Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 7
This is a continuation of the topic Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 6.
This topic was continued by Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 8.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2018
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1katiekrug
(image from http://artinactiontoronto.com/tag/spring-paintings/)
HAPPY SPRING!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi All! I’m Katie and I’ve been with the 75ers since 2011. I live just outside New York City with my husband, The Wayne, and our cat, Leonard. In addition to reading, I enjoy eating my way through New York, drinking my way through the wine store, and attending bookish events, plays, the opera, and anything else that strikes my fancy. I also enjoy traveling (which I mostly do for work, on someone else’s dime), bad jokes, shenanigans, and the occasional indulgence in snark. I do not enjoy the misuse of apostrophe’s (ha!), the current President, or stressing about reading. As far as that last goes, I enjoy literary fiction, genre fiction (mysteries and romances primarily but some speculative stuff as well), classics, and not-dry (moist?) nonfiction.
My favorite reads of 2017 in no particular order:
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Everyday People by Stewart O’Nan
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslam
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (re-read)
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (re-read)
Song Yet Sung by James McBride
Taft by Ann Patchett
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan (re-read)
Honorable Mention:
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Another Day in the Death of America by Gary Younge
2katiekrug
CURRENTLY READING
.
______________________________________________
2018 BOOKS
25. The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock (4 stars)
24. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (audio) (2.5 stars)
23. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)
22. Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch (3 stars)
21. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (3.5 stars)
20. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck (audio) (4 stars)
19. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat (5 stars)
18. Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer (3 stars)
17. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths (3.5 stars)
16. Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie (audio) (4 stars)
15. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (5 stars)
14. Big Guns by Steve Israel (3 stars)
13. Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett (3 stars)
12. The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley (3 stars)
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman (4 stars)
10. True Grit by Charles Portis (4.5 stars)
9. One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk (2.5 stars)
8. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audio) (4 stars)
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (4.5 stars)
6. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (4 stars)
5. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4 stars)
4. Running Back by Allison Parr (3 stars)
3. The North Water by Ian McGuire (4.5 stars)
2. He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (4 stars)
1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin (4 stars)
.______________________________________________
2018 BOOKS
25. The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock (4 stars)
24. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (audio) (2.5 stars)
23. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (3.5 stars)
22. Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch (3 stars)
21. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (3.5 stars)
20. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck (audio) (4 stars)
19. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat (5 stars)
18. Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer (3 stars)
17. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths (3.5 stars)
16. Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie (audio) (4 stars)
15. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (5 stars)
14. Big Guns by Steve Israel (3 stars)
13. Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett (3 stars)
12. The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley (3 stars)
11. The Power by Naomi Alderman (4 stars)
10. True Grit by Charles Portis (4.5 stars)
9. One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk (2.5 stars)
8. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (audio) (4 stars)
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (4.5 stars)
6. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (4 stars)
5. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4 stars)
4. Running Back by Allison Parr (3 stars)
3. The North Water by Ian McGuire (4.5 stars)
2. He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (4 stars)
1. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin (4 stars)
3katiekrug
My ratings (based on how the book landed on me, not necessarily on literary merit or anything more worthy than personal opinion):
5 stars - O.M.G.
4 stars - Bravo!
3 stars - Comme ci comme ça
2 stars - Not for me
1 stars - A big ol’ NOPE!
5 stars - O.M.G.
4 stars - Bravo!
3 stars - Comme ci comme ça
2 stars - Not for me
1 stars - A big ol’ NOPE!
4katiekrug
2018 “Plans”
I will be participating in, but likely not completing, several challenges – the American Author Challenge, the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, and various fun ones over in the Category Challenge group. I also plan to continue participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges but only to the extent of checking to see if a completed book fits into one of the challenges that month. Also also, I will follow along with a few non-LT reading challenges such as Book Riot’s Read Harder and the Pop Sugar challenges.
My other “plan” is to try to ensure that the books I read come from a variety of sources – my shelves, my Kindle, my Overdrive wish lists, and my library wish list. We’ll see how that goes, but with over 3000 books in my home/on my Kindle, I need to stop getting so easily distracted!
I will be participating in, but likely not completing, several challenges – the American Author Challenge, the Nonfiction Reading Challenge, and various fun ones over in the Category Challenge group. I also plan to continue participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges but only to the extent of checking to see if a completed book fits into one of the challenges that month. Also also, I will follow along with a few non-LT reading challenges such as Book Riot’s Read Harder and the Pop Sugar challenges.
My other “plan” is to try to ensure that the books I read come from a variety of sources – my shelves, my Kindle, my Overdrive wish lists, and my library wish list. We’ll see how that goes, but with over 3000 books in my home/on my Kindle, I need to stop getting so easily distracted!
5katiekrug
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
x 1. A book made into a movie you've already seen - True Grit by Charles Portis
2. True crime
x 3. The next book in a series you started - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
4. A book involving a heist
x 5. Nordic noir - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time of day in the title
9. A book about a villain or antihero
x 10. A book about death or grief - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
x 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
x 15. A book about feminism - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
18. A book by two authors
x 19. A book about or involving a sport - Running Back by Allison Parr
x 20. A book by a local author - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
21. A book with your favorite color in the title
22. A book with alliteration in the title
23. A book about time travel
x 24. A book with a weather element in the title - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
25. A book set at sea
x 26. A book with an animal in the title - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
27. A book set on a different planet
x 28. A book with song lyrics in the title - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
29. A book about or set on Halloween
x 30. A book with characters who are twins - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
31. A book mentioned in another book
32. A book from a celebrity book club
x 33. A childhood classic you've never read - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (you can easily Google these)
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
2. A cyberpunk book
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory
x 7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
8. A microhistory
x 9. A book about a problem facing society today - Big Guns by Steve Israel
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge
1. A book published posthumously
2. A book of true crime
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance)
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
x 5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa) - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
6. A book about nature
x 7. A western - True Grit by Charles Portis
8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color
9. A book of colonial or postcolonial literature
10. A romance novel by or about a person of color
x 11. A children’s classic published before 1980 - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 12. A celebrity memoir - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
13. An Oprah Book Club selection
14. A book of social science
x 15. A one-sitting book - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series
x 17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author - The Power by Naomi Alderman
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
x 19. A book of genre fiction in translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
20. A book with a cover you hate
x 21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
22. An essay anthology
23. A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60
24. An assigned book you hated (or never finished)
2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
1. A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read
2. A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste
x 3. A Book in Translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
4. A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018
5. A Book of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection
x 6. A Book You Can Read in a Day - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
x 7. A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
x 8. A Book by a Favorite Author - Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
x 9. A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
10. A Banned Book
x 11. A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
x 12. A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
2018 BingoDOG Challenge
1. Title contains a person’s rank, real or fictional
x 2. Story involves travel - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
3. A long-time TBR/TBR the longest
4. Poetry or plays
x 5. New-to-you author - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
x 6. Autobiography/memoir - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
7. Book with a beautiful cover (in your opinion)
x 8. Book that fits at least 2 KIT’s/CAT’s - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
9. Related to the Pacific Ocean
x 10. Title contains something you would see in the sky - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
11. Book bought in 2017 that hasn’t been read yet
x 12. Number in the title - Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer
x 13. Book that is humorous - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
14. Book on the 1001 list
15. LGBT central character
16. Book set during a holiday
x 17. Fat book - 500 plus pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
18. X somewhere in the title
19. Money in the title - any form of currency, type of payment, etc...
x 20. Book published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
x 21. Relative name in the title (aunt, niece, etc...) - Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat
x 22. Originally in a different language - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
23. Published more than 100 years ago
24. Title contains name of a famous person, real or fictional
x 25. Read a CAT (middle square) - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (ColorCAT - January - Black)
x 1. A book made into a movie you've already seen - True Grit by Charles Portis
2. True crime
x 3. The next book in a series you started - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
4. A book involving a heist
x 5. Nordic noir - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
6. A novel based on a real person
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you
8. A book with a time of day in the title
9. A book about a villain or antihero
x 10. A book about death or grief - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
x 14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
x 15. A book about feminism - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift
18. A book by two authors
x 19. A book about or involving a sport - Running Back by Allison Parr
x 20. A book by a local author - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
21. A book with your favorite color in the title
22. A book with alliteration in the title
23. A book about time travel
x 24. A book with a weather element in the title - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
25. A book set at sea
x 26. A book with an animal in the title - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
27. A book set on a different planet
x 28. A book with song lyrics in the title - Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
29. A book about or set on Halloween
x 30. A book with characters who are twins - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
31. A book mentioned in another book
32. A book from a celebrity book club
x 33. A childhood classic you've never read - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 34. A book that's published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges (you can easily Google these)
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
2. A cyberpunk book
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory
x 7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
8. A microhistory
x 9. A book about a problem facing society today - Big Guns by Steve Israel
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
2018 BookRiot Read Harder Challenge
1. A book published posthumously
2. A book of true crime
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance)
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
x 5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa) - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
6. A book about nature
x 7. A western - True Grit by Charles Portis
8. A comic written or illustrated by a person of color
9. A book of colonial or postcolonial literature
10. A romance novel by or about a person of color
x 11. A children’s classic published before 1980 - Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
x 12. A celebrity memoir - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
13. An Oprah Book Club selection
14. A book of social science
x 15. A one-sitting book - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series
x 17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author - The Power by Naomi Alderman
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
x 19. A book of genre fiction in translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
20. A book with a cover you hate
x 21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
22. An essay anthology
23. A book with a female protagonist over the age of 60
24. An assigned book you hated (or never finished)
2018 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
1. A Classic You’ve Been Meaning to Read
2. A Book Recommended by Someone with Great Taste
x 3. A Book in Translation - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
4. A Book Nominated for an Award in 2018
5. A Book of Poetry, a Play, or an Essay Collection
x 6. A Book You Can Read in a Day - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
x 7. A Book That’s More Than 500 Pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
x 8. A Book by a Favorite Author - Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
x 9. A Book Recommended by a Librarian or Indie Bookseller - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
10. A Banned Book
x 11. A Memoir, Biography, or Book of Creative Nonfiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
x 12. A Book by an Author of a Different Race, Ethnicity, or Religion Than Your Own - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
2018 BingoDOG Challenge
1. Title contains a person’s rank, real or fictional
x 2. Story involves travel - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
3. A long-time TBR/TBR the longest
4. Poetry or plays
x 5. New-to-you author - Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
x 6. Autobiography/memoir - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
7. Book with a beautiful cover (in your opinion)
x 8. Book that fits at least 2 KIT’s/CAT’s - A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
9. Related to the Pacific Ocean
x 10. Title contains something you would see in the sky - Red Lightning by Laura Pritchett
11. Book bought in 2017 that hasn’t been read yet
x 12. Number in the title - Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer
x 13. Book that is humorous - How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
14. Book on the 1001 list
15. LGBT central character
16. Book set during a holiday
x 17. Fat book - 500 plus pages - Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
18. X somewhere in the title
19. Money in the title - any form of currency, type of payment, etc...
x 20. Book published in 2018 - The Judge Hunter by Christopher Buckley
x 21. Relative name in the title (aunt, niece, etc...) - Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat
x 22. Originally in a different language - He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum
23. Published more than 100 years ago
24. Title contains name of a famous person, real or fictional
x 25. Read a CAT (middle square) - Black Water Rising by Attica Locke (ColorCAT - January - Black)
7katiekrug
Re-posted from previous thread:
My current line-up of books:
.
.
The Heyer is a collection of short stories, and I can't read straight through them because they are all rather similar. Charming, though.
The Griffiths is an ARC that Suzanne picked up for me at ALA, and it is very good. May be one of my favorites in the series so far.
I just started listening to Travels with Charley yesterday. It's read by Gary Sinise, and I already love it.
My current line-up of books:
.
.
The Heyer is a collection of short stories, and I can't read straight through them because they are all rather similar. Charming, though.
The Griffiths is an ARC that Suzanne picked up for me at ALA, and it is very good. May be one of my favorites in the series so far.
I just started listening to Travels with Charley yesterday. It's read by Gary Sinise, and I already love it.
8karenmarie
Am I the first? Woo-hoo! Happy new thread, Katie!
9jessibud2
Happy new thread, Katie. I am wowed by that topper. Wherever did you connect to that website? I retired from teaching (here in Toronto) a few years ago but never heard of that program! I am going to pass it on to a friend of mine who is still teaching and is very into the arts. I bet she would love it. It is in the west end of the city, mind you, and we are in the north and east end so maybe that's why. Still, I love seeing this sort of thing. So, thanks!
11laytonwoman3rd
>6 katiekrug: Love it!
12Crazymamie
Happy new thread, Katie! I love the topper.
13katiekrug
>8 karenmarie: - Karen gets the gold star! Welcome :)
>9 jessibud2: - I just did a Google Images search for spring paintings, and it was one of many (MANY) that came up. I love tulips :)
>10 charl08: - Hi Charlotte! I'm enjoying the challenges but I have a feeling I will soon start to feel a bit boxed in and will begin reading less purposefully for them.
>11 laytonwoman3rd: - Isn't that great, Linda? I think we can all agree on the message.
>12 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I love that image, especially how the streaks in the sky indicate a breeze. It just looks like spring to me :)
>9 jessibud2: - I just did a Google Images search for spring paintings, and it was one of many (MANY) that came up. I love tulips :)
>10 charl08: - Hi Charlotte! I'm enjoying the challenges but I have a feeling I will soon start to feel a bit boxed in and will begin reading less purposefully for them.
>11 laytonwoman3rd: - Isn't that great, Linda? I think we can all agree on the message.
>12 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I love that image, especially how the streaks in the sky indicate a breeze. It just looks like spring to me :)
14katiekrug
Weekend Plans:
Tonight, a friend and I are going to a trivia event at the local indie bookstore. Should be fun - it's byob so shenanigans may ensue. The Wayne will meet us there and perhaps act as chaperone. Heh.
Saturday is The Wayne's birthday. We are going to see a play in the city in the afternoon, followed by a visit to a German beer garden not too far from the theater. Then who knows? We are playing it free and easy.
Sunday nothing is planned, but the house could use a bit of a picking up. I leave for a week and it all goes to hell. Heh.
Tonight, a friend and I are going to a trivia event at the local indie bookstore. Should be fun - it's byob so shenanigans may ensue. The Wayne will meet us there and perhaps act as chaperone. Heh.
Saturday is The Wayne's birthday. We are going to see a play in the city in the afternoon, followed by a visit to a German beer garden not too far from the theater. Then who knows? We are playing it free and easy.
Sunday nothing is planned, but the house could use a bit of a picking up. I leave for a week and it all goes to hell. Heh.
15vivians
Happy bday to Wayne! What play? Just remember that the march is on (beginning on 72 & CPW) and so 6th avenue will be closed all the way to 43rd. I'm sure you'll be taking public transportation, which will be a very wise decision.
17ChelleBearss
Happy new thread! Sounds like you have a fun weekend planned
21katiekrug
I just downloaded Litsy, if anyone want to connect. My username is the same as here.
I need to play around with it, as I'm not really clear on how it works!
I need to play around with it, as I'm not really clear on how it works!
22drneutron
Happy new thread! I'm gonna try out Litsy soon, but may wait a week or so until I get to Florida. Will look you up when I do.
23figsfromthistle
Happy new thread!
26LovingLit
Ack, your descriptions of your visit to the Cape Coast Castle (previous thread) are very sobering indeed. Human beings huh, we sure can mess things up for each other.
I just looked at my books for this year and noticed that nearly a third of the books have either been about, or featured WWII as a backdrop- I might be in need of a light read soon!
I just looked at my books for this year and noticed that nearly a third of the books have either been about, or featured WWII as a backdrop- I might be in need of a light read soon!
27DeltaQueen50
Hi Katie, glad to see you are safely back home again. It must have been a bit of a shock to the system to go from such warm weather to the frosty coldness that the North East is experiencing. I can only imagine how being at the Cape Coast Castle must have felt, it's history is truly dark and horrifying.
28RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread and Happy Birthday to The Wayne!! Hope you have a great time at trivia tonight and in the city tomorrow -- I think chances are high that you will.
29Familyhistorian
Happy birthday to the Wayne and happy new thread to you, Katie. Is your birthday before or after his? I remember something about the venue not being reserved although the other planning was done. Is your event still to come?
30BLBera
Happy Birthday to the Wayne.
Happy new thread - LOVE the tulips. Are we ready for spring or what?
I'm glad you made it home; it looks like the NE was socked again
Lucky you to have the Griffiths in your hands already. I think it comes out in May, so I am patiently (?) waiting.
Have a great weekend. I hope you manage to get back to the right time zone and also get a chance to relax.
Happy new thread - LOVE the tulips. Are we ready for spring or what?
I'm glad you made it home; it looks like the NE was socked again
Lucky you to have the Griffiths in your hands already. I think it comes out in May, so I am patiently (?) waiting.
Have a great weekend. I hope you manage to get back to the right time zone and also get a chance to relax.
32Crazymamie
Afternoon, Katie! Happy Birthday to The Wayne!
33ELiz_M
>21 katiekrug: found & followed!
34thornton37814
Happy new thread!
36ffortsa
Hi, Katie! Please say Happy Birthday to Wayne for me.
Your last day in Ghana sounds wonderful, and terrifying, in a number of ways. Thanks for the photos and the musings.
How was the play? Should we run to see it?
Your last day in Ghana sounds wonderful, and terrifying, in a number of ways. Thanks for the photos and the musings.
How was the play? Should we run to see it?
37katiekrug
>26 LovingLit: - "Man's inhumanity to man...."
>27 DeltaQueen50: - Judy, the transition wasn't too bad, and I was glad to be out of the heat and humidity!
>28 RebaRelishesReading: - Reba, we did have a great time!
>29 Familyhistorian: - Hi Meg. My birthday is next month :) The restaurant venue is all sorted out - The Wayne scoped out a new place while I was gone and the arrangements are now all made. It's another Indian place which will annoy some friends no end, as they claim not to like Indian, but I doubt they've ever had good Indian. Plus, it's a free meal, so they can pipe down :)
>27 DeltaQueen50: - Judy, the transition wasn't too bad, and I was glad to be out of the heat and humidity!
>28 RebaRelishesReading: - Reba, we did have a great time!
>29 Familyhistorian: - Hi Meg. My birthday is next month :) The restaurant venue is all sorted out - The Wayne scoped out a new place while I was gone and the arrangements are now all made. It's another Indian place which will annoy some friends no end, as they claim not to like Indian, but I doubt they've ever had good Indian. Plus, it's a free meal, so they can pipe down :)
38katiekrug
>30 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth. I do love winter, but the hints of spring are also welcome :) I really didn't have any jet lag - the time change was only 4 hours, so really not bad at all! I finished the Griffiths and had promised it to Mamie next. If you ask nicely, I bet she'd pass it along to you when she's finished ;-)
>31 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber!
>32 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I've passed along the birthday wishes to himself :)
>33 ELiz_M: - Yay!
>31 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber!
>32 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I've passed along the birthday wishes to himself :)
>33 ELiz_M: - Yay!
39katiekrug
>34 thornton37814: - Thanks, Lori!
>35 bell7: - Hi Mary! I'm so sad about JPP. He was one of my favorites :( I kind of wish they'd get rid of Beckham...
>36 ffortsa: - I passed on your birthday wishes to The Wayne, Judy :) The play was good - a bit of a rocky start where it seemed a bit stilted and the actors appeared almost uncomfortable. But that dissipated quickly and it got better. It's only a cast of four, and I didn't love two of them, so while I enjoyed it, it wasn't a favorite. There were some great lines, especially about Texas, which we enjoyed as we "got" them. On the plus side, The Wayne liked The Public and wants to get a membership :) I've been debating between that and NYTW, and he said, "Why not both?" Love him....
>35 bell7: - Hi Mary! I'm so sad about JPP. He was one of my favorites :( I kind of wish they'd get rid of Beckham...
>36 ffortsa: - I passed on your birthday wishes to The Wayne, Judy :) The play was good - a bit of a rocky start where it seemed a bit stilted and the actors appeared almost uncomfortable. But that dissipated quickly and it got better. It's only a cast of four, and I didn't love two of them, so while I enjoyed it, it wasn't a favorite. There were some great lines, especially about Texas, which we enjoyed as we "got" them. On the plus side, The Wayne liked The Public and wants to get a membership :) I've been debating between that and NYTW, and he said, "Why not both?" Love him....
40ELiz_M
>39 katiekrug: "I've been debating between that and NYTW, and he said, "Why not both?" Love him...."
:-O Nice!
:-O Nice!
41BLBera
>38 katiekrug: Thanks Katie. You did send me the ER of the last Griffiths. I had forgotten. I passed it on to Julia, so it is making the rounds, thanks to your generosity.
42laytonwoman3rd
"It's another Indian place which will annoy some friends no end, as they claim not to like Indian" I will gladly take the place of anyone who feels they simply cannot eat Indian food.
43Berly
Happy new one, Katie!! I love Indian food. Next time anyone whines, take them off the list and put my name down. Happy Birthday to The Wayne! And back to your last thread, your story of being shut in the room where troublesome slaves were left to die was chilling, but thank you so much for sharing it. And I love this tipper WAY better than your last one which was bleak. I am ready for spring.
44katiekrug
>40 ELiz_M: - Liz, the sad part is I will feel guilty doing both so will end up just choosing one anyway. I think he may know this, so he gets points for being generous while knowing it won't come to pass. I married a smart man.
>41 BLBera: - Beth, I had forgotten, too! I wonder where I got the ARC from? Maybe Suzanne again. She is quite the "dealer", heh.
>42 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, you are more than welcome to come! April 14. Utsav on 46th Street :)
>43 Berly: - Kim, come on out for it! I have a bunch of friends coming in from out of town :) Glad you like the topper better. I wouldn't want you to stop visiting!
>41 BLBera: - Beth, I had forgotten, too! I wonder where I got the ARC from? Maybe Suzanne again. She is quite the "dealer", heh.
>42 laytonwoman3rd: - Linda, you are more than welcome to come! April 14. Utsav on 46th Street :)
>43 Berly: - Kim, come on out for it! I have a bunch of friends coming in from out of town :) Glad you like the topper better. I wouldn't want you to stop visiting!
45katiekrug
The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
This is the newest int he Ruth Galloway series, scheduled for release in the US in May, I think. As with most of the more recent entries in the series, the mystery is not particularly strong or intriguing. I read these for the character development and relationships among the characters, and this one was strong on both counts.
3.5 stars
Thanks to Suzanne for snagging me an ARC at ALA in January!
46katiekrug
Pistols for Two by Georgette Heyer
A sweet collection of short stories with the usual Heyer hallmarks. I found I enjoyed it more when I stopped reading it straight through and just dipped in and out...
3 stars
49Familyhistorian
>37 katiekrug: The Wayne is a keeper, Katie, setting things up for your b'day so everything was set by the time you got back. What Linda said, I'll gladly take the place of anyone who can't handle Indian food.
50katiekrug
>47 brenzi: - Thanks, Bonnie!
>48 weird_O: - How'd that happen, Bill?!?!
>49 Familyhistorian: - Well, truth be told, he found the place. I've been making the final arrangements because, really, he had no clue how to go about it and I've done enough private dinners for work that it takes me no time at all. BUT, he is in charge of dessert, and I have every confidence in him. And even if that gets messed up, I won't care because he is pretty great no matter what :)
>48 weird_O: - How'd that happen, Bill?!?!
>49 Familyhistorian: - Well, truth be told, he found the place. I've been making the final arrangements because, really, he had no clue how to go about it and I've done enough private dinners for work that it takes me no time at all. BUT, he is in charge of dessert, and I have every confidence in him. And even if that gets messed up, I won't care because he is pretty great no matter what :)
51vivians
>45 katiekrug: Hiya! The Ely Griffiths series is on my radar, but I just started Ian Rutledge and have enough others going for now.... I'm glad the play was worth it and that membership is in your future! I think I'll do the same when I'm an empty-nester.
52weird_O
>50 katiekrug: Well, it sure wasn't me. :-)
53katiekrug
>51 vivians: - Hi Vivian! I really like Griffiths' series. I think I have the first Rutledge on my shelf, but I think after not liking the Maisie Dobbs series, I got a bad taste for WWI-related mysteries - which is ridiculous, I know :-P
I just got tickets to see Jeremy Irons in Long Days Journey Into Night at BAM in May :) I swear, if I go bankrupt, I'll at least be well-cultured when I do!
>52 weird_O: - Okay, then, I won't frown meanly at you then!
I just got tickets to see Jeremy Irons in Long Days Journey Into Night at BAM in May :) I swear, if I go bankrupt, I'll at least be well-cultured when I do!
>52 weird_O: - Okay, then, I won't frown meanly at you then!
54charl08
Ooh, Jeremy Irons. That sounds rather wonderful. As I was going up and down tube escalators this weekend I was reminded how quickly theatre eats up the budget :-)
(worth it though)
(worth it though)
55vivians
I echo that - ooh Jeremy Irons. Our May is pretty full w/ graduation and wedding but maybe I'll look for tickets.
56msf59
Happy New Thread, Katie. I like the topper. I somehow misplaced my pal but I have now found her. I kept better track when you were in Africa. Grins... Did you have a weekend filled with shenanigans? Dumb question, I know. I hope those current reads are treating you fine.
57ronincats
SO far behind...love the topper painting. Glad the bday restaurant got sorted out. It's your bday, so you get the type of food YOU want!
58katiekrug
>54 charl08: - I wish it weren't so expensive, Charlotte. But I have cut down on my book buying considerably over the last couple of years, so that's my excuse :)
>55 vivians: - We opted for the Saturday of the Memorial Day long weekend and will use the chance to explore that part of Brooklyn, I think. We haven't ventured there yet.
>56 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! No worries about being behind. I've been lurking a lot, including on your thread. We were actually pretty well behaved this weekend :) I am loving both my current reads!
>57 ronincats: - Hi Roni! Congrats on that KU win. I think about 90% of the country was glad to see Duke get knocked out :) I am looking forward to the birthday dinner and am not really concerned if others like it or not. As you say, it's my dinner. And The Wayne is paying. And they can eat rice and bread and dessert. No one will starve :)
>55 vivians: - We opted for the Saturday of the Memorial Day long weekend and will use the chance to explore that part of Brooklyn, I think. We haven't ventured there yet.
>56 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! No worries about being behind. I've been lurking a lot, including on your thread. We were actually pretty well behaved this weekend :) I am loving both my current reads!
>57 ronincats: - Hi Roni! Congrats on that KU win. I think about 90% of the country was glad to see Duke get knocked out :) I am looking forward to the birthday dinner and am not really concerned if others like it or not. As you say, it's my dinner. And The Wayne is paying. And they can eat rice and bread and dessert. No one will starve :)
59magicians_nephew
You know Judy and I are long time subscribers to NYTW - be fun if you signed up we could go together.
We just caught up with "An Ordinary Muslim" which we liked main well.
We just caught up with "An Ordinary Muslim" which we liked main well.
60Crazymamie
Jeremy Irons! Love him! And a funny thing - I just watched Crooked House on Amazon Prime the other night, and the lead actor was reminding me of someone, so I looked him up - turns out he is Jeremy Irons' son.
Morning, Katie! Happy Tuesdaying to you!
Morning, Katie! Happy Tuesdaying to you!
61katiekrug
>59 magicians_nephew: - I did not know that, Jim! That would be fun. It seems like the season is ending there? I don't have a good feel for how it works...
>60 Crazymamie: - Happy Tuesday, Mamie! I keep seeing 'Crooked House' pop up, but I haven't watched it yet because I feel like I should read the book first...
>60 Crazymamie: - Happy Tuesday, Mamie! I keep seeing 'Crooked House' pop up, but I haven't watched it yet because I feel like I should read the book first...
62katiekrug
The Wayne has started taking the train to and from work again, which means I have to drop him off at the train station (about a 10 minute drive, so not bad). I grumbled about it a bit because I liked not having to work around his commuting schedule, but it did mean that some days I never left the house, and that can't be good. So I am embracing the change and taking advantage of having to be dressed and out in the morning, by stopping at a local park on my way home from dropping him off and walking the trails for 30 minutes or so. I've been doing this for all of two days (heh) but I noticed right away yesterday that I had more energy throughout the day and was in a better frame of mind for work. These are things I know but which are easy to forget.
I'm not "dieting" or "working out" but have been focusing more on good habits and eating less. (And drinking a little less wine, too...) I've lost 20 lbs. since we moved from Texas, which yes, was over a year ago so doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is for me :)
I'm not "dieting" or "working out" but have been focusing more on good habits and eating less. (And drinking a little less wine, too...) I've lost 20 lbs. since we moved from Texas, which yes, was over a year ago so doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is for me :)
63ChelleBearss
20lbs is absolutely a big deal! Congrats! Walking the trails is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise so good for you!
Drinking a little less wine will help. I was sad to see how many points I was using on weight watchers for things like wine (or amaretto and coke, which I love love love!)
Drinking a little less wine will help. I was sad to see how many points I was using on weight watchers for things like wine (or amaretto and coke, which I love love love!)
64scaifea
Jeremy Irons! NICE.
And 20 pounds isn't not a big deal - that's amazing! I can't seem to lose more than one or two, and then gain them right back. Yoicks.
And 20 pounds isn't not a big deal - that's amazing! I can't seem to lose more than one or two, and then gain them right back. Yoicks.
65katiekrug
Thanks, Chelle and Amber! I only meant 20lbs in over a year isn't any great shakes; I'm quite pleased anyway. For me, it's a lot of 2 steps forward and one back so slow going, but I know totally trying to regiment myself won't work.
66scaifea
>65 katiekrug: Yeah, but I think it's a really healthy way to lose weight - slow and steady, right? You're more apt to keep it off that way, I think.
68Crazymamie
Agree with Chelle and Amber - 20 pounds is a very big deal. Good Work! And agree that twenty pounds over a year is probably better than loosing it quickly, as you are more likely to keep it off. I really need to get back to walking and being conscious of what I am putting into my body.
69charl08
Yup, more kudos from me. I really need to push myself back to the pool more often. I go once and spend the next two weeks congratulating myself (!)
70RebaRelishesReading
Congrats on losing 20 lb. I agree with others, that IS a big deal and the way you're doing it will make it easier to keep off. Good for you!
71katiekrug
Thanks, Mamie and Charlotte and Reba!
>69 charl08: - I've been known to spend months congratulating myself ;-)
>69 charl08: - I've been known to spend months congratulating myself ;-)
74richardderus
Keep drifting downwards and it'll stay off. I lost over 80lb that way.
75BLBera
>62 katiekrug: Way to go, Katie. I've been exercising less the last couple of weeks, and can really feel it. I need to jump back on that treadmill, figuratively speaking.
Jeremy Irons! Lucky you. I might have to move to NY.
Jeremy Irons! Lucky you. I might have to move to NY.
76Familyhistorian
Kudos for taking off 20 pounds and keeping going in the right direction, Katie. Less wine really helps. It is amazing how many calories are in drinks of many types! Exercises that you can keep to are also good. Will I see you moving up in the ranks of the LT Fitbitters?
>50 katiekrug: Well, his heart was in the right place even if you followed through on the arrangements!
>50 katiekrug: Well, his heart was in the right place even if you followed through on the arrangements!
77ffortsa
Definitely good news on the weight thing. I've been stuck at my top weight for far too long (I congratulate myself much too soon).
What Jim said about NYTW. Also, I haven't been to the Public in ages, so if you see something that sparks your interest there, let us know. It's practically around the corner from us.
What Jim said about NYTW. Also, I haven't been to the Public in ages, so if you see something that sparks your interest there, let us know. It's practically around the corner from us.
78lauralkeet
>62 katiekrug: WTG with the weight loss, Katie, that's a real achievement! And I second the benefits of walking. When I was working an office job my day was very sedentary, and even outside of work my lifestyle wasn't all that active. Since we moved to the city I've been doing waaaay more walking, walking the dogs and just getting around, and it's had a measurable impact on my weight and my overall sense of well-being.
Pat yourself on the back and keep it up!!
Pat yourself on the back and keep it up!!
79katiekrug
>74 richardderus: - Well done, Richard! I'll keep plugging away at it...
>75 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth! I am easily knocked out of my routine which has always been part of my problem...
And I love living here :)
>76 Familyhistorian: - I might do a little better in the FitBit stats, I guess. I haven't looked on there in a long time, tbh. The Wayne's heart is always in the right place which is why I love him :)
>77 ffortsa: - Hi Judy! Well, your foot issue kept you from doing as much as you normally would, so it's understandable. But I can also understand your frustration. I'll let you know if I see anything at The Public. We really liked the venue.
>78 lauralkeet: - Thanks for the kudos, Laura! Working from home has meant I was getting even less activity than normal, so I've had to purposefully build it into my days. So far, so good!
>75 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth! I am easily knocked out of my routine which has always been part of my problem...
And I love living here :)
>76 Familyhistorian: - I might do a little better in the FitBit stats, I guess. I haven't looked on there in a long time, tbh. The Wayne's heart is always in the right place which is why I love him :)
>77 ffortsa: - Hi Judy! Well, your foot issue kept you from doing as much as you normally would, so it's understandable. But I can also understand your frustration. I'll let you know if I see anything at The Public. We really liked the venue.
>78 lauralkeet: - Thanks for the kudos, Laura! Working from home has meant I was getting even less activity than normal, so I've had to purposefully build it into my days. So far, so good!
80katiekrug
I am really loving Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat. I am going to here her speak next week on "The Art of Immigration," and this is a perfect companion to that, I think.
Tonight I am going tohot warm yoga with a friend, and then probably out for a drink - somewhere dark where no one can see how gross and sweaty we are ;-)
Tonight I am going to
81ChelleBearss
Enjoy your hot-ish yoga! I'd like to try that someday!
82lauralkeet
>80 katiekrug: that's a great book, glad you're liking it.
83karenmarie
Hi Katie!
>53 katiekrug: I didn’t like Maisie Dobbs, but do like the Rutledges. Just sayin’.
Congrats on losing 20 pounds. !!
>53 katiekrug: I didn’t like Maisie Dobbs, but do like the Rutledges. Just sayin’.
Congrats on losing 20 pounds. !!
84katiekrug
>81 ChelleBearss: - I can't say it's fun, Chelle, but it feels great afterwards!
>82 lauralkeet: - I had read and loved Breath Eyes Memory and now reading a second Danticat is making me an avowed fan. I have several more on my shelf :)
>83 karenmarie: - Good to know, Karen. And thanks!
>82 lauralkeet: - I had read and loved Breath Eyes Memory and now reading a second Danticat is making me an avowed fan. I have several more on my shelf :)
>83 karenmarie: - Good to know, Karen. And thanks!
85jessibud2
Another congrats on the weight loss. I have hit a wall, myself and am not happy about it. I *know* what needs to be done (better eating, more exercise) but motivation and stick-to-itiveness seem to be my main problem...
86Copperskye
Congrats on the weight loss, Katie. It’s a very big deal. I also start my days (maybe “start” isn’t quite right...around 11am) with a 1-2 mile walk and it does make a difference in my energy levels. I haven’t lost any weight, though... they should make a low cal wine or beer that actually tastes good. :(
87DeltaQueen50
I'm here to add my congratulations to all the others, way to go Katie! I have managed to drop 8 pounds since Christmas but it is a struggle, since we moved my hubby and I go for a walk every evening and I think that has done the trick. Now I need to work on serving size. It's a lifelong struggle but I know the long-term benefits are worth it.
88bell7
>39 katiekrug: Yeah, I'm with you there. Beckham has so much talent, but his antics are getting nuttier and he doesn't seem to be growing up any. And congrats on the weight loss! I think being able to see ways in which you're overall healthier is more important than the exact number, anyway.
89katiekrug
>85 jessibud2: - Thanks, Shelley. I have serious problems with motivation, so I feel your pain.
>86 Copperskye: - A good-tasting low-cal wine would be most welcome, Joanne. Heck, I'd even take such a beer ;-)
>87 DeltaQueen50: - Judy, I'm getting better on the amount I actually eat. I have found as I"m getting older, I have less of an appetite. Or I'm able to remind myself how gross I feel if I over-indulge. That said, some days I just Eat All The Things!
>88 bell7: - Mary, he's just so immature and seems to take everything for granted. I hate that. And I totally agree that the feeling of well-being is more important (and for me, more motivating) than the number on the scale.
>86 Copperskye: - A good-tasting low-cal wine would be most welcome, Joanne. Heck, I'd even take such a beer ;-)
>87 DeltaQueen50: - Judy, I'm getting better on the amount I actually eat. I have found as I"m getting older, I have less of an appetite. Or I'm able to remind myself how gross I feel if I over-indulge. That said, some days I just Eat All The Things!
>88 bell7: - Mary, he's just so immature and seems to take everything for granted. I hate that. And I totally agree that the feeling of well-being is more important (and for me, more motivating) than the number on the scale.
90katiekrug
Warm yoga completed. I thought I was going to pass out at one point, so I just took a rest and drank my water and did some deep breathing and all was well. My friend flaked out on it, so no drink afterwards, but that's probably for the best. I was not fit to be seen in public!
91richardderus
Happy Thursday, Katie. Has it started to storm there?
92katiekrug
Good morning, Richard! It was just sprinkling rain when I took The Wayne to the train earlier... How is it by you?
93jnwelch
So cool re the weight loss, Katie. Way to go. I suspect I'd be a puddle in warm yoga. Working out gets me drenched even in cold weather.
We've got the sprinkling rain here in the heartland. I'd rather just wear a cap, but may have to take an umbrella.
We've got the sprinkling rain here in the heartland. I'd rather just wear a cap, but may have to take an umbrella.
94richardderus
Scary clouds, freshening wind, and generally quite omnibus.
95katiekrug
>93 jnwelch: - Thanks, Joe. I am pretty gross when I get out of yoga, but everyone is :) Take the umby and then you are sure to NOT need it!
>94 richardderus: - I wouldn't mind a nice storm, but I think we are just supposed to get rain until about mid-afternoon...
>94 richardderus: - I wouldn't mind a nice storm, but I think we are just supposed to get rain until about mid-afternoon...
96ChelleBearss
>81 ChelleBearss: well, no. It's still exercise :)
97katiekrug
>96 ChelleBearss: - #truth
98kidzdoc
I loved Brother, I'm Dying. It's easily my favorite book written by Edwidge Danticat.
100richardderus
Well, THAT was a big nothin'! It never did more than drizzle a bit and the breeze died away. Disappointing.
102laytonwoman3rd
>100 richardderus: You were hoping for another hurricane? It's just gray, chilly and joint-aggravating here today. Where, oh where is spring?
103richardderus
>101 katiekrug: Yup.
>102 laytonwoman3rd: No, but something with some intestinal fortitude would be nice. Limp-iceberg-lettucey weather is way too much like "out like a lamb" for my tastes.
>102 laytonwoman3rd: No, but something with some intestinal fortitude would be nice. Limp-iceberg-lettucey weather is way too much like "out like a lamb" for my tastes.
104katiekrug
The best part of spring are booming thunderstorms, I think. There were good ones in Texas, but that usually also meant tornadoes. Here, it's just fun :)
106Crazymamie
Oh, dear. So put it in the Dirty Dozen?
111jnwelch
Five stars! I've really enjoyed other Danticat books. Brother, I'm Dying is officially added to the WL.
113Crazymamie
Okay, I was here first thing this morning, and I swear I posted. Weird. Anyway, Happy Friday to you! I have added Brother, I'm Dying to the Dirty Dozen, and I eagerly await your thoughts on it.
114richardderus
I swaNEE there is nothing less exciting than a mediocre "horror" story collection. Tales from the Miskatonic University Library sounded great and is, in fact, deadly dull.
There was more horror in that drab little "wordplay" than there has been in 29% of the book so far, including a cringeworthy Islamophobic story by Harry Turtledove.
There was more horror in that drab little "wordplay" than there has been in 29% of the book so far, including a cringeworthy Islamophobic story by Harry Turtledove.
115katiekrug
>113 Crazymamie: - I appreciate all of your visits, Mamie, even the ones shrouded in mystery :)
>114 richardderus: -I hope you have just set it aside at this point, Richard. Life is too short.
>114 richardderus: -I hope you have just set it aside at this point, Richard. Life is too short.
116weird_O
>110 drneutron: I agree with Katie. *snork*
117nittnut
Late to the party, but Congrats on losing 20 pounds! I feel your pain, having also lost 20 pounds in the last year (Cadbury mini eggs are seriously setting me back atm) because it feels like geologic time, but they say slow is best. :) Isn't it nice to have weather that is conducive to going out for a walk?
119katiekrug
I finished Travels with Charley this morning, and am squeezing in one more read for March with Betsy-Tacy which was a great favorite of my mother's and my sister's but which I never read as a child...
No real plans for today. We had talked about going to check out a town a bit south of here that seems like it would be a good fit for us when we decide to buy a house, but neither of us feels like doing that today... It is gorgeous out - sunny and headed to about 55F - so I will probably go for a walk this afternoon. I think we're doing homemade pizza for dinner tonight and watching the Final Four.
No real plans for today. We had talked about going to check out a town a bit south of here that seems like it would be a good fit for us when we decide to buy a house, but neither of us feels like doing that today... It is gorgeous out - sunny and headed to about 55F - so I will probably go for a walk this afternoon. I think we're doing homemade pizza for dinner tonight and watching the Final Four.
120BLBera
My daughter loved the Betsy-Tacy books, Katie. I'll watch for your comments.
121katiekrug
I just finished it, Beth, and it was very sweet. I think I would have liked them a lot as a child, but I went through periods where I rebelled against reading things that my sister liked :-P
122katiekrug
Happy April, everyone!
We've had a lovely weekend, weather-wise: sunny and in the mid to high 50s. I went for a nice long walk yesterday and then The Wayne wanted to go out to dinner, so we walked to a new-to-us restaurant down on the main street in town. Lots of steps yesterday :)
Our town has a series of several parks all connected by a walking/biking path, and much of the path parallels a nice little stream with little waterfalls here and there. It all made for a picture-perfect scene yesterday.
Today, I cleaned up my she-shed and went through a plastic bin of handbags. I managed to part with a half dozen. And then I found a second bin of handbags I'd forgotten about. *gulp*
My first-ever banana bread is in the oven as I type. I love banana bread, and I found an easy seeming recipe so decided to give it a whirl...
After the gorgeous weekend, it's supposed to snow tomorrow. And maybe next Saturday. I love spring.
In books, I started listening to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library on audio, and I'm reading Men and Dogs which I'm not loving so far, but will give it a bit longer to see if I want to keep going.
I hope you all are having a great day!
We've had a lovely weekend, weather-wise: sunny and in the mid to high 50s. I went for a nice long walk yesterday and then The Wayne wanted to go out to dinner, so we walked to a new-to-us restaurant down on the main street in town. Lots of steps yesterday :)
Our town has a series of several parks all connected by a walking/biking path, and much of the path parallels a nice little stream with little waterfalls here and there. It all made for a picture-perfect scene yesterday.
Today, I cleaned up my she-shed and went through a plastic bin of handbags. I managed to part with a half dozen. And then I found a second bin of handbags I'd forgotten about. *gulp*
My first-ever banana bread is in the oven as I type. I love banana bread, and I found an easy seeming recipe so decided to give it a whirl...
After the gorgeous weekend, it's supposed to snow tomorrow. And maybe next Saturday. I love spring.
In books, I started listening to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library on audio, and I'm reading Men and Dogs which I'm not loving so far, but will give it a bit longer to see if I want to keep going.
I hope you all are having a great day!
123katiekrug
Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat
A beautifully written memoir about Danticat's extraordinary family and their deep capacity for love and survival. Moving from conflict-ridden Haiti to the US, and going back and forth in time, the many threads of her story are expertly woven into a portrait of enduring hope and faith, even in the midst of death and loss. It's incredibly moving, and I cried through about the last 20 pages of it.
5 stars
124katiekrug
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
I wish I could quote the entire chapter on Texas, because it is Spot On, even 50-some years later :) Overall, I very much enjoyed this fact-fictitious /fict-factual account of a road trip Steinbeck took in 1960 with his dog, Charley. Some sections stood out more than others, and some of his encounters seemed a little too fortuitous to be wholly true. That said, taken as a whole, I think he presents a pretty realistic portrait of America at that time. And what I wasn't expecting was for so much of what he said to still ring true today.
4 stars
125katiekrug
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace
I can't say I missed this series as a child. I was well aware of them and just not particularly interested. I think I was being encouraged to read them around the same time as I was reading The Great Brain books, and John Bellairs spooky ones, so these sweet tales of another time just didn't interest me. Timing is everything, and had I been given them when I was reading Laura Ingalls Wilder, or Anne of Green Gables, I might have been more interested. ANYWAY, I picked up a collection of the first 4 Betsy-Tacy books in a Kindle sale in honor of my mother who loved, loved, LOVED them. And I enjoyed this first one and actually found it more engaging than I expected to. My mom and her sisters would be so happy to know I finally came around :)
3.5 stars
126BLBera
>123 katiekrug: Yes, I remember shedding tears for this one. We have got to do better with immigration.
>124 katiekrug: Your comments make me want to reread it. I expect I'll get more out of it now.
>125 katiekrug: Yay! My daughter loved these. What's really cool, is that the level goes up as the girls get older, so kids can keep reading and grow up with Betsy, Tacy and Tibb.
>124 katiekrug: Your comments make me want to reread it. I expect I'll get more out of it now.
>125 katiekrug: Yay! My daughter loved these. What's really cool, is that the level goes up as the girls get older, so kids can keep reading and grow up with Betsy, Tacy and Tibb.
127thornton37814
>125 katiekrug: I found those in either e-book or audio at the library and put them in my wish list. I might reserve one during summer when I know I'll have time to read it.
128katiekrug
>126 BLBera: - Beth, re: the Steinbeck, the section on Texas is worth the price of admission alone :)
>127 thornton37814: - Lori, I read this one in a couple of hours yesterday morning - definitely not much of a time commitment!
>127 thornton37814: - Lori, I read this one in a couple of hours yesterday morning - definitely not much of a time commitment!
129thornton37814
>128 katiekrug: They were checked out, and I think they had waiting lists. I'll wait a bit.
130RebaRelishesReading
>124 katiekrug: Like you comments on Travels with Charley, Katie. Added it to my wish list :)
131laytonwoman3rd
So, how did the banana bread turn out? I need to make me some soon.
132msf59
Happy Sunday, Katie. Glad you had such a nice weekend. Love that walking path. Nice to get out in that fresh air.
It looks like I need to read Brother, I'm Dying. It sounds great.
It looks like I need to read Brother, I'm Dying. It sounds great.
133norabelle414
I looooved the Betsy-Tacy books when I was a kid, much more than Laura Ingalls Wilder or Anne of Green Gables. I've been thinking of doing a re-read so you might have inspired me :-)
134ELiz_M
>124 katiekrug: "Some sections stood out more than others, and some of his encounters seemed a little too fortuitous to be wholly true."
I believe it is generally classified under fiction these days:
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/books/steinbecks-travels-with-charley-gets-a-...
ETA: I too loved the Betsy, Tacy and Tibb books
I believe it is generally classified under fiction these days:
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/books/steinbecks-travels-with-charley-gets-a-...
ETA: I too loved the Betsy, Tacy and Tibb books
135Crazymamie
Morning, Katie! Your weekend sounds delightful! How did the banana bread turn out?
136katiekrug
>129 thornton37814: - Oh, I see.
>130 RebaRelishesReading: - Hope you enjoy it, Reba!
>131 laytonwoman3rd: - It turned out great, Linda! I had to restrain myself from eating the whole loaf ;-) The Wayne doesn't like banana bread, so more for me...
>132 msf59: - Mark, the Danticat is right in your wheelhouse, I think.
>130 RebaRelishesReading: - Hope you enjoy it, Reba!
>131 laytonwoman3rd: - It turned out great, Linda! I had to restrain myself from eating the whole loaf ;-) The Wayne doesn't like banana bread, so more for me...
>132 msf59: - Mark, the Danticat is right in your wheelhouse, I think.
137katiekrug
>133 norabelle414: - Happy to be an inspiration, Nora :)
>134 ELiz_M: - Yeah, there has been some conversation about that recently on a few threads. I think I come down in the middle which is why I called it "fact-fictitious /fict-factual". I'm often skeptical of memoirs of people's childhoods because I don't see how most of those can't be embellished or otherwise "enhanced" and yet we accept them as non-fiction...
>135 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie! The banana bread was great! Looking forward to having a piece here shortly :)
>134 ELiz_M: - Yeah, there has been some conversation about that recently on a few threads. I think I come down in the middle which is why I called it "fact-fictitious /fict-factual". I'm often skeptical of memoirs of people's childhoods because I don't see how most of those can't be embellished or otherwise "enhanced" and yet we accept them as non-fiction...
>135 Crazymamie: - Morning, Mamie! The banana bread was great! Looking forward to having a piece here shortly :)
139Crazymamie
>138 katiekrug: That's gorgeous!
140ChelleBearss
>138 katiekrug: Pretty! Although probably not what you wanted to wake up to this morning!
Glad to see you enjoyed the Steinbeck. I think I've loved everything I've read from him.
Glad to see you enjoyed the Steinbeck. I think I've loved everything I've read from him.
141katiekrug
>139 Crazymamie: - I do love me some snow. It looked really heavy and wet, but it was surprisingly light. Very slippery, though. I managed to get The Wayne to the train with no problem, but had a bit of trouble getting up our street which is quite steep. Luckily, no one was coming in the other direction :)
142katiekrug
>140 ChelleBearss: - I don't actually mind the snow, Chelle. I was a little worried, as they hadn't plowed our street, but The Wayne decided to take a later train and by the time we had to go, they had been by a couple of times. Now I'm tucked home again, and it's all supposed to melt this afternoon, as we should get up to about 45F.
Totally agree about Steinbeck. I've liked some more than others, but they've all been at least good and worth reading.
Totally agree about Steinbeck. I've liked some more than others, but they've all been at least good and worth reading.
143katiekrug
Here's the banana bread. It didn't rise very much, and I don't know why it has that split on the top, but I also don't care, because it tasted faboooooolous!
And while I'm uploading photos, here is Leonard from last night. The two paws you can see are his hind ones, so his head is basically buried in his belly/crotch. On Facebook, I said it was osme kind of yoga pose, and a friend came back with "Crotchward Cat" which I thought was hilarious.
And while I'm uploading photos, here is Leonard from last night. The two paws you can see are his hind ones, so his head is basically buried in his belly/crotch. On Facebook, I said it was osme kind of yoga pose, and a friend came back with "Crotchward Cat" which I thought was hilarious.
144jessibud2
>138 katiekrug: - It IS pretty -- for December. Just saying.
>143 katiekrug: - Yum! Share?
And I LOVE *Crotchward Cat*. My own does the sphinx thing, head down, front paws straight out in front. But this one is priceless
>143 katiekrug: - Yum! Share?
And I LOVE *Crotchward Cat*. My own does the sphinx thing, head down, front paws straight out in front. But this one is priceless
145katiekrug
>144 jessibud2: - Shelley, I used this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/
I love snow any time it appears :) I spent too many years living in Texas, pining for the cold stuff!
Leonard has many sleeping positions, and they all crack me up, but this one was pretty, um,
"special"....
I love snow any time it appears :) I spent too many years living in Texas, pining for the cold stuff!
Leonard has many sleeping positions, and they all crack me up, but this one was pretty, um,
"special"....
146norabelle414
>143 katiekrug: That banana bread looks soooo good! I love slices of banana bread lightly toasted in the toaster oven, with cream cheese on. yummm.
When baked goods split like that it usually means your oven is a little too hot, but it doesn't really affect anything so *shrug*
When baked goods split like that it usually means your oven is a little too hot, but it doesn't really affect anything so *shrug*
147katiekrug
>146 norabelle414: - Cream cheese, huh? That would not have occurred to me. I like it plain, or warm with a little butter..... Mmmmm. Just realized I haven't eaten yet today. Bye!
148jessibud2
>145 katiekrug: - Thanks, Katie. I usually use my over ripe bananas to make a smoothie. I haven't made banana bread I years. This recipe looks easy!
149Crazymamie
Birdy and I also LOVE *Crotchward Cat*.
I can tell you about the crack in the bread - it's because the batter is heavy and wet, so the crust on the top of the bread actually sets before the inside is finished rising, so it has to crack the crust open in order to finish rising.
I can tell you about the crack in the bread - it's because the batter is heavy and wet, so the crust on the top of the bread actually sets before the inside is finished rising, so it has to crack the crust open in order to finish rising.
150katiekrug
>148 jessibud2: - Shelley, it was super easy. The most annoying part was mashing the bananas...
>149 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I think it added visual interest, so I'll call it a win ;-)
>149 Crazymamie: - Thanks, Mamie! I think it added visual interest, so I'll call it a win ;-)
151norabelle414
>147 katiekrug: Yes! To be fair I will eat pretty much anything with cream cheese on it? But banana or zucchini or pumpkin bread with cream cheese might be my fave.
152katiekrug
I can see how the sharp taste would be a good complement to the sweetness. I just don't keep cream cheese around...
153richardderus
>152 katiekrug: ...doesn't...keep...cream...cheese...
*brain explosion*
Inconcievable! (and it does mean what I think it means)
*brain explosion*
Inconcievable! (and it does mean what I think it means)
154norabelle414
>153 richardderus: I don't keep cream cheese around either.... because I eat it all immediately.
155susanj67
>138 katiekrug: Snow! So pretty. Also good that they plowed by the time you had to leave.
I love Leonard's new yoga pose - that photo yells "meme" to me :-)
I love Leonard's new yoga pose - that photo yells "meme" to me :-)
156RebaRelishesReading
>143 katiekrug: So...maybe he was giving himself a bath and got tired? That is one funny position and great photo.
157katiekrug
>153 richardderus: - I buy it when I crave a bagel, but I am trying not to indulge all my card cravings :)
>154 norabelle414: - That's one way to prevent over-indulgence!
>155 susanj67: - It is really pretty, Susan. The long-range forecast shows a possibility of more snow next week! Hmmm, a meme you say? I shall have to think on that.
>156 RebaRelishesReading: - Reba, you are absolutely right. He was washing his belly before he just sort of fell asleep. Maybe he's narcoleptic?
>154 norabelle414: - That's one way to prevent over-indulgence!
>155 susanj67: - It is really pretty, Susan. The long-range forecast shows a possibility of more snow next week! Hmmm, a meme you say? I shall have to think on that.
>156 RebaRelishesReading: - Reba, you are absolutely right. He was washing his belly before he just sort of fell asleep. Maybe he's narcoleptic?
158jessibud2
Katie, can I share the pic of Crotchward Cat with a couple of friends who love cats and yoga? I won't, without your permission
160jessibud2
Thanks. Also, have you heard of the Yoga Cats calendar? I have it hanging on my wall for this year. It's a hoot and Leonard would be a natural!
Yoga Cats
:-)
Yoga Cats
:-)
161BLBera
Beautiful picture of the snow, Katie. We missed the last one, but they are expecting some tonight. I just want spring, even if it is pretty.
Love the cat pic.
Love the cat pic.
162RebaRelishesReading
>160 jessibud2: Hubby has Yoga Cats calendar on the wall on his side of the study. It's pretty funny but last year he had Yoga Cows which was even funnier because cats are more likely to just naturally get into yoga positions (see above lol)...cows not so much.
163katiekrug
>160 jessibud2: - Oh, that's great! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
>161 BLBera: - On one of my walks this weekend, Beth, I passed a house with a beautiful bed of croci in various colors. I hope they survived the snow! It's melting rapidly here already...
>162 RebaRelishesReading: - Yoga Cows! I should submit my picture ;-)
>161 BLBera: - On one of my walks this weekend, Beth, I passed a house with a beautiful bed of croci in various colors. I hope they survived the snow! It's melting rapidly here already...
>162 RebaRelishesReading: - Yoga Cows! I should submit my picture ;-)
164RebaRelishesReading
>163 katiekrug: Booo!! I think not.
165brenzi
I know I’m late Katie but congratulations on the weight loss. No matter how you do it or how long it takes, losing weight is just about the hardest thing to do. So good for you.
166laytonwoman3rd
My banana bread always cracks on top....if not the insides are soggy.
167katiekrug
>164 RebaRelishesReading: - ;-)
>165 brenzi: - Thank you, Bonnie!
>166 laytonwoman3rd: - Ah, good to know, Linda - thanks!
>165 brenzi: - Thank you, Bonnie!
>166 laytonwoman3rd: - Ah, good to know, Linda - thanks!
168BLBera
Mine also cracks - that's a sign it's done, I think.
Hi Katie.
Snow day today for us. You'll probably be getting it at the end of the week.
Hi Katie.
Snow day today for us. You'll probably be getting it at the end of the week.
169katiekrug
Good morning, Beth! We had snow yesterday, but there is a chance we'll get more on Saturday and/or Monday. As long as it clears up for my Big Birthday Bash the weekend of the 13th, I'm good :)
Enjoy your snow day! Will there be Scout?
Enjoy your snow day! Will there be Scout?
170rosalita
I knew you would appreciate the Texas chapter of Travels With Charley, Katie! I loved his line about how Texans are always talking about seceding but they don't want anyone to want them to actually do it.
171katiekrug
>170 rosalita: - Yes! Too funny. And so true.
172katiekrug
Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch
The best part of this book is the cover.
Beyond that, this was an utterly forgettable novel of a dysfunctional Southern family. I think Crouch was going for quirky in some ways, but it fell flat. And the protagonist is very difficult to like. My favorite character was the step-father who was buffoon-like, but at least seemed realistic. Still, something kept me reading, so I'll give it a lackluster (but generous) 3 stars.
173katiekrug
I have a family wedding to attend next month, which means I need to find something to wear. It's on Cape Cod, 4pm Catholic ceremony, 6pm reception at a beach club, and then an after-party at a local bar. I am thinking of this, but with a shorter hem (knee-length or just below) and not quite such a deep V-neck. Is it too casual? I really love the colors and they seem to scream springtime, beach, etc.... But I want to make sure it's appropriate in terms of the time of day and location. The bride and her family are rather traditional/conservative, I think.
175jessibud2
I don't think it's casual at all. Wear a simple necklace and whatever other jewelry you would wear and maybe a gauzy shawl or something like that and it will be gorgeous. Is it one piece (a dress) or a skirt and separate top?
176katiekrug
>174 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!
>175 jessibud2: - Thanks, Shelley. It's one piece. It's from eShakti which customizes dresses, so I can fiddle with details like the hemline and neckline and sleeve length...
>175 jessibud2: - Thanks, Shelley. It's one piece. It's from eShakti which customizes dresses, so I can fiddle with details like the hemline and neckline and sleeve length...
177jessibud2
Cool. I particularly like that sleeve length. Too long and it looks more formal, too short, perhaps, casual? This length in the pic here, just right!
179lauralkeet
I looooove that dress. Sounds like you're gonna go for it. Hurray!
180norabelle414
>173 katiekrug: I love it! I have a couple dresses with that elastic-smocked back waist and it is extremely comfortable. I think the wide-V neck would look a little fancier than the regular V, unless you really don't like a wide-V.
181katiekrug
>179 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura!
>180 norabelle414: - Is the wide-V what's pictured, do you think? I just don't want it that low cut... I'm too well-endowed for that plunging neckline - especially as I"ll want to dance!
>180 norabelle414: - Is the wide-V what's pictured, do you think? I just don't want it that low cut... I'm too well-endowed for that plunging neckline - especially as I"ll want to dance!
183katiekrug
>182 norabelle414: - Oh, that looks nice! I'll have to think about it.
184katiekrug
Grey and dreary here. I skipped my walk, but I'll be going to yoga tonight so I don't feel too guilty about it. If it clears up this afternoon, I may walk down to the PO to mail a package I need to get out.
I started reading A Murder is Announced yesterday - it's good fun. My audio is a middle grade book called Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. It's pretty meh. I'm not sure I would have liked it even at the target age. But I only have about 90 minutes left in it, so I'll carry on.
I started reading A Murder is Announced yesterday - it's good fun. My audio is a middle grade book called Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. It's pretty meh. I'm not sure I would have liked it even at the target age. But I only have about 90 minutes left in it, so I'll carry on.
185karenmarie
Hi Katie!
A Murder is Announced is one of my favorite Christies. Everybody is in a dither.... she wrote that kind of thing so well.
A Murder is Announced is one of my favorite Christies. Everybody is in a dither.... she wrote that kind of thing so well.
186ChelleBearss
Very pretty dress! I'd never heard of that website and they ship to Canada, yay! I found a couple that could work for a wedding in July. Mmmmm perhaps :)
187katiekrug
>185 karenmarie: - She does do dithering quite well, Karen!
>186 ChelleBearss: - Nora swears by them, Chelle. And they aren't all that expensive, considering they are custom-made. I'll give anything a shot if it means I don't have to go shopping :)
>186 ChelleBearss: - Nora swears by them, Chelle. And they aren't all that expensive, considering they are custom-made. I'll give anything a shot if it means I don't have to go shopping :)
188Crazymamie
>173 katiekrug: I love that dress with the changes you are thinking about, Katie. I can see it in my head with the shorter length and less plunging neckline. And now I know the difference between the deep-v and the wide-v. Look at me learning in my spare time.
Here's hoping your Wednesday is full of fabulous!
Here's hoping your Wednesday is full of fabulous!
189katiekrug
Thanks, Mamie! I'm thinking now of going for the long version of the dress. If I really don't like it, I can get it hemmed, I think.
Thanks for those Wednesday wishes!
Thanks for those Wednesday wishes!
190norabelle414
>186 ChelleBearss: They're super fabulous, Chelle! I can't recommend them enough, especially for people who have non-standard body shapes, like myself, because they do cheap custom sizing. And almost all of them have big pockets!! I have bought more than a dozen dresses from them over the past several years, they're practically all I wear. I've posted my referral code over on my thread, which will give $35 off your first purchase, if you're interested.
191RebaRelishesReading
Great dress! It'll look wonderful on you.
192katiekrug
>190 norabelle414: - They should really pay you for your excellent advertising, Nora!
>191 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba :)
>191 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba :)
193jnwelch
You've actually got me intrigued by the Betsy and Tacy books, Katie. How is this possible? I finally read Understood Betsy not that long ago, and enjoyed it.
I liked Travels with Charley back in the days of the LT Steinbeckathon, and our daughter and I had fun with Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. I just finished The Invisible Library, another fun library-based story that Richard had recommended, among other LTers.
I liked Travels with Charley back in the days of the LT Steinbeckathon, and our daughter and I had fun with Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. I just finished The Invisible Library, another fun library-based story that Richard had recommended, among other LTers.
194DeltaQueen50
So happy that I stopped by this thread as well as your Category Challenge thread, Katie, as that gorgeous dress caught my attention right away. I think it will look absolutely perfect for your Cape Cod wedding, with the changes that you are considering. Now I am off to explore that very intriguing website, I don't have a wedding to shop for but I hate actual shopping so I am always looking for alternatives.
195ChelleBearss
>187 katiekrug: Awesome! I am considering ordering this one now
>190 norabelle414: $35 off is awesome! Hope you get paid for your advertising! :)
>190 norabelle414: $35 off is awesome! Hope you get paid for your advertising! :)
196katiekrug
>193 jnwelch: - I'm not familiar with Understood Betsy, Joe. The Betsy-Tacy books are charming but best taken far apart, I think, lest one overdose on the saccharine ;-) I've loved every Steinbeck I've read, and still have a few to get to which is a nice thing to anticipate. I think I'm meh on Lemoncello because the narrator on the audio is kind of annoying....
>194 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! I'm glad you like the dress. Now I just need to get my measurements done.... It's a fun web site to poke around on - they have a lot of nice items.
>195 ChelleBearss: - Oh, Chelle, I LOVE that dress. Very classy but still fun and interesting. You should totally get it.
>194 DeltaQueen50: - Hi Judy! I'm glad you like the dress. Now I just need to get my measurements done.... It's a fun web site to poke around on - they have a lot of nice items.
>195 ChelleBearss: - Oh, Chelle, I LOVE that dress. Very classy but still fun and interesting. You should totally get it.
197katiekrug
Had a great yoga class this evening. I can tell I am improving which is always a nice feeling :) And I've learned to love the sweat.
198weird_O
>184 katiekrug: I'll chime in on A Murder Is Announced. Thumbs up. It's interesting to see a pattern Christie used for both it and for Peril at End House. The latter is a Poirot, and the former is a Miss Marple. Both have lots of suspects, lots of twists, with key information revealed just at the end. And of course a completely unexpected perp.
199katiekrug
>198 weird_O: - Bill, it seems like more of a general pattern than unique to these two. Of the ones I've read or am familiar with, they all have a lot of suspects and twists and such. It's to her credit that they don't all run together, though maybe that's because I read them so far apart!
201jessibud2
>200 katiekrug: - Just copied and sent this to a friend. And probably a few others, soon. :-)
203katiekrug
I finished A Murder is Announced over lunch and except for a plot hole you could drive a tractor through, it was pretty good.
204Crazymamie
*belly laugh*
205katiekrug
Well, I mean, REALLY. The Colonel's revolver was in the drawer after the murder, but during the reveal, it's mentioned that the murdered took the Colonel's revolver. And the revolver was recovered with the body, so it's not like it was put back. Very sloppy on Ms. Christie's part, if you ask me!
206katiekrug
I'm now reading one of my NetGalleys - The Completionist by Siobhan Adcock, due out in June.
Description from Amazon:
After months of disturbing behavior, Gardner Quinn has vanished. Her older sister Fredericka is desperate to find her, but Fred is also pregnant—miraculously so, in a near-future America struggling with infertility. So she entrusts the job to their brother, Carter.
Carter, young but jaded, is in need of an assignment. Just home from war, his search for his sister is a welcome distraction from mysterious physical symptoms he can’t ignore...and his slightly-more-than recreational drinking.
Carter’s efforts to find Gardner lead him into a dangerous underground, where he begins to grasp the risks she took on as a Nurse Completionist. But his investigation also leads back to their father, a veteran of a decades-long war just like Carter himself, who may be concealing a painful truth, one that neither Carter nor Fredericka is ready to face.
In the tradition of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Completionist is speculative fiction at its very best: imaginative and propulsive, revealing our own world in bold and unexpected ways.
Description from Amazon:
After months of disturbing behavior, Gardner Quinn has vanished. Her older sister Fredericka is desperate to find her, but Fred is also pregnant—miraculously so, in a near-future America struggling with infertility. So she entrusts the job to their brother, Carter.
Carter, young but jaded, is in need of an assignment. Just home from war, his search for his sister is a welcome distraction from mysterious physical symptoms he can’t ignore...and his slightly-more-than recreational drinking.
Carter’s efforts to find Gardner lead him into a dangerous underground, where he begins to grasp the risks she took on as a Nurse Completionist. But his investigation also leads back to their father, a veteran of a decades-long war just like Carter himself, who may be concealing a painful truth, one that neither Carter nor Fredericka is ready to face.
In the tradition of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Completionist is speculative fiction at its very best: imaginative and propulsive, revealing our own world in bold and unexpected ways.
207jolerie
Seems kind of pointless to wish you a happy new thread 200 messages in..but sickness and such derailed my good intentions. Hope you've been well and have had time to rest and relax after your trip!
208katiekrug
>207 jolerie: - Well wishes are always welcome, Valerie! I hope your making the rounds means The Plague has left your house!
209katiekrug
I completed my first line of Bingo in >5 katiekrug:. I'm trying to fill the whole card by the end of the year as one of my random challenges....
210laytonwoman3rd
>176 katiekrug: I think that dress is gorgeous, and I love the idea of clothes made-to-order to fit properly. But (you knew there was going to be a but, didn't you?) have you read A Fine Balance?
211katiekrug
>210 laytonwoman3rd: - I haven't read it. I was going to say that I assume the question is related to overseas clothing manufacturing and labor practices, but I thought AFB was set around Independence and into the 1970s.
But if anyone is wondering, eShakti has pretty transparent labor practices and has been noted for such by 3rd-party observers.
But if anyone is wondering, eShakti has pretty transparent labor practices and has been noted for such by 3rd-party observers.
212BLBera
The Completionist sounds good, Katie. I'll watch for your comments to see if it loves up to the jacket descriptions.
213katiekrug
>212 BLBera: - I read a bit more yesterday, Beth, and so far it's interesting and well-written.
214katiekrug
Tonight, I am going to hear Edwidge Danticat speak at the NYPL on "The Art of Immigration." Several friends are going, including Judy and Jim from LT, and I think we are going to try to have dinner afterwards.
217richardderus
So The Completionist...is it just me that thinks of this as a sort-of-vaguely massage-parlor-y title? In the squickiest, blechhhiest way imaginable?
218katiekrug
>217 richardderus: - *snerk*
I can't say that that occurred to me, but now it won't leave my head.... So thanks?
I can't say that that occurred to me, but now it won't leave my head.... So thanks?
219richardderus
>218 katiekrug: *preens*
220laytonwoman3rd
>211 katiekrug: "But if anyone is wondering, eShakti has pretty transparent labor practices and has been noted for such by 3rd-party observers." Exactly what I was wondering about, because that novel left indelible impressions of poor and homeless people sewing clothing in back rooms to fill contracts. It's good to know that's not what's going on with this company.
221katiekrug
>219 richardderus: - *grin*
>220 laytonwoman3rd: - I can understand that leaving quite an impression, Linda.
>220 laytonwoman3rd: - I can understand that leaving quite an impression, Linda.
222katiekrug
The library event last night was a bit disappointing. The interviewer, who is head of public programs at the NYPL, seemed to dominate the conversation at times and inserted himself a bit too much. No one was there to listen to him expound. And Danticat was mildly interesting but I was surprised at how little deoth there were to her remarks. Also disappointing was that a talk billed as "The Art of Immigration" primarily focused on her book about writing about death. To be honest, I would not have spent $40 on a ticket for that. I wanted to hear her talk about being an immigrant writer and how artists can address the current political situation in the US. Oh, well...
Dinner with the group - there were 6 of us - was delightful afterwards :)
Dinner with the group - there were 6 of us - was delightful afterwards :)
223RebaRelishesReading
Bummer about the library event but glad you had a fun dinner afterwards.
224laytonwoman3rd
How disappointing that the Danticat presentation fell flat. I love her written work, but sometimes authors just don't talk, or even read their own stuff, very well. Good thing there was dinner as compensation.
225ffortsa
>222 katiekrug: Dinner with you and the Wayne and friends was great fun, Katie. Definitely worth the disappointing event prior. Let's do it again with a better discussion.
226katiekrug
>223 RebaRelishesReading:, >224 laytonwoman3rd:, and >225 ffortsa: - Good food and conversation makes everything better :)
228katiekrug
Yes, indeed, Judy!
I sort of enjoyed the enforced absence, to be honest. I got lots of reading done :) I didn't realize what a time suck LT was for me. I do love it, and I love chatting with everyone, but I'd like to find a better balance...
I sort of enjoyed the enforced absence, to be honest. I got lots of reading done :) I didn't realize what a time suck LT was for me. I do love it, and I love chatting with everyone, but I'd like to find a better balance...
229norabelle414
>222 katiekrug: Wow! Is there any way you can give feedback about the event? It would be one thing if it was a free event, but you paid a lot of money for a bad interviewer.
230Crazymamie
>228 katiekrug: Me, too! Morning, Katie!
231katiekrug
>229 norabelle414: - I have a vague memory of them sending out a survey for other events, but I haven't gotten anything for this one. I'll check the website to see if there is any kind of feedback form... (PS: ordered my dress yesterday!)
>230 Crazymamie: - :)
>230 Crazymamie: - :)
232ChelleBearss
>222 katiekrug: Sorry to see your event wasn't worth the ticket price but glad you got a nice dinner out with friends!
>231 katiekrug: Hope you'll share a picture of you with your awesome dress on!
>231 katiekrug: Hope you'll share a picture of you with your awesome dress on!
233norabelle414
>231 katiekrug: Yay! My dresses arrived over the weekend, and I'm wearing one today (though not the patterned one I posted on LT. That one will be best without tights and it's a little to cold for that today)
234katiekrug
>229 norabelle414:, >230 Crazymamie: - Just got a survey in my inbox. Ready to let loose!
>232 ChelleBearss: - Well, Chelle, we'll have to see if the dress looks any good ;-)
>233 norabelle414: - Cold here, too! WTH?
>232 ChelleBearss: - Well, Chelle, we'll have to see if the dress looks any good ;-)
>233 norabelle414: - Cold here, too! WTH?
236norabelle414
>233 norabelle414: I think this should be our last cold day for awhile. I don't get too concerned about cold weather in April, though, because I grew up with my parents telling me about how it snowed on the day they brought me home from the hospital, on April 15th.
Plus hot weather is garbage. I'd so much rather have to wear tights and a heavy coat in early April than sweat through a cotton dress.
Plus hot weather is garbage. I'd so much rather have to wear tights and a heavy coat in early April than sweat through a cotton dress.
237katiekrug
>235 ffortsa: - The stupid thing wouldn't let me submit. Said I hadn't filled all the required fields, which was nonsense. So I sent an email and completed an online form. Told them they should be ashamed of themselves, basically!
>236 norabelle414: - Totally agree about hot weather being garbage. But I wouldn't mind a prolonged period in the 50s :)
>236 norabelle414: - Totally agree about hot weather being garbage. But I wouldn't mind a prolonged period in the 50s :)
238charl08
Sorry to hear about the event. I think you should organise them, I'm sure they'd be on point then.
>206 katiekrug: Will have a look for this, great review.
>206 katiekrug: Will have a look for this, great review.
239katiekrug
>238 charl08: - It would be a pretty cool job....
That was just the description from Amazon, not my review. That will be forthcoming soonish... But I did like it. Scheduled for release (at least in the US) in June.
That was just the description from Amazon, not my review. That will be forthcoming soonish... But I did like it. Scheduled for release (at least in the US) in June.
This topic was continued by Katie’s In For Another Year of Reading. And Snarking. And Shenanigans. Part 8.
