humor) even though I did finish something else that counts for that. The September challenge is "young adult" and nothing on my lists is calling to me. I may just finish up the Pendragon's Heir trilogy, since I purchased it and the Reading Through Time 3rd quarter challenge is still Arthurian fiction. The next section of the trilogy is
The Quest for Carbonek and the 3rd is
The Heir of Logres
The RTT September theme is "Royal to the Bone". Perhaps I might finally knock
The Summer Queen and
Queen By Right off my leftovers list. Although the "bone" thing has me pondering
Essex Dogs - and it would count for the Sept. cover challenge. Oh, and I still need to finish
READ Poison, Your Grace - it could also count as Young Adult maybe... okay, Mister Darcy's Dogs may have to wait....
245WelshBookworm
September Log
Finished:
The Rose Garden - finished Sept 16
The Woman in the Library - finished Sept 23
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - finished Sept 27
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - finished Sept 28
Currently reading:
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
A Game of Lies - started Sept 24
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron - An American Pioneer - started on Sept. 27
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey - started on Sept 30
Next up:
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
Possibly Pending:
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Last Pendragon
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
The Iliad (trans. by Emily Wilson)
Waiting on hold on Libby
Isaiah's Daughter
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Well-Lived Life
The Covenant of Water
Gods and Kings
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Lessons in Chemistry
Paused, but theoretically still reading...
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Mister Darcy's Dogs - started August 21
Still might read:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6. Maxxed out the renewals for the library book and it became clear that I didn't want to take the time to finish this book, so I have decided to let it go.
New Acquisitions:
This Small Corner of Time - purchased at author talk
Flame in the Mountains
A View Across the Valley
Bearers of Song
The Last Pendragon - free on Amazon
Welsh in 12 Weeks - a friend got a copy of this on a trip to Wales recently and showed it to me. I teach Welsh, so I'm always looking for new materials, and I liked how the grammar was presented, so it will make a good complement to other books I am using.
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron - An American Pioneer - a short story about one of my ancestors. I bought two copies (Amazon) so I can give one to my mom...
Finished:
The Rose Garden - finished Sept 16
The Woman in the Library - finished Sept 23
Moby-Dick or, The Whale - finished Sept 27
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer - finished Sept 28
Currently reading:
Poison, Your Grace - started June 30
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
A Game of Lies - started Sept 24
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron - An American Pioneer - started on Sept. 27
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey - started on Sept 30
Next up:
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
Possibly Pending:
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Last Pendragon
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
The Iliad (trans. by Emily Wilson)
Waiting on hold on Libby
Isaiah's Daughter
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Well-Lived Life
The Covenant of Water
Gods and Kings
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Lessons in Chemistry
Paused, but theoretically still reading...
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Mister Darcy's Dogs - started August 21
Still might read:
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
Behind Closed Doors
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear - started on Mar. 6. Maxxed out the renewals for the library book and it became clear that I didn't want to take the time to finish this book, so I have decided to let it go.
New Acquisitions:
This Small Corner of Time - purchased at author talk
Flame in the Mountains
A View Across the Valley
Bearers of Song
The Last Pendragon - free on Amazon
Welsh in 12 Weeks - a friend got a copy of this on a trip to Wales recently and showed it to me. I teach Welsh, so I'm always looking for new materials, and I liked how the grammar was presented, so it will make a good complement to other books I am using.
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron - An American Pioneer - a short story about one of my ancestors. I bought two copies (Amazon) so I can give one to my mom...
246WelshBookworm
DNF The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear
2 yellow stars
I made it halfway through this book before stalling out. I have maxxed out my renewals on the library book, so I think it is time to throw in the towel. This promised to be such an interesting and important story. But I found the writing style a bit stilted, old-fashioned, and maybe even pretentious or self-righteous. I would love to know more about Elizabeth Packard, but I just didn't want to take the time to finish this book.
Description: The year 1860: As the clash between the states rolls slowly to a boil, Elizabeth Packard, housewife and mother of six, is facing her own battle. The enemy sits across the table and sleeps in the next room. Her husband of 21 years is plotting against her because he feels increasingly threatened - by Elizabeth’s intellect, independence, and unwillingness to stifle her own thoughts. So Theophilus makes a plan to put his wife back in her place. One summer morning, he has her committed to an insane asylum. The horrific conditions inside the Illinois State Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, are overseen by Dr. Andrew McFarland, a man who will prove to be even more dangerous to Elizabeth than her traitorous husband. But most disturbing is that Elizabeth is not the only sane woman confined to the institution. There are many rational women on her ward who tell the same story: They’ve been committed not because they need medical treatment, but to keep them in line - conveniently labeled “crazy” so their voices are ignored. No one is willing to fight for their freedom, and, disenfranchised both by gender and the stigma of their supposed madness, they cannot possibly fight for themselves. But Elizabeth is about to discover that the merit of losing everything is that you then have nothing to lose....
Not counting toward my books read or cumulative pages.
2 yellow stars
I made it halfway through this book before stalling out. I have maxxed out my renewals on the library book, so I think it is time to throw in the towel. This promised to be such an interesting and important story. But I found the writing style a bit stilted, old-fashioned, and maybe even pretentious or self-righteous. I would love to know more about Elizabeth Packard, but I just didn't want to take the time to finish this book.
Description: The year 1860: As the clash between the states rolls slowly to a boil, Elizabeth Packard, housewife and mother of six, is facing her own battle. The enemy sits across the table and sleeps in the next room. Her husband of 21 years is plotting against her because he feels increasingly threatened - by Elizabeth’s intellect, independence, and unwillingness to stifle her own thoughts. So Theophilus makes a plan to put his wife back in her place. One summer morning, he has her committed to an insane asylum. The horrific conditions inside the Illinois State Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, are overseen by Dr. Andrew McFarland, a man who will prove to be even more dangerous to Elizabeth than her traitorous husband. But most disturbing is that Elizabeth is not the only sane woman confined to the institution. There are many rational women on her ward who tell the same story: They’ve been committed not because they need medical treatment, but to keep them in line - conveniently labeled “crazy” so their voices are ignored. No one is willing to fight for their freedom, and, disenfranchised both by gender and the stigma of their supposed madness, they cannot possibly fight for themselves. But Elizabeth is about to discover that the merit of losing everything is that you then have nothing to lose....
Not counting toward my books read or cumulative pages.
247FlorenceArt
>246 WelshBookworm: That’s too bad, it sounds like an interesting subject, though difficult.
248WelshBookworm
Five days later, and it's already time for my mid-Sept. update:
I've added
READ To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn - waiting for hold at library. Sept. group read for the Goodreads group Tudor History Lovers. Fits the royalty Sept. challenge and the Sept. cover color challenge.
Another group is reading Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey. I'd like to read The Iliad first. This would finally jumpstart my Odyssey theme which has been pending for at least 5 years now... BUT FIRST - I really, really need to finish my reread of
READ Moby Dick and
READ Ahab's Wife
so I have moved those back into the currently reading column and will prioritize getting those done by the end of the month.
Finally, I have added a few books purchased at the North American Festival of Wales in Pittsburgh to my log above. One of these,
This Small Corner of Time
was purchased from the author at her talk on the After Cilmeri series, which imagines what if someone went back in time and somehow prevented Llewellyn the Last from being murdered. I have a number of Sarah Woodbury's books on Kindle or Nook but haven't yet read any of them. Which series to start first? Maybe the Pendragon series since I'm still on the RTT 3rd quarter Arthurian challenge...
The Last Pendragon
I've added
READ To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn - waiting for hold at library. Sept. group read for the Goodreads group Tudor History Lovers. Fits the royalty Sept. challenge and the Sept. cover color challenge.
Another group is reading Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey. I'd like to read The Iliad first. This would finally jumpstart my Odyssey theme which has been pending for at least 5 years now... BUT FIRST - I really, really need to finish my reread of
READ Moby Dick and
READ Ahab's Wife
so I have moved those back into the currently reading column and will prioritize getting those done by the end of the month.
Finally, I have added a few books purchased at the North American Festival of Wales in Pittsburgh to my log above. One of these,
This Small Corner of Time
was purchased from the author at her talk on the After Cilmeri series, which imagines what if someone went back in time and somehow prevented Llewellyn the Last from being murdered. I have a number of Sarah Woodbury's books on Kindle or Nook but haven't yet read any of them. Which series to start first? Maybe the Pendragon series since I'm still on the RTT 3rd quarter Arthurian challenge...
The Last Pendragon
249WelshBookworm
#46 The Rose Garden
3.5 pink stars
I enjoyed this. It just could have been "more." Character development was kind of shallow. We never really learn that much about Eva, except that she is grieving the loss of her sister. The romance aspect was also pretty light. Why is she drawn to Daniel and to the past? We aren't really given any reason, except that only a very few people connected to the old house experience time travel. I didn't feel any kind of emotional connection between these characters. The time travel presented some interesting dilemmas, though it was never really explained why she had no control over going back and forth. So, put this in the light and fluffy diversion category. I will read more of this author, but I hope her later books might have a little more meat to them.
Description: After the death of her sister, Eva Ward leaves Hollywood and all its celebrities behind to return to the only place she feels she truly belongs, the old house on the coast of Cornwall, England. She's seeking comfort in memories of childhood summers, but what she finds is mysterious voices and hidden pathways that sweep her not only into the past, but also into the arms of a man who is not of her time. Soon Eva discovers that the man, Daniel Butler, is very, very real and he draws her into a world of intrigue, treason, and love. Inside the old British house, begins to question her place in the present, she realizes she must decide where she really belongs: in the life she knows or the past she feels so drawn towards.
Cumulative pages: 14,968
3.5 pink stars
I enjoyed this. It just could have been "more." Character development was kind of shallow. We never really learn that much about Eva, except that she is grieving the loss of her sister. The romance aspect was also pretty light. Why is she drawn to Daniel and to the past? We aren't really given any reason, except that only a very few people connected to the old house experience time travel. I didn't feel any kind of emotional connection between these characters. The time travel presented some interesting dilemmas, though it was never really explained why she had no control over going back and forth. So, put this in the light and fluffy diversion category. I will read more of this author, but I hope her later books might have a little more meat to them.
Description: After the death of her sister, Eva Ward leaves Hollywood and all its celebrities behind to return to the only place she feels she truly belongs, the old house on the coast of Cornwall, England. She's seeking comfort in memories of childhood summers, but what she finds is mysterious voices and hidden pathways that sweep her not only into the past, but also into the arms of a man who is not of her time. Soon Eva discovers that the man, Daniel Butler, is very, very real and he draws her into a world of intrigue, treason, and love. Inside the old British house, begins to question her place in the present, she realizes she must decide where she really belongs: in the life she knows or the past she feels so drawn towards.
Cumulative pages: 14,968
250WelshBookworm
#47 The Woman in the Library
4 red stars
This mystery within a mystery ends up being a bit of a mystery itself. The ending left me feeling like maybe there is more to this story still untold. The basic premise is that we start out with an Australian writer, Hannah, getting correspondence from a long-time colleague/fan? named Leo in the US. She sends him her work in progress, and he replies with his suggestions regarding plot, characters, location, Americanisms, etc. As Hannah incorporates his suggestions into her work we see the results in her story about four people (one being the author's alter-ego, Winifred, who is in Boston writing a book on a fellowship grant) who meet by chance in the Boston PL reading room. With each chapter our assumptions about the characters is forced to keep shifting. And the relationship between Leo and Hannah gets creepier and creepier. To complicate things, Leo appears as a character in both stories. Is Hannah's story the real one, or is it possibly Winifred? For that matter, Leo is also a writer... In the end, I have no idea what is what, but I enjoyed the journey with these characters.
Description: Ned Kelly award winning author Sulari Gentill sets this mystery-within-a-mystery in motion with a deceptively simple, Dear Hannah, What are you writing? pulling us into the ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library. In every person's story, there is something to hide... The tranquility is shattered by a woman's terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers, who'd happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning―it just happens that one is a murderer.
Cumulative pages: 15,260
4 red stars
This mystery within a mystery ends up being a bit of a mystery itself. The ending left me feeling like maybe there is more to this story still untold. The basic premise is that we start out with an Australian writer, Hannah, getting correspondence from a long-time colleague/fan? named Leo in the US. She sends him her work in progress, and he replies with his suggestions regarding plot, characters, location, Americanisms, etc. As Hannah incorporates his suggestions into her work we see the results in her story about four people (one being the author's alter-ego, Winifred, who is in Boston writing a book on a fellowship grant) who meet by chance in the Boston PL reading room. With each chapter our assumptions about the characters is forced to keep shifting. And the relationship between Leo and Hannah gets creepier and creepier. To complicate things, Leo appears as a character in both stories. Is Hannah's story the real one, or is it possibly Winifred? For that matter, Leo is also a writer... In the end, I have no idea what is what, but I enjoyed the journey with these characters.
Description: Ned Kelly award winning author Sulari Gentill sets this mystery-within-a-mystery in motion with a deceptively simple, Dear Hannah, What are you writing? pulling us into the ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library. In every person's story, there is something to hide... The tranquility is shattered by a woman's terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers, who'd happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning―it just happens that one is a murderer.
Cumulative pages: 15,260
251WelshBookworm
#48 Moby-Dick or, The Whale
Reread. Still 3 green stars.
My 2012 review: Long, rambling, and something of a sea monster of a book. Called by one early critic "a chowder of a book," I would have to agree. At times it is brilliant, laugh out loud funny, thought-provoking, philosophical, and I can certainly appreciate all the historical detail. It's just not a subject I have any great interest in, or affinity for. Is it the greatest American novel ever written? It is certainly iconic, and I am glad that I have made the effort to finish the whole thing. Repeated exposure would probably raise my rating quite a bit, but I don't plan to revisit this one.
2024 update: Well, 12 years later I did revisit this using two online resources: http://www.powermobydick.com/ and https://www.mobydickbigread.com/
The first one is the full text with many (very colorful) annotations. The second one is Moby Dick with each chapter read by a different person (men and women). Some I had heard of - most not. There is also artwork accompanying each chapter. It was an interesting experience!
I decided to reread this because I was revisiting my "Moby Dick" theme on the 10th Anniversary of my creation of this theme a couple years ago, and one of the books I never finished from that list was Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer. It seemed to me that it might be interesting to read them simultaneously (more on that in my next post...)
Cumulative pages: 15,980
Reread. Still 3 green stars.
My 2012 review: Long, rambling, and something of a sea monster of a book. Called by one early critic "a chowder of a book," I would have to agree. At times it is brilliant, laugh out loud funny, thought-provoking, philosophical, and I can certainly appreciate all the historical detail. It's just not a subject I have any great interest in, or affinity for. Is it the greatest American novel ever written? It is certainly iconic, and I am glad that I have made the effort to finish the whole thing. Repeated exposure would probably raise my rating quite a bit, but I don't plan to revisit this one.
2024 update: Well, 12 years later I did revisit this using two online resources: http://www.powermobydick.com/ and https://www.mobydickbigread.com/
The first one is the full text with many (very colorful) annotations. The second one is Moby Dick with each chapter read by a different person (men and women). Some I had heard of - most not. There is also artwork accompanying each chapter. It was an interesting experience!
I decided to reread this because I was revisiting my "Moby Dick" theme on the 10th Anniversary of my creation of this theme a couple years ago, and one of the books I never finished from that list was Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer. It seemed to me that it might be interesting to read them simultaneously (more on that in my next post...)
Cumulative pages: 15,980
252RidgewayGirl
>246 WelshBookworm: One of the women in my book club adored this book. I put it on my list based on that but she's also a historian, and so probably has a pretty high tolerance for dry writing.
And for all intents and purposes, aren't we all childless cat ladies, regardless of gender, or the number of cats and/or children in our lives?
And for all intents and purposes, aren't we all childless cat ladies, regardless of gender, or the number of cats and/or children in our lives?
253labfs39
Congrats on finishing Moby Dick, again! Quite the accomplishment, and one I've never been able to finish. Using illustrated and audio versions sounds like a great idea, and one I would need if I ever attempted MD again.
254WelshBookworm
>252 RidgewayGirl: If you get around to reading it, I'll be interested to hear what you think.
255WelshBookworm
I finished Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer, but I'm visiting my mom for a few days and it is impossible to concentrate on my review right now. So look for that maybe on Friday, and I will also do my October plans then.
256WelshBookworm
#49 Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
4 red stars.
I'm finding it rather difficult to settle on a rating for this book. I liked it. I even loved it. BUT. It took me 12 years to finally actually finish reading it, starting it several times and petering out about 1/3 of the way through. So clearly it could have been half the length even though I like chunky books. It "jumped the shark" in half a dozen different ways, as the author indulged in quite a bit of Mary Sue-ness, not to mention making her protagonist a thoroughly 20th century woman in her thinking. Or the fact that she meets and is friends with so many famous names - Margaret Fuller, Maria Mitchell, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass, etc. etc. On the plus side, the writing drew me in over and over with beautiful descriptions and poetic language. The philosophical ideas gave me much food for thought. And the way the author wove so much detail, and meanderings into her tale, and I think carefully crafted the parallels to Moby Dick itself - I could almost copy my review of Moby Dick and use it here: "Long, rambling, and something of a sea monster of a book. Called by one early critic "a chowder of a book," I would have to agree. At times it is brilliant, laugh out loud funny, thought-provoking, philosophical, and I can certainly appreciate all the historical detail."
Clearly the author of Ahab's Wife has structured her book on Moby Dick. There are "excerpts" (quotations from various other literature) as a sort of "preface" in both books. The chapters are mostly short, and there are a lot miscellaneous ruminations about all manner of things. The book is also illustrated with woodcuts reminiscent of the 1930 edition of Moby Dick with illustrations by Rockwell Kent. Reading them in parallel, I had no sooner read a chapter titled "Nantucket" in one, to find a chapter titled "Nantucket" in the other. Also having just read about Ishmael and Queegueg attending a service at the Seamen's Bethel Chapel, then we have Una and her parents attending the same chapel with its prow of a ship for a pulpit. Then we have Ishmael and Queequeg eating chowder at the Try Pots Tavern, run by Mrs. Hosea Hussey and comments about the cow whose milk is rather "fishy" because of what the cow eats. In the other book we have Kit and Giles arriving at the Lighthouse where Una lives with her aunt and uncle. They have chowder for supper, and her aunt says she got the recipe from Mrs. Hussey at the Try Pots, and Giles and Kit regale them with descriptions of Mrs. Hussey's necklace made of fish (cod) vertebrae, and the cow dining on fish remnants out back. So I would say they jive very well reading them together. My only change if I did it again, would be to aim to finish Moby Dick a bit sooner, perhaps at the point where Una learns Ahab and the Pequod are gone in Chaper 131 (p. 572). That would leave almost 100 pages of Ahab's Wife without any accompanying Moby Dick, but it would fit better with the overall chronology.
I could change my mind again, but I have settled on 4 red stars, the main criteria being would I read it again. And yes, I would.
Description: "Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last."
This is destined to be remembered as one of the most-recognized first sentences in literature--along with "Call me Ishmael." Sena Jeter Naslund has created an entirely new universe with a transcendent heroine at its center who will be every bit as memorable as Captain Ahab. Ahab's Wife is a novel on a grand scale that can legitimately be called a masterpiece: beautifully written, filled with humanity and wisdom, rich in historical detail, authentic and evocative. Melville's spirit informs every page of her tour de force. Una Spenser's marriage to Captain Ahab is certainly a crucial element in the narrative of Ahab's Wife, but the story covers vastly more territory. After a spellbinding opening scene, the tale flashes back to Una's childhood in Kentucky; her idyllic adolescence with her aunt and uncle's family at a lighthouse near New Bedford; her adventures disguised as a cabin boy on a whaling ship; her first marriage to a fellow survivor who descends into violent madness; courtship and marriage to Ahab; life as mother and a rich captain's wife in Nantucket; involvement with Frederick Douglass; and a man who is in Nantucket researching his novel about his adventures on her ex-husband's ship. Ahab's Wife is a breathtaking, magnificent, and uplifting story of one woman's spiritual journey, informed by the spirit of the greatest American novel, but taking it beyond tragedy to redemptive triumph.
Cumulative pages: 16,648
4 red stars.
I'm finding it rather difficult to settle on a rating for this book. I liked it. I even loved it. BUT. It took me 12 years to finally actually finish reading it, starting it several times and petering out about 1/3 of the way through. So clearly it could have been half the length even though I like chunky books. It "jumped the shark" in half a dozen different ways, as the author indulged in quite a bit of Mary Sue-ness, not to mention making her protagonist a thoroughly 20th century woman in her thinking. Or the fact that she meets and is friends with so many famous names - Margaret Fuller, Maria Mitchell, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass, etc. etc. On the plus side, the writing drew me in over and over with beautiful descriptions and poetic language. The philosophical ideas gave me much food for thought. And the way the author wove so much detail, and meanderings into her tale, and I think carefully crafted the parallels to Moby Dick itself - I could almost copy my review of Moby Dick and use it here: "Long, rambling, and something of a sea monster of a book. Called by one early critic "a chowder of a book," I would have to agree. At times it is brilliant, laugh out loud funny, thought-provoking, philosophical, and I can certainly appreciate all the historical detail."
Clearly the author of Ahab's Wife has structured her book on Moby Dick. There are "excerpts" (quotations from various other literature) as a sort of "preface" in both books. The chapters are mostly short, and there are a lot miscellaneous ruminations about all manner of things. The book is also illustrated with woodcuts reminiscent of the 1930 edition of Moby Dick with illustrations by Rockwell Kent. Reading them in parallel, I had no sooner read a chapter titled "Nantucket" in one, to find a chapter titled "Nantucket" in the other. Also having just read about Ishmael and Queegueg attending a service at the Seamen's Bethel Chapel, then we have Una and her parents attending the same chapel with its prow of a ship for a pulpit. Then we have Ishmael and Queequeg eating chowder at the Try Pots Tavern, run by Mrs. Hosea Hussey and comments about the cow whose milk is rather "fishy" because of what the cow eats. In the other book we have Kit and Giles arriving at the Lighthouse where Una lives with her aunt and uncle. They have chowder for supper, and her aunt says she got the recipe from Mrs. Hussey at the Try Pots, and Giles and Kit regale them with descriptions of Mrs. Hussey's necklace made of fish (cod) vertebrae, and the cow dining on fish remnants out back. So I would say they jive very well reading them together. My only change if I did it again, would be to aim to finish Moby Dick a bit sooner, perhaps at the point where Una learns Ahab and the Pequod are gone in Chaper 131 (p. 572). That would leave almost 100 pages of Ahab's Wife without any accompanying Moby Dick, but it would fit better with the overall chronology.
I could change my mind again, but I have settled on 4 red stars, the main criteria being would I read it again. And yes, I would.
Description: "Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last."
This is destined to be remembered as one of the most-recognized first sentences in literature--along with "Call me Ishmael." Sena Jeter Naslund has created an entirely new universe with a transcendent heroine at its center who will be every bit as memorable as Captain Ahab. Ahab's Wife is a novel on a grand scale that can legitimately be called a masterpiece: beautifully written, filled with humanity and wisdom, rich in historical detail, authentic and evocative. Melville's spirit informs every page of her tour de force. Una Spenser's marriage to Captain Ahab is certainly a crucial element in the narrative of Ahab's Wife, but the story covers vastly more territory. After a spellbinding opening scene, the tale flashes back to Una's childhood in Kentucky; her idyllic adolescence with her aunt and uncle's family at a lighthouse near New Bedford; her adventures disguised as a cabin boy on a whaling ship; her first marriage to a fellow survivor who descends into violent madness; courtship and marriage to Ahab; life as mother and a rich captain's wife in Nantucket; involvement with Frederick Douglass; and a man who is in Nantucket researching his novel about his adventures on her ex-husband's ship. Ahab's Wife is a breathtaking, magnificent, and uplifting story of one woman's spiritual journey, informed by the spirit of the greatest American novel, but taking it beyond tragedy to redemptive triumph.
Cumulative pages: 16,648
257rv1988
>256 WelshBookworm: This sounds very interesting. Thanks for the detailed review, I had not heard of this book before. I can see how reading them both together would be beneficial, especially since the author of Ahab's Wife seems to draw so heavily from the original. Re: your point about the 'Mary-Sue'-ness, I have seen quite a bit of that in revisionist historical fiction recently!
258labfs39
>256 WelshBookworm: I read this years ago and didn't write a review, so my memories are dim. Not having read Moby Dick probably effected my rather mediocre star rating.
259WelshBookworm
October plans:
My sister and I made an impromptu trip up to Duluth last night (3 hour drive) hoping to see autumn leaves and maybe the northern lights. She lives an hour east of me in the Twin Cities, so I picked her up. The leaves and lights were a bust, but we had a wonderful meal at Va Bene Caffe with a view of the Lift Bridge. The food was awesome! If the the aurora hadn't been a no show we would have spent the night somewhere up there. The forecast is promising for tonight so she might drive out here this evening. I get pretty good views from my driveway. Here's a couple pictures I took last month...
I had just gotten back from a few days in Rapid City to see my 94-year-old mom. I took her a little book I discovered on Amazon last month about her immigrant ancestor on her father's side. She stayed up that night to finish reading it! I still have to finish it myself...
READ Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
Travel is always good for listening to audiobooks, and I had some holds become available on Libby, so I'll finish up
READ The Heart of Summer and then get back to
READ A Game of Lies
After that it'll be this month's book club book
READ West With Giraffes
In print and ebook formats, I'm still reading
READ Poison, Your Grace and then I have
READ To Die For borrowed from the library, which were to be my RTT September reads (royalty)
The RTT theme for October is "adultery" - so I'm planning to read
Hester
Other October challenges are Black or orange covers, genre read Horror, "S" locations for A Good Yarn (Oct & Nov), and the RTT 4th quarter theme of Medieval/Vikings. There's a new book coming out on Oct. 8 which would cover most of those:
The Book of Witching - it is set in Scotland (Orkney Islands), has an orange and black cover, and is labeled Horror. I don't know if I'll be able to get a copy without purchasing it, so we'll see. I'm not a big horror fan, so I don't have a lot to pick from on my TBR, but this might work:
DNF Cat Out of Hell which is labeled both Horror and Humorous and would give me a head start on my "Cat" theme for next year. And it has a black cover.
For the RTT theme I might try
A Sacred Storm set in 8th century Sweden and has both an orange and black cover. I've read the first book in the series and liked it.
Some other possibilities from my 2024 lists are
Sour Puss - next in series and a black cover
One for Sorrow - from my 2023 leftovers and an orange cover
READ Behind Closed Doors - set in Switzerland, and on my "door" theme list. This one might wait until Nov.
Other than that, I have started
...And Ladies of the Club which I plan to read over 3 months. It's another of my leftovers and I really want to get it read THIS year.
My sister and I made an impromptu trip up to Duluth last night (3 hour drive) hoping to see autumn leaves and maybe the northern lights. She lives an hour east of me in the Twin Cities, so I picked her up. The leaves and lights were a bust, but we had a wonderful meal at Va Bene Caffe with a view of the Lift Bridge. The food was awesome! If the the aurora hadn't been a no show we would have spent the night somewhere up there. The forecast is promising for tonight so she might drive out here this evening. I get pretty good views from my driveway. Here's a couple pictures I took last month...
I had just gotten back from a few days in Rapid City to see my 94-year-old mom. I took her a little book I discovered on Amazon last month about her immigrant ancestor on her father's side. She stayed up that night to finish reading it! I still have to finish it myself...
READ Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
Travel is always good for listening to audiobooks, and I had some holds become available on Libby, so I'll finish up
READ The Heart of Summer and then get back to
READ A Game of Lies
After that it'll be this month's book club book
READ West With Giraffes
In print and ebook formats, I'm still reading
READ Poison, Your Grace and then I have
READ To Die For borrowed from the library, which were to be my RTT September reads (royalty)
The RTT theme for October is "adultery" - so I'm planning to read
Hester
Other October challenges are Black or orange covers, genre read Horror, "S" locations for A Good Yarn (Oct & Nov), and the RTT 4th quarter theme of Medieval/Vikings. There's a new book coming out on Oct. 8 which would cover most of those:
The Book of Witching - it is set in Scotland (Orkney Islands), has an orange and black cover, and is labeled Horror. I don't know if I'll be able to get a copy without purchasing it, so we'll see. I'm not a big horror fan, so I don't have a lot to pick from on my TBR, but this might work:
DNF Cat Out of Hell which is labeled both Horror and Humorous and would give me a head start on my "Cat" theme for next year. And it has a black cover.
For the RTT theme I might try
A Sacred Storm set in 8th century Sweden and has both an orange and black cover. I've read the first book in the series and liked it.
Some other possibilities from my 2024 lists are
Sour Puss - next in series and a black cover
One for Sorrow - from my 2023 leftovers and an orange cover
READ Behind Closed Doors - set in Switzerland, and on my "door" theme list. This one might wait until Nov.
Other than that, I have started
...And Ladies of the Club which I plan to read over 3 months. It's another of my leftovers and I really want to get it read THIS year.
260WelshBookworm
October Log
Finished:
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey - finished Oct 3
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron - An American Pioneer - finished Oct 5
Poison, Your Grace - finished Oct 6
The Heart of Summer - finished Oct 6
A Game of Lies - finished Oct 12
The Covenant of Water - finished Oct 15
West With Giraffes - finished Oct 27
Currently reading:
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
...And Ladies of the Club - restarted Sept 29
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn - started Oct 6
Lady Macbeth - started Oct 28
Next up:
Hester
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Behind Closed Doors
Possibly Pending:
The Book of Witching
Cat Out of Hell
A Sacred Storm
Paused, but theoretically still reading...
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Still might read:
Mister Darcy's Dogs
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Last Pendragon
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
The Iliad (trans. by Emily Wilson)
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
New Acquisitions:
All the Glimmering Stars - free with Amazon Prime
The Leopard Unleashed: Book 3 in the Wild Hunt series - Amazon .99, have the first two.
The Darkest Shore - Audible 2 for 1 sale
Sparrow - Audible 2 for 1 sale
An Age of Winters - October Amazon first reads
A Tribute of Fire - October Amazon first reads
The Snow Hare - Chirp sale
Finished:
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey - finished Oct 3
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron - An American Pioneer - finished Oct 5
Poison, Your Grace - finished Oct 6
The Heart of Summer - finished Oct 6
A Game of Lies - finished Oct 12
The Covenant of Water - finished Oct 15
West With Giraffes - finished Oct 27
Currently reading:
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
...And Ladies of the Club - restarted Sept 29
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn - started Oct 6
Lady Macbeth - started Oct 28
Next up:
Hester
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Behind Closed Doors
Possibly Pending:
The Book of Witching
Cat Out of Hell
A Sacred Storm
Paused, but theoretically still reading...
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Still might read:
Mister Darcy's Dogs
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Last Pendragon
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
The Iliad (trans. by Emily Wilson)
Stormbird (reread) - audiobook
The Assyrian and sequel The Blood Star
A Vision of Light random pick from my lists by a coworker
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gods and Kings
Song of Redemption
New Acquisitions:
All the Glimmering Stars - free with Amazon Prime
The Leopard Unleashed: Book 3 in the Wild Hunt series - Amazon .99, have the first two.
The Darkest Shore - Audible 2 for 1 sale
Sparrow - Audible 2 for 1 sale
An Age of Winters - October Amazon first reads
A Tribute of Fire - October Amazon first reads
The Snow Hare - Chirp sale
261WelshBookworm
#50 The Truths We Hold: An American Journey
4 red stars
Kamala Harris wrote this book after she won a U.S. Senate seat in the 2016 election, but Hilary Clinton had lost the Presidential race. And we all know how that turned out. Truth is not exactly a word to be associated with the winner of that race. Clearly this book was written as a prelude to campaigning for the Presidency in 2020. It focuses largely on Kamala's many accomplishments up to then in her ground-breaking legal career. And it gives us some insights into her childhood, especially the influence of her mother. I would have liked more personal stories. Still, I'm glad to have read this, and I can say I am duly impressed with her integrity, and her deeply held desire to serve the people. All people. Especially the rights of women, and those who have been failed by our justice system and our health care system. This is a woman who has made a difference in people's lives. I look forward with great optimism to what she has yet to accomplish.
Description: The daughter of immigrants and civil rights activists, Vice President Kamala Harris was raised in an Oakland, California, community that cared deeply about social justice. As she rose to prominence as one of the political leaders of our time, her experiences would become her guiding light as she grappled with an array of complex issues and learned to bring a voice to the voiceless. In The Truths We Hold, she reckons with the big challenges we face together. Drawing on the hard-won wisdom and insight from her own career and the work of those who have most inspired her, she communicates a vision of shared struggle, shared purpose, and shared values as we confront the great work of our day.
Cumulative pages: 16,984
4 red stars
Kamala Harris wrote this book after she won a U.S. Senate seat in the 2016 election, but Hilary Clinton had lost the Presidential race. And we all know how that turned out. Truth is not exactly a word to be associated with the winner of that race. Clearly this book was written as a prelude to campaigning for the Presidency in 2020. It focuses largely on Kamala's many accomplishments up to then in her ground-breaking legal career. And it gives us some insights into her childhood, especially the influence of her mother. I would have liked more personal stories. Still, I'm glad to have read this, and I can say I am duly impressed with her integrity, and her deeply held desire to serve the people. All people. Especially the rights of women, and those who have been failed by our justice system and our health care system. This is a woman who has made a difference in people's lives. I look forward with great optimism to what she has yet to accomplish.
Description: The daughter of immigrants and civil rights activists, Vice President Kamala Harris was raised in an Oakland, California, community that cared deeply about social justice. As she rose to prominence as one of the political leaders of our time, her experiences would become her guiding light as she grappled with an array of complex issues and learned to bring a voice to the voiceless. In The Truths We Hold, she reckons with the big challenges we face together. Drawing on the hard-won wisdom and insight from her own career and the work of those who have most inspired her, she communicates a vision of shared struggle, shared purpose, and shared values as we confront the great work of our day.
Cumulative pages: 16,984
262WelshBookworm
#51 
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron
5 blue stars
I was "tickled pink" to learn of this recently published little story about one of my maternal ancestors. I don't know if it is aimed at children, but it reminds me of all the unpublished stories my paternal grandmother wrote about her ancestors for us grandchildren. Like those stories, it is a highly fictionalized account. But it is based on some solid genealogical research which has been lovingly presented on the Facebook page "Following Jacob Milliron." I follow that page, and that is where I learned of this little book. I was delighted to buy two copies, so I could take one to my 94-year-old mother, who did her own research on her Millison branch of the family for many years. She stayed up past her bedtime to finish reading it when I gave it to her last week. I especially love the photos of places and documents. As it happens, I was able to visit the old Milliron Church (now called Weber Memorial Chapel), pictured in the book, on a trip last month to Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania. I got to ring the bell, and had my picture taken standing in the pulpit.
It was a surprisingly emotional experience. I know this little book meant a lot to my mom, and that alone is worth 5 stars. Thank you, Tim Milliron. And a thank you to genealogist Tom Chapman for his research and work on the Facebook page.
Description: In 1750, Johann Jacob Muehleisen boarded a passenger ship called Patience. He traveled from Western Germany to the New World seeking opportunities for him and his family. A skilled blacksmith, Jacob embarked on a journey to fulfill his dream of freedom and land ownership. Would Jacob realize his ambitions or would he find the New World too challenging and go back to his hometown in Germany, returning to a lifetime of indentured servitude?
Cumulative pages: 17,045
Go Be Free: The Story of Jacob Milliron5 blue stars
I was "tickled pink" to learn of this recently published little story about one of my maternal ancestors. I don't know if it is aimed at children, but it reminds me of all the unpublished stories my paternal grandmother wrote about her ancestors for us grandchildren. Like those stories, it is a highly fictionalized account. But it is based on some solid genealogical research which has been lovingly presented on the Facebook page "Following Jacob Milliron." I follow that page, and that is where I learned of this little book. I was delighted to buy two copies, so I could take one to my 94-year-old mother, who did her own research on her Millison branch of the family for many years. She stayed up past her bedtime to finish reading it when I gave it to her last week. I especially love the photos of places and documents. As it happens, I was able to visit the old Milliron Church (now called Weber Memorial Chapel), pictured in the book, on a trip last month to Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania. I got to ring the bell, and had my picture taken standing in the pulpit.
It was a surprisingly emotional experience. I know this little book meant a lot to my mom, and that alone is worth 5 stars. Thank you, Tim Milliron. And a thank you to genealogist Tom Chapman for his research and work on the Facebook page.
Description: In 1750, Johann Jacob Muehleisen boarded a passenger ship called Patience. He traveled from Western Germany to the New World seeking opportunities for him and his family. A skilled blacksmith, Jacob embarked on a journey to fulfill his dream of freedom and land ownership. Would Jacob realize his ambitions or would he find the New World too challenging and go back to his hometown in Germany, returning to a lifetime of indentured servitude?
Cumulative pages: 17,045
263labfs39
>259 WelshBookworm: I tried to see the aurora last night too, but no luck.
>262 WelshBookworm: What a nice story, Laurel, thanks for sharing.
>262 WelshBookworm: What a nice story, Laurel, thanks for sharing.
264WelshBookworm
#52 Poison, Your Grace
4.75 blue stars, rounded up
Set in the spring of 1552, this book two in the Simon and Elizabeth series takes place six years after the first book. Elizabeth Tudor is now about 19 and Simon is about 20, apprenticed to an apothecary and hoping to marry his sweetheart, Hannah, as soon as he is certified. The sickly Edward VI is on the throne. When the apothecary is summoned to Whitehall Palace to investigate a poisoning, Simon and Hannah find themselves involved in helping Elizabeth behind the scenes. Once again, this author has impressed me with her historical detail, subtle humor, and an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. This is no cozy mystery, but would be entirely suitable for young adults. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Description: As England's young king struggles with illness, one of his advisors is poisoned. Elizabeth Tudor, fearing her brother was the target, asks her old friend Simon Maldon to investigate the crime. With the help of his fiancee, Hannah, Simon, now an apothecary's apprentice, braves the corridors of power to protect the king. In the days after the first murder, a knight, a baron, and a serving girl also die in mysterious circumstances, but it is unclear how their deaths benefit any of the possible suspects. In order to find out, Simon employs various (sometimes embarrassing) disguises, and Hannah uses her position as Elizabeth's newest chambermaid. As the crimes multiply, the danger they face grows. In the end, Elizabeth herself is accused of the murders. To save the princess he admires, Simon faces a fight for his life against a wickedly clever adversary who will not be caught.
Cumulative pages: 17,339
4.75 blue stars, rounded up
Set in the spring of 1552, this book two in the Simon and Elizabeth series takes place six years after the first book. Elizabeth Tudor is now about 19 and Simon is about 20, apprenticed to an apothecary and hoping to marry his sweetheart, Hannah, as soon as he is certified. The sickly Edward VI is on the throne. When the apothecary is summoned to Whitehall Palace to investigate a poisoning, Simon and Hannah find themselves involved in helping Elizabeth behind the scenes. Once again, this author has impressed me with her historical detail, subtle humor, and an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. This is no cozy mystery, but would be entirely suitable for young adults. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Description: As England's young king struggles with illness, one of his advisors is poisoned. Elizabeth Tudor, fearing her brother was the target, asks her old friend Simon Maldon to investigate the crime. With the help of his fiancee, Hannah, Simon, now an apothecary's apprentice, braves the corridors of power to protect the king. In the days after the first murder, a knight, a baron, and a serving girl also die in mysterious circumstances, but it is unclear how their deaths benefit any of the possible suspects. In order to find out, Simon employs various (sometimes embarrassing) disguises, and Hannah uses her position as Elizabeth's newest chambermaid. As the crimes multiply, the danger they face grows. In the end, Elizabeth herself is accused of the murders. To save the princess he admires, Simon faces a fight for his life against a wickedly clever adversary who will not be caught.
Cumulative pages: 17,339
265WelshBookworm
#53 The Heart of Summer
4 red stars
A fairly solid entry in this 6th of the series. We've deviated from the main characters for a couple of books. This one returns us to our main characters, Hanna and Brian, as they work out their relationship fears from past losses. Along for the ride is Hanna's mother Mary, her daughter Jazz, Brian's son Mike, Fury the handyman, and Conor the library assistant and his new bride Aideen. Nothing earth-shaking here. Just a visit to a place that has come to feel familiar and comfortable. And a satisfying ending that leaves you with a wistful and contented sigh. There are two more books in this series that don't seem to have been published in the U.S. yet.
Description: Summer has finally arrived on Ireland’s west coast. On the Finfarran Peninsula, Hanna Casey is looking forward to al fresco lunches with friends and balmy evenings with her boyfriend Brian in their stunning new home in beautiful Hag’s Glen. With a painful divorce behind her and family drama finally settled, Hanna begins to plan a romantic holiday getaway for the two of them. But life takes a turn when Brian's adult son suddenly moves in and Hanna unexpectedly runs into Amy, a former flatmate from Hanna’s twenties in London. Reminded of her youth—and all the dreams and hopes she once had—Hanna begins to wonder if everything she now has is enough. When Amy suggests a reunion in London with old friends, Hanna accepts. While it’s only short hop to England, Hanna feels like she’s leaving Brian far behind. And when she’s offered a new opportunity—the chance to be more than a local librarian in the little rural community where she grew up—Hanna is faced with a difficult choice: to decide what her heart truly wants.
Cumulative pages: 17,707
4 red stars
A fairly solid entry in this 6th of the series. We've deviated from the main characters for a couple of books. This one returns us to our main characters, Hanna and Brian, as they work out their relationship fears from past losses. Along for the ride is Hanna's mother Mary, her daughter Jazz, Brian's son Mike, Fury the handyman, and Conor the library assistant and his new bride Aideen. Nothing earth-shaking here. Just a visit to a place that has come to feel familiar and comfortable. And a satisfying ending that leaves you with a wistful and contented sigh. There are two more books in this series that don't seem to have been published in the U.S. yet.
Description: Summer has finally arrived on Ireland’s west coast. On the Finfarran Peninsula, Hanna Casey is looking forward to al fresco lunches with friends and balmy evenings with her boyfriend Brian in their stunning new home in beautiful Hag’s Glen. With a painful divorce behind her and family drama finally settled, Hanna begins to plan a romantic holiday getaway for the two of them. But life takes a turn when Brian's adult son suddenly moves in and Hanna unexpectedly runs into Amy, a former flatmate from Hanna’s twenties in London. Reminded of her youth—and all the dreams and hopes she once had—Hanna begins to wonder if everything she now has is enough. When Amy suggests a reunion in London with old friends, Hanna accepts. While it’s only short hop to England, Hanna feels like she’s leaving Brian far behind. And when she’s offered a new opportunity—the chance to be more than a local librarian in the little rural community where she grew up—Hanna is faced with a difficult choice: to decide what her heart truly wants.
Cumulative pages: 17,707
266WelshBookworm
Really surprised to get my hold on Libby for Covenant of Water. Was expecting 7 more weeks, but this was a "skip the line" copy. I didn't even know they had such a thing. The catch is, I can only have it for 7 days. Since the book club meets in 7 days, that works, however it is 31 hours of listening, so that means 4.5 hours a day! I've cranked up the speed to 1.5 so that means about 3 hours/day... We'll see!
267labfs39
>266 WelshBookworm: It's a great book, I'm listening to it on audio too, but one week... Good luck!
268WelshBookworm
>267 labfs39: Lisa, I'm driving to Madison this weekend, so that'll be 15 hours of listening right there.... and I managed about 5.5 hours yesterday, so I think I can do it!
269WelshBookworm
#54 A Game of Lies
5 blue stars.
Almost a purple rating from me. But I think if you have not read the first book, you will be sorely missing some needed background on the main characters. I love the setting, and I love that the characters speak Welsh. The meaning is usually quite clear, and the author usually provides an immediate English translation. The characters are complex, and sometimes infuriating. Ffion Morgan has not seen Leo Brady in over a year when the book begins. And although it is clear she has feelings for him, it isn't clear if she can get over her fear of commitment. I'm well and truly hooked on this series, and looking forward to #3 being released next year. Oh yeah - Dave the dog is a hoot!
Description: Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for. Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they'll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they'd ever imagined, and they're trapped. The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she's watched on screen, and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them. And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.
Cumulative pages: 18,075 (highest annual total yet, and I've met my goal for the year!)
5 blue stars.
Almost a purple rating from me. But I think if you have not read the first book, you will be sorely missing some needed background on the main characters. I love the setting, and I love that the characters speak Welsh. The meaning is usually quite clear, and the author usually provides an immediate English translation. The characters are complex, and sometimes infuriating. Ffion Morgan has not seen Leo Brady in over a year when the book begins. And although it is clear she has feelings for him, it isn't clear if she can get over her fear of commitment. I'm well and truly hooked on this series, and looking forward to #3 being released next year. Oh yeah - Dave the dog is a hoot!
Description: Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for. Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they'll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they'd ever imagined, and they're trapped. The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she's watched on screen, and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them. And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.
Cumulative pages: 18,075 (highest annual total yet, and I've met my goal for the year!)
270WelshBookworm
#55 The Covenant of Water
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
This is a big, meaty tome of a book. The audiobook is narrated by the author and I highly recommend it, if only for the Indian accent. I found I was able to crank the speed up to 1.5 without any loss of comprehension, and I even had it at 1.75 since I had a "skip the line" copy that only allowed a one-week checkout. Maybe this would have been 5 stars if I had been able to savor it more slowly. Or maybe I would have gotten lost in the dual (or triple?) storylines that didn't come together until the end. And the endless cast of characters would have had me paging back to recall them to my memory. The novel covers 77 years of the twentieth-century, full of birth and death, love and loss, secrets, heartbreak, and redemption. The Christian emphasis is intentional but not too heavy-handed. History perhaps takes a backseat. This is more of a family saga than a historical novel. Since I finished, I have been pondering all the ways that water features in the book, from giving birth (water breaking), baptism, the landscape, to literary references like Moby Dick, and the drowning of Ophelia (Hamlet). Our book club had a lot to say about all the themes covered, especially on medicine, healing, and the importance of connection.
Description: Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala’s long-existing Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, known as Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants. A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, The Covenant of Water is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. It is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.
Cumulative pages: 18,799
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
This is a big, meaty tome of a book. The audiobook is narrated by the author and I highly recommend it, if only for the Indian accent. I found I was able to crank the speed up to 1.5 without any loss of comprehension, and I even had it at 1.75 since I had a "skip the line" copy that only allowed a one-week checkout. Maybe this would have been 5 stars if I had been able to savor it more slowly. Or maybe I would have gotten lost in the dual (or triple?) storylines that didn't come together until the end. And the endless cast of characters would have had me paging back to recall them to my memory. The novel covers 77 years of the twentieth-century, full of birth and death, love and loss, secrets, heartbreak, and redemption. The Christian emphasis is intentional but not too heavy-handed. History perhaps takes a backseat. This is more of a family saga than a historical novel. Since I finished, I have been pondering all the ways that water features in the book, from giving birth (water breaking), baptism, the landscape, to literary references like Moby Dick, and the drowning of Ophelia (Hamlet). Our book club had a lot to say about all the themes covered, especially on medicine, healing, and the importance of connection.
Description: Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala’s long-existing Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, known as Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants. A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, The Covenant of Water is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. It is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.
Cumulative pages: 18,799
271kidzdoc
>270 WelshBookworm: Ooh, I really need to get to this book! Hopefully next month...
272WelshBookworm
Mid-October, and then some, update:
Can't say I've added anything, other than the unexpected holds that I've already read and reviewed above. Warm days are spent out in the yard/garden. I've still got all those plants I bought in May to get in the ground. Most of them look quite dry and beyond hope by now, but you never know what might just come back in the spring if I can just get them in the ground. Then I went on a garden shopping spree last week and came home with 4 lilacs, and some day lilies and sedum that looked interesting. I got 3 of the lilacs planted yesterday, plus the two elderberry shrubs I bought in May. Just asked for tomorrow off (supposed to be 73!) and got it, so.... let's see if I can't make a big dent in those remaining plants!
I've also had the fun of mice in the house the last couple of weeks. With 5 cats, they weren't going to last long, but after 3 in one evening, I called a pest control company and they came out on Friday. Only found a couple of spots - mainly where the garage is attached the cement floor had a gap and they filled that in for me, plus a couple of other holes. I'm happy to report that no more mice have been seen, though I do feel slightly guilty for depriving the cats of their live cat toys... (just kidding.)
So okay, I do want to add one title: I've had
The Running Grave for awhile, and it just seems like such a good Halloween project...
Other than that, this seems like a good opportunity to touch base with my big Pyramid Challenge (post # 8) because I think it is actually within my reach to complete it this year! Titles that can fill more than one slot will have priority, and ditto if they fit a cover color challenge or are a "B" title.
One from each list - need 2: these are the most likely choices:
The Beacon at Alexandria
A Sacred Storm - dups as the orange Oct. cover challenge, but I haven't gotten to it yet...
READ Lady Macbeth - another good Halloween possibility?
One for Sorrow - ooh, that could also be an Oct. cover
Themes - need 2:
The Ice Swan - started back in January and would really like to get back to it!
READ Behind Closed Doors - also an "S" location for A Good Yarn.
The Door - also needed for Translations (see below)
Leftovers - need 5! Why is this category always so difficult, when these are the books I MOST want to get read!
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
...And Ladies of the Club - working on this one through December!
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Fall of Atlantis
Titles that start with B - need 2:
READ Behind Closed Doors
The Beacon at Alexandria - these are both dups. Yay!
Non-fiction - need 1:
Wanderland
Translations - need 2:
READ A Faraway Island - started, need to finish!
The Door
I could also use The Iliad and The Odyssey for this one and was hoping to get to them this fall, but so far not....
I've also been having great fun planning my 2025 lists. I'll be doing "C" titles, a cat theme, chronicles, cozy mysteries, Cornwall, and other things that start with C. All the Pyramid challenge categories will start with C as well.....
Can't say I've added anything, other than the unexpected holds that I've already read and reviewed above. Warm days are spent out in the yard/garden. I've still got all those plants I bought in May to get in the ground. Most of them look quite dry and beyond hope by now, but you never know what might just come back in the spring if I can just get them in the ground. Then I went on a garden shopping spree last week and came home with 4 lilacs, and some day lilies and sedum that looked interesting. I got 3 of the lilacs planted yesterday, plus the two elderberry shrubs I bought in May. Just asked for tomorrow off (supposed to be 73!) and got it, so.... let's see if I can't make a big dent in those remaining plants!
I've also had the fun of mice in the house the last couple of weeks. With 5 cats, they weren't going to last long, but after 3 in one evening, I called a pest control company and they came out on Friday. Only found a couple of spots - mainly where the garage is attached the cement floor had a gap and they filled that in for me, plus a couple of other holes. I'm happy to report that no more mice have been seen, though I do feel slightly guilty for depriving the cats of their live cat toys... (just kidding.)
So okay, I do want to add one title: I've had
The Running Grave for awhile, and it just seems like such a good Halloween project...
Other than that, this seems like a good opportunity to touch base with my big Pyramid Challenge (post # 8) because I think it is actually within my reach to complete it this year! Titles that can fill more than one slot will have priority, and ditto if they fit a cover color challenge or are a "B" title.
One from each list - need 2: these are the most likely choices:
The Beacon at Alexandria
A Sacred Storm - dups as the orange Oct. cover challenge, but I haven't gotten to it yet...
READ Lady Macbeth - another good Halloween possibility?
One for Sorrow - ooh, that could also be an Oct. cover
Themes - need 2:
The Ice Swan - started back in January and would really like to get back to it!
READ Behind Closed Doors - also an "S" location for A Good Yarn.
The Door - also needed for Translations (see below)
Leftovers - need 5! Why is this category always so difficult, when these are the books I MOST want to get read!
The Summer Queen
Queen By Right
...And Ladies of the Club - working on this one through December!
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Fall of Atlantis
Titles that start with B - need 2:
READ Behind Closed Doors
The Beacon at Alexandria - these are both dups. Yay!
Non-fiction - need 1:
Wanderland
Translations - need 2:
READ A Faraway Island - started, need to finish!
The Door
I could also use The Iliad and The Odyssey for this one and was hoping to get to them this fall, but so far not....
I've also been having great fun planning my 2025 lists. I'll be doing "C" titles, a cat theme, chronicles, cozy mysteries, Cornwall, and other things that start with C. All the Pyramid challenge categories will start with C as well.....
274WelshBookworm
>273 labfs39: Yeah, more planning than actual reading sometimes!
275WelshBookworm
#56 West With Giraffes
4 red stars.
A little slow for an adventure tale, and not enough there for a romance. But it's an interesting imagining of the true tale of driving two giraffes across the country during the dust bowl. Enough historical detail to be interesting. The characters are borderline caricatures, but I enjoyed them, and I have to warn that there are some disturbing scenes involving animals for those who are sensitive. Obviously it is the giraffes who are the heart and soul of the story. I enjoyed it enough to give it 4 stars, so above average.
Description: Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave. It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.
Cumulative pages: 19,180
4 red stars.
A little slow for an adventure tale, and not enough there for a romance. But it's an interesting imagining of the true tale of driving two giraffes across the country during the dust bowl. Enough historical detail to be interesting. The characters are borderline caricatures, but I enjoyed them, and I have to warn that there are some disturbing scenes involving animals for those who are sensitive. Obviously it is the giraffes who are the heart and soul of the story. I enjoyed it enough to give it 4 stars, so above average.
Description: Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave. It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.
Cumulative pages: 19,180
276cindydavid4
>275 WelshBookworm: I agreed with you pretty much. I thought the end was convoluted, but I gave it a 4 too. And the description of Woody living through the dust bowl, I could feel and taste the grit....Definitley would read another by him
277WelshBookworm
Domesticity: A two-headed cat on the left, Dora snoozing on the right, and Henry eating the curtains.
November update:
Hoo boy, here it is November already. I feel like I'm on a train going right over a cliff, with the election coming up. Also my mom landed in the hospital again yesterday with a broken hip! The poor woman can't get a break! (Oops - no pun intended...) She had surgery today, a sort of partial hip replacement, I guess? All went well - no complications. But I'm afraid my reading mojo needs to be light-hearted and cozy for the next couple of weeks at least. After that, maybe I'll feel like I can breathe.
So, for bookclubs this month, I'll be reading
READ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Perspectives)
READ Remarkably Bright Creatures (Daytimers)
Currently reading
READ Lady Macbeth for A Good Yarn. Set in Scotland.
I have NOT gotten to any of my October challenges yet:
Hester (RTT Oct. theme is adultery)
DNF Cat Out of Hell (horror genre theme)
and something with an orange or black cover. Maybe leaning toward
Sour Puss for that. Everything else I have is either a months-long waiting list, or is chunky and will take months to read anyway.
The genre challenge for November is Domestic Suspense. This might be an excuse to read another book by Clare Macintosh. I borrowed on Libby
READ I Let You Go
The RTT theme is memoir or biography. Perhaps if I finish
READ Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom that will count? It also has teal lettering which is the Nov. cover color. Otherwise
READ The Temple of Fortuna works for that.
And that's an impossible 9 books which doesn't include any of the leftovers and things that I laid out in the last update. Maybe I'd better quit posting and spend the evening reading!
278WelshBookworm
November log:
Finished:
Lady Macbeth - finished Nov 10
Remarkably Bright Creatures - finished Nov 15
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - finished Nov 18
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn - finished Nov 20
The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi - finished Nov 22
The Caiman - finished Nov 22
I Let You Go - finished Nov 28
Currently reading:
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
...And Ladies of the Club - restarted on Sept 26
Queen By Right - restarted Nov 1
Cat Out of Hell - started Nov 21
Next up:
Sour Puss
The Temple of Fortuna
Lessons in Chemistry
Possibly Pending:
Behind Closed Doors
The Book of Witching
Paused, but theoretically still reading...
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Still might read:
A Sacred Storm
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Summer Queen
Hester
New Acquisitions:
The Coming of the Wolf - Amazon .99
The Pendragon's Blade - Amazon .99
Song of the Pendragon - Amazon .99
The Purrfect Murder - Audible, free
also got the next 3 in the series....
The Complete Damian Seeker collection, books 1-5 - Amazon, 2.99
The Winter List - Amazon, .99
Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured - print book, library discard
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - Kindle. $13.99 - I splurged on this one. Could have sworn I had it already, but apparently not. I have all the other books in the series.
The Lion of Wales: The Complete Series Books 1-5 - Chirp audiobooks, .99
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon - free on Amazon
Finished:
Lady Macbeth - finished Nov 10
Remarkably Bright Creatures - finished Nov 15
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - finished Nov 18
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn - finished Nov 20
The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi - finished Nov 22
The Caiman - finished Nov 22
I Let You Go - finished Nov 28
Currently reading:
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - started August 2
...And Ladies of the Club - restarted on Sept 26
Queen By Right - restarted Nov 1
Cat Out of Hell - started Nov 21
Next up:
Sour Puss
The Temple of Fortuna
Lessons in Chemistry
Possibly Pending:
Behind Closed Doors
The Book of Witching
Paused, but theoretically still reading...
The Ice Swan - for the Jan. cover color challenge - started on Feb. 23
A Faraway Island - started June 3
Still might read:
A Sacred Storm
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Summer Queen
Hester
New Acquisitions:
The Coming of the Wolf - Amazon .99
The Pendragon's Blade - Amazon .99
Song of the Pendragon - Amazon .99
The Purrfect Murder - Audible, free
also got the next 3 in the series....
The Complete Damian Seeker collection, books 1-5 - Amazon, 2.99
The Winter List - Amazon, .99
Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured - print book, library discard
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - Kindle. $13.99 - I splurged on this one. Could have sworn I had it already, but apparently not. I have all the other books in the series.
The Lion of Wales: The Complete Series Books 1-5 - Chirp audiobooks, .99
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon - free on Amazon
279cindydavid4
>277 WelshBookworm: oh im so sorry about your mom! I had one of those Hoping she heals quickly
dont worry about the challenge, tho if you want a quick one for October try october countrya selection a short stories perfect for fall night, not much horror just good reads.
you did not miss much from Hester except a pretty cover; curious incident is excellent' saw it as a play and was even better
Hang in there
dont worry about the challenge, tho if you want a quick one for October try october countrya selection a short stories perfect for fall night, not much horror just good reads.
you did not miss much from Hester except a pretty cover; curious incident is excellent' saw it as a play and was even better
Hang in there
280WelshBookworm
Forgot to add my picture to the November update >277 WelshBookworm: so I have remedied that....
281labfs39
As someone who has had both hips replaced (at the ripe old age of 45), I feel your mom's pain. I hope her rehab goes well.
I can also commiserate with the impact the election is having on your reading. I read a couple of short stories on my e-reader yesterday, which changed things up and will hopefully jumpstart my reading.
I'm sorry A Faraway Island hasn't grabbed your interest more. It's usually a quick read.
I can also commiserate with the impact the election is having on your reading. I read a couple of short stories on my e-reader yesterday, which changed things up and will hopefully jumpstart my reading.
I'm sorry A Faraway Island hasn't grabbed your interest more. It's usually a quick read.
282WelshBookworm
>281 labfs39: The trouble is, she is 94, not 45. And just like last time, she is experiencing post-operative dementia. We are being told today, she is quite confused and wouldn't let us try and talk to her on the phone. One of my sisters is going out there on Thursday, and the other one next weekend. Then it'll be my turn again.
I'm not too worried about A Faraway Island. I'm sure I can finish it relatively quickly once I get back to it. I've just had a lot of other things to read - with long waiting lists and firm due dates.
I'm not too worried about A Faraway Island. I'm sure I can finish it relatively quickly once I get back to it. I've just had a lot of other things to read - with long waiting lists and firm due dates.
283labfs39
>282 WelshBookworm: Sorry if I made it seem like I was downplaying her recovery. I meant to say that I know how difficult it is. I hope she is feeling more comfortable in body and spirit soon.
284WelshBookworm
>283 labfs39: No, no, I got that, Lisa. Thank you. No worries. And I really appreciate how you have consistently commented on my thread. I appreciate that too! Will miss you as Admin, though I expect Dan will also do a terrific job!
285labfs39
>284 WelshBookworm: Thank you, Laurel. I have enjoyed following your journeys, both physical and literary.
286WelshBookworm
#57 Lady Macbeth
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
This is not Shakespeare's Macbeth, but an attempt to portray real people living in 11th-century Scotland. This Lady Macbeth is true to the Celtic tradition of female warriors, but grappling with the changes wrought by Christianity and shifting to a more patriarchal society. The historical research is very good, though perhaps the author gets a little bit repetitious with explaining the genealogical connections and political structure of the Scottish royal lines. Gruadh is no romantic - she is thoroughly pragmatic. Is she ambitious, or just a mother trying to protect her son's birthright? She is definitely a fiercely strong woman. I might have wished for a little more depth, but then it would have been a very long book. I would read more by this author, and I may reread this book. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Wanda McCaddon, and I thought she was excellent.
Description: Lady Gruadh—Rue—is the last female descendant of Scotland’s most royal line. Married to a powerful northern lord, she is widowed while still carrying his child and forced to marry her husband’s murderer: a rising warlord named Macbeth. As she encounters danger from Vikings, Saxons, and treacherous Scottish lords, Rue begins to respect the man she once despised. When she learns that Macbeth’s complex ambitions extend beyond the borders of the vast northern region, she realizes that only Macbeth can unite Scotland. But his wife’s royal blood is the key to his ultimate success. Determined to protect her son and a proud legacy of warrior kings and strong women, Rue invokes the ancient wisdom and secret practices of her female ancestors as she strives to hold her own in a warrior society. Finally, side by side as the last Celtic king and queen of Scotland, she and Macbeth must face the gathering storm brought on by their combined destiny.
Cumulative pages: 19,507
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
This is not Shakespeare's Macbeth, but an attempt to portray real people living in 11th-century Scotland. This Lady Macbeth is true to the Celtic tradition of female warriors, but grappling with the changes wrought by Christianity and shifting to a more patriarchal society. The historical research is very good, though perhaps the author gets a little bit repetitious with explaining the genealogical connections and political structure of the Scottish royal lines. Gruadh is no romantic - she is thoroughly pragmatic. Is she ambitious, or just a mother trying to protect her son's birthright? She is definitely a fiercely strong woman. I might have wished for a little more depth, but then it would have been a very long book. I would read more by this author, and I may reread this book. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Wanda McCaddon, and I thought she was excellent.
Description: Lady Gruadh—Rue—is the last female descendant of Scotland’s most royal line. Married to a powerful northern lord, she is widowed while still carrying his child and forced to marry her husband’s murderer: a rising warlord named Macbeth. As she encounters danger from Vikings, Saxons, and treacherous Scottish lords, Rue begins to respect the man she once despised. When she learns that Macbeth’s complex ambitions extend beyond the borders of the vast northern region, she realizes that only Macbeth can unite Scotland. But his wife’s royal blood is the key to his ultimate success. Determined to protect her son and a proud legacy of warrior kings and strong women, Rue invokes the ancient wisdom and secret practices of her female ancestors as she strives to hold her own in a warrior society. Finally, side by side as the last Celtic king and queen of Scotland, she and Macbeth must face the gathering storm brought on by their combined destiny.
Cumulative pages: 19,507
287cindydavid4
Ive read that and really enjoyed it!
288WelshBookworm
#58 Remarkably Bright Creatures
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
Perhaps a bit generous, but this heartwarming story was just what I needed right now. Far-fetched but somehow totally believable. We are privy to the thoughts of the sentient and highly intelligent aging octopus, Marcellus, who loves to escape his tank and collect treasures. He forms a friendship of sorts with the older woman, Tova, who works as a cleaner at the aquarium. Tova is dealing with the loss of her husband of 47 years, and still grieving the loss of her only son, who disappeared 30 years ago. She tends to push away the friends who care about her, but she has a soft spot for Marcellus and the stray cat she takes in. When she sprains her ankle, and can't work temporarily, a young drifter is hired to fill in for her. He's 30, has just broken up with his wife, and comes to Sowell Bay looking for the father he never knew. His mother abandoned him when he was nine, so he also has a lifetime of loss and grievance. There's a bit of a mystery here, which is actually completely predictable, but you'll want to keep reading for the happy-ever-after ending you know is coming.
Description: After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
Cumulative pages: 19,875
4.5 blue stars, rounded up.
Perhaps a bit generous, but this heartwarming story was just what I needed right now. Far-fetched but somehow totally believable. We are privy to the thoughts of the sentient and highly intelligent aging octopus, Marcellus, who loves to escape his tank and collect treasures. He forms a friendship of sorts with the older woman, Tova, who works as a cleaner at the aquarium. Tova is dealing with the loss of her husband of 47 years, and still grieving the loss of her only son, who disappeared 30 years ago. She tends to push away the friends who care about her, but she has a soft spot for Marcellus and the stray cat she takes in. When she sprains her ankle, and can't work temporarily, a young drifter is hired to fill in for her. He's 30, has just broken up with his wife, and comes to Sowell Bay looking for the father he never knew. His mother abandoned him when he was nine, so he also has a lifetime of loss and grievance. There's a bit of a mystery here, which is actually completely predictable, but you'll want to keep reading for the happy-ever-after ending you know is coming.
Description: After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
Cumulative pages: 19,875
289kidzdoc
>288 WelshBookworm: Nice review of Remarkably Bright Creatures, Laurel. That sounds like a great novel to read during this upcoming holiday season.
290WelshBookworm
>289 kidzdoc: It would actually probably make a great Hallmark movie!
291WelshBookworm
Mid-November update:
For a change, I'm not feeling hopelessly behind in my reading. Not that I have been behind, just that I had more I wanted to read than I could fit in. I will have finished all my book club books for this month by this evening, so the rest of the month can focus on catching up with some of my challenges. I've got four audiobooks lined up on Libby and Audible, and I may be traveling to visit my mom for Thanksgiving, so lots of listening time. I'm not going to repeat titles here - they are all mentioned in my Nov. update above, so nothing new to add.
I only have one book club book to read for Dec. so more time to focus on finishing up challenges, and maybe some fun cozy Christmas or "winter" titles. I have only two books to read to reach my 2024 Goodreads goal of 60 books. Three books to equal last year's total, and four to break my annual record. I've already beaten my record for total # of pages read this year.
I am also having great fun planning next year's goals and challenges. A couple years ago I decided I was going to go through the alphabet as a way to reduce my TBR ocean. Still finishing up As and Bs, but next year will start titles that begin with the letter C. I've also decided I am embracing my childless crazy cat lady status next year. A Good Yarn book club is ending (as well as my Daytimers group) and you all know I love my "themes." I may not do my random reads lists next year, and instead go with random themes that all start with the letter C, and maybe add some C authors to focus on as well. So, so far, I have the following... Oh - and I should also say I am retiring in January! So my focus is going to be on comfort reads and cozy activities.
Cats
Cozy mysteries
Series with "Chronicles" in the title.
Cornwall
Composers
Christmas?
Chocolate
Castles
Colors?
Maybe I'll do a Coloring book challenge - pick a different coloring book every month.
How about a cookbook challenge? Focus on a different cookbook every month (I have like 150 cookbooks, at least...)
Authors to focus on:
Elizabeth Chadwick
Bernard Cornwell
Willa Cather
I thought this year would be agonizingly slow, because I've had to postpone retirement until I was 70. Now here it is only two months away!
For a change, I'm not feeling hopelessly behind in my reading. Not that I have been behind, just that I had more I wanted to read than I could fit in. I will have finished all my book club books for this month by this evening, so the rest of the month can focus on catching up with some of my challenges. I've got four audiobooks lined up on Libby and Audible, and I may be traveling to visit my mom for Thanksgiving, so lots of listening time. I'm not going to repeat titles here - they are all mentioned in my Nov. update above, so nothing new to add.
I only have one book club book to read for Dec. so more time to focus on finishing up challenges, and maybe some fun cozy Christmas or "winter" titles. I have only two books to read to reach my 2024 Goodreads goal of 60 books. Three books to equal last year's total, and four to break my annual record. I've already beaten my record for total # of pages read this year.
I am also having great fun planning next year's goals and challenges. A couple years ago I decided I was going to go through the alphabet as a way to reduce my TBR ocean. Still finishing up As and Bs, but next year will start titles that begin with the letter C. I've also decided I am embracing my childless crazy cat lady status next year. A Good Yarn book club is ending (as well as my Daytimers group) and you all know I love my "themes." I may not do my random reads lists next year, and instead go with random themes that all start with the letter C, and maybe add some C authors to focus on as well. So, so far, I have the following... Oh - and I should also say I am retiring in January! So my focus is going to be on comfort reads and cozy activities.
Cats
Cozy mysteries
Series with "Chronicles" in the title.
Cornwall
Composers
Christmas?
Chocolate
Castles
Colors?
Maybe I'll do a Coloring book challenge - pick a different coloring book every month.
How about a cookbook challenge? Focus on a different cookbook every month (I have like 150 cookbooks, at least...)
Authors to focus on:
Elizabeth Chadwick
Bernard Cornwell
Willa Cather
I thought this year would be agonizingly slow, because I've had to postpone retirement until I was 70. Now here it is only two months away!
292labfs39
Congratulations all around! Great progress reading and on your impending retirement. I'm jealous of all the reading time you'll have.
293cindydavid4
>291 WelshBookworm: mazel tov on your retirement! youll love it
My RTT monthly theme will be on colors. so we might be able to swap coloring books.
Elizabeth Chadwick
Bernard Cornwell are two of my all time favorite authors. Her HF about the middle ages is not only riviting, but is mostly historically accurat
which books will you read
.
His books give you the background of battles and wars He is also Davids fav brit author for the Sharp series}
My RTT monthly theme will be on colors. so we might be able to swap coloring books.
Elizabeth Chadwick
Bernard Cornwell are two of my all time favorite authors. Her HF about the middle ages is not only riviting, but is mostly historically accurat
which books will you read
.
His books give you the background of battles and wars He is also Davids fav brit author for the Sharp series}
294WelshBookworm
>293 cindydavid4: Re: Chadwick. I've read some of her stuff here and there. What I'd like to do is arrange all of her books chronologically.... starting with First Knight. I've been trying to read The Summer Queen for several years now. Since it is no longer summer, perhaps I will save it now until next year.
Some other authors I have in mind - Ann Cleeves. I stopped halfway through the Shetland books and haven't read any Vera.
Wilkie Collins. Possibly James Fenimore Cooper. And Cervantes. Maybe I will finally read Don Quixote!
Some other authors I have in mind - Ann Cleeves. I stopped halfway through the Shetland books and haven't read any Vera.
Wilkie Collins. Possibly James Fenimore Cooper. And Cervantes. Maybe I will finally read Don Quixote!
295SassyLassy
>294 WelshBookworm: Definitely Wilkie Collins.
296WelshBookworm
#59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
2 yellow stars.
I don't know enough about autism to speak to the authenticity of this portrayal. I do know that autism is a spectrum, and that every autistic person may have some of these characteristics and others not. What this book did NOT do was to portray autism in a sympathetic light. I found the character difficult. I found his "logic" to be sometimes illogical. I was troubled by his tendency to react violently to situations and people that he felt threatened by. This is not someone I want to encounter on a subway, or try to get to know. And while I could appreciate his courage in acting independently (and autistic people CAN live independently), I felt that his upbringing and his education were seriously lacking in giving him life skills. His parents were depicted as completely inadequate - a mother who ran away because she couldn't handle him anymore - and a father who then told his son his mother was dead. Andhe killed the neighbor's dog out of anger that his wife was having an affair and had run off with the neighbor's husband . Sorry, but if I were Christopher, I would have reacted the same way. Christopher is just supposed to forgive his father, and eventually try to rebuild the trust that was broken? I don't buy it. And frankly, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. The best part of the book was Christopher's journey to London to find his mother. I could applaud his bravery and persistence, and wanted him to succeed.
Description: Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. Routine, order and predictability shelter him from the messy, wider world. Then, at fifteen, Christopher’s carefully constructed world falls apart when he finds his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, impaled on a garden fork, and he is initially blamed for the killing. Christopher decides that he will track down the real killer, but the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths and ultimately brings him face to face with the dissolution of his parents’ marriage. As he tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, we are drawn into the workings of Christopher’s mind. And herein lies the key to the brilliance of Mark Haddon’s choice of narrator: The most wrenching of emotional moments are chronicled by a boy who cannot fathom emotion. The effect is dazzling, making for a novel that is deeply funny, poignant, and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing is a mind that perceives the world literally.
Cumulative pages: 20,101
2 yellow stars.
I don't know enough about autism to speak to the authenticity of this portrayal. I do know that autism is a spectrum, and that every autistic person may have some of these characteristics and others not. What this book did NOT do was to portray autism in a sympathetic light. I found the character difficult. I found his "logic" to be sometimes illogical. I was troubled by his tendency to react violently to situations and people that he felt threatened by. This is not someone I want to encounter on a subway, or try to get to know. And while I could appreciate his courage in acting independently (and autistic people CAN live independently), I felt that his upbringing and his education were seriously lacking in giving him life skills. His parents were depicted as completely inadequate - a mother who ran away because she couldn't handle him anymore - and a father who then told his son his mother was dead. And
Description: Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. Routine, order and predictability shelter him from the messy, wider world. Then, at fifteen, Christopher’s carefully constructed world falls apart when he finds his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, impaled on a garden fork, and he is initially blamed for the killing. Christopher decides that he will track down the real killer, but the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths and ultimately brings him face to face with the dissolution of his parents’ marriage. As he tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, we are drawn into the workings of Christopher’s mind. And herein lies the key to the brilliance of Mark Haddon’s choice of narrator: The most wrenching of emotional moments are chronicled by a boy who cannot fathom emotion. The effect is dazzling, making for a novel that is deeply funny, poignant, and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing is a mind that perceives the world literally.
Cumulative pages: 20,101
297cindydavid4
>296 WelshBookworm: What this book did NOT do was to portray autism in a sympathetic light. I found the character difficult. I found his "logic" to be sometimes illogical. I was troubled by his tendency to react violently to situations and people that he felt threatened by.
I have taught children like Christopher, so based on my own experience Christopher was very well drawn, His behavior is part and parcel of how his mind works. I think he showed goodness in the very obvious want to find out what happened to his beloved dog.and I think he matures along the way. and parents of children with special needs have a difficult time keeping their heads above water, and yeah likly to do unhelpful things If the play ever comes to your community (might be on you tube) you;ll see a softer look at the book I suuggest you read how to build a boat about another child on the spectrum, written 20 years late
I have taught children like Christopher, so based on my own experience Christopher was very well drawn, His behavior is part and parcel of how his mind works. I think he showed goodness in the very obvious want to find out what happened to his beloved dog.and I think he matures along the way. and parents of children with special needs have a difficult time keeping their heads above water, and yeah likly to do unhelpful things If the play ever comes to your community (might be on you tube) you;ll see a softer look at the book I suuggest you read how to build a boat about another child on the spectrum, written 20 years late
298kidzdoc
>297 cindydavid4: I read The Curious Incident in the Dog in the Night-Time, which I liked but didn't love. However, I later saw the first theatrical production at the Cottesloe Theatre (now the Dorfman Theatre), the smallest and most intimate of the three theatres that comprise the National Theatre in London, in 2012. It was a perfect setting, as the audience was intentionally kept much smaller than usual and some of the seats, the empty ones I think, were labeled with prime numbers. The seats were arranged around a square stage with only a few rows on each side and no seat backs, and those of us in the front row were politely but firmly instructed to keep our feet off the empty row in us and our feet tucked in just before the second act begun. As it turned out that was the point where the very confused Christopher was being chased by police officers, either on a National Rail station or in a train, and they ran around us in front of our feet and that unoccupied row in front of us once or twice!
After the successful run there it moved to the West End, and, according to Wikipedia, it won seven Olivier Awards, which are of course the UK version of the Tony Awards. It later moved on to Broadway for a successful run. I'm sure that it would great to see it on the West End or on Broadway, but the intimacy of seeing it in the Cottesloe Theatre made it particularly unforgettable.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Curious_Incident_of_the_Dog_in_the_Night-Tim...
After the successful run there it moved to the West End, and, according to Wikipedia, it won seven Olivier Awards, which are of course the UK version of the Tony Awards. It later moved on to Broadway for a successful run. I'm sure that it would great to see it on the West End or on Broadway, but the intimacy of seeing it in the Cottesloe Theatre made it particularly unforgettable.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Curious_Incident_of_the_Dog_in_the_Night-Tim...
299WelshBookworm
>297 cindydavid4: Good to know.
300WelshBookworm
#60 To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
3.5 pink stars.
The story of Anne Boleyn, as told through the eyes of her lady-in-waiting Margaret Wyatt. I would characterize this as young adult fiction. It leans toward being historically accurate up to a point, but lacking depth, and the real personages are fictionalized beyond recognition. The love stories, both Anne and Henry, and Meg and her fictional love interest are tepid at best. It fares better as inspirational fiction - a woman learning to trust God through difficult times and her love interest drawn to the priesthood, but later falling in with the Reformers. It also does a good job portraying strong women within the restrictions (and brutality) of the times. My biggest problem was with the "made up" Tudor language. I wanted to throw the book at the wall every time she said "afore" - sometimes three times in one paragraph. Here's an example: "Henry had studied Scriptures in great detail as a young man, afore Arthur's death, and he felt compelled to go back and look at them anon to see from whence he might have turned from our Lord's affections." Or using 'tis, 'twas, and 'twould all within a few sentences. Drove me batty. But overall, 'twas a good story, for certes.
Description: After Anne Boleyn catches the eye of King Henry VIII, her dearest friend, Meg Wyatt, accompanies her to the thrilling court of Tudor England. But as Anne and Henry’s affections grow, Meg faces heartbreak; the man she loves commits himself to God rather than her. Meg makes her own vow: to ensure Anne’s well-being as they navigate the intricate web of power and politics. As the court crawls with climbers, both women find themselves caught in a world filled with ambition, betrayal, and danger, with only each other to rely on. Anne falls out of favor and is sentenced to die, and Meg expects a bleak future. Then, a glimmer of hope sparks from an unexpected source, reigniting a long-held ember in her heart. Fanning that into flame, though, comes at a cost.
Cumulative pages: 20,441
3.5 pink stars.
The story of Anne Boleyn, as told through the eyes of her lady-in-waiting Margaret Wyatt. I would characterize this as young adult fiction. It leans toward being historically accurate up to a point, but lacking depth, and the real personages are fictionalized beyond recognition. The love stories, both Anne and Henry, and Meg and her fictional love interest are tepid at best. It fares better as inspirational fiction - a woman learning to trust God through difficult times and her love interest drawn to the priesthood, but later falling in with the Reformers. It also does a good job portraying strong women within the restrictions (and brutality) of the times. My biggest problem was with the "made up" Tudor language. I wanted to throw the book at the wall every time she said "afore" - sometimes three times in one paragraph. Here's an example: "Henry had studied Scriptures in great detail as a young man, afore Arthur's death, and he felt compelled to go back and look at them anon to see from whence he might have turned from our Lord's affections." Or using 'tis, 'twas, and 'twould all within a few sentences. Drove me batty. But overall, 'twas a good story, for certes.
Description: After Anne Boleyn catches the eye of King Henry VIII, her dearest friend, Meg Wyatt, accompanies her to the thrilling court of Tudor England. But as Anne and Henry’s affections grow, Meg faces heartbreak; the man she loves commits himself to God rather than her. Meg makes her own vow: to ensure Anne’s well-being as they navigate the intricate web of power and politics. As the court crawls with climbers, both women find themselves caught in a world filled with ambition, betrayal, and danger, with only each other to rely on. Anne falls out of favor and is sentenced to die, and Meg expects a bleak future. Then, a glimmer of hope sparks from an unexpected source, reigniting a long-held ember in her heart. Fanning that into flame, though, comes at a cost.
Cumulative pages: 20,441
301WelshBookworm
5 1/2 weeks until the end of the year update:
It's too soon to do my December update, but I feel the need to take stock of my challenges while I still have time to figure out if I can accomplish all of them. Honestly, I have never even come close before. But here I am with more than 5 weeks left, and I have met my Goodreads goal of 60 books, and will blow past my highest total ever. That was 61 last year, and I could well have over 70 by the end of the year.
So what else do I want to do? Well, at the beginning of the year I set up a "pyramid" challenge with different categories from 1-12 titles (post # 8). These were intended to be sort of stretch goals, and I am very, very close. I have filled 65 "slots" out of 78, 13 to go and titles can fill more than one slot.
DONE Titles from 12 different lists - need 1
DONE from my "themes" lists - need 2
from my "leftovers" lists - need 5
Titles that start with B - need 2
DONE Nonfiction - need 1
NEED 1 Books originally written in a language other than English - need 2
For book clubs I only have one book to read in December - the book for Daytimers. For Perspectives, I am leading the discussion and have already read the book. A Good Yarn has ended due to the holidays and we won't be continuing next year. I do have a T location title lined up, but we won't be meeting to discuss our picks. Will I do U-Z next year anyway? Probably not, but maybe....
For the Reading Through Time group, I have Nov, and Dec to complete. Currently reading Nov. I've read at least one book for each of the quarterly topics. I wish it were more... Oops, no, I still need something "Prehistoric" for the Jan-Mar theme.
Cover color challenge - I just have November to do.
Genre challenge - currently reading Nov., still need Oct (Horror) and Dec (Holiday)
This is a lot of books for 5 weeks, so I'm resorting to looking for the shortest books on my TBR.
So here's what I'm currently reading, or contemplating. There are more than one possible title for some of the challenges, so I won't be reading ALL of these...
READ I Let You Go - audiobook, currently reading for the Nov. genre challenge.
READ The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi - currently reading for the RTT Nov. theme AND fills my 1 nonfiction slot in the pyramid goals. It is also very short.
Queen By Right - currently reading. Definitely not short, but it is one of the Leftovers on my list.
READ A Faraway Island - started, but paused. I'll pick it up after Saint Francis. It is one of the translated books I need.
DNF Cat Out of Hell - just downloaded on Libby. For the Oct. Horror genre category (although I think it is more humor than horror - nevertheless it has a horror tag on Goodreads, so it counts. It's a pretty short book at 163 p.
Lessons in Chemistry - our Daytimers book for Dec. - I have it checked out on audio CD
Dec. genre is probably going to be "Holiday" books and the RTT Dec. theme is "Reader's Choice", so both of those will be filled by
A Midwinter's Tail
If I have extra listening time in Dec., one of my online groups is reading
Gingerbread and I have it checked out on Libby.
I've got
READ The Temple of Fortuna lined up on audio for the Nov. cover color which is teal. Adding
READ People of the Wolf for the RTT quarterly theme.
That just leaves the rest of the pyramid goals"
For Themes -
READ Behind Closed Doors - I own this on audio. It also fills a B title slot, and it fills the other Nov. cover color which is lavender.
I'd like to read
The Ice Swan which I started back in January, but it is 400 p. and I'd have to start it over at this point. We'll see. I've put a hold on
READ The Door in the Wall which is a much shorter children's book.
Leftovers. This is going to be the most difficult. Too many of my leftovers were chunky titles, and only one can fill another slot.
The shortest ones on my list are
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - 106 p.
Her Royal Spyness - 348 p. but it also fills the 1 remaining slot for 12 different lists. And it is lavender....
Death at La Fenice - 270 p.
Cup of Blood - 298 p.
I REALLY wanted to finish
...And Ladies of the Club this year, but I haven't been keeping up with it, and it is over 1,000 p. So probably not happening. I also wanted to finish
The Summer Queen but I'm going to save that for next year, when Elizabeth Chadwick will be one of my focus authors.
That leaves one more B title:
I'd like to read
The Beacon at Alexandria which I had started briefly at one point. One alternative from my TBR, is
Brave: The Junior Novelization
which I have.
And one more translation. I have a hold on
The Door which could also be one of my theme slots, but the waiting list is 6 weeks. So probably wouldn't get it in time. From my TBR I have
READ The Caiman which is a 40 p. picture book. It was a world language day freebie, so I have it.
One more alternative for Nonfiction and 12 different lists is
The Lost Words - it is short and looks utterly charming, so I have put in an ILL request for it.
Finally, not needed for any challenges, but I'd REALLY like to finish reading it -
READ Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - I'm halfway through it, and don't want to carry it over to next year.
Now, I really should be reading instead of spending hours on an update of what I'd like to be reading. Ha ha! Can I finish the Saint Francis booklet tonight?
P.S. I know this looks overwhelming, but I added up page numbers of the print books (not counting audio) and if I can manage about 60 pages a day, I can do it. The audiobooks I'm not worried about. I do a lot of driving, and I'll be visiting my mom which is good for 16 hours right there. Oh! And I just took the first two weeks of Dec. off!! Actually, I'm off starting the Wed. before Thanksgiving. I still have a lot of PTO to use up before I retire. So I'll have lots of extra time to read! I'm so excited! 20 days off! I'm calling it "retirement practice..."
It's too soon to do my December update, but I feel the need to take stock of my challenges while I still have time to figure out if I can accomplish all of them. Honestly, I have never even come close before. But here I am with more than 5 weeks left, and I have met my Goodreads goal of 60 books, and will blow past my highest total ever. That was 61 last year, and I could well have over 70 by the end of the year.
So what else do I want to do? Well, at the beginning of the year I set up a "pyramid" challenge with different categories from 1-12 titles (post # 8). These were intended to be sort of stretch goals, and I am very, very close. I have filled 65 "slots" out of 78, 13 to go and titles can fill more than one slot.
DONE Titles from 12 different lists - need 1
DONE from my "themes" lists - need 2
from my "leftovers" lists - need 5
Titles that start with B - need 2
DONE Nonfiction - need 1
NEED 1 Books originally written in a language other than English - need 2
For book clubs I only have one book to read in December - the book for Daytimers. For Perspectives, I am leading the discussion and have already read the book. A Good Yarn has ended due to the holidays and we won't be continuing next year. I do have a T location title lined up, but we won't be meeting to discuss our picks. Will I do U-Z next year anyway? Probably not, but maybe....
For the Reading Through Time group, I have Nov, and Dec to complete. Currently reading Nov. I've read at least one book for each of the quarterly topics. I wish it were more... Oops, no, I still need something "Prehistoric" for the Jan-Mar theme.
Cover color challenge - I just have November to do.
Genre challenge - currently reading Nov., still need Oct (Horror) and Dec (Holiday)
This is a lot of books for 5 weeks, so I'm resorting to looking for the shortest books on my TBR.
So here's what I'm currently reading, or contemplating. There are more than one possible title for some of the challenges, so I won't be reading ALL of these...
READ I Let You Go - audiobook, currently reading for the Nov. genre challenge.
READ The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi - currently reading for the RTT Nov. theme AND fills my 1 nonfiction slot in the pyramid goals. It is also very short.
Queen By Right - currently reading. Definitely not short, but it is one of the Leftovers on my list.
READ A Faraway Island - started, but paused. I'll pick it up after Saint Francis. It is one of the translated books I need.
DNF Cat Out of Hell - just downloaded on Libby. For the Oct. Horror genre category (although I think it is more humor than horror - nevertheless it has a horror tag on Goodreads, so it counts. It's a pretty short book at 163 p.
Lessons in Chemistry - our Daytimers book for Dec. - I have it checked out on audio CD
Dec. genre is probably going to be "Holiday" books and the RTT Dec. theme is "Reader's Choice", so both of those will be filled by
A Midwinter's Tail
If I have extra listening time in Dec., one of my online groups is reading
Gingerbread and I have it checked out on Libby.
I've got
READ The Temple of Fortuna lined up on audio for the Nov. cover color which is teal. Adding
READ People of the Wolf for the RTT quarterly theme.
That just leaves the rest of the pyramid goals"
For Themes -
READ Behind Closed Doors - I own this on audio. It also fills a B title slot, and it fills the other Nov. cover color which is lavender.
I'd like to read
The Ice Swan which I started back in January, but it is 400 p. and I'd have to start it over at this point. We'll see. I've put a hold on
READ The Door in the Wall which is a much shorter children's book.
Leftovers. This is going to be the most difficult. Too many of my leftovers were chunky titles, and only one can fill another slot.
The shortest ones on my list are
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford - 106 p.
Her Royal Spyness - 348 p. but it also fills the 1 remaining slot for 12 different lists. And it is lavender....
Death at La Fenice - 270 p.
Cup of Blood - 298 p.
I REALLY wanted to finish
...And Ladies of the Club this year, but I haven't been keeping up with it, and it is over 1,000 p. So probably not happening. I also wanted to finish
The Summer Queen but I'm going to save that for next year, when Elizabeth Chadwick will be one of my focus authors.
That leaves one more B title:
I'd like to read
The Beacon at Alexandria which I had started briefly at one point. One alternative from my TBR, is
Brave: The Junior Novelization
which I have.
And one more translation. I have a hold on
The Door which could also be one of my theme slots, but the waiting list is 6 weeks. So probably wouldn't get it in time. From my TBR I have
READ The Caiman which is a 40 p. picture book. It was a world language day freebie, so I have it.
One more alternative for Nonfiction and 12 different lists is
The Lost Words - it is short and looks utterly charming, so I have put in an ILL request for it.
Finally, not needed for any challenges, but I'd REALLY like to finish reading it -
READ Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - I'm halfway through it, and don't want to carry it over to next year.
Now, I really should be reading instead of spending hours on an update of what I'd like to be reading. Ha ha! Can I finish the Saint Francis booklet tonight?
P.S. I know this looks overwhelming, but I added up page numbers of the print books (not counting audio) and if I can manage about 60 pages a day, I can do it. The audiobooks I'm not worried about. I do a lot of driving, and I'll be visiting my mom which is good for 16 hours right there. Oh! And I just took the first two weeks of Dec. off!! Actually, I'm off starting the Wed. before Thanksgiving. I still have a lot of PTO to use up before I retire. So I'll have lots of extra time to read! I'm so excited! 20 days off! I'm calling it "retirement practice..."
303WelshBookworm
#61 The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
2 orange stars.
This is very short, and gives an idea of the outlines of his life. The Kindle edition was marred by quite a few typos. I must have read something about Saint Francis before, as there were things that were familiar to me. There were not a lot of Saint Francis' own prayers. When did he write them? Who translated them? The prayers to and about Saint Francis - who wrote them? What is the source for these? There is no context. A nice little summary with a few prayers and nothing more. I can't really recommend this.
Description: One part biography, one part prayer book, The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi is an essential book for any Christian. Saint Francis of Assisi is quite possibly the most popular of all Christian saints. Perhaps it is his adoration for all living things or his unrelenting generosity that has made so many people open their hearts to him. Perhaps it is the deep conviction and piety expressed not only by the saint himself, but in his name, in the Franciscan orders throughout the centuries. Whatever the reason, in a world that is quickly developing in a direction diametrically opposite to the saint's own simple asceticism, Saint Francis of Assisi still stirs strong emotions and compassion. How close he found God, in the very nature around him, is inspiring.
Cumulative pages: 20,526
2 orange stars.
This is very short, and gives an idea of the outlines of his life. The Kindle edition was marred by quite a few typos. I must have read something about Saint Francis before, as there were things that were familiar to me. There were not a lot of Saint Francis' own prayers. When did he write them? Who translated them? The prayers to and about Saint Francis - who wrote them? What is the source for these? There is no context. A nice little summary with a few prayers and nothing more. I can't really recommend this.
Description: One part biography, one part prayer book, The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi is an essential book for any Christian. Saint Francis of Assisi is quite possibly the most popular of all Christian saints. Perhaps it is his adoration for all living things or his unrelenting generosity that has made so many people open their hearts to him. Perhaps it is the deep conviction and piety expressed not only by the saint himself, but in his name, in the Franciscan orders throughout the centuries. Whatever the reason, in a world that is quickly developing in a direction diametrically opposite to the saint's own simple asceticism, Saint Francis of Assisi still stirs strong emotions and compassion. How close he found God, in the very nature around him, is inspiring.
Cumulative pages: 20,526
304cindydavid4
brother sun sister moon was an excellent story of their lives. some nude scenes, but well done
305WelshBookworm
#62 The Caiman
3.5 pink stars.
A rather sweet story about a man in Venezuela who raised a baby caiman and kept it as a pet. Apparently it is a true story - the author says that she used to ride the caiman when she was a child. I shudder to think of children actually playing with a 10-foot alligator. Nor do I condone keeping wild animals as pets. Nevertheless, we get a little glimpse here of life in another country. The illustrations are simple but full of the colorful flora and fauna of Venezuela.
Translated from Spanish by Amy Brill, and first published in English by Amazon Crossing Kids in collaboration with Amazon Crossing.
Description: When Faoro the clockmaker adopts a baby alligator, he has no idea that someday their story will travel far and wide. But the town of San Fernando de Apure would never forget this kind young man and his adoring alligator, who played with the neighborhood children, took part in Faoro’s wedding, and, eventually, mourned his loss. Now their story is being shared with the world. In this delightful picture book first published in Venezuela, the author brings us back to her own childhood in Venezuela, as one of the children who used to visit this famous caiman, to tell the story of a man who loved animals and how his friendship with his alligator sparked a lasting legacy.
Cumulative pages: 20,566
3.5 pink stars.
A rather sweet story about a man in Venezuela who raised a baby caiman and kept it as a pet. Apparently it is a true story - the author says that she used to ride the caiman when she was a child. I shudder to think of children actually playing with a 10-foot alligator. Nor do I condone keeping wild animals as pets. Nevertheless, we get a little glimpse here of life in another country. The illustrations are simple but full of the colorful flora and fauna of Venezuela.
Translated from Spanish by Amy Brill, and first published in English by Amazon Crossing Kids in collaboration with Amazon Crossing.
Description: When Faoro the clockmaker adopts a baby alligator, he has no idea that someday their story will travel far and wide. But the town of San Fernando de Apure would never forget this kind young man and his adoring alligator, who played with the neighborhood children, took part in Faoro’s wedding, and, eventually, mourned his loss. Now their story is being shared with the world. In this delightful picture book first published in Venezuela, the author brings us back to her own childhood in Venezuela, as one of the children who used to visit this famous caiman, to tell the story of a man who loved animals and how his friendship with his alligator sparked a lasting legacy.
Cumulative pages: 20,566
306WelshBookworm
>304 cindydavid4: I've probably seen it, but I might look for it. Thanks for the mention.
307dianelouise100
>303 WelshBookworm: As a member of TSSF (Third Order of Society of St. Francis) I’m so happy to see him mentioned here. I don’t know the book you are reviewing; a very fine bio of Francis is St. Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life by Adrian House. This is a thoroughly readable and informative biography which I think, knowing your love for the Middle Ages, you might enjoy.
308WelshBookworm
>307 dianelouise100: Thanks, I'll check it out.
309WelshBookworm
Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it!
I am off today, and off for almost three weeks - somewhat unheard of for me, but that's why I have so much PTO to use up before my retirement in January! I turned in my letter of retirement to my boss on Monday, so it is official now. No going back!
I put up the Christmas tree on Saturday, and got my outdoor decorations up - a new snowman and the deer that I got last year. One has fallen down and I need to get outside and fix it. But I am procrastinating again. I also need to make a pie to take to my sister's house tomorrow. And a butternut squash dish using the only squash I got from my garden... And I still have to put mulch around the cherry tree and lilacs that I planted this fall. Our unusually warm weather has suddenly turned VERY cold. So I guess our Minnesota winter has arrived.
But while I'm procrastinating I shall update the books that I got at the church "reuse" sale on Sunday. I also got a book from a friend in Wales this week. He sent me a copy of his autobiography:
Mae'n Wlad i Mi by Edward Morus Jones. Yes, it is in Welsh. I am very interested to read it, but I expect it will take me a long time. I do read Welsh, but I'll be stopping to look up vocabulary probably quite frequently!
Okay, on to the other books:
Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why
The Gnostic Gospels
Out of the Garden: Women Writers on the Bible
Ring of Seasons: Iceland--Its Culture and History
Also some early music LPs:
Scarlatti, Sinfonia No. 2, Vivaldi; Sammartini, and Albinoni: Conceros for Flute (and recorder) (Hans-Martin Linde)
Purcell, Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary; and Bach, Magnificat BWV. 243 (The Geraint Jones Singers)
A Comprehensive Selection from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book (Joseph Payne on organ and harpsichord)
Werke fur Cembalo/Works for Harpsichord by Rameau (Kenneth Gilbert)
All for $2.50 (bag sale). I'm a happy camper! And looking forward to three weeks of having lots of reading time!
I am off today, and off for almost three weeks - somewhat unheard of for me, but that's why I have so much PTO to use up before my retirement in January! I turned in my letter of retirement to my boss on Monday, so it is official now. No going back!
I put up the Christmas tree on Saturday, and got my outdoor decorations up - a new snowman and the deer that I got last year. One has fallen down and I need to get outside and fix it. But I am procrastinating again. I also need to make a pie to take to my sister's house tomorrow. And a butternut squash dish using the only squash I got from my garden... And I still have to put mulch around the cherry tree and lilacs that I planted this fall. Our unusually warm weather has suddenly turned VERY cold. So I guess our Minnesota winter has arrived.
But while I'm procrastinating I shall update the books that I got at the church "reuse" sale on Sunday. I also got a book from a friend in Wales this week. He sent me a copy of his autobiography:
Mae'n Wlad i Mi by Edward Morus Jones. Yes, it is in Welsh. I am very interested to read it, but I expect it will take me a long time. I do read Welsh, but I'll be stopping to look up vocabulary probably quite frequently!
Okay, on to the other books:
Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why
The Gnostic Gospels
Out of the Garden: Women Writers on the Bible
Ring of Seasons: Iceland--Its Culture and History
Also some early music LPs:
Scarlatti, Sinfonia No. 2, Vivaldi; Sammartini, and Albinoni: Conceros for Flute (and recorder) (Hans-Martin Linde)
Purcell, Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary; and Bach, Magnificat BWV. 243 (The Geraint Jones Singers)
A Comprehensive Selection from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book (Joseph Payne on organ and harpsichord)
Werke fur Cembalo/Works for Harpsichord by Rameau (Kenneth Gilbert)
All for $2.50 (bag sale). I'm a happy camper! And looking forward to three weeks of having lots of reading time!
310WelshBookworm
#63 I Let You Go
4 red stars.
This is my third book by Clare Mackintosh, and they all follow a somewhat similar pattern with a twist halfway through, then going back and adding things from a different point of view. This was her debut novel. There were some subplots that really didn't need to be there, and then they weren't even resolved. So a few loose ends. The main plot was heartbreaking. I'm almost tempted to add a horror tag. This could definitely trigger some people with the death of a child, animal cruelty, and domestic abuse. Parts are painful to read. So be warned. It starts a bit slow, but definitely picks up the chill factor after the twist in the middle. I should have docked another half a star for the ending, but this had to be a red, not a pink, book. I did love the setting, and could picture it as a movie.
Description: On a rainy afternoon, a mother's life is shattered as her son slips from her grip and runs into the street... I Let You Go follows Jenna Gray as she moves to a ramshackle cottage on the remote Welsh coast, trying to escape the memory of the car accident that plays again and again in her mind and desperate to heal from the loss of her child and the rest of her painful past. At the same time, the novel tracks the pair of Bristol police investigators trying to get to the bottom of this hit-and-run. As they chase down one hopeless lead after another, they find themselves as drawn to each other as they are to the frustrating, twist-filled case before them.
Cumulative pages: 20,937
4 red stars.
This is my third book by Clare Mackintosh, and they all follow a somewhat similar pattern with a twist halfway through, then going back and adding things from a different point of view. This was her debut novel. There were some subplots that really didn't need to be there, and then they weren't even resolved. So a few loose ends. The main plot was heartbreaking. I'm almost tempted to add a horror tag. This could definitely trigger some people with the death of a child, animal cruelty, and domestic abuse. Parts are painful to read. So be warned. It starts a bit slow, but definitely picks up the chill factor after the twist in the middle. I should have docked another half a star for the ending, but this had to be a red, not a pink, book. I did love the setting, and could picture it as a movie.
Description: On a rainy afternoon, a mother's life is shattered as her son slips from her grip and runs into the street... I Let You Go follows Jenna Gray as she moves to a ramshackle cottage on the remote Welsh coast, trying to escape the memory of the car accident that plays again and again in her mind and desperate to heal from the loss of her child and the rest of her painful past. At the same time, the novel tracks the pair of Bristol police investigators trying to get to the bottom of this hit-and-run. As they chase down one hopeless lead after another, they find themselves as drawn to each other as they are to the frustrating, twist-filled case before them.
Cumulative pages: 20,937
311kidzdoc
Laurel, I keep forgetting to ask if you know Rhian (SandDune) from the 75 Books group. Although she lives in England (Bury St Edmunds) she describes herself as British and Welsh, but absolutely not English! She is learning the Welsh language and may have completed a degree in it. I very commonly meet up with her whenever I visit London, usually to see a play there, and I consider her to be a good friend, and not only because we were born on the exact same day.
312WelshBookworm
>311 kidzdoc: I think I've encountered her here, and we've talked about learning Welsh, but I wouldn't say I know her. How fun to have a birthday twin! I hope you and your Mom had a nice Thanksgiving.
313WelshBookworm
December plans:
Ah, December. That busy, busy month of choir concerts and events, visiting my Mom, and all the craziness of the holidays, cooking, shopping, etc. Actual reading time may be hard to fit in, although I have pre-emptively taken the first two weeks of December off. And visiting my Mom means two days of driving or about 16 hours of audiobooks, so there's that. Still, I find that by this time of the year, I want to be unencumbered by the things that I set for goals, and to have some lighter just-for-fun reads to finish the year.
I am probably going to abandon
DNF Cat Out of Hell. This was for the October "horror" genre. I have read about 1/3 of it, and I really don't care if I read any more of it. The humor/horror combo isn't working for me. Maybe if weren't the holiday season... I will still count it for the purposes of the challenge.
I have surpassed my goal of 60 books, or 18,000 pages for the year. In fact it is the best year I have ever had. So yay!
I am oh so close on the pyramid goals (see message #8 for explanation...) Here's what's left...
2 "theme" titles. Currently reading
READ Behind Closed Doors - this also fills a B title slot in my pyramid challenge.
READ The Door in the Wall - this is a children's book and very short.
2 B titles. Besides Behind Closed Doors, I'd like to get back to
The Beacon at Alexandria
5 leftovers. I am currently working on
Queen By Right and I have a short one I can easily fit in
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
For the rest, I'm going to redefine leftovers to include things I've started THIS year that I don't want to be leftovers next year. That includes
The Ice Swan
READ Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom and
READ A Faraway Island. I also need this one for
1 translated title I do have a hold on Libby for
The Door, but the waiting list says 5 weeks, and that will be January. Anyway, I won't need it if I finish the other.
For my book club, I need to read
READ Lessons in Chemistry
And for A Good Yarn (which isn't meeting any more) I have
READ The Temple of Fortuna which finishes the trilogy I started this year, and it is the last book I need for the monthly color challenges.
I think that finishes ALL the challenges, except to read a "holiday" book for the December genre challenge. So, the rest of my plans are for lighter and fun things.
Sour Puss and maybe
Six Geese A-Slaying - two favorite series authors. These are both audiobooks, so I'm not worried about fitting them in. And the latter will be my "holiday" book. If I don't get to Sour Puss, it can wait.
Gingerbread - this is for a group read that doesn't start until Dec. 30, so if it goes into January, I don't care.
Oops, no - forgot I haven't read anything yet for the RTT 1st quarter challenge, which was Prehistory. So will try and squeeze in
READ People of the Wolf
314WelshBookworm
December log:
Finished:
Behind Closed Doors - finished Dec 3
The Temple of Fortuna - finished Dec 6
The Door in the Wall - finished Dec. 12
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - finished Dec. 17
A Faraway Island - finished Dec. 17
People of the Wolf - finished Dec. 20
Lessons in Chemistry - finished Dec. 26
Currently reading:
Queen By Right - restarted Nov 1
The Unpleasantness of the Battle at Thornford - started Dec. 17
The Ice Swan - restarted Dec. 18
Six Geese A-Slaying - started Dec. 27
Next up:
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gingerbread
The Lost Words
Still might read - NEXT YEAR:
Sour Puss
...And Ladies of the Club - restarted on Sept 26. Won't finish in 2024.
A Sacred Storm
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Summer Queen
Hester
The Door
New Acquisitions:
Good as Goldie: A Breaking Cat News Adventure
Wales: The First and Final Colony - purchased for book club
The Celtic Gods: Comets in Irish Mythology
The Rebel Nun - Chirp audiobooks, on sale
Finished:
Behind Closed Doors - finished Dec 3
The Temple of Fortuna - finished Dec 6
The Door in the Wall - finished Dec. 12
Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom - finished Dec. 17
A Faraway Island - finished Dec. 17
People of the Wolf - finished Dec. 20
Lessons in Chemistry - finished Dec. 26
Currently reading:
Queen By Right - restarted Nov 1
The Unpleasantness of the Battle at Thornford - started Dec. 17
The Ice Swan - restarted Dec. 18
Six Geese A-Slaying - started Dec. 27
Next up:
The Beacon at Alexandria
Gingerbread
The Lost Words
Still might read - NEXT YEAR:
Sour Puss
...And Ladies of the Club - restarted on Sept 26. Won't finish in 2024.
A Sacred Storm
Ygerna: A Pendragon Chronicles Prequel Novel
The Summer Queen
Hester
The Door
New Acquisitions:
Good as Goldie: A Breaking Cat News Adventure
Wales: The First and Final Colony - purchased for book club
The Celtic Gods: Comets in Irish Mythology
The Rebel Nun - Chirp audiobooks, on sale
315labfs39
I have surpassed my goal of 60 books, or 18,000 pages for the year. In fact it is the best year I have ever had. So yay!
That's fantastic!
That's fantastic!
316WelshBookworm
#64 Behind Closed Doors
3.5 pink stars.
Interesting idea for a flawed main character - she suffers from bipolar disorder, and has been on the sidelines for a year after attempting suicide. An okay start to a series, although I thought the little prequel was more interesting in terms of developing her character. The plot was interesting, but didn't have much in the way of suspense until near the end. I was bored with the pace at times, and I saw the twists coming. It's a slow moving police procedural with Beatrice assigned to lead a team new to her in a foreign country, Switzerland in this case. From the author's website, each book in the series is intended to be a standalone, with Beatrice working in different international locations. The next book is set in Wales and London, so I hope we will see more of her boyfriend and her wacky gay neighbor who figured so prominently in the prequel. I gave this the extra half star because I will read more of the series.
The author grew up in Wales, but now lives in Switzerland.
Description: An unethical banker suffocates. A diamond dealer slits his wrists. A media magnate freezes in the snow. A disgraced CEO inhales exhaust fumes. Four unpopular businessmen, four apparent suicides. Until Interpol find the same DNA at each death. Beatrice Stubbs, on her first case since a personal tragedy, arrives in Switzerland to lead the investigation. But there's more to Zurich than chocolate and charm. Potential suspects are everywhere, her Swiss counterpart is hostile and the secretive world of international finance seems beyond the law. Battling impossible odds by day and her own demons at night, Beatrice has never felt so alone.
Cumulative pages: 21,251
3.5 pink stars.
Interesting idea for a flawed main character - she suffers from bipolar disorder, and has been on the sidelines for a year after attempting suicide. An okay start to a series, although I thought the little prequel was more interesting in terms of developing her character. The plot was interesting, but didn't have much in the way of suspense until near the end. I was bored with the pace at times, and I saw the twists coming. It's a slow moving police procedural with Beatrice assigned to lead a team new to her in a foreign country, Switzerland in this case. From the author's website, each book in the series is intended to be a standalone, with Beatrice working in different international locations. The next book is set in Wales and London, so I hope we will see more of her boyfriend and her wacky gay neighbor who figured so prominently in the prequel. I gave this the extra half star because I will read more of the series.
The author grew up in Wales, but now lives in Switzerland.
Description: An unethical banker suffocates. A diamond dealer slits his wrists. A media magnate freezes in the snow. A disgraced CEO inhales exhaust fumes. Four unpopular businessmen, four apparent suicides. Until Interpol find the same DNA at each death. Beatrice Stubbs, on her first case since a personal tragedy, arrives in Switzerland to lead the investigation. But there's more to Zurich than chocolate and charm. Potential suspects are everywhere, her Swiss counterpart is hostile and the secretive world of international finance seems beyond the law. Battling impossible odds by day and her own demons at night, Beatrice has never felt so alone.
Cumulative pages: 21,251
317WelshBookworm
#65 The Temple of Fortuna
4.5 blue stars, rounded up
Amara's elderly patron, Demetrios, has finally offered marriage to his courtesan. He allows her to return to Pompeii to see her 3-year-old daughter before the wedding. Of course, she hopes that Demetrios will allow her to bring her daughter back to Rome. This also gives her time with her former lover, the slave Philos. This is both bittersweet and awkward. Rufina doesn't remember her mother. Amara and Philos still have feelings for each other, but it would be impossible for them to act on them. Amara has tried to get Rufus to sell Philos to her, but so far Rufus (her former patron) has refused. And then there is the detestable Felix, who continues to extort money from Amara's businesses in Pompeii because he knows the secret about the love affair between Amara and Philos, and exposure would mean the end of her freedom, and ruin to those she loves. But Fortuna has something else in mind. The eruption of Vesuvius allows Amara, Philos, and Rufina to flee and envision a different life for themselves. But what has happened to those they left behind - Julia, Victoria, Britannica, Rufus, Demetrios, and Felix? Amara mourns the loss of her friends, and fears the survival of those who could still do her harm. This was a suspenseful but satisfying ending of the trilogy. Also, the epilog is clearly a teaser for another novel or series centered on a different character. I have given this one 5 stars, because I could see myself rereading the whole trilogy again.
Description: Amara's journey has taken her far; from enslavement in Pompeii's wolf den brothel to her new life as a high-powered courtesan in Rome, but her story is not over yet. While Amara plays for power in Rome's imperial palace, those dearest to her remain in Pompeii. But it is 79 CE, and mighty Mount Vesuvius is about to make itself known . . .
Cumulative pages: 21,635
4.5 blue stars, rounded up
Amara's elderly patron, Demetrios, has finally offered marriage to his courtesan. He allows her to return to Pompeii to see her 3-year-old daughter before the wedding. Of course, she hopes that Demetrios will allow her to bring her daughter back to Rome. This also gives her time with her former lover, the slave Philos. This is both bittersweet and awkward. Rufina doesn't remember her mother. Amara and Philos still have feelings for each other, but it would be impossible for them to act on them. Amara has tried to get Rufus to sell Philos to her, but so far Rufus (her former patron) has refused. And then there is the detestable Felix, who continues to extort money from Amara's businesses in Pompeii because he knows the secret about the love affair between Amara and Philos, and exposure would mean the end of her freedom, and ruin to those she loves. But Fortuna has something else in mind. The eruption of Vesuvius allows Amara, Philos, and Rufina to flee and envision a different life for themselves. But what has happened to those they left behind - Julia, Victoria, Britannica, Rufus, Demetrios, and Felix? Amara mourns the loss of her friends, and fears the survival of those who could still do her harm. This was a suspenseful but satisfying ending of the trilogy. Also, the epilog is clearly a teaser for another novel or series centered on a different character. I have given this one 5 stars, because I could see myself rereading the whole trilogy again.
Description: Amara's journey has taken her far; from enslavement in Pompeii's wolf den brothel to her new life as a high-powered courtesan in Rome, but her story is not over yet. While Amara plays for power in Rome's imperial palace, those dearest to her remain in Pompeii. But it is 79 CE, and mighty Mount Vesuvius is about to make itself known . . .
Cumulative pages: 21,635
318WelshBookworm
#66 The Door in the Wall
5 purple stars
Newbery Medal, 1950. A solid historical adventure story, about a crippled boy who is left to the care of a monk when his father goes off to fight with the King (Edward III) in Scotland, and his mother has gone to serve the Queen in London. It is perhaps a bit slower moving than children might like today, but I enjoyed it and would have loved it as a child. Perhaps I read it then. Who knows? I did like medieval stuff even then. There are lots of details woven in about life at that time, food, clothing, warfare, crafts, and music. And the usual inspirational tone of overcoming adversity, working hard, seeing challenges as opportunity, and that even a crippled boy can serve the King and be a hero. I would recommend this for 2nd-4th graders. A bit of a rose-colored version of the Middle Ages, but entirely suitable for younger children.
Description: Ever since he can remember, Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone. A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin and takes him to the hospice of St. Mark’s, where he is taught woodcarving and patience and strength. Says Brother Luke, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.” Robin learns soon enough what Brother Luke means. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king.
Cumulative pages: 21,763
5 purple stars
Newbery Medal, 1950. A solid historical adventure story, about a crippled boy who is left to the care of a monk when his father goes off to fight with the King (Edward III) in Scotland, and his mother has gone to serve the Queen in London. It is perhaps a bit slower moving than children might like today, but I enjoyed it and would have loved it as a child. Perhaps I read it then. Who knows? I did like medieval stuff even then. There are lots of details woven in about life at that time, food, clothing, warfare, crafts, and music. And the usual inspirational tone of overcoming adversity, working hard, seeing challenges as opportunity, and that even a crippled boy can serve the King and be a hero. I would recommend this for 2nd-4th graders. A bit of a rose-colored version of the Middle Ages, but entirely suitable for younger children.
Description: Ever since he can remember, Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone. A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin and takes him to the hospice of St. Mark’s, where he is taught woodcarving and patience and strength. Says Brother Luke, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.” Robin learns soon enough what Brother Luke means. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king.
Cumulative pages: 21,763
319WelshBookworm
Mid-December update:
No changes to report. I'm on track to finish all my challenges for the year, if I read 70 pages a day for the rest of the month. This doesn't include the books that are audiobooks, but I'm not worried about finishing those.
I have been working on my 2025 lists ready to post whenever the 2025 Club Read group is opened. There will be some big changes next year. The biggest is that I will be retiring on January 23! I expect that to mean I will be able to read more, of course, that remains to be seen. I probably won't be driving as much, so what will that mean for audiobooks? Two of my current book clubs are ending. That's because they are library-based and I will no longer be there. The current membership decided they did not want to continue without me. I do plan to add the St. David Society's book club to my activities. They only meet every other month. I have not participated previously because they meet when I am working, and that will no longer be a problem. I may or may not continue with the church book club, Perspectives. If I stay, I am not commited to participating every month. It depends on what books are picked. But it does challenge me to read more on social justice type issues. I've heard there is a book club at the library here in town. I don't know if it is monthly or every other month, but they pick an author instead of a book to read. I might check that out.
I finished adding slips for all the books I've added to my Goodreads TBR this year. I use the slips to pick my random reads for the next year. I had thought about not doing random reads, but then I decided to focus on titles that begin with C, and create shorter lists. So those lists are done. Now I just have to settle on what categories to choose for my Pyramid Goals (12 books that start with C, 11 historical fiction, 10 cozy mysteries, 9 cat books, etc.) I think I have 4 authors that start with C for quarterly goals, and then may use one of the pyramid slots for other C authors. Same with some C locations - I'll make short lists for 4, and then put all the rest into a pyramid slot... And then fill out the pyramid with some categories that really don't need to be lists. I'm probably over-thinking all this. Ha ha! Oh- and I still have to do my cat theme list, and my chronicles theme list.
Above all, I just want to have fun with my book choices. That's why my themes this year are things like cats, cozy mysteries, children's books, chocolate, Christmas, castles, and places like Cornwall and the Cotswolds. I don't read every book on every list. The challenges all allow me to pick any book to fit a challenge theme. And it only has to be one book. I do have an annual goal, both number of books and number of pages. I'm thinking about 75 books and/or 25,000 pages for 2025.
No changes to report. I'm on track to finish all my challenges for the year, if I read 70 pages a day for the rest of the month. This doesn't include the books that are audiobooks, but I'm not worried about finishing those.
I have been working on my 2025 lists ready to post whenever the 2025 Club Read group is opened. There will be some big changes next year. The biggest is that I will be retiring on January 23! I expect that to mean I will be able to read more, of course, that remains to be seen. I probably won't be driving as much, so what will that mean for audiobooks? Two of my current book clubs are ending. That's because they are library-based and I will no longer be there. The current membership decided they did not want to continue without me. I do plan to add the St. David Society's book club to my activities. They only meet every other month. I have not participated previously because they meet when I am working, and that will no longer be a problem. I may or may not continue with the church book club, Perspectives. If I stay, I am not commited to participating every month. It depends on what books are picked. But it does challenge me to read more on social justice type issues. I've heard there is a book club at the library here in town. I don't know if it is monthly or every other month, but they pick an author instead of a book to read. I might check that out.
I finished adding slips for all the books I've added to my Goodreads TBR this year. I use the slips to pick my random reads for the next year. I had thought about not doing random reads, but then I decided to focus on titles that begin with C, and create shorter lists. So those lists are done. Now I just have to settle on what categories to choose for my Pyramid Goals (12 books that start with C, 11 historical fiction, 10 cozy mysteries, 9 cat books, etc.) I think I have 4 authors that start with C for quarterly goals, and then may use one of the pyramid slots for other C authors. Same with some C locations - I'll make short lists for 4, and then put all the rest into a pyramid slot... And then fill out the pyramid with some categories that really don't need to be lists. I'm probably over-thinking all this. Ha ha! Oh- and I still have to do my cat theme list, and my chronicles theme list.
Above all, I just want to have fun with my book choices. That's why my themes this year are things like cats, cozy mysteries, children's books, chocolate, Christmas, castles, and places like Cornwall and the Cotswolds. I don't read every book on every list. The challenges all allow me to pick any book to fit a challenge theme. And it only has to be one book. I do have an annual goal, both number of books and number of pages. I'm thinking about 75 books and/or 25,000 pages for 2025.
320cindydavid4
>319 WelshBookworm: I expect that to mean I will be able to read more, of course
Hee, the wish of all retirees!!!!!(congrats)
Hee, the wish of all retirees!!!!!(congrats)
321WelshBookworm
#67 Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom
3.5 pink stars
I enjoyed this. Yaffe takes us through the history of JASNA, and the quirky people devoted to everything Jane Austen. I would have liked more about some of the fan fiction itself, but there are websites devoted to that. This is pretty lighthearted, although it seems there is perhaps a rather fine line between people who just want to have fun with their fandom, and those who take themselves WAY too seriously!
Description: They walk among us in their bonnets and Empire-waist gowns, clutching their souvenir tote bags and battered paperbacks: the Janeites, Jane Austen’s legion of devoted fans. Who are these obsessed admirers, whose passion has transformed Austen from classic novelist to pop-culture phenomenon? Deborah Yaffe, journalist and Janeite, sets out to answer this question. Along the way, Yaffe meets a Florida lawyer with a byzantine theory about hidden subtexts in the novels, a writer of Austen fan fiction who found her own Mr. Darcy while reimagining Pride and Prejudice, and a literature professor whose roller-derby nom de skate is Stone Cold Jane Austen. Yaffe goes where Janeites gather, joining a pilgrimage to historic sites in Britain, chatting online with fellow fans, and attending the annual ball of the Jane Austen Society of North America—in period costume. For anyone who has ever loved a Jane Austen novel, a warm and witty look at the passionate, thriving world of Austen fandom.
Cumulative pages: 22,035
3.5 pink stars
I enjoyed this. Yaffe takes us through the history of JASNA, and the quirky people devoted to everything Jane Austen. I would have liked more about some of the fan fiction itself, but there are websites devoted to that. This is pretty lighthearted, although it seems there is perhaps a rather fine line between people who just want to have fun with their fandom, and those who take themselves WAY too seriously!
Description: They walk among us in their bonnets and Empire-waist gowns, clutching their souvenir tote bags and battered paperbacks: the Janeites, Jane Austen’s legion of devoted fans. Who are these obsessed admirers, whose passion has transformed Austen from classic novelist to pop-culture phenomenon? Deborah Yaffe, journalist and Janeite, sets out to answer this question. Along the way, Yaffe meets a Florida lawyer with a byzantine theory about hidden subtexts in the novels, a writer of Austen fan fiction who found her own Mr. Darcy while reimagining Pride and Prejudice, and a literature professor whose roller-derby nom de skate is Stone Cold Jane Austen. Yaffe goes where Janeites gather, joining a pilgrimage to historic sites in Britain, chatting online with fellow fans, and attending the annual ball of the Jane Austen Society of North America—in period costume. For anyone who has ever loved a Jane Austen novel, a warm and witty look at the passionate, thriving world of Austen fandom.
Cumulative pages: 22,035
322WelshBookworm
#68 A Faraway Island
4 red stars.
A children's book, 1st of a series, about two Jewish children sent to live in other countries as antisemitism made things increasingly difficult in Germany and those countries (like Austria) that had fallen under German rule. It's a sobering and realistic look at what life might have been like for these children. Only about 500 children were admitted into Sweden. Adults were not allowed, and so these children had to leave their families, not knowing if they would ever go home or see their parents again. The books were bestsellers in Sweden and were adapted into a popular television series. Parts of this book might be hard to read for younger children. Stephie struggles to fit in, is bullied by other children, and is placed with a somewhat cold and very strict family. And gradually over the book, more and more is revealed of some the horrors faced by the family in Vienna before Stephie and her sister were sent to Sweden. It does end on a more hopeful note, and I would like to read the rest of the series.
Description: It's the summer of 1939. Two Jewish sisters from Vienna—12-year-old Stephie Steiner and 8-year-old Nellie—are sent to Sweden to escape the Nazis. They expect to stay there six months, until their parents can flee to Amsterdam; then all four will go to America. But as the world war intensifies, the girls remain, each with her own host family, on a rugged island off the western coast of Sweden. Nellie quickly settles in to her new surroundings. She’s happy with her foster family and soon favors the Swedish language over her native German. Not so for Stephie, who finds it hard to adapt; she feels stranded at the end of the world, with a foster mother who’s as cold and unforgiving as the island itself. Her main worry, though, is her parents—and whether she will ever see them again.
Cumulative pages: 22,284
4 red stars.
A children's book, 1st of a series, about two Jewish children sent to live in other countries as antisemitism made things increasingly difficult in Germany and those countries (like Austria) that had fallen under German rule. It's a sobering and realistic look at what life might have been like for these children. Only about 500 children were admitted into Sweden. Adults were not allowed, and so these children had to leave their families, not knowing if they would ever go home or see their parents again. The books were bestsellers in Sweden and were adapted into a popular television series. Parts of this book might be hard to read for younger children. Stephie struggles to fit in, is bullied by other children, and is placed with a somewhat cold and very strict family. And gradually over the book, more and more is revealed of some the horrors faced by the family in Vienna before Stephie and her sister were sent to Sweden. It does end on a more hopeful note, and I would like to read the rest of the series.
Description: It's the summer of 1939. Two Jewish sisters from Vienna—12-year-old Stephie Steiner and 8-year-old Nellie—are sent to Sweden to escape the Nazis. They expect to stay there six months, until their parents can flee to Amsterdam; then all four will go to America. But as the world war intensifies, the girls remain, each with her own host family, on a rugged island off the western coast of Sweden. Nellie quickly settles in to her new surroundings. She’s happy with her foster family and soon favors the Swedish language over her native German. Not so for Stephie, who finds it hard to adapt; she feels stranded at the end of the world, with a foster mother who’s as cold and unforgiving as the island itself. Her main worry, though, is her parents—and whether she will ever see them again.
Cumulative pages: 22,284
323labfs39
>321 WelshBookworm: Sounds like a fun read. I had never heard of Janeites before, although I'm not surprised. How many people does she estimate qualify for the term?
>322 WelshBookworm: I read the trilogy earlier this year or last, and enjoyed them. The author's note disabused me of my fantasy that Sweden was an exception and welcoming of Jews.
>322 WelshBookworm: I read the trilogy earlier this year or last, and enjoyed them. The author's note disabused me of my fantasy that Sweden was an exception and welcoming of Jews.
324WelshBookworm
>323 labfs39: JASNA has over 5,000 members, but that's just the US and Canada. I enjoy the P&P spinoffs but I wouldn't call myself a Janeite. I am a proud member of the Dorothy Dunnett Society however. We have a small group here in Minnesota that meets for a toast every year on International Dorothy Dunnett Day. No costumes are involved. LOL!
Dorothy L. Sayers has a fanbase. I don't know how big they are. And I have friends that are "Sherlockians." I suppose the Twilight fans and the Outlander fans should be included. What other authors have fan bases? Oh! Harry Potter, of course!
Dorothy L. Sayers has a fanbase. I don't know how big they are. And I have friends that are "Sherlockians." I suppose the Twilight fans and the Outlander fans should be included. What other authors have fan bases? Oh! Harry Potter, of course!
325labfs39
>324 WelshBookworm: Interesting! Thanks for the info.
326WelshBookworm
#69 People of the Wolf
3 green stars.
I'm not sure how much this sticks to anthropological history, but much of it seemed "off" to me. Too patriarchal and misogynistic for starters. If this is set in approximately 12-13,000 BC I would expect to find a matriarchal system if anything. I also think the kind of shamanism depicted here borders on fantasy. But, taken as a sort of mythical origin narrative, it's a pretty good story. There is plenty of realism in depicting nomadic tribes competing for limited resources in a changing world, and dealing with living in an arctic climate. Personally, I could have done with less realism around hunting and butchering animals for food. The story revolves around two brothers, born under somewhat mystical circumstances, who end up leading two groups of people struggling to survive. One is a "true" dreamer, a shaman forced to give up love and any kind of attachment, in order to give himself fully to the dreams and visions that guide him to lead his people south to a warmer climate. His brother, on the other hand, is too full of himself, and seems to become more and more insane in his quest for power. His is a tale of rape and bloodlust, and he seems completely separated from any kind of empathy or compassion for others. The tale gets a little confused bouncing around between at least three different groups of people bound for a potentially bloody confrontation at the end. There were some strong and interesting women characters. So all in all, I'll give it 3 stars, and I may or may not read any more of this long series.
Description: In the dawn of history, a valiant people forged a pathway from an old world into a new one. Led by a dreamer who followed the spirit of the wolf, a handful of courageous men and women dared to cross the frozen wastes to find an untouched, unspoiled continent. Set in what is now Alaska, this is the magnificent saga of the vision-filled man who led his people to an awesome destiny, and the courageous woman whose love and bravery drove them on in pursuit of that dream.
Cumulative pages: 22,732
3 green stars.
I'm not sure how much this sticks to anthropological history, but much of it seemed "off" to me. Too patriarchal and misogynistic for starters. If this is set in approximately 12-13,000 BC I would expect to find a matriarchal system if anything. I also think the kind of shamanism depicted here borders on fantasy. But, taken as a sort of mythical origin narrative, it's a pretty good story. There is plenty of realism in depicting nomadic tribes competing for limited resources in a changing world, and dealing with living in an arctic climate. Personally, I could have done with less realism around hunting and butchering animals for food. The story revolves around two brothers, born under somewhat mystical circumstances, who end up leading two groups of people struggling to survive. One is a "true" dreamer, a shaman forced to give up love and any kind of attachment, in order to give himself fully to the dreams and visions that guide him to lead his people south to a warmer climate. His brother, on the other hand, is too full of himself, and seems to become more and more insane in his quest for power. His is a tale of rape and bloodlust, and he seems completely separated from any kind of empathy or compassion for others. The tale gets a little confused bouncing around between at least three different groups of people bound for a potentially bloody confrontation at the end. There were some strong and interesting women characters. So all in all, I'll give it 3 stars, and I may or may not read any more of this long series.
Description: In the dawn of history, a valiant people forged a pathway from an old world into a new one. Led by a dreamer who followed the spirit of the wolf, a handful of courageous men and women dared to cross the frozen wastes to find an untouched, unspoiled continent. Set in what is now Alaska, this is the magnificent saga of the vision-filled man who led his people to an awesome destiny, and the courageous woman whose love and bravery drove them on in pursuit of that dream.
Cumulative pages: 22,732
327rhian_of_oz
I wanted to pop in and say happy one-month-to-retirement!
328WelshBookworm
>327 rhian_of_oz: Thank you, Rhian! Still doesn’t quite seem real.
329WelshBookworm
#70 Lessons in Chemistry
5 purple stars.
This one is hard to review. I liked it very much, obviously. But why? It's a hilarious satire, but it's also heartbreakingly real at times. I grew up in the 60s, and I can definitely relate to all the ways that women were (and still are) treated unfairly and aren't taken seriously - ESPECIALLY smart women. I could tell some stories of my own. So it hits home. It's also about life, about faith, and about family. There's a bit of a mystery, although that was somewhat predictable. And if none of that entices you - the dog steals the show!
Description: Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Cumulative pages: 23,122
5 purple stars.
This one is hard to review. I liked it very much, obviously. But why? It's a hilarious satire, but it's also heartbreakingly real at times. I grew up in the 60s, and I can definitely relate to all the ways that women were (and still are) treated unfairly and aren't taken seriously - ESPECIALLY smart women. I could tell some stories of my own. So it hits home. It's also about life, about faith, and about family. There's a bit of a mystery, although that was somewhat predictable. And if none of that entices you - the dog steals the show!
Description: Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Cumulative pages: 23,122
330WelshBookworm
5 days until the end of the year update
Can she do it? She's going to try...
Just started
Six Geese A-Slaying for my December "holiday" genre read. I'll easily finish.
For "leftovers", I'm still reading
Queen By Right
The Ice Swan and
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
That last one is really a short story or novella.
I have one "B" title yet to read. The one I had planned is too long. I just downloaded
The Body in the Transept. It's also a Christmas story, so bonus.
Whether I can do all 5 in 5 days, I don't know. I have the next three days totally off and nothing else planned, so wish me luck!
Can she do it? She's going to try...
Just started
Six Geese A-Slaying for my December "holiday" genre read. I'll easily finish.
For "leftovers", I'm still reading
Queen By Right
The Ice Swan and
The Unpleasantness at the Battle of Thornford
That last one is really a short story or novella.
I have one "B" title yet to read. The one I had planned is too long. I just downloaded
The Body in the Transept. It's also a Christmas story, so bonus.
Whether I can do all 5 in 5 days, I don't know. I have the next three days totally off and nothing else planned, so wish me luck!
