Familyhistorian's Bookish Thread part 5
This is a continuation of the topic Familyhistorian's Bookish Thread part 4.
This topic was continued by Familyhistorian's Bookish Thread part 6.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2018
Join LibraryThing to post.
This topic is currently marked as "dormant"—the last message is more than 90 days old. You can revive it by posting a reply.
3Familyhistorian
My name is Meg and this is my fifth year as one of the 75ers. 2017 brought some changes for me as I retired from my day job at the end of September. Retirement should give me more time to explore my many interests, at least in theory. I am interested in history and genealogy and actively research, read and write about those areas. When I talk about active research, I mean the type that involves travel and I hope to do more of that this year.
4Familyhistorian
My blog for the end of April is about my foray into the world of genetic genealogy or DNA before I start into a new topic for May. Check out the weekly posts at: A Genealogist's Path to History
5Familyhistorian
Little Free Library
Number culled in January 2
Number culled in February 4
Number culled in March 4
Number culled in April 2
Number culled in May 2
Total 2018 culls
6Familyhistorian
Challenges I will do my best to partake of in 2018
AAC 2018
January- Joan Didion - Where I was From - DONE
February- Colson Whitehead - The Underground Railroad - DONE
March- Tobias Wolff - This Boy's Life - DONE
April- Alice Walker - The Color Purple - DONE
May- Pete Hamil - Tabloid City - DONE
June - Walter Mosley
July- Amy Tan
August- Louis L'Amour
September- Pat Conroy
October- Stephen King
November- Narrative Nonfiction
December- F. Scott Fitzgerald
BAC 2018
JANUARY - DEBUT NOVELS - Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters - DONE
FEBRUARY - THE 1970s - The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - DONE
MARCH - CLASSIC THRILLERS - The Chimney Sweeper's Boy by Barbara Vine - DONE
APRIL - FOLKLORE, FABLES AND LEGENDS - The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro - DONE
MAY - QUEENS OF CRIME - The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie - DONE The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - DONE - To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey - DONE
JUNE - TRAVEL WRITING -
JULY - THE ANGRY YOUNG MEN -
AUGUST - BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION -
SEPTEMBER - HISTORICAL FICTION -
OCTOBER - COMEDIC NOVELS -
NOVEMBER - WORLD WAR ONE -
DECEMBER - BRITISH SERIES -
WILDCARD - THE ROMANTICS -
2018 MysteryCAT
January: Nordic Mysteries - The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo - DONE Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson - DONE
February: Female Cop/Sleuth/Detective - Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb - DONE Books, Cooks, and Crooks by Lucy Arlington - DONE American Blonde by Jennifer Niven DONE
March: Global Mysteries - The Dry by Jane Harper - DONE Ragtime in Simla by Barbara Cleverly - DONE The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel - DONE
April: Classic and Golden Age Mysteries - The Mayfair Mystery by Frank Richardson - DONE - The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley - DONE
May: Mysteries involving Transit - The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - DONE
June: True Crime
July: Police Procedurals
August: Historical Mysteries
September: Noir and Hard-Boiled Mysteries
October: Espionage
November: Cozy Mysteries
December: Futuristic/Fantastical Mysteries
2018 Nonfiction Challenge
January - Prize Winning Books - The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - DONE
February -- Biographies - The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson - DONE
March – Far, Far Away: Traveling - Road to the Isles: Travellers in the Hebrides 1770-1914 by Derek Cooper - DONE
April – History - Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill - DONE The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson - DONE
May – Boundaries: Geography, Geopolitics and Maps - Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey by Madeleine Bunting - DONE
June – The Great Outdoors
July – The Arts
August – Short and Sweet: Essays and Other Longform Narratives
September – Gods, Demons, Spirits, and Supernatural Beliefs
October – First Person Singular
November – Politics, Economics & Business
December – 2018 In Review
AAC 2018
January- Joan Didion - Where I was From - DONE
February- Colson Whitehead - The Underground Railroad - DONE
March- Tobias Wolff - This Boy's Life - DONE
April- Alice Walker - The Color Purple - DONE
May- Pete Hamil - Tabloid City - DONE
June - Walter Mosley
July- Amy Tan
August- Louis L'Amour
September- Pat Conroy
October- Stephen King
November- Narrative Nonfiction
December- F. Scott Fitzgerald
BAC 2018
JANUARY - DEBUT NOVELS - Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters - DONE
FEBRUARY - THE 1970s - The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - DONE
MARCH - CLASSIC THRILLERS - The Chimney Sweeper's Boy by Barbara Vine - DONE
APRIL - FOLKLORE, FABLES AND LEGENDS - The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro - DONE
MAY - QUEENS OF CRIME - The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie - DONE The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - DONE - To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey - DONE
JUNE - TRAVEL WRITING -
JULY - THE ANGRY YOUNG MEN -
AUGUST - BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION -
SEPTEMBER - HISTORICAL FICTION -
OCTOBER - COMEDIC NOVELS -
NOVEMBER - WORLD WAR ONE -
DECEMBER - BRITISH SERIES -
WILDCARD - THE ROMANTICS -
2018 MysteryCAT
January: Nordic Mysteries - The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo - DONE Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson - DONE
February: Female Cop/Sleuth/Detective - Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb - DONE Books, Cooks, and Crooks by Lucy Arlington - DONE American Blonde by Jennifer Niven DONE
March: Global Mysteries - The Dry by Jane Harper - DONE Ragtime in Simla by Barbara Cleverly - DONE The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel - DONE
April: Classic and Golden Age Mysteries - The Mayfair Mystery by Frank Richardson - DONE - The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley - DONE
May: Mysteries involving Transit - The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - DONE
June: True Crime
July: Police Procedurals
August: Historical Mysteries
September: Noir and Hard-Boiled Mysteries
October: Espionage
November: Cozy Mysteries
December: Futuristic/Fantastical Mysteries
2018 Nonfiction Challenge
January - Prize Winning Books - The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - DONE
February -- Biographies - The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson - DONE
March – Far, Far Away: Traveling - Road to the Isles: Travellers in the Hebrides 1770-1914 by Derek Cooper - DONE
April – History - Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill - DONE The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson - DONE
May – Boundaries: Geography, Geopolitics and Maps - Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey by Madeleine Bunting - DONE
June – The Great Outdoors
July – The Arts
August – Short and Sweet: Essays and Other Longform Narratives
September – Gods, Demons, Spirits, and Supernatural Beliefs
October – First Person Singular
November – Politics, Economics & Business
December – 2018 In Review
7Familyhistorian
More challenges
Reading Through Time
Quarterly
January-March 2018 - 19th Century Europe (& rest of the world, excluding Northern America) - A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock - DONE
April-June 2018 - 19th Century Northern America (includes Civil War; excluding the Old West)
July-September 2018 - The Old West
October-December 2018 - 20th Century: Before WW1 (1900-1913)
Monthly
January 2018: "Baby, It's Cold Out There!" - The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - DONE
February 2018: "Going Hollywood" - American Blonde by Jennifer Niven - DONE
March 2018: "Something Sporty" - Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder - DONE
April 2018: "Clash of Cultures" - A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson - DONE
May 2018: "Southeast Asia" - The Quiet American by Graham Greene DONE
June 2018: "Digging Up the Past"
July 2018: "Nautical"
August 2018: "Europe Between the Wars, 1918 - 1939"
September 2018:
October 2018: "Old MacDonald Had a Farm"
November 2018: "She Blinded Me with Science"
I'm not going out of my way (much) to fill in the following non-LT challenges. Just interested to see what I can do.
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen
2. True crime - The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
3. The next book in a series you started - A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths
4. A book involving a heist
5. Nordic noir - The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo
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 - It Happened One Midnight by Julie Anne Long
9. A book about a villain or antihero
10. A book about death or grief
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist - Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
15. A book about feminism
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift - The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley
18. A book by two authors
19. A book about or involving a sport - Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder
20. A book by a local author - The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong
21. A book with your favorite color in the title - Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
22. A book with alliteration in the title
23. A book about time travel - Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
24. A book with a weather element in the title - Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title - Slow Horses by Mick Herron
27. A book set on a different planet
28. A book with song lyrics in the title
29. A book about or set on Halloween
30. A book with characters who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book - The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie
32. A book from a celebrity book club - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
33. A childhood classic you've never read
34. A book that's published in 2018
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born - The Quiet American by Graham Greene
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 - Ignored but Not Forgotten: Canada's English Immigrants by Lucille Campey
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory - The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
8. A microhistory - Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
9. A book about a problem facing society today
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 - The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance) - The Mayfair Mystery by Frank Richardson
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa)
6. A book about nature
7. A western
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
11. A children’s classic published before 1980
12. A celebrity memoir
13. An Oprah Book Club selection - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
14. A book of social science
15. A one-sitting book - The Middle Ground by Zoe Whittall
16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series
17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
19. A book of genre fiction in translation - Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
20. A book with a cover you hate
21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author
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)
Reading Through Time
Quarterly
January-March 2018 - 19th Century Europe (& rest of the world, excluding Northern America) - A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock - DONE
April-June 2018 - 19th Century Northern America (includes Civil War; excluding the Old West)
July-September 2018 - The Old West
October-December 2018 - 20th Century: Before WW1 (1900-1913)
Monthly
January 2018: "Baby, It's Cold Out There!" - The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - DONE
February 2018: "Going Hollywood" - American Blonde by Jennifer Niven - DONE
March 2018: "Something Sporty" - Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder - DONE
April 2018: "Clash of Cultures" - A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson - DONE
May 2018: "Southeast Asia" - The Quiet American by Graham Greene DONE
June 2018: "Digging Up the Past"
July 2018: "Nautical"
August 2018: "Europe Between the Wars, 1918 - 1939"
September 2018:
October 2018: "Old MacDonald Had a Farm"
November 2018: "She Blinded Me with Science"
I'm not going out of my way (much) to fill in the following non-LT challenges. Just interested to see what I can do.
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen
2. True crime - The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
3. The next book in a series you started - A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths
4. A book involving a heist
5. Nordic noir - The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo
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 - It Happened One Midnight by Julie Anne Long
9. A book about a villain or antihero
10. A book about death or grief
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist - Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
15. A book about feminism
16. A book about mental health
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift - The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley
18. A book by two authors
19. A book about or involving a sport - Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder
20. A book by a local author - The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong
21. A book with your favorite color in the title - Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
22. A book with alliteration in the title
23. A book about time travel - Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
24. A book with a weather element in the title - Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title - Slow Horses by Mick Herron
27. A book set on a different planet
28. A book with song lyrics in the title
29. A book about or set on Halloween
30. A book with characters who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book - The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie
32. A book from a celebrity book club - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
33. A childhood classic you've never read
34. A book that's published in 2018
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born - The Quiet American by Graham Greene
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 - Ignored but Not Forgotten: Canada's English Immigrants by Lucille Campey
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory - The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
8. A microhistory - Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
9. A book about a problem facing society today
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 - The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
3. A classic of genre fiction (i.e. mystery, sci fi/fantasy, romance) - The Mayfair Mystery by Frank Richardson
4. A comic written and illustrated by the same person
5. A book set in or about one of the five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, or South Africa)
6. A book about nature
7. A western
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
11. A children’s classic published before 1980
12. A celebrity memoir
13. An Oprah Book Club selection - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
14. A book of social science
15. A one-sitting book - The Middle Ground by Zoe Whittall
16. The first book in a new-to-you YA or middle grade series
17. A sci fi novel with a female protagonist by a female author
18. A comic that isn’t published by Marvel, DC, or Image
19. A book of genre fiction in translation - Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
20. A book with a cover you hate
21. A mystery by a person of color or LGBTQ+ author
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)
8Familyhistorian
Books read in 2018
First quarter
January
The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo
Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander
A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths
Where I Was From by Joan Didion
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
Better Read Than Dead by Victoria Laurie
Night's Child by Maureen Jennings
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
February
A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock
A Very Fine Class of Immigrants: Prince Edward Island's Scottish Pioneers 1770-1850 by Lucille
Campey
Siege by Roxanne Orgill
Nightblind by Ragnar Jonasson
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb
The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
Ignored but Not Forgotten: Canada's English Immigrants by Lucille Campey
Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta
The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
The Sandman: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman
Books, Cooks, and Crooks by Lucy Arlington
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
American Blonde by Jennifer Niven
March
The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham
The Dry by Jane Harper
Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society by Cordelia Fine
Hit by Bryce Carlson
The Middle Ground by Zoe Whittall
A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh
The British: A Genetic Journey by Alistair Moffat
Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill
It's All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World's Family Tree by A.J. Jacobs
The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
Ragtime in Simla by Barbara Cleverly
Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder
Drawing From Memory by Allen Say
The Chimney Sweeper's Boy by Barbara Vine
This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff
The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel
It Happened One Midnight by Julie Anne Long
First quarter
January
The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo
Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander
A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths
Where I Was From by Joan Didion
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
Better Read Than Dead by Victoria Laurie
Night's Child by Maureen Jennings
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
February
A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock
A Very Fine Class of Immigrants: Prince Edward Island's Scottish Pioneers 1770-1850 by Lucille
Campey
Siege by Roxanne Orgill
Nightblind by Ragnar Jonasson
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb
The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
Ignored but Not Forgotten: Canada's English Immigrants by Lucille Campey
Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta
The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
The Sandman: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman
Books, Cooks, and Crooks by Lucy Arlington
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
American Blonde by Jennifer Niven
March
The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham
The Dry by Jane Harper
Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society by Cordelia Fine
Hit by Bryce Carlson
The Middle Ground by Zoe Whittall
A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh
The British: A Genetic Journey by Alistair Moffat
Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill
It's All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World's Family Tree by A.J. Jacobs
The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
Ragtime in Simla by Barbara Cleverly
Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder
Drawing From Memory by Allen Say
The Chimney Sweeper's Boy by Barbara Vine
This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff
The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel
It Happened One Midnight by Julie Anne Long
9Familyhistorian
Books read in 2018
Second quarter
April
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Road to the Isles: Travellers in the Hebrides 1770-1914 by Derek Cooper
A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders
Hot Rocks by Nora Roberts
The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham (Sophie Kinsella)
Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright
The Mayfair Mystery by Frank Richardson
The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley
Second quarter
April
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Road to the Isles: Travellers in the Hebrides 1770-1914 by Derek Cooper
A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders
Hot Rocks by Nora Roberts
The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham (Sophie Kinsella)
Unmentionable: The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners by Therese Oneill
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright
The Mayfair Mystery by Frank Richardson
The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley
10Familyhistorian
Book stats
Total books read 55
Fiction 42
Non-fiction 13
Female authors 33
Male authors 22
Total books read 55
Fiction 42
Non-fiction 13
Female authors 33
Male authors 22
11Familyhistorian
Books acquired in 2018
March
The Valley of Adventure by Enid Blyton
The Circus of Adventure by Enid Blyton
The family thigh problem begins with the mouth by Cathy Guisewite
The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by Andrew George
The Unforgotten by Laura Powell
A Treasury of Victorian Murder Compendium Vol. 1 by Rick Geary
Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly MacRae
Death of an Avid Reader by Frances Brody
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
The Duchess by Danielle Steel
Black Orchid by Neil Gaiman
Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass (my last 2017 Santa Thing book which came in the mail in March)
Where the Dead Lie by C.S. Harris
Oxford Blood by Antonia Fraser
You Do You: How to Be Who You Are and Use What You've Got to Get What You Want by Sarah Knight
The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews
Franklin's Lost Ship by John Geiger and Alanna Mitchell
Liquor, Lust and the Law: The Story of Vancouver's Legendary Penthouse Nightclub by Aaron Chapman
March
The Valley of Adventure by Enid Blyton
The Circus of Adventure by Enid Blyton
The family thigh problem begins with the mouth by Cathy Guisewite
The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by Andrew George
The Unforgotten by Laura Powell
A Treasury of Victorian Murder Compendium Vol. 1 by Rick Geary
Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly MacRae
Death of an Avid Reader by Frances Brody
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
The Duchess by Danielle Steel
Black Orchid by Neil Gaiman
Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass (my last 2017 Santa Thing book which came in the mail in March)
Where the Dead Lie by C.S. Harris
Oxford Blood by Antonia Fraser
You Do You: How to Be Who You Are and Use What You've Got to Get What You Want by Sarah Knight
The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews
Franklin's Lost Ship by John Geiger and Alanna Mitchell
Liquor, Lust and the Law: The Story of Vancouver's Legendary Penthouse Nightclub by Aaron Chapman
12Familyhistorian
Welcome to my new digs. Feel free to make yourselves at home and join the conversation.
14msf59
Happy Sunday, Meg! Happy New Thread! Like the topper. Reminds me of one of my bird outings,
Did you send me a FB friend request? I wasn't sure and wanted to ask first. I don't friend just anybody. Grins...
Did you send me a FB friend request? I wasn't sure and wanted to ask first. I don't friend just anybody. Grins...
15Crazymamie
Happy new one, Meg! Your topper is full of beauty!
17karenmarie
Hi Meg and happy new thread!
I've gotten way behind here - from your last thread I do want to mention that Ancestry had their DNA testing kit for $59 recently. I bought it, it's sitting on a dresser in the hallway, and I shall open it up and work on it tomorrow. Ancestry is available at our Library so I won't spend money now on renewing our membership. I've got to get familiar with family members names, dates, and locations again, and will spend time at the Library with their Ancestry.
>4 Familyhistorian: Your blog entry was interesting to me as I am mostly English and Scots on my father's side. So far I've only tentatively gotten back to Yorkshire in the early 1800s. I'm looking forward to getting started again.
I've gotten way behind here - from your last thread I do want to mention that Ancestry had their DNA testing kit for $59 recently. I bought it, it's sitting on a dresser in the hallway, and I shall open it up and work on it tomorrow. Ancestry is available at our Library so I won't spend money now on renewing our membership. I've got to get familiar with family members names, dates, and locations again, and will spend time at the Library with their Ancestry.
>4 Familyhistorian: Your blog entry was interesting to me as I am mostly English and Scots on my father's side. So far I've only tentatively gotten back to Yorkshire in the early 1800s. I'm looking forward to getting started again.
18jnwelch
Happy New Thread, Megan!
Nice photo up top. Little Free Libraries have proliferated around us; it's great. The more the merrier.
Nice photo up top. Little Free Libraries have proliferated around us; it's great. The more the merrier.
21Familyhistorian
>13 SandDune: Hi Rhian and thanks. I snuck in after coming back from a party last night when most of the North Americans would either be well into their evenings or flat out in bed. I had a feeling someone from your time zone would be my first visitor. Good to see you here.
22Familyhistorian
>14 msf59: Thanks Mark, our Sunday looks like a damp and dreary one. I hope you are into full on spring. The photo is of a peaceful spot in Ontario, not sure if we noticed any birds, though.
Yes, I did send you a FB friend request. I have started to go on there again after a few years of trying to avoid it. Now I want to connect to more of my LT friends and would be more than honoured to be included in your select group of friends.
Yes, I did send you a FB friend request. I have started to go on there again after a few years of trying to avoid it. Now I want to connect to more of my LT friends and would be more than honoured to be included in your select group of friends.
23Familyhistorian
>15 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie, the photo was taken in Owen Sound and it was a nice peaceful walk. (no bear notices)
>16 BLBera: Hi Beth, that is actually full on summer in the cool of the evening. Are you a bit anxious about seeing spring near you?
>16 BLBera: Hi Beth, that is actually full on summer in the cool of the evening. Are you a bit anxious about seeing spring near you?
24Familyhistorian
>17 karenmarie: All the DNA testing companies had sales at the same time, Karen. I bought a Y-DNA upgrade for my son at Family Tree DNA. I'm very interested to see what his results will be. When I was looking at the upgrade I checked out our ethnicities side by side and was a shocked to find that he has a lot stronger links to the British Isles than I do, about 25% more, and I was born there!
You have a Yorkshire link too? I found that I have links there through the LivingDNA test. Paul would be proud. Have fun looking into your family history. It becomes addictive - but just think, you can pair it with your other addiction and add a section of genealogy books to your personal library. The Bettinger books on DNA are good. I can vouch for The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy because I actually read it. It and the other Bettinger book were recommended to me by Lori (thorton378140).
I just got an email that my AncestryDNA results are in. I will have to check them out.
You have a Yorkshire link too? I found that I have links there through the LivingDNA test. Paul would be proud. Have fun looking into your family history. It becomes addictive - but just think, you can pair it with your other addiction and add a section of genealogy books to your personal library. The Bettinger books on DNA are good. I can vouch for The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy because I actually read it. It and the other Bettinger book were recommended to me by Lori (thorton378140).
I just got an email that my AncestryDNA results are in. I will have to check them out.
25Familyhistorian
>18 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. I love the Little Free Libraries. More and more are springing up all the time. Even PoCo Heritage, one of the groups I volunteer for, has their own LFL although I wish they would hurry up and get it in the ground so that it would become operational.
>19 drneutron: Thanks Jim.
>20 mstrust: Thanks Jennifer, it is a pretty place and one that I hope to be revisiting soon on a planned trip to Ontario.
>19 drneutron: Thanks Jim.
>20 mstrust: Thanks Jennifer, it is a pretty place and one that I hope to be revisiting soon on a planned trip to Ontario.
26jessibud2
Happy new thread, Meg. I thought I already posted that but apparently, not. Maybe I forgot to hit *post*!
27RebaRelishesReading
Happy new one, Meg :)
28tymfos
Happy new thread, Meg! I love your thread-topper photo. You've done a lot of good reading this year.
29PaulCranswick
The green shoots of late spring beckon us with your topper.
Happy new thread, Meg. xx
Happy new thread, Meg. xx
30Carmenere
Happiest of new threads, Meg! Your topper looks like how I'd imagine Walden to look. So peaceful!
31ronincats
Happy NEw Thread, Meg.
So, all the news here in California this week has been the arrest of a suspected cold case serial killer through DNA evidence posted on a website.
Investigators arrested DeAngelo on Tuesday after matching crime-scene DNA with genetic material stored in an online database by a distant relative.
Officials did not need a court order to access GEDmatch 's large database of genetic blueprints, lead investigator Paul Holes told the Mercury News in San Jose, California.
The co-founder of the genealogy website used by authorities to help identify DeAngelo said on Friday that he had no idea its database was tapped by law enforcement.
The free genealogy website, which pools DNA profiles that people upload and share publicly to find relatives, said it has always informed users its database can be used for other purposes.
ETA I did buy the Ancestry DNA kit during their recent sale, btw. Completely different from the database used here.
So, all the news here in California this week has been the arrest of a suspected cold case serial killer through DNA evidence posted on a website.
Investigators arrested DeAngelo on Tuesday after matching crime-scene DNA with genetic material stored in an online database by a distant relative.
Officials did not need a court order to access GEDmatch 's large database of genetic blueprints, lead investigator Paul Holes told the Mercury News in San Jose, California.
The co-founder of the genealogy website used by authorities to help identify DeAngelo said on Friday that he had no idea its database was tapped by law enforcement.
The free genealogy website, which pools DNA profiles that people upload and share publicly to find relatives, said it has always informed users its database can be used for other purposes.
ETA I did buy the Ancestry DNA kit during their recent sale, btw. Completely different from the database used here.
32Familyhistorian
>26 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. I know that feeling. I have had more than one post disappear on me.
>27 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba and thank you.
>28 tymfos: Thanks Terri, I have been doing a lot of reading this year. Hmm, maybe that is why I feel I have so little time to do stuff.
>29 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, that is actually a summer photo of a place in Ontario not one from my current place of abode which is quite green and leafy right now. I chose the photo of the Owen Sound area of Ontario as I will be visiting there in the near future.
>30 Carmenere: It was a pretty peaceful spot, Lynda, especially at that time of day when things go still right around sun down.
>27 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba and thank you.
>28 tymfos: Thanks Terri, I have been doing a lot of reading this year. Hmm, maybe that is why I feel I have so little time to do stuff.
>29 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, that is actually a summer photo of a place in Ontario not one from my current place of abode which is quite green and leafy right now. I chose the photo of the Owen Sound area of Ontario as I will be visiting there in the near future.
>30 Carmenere: It was a pretty peaceful spot, Lynda, especially at that time of day when things go still right around sun down.
33Familyhistorian
>31 ronincats: I had seen the report of the arrest of the Golden State Killer on the TV news the other day, Reba. I just read a further report of how the investigation used GEDmatch to catch the killer. I am still not sure about the ins and outs of how that was done.
Law enforcement officials wouldn't use the big DNA sites for their investigation. Commercial genealogy sites like AncestryDNA have more rigorous privacy policies; Family Tree DNA is particularly good in that regard. DNA researchers who want to find more matches can upload their data to sites like GEDmatch to see if they can come up with more family links as testers from all the major sites can upload their data there so that you can compare data with people who have tested at MyHeritage or AncestryDNA or 23andMe or FTDNA even without testing or uploading your data to those sites.
Law enforcement officials wouldn't use the big DNA sites for their investigation. Commercial genealogy sites like AncestryDNA have more rigorous privacy policies; Family Tree DNA is particularly good in that regard. DNA researchers who want to find more matches can upload their data to sites like GEDmatch to see if they can come up with more family links as testers from all the major sites can upload their data there so that you can compare data with people who have tested at MyHeritage or AncestryDNA or 23andMe or FTDNA even without testing or uploading your data to those sites.
34johnsimpson
Happy new thread Meg my dear, sending love and hugs dear friend.
35Familyhistorian
>34 johnsimpson: Hi John and thank you. Love and hugs back to you and Karen.
36Familyhistorian
I really have to get around to reviewing some of the books that I have finished especially as some are for this month's challenges and others are for my ROOTs totals for this month. Where does the time go?
Talking about time, I went to a collegue's 60th birthday party on Saturday. He has an Italian wife so the food was amazing but what was really interesting is that the party started at 4:00 pm and there was a room full shortly after that but people started leaving by about 8:30 pm. I guess we no longer have the need or maybe ability to party until the wee small hours. Do you find that you are spending less time partying the older you get?
Talking about time, I went to a collegue's 60th birthday party on Saturday. He has an Italian wife so the food was amazing but what was really interesting is that the party started at 4:00 pm and there was a room full shortly after that but people started leaving by about 8:30 pm. I guess we no longer have the need or maybe ability to party until the wee small hours. Do you find that you are spending less time partying the older you get?
37The_Hibernator
Hi Meg! I am behind on two book reviews...so far so that I have decided not to review them and to just start over the next time I finish a book.
I certainly party less the older I get. I have a friend who is 10 years older than I who parties pretty hard, and every once in a while I hang out with him. Though that will not happen in the near future....
I certainly party less the older I get. I have a friend who is 10 years older than I who parties pretty hard, and every once in a while I hang out with him. Though that will not happen in the near future....
38thornton37814
I'm heading to NGS tomorrow and will probably be about halfway to Michigan in twelve hours. It will be a short night on sleep although I will be able to go to sleep when I get home -- or at least as soon as I pack the laptop I brought with me to work. Hoping I can finish a book on the plane. I won't be able to get into my hotel room for a few hours after arrival even though I'm already checked in.
39Familyhistorian
56. 
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Color Purple was a story of the black experience in the earlier days of the mid 20th century. It was told through the eyes of Celie, an abused and downtrodden black woman; for if a black man was low, a black woman was the lowest of the low with no way to get out. But there was a way out for a woman with sass and Celie met a few in her life. Although being full of sass didn't work out well for Sophia, it sure did for Shug. By watching them, even Celie learned to stand up for herself by the end of the tale. It was a good one!
The Color Purple by Alice WalkerThe Color Purple was a story of the black experience in the earlier days of the mid 20th century. It was told through the eyes of Celie, an abused and downtrodden black woman; for if a black man was low, a black woman was the lowest of the low with no way to get out. But there was a way out for a woman with sass and Celie met a few in her life. Although being full of sass didn't work out well for Sophia, it sure did for Shug. By watching them, even Celie learned to stand up for herself by the end of the tale. It was a good one!
40Familyhistorian
>37 The_Hibernator: If it has been that long I can see why you don't want to review them, Rachel. I like to do the review so that I will remember the book if I look back on my threads.
Well, there are some people who never seem to slow down with their partying while the rest of us seem to as we get older. I guess we are in good company.
Well, there are some people who never seem to slow down with their partying while the rest of us seem to as we get older. I guess we are in good company.
41Familyhistorian
>38 thornton37814: Have a great time at the conference, Lori. I would like to check it out sometime but the timing didn't work out for me this year and probably won't next year either. Do you give talks there every year?
42Ameise1
Happy new one, Meg. I enjoyed The Color Purple earlier this year. It's indeed a very good book.
43FAMeulstee
Belated happy new thread, Meg, lovely scenery at the top.
>11 Familyhistorian: I see you acquired some Enid Blyton books, I have good memories reading those in my youth.
>11 Familyhistorian: I see you acquired some Enid Blyton books, I have good memories reading those in my youth.
44Familyhistorian
>42 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara. I am glad that I finally read The Color Purple and that you enjoyed it too.
>43 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, new thread wishes are never really belated. I picked up the Enid Blyton books because they were free at my local Little Free Library. I never read any of her adventure books but remember the Noddy books fondly as they were my reading when I was young.
>43 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, new thread wishes are never really belated. I picked up the Enid Blyton books because they were free at my local Little Free Library. I never read any of her adventure books but remember the Noddy books fondly as they were my reading when I was young.
45Familyhistorian
57. 
A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson
In this story three lady missionaries headed to Kashgar, to convert people who were not interested in their message. The ladies inadvertently set in motion the mechanism which would decide whether any of them survive their mission. One of the women had an agreement to write a lady cyclist's guide to the region. Hence the title, A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar.
Interwoven through the missionary story was that of a woman in present day London who was at a crossroads in her life when she received a strange inheritance from a woman she has never heard of. The two stories converged to form an interesting whole and throughout the telling there were two strong heroines to root for.
A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne JoinsonIn this story three lady missionaries headed to Kashgar, to convert people who were not interested in their message. The ladies inadvertently set in motion the mechanism which would decide whether any of them survive their mission. One of the women had an agreement to write a lady cyclist's guide to the region. Hence the title, A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar.
Interwoven through the missionary story was that of a woman in present day London who was at a crossroads in her life when she received a strange inheritance from a woman she has never heard of. The two stories converged to form an interesting whole and throughout the telling there were two strong heroines to root for.
46RebaRelishesReading
These are two books I read several years ago. I love The Color Purple and have a fair memory of it. I have no memory of A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar at all which probably says it all (or maybe I should reread it and see if I like it better this time).
47jessibud2
>45 Familyhistorian: - Interesting, Meg. I have this book, too, but have not yet read it. I think I found it on a sale table at Chapters.
48Familyhistorian
>46 RebaRelishesReading: I think The Color Purple is more well known, Reba, but I found A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar interesting as well. Of course, the background of the American book is better known and it was made into a film.
49Familyhistorian
>47 jessibud2: That's probably where I picked my copy up as well, Shelley. It had a sale sticker on it. I finally read it because it fit a monthly challenge for the Reading Through Time group.
50Ameise1
>45 Familyhistorian: It's always dangerous coming to your thread, Meg. Dang, another BB.
Wishing you a wonderful day.
Wishing you a wonderful day.
51Familyhistorian
>50 Ameise1: But I've only reviewed one book so far, Barbara. LOL Just wait I have a bunch more to do.
52Ameise1
>51 Familyhistorian: LOL, oh dear.
53Familyhistorian
58. 
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
I like time travel books and Doomsday Book was a very good example of one that works really well. It was set in the future in Oxford when it is possible for historians to go back and gather information about what happened in the past. A young woman, Kirvin, was set to go back to the 1300s and they were been careful as to where she ended up because it had to be before the Black Death which first started in England in 1348.
Something went wrong. The preparation for the time travel was done while the second in command was in charge during the Christmas holidays. He wanted to make his mark and didn't have the knowledge to do the prep right. The tech got sick and soon there was an epidemic that had Oxford in quarantine. But what happened to Kirvin, the time traveler?
It was a future that was imagined before there were cell phones so what was supposed to be their present day (our future) almost read like it was in the past, so it was a bit dated. The story was really good, alternating between what was happening with the epidemic in Oxford and what was happening to Kirvin in the 1300s. The tension ramped up as things continued to go wrong. Would the sick tech recover enough to let Mr. Dunsworthy know what had gone wrong with the drop? Would Kirvin be left stranded in the past? Would anyone survive? Read the book and find out. I can see why it won awards.
Doomsday Book by Connie WillisI like time travel books and Doomsday Book was a very good example of one that works really well. It was set in the future in Oxford when it is possible for historians to go back and gather information about what happened in the past. A young woman, Kirvin, was set to go back to the 1300s and they were been careful as to where she ended up because it had to be before the Black Death which first started in England in 1348.
Something went wrong. The preparation for the time travel was done while the second in command was in charge during the Christmas holidays. He wanted to make his mark and didn't have the knowledge to do the prep right. The tech got sick and soon there was an epidemic that had Oxford in quarantine. But what happened to Kirvin, the time traveler?
It was a future that was imagined before there were cell phones so what was supposed to be their present day (our future) almost read like it was in the past, so it was a bit dated. The story was really good, alternating between what was happening with the epidemic in Oxford and what was happening to Kirvin in the 1300s. The tension ramped up as things continued to go wrong. Would the sick tech recover enough to let Mr. Dunsworthy know what had gone wrong with the drop? Would Kirvin be left stranded in the past? Would anyone survive? Read the book and find out. I can see why it won awards.
54The_Hibernator
I loved Doomsday Book!
55Familyhistorian
>53 Familyhistorian: It was a real page turner, Rachel. I'm glad I picked up the BB from someone's thread.
56Familyhistorian
59. 
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
I read The Wonder for my RL book club. The story of a fasting girl in 1850s Ireland was not one that I would have chosen on my own so initially it was slow going. The long chapters didn't help. There is not much action as it is about a nurse, one of the Nightingales, who is brought in to keep a watch on the fasting girl to see if she is a miracle or a hoax. It is difficult for Lib, the nurse, as she is an outsider from England and not used to Catholic ways so often puts a foot wrong. It was hard, at first, to feel much sympathy for Lib but she gradually grew on me until I was rooting for her and the fasting girl in the end.
The Wonder by Emma DonoghueI read The Wonder for my RL book club. The story of a fasting girl in 1850s Ireland was not one that I would have chosen on my own so initially it was slow going. The long chapters didn't help. There is not much action as it is about a nurse, one of the Nightingales, who is brought in to keep a watch on the fasting girl to see if she is a miracle or a hoax. It is difficult for Lib, the nurse, as she is an outsider from England and not used to Catholic ways so often puts a foot wrong. It was hard, at first, to feel much sympathy for Lib but she gradually grew on me until I was rooting for her and the fasting girl in the end.
57Familyhistorian
I was surprised to see boats on my local man-made lake yesterday. It was a great day for it and looks to be another sunny one today. That's one of the good things about retirement. You get to see a lot more of the good days!
58Familyhistorian
There is an independent bookstore near me! I went there for the first time today but I will be back. Also they will give me credit for my used books - bonus!
59msf59
Hi, Meg. Hooray for The Color Purple. I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope to revisit it, sometime this year. I have had The Wonder in the audio stacks for awhile. I like her work, so I don't understand the delay. Sighs...
Glad you are enjoying some nice weather. We are too!! Yah!
Glad you are enjoying some nice weather. We are too!! Yah!
60Familyhistorian
Hi Mark, I am glad that the Alice Walker book that I ended up with was The Color Purple. I found that The Wonder started slowly for me and I had a hard time with the long chapters but that shouldn't bother you on audio. In the end, though, I enjoyed the book.
Yay for good weather!
Yay for good weather!
61Ameise1
Oh, you get credit for your books? That sounds terrific.
Enjoy your warm day. Here it's rather cool but we should be back to better temps in the upcoming days.
Enjoy your warm day. Here it's rather cool but we should be back to better temps in the upcoming days.
62jnwelch
Happy Friday, Meg.
I'm glad you enjoyed Doomsday Book; I did, too. Our sci-fi-reading son thought it was longer than it needed to be, but it didn't strike me that way.
I'm glad you enjoyed Doomsday Book; I did, too. Our sci-fi-reading son thought it was longer than it needed to be, but it didn't strike me that way.
63Familyhistorian
>61 Ameise1: I haven't taken advantage of the ability to get credit for my books yet, Barbara. I have been dropping them off at the Little Free Library but I think that I will be taking advantage of both places for my book culls in the near future. I hope your weather warms up, ours seems to have cooled down a bit from the nice temperatures of yesterday.
64Familyhistorian
>62 jnwelch: Happy Friday to you to, Joe. Thanks again for mentioning Independent Book Store Day. I dropped in to my local one, Western Sky Books, for the first time yesterday. The owner and I must have chatted for a good half hour yesterday before another customer interrupted us. The store is close to my stomping grounds so I will be back.
I thought the Doomsday Book was a good length myself although I was worried about finishing it in time because I was working my way through 3 library holds on top of reading challenges at the same time.
I thought the Doomsday Book was a good length myself although I was worried about finishing it in time because I was working my way through 3 library holds on top of reading challenges at the same time.
65tymfos
>33 Familyhistorian: Hi, Meg! The DNA/genealogy element of this arrest caught my interest, too. I've read everything I can find with information about that.
The other interesting thing is the timing in relation to the recent posthumous release of I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, who had tirelessly investigated this case. It's #2 on the NYT Hardcover Nonfiction bestseller list.
The other interesting thing is the timing in relation to the recent posthumous release of I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, who had tirelessly investigated this case. It's #2 on the NYT Hardcover Nonfiction bestseller list.
66Familyhistorian
>65 tymfos: I was quite surprised when I heard that there was a genealogy angle to the arrest, Terri. Like you have read up on how DNA was used to track down the suspect. I didn't realize that this was the killer that I'll Be Gone in the Dark was about. I knew that McNamara had died before the book was finished. I guess I should have read the rest of the title so that I would have clued in.
67Familyhistorian
60. 
Slow Horses by Mick Herron
Thread warbling is wonderful for alerting me to good reads. I picked up the BB for Slow Horses from Mamie's thread and I think that she was made aware of the book by someone else in the 75ers.
Herron writes about the under dogs of the spy world in Slow Horses. They are relegated to Slough House when they have done the unforgivable or have gotten on the wrong side of those who are in power. Perhaps they are better off on the sidelines because in Regent's Park, where the real spy work is done, those in power are playing the game by their own rules.
When a young man is grabbed off the street and messages come over the internet that he is going to be beheaded, the Slow Horses are fixated enough that they actually talk to each other. Will this crisis bring them together, maybe even make them a team? Will they end up as casualties of this operation or will they save the day? Read it to find out. I am sure you will be glad that you did.
Slow Horses by Mick HerronThread warbling is wonderful for alerting me to good reads. I picked up the BB for Slow Horses from Mamie's thread and I think that she was made aware of the book by someone else in the 75ers.
Herron writes about the under dogs of the spy world in Slow Horses. They are relegated to Slough House when they have done the unforgivable or have gotten on the wrong side of those who are in power. Perhaps they are better off on the sidelines because in Regent's Park, where the real spy work is done, those in power are playing the game by their own rules.
When a young man is grabbed off the street and messages come over the internet that he is going to be beheaded, the Slow Horses are fixated enough that they actually talk to each other. Will this crisis bring them together, maybe even make them a team? Will they end up as casualties of this operation or will they save the day? Read it to find out. I am sure you will be glad that you did.
68susanj67
Happy new(ish) thread, Meg!
I'm #3 on 1 copy of Slow Horses in the elibrary. I think Charlotte discovered them first and we've all been trying to get them. Every review I've read is favourable :-)
>57 Familyhistorian: The lake looks lovely, and sounds like it would be a good place for rowers. We have the old docks near me, and there is a basin where they learn, before heading out onto the river. That would terrify me, but it's very popular.
I'm #3 on 1 copy of Slow Horses in the elibrary. I think Charlotte discovered them first and we've all been trying to get them. Every review I've read is favourable :-)
>57 Familyhistorian: The lake looks lovely, and sounds like it would be a good place for rowers. We have the old docks near me, and there is a basin where they learn, before heading out onto the river. That would terrify me, but it's very popular.
69PaulCranswick
>67 Familyhistorian: I don't think I have seen any negative review of this book, Meg. I really must go and take it off the shelves.
Have a lovely Sunday. xx
Have a lovely Sunday. xx
70BLBera
Another rave about Slow Horses - I must get to it soon.
71Familyhistorian
61. 
Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey by Madeleine Bunting
My interest in the Hebrides is, in a large part, because of my interest in genealogy. My family links to two of the larger islands, Islay and Skye. Unfortunately, Bunting did not cover those islands in her journey. She took a look at some of the smaller islands and Lewis, which can't be described as small.
The book is more than just an account of the present state of the islands, she looked at the history as well. There are many interesting tales to be told of the island culture and people. What is more problematic is the ownership of the land, islands often being sold from one wealthy man to another. In many cases the people, whose families had lived there for generations, were cleared because of one owners scheme or another. It was an intesting look at the land, the people and the history of the Hebrides.
Love of Country: A Hebridean Journey by Madeleine BuntingMy interest in the Hebrides is, in a large part, because of my interest in genealogy. My family links to two of the larger islands, Islay and Skye. Unfortunately, Bunting did not cover those islands in her journey. She took a look at some of the smaller islands and Lewis, which can't be described as small.
The book is more than just an account of the present state of the islands, she looked at the history as well. There are many interesting tales to be told of the island culture and people. What is more problematic is the ownership of the land, islands often being sold from one wealthy man to another. In many cases the people, whose families had lived there for generations, were cleared because of one owners scheme or another. It was an intesting look at the land, the people and the history of the Hebrides.
72Familyhistorian
>68 susanj67: I hope that Slow Horses comes in for you soon, Susan. It looks like it is the very good beginning to a fun series and I know how you like to start at the first book.
It is a very small lake, actually a re-purposed gravel quarry. That was the first time that I ever saw a bunch of boats out on the lake. I don't think I would feel very confident rowing on a large river either so I understand how you feel.
It is a very small lake, actually a re-purposed gravel quarry. That was the first time that I ever saw a bunch of boats out on the lake. I don't think I would feel very confident rowing on a large river either so I understand how you feel.
73Familyhistorian
>69 PaulCranswick: It is a very good book, Paul. Do you have the rest of the series as well? I think there are 5 books so far.
74Familyhistorian
>70 BLBera: Seems to me you have some reading time coming up, Beth. Why not put Slow Horses on your list to read?
75Familyhistorian
62. 
The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie
I discovered Agatha Christie's books so long ago that when I pick up one to read I am often not sure if I have read it so far in the past that I can't remember it. The Seven Dials Mystery was one where I didn't guess the plot right away. It was also one of Christie's thrillers, or more likely, spoofs of the thrillers that were popular in the inter-war period. In the background there is a secret society but who are the members and can their criminal plans be stopped before more young men end up dead? In true Christie fashion, the bad guy is not the one that was expected, or at least, this reader was surprised by the ending.
The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha ChristieI discovered Agatha Christie's books so long ago that when I pick up one to read I am often not sure if I have read it so far in the past that I can't remember it. The Seven Dials Mystery was one where I didn't guess the plot right away. It was also one of Christie's thrillers, or more likely, spoofs of the thrillers that were popular in the inter-war period. In the background there is a secret society but who are the members and can their criminal plans be stopped before more young men end up dead? In true Christie fashion, the bad guy is not the one that was expected, or at least, this reader was surprised by the ending.
76Familyhistorian
I am looking for some book recommendations for book club. My friend who got me into the club will be hosting the meeting this time. That means she has to come up with the next book to read. Her preferred reading is romances but that genre probably won't fly with the serious minded ladies in the group (everyone else). Can anyone recommend a fun book that won't disgust the serious readers? It should be something fairly popular so there will be copies in libraries.
Book recommendations needed
Book recommendations needed
77m.belljackson
>76 Familyhistorian:
The Reluctant Fortune-Teller by Keziah Frost and Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave were recent fun reading.
The Reluctant Fortune-Teller by Keziah Frost and Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave were recent fun reading.
78jnwelch
Both Gentleman in Moscow and Less: A Novel are fun but also catnip for serious readers, Meg. The latter just won the Pulitzer.
79jessibud2
Not new but a good book still: Ami McKay's The Birth House, though, in truth, I'm not really sure it could be called *fun*. For fun, how about pretty much anything by Bill Richardson, such as his very delightful Bachelor Brothers Bed & Breakfast. Also not new but probably available.
80katiekrug
What about something like Major Pettigrew's Last Stand which is a romance but not in the way most people think of them. It touches on issues of aging and prejudice, so I would think there would be some topics for discussion.
Note: I haven't actually read this book, but it's been on my shelf for ages, and I know a lot of people here loved it.
Note: I haven't actually read this book, but it's been on my shelf for ages, and I know a lot of people here loved it.
81Ameise1
>67 Familyhistorian: BB! I put it on my library list.
82m.belljackson
If your Reading Group loves dogs, THE HOUNDS OF SPRING would be a great choice!
83Familyhistorian
>77 m.belljackson: >82 m.belljackson: Thanks Marianne, those sound like fun suggestions. I agree The Hounds of Spring would be great but availability would be an issue.
>78 jnwelch: Good suggestions, Joe.
>79 jessibud2: Those sound like interesting reads, Shelley.
>80 katiekrug: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand sounds interesting from the descriptions, Katie. It sounds like a good one.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful suggestions!
>78 jnwelch: Good suggestions, Joe.
>79 jessibud2: Those sound like interesting reads, Shelley.
>80 katiekrug: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand sounds interesting from the descriptions, Katie. It sounds like a good one.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful suggestions!
84Familyhistorian
>81 Ameise1: Did I get you again, Barbara?
85msf59
Hi, Meg. We are in enjoying some gorgeous weather in the Midwest. Hallelujah! I have had a good couple of days birding too, with more to come next weekend.
Hope life is treating you well and you are getting plenty of reading in.
Hope life is treating you well and you are getting plenty of reading in.
86Familyhistorian
>85 msf59: Yay, for good birding weather, Mark. We are having a lovely couple of days here until we get more rain. *sigh* Looks like the weekend weather will be good, though.
Life is good and the reads are plentiful. I even cracked the covers on Tabloid City for the AAC.
Life is good and the reads are plentiful. I even cracked the covers on Tabloid City for the AAC.
87DeltaQueen50
Hi Meg, thanks the reminder about Slow Horses, I need to nudge that one a little higher on the list as it sounds like one that I will enjoy. We went to Queen Elizabeth Park yesterday and had brunch at the Seasons in the Park Restaurant. It was a fantastic day and the view was amazing. The mountains looked like you could reach out and touch them! Sometimes I forget what a lovely setting Vancouver has.
88Familyhistorian
>87 DeltaQueen50: Slow Horses is good, Judy, and I understand the other books in the series are good too. I think there are 5 so far. Queen E park would have been beautiful yesterday. I think that the reason we forget what a gem Vancouver is sometimes is that we are too busy looking down dodging rain puddles.
90vancouverdeb
Meg, I'd agree that Major Pettigrew's Last Stand would be good choice for your book group. I loved the book and while, yes, there was a gentle romance, it's just as Katie described. I think we can credit Charlotte with introducing us to Slow Horses , or at least that is where I first recall reading about the series. I've read the first two in the series.
As for Iona Wishaw, no I've not been able to find her book at my library. I discovered her last year , reading The Globe and Mail, which sang praises about her books. Of course , I can only read a book in series order, so I started with A Killer in King's Cove. I think it's very important to read them in order , because initially Lane, the main character is new to small town BC after wanting to leave the UK following WW11. There is a definite character development that happens with each book. Each book picks up right after the next. Happily , she has 5th book in the works, A Sorrowful Sanctuary.
Here is a link to her author page . I got my copies from amazon ca, but likely Indigo should carry them too.
http://www.ionawhishaw.com/books.html
As for Iona Wishaw, no I've not been able to find her book at my library. I discovered her last year , reading The Globe and Mail, which sang praises about her books. Of course , I can only read a book in series order, so I started with A Killer in King's Cove. I think it's very important to read them in order , because initially Lane, the main character is new to small town BC after wanting to leave the UK following WW11. There is a definite character development that happens with each book. Each book picks up right after the next. Happily , she has 5th book in the works, A Sorrowful Sanctuary.
Here is a link to her author page . I got my copies from amazon ca, but likely Indigo should carry them too.
http://www.ionawhishaw.com/books.html
91Familyhistorian
>89 Ameise1: Sorrynotsorry, Barbara.
92Familyhistorian
>90 vancouverdeb: Yes Major Pettigrew's Last Stand does sound interesting, Deborah. I sent along a list of some of the titles recommended to my friend. That was one of ones on the list I sent her and she gets to choose so we will see what she does.
I have A Killer in King's Cove in the stacks and the Vancouver library has some of the later books in the series. I am looking forward to starting the series. You are the one who made me aware of it in the first place and your review made me know that I needed the first book right away, but that didn't mean that I cracked the cover right away - there are so many books here waiting in limbo.
I have A Killer in King's Cove in the stacks and the Vancouver library has some of the later books in the series. I am looking forward to starting the series. You are the one who made me aware of it in the first place and your review made me know that I needed the first book right away, but that didn't mean that I cracked the cover right away - there are so many books here waiting in limbo.
93karenmarie
Hi Meg!
I'll be interested in hearing which book got chosen for your book club. A late recommendation would be A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux - a romance, time travel, historical tidbits.
I'll be interested in hearing which book got chosen for your book club. A late recommendation would be A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux - a romance, time travel, historical tidbits.
94Berly
>83 Familyhistorian: Hounds of Spring is available in paperback through Amazon and my book club is reading it this month!!
95Familyhistorian
>94 Berly: Hi Kim, The Hounds of Spring is only available through Amazon.com not Amazon.ca. I already looked. It makes it hard for my Canadian book club to get. Enjoy your read of it!
96Berly
Dang it!! Can you use Tupelo Press? They have it.
https://www.tupelopress.org/product/the-hounds-of-spring-2/
https://www.tupelopress.org/product/the-hounds-of-spring-2/
98Familyhistorian
>96 Berly: Tupelo Press and Amazon both have it in the US, Kim. It would be hard sell to get the members of the book club to order something from the US what with exchange rate and shipping costs - Canada doesn't have a book mail rate. Besides the book is to be read in the coming month so it would be doubtful that the book club members would get it in time. They tend to go for books which are popular enough to be available in libraries as well as for sale. But at least the shipping time from the US is not as bad as the 4 or 5 months it takes to get books from the UK. Sometimes I feel like we live at the end of the earth!
99Familyhistorian
>97 BLBera: Hi Beth. Actually as my friend is hosting the book clue meeting she gets to choose the book for the next month. It is up to her what we read. Her genre of choice is regency romance. I would be happy if she chose one of those kinds of novels, but the rest of the ladies are more serious readers so she didn't think that would fly which is why I supplied her with the names of some books. It will be interesting to see what she comes up with.
100Familyhistorian
Spotted ducklings on my walk today.
101thornton37814
Trying to get caught up. We submit proposals each year. They probably turn down at least 4 or 5 proposals for each one which is accepted, so you really never know. A lot of veteran speakers who usually get 4 slots were given only 2 this year. Some who usually speak were not selected. I think I will attend the next two regardless of whether I'm selected to present or not. The 2019 conference is in St. Charles, Missouri. The 2020 conference is in Salt Lake City. I suspect hotels will fill early for it. Most people will either go early or state late.
102Familyhistorian
>101 thornton37814: I hope you had a great time at the conference, Lori. It is interesting the way getting speakers for the conference happens. I haven't only heard things about the operating end of a small conference that has to lure speakers. Do the proposals that are accepted result in a general theme for the conference? The 2020 conference in Salt Lake City sounds interesting.
103EBT1002
>100 Familyhistorian: Yay! It's spring!
There is a fountain on the UW campus and every year they set up a ramp so the baby ducks can get out of the fountain if/when they get into it with their mom. Apparently, in the past there were issues with baby ducks getting into the fountain and not being able to get out again. I love seeing the ramp every spring.
There is a fountain on the UW campus and every year they set up a ramp so the baby ducks can get out of the fountain if/when they get into it with their mom. Apparently, in the past there were issues with baby ducks getting into the fountain and not being able to get out again. I love seeing the ramp every spring.
104Familyhistorian
>103 EBT1002: Ah, the rites of spring - that looks like a good one, Ellen. Have to help out the baby ducks. It is a lot bigger ramp than the ones I saw in the fountains in the Italian Garden in Hyde Park. I like the signage.
105EBT1002
I think the sign says something like "Ducks are already terrified of Huskies..." and then some.
The UW athletic teams are the Huskies. University of Oregon are rival Ducks. :-)
ETA: My new employer is the Cougars. Abby is happy that I will finally be working at a university with a feline as the mascot.
The UW athletic teams are the Huskies. University of Oregon are rival Ducks. :-)
ETA: My new employer is the Cougars. Abby is happy that I will finally be working at a university with a feline as the mascot.
106Familyhistorian
>105 EBT1002: Ha, I see they are trying to get people's attention through their sense of humour. That is often a good way to go. I am sure that Abbey would appreciate a Cougar over a Huskie. LOL
107vancouverdeb
Cute little ducklings, Meg. I've been seeing ducklings and fledglings on my walks lately too.
>98 Familyhistorian: the 4 or 5 months it takes to get books from the UK. Sometimes I feel like we live at the end of the earth! Oh , I know, Meg. I ordered a book via Abe's books and purposely chose a bookseller in the USA. I paid $7.50 US for shipping. It was supposed to arrive on or before April 24th. Well, of course it has not arrived. I contacted the bookseller, who told me " their partner supplier' lost the book in transit. I'l bet anything that the " partner seller " is in the UK. sigh. The seller asked me if I would prefer a refund or for them to resend the book. I emailed them to say ; refund please. However, they replied that they had sent another book and it should be with me in 3- 4 days. Hmm. I'm waiting til perhaps next Monday and then I will contact Abe books itself and ask for a refund from the bookseller. In the unlikely event that it should actually arrive,I'd be delighted. But I really have my doubts.
>98 Familyhistorian: the 4 or 5 months it takes to get books from the UK. Sometimes I feel like we live at the end of the earth! Oh , I know, Meg. I ordered a book via Abe's books and purposely chose a bookseller in the USA. I paid $7.50 US for shipping. It was supposed to arrive on or before April 24th. Well, of course it has not arrived. I contacted the bookseller, who told me " their partner supplier' lost the book in transit. I'l bet anything that the " partner seller " is in the UK. sigh. The seller asked me if I would prefer a refund or for them to resend the book. I emailed them to say ; refund please. However, they replied that they had sent another book and it should be with me in 3- 4 days. Hmm. I'm waiting til perhaps next Monday and then I will contact Abe books itself and ask for a refund from the bookseller. In the unlikely event that it should actually arrive,I'd be delighted. But I really have my doubts.
108thornton37814
>102 Familyhistorian: The call for proposals gives speakers an idea what tracks are being developed. It is important to follow those. Usually one or two tracks are regional. The others are things like BCG skillbuilding, methodology, DNA, etc. DNA lectures are quite popular. Some of them filled rooms. They put additional chairs in one room but still had to turn people away. It will be interesting to see what tracks are selected for Salt Lake City because it will probably draw quite well from everywhere.
109evilmoose
Yay, more people starting the Slough House series! I'm surprised by how low the numbers are for the books on LibraryThing, it's definitely a series that deserves more readers.
110Familyhistorian
>107 vancouverdeb: It's frustrating, isn't it, Deborah. I don't remember it being this bad in the past. I used to order books from the UK and US all the time and didn't have problems receiving them.
Ha, we are becoming birders. I see you bought Birds of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest the same day I did.
Ha, we are becoming birders. I see you bought Birds of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest the same day I did.
111Familyhistorian
>108 thornton37814: Ah, they come up with the themes and then ask for speakers with related topics. That makes sense, Lori. I wonder if they will have as many regional tracks in SLC.
112Familyhistorian
>109 evilmoose: Slow Horses seems to be active on the threads, Megan. Hopefully the numbers for the series will increase quickly.
113vancouverdeb
Mark has altogether too much influence on us, Meg! At least you probably purchased your book at a discount at Costco, whereas I found mine at Indigo Spirit books. But I'm pleased that I purchased it. I agree, I'm not sure what has happened with Canada Post over the past??? year to 18 months. I recall some years ago books arriving from the UK in a timely fashion.
114Familyhistorian
>113 vancouverdeb: Yes, the Mark's fault tag gets overworked, I think. I am happy with the bird book as I have used it to identify a bird already. They probably tried to streamline something at Canada Post, Deb. Obviously, it didn't work very well.
115jessibud2
>113 vancouverdeb:, >114 Familyhistorian: - To receive UK books via Abes, I guess you two need to move to Toronto! ;-)
116Familyhistorian
>115 jessibud2: Hmm, live in Toronto and not close to Vancouver. I think I will do without the books first, Shelley. LOL
117EBT1002
I recently purchased a copy of Slow Horses but I have not yet read it. I can't remember whether I packed it in one of the book boxes or if it's still out where I can put my paws on it.
118Familyhistorian
>117 EBT1002: Ah, the joys of moving, Ellen. I can remember putting most of my books in storage to stage my last house when it was put on sale. It was hard to remember where any of the specific books were. One of the first things I did when I moved in to the new place was to buy bookshelves and set up my library. It was like seeing old friends again.
119Familyhistorian
It was book club last night. We discussed The Wonder although only half of us had read it - two of the members had the wrong book name. The next book will be 800 Grapes. They had already read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.
I am up bright and early this Saturday morning as I will be walking over to PoCo to participate in the May Day Parade. I am in it this time so won't be on the sidelines taking photos. We are dressed up in athletic gear to promote PoCo Heritage's sports exhibit.
I am up bright and early this Saturday morning as I will be walking over to PoCo to participate in the May Day Parade. I am in it this time so won't be on the sidelines taking photos. We are dressed up in athletic gear to promote PoCo Heritage's sports exhibit.
120Familyhistorian
Setting up for Port Coquitlam's May Day Parade.
That's the trolley that follows us in the parade. There will be trolley tours of downtown after the parade.
That's the trolley that follows us in the parade. There will be trolley tours of downtown after the parade.
121johnsimpson
Nice photos Meg my dear.
122Familyhistorian
PoCo Heritage was at the front of the parade this time so I got to see some of the tail end and take some photos.
124johnsimpson
Looks like a good time was had my dear.
125vancouverdeb
Looks like you enjoyed your day, Meg. Nice sunny day for a parade. Richmond holds it's Salmon Festival and Parade on Canada Day. It's so busy we rarely go lately. I think I did bump into it last year while out walking the dog. It was later in the day and some of the crowds had moved out.
126Familyhistorian
>124 johnsimpson: It was fun and perfect weather for a parade, John. I hope that you and Karen are having a great weekend with good weather.
127Familyhistorian
>125 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. It was a great day for a parade. The PoCo May Day Parade has been taking place since the 1920s. Hmm, I wonder if they had horse drawn floats? There is plenty of space for people to camp out on a piece of sidewalk to get a good view.
128vancouverdeb
Interesting thought, whether the PoCo May Day Parade might have had horse drawn floats? I checked and the Richmond / Steveston Canada Day Salmon Festival began in 1945 here. It used to be the Steveston Salmon Festival, but in the past few years, the City of Richmond has focused all of its Canada Day Festivals in Steveston, so it's gotten that much busier. But it has been very busy for many years. They have free buses and shuttles in and out of Steveston during the Salmon Festival. For some years they had a really cool display of the hovercraft in the Fraser River and the Pacific Ocean, but sadly I think that the hovercraft are too busy with real calls to participate in recent years. Steveston is busy nearly every weekend once the weather gets nice . There are we " locals' but plenty of people come in for the restaurants and sights etc, and apparently at least one tour bus drops people off in Steveson for the day on the weekends. Apparently the whale watching tours plus dinner afterwards are very popular with Vancouver tourists. I had not even realized that , until someone else mentioned it to me. A whale tour is far too scary for the likes of me. No thanks to zipping out on the open water in a zodiac or not so big boat . BC Ferries is my kind of boating :-)
.
.
129Familyhistorian
63. 
Tabloid City by Pete Hamill
I read Pete Hamill's Tabloid City for the AAC. The story played out on one day in New York where the tabloid The World was on its last legs as news publishing went from print to digital. The action involved murder and what appeared to be a terriorist attack. But was it? Hamill drew the threads of the story together in a loose weave, just enough to keep the reader warm on the cold New York winter day.
Tabloid City by Pete HamillI read Pete Hamill's Tabloid City for the AAC. The story played out on one day in New York where the tabloid The World was on its last legs as news publishing went from print to digital. The action involved murder and what appeared to be a terriorist attack. But was it? Hamill drew the threads of the story together in a loose weave, just enough to keep the reader warm on the cold New York winter day.
130Familyhistorian
>128 vancouverdeb: I remember visiting Steveston once many years ago. It was in the summer and even then seemed too busy for me. I can just imagine what it is like now. Crowds kind of take the enjoyment out of it, I think. Whale watching seems to be a big thing, Deb. I have never been out there looking for whales although I do enjoy being out on the water - larger vessels are more my thing but I did go out on a smaller boat once and we sank it! (Close to shore so no biggy and it was well covered by insurance.) When I was in my teens I also learned to sail on the St Lawrence (you had to have a tetanus shot before going out on the lake.) I can remember the boat capsizing and we righted it again. Hmm, I guess I am good with small boats too.
131vancouverdeb
My dad used to own a boat and take us out on the water. He was a bit of a daredevil on the water, I think. I can remember being out on the middle of the ocean and my dad daring me to jump off the boat ( and I did ) . He kept the boat moored at Point Roberts, but earlier on I think he also had a boat we launched from McDonald Beach in Richmond and headed out to the Gulf Islands. It was magical in a way, but also kind of scary. I didn't mind canoeing with my husband in smaller lakes when we were younger. The worst experience I had was renting a small aluminum boat out of False Creek and we headed out under the Lions Gate Bridge . The tidal currents were really bad underneath the Lions Gate Bridge and we started taking on water and the engine sputtered out. We were coming very close to the rocks along Stanley Park. My BIL said - we'll be okay, I'm a policeman and my husband said " we'll be okay , I'm a mechanic." My sister advised me to close my eyes as she was doing. Well, I opened my eyes and had to the sense to call for help from a larger boat that towed us to safety. Men. At least I had the sense to call for help. But that was pretty scary .
132Familyhistorian
>131 vancouverdeb: That sounds pretty scary, Deb. But I think it was a matter of who you were with and where they took the boat rather than the size of the boat that was the problem.
133vancouverdeb
It was scary and yes, I think that going beneath the Lions Gate Bridge was a bad choice in retrospect. Ironically, it was the rental place at False Creek that recommended it was fine to go under the Lions Gate from False Creek. My husband had puttered up and down the Sunshine Coast in little aluminum boats in his teens , since that is where he lived. Given that larger boat was able to tow us to safety, I definitely think that size of boat was big factor. I think that same boat accompanied us back underneath the bridge as when we turned around to go back.
When you get waves coming over the side of the boat and swamping the motor, that's a problem :-)
When you get waves coming over the side of the boat and swamping the motor, that's a problem :-)
134Familyhistorian
>133 vancouverdeb: When you get waves coming over the side of the boat and swamping the motor, that's a problem :-) I think you got that right, Deb. Have a great Mother's Day!
135PaulCranswick
Thanks for the vivid photos, Meg. May Day looks fun in your part of the world.
Have a glorious Sunday. xx
Have a glorious Sunday. xx
136msf59
Happy Sunday, Meg! Hooray for the ducklings. I saw vast armies of goslings the past couple of days. Never fails to put a smile on my face.
I am glad you enjoyed Tabloid City. I have not cracked the covers, since Thursday, but I hope to read a little today, although I have other tasks to do too.
I am glad you enjoyed Tabloid City. I have not cracked the covers, since Thursday, but I hope to read a little today, although I have other tasks to do too.
137Familyhistorian
>135 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, I think the photos are vivid because of the sun. It was a glorious day. Have a wonderful week or, at least, one that works out well.
138Familyhistorian
>136 msf59: You must be home now if you are catching up with chores, Mark. I hope the weather improved a bit for the end of your birding trip.
Tabloid City is a good one to read a little at a time because of its structure.
Tabloid City is a good one to read a little at a time because of its structure.
139Familyhistorian
64. 
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson
Larson captures the feel of Chicago at the end of the 19th century in his story of how the city won the right to stage the 1893 World's Fair. There was limited time to come up with plans to upstage the last World's Fair – you know, the one that resulted in the Eiffel Tower.
The scramble to get things done was portrayed very well. Intertwined with that tale was an account of the murderous career of H.H. Holmes who was operating close to the fair and took advantage of the mass of people who were drawn to Chicago by the fair's attraction.
How Holmes took advantage of people who trusted him was chilling. He was responsible for the deaths of lots people, many of them women. Society at the time was not used to someone who killed for the sheer pleasure of it. They seemed to be more used to accidental death. The amount of people who died planning, constructing or visiting the fair was staggering.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik LarsonLarson captures the feel of Chicago at the end of the 19th century in his story of how the city won the right to stage the 1893 World's Fair. There was limited time to come up with plans to upstage the last World's Fair – you know, the one that resulted in the Eiffel Tower.
The scramble to get things done was portrayed very well. Intertwined with that tale was an account of the murderous career of H.H. Holmes who was operating close to the fair and took advantage of the mass of people who were drawn to Chicago by the fair's attraction.
How Holmes took advantage of people who trusted him was chilling. He was responsible for the deaths of lots people, many of them women. Society at the time was not used to someone who killed for the sheer pleasure of it. They seemed to be more used to accidental death. The amount of people who died planning, constructing or visiting the fair was staggering.
140Familyhistorian
On Sunday I went to see the opening ceremony for our historical plaques.
Nearby there were Morris dancers.
Nearby there were Morris dancers.
141jnwelch
Hi, Meg. The PoCo Heritage parade looks like a fun time; thanks for posting the pics.
Maybe I missed it - what were the historical plaques for?
Devil in the White City is a terrific book, isn't it. I'm glad you got a lot out of it.
Maybe I missed it - what were the historical plaques for?
Devil in the White City is a terrific book, isn't it. I'm glad you got a lot out of it.
142Familyhistorian
>141 jnwelch: Hi Joe, the plaques (there are 17 of them) are called "The Continuum" and are about the history of Port Coquitlam. They were designed by volunteers from PoCo Heritage in collaboration with the Kwikwetlem First Nation and the City of Port Coquitlam. The plaques are placed along the trail on the Port Coquitlam side of the Coquitlam River. You're right, I didn't explain them before. Aren't you glad you asked?
I have like all of the Erik Larson books I have read. It is so interesting how he is able to meld a couple of historic tales together to make such an interesting whole. While I was reading the book I heard a few references to H.H. Holmes in other media which was interesting. Now I knew what they were talking about.
I have like all of the Erik Larson books I have read. It is so interesting how he is able to meld a couple of historic tales together to make such an interesting whole. While I was reading the book I heard a few references to H.H. Holmes in other media which was interesting. Now I knew what they were talking about.
143jessibud2
>142 Familyhistorian: - After I read the Larson book (this was my first), I was so taken with the story, and its Toronto connection, near the end, that I immediately went downtown to the Toronto Reference Library to request the microfiche of the newspapers of the day, so I could see the actual reporting. It was fascinating. Some things were surprising (the full names and home addresses of the jury members were published in the paper!), some, not so much (an all-male jury, for one thing, and the paparazzi and gawkers, as the mother of those children got off the train at Union Station).
Larson is a really excellent storyteller, isn't he?
Larson is a really excellent storyteller, isn't he?
144Familyhistorian
>143 jessibud2: I was surprised by H.H. Holmes connection to Toronto, Shelley. Somehow you never think that something like that happened in Canada. Old newspaper are very interesting, especially the details that they publish about people.
I really enjoy Larson's books.
I really enjoy Larson's books.
145Familyhistorian
65. 
Walking With Ghosts by J.G. Goodhind
In the second book in the Honey Driver mystery series the action opens with a ghost walk in Bath in the pouring rain. It's not one of Honey's preferred entertainments but she is out with one of her hotel's long time residents. She finds it hard to keep up with the group. So does one of the other group members who lags far behind and ends up in an old building, murdered. Honey has to find out what happened with the help of her police beau, the rough around the edges, Steve Doherty.
This was another fun outing for this Bath based series.
Walking With Ghosts by J.G. GoodhindIn the second book in the Honey Driver mystery series the action opens with a ghost walk in Bath in the pouring rain. It's not one of Honey's preferred entertainments but she is out with one of her hotel's long time residents. She finds it hard to keep up with the group. So does one of the other group members who lags far behind and ends up in an old building, murdered. Honey has to find out what happened with the help of her police beau, the rough around the edges, Steve Doherty.
This was another fun outing for this Bath based series.
146BLBera
Nice pictures, Meg. The Hammil sounds like one I would enjoy. Onto the list it goes. I love the pipes and drums and bands of all kinds in parades -- my favorite part.
147rosalita
I'm in complete agreement with you about Erik Larson, Meg. I've enjoyed every one of his books. In re Devil in the White City, apparently one of Meghan Markle's distant relatives is claiming that their family is descended from H.H. Holmes! Of course, the story was in one of the UK tabloids, so take it all with a grain of salt. I feel sorry for her as her relatives seem to be rather a trial.
148Familyhistorian
>146 BLBera: It's good to have rousing music in a parade. Unfortunately, there was no music near us when we were actually in the parade. Tabloid City was very good. I'm sure you will enjoy it when you get to it, Beth, but aren't you supposed to be reading Irish books right now?
149Familyhistorian
>147 rosalita: Did H.H. Holmes have descendants? It seemed that everyone close to him died. Meghan Markle relatives seem to be epitomizing the tacky behaviour that is expected of less than noble relatives. It must be very hard for her to strike the right tone when dealing with them with constant press scrutiny on her.
The Erik Larson books are good ones, Julia. Have you read very many? I also read Isaac's Storm and Thunderstruck and have Dead Wake waiting in the wings.
The Erik Larson books are good ones, Julia. Have you read very many? I also read Isaac's Storm and Thunderstruck and have Dead Wake waiting in the wings.
150m.belljackson
>147 rosalita: >149 Familyhistorian:
Meghan Markle's uninvited family want their own 15 minutes of fame
at the expense of poisoning her beautiful day.
Meghan Markle's uninvited family want their own 15 minutes of fame
at the expense of poisoning her beautiful day.
151Familyhistorian
>150 m.belljackson: Even the invited family seem to want to get in on the fame.
152rosalita
>149 Familyhistorian: Isaac's Storm was the first Larson I read and it made me want to read more. Since then I've read all of his narrative nonfiction — the only one besides the ones you mentioned already is In the Garden of Beasts about Nazi Berlin before the start of WWII. The one book of his that I haven't been able to find anywhere is Lethal Passage: The Story of a Gun; none of the libraries I frequent have it available. I may need to ILL it.
153Familyhistorian
>152 rosalita: My library doesn't have Lethal Passage: The Story of a Gun either. He also wrote something called The Naked Consumer: How Our Private Lives Become Public Commodities which seems like it would be even more relevant today although he wrote it in 1992. Good luck finding his gun book, Julia.
154Familyhistorian
66. 
Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson
I enjoy historical mysteries. Anatomy of Murder is set in London in the 1780s. The amateur sleuths are an anatomist, Gabriel Crowther and a woman of the middle classes, Harriet Westerman. Together they bring brains and knowledge to the solving of crimes, something which is lacking in this age of magic and credulity. In this case the pair look into murder in the theatre, where all is not as it seems.
The mystery seemed a bit slow going but I got a good sense of the times.
Anatomy of Murder by Imogen RobertsonI enjoy historical mysteries. Anatomy of Murder is set in London in the 1780s. The amateur sleuths are an anatomist, Gabriel Crowther and a woman of the middle classes, Harriet Westerman. Together they bring brains and knowledge to the solving of crimes, something which is lacking in this age of magic and credulity. In this case the pair look into murder in the theatre, where all is not as it seems.
The mystery seemed a bit slow going but I got a good sense of the times.
155msf59
Happy Wednesday, Meg. Glad you enjoyed The Devil in the White City. I have read all of his books, and like Julia, started with Issac's Storm. My least favorite is In the Garden of Beasts, but it is still not a bad read. Larson is a favorite NNF author.
I should wrap up Tabloid City tomorrow. Good stuff. I am happy I went with this one.
I should wrap up Tabloid City tomorrow. Good stuff. I am happy I went with this one.
156BLBera
>154 Familyhistorian: I read a couple of these, Meg, and agree the historical part was really well done.
>148 Familyhistorian: Yes, I am reading John Boyne right now.
>148 Familyhistorian: Yes, I am reading John Boyne right now.
157Familyhistorian
>155 msf59: Did you read the one about guns that Julia mentioned, Mark? I also started with Isaac's Storm which seems to be the start of his most popular books. He wrote a few nonfiction books before that, at least according to a Google search that I did.
Tabloid City was very well done.
Tabloid City was very well done.
158Familyhistorian
>156 BLBera: I think that the historical part was the best part of the book, Beth. I hope that the John Boyne is putting you in the mood for Ireland!
159karenmarie
Hi Meg!
I love the photos of the May Day Parade and historical plaques.
Larson's good, no doubt about it. I've been reading his books this year and really get caught up in them.
I love the photos of the May Day Parade and historical plaques.
Larson's good, no doubt about it. I've been reading his books this year and really get caught up in them.
160Familyhistorian
>159 karenmarie: You can't beat a parade on a sunny day for colourful pictures. So Mother Nature definitely lent a hand with those photos. Unfortunately, our sun seems to be in hiding today and I even had to wear a jacket when I went out.
Larson really had a knack for bringing the stories to life, doesn't he Karen? I really like where narrative nonfiction is going these days.
Larson really had a knack for bringing the stories to life, doesn't he Karen? I really like where narrative nonfiction is going these days.
161Familyhistorian
67. 
The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy Kong
Casey Holland works security on the transit buses of Vancouver. She has to be tough for her job but it is harder to keep up that front in her personal life. When the police contact her about her father's death, the father that she buried a few years before, she isn't content to let them investigate. She needs to know what is happening, who was the man that she buried? Was that her father or is the man who lived in ritzy West Vancouver really her father who never let her know he was alive for the last few years?
It was an interesting mystery that was closer to the investigator than most. It was also great to read about places that I know so I could picture the action better.
The Opposite of Dark by Debra Purdy KongCasey Holland works security on the transit buses of Vancouver. She has to be tough for her job but it is harder to keep up that front in her personal life. When the police contact her about her father's death, the father that she buried a few years before, she isn't content to let them investigate. She needs to know what is happening, who was the man that she buried? Was that her father or is the man who lived in ritzy West Vancouver really her father who never let her know he was alive for the last few years?
It was an interesting mystery that was closer to the investigator than most. It was also great to read about places that I know so I could picture the action better.
162Familyhistorian
The latest view of the ducklings. I think the mother? is an American Black duck or hybrid. Apparently the American Black will breed with Mallards. Who knew?
163msf59
>157 Familyhistorian: No, I had not even heard of Lethal Passage. Interesting...
Happy Saturday, Meg. Yah, for the American Black duck & ducklings. I have seen one here but they only pass through or a few winter here.
Happy Saturday, Meg. Yah, for the American Black duck & ducklings. I have seen one here but they only pass through or a few winter here.
164thornton37814
Catching up over here. Love the ducklings photos. Echoing all the positive comments about Larson's writing. He knows how to tell an engaging true story.
165Familyhistorian
>163 msf59: I was surprised to see a black duck, Mark. I thought it would be the same adult and brood as in >100 Familyhistorian: which looks to be a female mallard. Maybe the latest photo is of dad and those are the same three chicks?
I found a few Larson nonfiction books that were published prior to Isaac's Storm. There was one published in 1992 called The Naked Consumer: How Our Private Lives Become Public Commodities. Looks like it was the start of the slippery slope back then.
I found a few Larson nonfiction books that were published prior to Isaac's Storm. There was one published in 1992 called The Naked Consumer: How Our Private Lives Become Public Commodities. Looks like it was the start of the slippery slope back then.
166Familyhistorian
>164 thornton37814: Erik Larson's books are very engaging, Lori. I wonder how he knows which narratives to narrow in on? Pairing the story of the Chicago World's Fair with that of H.H. Holmes was inspired and really gave the flavour of the times.
167Familyhistorian
68. 
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
LT expands my reading horizons. Without a challenge, I doubt that I would have read Graham Greene's The Quiet American.
The book was set in Vietnam in the 1950's prior to American involvement in the war. The narrator was Fowler, a cynical middle-aged English foreign correspondent, and tells the story of Fowler's mistress, Phuong, and his new acquaintance, the American Pyle. It was the story of the eternal triangle juxtaposed with a tale of the early days of American influence in Vietnam.
While the story of the main characters carried the story along, the idealism and certainty of Pyle seemed to typify the American attitude at the beginning of their entry into the ongoing conflict. At the same time the other combatants and Fowler, who wrote about them, showed the weariness and cynicism of those who had been floundering through the conflict for the past age. Seen through that lens, the ending seemed almost inevitable.
The Quiet American by Graham GreeneLT expands my reading horizons. Without a challenge, I doubt that I would have read Graham Greene's The Quiet American.
The book was set in Vietnam in the 1950's prior to American involvement in the war. The narrator was Fowler, a cynical middle-aged English foreign correspondent, and tells the story of Fowler's mistress, Phuong, and his new acquaintance, the American Pyle. It was the story of the eternal triangle juxtaposed with a tale of the early days of American influence in Vietnam.
While the story of the main characters carried the story along, the idealism and certainty of Pyle seemed to typify the American attitude at the beginning of their entry into the ongoing conflict. At the same time the other combatants and Fowler, who wrote about them, showed the weariness and cynicism of those who had been floundering through the conflict for the past age. Seen through that lens, the ending seemed almost inevitable.
168ronincats
Hi, Meg! Been a while since I've visited due to being sick, but it looks like you've been active in both outdoor activities and reading! Morris dancers play a part in Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books.
ETA: I've replaced the picture source for that last photo on my thread, so hopefully you can see it now.
ETA: I've replaced the picture source for that last photo on my thread, so hopefully you can see it now.
169Familyhistorian
>168 ronincats: Hi Roni, I can see the photo of the boys now. The Morris dancers are colourful, aren't they? I have never seen them before. Another thing that I have never done is read any of Pratchett's books. I should remedy that some time.
170Familyhistorian
69. 
The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie
I picked up The Man in the Brown Suit shortly after I read The Grand Tour, an account of the promotional tour that Archie and Agatha Christie's took while they were still together. No, it wasn't to promote Agatha's writing it was to promote British trade (I think). Anyway the leader of the tour group was the inspiration for Sir Eustace Pedler, one of the characters in this latest book.
This was a Christie novel without a set amateur detective leaving the writer free to more closely involve her heroine in the action which involved murder, of course, but she also explored new lands and experiences. I wonder if Christie saw some of herself in the heroine, Anne? She got her to try out surfing, something that Christie herself enjoyed.
This was a rollicking good tale which saw the intrepid heroine traveling from dismal England to sunny Africa. Along the way she had some adventures and came close to being killed. There was also some romance. In short, the story contained all of the requisite ingredients for a good read.
The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha ChristieI picked up The Man in the Brown Suit shortly after I read The Grand Tour, an account of the promotional tour that Archie and Agatha Christie's took while they were still together. No, it wasn't to promote Agatha's writing it was to promote British trade (I think). Anyway the leader of the tour group was the inspiration for Sir Eustace Pedler, one of the characters in this latest book.
This was a Christie novel without a set amateur detective leaving the writer free to more closely involve her heroine in the action which involved murder, of course, but she also explored new lands and experiences. I wonder if Christie saw some of herself in the heroine, Anne? She got her to try out surfing, something that Christie herself enjoyed.
This was a rollicking good tale which saw the intrepid heroine traveling from dismal England to sunny Africa. Along the way she had some adventures and came close to being killed. There was also some romance. In short, the story contained all of the requisite ingredients for a good read.
171Ameise1
>145 Familyhistorian: Oh dang, another series. My library has got most of them but unfortunately I would have to travel to fetch them at different braches. Ok, I put it onto to list.
Wishing you a good start into the new week.
Wishing you a good start into the new week.
172thornton37814
>170 Familyhistorian: I picked up a Boris Akunin book for the MysteryCAT, but seeing your Agatha Christie makes me wish I'd thought about that one. Mine is also a cruise.
173charl08
>161 Familyhistorian: Sounds good - I love 'international' (ha - non-British) crime, so adding it to the wishlist.
>170 Familyhistorian: Also sounds good - I didn't think there were any Agathas left that hadn't been filmed, but this seems completely unfamiliar.
>170 Familyhistorian: Also sounds good - I didn't think there were any Agathas left that hadn't been filmed, but this seems completely unfamiliar.
174karenmarie
Hi Meg!
>170 Familyhistorian: I've read The Man in the Brown Suit but don't remember much about it. I have The Grand Tour on my shelves. Maybe I should give it a go...
>170 Familyhistorian: I've read The Man in the Brown Suit but don't remember much about it. I have The Grand Tour on my shelves. Maybe I should give it a go...
175jnwelch
I remember enjoying The Man in the Brown Suit, as I have virtually all of hers, Meg, but you're inspiring me to re-read it. I didn't know Agatha enjoyed surfing! She's full of surprises.
176Familyhistorian
>171 Ameise1: Did I get you again, Barbara? I often find books that I want at different branches of one of the libraries that I use. I just put a hold or reserve on them and they show up at the branch that I use. Would that work with your library system?
Today we start the week with a holiday, Victoria Day, so it is getting off to a good start. Have a great week!
Today we start the week with a holiday, Victoria Day, so it is getting off to a good start. Have a great week!
177Familyhistorian
>172 thornton37814: I had wanted to read The Man in the Brown Suit for a while, Lori, and the Mystery Cat was a perfect excuse. Christie wrote a few with a transit theme, mostly train travel, though. I hope you enjoyed the Boris Akunin. I haven't heard about that writer before.
178Familyhistorian
>173 charl08: International crime sounds funny when I can picture the streets where that one takes place, Charlotte.
It is strange that The Man in the Brown Suit hasn't been filmed but then again, maybe not so strange given that a lot of the action takes place in Africa at a time that may be hard to portray in a pc way. It is a good one that I enjoyed a lot more for having read The Grand Tour: Around the World with the Queen of Mystery.
It is strange that The Man in the Brown Suit hasn't been filmed but then again, maybe not so strange given that a lot of the action takes place in Africa at a time that may be hard to portray in a pc way. It is a good one that I enjoyed a lot more for having read The Grand Tour: Around the World with the Queen of Mystery.
179Familyhistorian
>174 karenmarie: I was glad to have read The Grand Tour before reading The Man in the Brown Suit, Karen. It brought Christie's writing process closer to me in a way.
180Ameise1
>176 Familyhistorian: Yep, I can do that too but have to pay extra which isn't a small amount.
181Familyhistorian
>175 jnwelch: There are pictures of Agatha with her surfboards in South Africa and Hawaii in The Grand Tour, Joe. I got more out of The Man in the Brown Suit having read about Christie's real life adventures first. Has Becca read The Grand Tour?
182Familyhistorian
>180 Ameise1: You have to pay for your holds? That's too bad. Ours are all part of the service which makes things so much easier. I hope that the other libraries are in interesting places.
183jnwelch
>181 Familyhistorian: I know Becca has read Agatha bios, Meg, but I don't know about The Grand Tour. I'll ask her.
184Familyhistorian
>183 jnwelch: If she hasn't, I think she would enjoy it.
185msf59
Happy Monday, Meg. I can say that to my retired pals. Good review of The Quiet American. I have been meaning to get to that one, along with a few other Greene titles.
186Berly
Hi Meg! Love all your duck photos and congrats on the unveiling of the historical plaques. I haven't read Christie's THe Man in the Brown Suit, but I am due to read another one of hers. Thanks for the nudge!
187Familyhistorian
>185 msf59: Thanks Mark. Monday was a stat holiday for Victoria Day so your greeting would have worked even if I was still working. The Quiet American was my first Greene and I was impressed.
188Familyhistorian
>186 Berly: Hi Kim, thanks re the duck photos and the historical placques. The Man in the Brown Suit is a very good Christie, written while she was still young and optimistic before her divorce. There was no Poirot or Miss Marple just a young heroine getting herself in hot water. Lots of action!
189Familyhistorian
70. 
The Detective's Daughter by Lesley Thomson
It took me a while and two tries to finish The Detective's Daughter. I guess I wasn't in the mood for it the first time around.
Stella's father, DCS Darnell retired from the police force with one outstanding cold case on his record. When he dies Stella finds out that he has been working away at the case in an unofficial capacity. Ridden with guilt for not being close to her father, Stella feels compelled to take up the case he was working on. After she starts to track the clues two men enter her life, Jack and Ivan. Were either of them involved in the crime she is trying to solve? Will she be able to find out the truth?
Once I gave the story a chance, it turned into a compelling read.
The Detective's Daughter by Lesley ThomsonIt took me a while and two tries to finish The Detective's Daughter. I guess I wasn't in the mood for it the first time around.
Stella's father, DCS Darnell retired from the police force with one outstanding cold case on his record. When he dies Stella finds out that he has been working away at the case in an unofficial capacity. Ridden with guilt for not being close to her father, Stella feels compelled to take up the case he was working on. After she starts to track the clues two men enter her life, Jack and Ivan. Were either of them involved in the crime she is trying to solve? Will she be able to find out the truth?
Once I gave the story a chance, it turned into a compelling read.
190DeltaQueen50
Hi Meg, we are home again and we had a great time. We were in Port Townsend, Washington for their Rhody Festival and got to watch their small parade, it was great fun. They also had a little fair that reminded me of my younger days when I actually enjoyed rides like the Octopus and the Ferris Wheel. We walked around and munched on cotton candy and enjoyed the local sights. Because we limited our driving to only a few hours at a time, we had a lot of time for relaxing, reading, exploring these small towns and even a few beach walks.
191Familyhistorian
>190 DeltaQueen50: It sounds like you had a great trip, Judy. I hope that you feel relaxed and rested now that you are back.
192Familyhistorian
>77 m.belljackson: A big thank you, Marianne, for your suggestion of Eight Hundred Grapes for book club. I liked it and it my friend who recommended it is enjoying it too. We will have to wait to see what the rest of the book club members think.
193Familyhistorian
71. 
Eight Hundred Grapes Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
Georgia's future was planned, that was until the day she was trying on her wedding dress and saw her fiance through the window. He was walking down the street with a beautiful woman and a little girl. Something was wrong, especially when the little girl called him “Daddy”. Georgia ran all the way back to California wine country, where she grew up, where her family still lived. Showing up unexpectedly, she found that her family were at odds with each other. Her parents were breaking up and selling the vineyard that she called home.
That's how Eight Hundred Grapes started. The novel explored an emotion packed time as Georgia and those around her explored what they really wanted. It wasn't only Georgia's relationship with her fiance that was in jeopardy, most of the people in her family were at odds so it was anybody's guess which people would end up as couples by the end of the story.
Eight Hundred Grapes Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura DaveGeorgia's future was planned, that was until the day she was trying on her wedding dress and saw her fiance through the window. He was walking down the street with a beautiful woman and a little girl. Something was wrong, especially when the little girl called him “Daddy”. Georgia ran all the way back to California wine country, where she grew up, where her family still lived. Showing up unexpectedly, she found that her family were at odds with each other. Her parents were breaking up and selling the vineyard that she called home.
That's how Eight Hundred Grapes started. The novel explored an emotion packed time as Georgia and those around her explored what they really wanted. It wasn't only Georgia's relationship with her fiance that was in jeopardy, most of the people in her family were at odds so it was anybody's guess which people would end up as couples by the end of the story.
194Familyhistorian
I am in the throes of getting ready for a research trip which involves lots of pre-trip research to search out venues as well as getting myself up to speed on the family lines that I hope to find info on. It's an interesting exercise but time consuming especially as I am doing that at the same time as blog posts for the time I am away. So, of course, now is the time that people start contacting me to get together for social stuff. Why is that? Have the stars aligned?
195Familyhistorian
72. 
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
There is nothing like a good Julia Quinn to liven up my reading. The Duke and I is labelled the First Bridgerton novel. It was a good one.
The Duke and I by Julia QuinnThere is nothing like a good Julia Quinn to liven up my reading. The Duke and I is labelled the First Bridgerton novel. It was a good one.
196Familyhistorian
Oh, I forgot to mention I am also rearranging my library to fit in more books. Maybe I am my own worst enemy?
197jessibud2
>196 Familyhistorian: - Ha! Sounds so familiar! I do that, too. It's one of the reasons I try so hard not to buy hard cover books (not always successful at that, though, especially if they are a really good sale price). They take up too much room! Also, if I can find an audiobook version of something I have on my physical shelf, I grab it, just so I can remove the book from the shelf in order to slide in one from the piles on the floor. Ahem... ;-)
198Familyhistorian
>197 jessibud2: I only really sort out my nonfiction books and a lot of those tend to be hard covers but even the soft cover ones take up a lot of room. They can be heavy too when they have lots of pictures and glossy pages. The fiction pretty much has to fend for itself. I don't do audiobooks, information doesn't stick with me unless it is visual - that was a challenge at work! I have weeded out a few duplicates - why do they change the name of books when the content is exactly the same?
199jessibud2
I rarely if ever purchase audiobooks because of the expense. I think I only own 3. The library is a wonderful source for those. But yes, the *discovery* of duplicates never fails to make me roll my eyes. The different titles, I've learned, often have to do with publishers, usually British vs American, for example. It still doesn't make much sense to me, but it happens. I remember reading a terrific book by Simon Winchester and it sounded awfully familiar. I googled and discovered that it was the same book I had read not long before that but under a different title.
When I find duplicates on my shelves, it's often the same book, filed on different shelves. I think that's worse!
When I find duplicates on my shelves, it's often the same book, filed on different shelves. I think that's worse!
200Familyhistorian
>199 jessibud2: I know about the American vs British titles, especially for Agatha Christie mysteries. I didn't know that there was a title switch on a Winchester but I can remember tracking down one of Bryan Sykes' books for years, "Blood of the Isles: Exploring the genetic roots of our tribal history" only to find out once I received it in the mail that it was the same book as Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland which was already on my shelves. Very frustrating.
201Familyhistorian
I saw this people powered vehicle as I walked around my home city today. They were all cycling to propel it down the street. It is a Heart and Stroke Foundation vehicle.
It would probably have been more my speed after the scary drive I had today. I was heading across the bridge to Surrey and accelerating to get onto the bridge at freeway speeds when my gas pedal jammed. Not fun. Fortunately, it unjammed by the time I got to the end of the bridge. It seems that the mat on the driver's side had shifted forward and pressed down on the gas pedal when I pushed it down.
202jessibud2
>201 Familyhistorian: - Yikes, scary!! Thank goodness it sorted itself out without incident!
203DeltaQueen50
Wow Meg, the bridge traffic is scary enough without a jammed gas pedal! Thank heavens it was sorted out quickly. I am reading a "Bridgerton" novel by Julia Quinn right now as well - they make great escape reading!
204Familyhistorian
>202 jessibud2: It got my heart going, Shelley. I had no idea what was wrong with my car and I was going about 100 k.
205Familyhistorian
>203 DeltaQueen50: Well at least it was Saturday morning so it wasn't that crowded but having the gas pedal jam at a high speed was not the greatest, that's for sure. The "Bridgerton" novels are good escapist fare, aren't they Judy.
206Carmenere
Happy Sunday, Meg! Looks like a lot of good reading going on around here. I also love the pics of your town and duck photos.
Eek! stuck gas pedal is terrifying. Glad it unstuck and turned out it wasn't a mechanical problem but a mat problem.
Eek! stuck gas pedal is terrifying. Glad it unstuck and turned out it wasn't a mechanical problem but a mat problem.
207msf59
Morning, Meg. Happy Sunday. Scary about the stuck gas pedal. Glad it had a happy ending. Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Very warm here but lots of blue sky and sunshine.
208Familyhistorian
>206 Carmenere: Hi Lynda. I hope you are having a great weekend. I spend a lot of time walking around here so see lots of stuff to capture with my phone camera.
It was really good to find out what caused the sticking gas pedal especially as I had to drive home after that! It was scary while the pedal was stuck because I was going freeway speeds.
It was really good to find out what caused the sticking gas pedal especially as I had to drive home after that! It was scary while the pedal was stuck because I was going freeway speeds.
209Familyhistorian
>207 msf59: Happy Sunday back at you, Mark. It was very scary at the time it was happening, that's for sure. I can see how it could have turned into a nasty accident if I had panicked. The weekend is going well and busily as I am preparing to go on a trip.
210Familyhistorian
73. 
To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey
I love a good Inspector Grant mystery and Tey once again delivered in To Love and Be Wise. A handsome young American photographer, Leslie Searle, has taken up residence in a well-to-do family home with a lot of loosely connected family members. Was he there to drive a wedge between Walter and Liz, the neglectful finance and his intended? The two men were ostensibly working together on a book until Searle disappeared. Was Searle murdered?
This was another good mystery from Josephine Tey.
To Love and Be Wise by Josephine TeyI love a good Inspector Grant mystery and Tey once again delivered in To Love and Be Wise. A handsome young American photographer, Leslie Searle, has taken up residence in a well-to-do family home with a lot of loosely connected family members. Was he there to drive a wedge between Walter and Liz, the neglectful finance and his intended? The two men were ostensibly working together on a book until Searle disappeared. Was Searle murdered?
This was another good mystery from Josephine Tey.
211johnsimpson
Hi Meg my dear, I am getting back around the threads again after being busy in the garden. The weather has been very good so I have taken full advantage of this, we have been busy decorating Amy's old bedroom this Bank Holiday weekend and should finish it tomorrow. Karen is off work now until the 4th of June and after she has had a meet up with her best friend Tina on Tuesday we should get a couple of date days and go off to the coast as long as the weather holds up.
Hope you are well my dear and are having a really good weekend, sending love and hugs from both of us dear friend.
Hope you are well my dear and are having a really good weekend, sending love and hugs from both of us dear friend.
212RebaRelishesReading
>201 Familyhistorian: Yikes!! That's really scary. Maybe perhaps that map should find a new home?
213Familyhistorian
>211 johnsimpson: Hopefully you have good weather all the days that Karen is off, John. It sounds like you are off to to a good start.
214Familyhistorian
>212 RebaRelishesReading: The mat is standard equipment for the vehicle, Reba. I am just going to make sure that it is in place before I drive away from now on.
This topic was continued by Familyhistorian's Bookish Thread part 6.
