Walklover’s 75 Books Challenge for 2024

Here’s hoping we all have a happy, healthy and peaceful 2024!

Welcome back, Debbi!

Good luck with your 2024 reading.

Happy reading in 2024, Debbi!

Merry 2024, Debbi. I came looking for you to ask you for a favor...Joe hasn't set up a thread so, if you please, will you let him know about this new book coming out from Marilynne Robinson?
MARILYNNE ROBINSON, READING GENESIS
FSG, MARCH 12
The blurb on LitHub says:
You’ve read Genesis, but have you really read it? As a piece of literature, that is, as opposed to a historical document or madlib composed by multiple people over multiple centuries? Honestly, an interesting project for Gilead’s Robinson, who gives pre-Milton Eden the proper treatment.
It sounded to me like something he very much could enjoy, and getting a hold in early at the library might be a good idea.

Thanks! Read hearty.

Happy new year Debbi.

Happy New Year Debbi. I hope you and Joe get to London this year.

A belated Happy New Year to you and Joe. I hope the computer trouble ends soon.

Happy new year, Debbi! Looking forward to seeing what you're reading this year.

>2 drneutron: Thank you! Happy New Year to you and yours.

>3 Berly: Happy New Year!

>4 Tess_W: Thanks! Have started it with two wonderful books which I will be entering today.

>5 FAMeulstee: Thanks! Same to you!

>6 richardderus: Happy New Year, Richard! I passed it on.

>7 PaulCranswick: Happy New Year to you and yours, Paul!

>8 Caroline_McElwee: Happy New Year, Caroline! London is most definitely on our wish list.

>10 bell7: Happy New Year to you too! I’ve started the year with two great books which I’ll be reviewing today.

1. Making It So by Patrick Stewart - I have had this book since December, but decided that I wanted it to be my first book of 2024.
I adore Patrick Stewart - a faithful viewer of Star Trek:TNG and Picard, one soothed by his pandemic sonnet readings, a fan of Professor X - and lucky enough to have been in the audience in London for his performance (with Ian McKellen) in No Man’s Land.
This memoir is wonderful - so fascinating to learn about his history, family, relationships - all stories told honestly, sharing many rough spots (of himself as well as others) as well as the smooth. Obviously, this is one I would highly recommend.

2. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett - I first read Patchett’s Bel Canto many years ago and it was a story that left a long-lasting imprint. I can already tell that Tom Lake will be doing the same. Beautifully written, it flows from present to past and back as we learn the story of Lara’s life, loves and losses - and how she searches for happiness in a very difficult world.

Hi Debbi! Looks like I’m going to have to get my hands on Tom Lake. And one of these days I need to read Bel Canto.

>21 SuziQoregon: I wholeheartedly recommend both!

3. Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer - This was a holiday gift from Joe - a total surprise and one I’d never heard of. It was a perfect read for my days of isolation with Covid. Meltzer, herself a person dealing with a severe chronic illness, has given her lead characters (all Jewish) in all three of her books chronic and often debilitating diseases. She is honest and open about the characters’ symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. Her goal is to have Jews read more romances - and she succeeded with this Jew.

>19 walklover: I have this one home from the library, and your review makes me want to move it to the top of the list!

>23 walklover: What fun! I'll look for it at the library.

Is Joe still in LT limbo? We all miss him here.

>23 walklover: oh I need to find this one!

Happy New Year, Debbi! Making It So sounds good. I'll never forget seeing No Man's Land with you, Joe, and Caroline.

Hope you are feeling 100% soon. I enjoyed Tom Lake as well. : )

>24 bell7: I would definitely recommend doing that!

>25 ffortsa: As you can see, Joe is back in the Cafe.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

>26 SuziQoregon: I’m considering finding some of her other books.

>27 kidzdoc: That was a wonderful evening, wasn’t it?

>28 Berly: I’m steadily improving. Unfortunately, I’m a virally induced. asthmatic - so I’m in a pretty rotten asthma episode right now. But, I’m taking really good care of myself - and getting some good reading in. :)

4. I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai - Having loved The Great Believers, I was anxious to read this one - and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I don’t want to say to much about it, but it’s an excellent whodunit set on the campus of a boarding school.

>34 walklover: This seems like a book I'm going to love. I've put it on my library list.
I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I wish you a speedy recovery. I'm struggling with Longcovid myself, but the therapy is getting me back on my feet.
Take care of yourself.

5. The Little Books of the Little Brontes by Sara O’Leary & Briony May Smith - A sweet picture book telling the true story of the Brontë children and the tiny books they wrote for themselves and each other.

6. Glowrushes by Roberto Piumini - Thank you to Joe for recommending this beautifully written story about a young sick boy who is unable to go outside (or even look outside) and the painter who brings the world to him. I’m already making a list people to gift it to.

>37 walklover: That was indeed a lovely story, Debbi, glad it is now available in English translation!

Hoping the asthma is behaving by now? I like the sounds of your most recent reads. Varied and really interesting!

Hiya, walklover! I’m glad Kissing Kosher hit the spot, and at some point I may try Making It So. I like that Picard guy, too.

I’m with you on Glowrushes as a gift book; I have at least one sister in mind(the one you like).

Thanks for recommending I Have Some Questions - what a writer she is. Tom Lake is going to stick with me, too - I’m already wondering what Lara is up to now.

>38 FAMeulstee: It was so wonderful! One of those books I want everyone to read.

>39 Berly: Thanks for the good wishes. I finally feel like I.ve got the asthma under control this time.

>40 jnwelch: Fun to have a reader as my partner and a book gifter. :)

7. World Made of Glass by Ami Polonsky - I’ve known Amy for many years and have read her other books - Threads and Gracefully Grayson - and this one is as terrific as her others. It’s the story of Iris whose mother and father divorced when he came out as gay - and now she’s living with his life and death with AIDS. It’s a beautifully written young adult novel that should be read by all ages.

8. The City We Became by N. K. Jemison - My son, Jesse, is the person I turn to for science fiction recommendations. He understands what I enjoy in this genre - and what makes me crazy. This book was the first one I have read of his two newest recommendations - and it was wonderful. It took me a bit to “get into” the story and the world it’s describing, but once in I didn’t want to get out. It concerns 5 New Yorkers and how they have to work together to save their city. Each represents a different borough and the many characteristics of the people who populate them.

>45 walklover: I don't really have much of a feel for what Sci-fi I will like, Debbi, as the jargon laden stuff definitely doesn't enrapture me but sometimes if you look beyond that there is a good story to be had.

>46 PaulCranswick: I totally agree, which is why I rely on Jesse’s recommendations. Too much jargon = I won’t like it.

9. Missing Persons by James Patterson - A welcome easy read after The City We Became. The next in the Private series - good mystery and good well-rounded characters (both old and new).

10. Crosshairs by James Patterson - Thanks to Ms. Becca who puts the Patterson on hold and passes them to me when she’s done.They’re a fast read which is goods because i usually have about 5-7 days to finish them and get them back to the library since there are always many waiting for them. I enjoy the Michael Bennett Thriller series - and this one was quite good. We got to see a lot of Bennett’s family which i always enjoy and the mystery definitely kept me guessing.

11. Jovita Wore Pants by Aida Salazar - Subtitled “The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter”. This is a picture book that is definitely for an audience of about 7-9 (and above). The true story of a young girl who wanted to be able to run free like her brothers and defend religious freedom - but was hampered by her father’s belief that because she was a girl she couldn’t fight - or wear pants. After her father and brothers are killed, she cuts her hair and puts on pants and leads an army of men to fight the Cristero War. I would recommend this to any adult. The illustrations by Molly Mendoza are perfect for the story and the mood.

12. The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher - Another great recommendation from Joe and one I plan to recommend to some fellow reader friends. I love historical fiction - an enjoyable way to learn so much - and if it’s written as brilliantly as this one, all the better. The story of Shakespeare and Company - a world-renowned bookstore in Paris (we had a lovely visit there many years back) with a visit from many well-known and well-loved literary giants.

Hello! Saying hi and introducing myself. Would like to learn more about word webs.

I’m enjoying your mini-reviews, Hon. Well done! I’m so glad Paris Booksellers hit the spot! What a time that was in that city.

Welcome Debbi!!!

Hi Debbi - just wanted to stop by and thank you for posting about Kissing Kosher up in >23 walklover:
I finished it yesterday and loved it. I definitely plan to read her other books. Thanks!

>52 dianeham: Hi! Will send you some info soon. Word webs are quite useful in a variety of situations.

>53 jnwelch: Thanks! I thought about our visit to the bookstore a lot while reading it.

>54 Whisper1: Thanks! Glad to be here.

>55 SuziQoregon: So glad you liked it. I’m also looking forward to reading her other books in the future.

13. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter - I wanted to make sure I read the book before watching the miniseries. So many books about the Holocaust rightfully emphasize the concentration camps and all of the horrors that occurred there. This true story details the lives of many members of one family who all “avoided” the camps - but describes all of the horrors they had to go to to survive. An excellent and important read.

14. Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris - I really enjoy listening to David Sedaris telling his fabulous stories, but have never really enjoyed reading his books. This picture book is the story of a little girl, who because she has become beautiful, has her monster out looking family and friends appalled (reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode). I didn’t find this read enjoyable at all. i did, however, enjoy the illustrations by Ian Falconer who wrote and illustrated the Olivia series (and passed away last year at 66 - quite a loss).

15. The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson - Thank you to Becca who reserves all the new Patterson’s at the library and passes them to me when she’s done. This is the first in a new series and I have definitely enjoyed meeting the new characters and look forward to continuing with future books. It was also a darn good mystery.

16. The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn - Joe and I share our Kindle books and this was a wonderful book I found because of his list. It’s a lovely story of the unlikely friendship between an older man ( a Book Walker who delivers books around his town) and a nine year old girl. Their friendship makes both of their lives better as well as those of the many townsfolk whose lives they touch. I highly recommend it.

17. Little Bits of Sky by S.E. Durant - My copy is an ARC and I truly have no idea how or when I got it. It’s a lovely book about two siblings who have spent most of their lives in foster care and end up at Skilly House, a London-based home for children The book is r=written from the perspective of the elder of the two (a girl). I enjoyed reading it.

>62 walklover: I just finished The Murder House by Patterson. It was creepy, but pretty good. I usually enjoy his reads.

>52 dianeham: Sorry for the delay. If you go onto Excelsior Online Writing Lab, you can find “How to Make a Word Web”. I like to continue out even farther. The first time I used one, my starting word was rain - and I ended up writing a piece about my grandmother from a word prompt far from the initial one.

18. Happy Hour by Elissa Bass - Disclaimer - Elissa is my first cousin. relationship aside, I loved this book. It covers menopause, divorce, relationships between young men and older women and family (both blood and chosen - one of my favorite things). Elissa does it all so well. The development of each individual character is great - and I liked the feel of life on the beach. I would definitely recommend this - to men and women alike.

Here’s a link to the correct Happy Hour -
https://a.co/d/2xN8kvy

19. A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher - This was one of the recommendations for science fiction and fantasy I got from my son, Jesse. It was a delightful story of a young baker with magical powers (with bread) and how she ends up saving her country. A lot of fun!

>67 walklover: Yikes - when I click on this, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula keeps coming up - and had no luck on LT Book Search - ideas welcome.

The book comes up when Elissa Bass is entered.

>69 m.belljackson: I just posted the correct link under my review. Let me know if it works for you.

20. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt - I reread this book because Joe and I are going to Savannah next week (first time there for both of us). I’m so glad i did - it’s chock full of information about the city and its history - as well as being a fabulously written, excellent story.

21. I Survived the Battle of D-Day, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis - a recommendation from Joe. A great depiction of the events leading up to and including D-Day and its effects on those who lived it.

22. The Murder Inn by James Patterson - As always, Becca and I read just about every Patterson as it comes out. This one was good - almost a few too many characters for me to keep straight - but definitely an enjoyable story.

>68 walklover: I’m so glad you liked that one. I thought it was a lot of fun.

>71 walklover: I loved this book, and then was able to see one of the characters in a show in Valdosta, GA once.

>71 walklover: I loved that book Debbi. I hope you have a lovely holiday.

>74 SuziQoregon: Thanks! It was a lot of fun!

>75 elorin: Joe and I took a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery and our tour guide had worked with and been a friend of the young man who was killed by Williams.

>76 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I’m so glad I reread it right before the trip. We had a wonderful holiday and are already making a list of what we want to do the next time we visit Savannah.

23. Shots Fired by Tracy D. Bond Lance - Tracy is the wife of one of our closest friends - they are both a large part of our chosen family. I’m so glad I read this memoir because it showed me so much of Tracy’s life that I didn’t know about.

24. The Triangle by Ruth Bass - These last few weeks have been full of books written by friends or relatives. Ruthie is my aunt - my favorite aunt. She’s been a journalist for many years as well as the author of a series of vegetable specific cookbooks and a trilogy about Rose Hibbard, a women from the late 19th century. The Triangle is a murder mystery and I had the pleasure of being a first reader for at least two thirds of it. It really is a terrific book - great mystery and a fascinating cast of characters. Ruthie was a crime reporter in the early days of her career and it shows.

25. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - I picked this book up at E Shaver Booksellers in Savannah. I knew nothing about it, but it looked very interesting. So glad I did - I loved it and am already thinking of people we can gift it to at the holidays.It tells the story of one woman who wants to die, but instead (as she’s dying) ends up in the Midnight Library where each book tells the story of your life if you had made a different choice.

26. The 24th Hour by James Patterson - The perfect book for me to read after the intensity of my previous read. It’s the next in the Women’s Murder Club series and quite enjoyable - populated mostly by familiar characters and with a well-written murder mystery (with a bit of a twist).

>82 walklover: I added it to my wishlist!

>84 elorin: Looking forward to hearing what you think about it.

Loved the Midnight Library and I'm a Patterson fan. This is why we get along. ; )

>82 walklover: Oh that sounds good!

27. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles - I wanted to read this book before I watched the miniseries. It took me a bit to get into it - I actually realized that part of the problem was the print in the book was so small, so I moved to Kindle and that really helped. I thoroughly enjoyed it - and stayed up until just before midnight to finish it. Looking forward to seeing the miniseries and how true they stayed to the book.

28. The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman - I have been a major fan of Paul Newman since what seems like forever. It’s fascinating to find out so much of the lives of those you’ve only seen in films. This book contains interviews with Paul as well as many with family, friends and coworkers. It was a great read for me.

>88 walklover: That was a favourite for me Debbi.

>89 walklover: I haven't read the book yet, but I saw the 4 part documentary they made of it that was excellent. I saw many of his movies in my youth.

>88 walklover: Small print has determined a lot of my deaccessioning of old and thoughtlessly printed books. Kindle is such a help!

>90 Caroline_McElwee: There’s a documentary of it. I will definitely find that soon! :)

Hope all is well with you.

>91 ffortsa: It really did help with that book for sure. I still like to read from a printed book - if the print is large enough. :)

29. Is Love the Answer? by Uta Isaki -This is my first manga read - and, unfortunately, it may be my last. i really enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the way it increased my knowledge of asexuality and the struggles one goes through to figure out that that is how you feel. however, the manga format drove me crazy - that part I definitely did not enjoy.

>94 walklover:
That happens to me when I read Manga. Not my favorite format either.

>88 walklover: I loved the book and so did the Hubster. We thought they did a great job with the TV adaptation.

>96 SuziQoregon: Looking forward to seeing it!

Loving the book talk here. Can’t wait to read your aunt Ruthie’s book.

>98 jnwelch: I know you’ll enjoy it!

30. The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander - A lovely book-centric romance. The littlest library in the title is one that lives in an old phone booth - curated by a young woman who is looking for a place where she can enjoy life and get involved in a small community. The romance is quite formulaic, but I was hoping the couple would get together as soon as her future beau was introduced.

31. What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker by Damon Young - “From…..one of the most read writer as on race and culture at work today, a provocative and humorous memoir-in-essays that explores the ever-shifting definitions of what it means to be Black (and male) in America.”

32. The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman - A lovely novella about two estranged sisters and the young woman, bookstore and old friends who bring them back together.

33. The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman - The next in the series - really enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next one (but Joe says it won’t be out until 2/2025. :(

>100 walklover: ooooh … The Littlest Library sounds right up my alley. Off to the library website.

>104 SuziQoregon: Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!

34.Cottage by the Sea by Debbie Macomber - An enjoyable romance/becoming a part of a small community read - but I would definitely recommend The Littlest Library much more.

35. Confessions of the Dead by James Patterson - I really struggled to get through this one - my least favorite of any of his novels.

(((((Hugs)))) Debbi.

>108 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul! It’s definitely been a rough week.

>109 walklover: Hani and I are keeping you very much in our prayers, Debbi.

>110 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. Still have a test or two to determine exactly what surgery - then we schedule it.

36. Hard To Kill by James Patterson - I enjoyed the other Jane Smith thriller I read, but was not that impressed with this one. I did like the character of Jane Smith though.

Sorry the Pattersons have been disappointing. Thanks for recommending The Littlest Library; i had a good time with it. Yeah, those Alice Hoffman Bookstore novellas are addictive, aren’t they. Hard to wait until February for the next one.

As I mentioned, I’m really enjoying The Personal Librarian so far, and I expect I’ll be recommending it to you.

>113 jnwelch: XO

37. A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings - I’ve been following tialevingswriter on Instagram for quite some time. A woman who married into the fundamentalist Quiverfull movement when quite young, she suffered major physical and emotional abuse for years. Finally, barely escaping alive with her children - she sets herself free - but she and the children are left with a great deal of trauma to work through (and they are still doing so). A story that we know is still happening to many women to this day - and a story that will continue and even grow if the wrong people come back to and remain in power.

38. Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers - Another wonderful sci-fi book recommended by my son, Jesse. It’s the first in her Monk and Robot series - and I’m looking forward to reading the next. Robots became self-aware and by agreement wandered into the wilderness and were not seen again - until a tea monk met one on his journey. The robots had agreed to check in and needed the answer to the question “What do people need?”.

39. The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey - Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book. I found it very formulaic - and the author tried way too hard in writing the erotic scenes.

40. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood - Another really good recommendation from Joe. It’s the battle of the theorists vs the experimentalists - academically, socially and romantically. A great fun read.

41. Waking Kate by Sarah Addison Allen - I love to read the stories written by Allen and this was no exemption. A short story, it’s a tale of examining one’s life and determining what is best for you.

42. Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career by Kristi Coulter - Another great recommendation by Joe. A memoir written by a female employee of Amazon and the hell she (and many others) went through during her employment.

43. Two Women Walk Into a Bar by Cheryl Strayed - Strayed had a very complicated relationship with her mother-in-law, but during the weeks her MIL was dying she had the time to make some sense of that relationship as she helped her husband care for her.

Just dropping by to say hi, Debbi.

>122 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Hope all is well with you and yours!

44. Lies He Told Me by James Patterson - I really enjoyed this story. It was well-written with just enough well-defined characters to keep me interested. A good mystery as well.

45. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak - A lovely picture book Joe brought home from the library. Very calming illustrations - would be great for a bedtime read.

Debbi, so many of us have posted on Joe's thread good wishes to his wonderful wife, but I thought I should come pay visit here too.

Hani and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

>126 PaulCranswick: Thank you so much, Paul! This is actually the first time I’ve been on Librarything since the surgery on 10/15. Things are progressing in the right direction - I just have to get used to how slow the progress is. Love to you and Hani!

46. Murder Island by James Patterson - I was only able to get through People magazine for the first few weeks - and each magazine took days. Patterson is the next best thing to People because of the very short chapters. This was also a well-told story with interesting characters and great action.

So great to see a walkover posting again!

47.The House of Cross by James Patterson - I really enjoy Patterson’s Alex Cross series - and this story was great. Have watched the first season of the tv show, Cross, and thought it was great as well. Warning - it’s a very dark show.

>129 m.belljackson: Thanks! Slowly getting back my focus long enough to read.

48. Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey - Not one of my favorite easy reading romance novels.

Thinking of you at this time, Debbi.

Wishing you and Joe and all your family a healthy and prosperous future.

>133 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul! My recovery is going well - slowly, but well. Wishing you and your family the best in the New Year.

49. With Love from London by Sarah Jio - A wonderful book - told from two perspectives - about love lost and found, deception, mother-daughter relationships - and a bookstore. Really enjoyed this one.

50. The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson - An interesting story about a bookstore in a town where almost everything is connected to a man with the last name of Bell - and run by a rigid man who holds him in high esteem.