Berly's Books Chapter One

Hoping to hit the slopes this year!!

For those of you who don't know me, I am a mom of 3, married to a great guy (he introduced me to LT) and besides books, I love TKD, working in glass, and chocolate. I have had an eclectic "career" in nerve regeneration research, advertising, the NBA, and editing. Now I work with my husband cleaning industrial processed water and stormwater, getting it up to EPA standards. I do the marketing and the financial stuff.

There are more books coming in than going out and I am making but a small dent in the TBR piles; I haven't given up hope yet though! I can't because books are everywhere. Some are under the window in my bedroom, some are stacked by my night table, in the study, downstairs in the bookcases, and then there is the Kindle....I know you all understand. Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way. ; )

Reading Now
Becoming (448 pages) by Michelle Obama
Pavillion of Women (K) by Pearl S. Buck
How To Be A Woman (A) by Catilin Moran
and
These Truths (960 pages) by Jill Lepore
Four-month Group read, thread here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/301417

Soon...
A Ladder to the Sky (384 pages) by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
Start without Me by Joshua Max Feldman, ARC
The Mars Room with Twin
January-- Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
March--The Sympathizer with Twin and Ellen
June--Pachinko With Twin and Ellen

Read in January / ? pages / ? total read
1. The Curse of Tenth Grave (A) (353 pages) by Darynda Jones 4.0

⭐️ Favorite(s) of the month
Masterpiece 5.0
Stunning 4.5
Excellent 4.0
Very Good 3.5
Good 3.0
Average 2.5
Eh 2.0
Don't Bother 1.5
Bad 1.0
Anathema 0.5

A=Audio
L=Library
GN=Graphic Novel
IR=Indiespensable Readers
K=Kindle
LT=LibraryThing Early Reviewer

RL Book Club #1 ✅
February - Becoming by Michelle Obama
April - The Library Book - Susan Orlean
June - In the Midst of Winter - Isabel Allende
August - The Immortalist - Chloe Benjamin
October - There There - Tommy Orange
December - Choose books!!

RL Book Club #2
January - Becoming by Michelle Obama
February -
March -
April -
May-
October -
November -

Longer Plans for Reading

I am hoping these challenges will help me choose books I already own. ✅



1. Author uses middle name or middle initial
2. Debut novel
3. Book about/featuring siblings
4. Read a book bullet (meaning another LT member inspired you to read it)
5. Book mentioned in another book you have read
6. Topic or character related to medicine/health
7. Animal on cover/in title/plays a significant role
8. Book with an artistic character
9. Eastern European author or setting
10. Children’s/YA book, or reread a childhood favorite
11. Alliterative title
12. Part of a series -- The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones 4.0
13. Read a CAT
14. Prize-winning book
15. Weather (title contains a weather word, or book involves/centers around a weather event)
16. Short stories or essays
17. Book made into a movie
18. Fairy tale (classic or reworked)
19. Graphic novel
20. Main title has 6 or more words in it
21. Cover has at least two human figures
22. Book in translation ~ Blessed are Those Who Thirst by Anne Holt
23. Food-related title or topic
24. Book has an LT rating of 4.0 or more
25. Title contains a homophone word ~ Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens



Color Challenge
Black -
Brown -
Green -
Yellow -
Blue -
Purple -
Pink -
Grey -
Metallic -
Orange -
Red -
White -

And for color backup, Travic McGee by John D. MacDonald (thanks Joe!)



Alphabet Challenge
A -
B -
C -
D -
E -
G -
H -
I -
J -
K -
L -
M -
N -
O -
P -
Q -
R -
S -
T -
U -
V -
W -
X -
Y -
Z -



Powell's Indiespensable Readers Challenge

Hubby signed me up for this. Over the years I have received 77 installments, but I haven't read all the books yet. Not even close! In an effort to catch up -- I want to read 12 this year. The complete list (such as it is) can be found here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/301060#

1. A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne, #77
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

And I can't forget the mysteries...



January - Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
February - Fatal Remedies by Donna Leon
March - Preacher by Camilla Lackberg
April - Friends in High Places by Donna Leon
May - Stone Cutter by Camilla Lackberg
June - Sea of Troubles by Donna Leon
July - Gallows Bird alternate title Stranger by Camilla Lackberg
August - Willfull Behavior by Donna Leon
September - Hidden Child by Camilla Lackberg
October - Uniform Justice by Donna Leon
November - Drowning by Camilla Lackberg
December - Doctored Evidence by Donna Leon



I am trying to read more off my shelves, but I also can't resist new books. We'll see how I do!! I seem to manage to read around 50% of my newbies.

2017 47/85
2018 45/88
2019 0/13

New books
1. Becoming by Michelle Obama, G*
2. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (Thank you, SS Paul!) G*
3. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith (Thanks, SS Paul!) G*
4. A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
5. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
6. How To Be A Woman by Caitlan Moran* (Crazy & Katie's Fault) AC*
7. Rock Needs River: A Memoir About a Very Open Adoption by Vanessa McGrady AP*
8. Smoke and Summons (Numina Book 1) by Charlie Holmberg AP*
9. Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk: A Novel Kathleen Rooney
10. Nerve by Dick Francis (Thank you Mamie!) G*
11. Happiness by Aminatta Forna (Thank you Paul!) G*
12. Self-Care for the Self-Aware by Dave Markowitz
13. Empathipedia by Dave Markowitz

* = Free (which means I didn't buy it so I don't have to feel guilty!)
G=Gift
I=INDIESpensable
AC=Audible monthly credit
AP=Amazon Prime Kindle Read

✅ = read

This Year's Favorites

Favorites from 2018:
Fiction
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Queen of the Tearling (the whole series! -- done) by Erika Johansen
First Grave on the Right (the whole series!!) by Darynda jones
Beartown by Fredrick Backman
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Hounds of Spring by Lucy Andrew Cummins

Non-Fiction
We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Series I want to continue...

#10 Charley Davidson by Darynda Jones
#6 The Deepest Grave Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham
#4 Lethal White Cormoran Strike by Robert Galbraith
#1 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
#4 E...by Sue Grafton
#6 Jodi Taylor
#4 The Chronicles of Kazam by Jasper Fforde, 2019??
#10 Charlie Davidson series by Darynda Jones
#2 THe Masked City by Genevieve Cogman
#8 Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde
#2 The Rule of Many by Leslie and Ashley Saunders

And another list to work on...The Pulitzers!

As of 1/1/2019, ✅ 19 read

2018 - Less
2017 - Underground Railroad ✅
2016 - The Sympathizer
2015 - All the Light We Cannot See ✅
2014 - The Goldfinch ✅
2013 - The Orphan Master's Son
2012 - NO AWARD
- Swamplandia - Nominee ✅
2011 - A Visit from the Goon Squad
2010 - Tinkers
2009 - Olive Kitterridge
2008 - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
2007 - The Road ✅
2006 - March
2005 - Gilead
2004 - The Known World
2003 - Middlesex
2002 - Empire Falls
2001 - The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay ✅
2000 - The Interpreter of Maladies
1999 - The Hours
1998 - American Pastoral
1997 - Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer
1996 - Independence Day
1995 - The Stone Diaries ✅
1994 - The Shipping News ✅
1993 - A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain
1992 - A Thousand Acres
- My Father Bleeds History (Maus) (Special Awards & Citations - Letters)
1991 - Rabbit at Rest
1990 - The Mambo Kings
1989 - Breathing Lessons ✅
1988 - Beloved ✅
1987 - A Summons to Memphis
1986 - Lonesome Dove ✅
1985 - Foreign Affairs
1984 - Ironweed
1983 - The Color Purple ✅
1982 - Rabbit is Rich
1981 - A Confederacy of Dunces
1980 - The Executioner's Song ✅
1979 - The Stories of John Cheever
1978 - Elbow Room
1977 - NO AWARD
1976 - Humboldt's Gift ✅
1975 - The Killer Angels
1974 - NO AWARD
1973 - The Optimist's Daughter
1972 - Angle of Repose ✅
1971 - NO AWARD
1970 - The Collected Stories of Jean Stafford
1969 - House Made of Dawn
1968 - The Confessions of Nat Turner
1967 - The Fixer
1966 - The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter
1965 - The Keepers of the House
1964 - NO AWARD
1963 - The Rivers
1962 - The Edge of Sadness
1961 - To Kill a Mockingbird ✅
1960 - Advise and Consent
1959 - The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters
1958 - A Death in the Family
1957 - NO AWARD
1956 - Andersonville
1955 - A Fable
1954 - NO AWARD
1953 - The Old Man and the Sea ✅
1952 - The Caine Mutiny ✅
1951 - The Town
1950 - The Way West
1949 - Guard of Honor
1948 - Tales of the South Pacific
1947 - All the King's Men
1946 - NO AWARD
1945 - A Bell
1944 - Journey in the Dark
1943 - Dragon's Teeth
1942 - In This Our Life
1941 - NO AWARD
1940 - The Grapes of Wrath ✅

Welcome back!

Hi Jim! Thanks so much for getting us set up again this year. You are the best!

For being #1, your very own space mobile!!

Hi Kim, just dropping my star off and hope to be a more regular visitor this year.

Hi there - just dropping off a star for now.

Happy 2019! Wishing you a great reading year!

>11 johnsimpson: Hi there, John! Thanks for starring me. I look forward to seeing you around.

>12 SuziQoregon: Hi Juli! I'll take your star anytime! Best wishes for the new year. : )

>13 ChelleBearss: Thank you! And I wish the same for you!

Welcome back, Kim. You worked with the NBA??

I'm guessing power forward... 😀

>15 lindapanzo: Hi! Thanks for popping in. Yes, I have a somewhat eclectic resume. LOL. I was the Community Relations Manager and Executive Director of the 501C3 foundation for the MN Timberwolves. Surprised? : )

>16 drneutron: Ha! I did play with them once (along with some other staffers), for fun, and I actually ran BETWEEN their legs. Serves them right for being so tall.

>17 Berly: You've done so many different things that I would say no, not surprised.

Just setting up my thread and will gradually create tickers etc here and in the 2019 category challenge threads.

Happy New Year Thread!

>19 lindapanzo: Dang. I thought for sure I'd get you with that one. : )

I'll look for your thread.

>20 quondame: Hi and welcome!! Love that star.

Ah. Berly. I see you've joined us. Good, good.

>22 richardderus: : )

*waves from a quiet corner*

>24 AuntieClio: Stephanie!!! So nice to see you here. Make a habit of it, will you? : )

Hi Kim! Stopping by to wish you a fabulous reading year ahead and to leave a star.

>26 lkernagh: All stars gratefully accepted. Thanks! I wish you the same.

I was going to post a picture of "stars in a basket" but when I googled I came up with this...

and this

What the heck?? The First: "Creatures of the Deep: Basket Star | Ocean Today
This creature was found 1800 feet deep in the ocean. It's called a Basket star. This extraordinary invertebrate has a mass of twisting and turning arms that can measure a meter long. Each branch has tiny sharp hooks, allowing the creature to capture prey. It feasts mainly on zooplankton."

The Second: Basketball shoes. LOL

Basket stars are weird critters, no?

Stopped by to drop my star and wish you good luck with the TBR and say thank you for the reminder about the Kindle. I think there are some hidden gems on mine that may meet a few of the challenges I'm taking on.

Happy new thread! Starred, of course!

>28 richardderus: Most peculiar. And their are 5-armed and 10-armed critters.

>29 witchyrichy: Pleasure to see you here! Good luck with the challenges and have fun while you're at it. : )

>30 mstrust: Yay! Still waiting to see where we are going on your thread....

Star dropped, see you in 2019

>32 mahsdad: Yay! You haven't given up on me. I am so far behind on the threads. Sigh. Wishing you happy holidays!

*Starred*

Signing up for 2019, Kim.

Dropping off my star although I'm going to wait another day or so to start my 2019 thread.
Happy New Year, my friend!!!

>34 katiekrug: Yay!
>35 charl08: Yay!
>36 EBT1002: and Yay!

Celebrating my oldest's Bday tomorrow. Then I can think about New Years. : )

>1 Berly: - Since you have a career in nerve generation research, Kim, you want to see if you can regenerate the nerve in my right arm so that I can hold books properly again? This thing is killing me :)

Happy 2019!!

>38 alcottacre: Hello there!! This is exciting. : )

As to the nerve regeneration research... the substrate I was investigating for my boss turned out to be a disappointment. And I moved on after two years. Tracing fluorescent dendritic growth under a microscope in a dark room by myself was not fun.

I am sorry the arm is still not cooperating. I hope we get to see a bit more of you in 2019. I have missed you sorely. Here's to 2019!!! Big hugs.

Hope you are enjoying birthday brunch!

>40 witchyrichy: Thank you! It went very well. We had 10 people and tons of food. Opened presents and played a few games. My daughter seemed very happy so I think it was a success. And the dishes are done and the food put away, so now I can play. ; )

I'm going in to the office tomorrow, the last day of 2018. I plan to walk over to the campus bookstore, hoping they have a copy of These Truths for sale. If not, I'll order it so I can join in for the January - April group read. Thanks for hosting us!

Hi Kim! Happy New Year!

Love your set up, I will definitely being checking your progress.

>39 Berly: Thanks, Kim. It is nice to be missed, but I am really hoping that 2019 is a much better year for me - on a ton of levels - and that I get to spend more time with my LT friends because I have sorely missed everyone here too!

Have a Happy New Year, Kim!

Happy new thread and happy new year, Kim! You're looking might organized here! Good luck with your challenges!

Happy reading in 2019, Kim!

>43 The_Hibernator: Happy 2019!! What a great year you have ahead of you! Wishing you lots of sleep. LOL

>44 Kristelh: Hi and welcome! I look forward to seeing what you are up to, too. Happy reading.

>45 alcottacre: Sending you lots of good juju so all your 2019 wishes come true!!

>46 mstrust: Ha! I like the way you think. Can't wait to see what choices we make.

>47 Carmenere: This setup seemed to work pretty well for me last year. I am not really following the color or Alphabet challenge, because they choose what one to read in what month and I want more flexibility, but I love to head over there for suggestions. Also I am using them to read books OFF my shelves, not go out and buy more, LOL. I can do that all on my own. : )

>48 FAMeulstee: Absolutely, and the same to you!

Using books I read in 2018...

Describe yourself: Educated

Describe how you feel: Digging In

Describe where you currently live: Howl's Moving Castle

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Invisible LIbrary

Your favorite form of transportation: Riding the Bus with My Sister

Your best friend is: The One and Only Ivan Actually it's Walt, my hubby!

You and your friends are: Ten Women

What’s the weather like: The Coming Storm

You fear: A Brand New Catastrophe

What is the best advice you have to give: Search Inside Yourself

Thought for the day: Start Without Me

How I would like to die: Lethal White

And I'd like to be buried in the First Grave on the Right

My soul’s present condition: Lullaby

I just received my latest Powell's INDIEspensable book box from my hubby and it sounds like a good one!



A Ladder to the Sky and The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

"Irish novelist John Boyne has been on our radar for years with such works as the searing young adult bestseller The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2006) and, more recently, the masterful epic The Heart’s Invisible Furies (2017), which The Times Sunday Review described as “nothing less than the story of Ireland over the past 70 years.” Known for his ambitious narratives, Boyne shines a spotlight on ambition itself in his new book, A Ladder to the Sky. The suspenseful multi-act novel follows the trajectory of Maurice Swift, a writer whose life mission is to reach the pinnacle of literary glory. Employing a colorful mix of narrators and points of view, Boyne paints a portrait of a dangerous, amoral man who, aided by his striking good looks, quick wit, and knack for manipulation, finds success by exploiting other people’s talents in increasingly despicable ways. A Ladder to the Sky is as much about the characters that Maurice destroys on his way to the top as it is about the villain of the novel, and their tragic stories linger with us long after Maurice himself has abandoned them. With jabs at creative writing programs, the publishing world, and the literary elite, nothing is sacred in Boyne’s darkly humorous tour de force — we found ourselves laughing and gasping in equal measure."

“Skillfully constructed, and above all, compulsively entertaining…The finest novel of the year.” — The Irish Examiner

“A Ladder to the Sky is clever, chilling and beautifully paced; a study of inner corrosion that Patricia Highsmith herself could not have done better… wickedly astute.” — The Times (London)

The Group Read of These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore is up and running! Come visit...

https://www.librarything.com/topic/301417

>52 Berly: My local library actually has one of those books, The Heart's Invisible Furies, so I am going to have to give it a try at some point. I loved Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

>54 alcottacre: Stasia-- Here you are again! Oh, I am loving these visits. : )

I totally enjoyed The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, too! That's why I am so excited about this latest Boyne.

>55 quondame: To you and all my fellow LT friends:



Happy New Year's Eve!!

>51 Berly: Howl's Moving Castle, eh? Remind me not to accept any dinner invitations from you!

Happy New Year!

>58 laytonwoman3rd: I couldn't really find a good answer amongst last year's reads. Do you like Monsoon Mansion, The Dead House, Killman Creek or The Gray House better? LOL

>59 EBT1002: Happy New Year!! How was the office today? Do you feel entitled to a day off tomorrow now?

Hi Kim. I'm late to your new thread but it is now starred!

>51 Berly: - Fun! :-)

>61 jessibud2: You cannot possibly be late! It is still New Year's Eve here!! Glad to see you. ; )

TOTALLY taking Tuesday off! I will start my new thread, read a bit, perhaps go for a walk, watch the Rose Bowl.
Back to work on Wednesday so I will immerse myself wholeheartedly in New Years Day as a holiday.

There are already sounds of celebration in the neighborhood so it may not be an early night although I'm heading for bed. It's going on 10pm, after all! 😎

>63 EBT1002: Nighty night! Sleep well and enjoy tomorrow OFF! Happy New Year! : )

Happy New Year, Twin!

>65 BLBera: Happy New Year, Twin!

Happy New Year, Kim! My goodness, you are so organised here! I love the idea of the subscription box, and I also loved A Ladder to the Sky when I read it recently. You're in for a treat :-)

Hope you had a great New Year's Eve!

Happy first day of 2019. I like the works of John Boyne, so I am adding A Ladder to the Sky

I wish you from my heart a healthy 2019 filled with happiness, satisfaction, laughter and lots of good books.

This is ridiculous - you're almost ready to start a new thread!

Happy new year! May it be filled with wonderful books. Got you starred!

Happy New Year! Following your thread :)

>67 susanj67: You've already read A Ladder to the Sky? Man, you are ON it! Glad you liked it. I plan to start it today, along with Becoming and These Truths.



**These Truths Four-month Group read, thread here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/301417

>68 ChelleBearss: I had a very nice New Year's Eve. Very low key. Fell asleep before the kids got home at some very ungodly hours, and I made it until 2am!!

>69 Whisper1: I have only read one of Boyne's before, but The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was a winner, so I have high hopes. Happy first day of the New Year!

>70 Ameise1: Ah, I love that. Thank you so much and I wish the very same for you. : )

>71 BLBera: Sorry?! LOL. Happy New Year, Twin!!

>72 figsfromthistle: Happy to see you and gladly accept your star. See you around!

>73 vikzen: Welcome, Victoria! I like your LT name and I am totally jealous--are you really from the Caribean? Sigh of envy.

>76 Berly: thanks for the compliment! And yep, I'm from Barbados, ever been? A steady 27-32 degrees all year round, hot as hell as we speak. Cool pic at the top of your thread! I hope to see snow one day (maybe next year in Canada), until then, I'll stick to the beaches. Hope you get to the slopes soon!

>77 vikzen: Barbados is on my bucket list! I love beaches, and swimming, and scuba diving. Hubbie likes to surf (he lived in CA for a while). So someday, for sure! In the meantime, I didn't make it to the mountain last year, so definitely this year. The question is: Ski or Board?

>77 vikzen:, >78 Berly: Mrsdrneutron and I will be in Barbados next week for a few days! Taking our first vacation in about 3 years now that my spacecraft is launched and working well.

>79 drneutron: I used to like you. : P

>80 Berly: 😀

>78 Berly: You'll love it here then! We've got a nice surf scene here too. I know nothing about snow or mountains but board sounds fun! haha

>79 drneutron: Oh how nice! Visited here before? We might be able to meet for a beverage if you are so inclined :) Congrats on the spacecraft!

>82 vikzen: Our first time. We're staying at a hotel on the west side, right on the beach. I'd love to meet up for a drink - let me figure out a good time and private message you.

>82 vikzen: >83 drneutron: You two know it's not nice to keep torturing me on my own thread, right? LOL. Send me a note...

>84 Berly: Hee hee hee! Sorry not sorry! 😀

Happy 2019! Dropping my star, wishing you a good year, reading or skiing, or snowboarding!

>86 EllaTim: Thank you! And may the books be kind to you this year of 2019!!

Happy 2019
A year full of books
A year full of friends
A year full of all your wishes realised

I look forward to keeping up with you, Kimmers, this year.

>88 PaulCranswick: There he is!! Happy New Year, Paul. I hope this year allows you more free time (which translates in my POV to LT time!). Best wishes for a wonderful 2019. Hugs to you and yours.

Hi Kim. I hope to have lots of time for reading, and for visiting threads. I thank you for your presence on my 2018, even though there were long periods of time when I was MIA.

Here's to health and happiness in the year 2019. Last night as we watched the ball come down over the craziness of New York City, Will said, "How about it, I never thought I would live this long!" My immediate reply was, and I'm glad you did. He is having a heart caterizatuiion mid January and I think he is concerned. He doesn't share much, usually I go by knowing him and his patterns. The cardiologist suspects he may need open heart surgery. It is my time to watch over and take care of him. He was always so very present during my eight surgeries.

You are an inspiration to me. You are in pain so often, yet you don't let that stop you from doing the things you love, including a black belt! Incredible!

I have added A Ladder to the Sky to my wish list, as well. I so loved The Heart's Invisible Furies.

Struggling to enjoy this last day of my vacation. I'm anxious about work, depressed about it, UGH. I'm usually such a happy person, I really hate this spell I've been experiencing of late.

But. I've already finished one book this year and I plan to read at least the introduction of These Truths (I'm going to stop touch stoning that) this evening. I'm also watching the UW Huskies play badly in the Rose Bowl. Good thing I don't root for them any longer! :-D

Happy New Year, Kimmers and Happy New Thread. Looking forward to sharing another year of books with you! Sorry, I thought I had stopped by earlier. Looking forward to your thoughts on A Ladder to the Sky. It is high on my TBR list. I am starting Becoming tomorrow.

Happy New Year Kim. I plan to read something, anything by John Boyne this year. I may be the only person left on earth yet to read him.

>93 brenzi: - No, that would be me, Bonnie ;-)

looking forward to following your reading, etc, in 2019!

Dropping off my star, Kim!

Happy first thread of the new year, Kim. I'm looking forward to following along with your LT threads this year and, of course, the These Truths reading group.

Happy New Year Kim! And happy new thread!



Wishing you and your family the best for 2019.

Happy New Year Kim. Just plumping my cushion.

Checking in again, Kim. I do not want you to miss me too much! LOL

Happy New Year, Kim!

>90 Whisper1: Linda--I am at a loss for words. YOU are the one who inspires ME...all the time. You are continually of good cheer and thoughtful of others, despite your ongoing pain and surgeries. I hope retirement is agreeing with you and I wish you and Will the very best as you try to conquer your individual health issues. Hope to see LOTS of you around here this year!! Hugs. : )

>91 EBT1002: Ellen--Luckily I have both The Ladder to the Sky and The Heart's Invisible Furies now! If I could just find some reading time...

I read the Intro of These Truths and I am into the first chapter. Love all the comments over on the thread already--yay!

Sorry work is stressing you out. I hope the New Year brings renewed excitement and joy.

Sorry about the Huskies. The Ducks won, although it wasn't pretty.

>92 msf59: Mark--We are thinking along the same book lines again!! I'll trade notes with you. : )

>93 brenzi: >94 katiekrug: Bonnie and Katie--That just means you two have more John Boyne to look forward to!! Now get going... : )

>95 banjo123: Rhonda--Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing your reads and hopefully a Powell's visit or two.

>96 ronincats: Hi Roni!! Happy New Year. Way to drop a star! LOL

>97 Familyhistorian: Hello, Meg! I am looking forward to your thoughts on These Truths, historian that you are.

>98 humouress: Nina--Oh, a beach would be so nice right now! Oh well. At least it is not raining today. Happy New Year! Glad to see you here and I look forward to seeing what books are on your thread.

>99 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline--That cushion is getting a lot of mileage!! LOL. Glad you have brought it here. I look forward to seeing more of you anf if you ever forget the cushion, I have some spares....

>100 alcottacre: Stasia--You are so thoughtful!! Thanks. My day is better already.

>101 kidzdoc: Darryl--Happy New Year! I am ready for you to hit me with books and recipes!

You only *thought* you hated >85 drneutron: He's ***ALSO*** visiting Guadeloupe while squiring his good lady about the Bahamas. You know, the locale of shooting Death in Paradise...and that's just...I mean...ooohhh!!!

*smooch*

>106 Berly: I do like to be comfy for book chat Kim. Can't see your cushions to see if I want to swap though...

>108 richardderus: You really know how to rub it in, sir. Good thing you followed up with a smooch! ; )

>109 Caroline_McElwee: >106 Berly: Huh. I can see them on my thread. Oh well, you get the idea. I want you to be comfortable when you visit!

>110 Berly: I can see them now, very nice. Thank you.

Happy New Year Kim!!

I also started Becoming today. I'm listening to the audio and I'm loving it already. So glad I got tickets to see her when she's in town next month.

I am definitely looking forward to A Ladder to the Sky. I loved The Heart's Invisible Furies so much.

Hang on... you're a snowboarder? This is terrible, I had no idea!

Powell's, did someone say Powell's?

I found my copy of The Heart's Invisible Furies. I need a better system for my books.

>112 SuziQoregon: I also got a tix to see Michelle Obama when she is here-- I am really looking forward to hearing her. I have to finish Becoming before I can climb A Ladder to the Sky, but its a definite soonish read.

>113 evilmoose: Why is snowboarding terrible?! LOL. I took up boarding when my oldest decided she wanted to give it a try. I am still a better skier (black diamond), but I can do small jumps, 360s and go downhill either foot forward on the board (blue hills are better).

>114 BLBera: Yes, I need to go soon. Not to buy, but to purge! Well, okay, then I would have a credit at Powell's and THEN I could buy. : )

All my books that are acutally shelved are in good order. It's just the piles everywhere that give me trouble! LOL Glad you found the Boyne book.

So, I saw a meme asnwer on EllaTim's thread and it just fit my day today perfectly: "Thought for the Day: Just one Damned Thing After Another." My day today was just like that. For example, first thing in the morning, while parking in a lot, the woman in front of me decided to suddenly back up. I honked to let her know I was there, but she just kept coming and actually ran into me. Why? Because she wanted me to back up so she could get a spot, but there was a car behind me and I had nowhere to go!! Grrr. My car was fine, but hers has a dent. It kinda went like that all day. Sigh.

Hi Kim, stopping by to star your thread. I hope today is a better day than yesterday. I can't believe that woman actually did that to your car!

>115 Berly: That's awesome that you can snowboard so well! Nate and I took lessons many years ago and not only could I not snowboard, I also could not manage to get off the ski lift without knocking over a group of teenage girls. Doh!

>116 Berly: That is just so crazy! Glad you escaped without a dent. Hoping today is better for you.

Happy reading in 2019 Kim

Hi Kim!

Happy new year! Your threads are always a lot of fun, so I plan on visiting often. I wish you a great year of reading, working in glass, TKD, and consumption of mass quantities of chocolate. Also, I hope you have a year of good health.

>2 Berly: I’ll be participating in the These Truths group read as soon as the book arrives – I just used the last of my Christmas money to buy it. Sigh. Already I’m buying new books in 2019.

>116 Berly: Gads, she actually ran in to you to get you to back up? I’m glad your car didn’t get dented. I could be nice and say I’m sorry hers did…

Ha! She got what she deserved, but you did not deserve the brain stress she put you through!

>115 Berly: Heh, snowboarders are just fun to make fun of. I've always been a telemarker (free the heel, free the mind!), which just means that everyone makes fun of me too. Plus whenever you're out with snowboarders, they're always having to strap back in at the top of the lift (come on, it's a powder day, hurry up!), or messing around with split boards in the backcountry (although having said that, I've been out with very competent snowboarding friends who are easily faster and stronger with transitions than some skiers). I've tried it too, back when I worked at a ski hill and the season was drawing to a close and we were all kind of bored of doing the same thing - I could get down things, but without much style or grace :)

Happy 2019, Kim!

I'm happy to see A Monster Calls on your favorites list. We gave that one to relatives for the holidays. Great book.

>51 Berly: Nice answers! I join you in wanting to go to The Invisible Library.

Sorry about your accident, but how nice that your car wasn't damaged. I've had that same experience with a car backing into me to try and force me to back up, even though I was laying on the horn to stop him. Perhaps these people think they can just push another car out of the way.

Boo to people who back into you. Thanks goodness for the SUPER JEEP, right? Scout's dad loves Jeeps. When I took her Christmas shopping, she said she was looking for something "Jeepy."

I need someone to come and help me organize my shelves. I used to know where everything was, but when I got new flooring, I had to move all the shelves, and I just sort of put things back without really thinking...

>117 aktakukac: Thanks. Today is going much better! Now that I am done with work, the goal is to get the rest of the ornaments put away and then READ!!

>118 ChelleBearss: I think it takes at least two full days of completely falling on your face and ass before there is even a glimmer of competency on the board. LOL. I still don't like to do moguls on board or skis!!

>119 Crazymamie: People are just insane sometimes, and I don't mean in your good Crazy kind of way. : )

>120 calm: For sure! And the very same wish to you.

>121 karenmarie: I love that you plan on being a frequent visitor here! I plan the same for your thread. And you know me so well--the reason I do TKD is so that I can consume "mass quantities of chocolate"!

I am glad you spent money on such a worthy cause and I look forward to seeing you on the These Truths thread. So far, I have ACQUIRED books, but not BOUGHT any. LOL

>122 ronincats: And bad driver never even said she was sorry!! >: /

>123 evilmoose: Okay. Phew. I thought you were just giving me grief. I have actually done a fair bit of cross country skiing as well. I love the quitness of it and the beautiful scenery, but I find it much more work. ; ) I admire you.

Also, I don't usually unstrap on the lift, but keep both feet fastened and just glide off at the top of the lift. Depends on how crowded the chair is going up and whether the people I am with have different length legs so we don't have our hanging boards bang into each other. ; )

>127 Berly: I won't embarrass myself by admitting to how many lessons we had but I think it was safe to say that snowboarding was not for me lol. Nate took to it very well but even he was embarrassed for me!

>124 jnwelch: You were the one to talk me into getting A Monster Calls when we were at Powell's! When you said you were giving out as a gift, I was sold. Awesome book.

We should team up and find that Invisible Library! If we are unsuccessful, Powell's can be a plan B. Or maybe there is a favorite out by you? I plan to visit MN this summer and might try to fit in a layover in Chicago on the way.....

Sorry about the idiot in the parking lot yesterday. What is UP with people like that?

>125 mstrust: What is it with these crazy, stupid drivers? You, too? OMG. Absolutely insane.

>126 BLBera: Yes, the jeep rocks! Scout has the right idea.

As to shelving...I think I am going to box up all the kids books downstairs and put them in the attic for later. My kids can argue over them when they start having children. And I will keep a few of the best so I can be a cool grandma (Not yet though! I am not ready. LOL)

But then I will have more space to shelve some of my growing piles. At least that's the plan.

Oh, and I need to purge. Sigh.

>130 ChelleBearss: LOL. Well, it is good to know your limits. Bye bye boarding for you. What's the next sporting endeavor?

>132 SuziQoregon: I just don't get it. If I am not willing or able to back up, did she think she could just push me back with her car!? And I would have been happy to if I could have. Yeesh.

Happy New Year, Kim, if I didn't say so already. Your thread is just bubbling away here. I didn't realize you were a skier and snowboarder. Just an all around athletic wonder. How do you hold the book while heading downhill?

>133 Berly: Purge??? Bwahahaha

>135 ffortsa: Happy New Year! Athletic wonder is a bit much (thank you), but I am fairly decent and well rounded at the very least. As a kid I did soccer, swimming, skiiing and tennis. High school was basketball, volleyball, and track. College was rugby, rowing and waterpolo (on the men's team!). As an adult I played soccer again, indoor and out. Now it's TKD with a little Yoga thrown in. And occasional trips to the mountain to ski or board. You know what that all means? I have LOTS of sporting equipment in my garage. : )

>136 brenzi: Now be nice, Bonnie!! I should make it one of my challenges this year. Purge 50 books. Not all of mine are absolute keepers. It is just a chore that never seems to make it to the top of the To Do list. Sigh. Laugh away.

So, I just got another book. That's 6 so far this year already, but since they have all been free I don't feel guilty at all! This latest one is Crazy's fault and she read it because of Katie, so it's her fault, too. Thanks guys!

Audio of

Whoop! It's *so* good.

>140 katiekrug: What Katie said!

Hanging my star now. I'm way behind on 2019 threads. I hope to catch up this weekend. I'm going to quit for the night though so I can go read for a bit before going to sleep.

>140 katiekrug: >141 Crazymamie: Okay, I have high expectations! : )

>142 thornton37814: Reading...what a concept! I have not managed much time between the covers this year. Yes, that means pages, also lack of sleep, but not the third option. ; )

>102 Berly:, It would be wonderful to meet you! I've met some of our members, but have a list of those that I know I would relate to right away...You certainly are on that list.

In the meantime, I will simply visit here, and adore from afar.

>139 Berly: Another fan here: she makes me laugh in public. Does she read the audio?

Your sporting skills are impressive. I used to like reading about ballet as a kid, does that count?

>144 Whisper1: I would love to meet you! Hopefully someday in the near future. Thanks for the love. It's mutual. : )

>145 charl08: Caitlin Moran is indeed the narrator. Love her accent.

Yes, it counts because you are a ballerina at heart!

Happy Friday, Kim. I love skiing but never have done snowboarding.

Skiing and snowboarding; yet more talents of yours that I don't possess *sigh*

I think this is not the time to confess that I've backed into someone while trying to get to a parking space. Thing was, my dad was in the passenger seat which always stresses me out because he still thinks I'm a teenage learner driver - watch that car; signal now; you nearly went into that car ... (maybe I should get him to teach my son to drive - might cure both of them). So I didn't check properly before reversing. Now when my parents visit us in Singapore, my dad is relegated to the back seat where he complains about the lack of air-conditioning, but it's much more peaceful.

>134 Berly: Does sitting and reading count as a sporting adventure? Cause if it does then I'm all over that! :)

>116 Berly: Ugh! sorry your year had to start with a bang. Even though it wasn't your fault and you had no damage it's still a bummer.
I'm giving up my latest quasi-sport, yoga. I hurt myself even doing downward dog. I'm done. I'll continue with the sport I'm best at, picking up something to read and while staying stationary, devour books. :0D

Bentley-stealing booze-napping faux friend. Hmph.

We'd love it if you are able to visit Chicago, Kim, as part of your MN trip! That would be a blast. I'm sure Mr. Mark would want to join in.

>147 Ameise1: Thank goodness it's finally Friday!!! I am better at skiing. We should go sometime!

>148 humouress: Ah, but see, yours was an accident as opposed to the willful attack on my car. I am glad your dad sits in the back now though. ; )

>149 ChelleBearss: Sitting and reading definitely count as a sport! Just think of all the weight bearing when you read a tome, and the constant fatiguing motion required to turn pages, the discipline required to actually do it everyday, the monthly challenges you have to meet. Oh, I am exhausted just thinking about it!!

>150 Carmenere: You got hurt doing yoga?! That's no good at all. See my thought in >149 ChelleBearss: about reading. LOL

>151 richardderus: Nuh uh! They have been returned which means I only BORROWED them. : )

>152 jnwelch: I'll keep you and Mark posted. Crsoosing my fingers! : )

>114 BLBera: System?! I am supposed to have a system? I mean, I guess you could call my 'stumble across it accidentally, but not when I was looking for it' method a system.

>148 humouress: I've done that too... (I'm almost done paying the more expensive insurance coverage for it)

Happy 2019, Kim! Looking forward to following your reading.

>4 Berly: I love it that your two RL book groups have Michele Obama's book as the pick :)

>74 Berly: and wouldn't you know it, y reserved copy came up for me at the library this week, so I guess I am starting it too and can read along with the group!

>139 Berly: I loved this one, it was deep in a very light hearted way.

ETA: also, hi!!!!

>155 alcottacre: "System" is a rather ambiguous term. The ones in my downstairs shelves are alphabetical with TBR in its own bookcase. My piles, however, are random, by science or murder mystery, by must-read-soon, by color..you get the idea. It's mayhem!

>156 bell7: Hello and welcome! Dang these cars and their expenses. ; ) Happy 2019 -- now I have to go find your thread!

>157 LovingLit: You're back!! And you read my thread from start to finish. You get points for that. : ) Happy 2019 and I am off to check out your thread, too. Pictures I hope...

>153 Berly: Any time, the problem will be the place we'd meet.

ACK! you've gotten waaaaaay busy ov'a heh! Dropping off a star and putting on the running shoes to try to keep up with you!

Good grief! I mean, Happy New Year. *grin* Your thread is busy, as usual.
I'm happy that You weren't damaged and your car wasn't damaged! I hate parking lots.

I'm heading to Portland Jan 17-22. I am not sure a meetup is in the cards as my mother is having heart surgery and I'm there to help her. I will PM you when I know what things are going to look like. I'd sure love a visit to Powells...

>153 Berly: Don't forget the elevated heart rate! I was reading something recently that had a big scene that had me worried for a character's life (only a book worm will get that!) and my apple watch notified me that my heart rate was elevated and suggested I do a minute of meditative breathing!
I thought it was funny and told Nate and now he thinks I'm weirder than he already thought it was. Oh well. He married me lol

>116 Berly: I'm glad you were not hurt in the parking lot. Perhaps it was justice that the lady in front who backed into you sustained damage to her car!

In this area, I watch for people who go through red lights, long after it has changed from green to red. I hope today is a good one. It is raining and thus a good day to relax and read. Lots to do around the house, but it will wait.

I was just thinking I should rearrange my books today.

>153 Berly: Well, my mum’s happy and I’m happy. Not so sure about my dad and his grandsons but I only glimpse them in the mirror occasionally :0)

>156 bell7: Was it your dad’s fault too ;0)

Happy New Year Kim!

>23 Berly: I've got some things already on the calendar for late January but I'm absolutely in if it ends up being a date I'm available!!

>24 AuntieClio: That weekend (at the moment) looks fairly open for me.

>165 humouress: Nope, all mine haha. I backed in and was looking carefully to the right and managed to back into the parked car on my left. Oops. Turns out we were both librarians going to the same training at this library (where I was parking, and it was very limited let me tell you), too, so we ended up sitting next to each other for the morning. I tend not to back into parking spots anymore.

>158 Berly: I know, right?

>116 Berly: "My car was fine, but hers has a dent."
Well, there's a certain justice in that. Heh.

Sorry the second day of the year was a tough one for you, Kimmers.

>159 Ameise1: I know. Well, at least you know I want to!

>160 dragonaria: Thanks for showing up! It won't be this busy next week. : ) Now I have to go find you!

>161 nittnut: Oh! I am sorry your reason for coming here is medical issues for your mom, but if you can break away I'd love to take you to Powell's! I'll PM you my number. Do you know which hospital she is going to be staying at? I can come pick you up. Best wishes to you mom. And you. Hugs.

>162 ChelleBearss: Oh, I totally forgot to mention the elevated heart rate during exciting passages in our books! You are such an athlete. Poor yet lucky Nate. Yup he married a bibliophile bookworm! : ) PS--Did the character survive?

>163 Whisper1: Never hurts to be careful about other drivers. And I like you day's plan. Who needs to do cleanup and laundry? The mess will still be there tomorrow but you will be a richer person for having read today.

>164 BLBera: Me, too! It didn't happen. Sob.

>165 humouress: Yay for you and your Mom. Too funny!

>166 SuziQoregon: Let's throw out some dates on the "Portland, OR -- Let's Get Together!" thread from last year.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/285123#6562134

>167 bell7: Here's to a no accident 2019! Knocking on every piece of wood I can find....

>168 EBT1002: Thanks. Yes, there was some justice in that.

Life has been better since then. Today I made it to my first TKD class in like forever. I was sucking wind (I hate that it only takes two weeks to get our of shape!), but I made it through. With 3 puffs from my asthma inhaler. ; )

My hubby just left to drive Jack back to his dorm. I will miss having him around, but life will be a little crazy. Maybe I can even find time to read a book now!!

Yay for life being better and congrats on making it through TKD class.Q

>173 banjo123: Indeed! Also check out our "Portland, OR -- Let's Get Together!" thread from last year. For planning our next Powell's visit.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/285123#6562134

Ha! You are already there. ; )

Wishing I could join in on this next Portland meet up. Oh well. April.

I know you'll miss having Jack around. Hopefully he will have a good semester (quarter?).

I know how you feel about sucking wind and how quickly one gets out of shape. I went for a delightful run this afternoon. It was about 40F and not precipitating, and most of the ice has melted from the sidewalks. I was surprised and a bit dismayed by my fitness but I remind myself that, while it goes away quickly, it also always comes back. We're supposed to have mostly above-freezing temps this week so hopefully I can get in some more runs and get back that strong feeling. I don't mind the bad weather but slippery footing on the sidewalks will keep me inside.

>105 Berly: I read the intro to These Truths but should get back to reading it. Just rescued it from under The Complete History of Jack the Ripper and it is ready to go in the morning.

Love the idea that reading is a sport. I wonder if it burns enough calories to up the chocolate intake??

I'm another jealous bystander who wishes I could do the Portland meet-up and go to Powell's.

It's noonish your time so I thought some baked lemon-blueberry donuts would be a propos:

>178 richardderus: For breakfast or tea those look delightful, for lunch I'd expect something more like:

>170 Berly: Yep, the character made it but now I'm on the sequel and pretty worried that one of the three main characters won't make it! I still have many pages left to be anxious about lol

>179 quondame: ...but noon isn't lunchtime! It's basically elevenses for me. Then lunch around 1, 1.30; snack around 5; dinner around 8.

>175 EBT1002: Ellen--April will have to do. ; )

Slippery footing is not a good thing for running! I hope the weather cooperates and you get back in the groove, feeling strong.

Hubby and I decided to gift each other a rowing machine for Christmas. It just arrived yesterday and I set it up!! Only did about 15 min because I didn't want to overdo it. I used to row in college so I promised Hubby I would give him a few pointers on good technique, LOL. Now I just have to get a speaker in there so I can listen to books/music while I row. It is such a great all-body workout and a wonderful alternative to running in the rain. : )

Also back to TKD. Heel is acting up a wee bit. Icing it as I write.

>176 Familyhistorian: I don't know if reading burns enough calories to UP the chocolate intake, but I certainly CONTINUE by intake! LOL

You should definitley get back to These Truths and check out the thread. I am loving everyone's comments!

>177 mstrust: Someday? Maybe? It would be fun! : ) Meantime I will post pictures so you can participate vicariously.

>178 richardderus: Yum! Although I do donuts for breakfast. Mostly. Except for when I cheat. ; )

>179 quondame: An I am taking that to work tomorrow for lunch! Thank you.

>180 ChelleBearss: Is the plot anxiety really bad? Are you doing deep breathing excercises to calm yourself down? Good luck with the series.

>181 richardderus: Well, my mom always says it is cocktail hour somewhere, so I guess it can be donut time anytime!

Madly moving files around at work to make room for 2019. Trying to catch up on the madhouse of bills and payments at the end of 2018. Long day today and probably tomorrow. But I love getting rid of piles!

>185 Berly: Good luck!

I hope the icing helped your heel :)

>185 Berly: I got home from travels Monday afternoon and got organized: tidied the desk so I have room to work and reconsidered in/out box plus filing. Feeling better about life and work now.

All that exercise talk made me tired: I did 10,000 steps for most of last year but took a break over the holidays. I'll probably be winded when I get on the treadmill today but thank goodness for audio books!

Hope you're having a great day!

I loved rowing class. It is hard work! I need to get back to it. It is a good alternative to elliptical, etc.

>188 BLBera: And a lot easier on the joints. But good form is a good idea. I used to love rowing, but my house is too small for a machine.

>182 Berly: I recently picked up a little Altec shower speaker that pairs via Bluetooth. It's terrific, and I think only about $20. It should work for your rowing.

Yes, it's tough when the kiddos return to college after a long break but also satisfying when you know they're ok with going back.

>185 Berly: When I worked in the finance dept of a municipality, I always commented that there should be a month between December and January called Catchupuary thus giving you time to change files all all the stuff a new year entails.
I actually miss those crazy days.

>182 Berly: I too had my Christmas gift to myself show up yesterday. My treadmill gave out New Year's Eve so I got myself a magnetic exercise bike. It was supposed to have arrived already put together, but Mike had it built in about 15 minutes. I jumped on and did four and a half miles right away. I haven't been on a cycle in years.
>183 Berly: I'm looking forward to the pics of the meet-up!

Hi Kim my dear, glad you both like your joint Christmas gift, we have decided that our new Wireless multi-room sound system, a Roberts Stream 65i, will be our birthday gift to each other. I think that with large, expensive gift ideas, it is the way to go.

Hope all is well with you and the family and that you are having a good week so far, sending love and hugs dear friend, from both of us.

Wahoo for a rowing machine. I have one and loved it and used it regularly for a long time. Some health issues made me neglect it for a while but I really want to get back to rowing regularly again. Great audiobook time.

>186 alcottacre: The hell is doing okay. It hasn't limited any workouts, but neither has it gone away. I think I will give it another week or two before I call the doc again. I have plenty of ice. ; )

>187 witchyrichy: I am so impressed you made 10,000 steps most days! I have a hard time getting there unless I actually fit in a walk and my TKD never counts for steps, just calories. I shtik I average more around the 8,000 mark. Trying to step it up again. (See what I did there? LOL)

>189 EllaTim: I think you get more out of rowing with good form. And less back pain. I only have room for this rower because I am down a child (she has lived on her own for over two years so I think it is safe to convert the space). Do you have a gym nearby?

>190 ffortsa: Oh! Thanks for the tip. I will check out those speakers. I need something because the rower is kinda noisy in a white noise kinda way and my phone is okay for music but not for hearing audiobooks.

>191 Carmenere: "A month between December and January called Catchupuary...giving you time to change files and all the stuff a new year entails." I heartily endorse this plan!! LOL

>192 mstrust: You go girl!! Are you still enjoying the new indoor bike?

>193 johnsimpson: A multi-room sound system! That sounds fun. When you are getting it? The previous owner of our house put up four speakers in the corners of our family room where we go to watch movies. We love them. : )

>194 SuziQoregon: Hope the body cooperates and you can get back to rowing again soon! The audio book would be fine if I use ear buds to listen, but I don't like them very much. I am on the lookout for a small wireless speaker I can connect my phone to.....

I attended my latest board meeting for Literary Arts last Thursday and we had three Oregon Book Award Finalists come talk to us about how LA and the awards have improved their lives. It was really gratifying to hear their stories and know how much they appreciate what we do and how fun it is to live in a literary town. Nice.

For our meeting intro, we all bring a favorite recent read and tell a little bit about it. My list this month was really long and there is not a chance I can fit them all in! Really well rounded from classic Russian, to poetry, to murder mystery and memoirs. This group is dangerous, in a good way.

>196 Berly: More than one actually, and I could even row outside (looking for an emoticon for a shame-faced blush). I confess I don't like gyms, try a few times and then stay away again. I have a bad back and actually need a gym with a physical therapist. Might try this again this year, good idea;-)

starred!

>199 Berly: I admire your ability to do so many things while in pain! You are an inspiration to me.

Hi Kim. I hope the rowing machine works out for you and hubby as an exercise alternative. I've been walking to work lately and finding that to be a pleasurable way of moving. It's not as cardiovascular as running or swimming - or rowing - but I can listen to a book and, well, arrive at work at the end of it. I walk at a pretty good clip but try not to break more than a very light sweat. Thinking about just spending the money, signing up at the student rec center, and starting to swim 3 mornings a week or so.

>199 Berly: That is totally cool. The work you are doing is not only wonderful for the writers you get to hear, but you're making a difference for them. Brava!

By the way, I think you should go to Powell's and buy yourself a copy of Well-Read Black Girl. Just sayin'.

>199 Berly: That sounds like a great meeting intro.

>204 EBT1002: I agree with Ellen, Twin. You need to get that book.

>200 EllaTim: Good luck finding an exercise that works for you. : )

>201 mckait: Kath!! You are here!!! Do you have a thread? Please say Yes!

Off to check....

>203 EBT1002: Walking to work sounds marvelous. A tad too far for me to pull that off. LOL Bu the rowing machine is going well. If I ever have more time and don't have to share the car with youngsters, I'd love to get back into swimming. It's another one of those great exercises for the whole body and very good for burning those calories. I have a few to lose this year. During my injuries I continued to eat like I was still doing TKD -- oops! Already down 4 lbs. More to go....

>204 EBT1002: What?! You are taking BB aim at me on my own thread? The noyve.

>205 BLBera: Oh sure, and now it's a firing squad! Fine, fine. Adding Well-Read Black Girl to my WL.

I always felt so wonderful when I was swimming regularly. I would describe it as feeling like my body hung on my bones so much more comfortably. Even writing that makes me want to Just. Do. It.

>208 EBT1002: Duck!!!!

>209 EBT1002: Exactly. Maybe when I can fit into my swim suit again. LOL I am hoping to visit my Mom and Dad in Florida in March or April, so I am working on it!

xo

>212 Berly: Ha! That pic was made for LTers.

Hi Kim! I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Hi Kim! Following along for 2019. :)

Have a great Sunday, Twinnie. I won't mention >211 EBT1002: or >212 Berly:. My work here is done.

>213 mstrust: Right?! I have been hit upside the head with WAY too many BB this year and it isn't even halfway through January. LOL. I do love this place. : )

>214 karenmarie: Hi Karen! Wishing you a wonderful Sunday as well.

>215 Foxen: Hi Katie--Welcome! I'll have to hunt up your thread, assuming you have one. : )

>216 BLBera: : P

Happy Sunday. xo

Whoa! Kim, I didn't realize you had a 2019 thread going. So much I missed, so much time spent getting caught up. Your group read of These Truths is intriguing; not sure I'm going to take that plunge, but I might. I did check out the 1- and 2-star reviews at Amazon; I'm amused always by the uncredentialed experts who are dead certain that a Harvard professor has all the facts wrong. Howard Zinn got the same mugging by the same mob.

Hi Bill! Glad you found me. Part of my plan today is to check the thread list again because I am sure I am still missing a few people. Check out the These Truths thread and see if the comments there draw you in. We are only reading 150 pages this month. : )

https://www.librarything.com/topic/301417

>220 Berly: One of these days, I will get around to These Truths, but I do not think it will be any time soon :) I do not think my arm is quite ready for large books yet.

Happy Sunday, Kim!

>221 alcottacre: A lot of people are Kindling this one for that very reason. : ) Hope the new med regime helps out soon. Fingers crossed!

Happy Sunday right back.

>212 Berly: Love this.

I need to get back to the swimming as well. I'm telling myself I'm currently trying to avoid all the new year resolutioners at the pool just now, but...

Happy Sunday, Kimmers! I hope all is well is your world. How is your reading coming along in 2019? I am really enjoying These Truths. I am all ready into Part 2, but now I will take a week or so off, before resuming.

>212 Berly: Ha! That's a usual for here!!

Hi Kim! I am thinking of joining the These Truths read, but I have the get the book first.

>212 Berly: 😂

I’ll probably start These Truths by mid-week or as soon as I finish The Chosen Kim.

I save the gym for lifting weights and playing pickle ball. I try to walk outside every day. Today it was only 17 out so pretty darn chilly but I really hate the treadmill, even with an audio book or even a real book.

>212 Berly:

Your rowing machine sounds like a great addition to fitness, Kim. Good luck with the weight loss aims and staying healthy for 2019.

>212 Berly: Well, that's just stunning!

Just "hi"

>223 charl08: Glad you liked my "Book Bullet" image.

I think if you give it another week, most of the New Year Resolution swimmers should be abandoning their goals. ; )

>224 msf59: Look at you overachiever, you! I am right on schedule, halfway through January I am halfway through Section 1. Reading has been slow so far this month. RL is not leaving me enough time. Grumble, grumble.

>225 ChelleBearss: I know, right!! LOL

>226 banjo123: Join in whenever you can. This group read will be going on for a while : )

>227 EBT1002: Yup. I thought it summed up LT pretty well.

>228 brenzi: Glad you will be joining us soon!! I am also not a fan of treadmills. I much prefer running outside. However, I am rather enjoying my rower. {Thumbs Up}

>229 richardderus: Ah, glad to see I tickled your funny bone.

>230 Familyhistorian: Thank you--I am working on it!!

>231 laytonwoman3rd: Do you mean "stunned", not "stunning," as in I just got hit in the face with a book? ; )

>232 AuntieClio: Hi! Right back atcha.

>236 Berly: Yup...she's stunned.