Lori (thornton37814) Reads with Her Fur Boys in 2019 - Thread 1

I'm Lori, a professional genealogist and academic librarian who is owned by three male cats. I read 302 books in 2018. I suspect the book-reading will slow down as I endeavor to tame not only book piles but also periodical piles in 2019.

I also participate in the Category Challenge, and since I always include the Category in this thread, I will introduce you to my theme and categories for the year.

I chose classic bands--mostly from the 1960s and 1970s with a few from the 1980s thrown in--to be categories for my theme. I chose twenty bands--fifteen for book categories, four for articles, and one for abandoned books. I am not setting specific targets for the number of books or articles in each category.

I will keep separate totals for books and articles. I think including articles in the reading plan will help me cut down on my reading backlog. The time I spend reading and studying many of these also can be included in my genealogy education plan for my Association of Professional Genealogists membership.

My categories are:
1. The Police - Police procedurals and true crime. I love the British mysteries featuring DCIs, etc., so I suspect this category will see quite a few books.
2. The Who - Other mysteries (cozies, private investigators, thrillers, etc.). Since mystery is my favorite genre, this one will see quite a bit of action, especially from series I wish to continue.
3. Herman's Hermits - Historical fiction. I read a lot of historical mysteries which could be included here or in one of the above categories, but I also enjoy fiction set in different times and places. Several Holocaust stories have captured my attention. Earlier today another genealogist posted a link to a two-volume fiction series based on the Northkill Amish which is important to my own family history. I expect I'll read several volumes that fit here.
4. Beatles - Literary Classics. A little Shakespeare? Dickens? Alcott? Hawthorne? etc.
5. Foreigner - Fiction with a non-US, non-UK, or non-Canadian setting. I'm not eliminating all English-speaking countries or the Caribbean from this one. I'm just trying to diversify my settings a bit.
6. Beach Boys - Miscellaneous Fiction. Some of these will be classic "beach read" type books. This is basically a "catch-all" fiction category.
7. New Kids on the Block - Children's & Young Adult (YA) Books. I'm certain this category will see lots of action at certain times of the year. I may also place some children's and YA books in other categories.
8. Air Supply - Poetry. I've got a couple of larger poetry collections I want to read, but I've found I really enjoy reading poetry. I'm giving it its own category so I'll read more!
9. Four Seasons - Nature/Weather/Gardening Books. Although this is primarily a non-fiction category, I might include a fiction book where some of these topics play a major role.
10. Bread - Food and Cooking. I have lots of cookbooks, books on food habit, and books on culinary history unread. It's time to knock a few of these out! Most of the cookbooks were at least glanced at, but it's time to pay more attention to them and review them.
11. Temptations - Religion. I suspect most of the books I read will be related to Christianity or Judaism. The books do not necessarily need to be theological in nature or on the history of religions. I suspect some of these will be books on "Christian life" or devotional in nature.
12. America - History. It probably seems a bit strange to make "America" the category for a book which is almost certain to include a fair amount of European history as well as American history, but it's the band I chose for the category.
13. Journey - Travel. I enjoy well-written travel narratives. However, I'm using the "travel" term in a broader sense, so if I think it fits, it probably goes here.
14. Mamas & the Papas - Genealogy. These will mostly be books on genealogy as a profession, using certain types of records, and other books marketed primarily to the genealogical community. However, I may include some other things I'm reading primarily because of my genealogical interest. Think of this as my "professional development" category.
15. Eagles - Other Non-Fiction. This is the catch-all category for non-fiction. I used Eagles because a book on birds would fit here!
16. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) articles. I need to read these case studies that demonstrate problem-solving approaches. I suspect this will be the one with the most articles read of the categories dedicated to a specific journal.
17. Boston - New England Historic & Genealogical Register ("The Register") articles. Since NEHGS is headquartered in Boston, the category seems appropriate.
18. Chicago - The American Genealogist (TAG) articles. I don't have as large of stash of these, and the frequency isn't as great so this one will be a smaller than the previous two. TAG is not published in Chicago and really has more of a New England/Mid-Atlantic focus, but since Chicago is an American city, I used it.
19. Bee Gees - Other articles. Many of these will be articles I found through bibliographies, in databases, or through social media posts that capture my attention, are relevant for my research, or just need to be read. Most will be history or genealogy related.
20. 5th Dimension - Abandoned reads. Let's hope for a small number here!

So happy 2019 reading to everyone! I'll recap reading to the point the thread begins at the top of each thread throughout the year. That way all books and articles appear on the final thread! (I must confess that it gives me a quick way to search to see if I read something that year or another one!

I went through all the books I read to determine the best of 2018. These are listed in order of completion. Children's books are not included although a couple of those received 5 stars.

5 Star Reads
1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
2. No Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie
3. Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America by David Hackett Fischer
4. When the English Fall by David Williams
5. Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible

I think my favorite was When the English Fall by David Williams.

4.5 Star Reads
1. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
2. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor
3. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
4. Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie
5. Beowulf: A New Verse Tradition by Seamus Heaney
6. Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
7. The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen
8. The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye

2018 Year-End Meme

With 302 books completed (and 5 abandoned reads), it was difficult to choose. I actually was choosing between 11 on one of these and could have entered additional options on my paper as I was choosing. In other words, even though I added honorable mentions for some categories, there were still others included in my handwritten selections that didn't make this final list!

Describe Yourself: Keri Tarr, Cat Detective
Honorable mention: The Best Cook in the World
Describe How You Feel: Flat Broke with Two Goats
Describe Where You Currently Live: My Life in a Cat House
Honorable mention: The South
If You Could Go Anywhere, Where Would You Go: Over the Hills and Far Away
Honorable mention: Where I Was From
Honorable mention: A Visit to William Blake's Inn
Your Favorite Form of Transportation: Steering the Craft
Honorable Mention: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car
Your Best Friend is: The Ice Princess
You and Your Friends are: Friends in High Places
What's the Weather Like: Rain
You Fear: A Shot in the Dark
Honorable Mention: The Spook in the Stacks
What's the Best Advice Your Have to Give: Anything Is Possible
Thought for the Day: Horses Make a Landscape Look More Beautiful
How I Would Like to Die: Dying in the Wool
My Soul's Present Condition: Gardenlust

Looking forward to your 2019 threads, Lori! I like your meme answers.

>3 thornton37814: Oh, I forgot about that meme. It's always fun. (I wonder if I did it last year...)

Happy New Year!

Welcome back, Lori!

>4 quondame: Happy New Year!

>5 harrygbutler: It was difficult to choose books for the meme this year.

>6 laytonwoman3rd: The meme is always fun. I always look forward to reading everyone's answers.

>7 ChelleBearss: Thanks! Happy New Year to you also.

>8 drneutron: Thank you, Jim. Not sure why I didn't find the group sooner. I think I checked the day before you added it, and it wasn't there. I've just been visiting family since! Hopefully I'll have time to visit threads tomorrow.

Hi Lori! What great topper! I have three of my own and one that looks a lot like the one in the back of that picture. I also love the group of bands you chose to represent your categories. It was fun to read through them.

Best wishes for the new year!

>10 brodiew2: The photo is a few months old, but it's a good one of them. It's so hard to get all three in a single photo nowadays. I had fun setting up the challenge.

Happy New Year, Lori!

I love that you are owned by three cats. Of course, I am owned by the lovely but aged sweet Abby. ♥️
Looking forward to another year of great conversation about our respective adventures in reading!

>12 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia!

>13 EBT1002: I love being owned by them too!

>14 Berly: We do have those new books to look forward to reading.

Happy New Year! Love the book meme — I just posted my answers to it over on my thread.

Happy New Year & New Thread!

Happy New Year, Lori! I love your categories :-)

Beautiful thread topper! I look forward to following your reading again this year.

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

Happy new year, Lori and furkids!

Happy New Year!

Happy reading in 2019, Lori.

Got this thread starred, and am looking forward to more reads and BB from you in 2019!

Happy New Year Lori!

I loved your categories. They are a lot of fun the way you did them.

Happy new year! May it be filled with great books!

>16 foggidawn: I'll check out your answers when I get around to visiting. It might be a bit since I've got a niece and her dog visiting today. I go home tomorrow.

>17 SandDune: Thanks.

>18 susanj67: I love my categories too! I may be listening to oldies music all year long!

>19 LibraryLover23: Having the cats top my thread has become tradition!

>20 Ameise1: Thank you! I'm hoping the books are good too!

>21 Carmenere: "Meow!" from the boys!

>22 The_Hibernator: Thank you, and Happy New Year to you also.

>23 richardderus: Thank you. I hope the reading is mostly happy anyway.

>24 fuzzi: I hope you enjoy any BBs you pick up here!

>25 EllaTim: I came up with the categories in the summer and amazingly never changed my mind! It really seemed to work for me.

>26 figsfromthistle: Thanks! I hope it will be.

Happy New Year, Lori. We are getting a new kitten in the family this year, at least Scout is.

Happy reading in 2019, Lori!

>31 BLBera: Congrats to Scout! Hope he gets along with his new family members.

>32 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita!

Happy new year! I like your meme answers. I'm disappointed that I couldn't use any of the winter books I read last year for mine. It's too warm!

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, Lori, this year.

>34 cbl_tn: Well, you might need to use a winter book if nothing else fits. The one I used fit perfectly.

>35 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I hope it's a better year for you reading and posting-wise. I've missed your "reading leagues" and other stats.

2018 Reading Stats from GoodReads

Dropping off my star, Lori!

Happy New Year Lori! And happy new thread!



Wishing you and your family the best for 2019.

Our dog is owned by our boys; I'm looked on more as a chew toy. Ownership doesn't seem to come into it, somehow. :0/

>37 thornton37814: What a lovely way for stats.

>3 thornton37814: I forgot to mention that I liked your "Honorable mention" in your meme, wish I had thought of that!
Well, maybe I remember at the end of 2019 ;-)

Happy New Year, Lori!

Happy New Year! Hope you have lots of great reading in 2019!

Happy New Year, Lori! Loved the kitty on my page and the picture of your fur babies. I still have my Pooh boy plus two strays that have decided to stay with me: Fester and Spunky. They're both orange tabbies but Spunky has a little white. I figure Fess is nearly a year old, and I'm guessing Spunky girl is probably 6 or 7 months old.

Hi Lori!

I love the pictures of your boys and your band reading categories – very clever.

Best wishes for a wonderful year of reading.

>37 thornton37814: "0 other people read Humming Words"

Poor poets. They labor and work and struggle and no one reads their stuff.

>46 richardderus: I will read it soonish since Lori passed it on to me! We both know the author. :-)

>38 ronincats: Thanks, Roni! I think I've already dropped mine on yours. If not, it will be soon. I still haven't made it to all the 2019 threads, but I made it back home today and should get caught up by the weekend.

>39 humouress: I fully acknowledge that the cats own me! They've been getting lap time in since we arrived home late this afternoon. I never got everything inside the house, but the stuff still in the car can wait.

>40 Ameise1: I really do like the way GoodReads keeps track of the number and the pages; however, I kept having to check when there was a discrepancy in my GoodReads numbers and my count on my LT thread to see which one I'd forgotten to mark with a completion date. Fortunately I checked often enough that it never got too unmanageable.

>41 FAMeulstee: With 300+ books, there were some that were really tough choices. You should do it next year.

>42 norabelle414: Thanks! Have a great 2019!

>43 aktakukac: I did complete my first book on New Year's Day, but I haven't had time to review it yet! I'm hoping to read an article this evening. I'm also listening to a book (The Dry) and reading another five (three of which are devotional and one which is a year-long Bible read; the other is a Louise Penny). Things are well underway for 2019.

>44 mitchma: Thanks for the update on your fur babies, and I'm glad you like my cat pictures and the New Year's Cat. Hope you are staying as dry as you can with all the rain in Mississippi.

>45 karenmarie: Thanks! I love my categories for the year. I think they should work out well.

>46 richardderus: The author is a Canadian librarian that Carrie and I know from conferences. She mentioned she published a book of poems so I ordered a copy from Amazon. Carrie should read it soon so there will be another person who reads it.

>47 cbl_tn: I hope you enjoy it when you do read it!

Book 1. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

Date Completed: 1 Jan 2019

Category: New Kids on the Block

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This Christmas story is based on Capote's relationship with an aunt and recalls Christmases where they gathered nuts and scraped pennies to gift fruitcakes. It's a lovely novella which captures the spirit of giving at Christmas.

Comment: I know Amber delivered the book bullet on this one last month. I put a hold on it, and it did come in during the 12 Days of Christmas. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

Article 1. Pam Prascer Andersen, "Indirectly Identifying Relatives of Michael Kerns of Blair County and Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania," NGSQ 105.2 (June 2017): 85-91. (7 pp.)

Date Completed: 2 Jan 2019

Category: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Remarks: Shows use of indirect evidence to establish parental relationship.

Happy reading in 2019 Lori

>53 calm: Thanks!

Happy New Year, Lori!

Thought-provoking "Best of" Lists. Like you, I really liked Seamus Heaney's Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. Wasn't Frankenstein great? The gap between my impression of it from the old movies and the reality was huge.

>55 jnwelch: Thanks!

>1 thornton37814:
That is a charming picture. The gentlemen look so real that I almost have to sneeze. Although I am somewhat allergic, yes, we have now one cat of our own and one temporary grand-cat as a guest.

Now, if I can only find a way to discourage either from plopping across my computer keyboard when I try to type.

Good luck on your cleverly captioned 2019 reading ventures.

Just popping in to keep up to date with fur babies and stats. : )

>57 Forthwith: Good luck with trying to keep the cats from helping you type or encouraging you to pet them instead of typing. I've given up.

>58 Berly: Well, the stats are trickling in, but I'll probably have both an audiobook and a regular book to report as completed tomorrow. I'm about 30 minutes away from finishing the audiobook, but my phone is low so I think I'll save it for in the morning. I think I can finish last year's Louise Penny tomorrow as well.

Article 2. Claire E. Ammon, CG, “Parents for John Perkins (1788-1852) of Granby, Connecticut,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 105.3 (September 2017): 219-228. (10 pp.)

Date Completed: 3 Jan 2019

Category: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Remarks: Uses records of nearby New England towns to resolve the parentage of a man.

Small Book Haul to Report

Jan 2 - Chattanooga McKays Used Books & CDs

Nerve by Dick Francis - a whopping 90 cents. I'll see how I like it for the shared read.

Jan 3 - Knoxville McKays Used Books & CDs

Finding Your People: An African-American Guide to Discovering Your Roots by Sandra Lee Jamison - $2. I've seen this one mentioned on bibliographies from African-American specialists.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - 25 cents.

The Chosen by Chaim Potok - 50 cents - This is one I've wanted to read for awhile and is the American Author Challenge author this month. I saw it on the bargain books shelf so I got my own copy rather than borrowing a library copy.

The Marches: A Borderland Journey Between England and Scotland by Rory Stewart - I've seen people talking about this one, and it was on my wish list. - $5

This morning the cats all made a run for the French doors on the patio. Because they were looking up, I just assumed they'd seen a bird -- until I saw a squirrel climbing up the French doors. That squirrel should be thankful for the glass separating him from my cats!

Hi Lori my dear, just dropped my star off.

>63 johnsimpson: Thanks, John!

>51 thornton37814: Well, that BB hits me too!

>61 thornton37814: Not sure about the others, but The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and The Chosen are both excellent. Enjoy!

Book 2. The Dry by Jane Harper

Date Completed: 4 Jan 2019

Category: Foreigner

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Aron Falk returns to his hometown about twenty years after he and his father left. Twenty years ago, his friend Ellie drowned in the river, and her father wanted to pin the fault on Aaon. He returned because his friend Luke along with his wife and son died in what at first seemed to be a murder-suicide until the local officer realized Luke did not own ammunition of the type discharged. Aron, now with the state police's financial division and is based in Melbourne. This excellent first in series makes me excited to read more in the series with a "Down Under" setting. While I'd guessed solutions to both crimes, they were less obvious than some mysteries. I listened to the audio version narrated by Steve Shanahan.

>66 thornton37814: My local library actually has that one! Cool beans. Thanks for the recommendation, Lori.

Book 3. Glass Houses by Louise Penny

Date Completed: 4 Jan 2019

Category: The Police

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Armand Gamache, now the Chief Superintendent of the Surete, seeks cooperation from a prosecutor he dislikes. The case involves a murder in Three Pines in which a woman staying in the Bistro died, apparently at the hands of a cobrador whose presence disquieted the village. The murder occurred at a time when Gamache's lack of big arrests in the war on drugs drew sharp criticism on all fronts. As Inspector LaCoste, now head of suicide investigates the murder discovered by Gamache's own wife Reine-Marie, a random remark by the poet Ruth Zardo causes Gamache to stumble upon an even more serious crime. Gamache needs the Crown's Chief man to assist in making the Surete look incompetent for the plan of attack on the war on drugs to work. I cannot say that I liked the potential impact of this installment on the series' future. I am uncomfortable with drug trafficking in murder mysteries. They become a bit too "noir" for my tastes. Still, this was a series I loved so I put up with it. I'm a bit nervous about reading the next installment.

Happy New Year, Lori! Love the topper of the boys!

>51 thornton37814: This is one of my favorites - I reread it every few years.

>69 Crazymamie: I did really enjoy it. I'm glad I spotted it on Amber's thread with the comment about reading it as often as she does.

Article 3. Sue Allan, Caleb Johnson, and Simon Neal, “The Origin of Mayflower Passenger Susanna (Jackson) (White) Winslow,” The American Genealogist 89.4 (October 2017): 241-264. (24 pp.)

Date Completed: 4 Jan 2019

Category: Chicago

Remarks: Uses English wills, parishes, and other civil records along with "Records of the Commissioners of the Sewers" to resolve the parentage of a Mayflower female passenger.

Love your boys and your categories for the year, Lori. Long may you and they flourish!

>71 thornton37814: that sounds interesting.

Happy new year.
I wish, that you may find a good and solid path in 2019

>66 thornton37814: You remind me that I wanted to read that one last year. I read her other Force of Nature and enjoyed it

>72 LizzieD: I love my boys. I hope they flourish a long time!

>73 fuzzi: That was such an unusual record group used to resolve the problem. It was done in conjunction with others, but I didn't even know they had commissions for sewers as far back as that!

>74 paulstalder: Thanks, Paul!

>75 ChelleBearss: You really should add it to your list this year! It's very good! I'm glad to know you enjoyed Force of Nature.

>66 thornton37814: The Dry was of my last reads of 2018 and I liked it a lot. I've added When the English Fall to the tbr pile. I hope today is a good one for you. It is raining here. I will stay in pjs and read the day away.

>78 Whisper1: It rained overnight here. It looks like it will be around 6 p.m. before we have a chance of more rain. I'm in sweats here at the house. I'm hoping I don't need to go out. I just want to curl up with cats on my lap.

>62 thornton37814: I once saw a squirrel climbing up my picture window. Before that I didn't know that they could climb glass. Kind of creepy.

Good to see that you liked The Dry, Lori. I'm another who can recommend Force of Nature. My library has another Jane Harper on order, The Lost Man, which is a stand alone. I put a hold on it.

>80 Familyhistorian: It is very strange to see that squirrel climb glass! I suspect Force of Nature will be due to go back soon, so I'm sure I'll get to it soon.

Book 4. The Chosen by Chaim Potok

Date Completed: 5 Jan 2019

Category: The Beatles

Rating: 5 stars

Review:Reuven "Bobby" Malter, son of a rabbi, teacher, and scholar, meets Danny Saunders, son of a Hasidic rabbi, on the baseball field. On that day, Reuven had been called from his usual position to pitch. After a couple of misses, Danny hits the ball straight into Reuven's eye. Reuven ends up in the hospital where the surgeon removed glass from his eye. Danny comes to apologize, but Reuven doesn't really want to listen. Reuven's father, however, encourages Reuven to listen, forgive, and become Danny's friend. Hasidic Judaism chose Danny's path. He will become a rabbi like his father and marry a predetermined girl from a marriage arranged at an early age. Danny wants to become a psychologist. Reuven's father desires for him to become a mathematician, but Reuven wants to become a rabbi. Reuven and Danny become friends. Their Jewish faiths are different, and Danny's branch's strict adherence belittles other Jews. Most of the opening section of the book takes place during the final year of World War II. Reuven and Danny's friendship continues throughout their school years although they attend different schools. They attend the same college. Zionism becomes a divisive element in their relationship, although it is not the end of it. I don't want to tell too much of the plot. I wanted to read this book years ago but never found time for it until this month's American Author Challenge prompted me to pick it up. I do not think it will be the last time I read it. This is a powerful book!

Hi Lori and a late Happy New Year from me. I love your band categories!

Hmmm... all the LT love for The Chosen is making me want to re-read it. Such a fabulous book. I stumbled on it about 20 years ago and it made a massive impression on me but I can hardly remember what happens now (I have just skimmed your review in case of minor spoilers!) . I know it is in the house somewhere...

>83 cushlareads: I really enjoyed it. That was 50 cents well spent!

>79 thornton37814: I stayed inside today as well. There were still some holiday decorations to put away, which then led to getting the other boxes of ornaments in order. When Will and I moved together, we blended two full houses of stuff! We have a rather large basement. It contains a lot. Most of which needs to be gone through and given away.

>82 thornton37814: I read this book a long time ago. Your excellent review prompts me to want to read it again. I've said it before, but it bears repeating, your reviews are excellent!!!!

WHY haven't I ever read The Chosen???? It's been on a shelf here for years and years. Thanks for the reminder, Lori.

>82 thornton37814: so glad you enjoyed The Chosen. My mother loved it, The Promise, and My Name is Asher Lev, but I never picked up any of Chaim Potok's works until decades after she'd passed. I can't recommend them enough.

>68 thornton37814: I need to get back to the Three Pines series. I got seriously off kilter while I was in school. Thanks for the reminder, Lori.

>82 thornton37814: I love The Chosen! Glad to see you enjoyed it too.

>85 Whisper1: Thanks. I really did love that book! I will read more work by Potok in the future.

>86 LizzieD: I loved it, and I hope you will love it too!

>87 fuzzi: If the others are as good as this one, I will enjoy them all.

>88 alcottacre: Three Pines is a wonderful place. I didn't like this installment quite as well as some others. I debated on a 3.5 rating for it, but I felt it deserved a bit higher. I guess it was more like a 3.75 rating rounded up. I hope you enjoy getting back in the series. I'm not sure where you left off, but you have a lot of good reading ahead of you. I really did love The Chosen.

Book 5. 365 Meditations from George MacDonald's Fiction by George MacDonald; edited by David Scott Wilson-Okamura

Date Completed: 6 Jan 2019

Category: The Temptations

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I downloaded this volume to my Kindle a couple of years ago thinking it would be good to use for daily devotions sometime. What a disappointment! The word "meditations" in the title is a misnomer. These are simply quotes. A meditation would include a devotional thought based upon the quote and perhaps a short prayer comprised of one or two sentences. I decided to just read through the volume rather than use it daily. While I enjoyed the quotes, I cannot rate this highly because its title misleads.

>90 thornton37814: I'd've predicted that you'd love that one.

>62 thornton37814: Once was enough!

Happy week ahead, madam genealogist.

>91 richardderus: Thanks for dropping by, Richard. I will begin work on a "part 2" for a returning client later this week. I'd like to get it finished by the 20th. I think it is doable!

Article 4. John M. Freund, “The Parents of Sarah Kelton, Wife of James Bowen of Rehoboth, Massachusetts,” The New England Historical and Genealogical Register: The Journal of American Genealogy 171.681 (Winter 2017): 30-31. (2 pp.)

Date Completed: 6 Jan 2019

Category: Boston

Comments: Corrects an 1895 published genealogy's parentage conclusion by using an 1808 letter and probate records.

Article 5. Nancy R. Stevens, “Amasa Coburn (1753-1815) of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont,” The New England Historical and Genealogical Register: The Journal of American Genealogy 171.681 (Winter 2017): 57-62. (6 pp.)

Date Completed: 6 Jan 2019

Category: Boston

Comments: Provides a more complete and better documented account of an individual in an earlier compiled genealogy.

Article 6. Worth Shipley Anderson, JD, "John Stanfield 'as he is cald in this country': An Illegitimate Descent in Eastern Tennessee," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 106.2 (June 2018): 85-101. (17 pp.)

Date Completed: 8 Jan 2019

Category: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Comments: Examines evidence in county records including probate, wills, and bastardy bonds along with church records, particularly Quaker records although some Baptist records were used, and correspondence to resolve a person of illegitimate descent in East Tennessee.

Happy Tuesday, Lori!

>90 thornton37814: Too bad about that one. It sounds like it is trying to fill the same niche as George MacDonald: An Anthology, which C. S. Lewis compiled, which also has 365 entries. I've got it around somewhere, but I've never actually read it, though I've quite liked what of MacDonald's works I've read.

>96 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia.

>97 harrygbutler: It was quite disappointing. Nothing but quotes.

Book 6. The Outrun by Amy Liptrot

Date Completed: 8 Jan 2019

Category: The Four Seasons

Rating: 3 stars

Review: When the author finds herself at "rock bottom" due to an alcohol addiction, she rediscovers her home in the Orkney Islands. She beautifully describes the island and its habitat; however, it is ruined by the descriptions of her alcholism. She eventually winters on the Isle of Papay. While I loved the descriptions of Orkney, I did not enjoy reading about the author's addiction. I also did not appreciate the way she mocked her mother's Evangelical Christian faith. If the author simply focused on Orkney's natural environment, I would have enjoyed the book far more.

Earlier today I ran by my local public library to renew my library card so I didn't lose all my Overdrive wish list and holds. I left about the same time one of my favorite staffers got off. She was celebrating because she'd checked her old on an Overdrive title just before she left. She'd gone from #438 to about #384 on whatever it was. I'm thankful I've never been that far down a list. I think I'd just give up and buy whatever it was!

>99 thornton37814: Hopefully your next read will be a lot better.

>101 Whisper1: As you will shortly see, I enjoyed it more.

Book 7. Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro

Date Completed: 8 Jan 2019

Category: Mamas & The Papas

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Dani Shapiro took a DNA test. The man she believed to be her biological father was not. She discovered her parents difficult conceiving a child led them to a clinic where her mother was artificially inseminated not with her father's sperm but with that of a young doctor. A first cousin match led to the man's identity. Correspondence between Shapiro and her biological father took place. The eventually met. While I enjoyed the DNA story, the publication of the memoir revealing the man's identity appears to be a violation of genetic genealogy ethics, particularly when she continually voiced the man's concern for privacy. I received an advance electronic copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I hope the final version includes her biological father's consent to be named.

I'm having a bit of a problem with my current audiobook. The setting is Virginia, but the author's accent is Acadian. It just doesn't fit! I think I know why the audiobook was available and the ebook was not. If I read future installments, I will be certain to get an ebook if the narrator is the same.

>103 thornton37814: I was looking forward to this book, but now, not quite as much. Hmmmm.....

>104 thornton37814: I've only recently been regularly listening to audiobooks, but I've found I'm very picky about readers. The accent issue would probably drive me crazy.

>105 Dejah_Thoris: It's still an interesting book. I hope she had his blessing on revealing his identity. The accent issue is driving me crazy. At first, it reminded me of a Louisiana accent, but that wasn't quite it, and then I caught the New England dropping of r's. I realized the combination of Acadian and dropping of r's probably made it Maine. I looked up the narrator, and sure enough, she resides in Maine.

I ordered what I thought was a Yahtzee score pad from Amazon, but found it was a book on arrival. If I follow the instructions on each page, how will I ever reach 63 to get the bonus at the top?

>107 thornton37814: That's an unfortunate error — or a rather unique variation of the game!

>100 thornton37814: I'm #276 on the waitlist for Becoming. Unless it goes on sale before I get it, I'll keep waiting; sale = instabuy!

>107 thornton37814: The photocopier is your friend. Sending hugs!

>107 thornton37814: Can't quite read it well enough to get what' wrong...but shame on 'em anyway!

>103 thornton37814: Sounds very interesting, but it is truly disturbing if she has revealed the man's identity without his agreement.

>59 thornton37814: >57 Forthwith:

My assertive little black cat, Victoria, bypasses the computer from my lap and roams over the printer until she sends a fax.

I came very close to abandoning an audiobook last month because the reader had a completely wrong accent for voicing a first person narrator who is a native of Savannah. I don't think the reader was even from the South, let alone Savannah.

>108 harrygbutler: I don't want to be required to get 6 Yahtzees on Aces.

>109 richardderus: Wow! That's a long waitlist. I hope they have lots of copies. The National Parks Editions appears to not include a scorepad. I was just ordering some so I could play. Hopefully Walmart or some place locally will sell them.

>110 laytonwoman3rd: One of the errors is "Count and Add Only Aces" is all the way from one to six. It also by YAHTZEE it reads "of 5 a kind" instead of "5 of a kind." I'm concerned about her revelation of his identity. I'll be interested to see whether it is discussed in the genealogical community.

>111 m.belljackson: Your cat is quite talented.

>112 cbl_tn: If the ebook had been available or where I would be next on the waiting list, I would have abandoned it, but I decided it was best to just keep listening. Wrong accents are not good in audiobooks.

The boys went for the annual vet visit today. We had a first. All three boys let me pick them up and put them in the carrier. I couldn't believe how quickly it was done!

Book 8. The Shortest History of Germany by James Hawes

Date Completed: 10 Jan 2019

Category: America

Rating: 2 stars

Review: When I saw this book, I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the history of Germany. Disappointment set in almost from the moment I opened the book. Non-existent documentation, an overly familiar writing style, and blatant political bias plagued the account. In a small book such as this, one expects superficial treatment; however, the author's biases seem to drive what he glosses over and what he treats more in-depth. The author needs to return to writing fiction and refrain from non-fiction unless he plans to document his work and ignore his own biases. I received an advance electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review. The book's index was not included in the version I read.

>100 thornton37814: That is a gigantic hold list! I don't think I would have the patience to wait for any book that long!

>117 ChelleBearss: I guess it depends on how many copies there are; however, I'm guessing there are not that many!

I noticed at least one of my libraries is now estimating how long it will be before you get the book in addition to telling your hold position.

Book 9. Breaking Free: Discover the Victory of Total Surrender by Beth Moore

Date Completed: 11 Jan 2019

Category: The Temptations

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Many women find Beth Moore's Bible studies wonderful. I found myself less thrilled with them. The study focused on a passage in the prophet Isaiah. Much of my problem with the book is stylistic. This felt more like a typescript of a speaking engagement in places than a book. It was overly familiar. I cannot fault her insights into God's Word, but the manner in which she presents it falls flat for me. I prefer for the writing to be leaner and more to the point. She includes the first and second person too much in the content for the style that works best for me. Most women will probably enjoy this study more than I did.

>118 thornton37814: That kind of information would be very helpful, you'd know how long you'd have to wait, and can count on it, more or less.

Sorry about the audiobook readers! Sometimes people aren't aware that they have an accent, could that explain it?

I'm listening to one I dislike as well at the moment. A reader who has the habit of reading in a sing-song. I find it annoying and diverting, but I still like the book, he's reading and want to finish it. From the audio library and there isn't a lot of choice.

>120 EllaTim: I'm getting used to the narrator, and I think she's improving as she goes along. I wonder if it was her first time to read and that maybe she got some feedback in the process but they didn't go back and redo earlier sections read.

Book 10. As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

Date Completed: 12 Jan 2019

Category: Herman's Hermits

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Thomas Bright's family moves to Philadelphia to help Uncle Fred with his funeral home. They'd lived near his wife Pauline's family, but they wanted a better life. Evie loved books so she loved perusing her uncle's library as well as the nearby public library. Maggie found making friends a bit more difficult but she struck up a friendship with Charlie Sutcliffe and his older brother Jamie who lived across the street. Willa, the youngest, made friends easily. The war raged in Europe. Jamie's draft number came up. Thomas, now well-versed in the undertaker's trade, signed up for the medical corps to avoid the front lines. The flu hits Philadelphia hard. Schools close. Pauline volunteers with the women at church to take food to families affected. Maggie goes along, discovering a baby crying with a mother dead from flu and a sister she believes will die soon. "Alex" as the family calls him comes home to live with them. Thomas informs the authorities in the event family members seek him out. Willa comes down with the flu and recovers, but then Pauline comes down with it. Uncle Fred calls Thomas home from the training camp because of the family emergency. Life will never be the same for the Bright family. After the end of the war, the book takes up in the year 1925 where we see how the events of 1918 still affect the family. This book is beautiful. During the war sections, I considered awarding this book 5 stars. Although the mid-1920s sections were strong, they just failed to mesmerize me as the earlier sections did. Willa's under-age performances, and Evie's responsibility for a divorce caused this. Still, the authored penned a beautiful historical novel that captivates readers.

Hi, Lori. Yikes! - just realised I hadn't actually commented here before; sorry!

That's a brilliant thread-topper! And I love your categories for this year, very clever! :)

I rarely listen to audiobooks because I'm too picky (judgemental?) over the readings, and too easily get distracted from the reading by the reader. I had to listen to the Librivox recording of Trollope's The Macdermots Of Ballycloran last year, and the reader (American Mid-West, I think) kept trying to do an Irish accent when she couldn't, and it nearly drove me insane! :D

>123 lyzard: I really love some narrators, but some just don't cut it!

Article 7. Harold A. Henderson, CG. "Fannie Fern Crandall and Her Three-Timing Darling Husband," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 106.1 (March 2018): 35-48. (14 pp.)

Date Completed: 12 Jan 2019

Category: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Comments: Although it remains uncertain whether or not Fannie married Frank Ira Darling, he fathered her child, and she used his surname. He had children by three women, and multiple women claiming to be his wife showed up when his body was returned to Michigan, leading to his mother's death. Uses pension files, newspapers, city directories, and other records.

Happy New Year, Lori! It looks like your reading year is going fairly well, with a few flops. A couple of two star books. Yikes!

Article 8. Nathan W. Murphy, AG, FASG, "Captain Abraham Read and Emelia (Cary) (Read) Gressingham of Virginia and London: More on the Seafaring Kin of the Byrds of Westover, Virginia," The American Genealogist 89.4 (October 2017): 265-271. (7 pp.)

Date Completed: 12 Jan 2019

Category: Chicago

Comments: Establishes probable identity of Captain Abraham Read(e) by examining parish registers in England and Barbados, other government records, and published historical scholarship.

>126 vancouverdeb: It started off really well, and then there was a little slump. It picked up again though.

>103 thornton37814: The identification of the man's identity is concerning. If she did get his permission you would think that she would have mentioned it in the book.

Good idea to post about the articles you are reading, Lori. That is one way to get them done.

A late happy 2019 to you and the fur people!

I had not realized you read over 300 books last year - hats off to you as I lie on the ground in a faint. That must make you one of the heavy hitting book readers in the group.

Hi Lori!

>66 thornton37814: I’m so glad you liked The Dry. I have it on my Kindle and need to remember to read it this year!

>100 thornton37814: And I was upset at being #9 on hold for Educated’s 7 copies at my library. Even then it took a month and I ended up returning it unread.

>107 thornton37814: FYI - there are free printable Yahtzee score sheets online. My daughter and I play what I call ‘strange’ Yahtzee – I don’t know where I found it and don’t know what it’s officially called, but it uses 6 dice, a Yahtzee is 6 of one number, you can get 5-of-a-kind, and there are several additional categories – 1 pr, 2 pr, 3 pr, a “Full straight” of all 6 dice, a Villa – 3 or one number and 3 of another number, and a Tower – 4 of one number and 2 of another. We love it. I have a PDF of it on my computer and print out copies when daughter’s home for a visit. We usually play three games at a time and the 2nd game total is doubled and the third game total is tripled. We must have played 15 or more 3-game 'sets' while she was home for Christmas.

Re audiobooks – I don’t like female readers for some reason unless there are male readers for the male parts too.

>129 Familyhistorian: It was the only way I could figure out to to make myself read them. If I post a little bit of a summary, including record types used in resolving the problem, it will help me find the articles later.

>130 streamsong: I suspect if you cut out the picture books and Kindle shorts, it would be closer to 200, but I've always included those. I'm shocked that I read that many too. Although I'm doing well at the moment, it's winter, and I accept fewer genealogy clients due to unpredictable weather which allows for reading time. I'll prep for some research trips at some point which may take a bit of time away from reading, but until I decide for sure which ones I'm doing this year, I can't really start that process.

>131 karenmarie: I've never seen "strange Yahtzee" with 6 dice, but I'm sure my family would like to try it! I'll have to see if we can find the instructions. Re: Audiobook narrators. I agree that men are generally preferable to female readers, but I've heard a couple of good female narrators. For example, Stephanie Brush does a good job on the Margaret Coel books.

>82 thornton37814: Your review makes me even more eager for my reread of The Chosen this month. Thanks, Lori. I read it well before LT and just remembered that I loved it. I kept my copy just for the purpose of reading it again someday…and that day is nearly here. Hallelujah!

Oh, I love Yahtzee. I actually won a game when we played at Christmas! I should have so much luck at my bridge game. ;-(

>133 Donna828: I will keep my copy of The Chosen, I think--even if it is a cheap 50 cent copy. I anticipate a re-read in the future. As far as Yahtzee, I won a couple of games over Christmas, mainly because I rolled multiple Yahtzees in a game a couple of times and got the top bonus. I've never played Bridge.

As Bright As Heaven sounds like a good read, indeed. Happy new week!

>135 richardderus: I really enjoyed it. As I stated, some things in the last part bothered me, but they would not necessarily bother everyone else. I think most readers would grant it at least 4 stars with a good number giving it 4.5 or 5. I'll probably look for other books she authored.

When it rains, it pours! Three e-book holds came in over the weekend. I already had two library books checked out and a couple other books I intended to read this month. My own books may get delayed until next month.

>137 thornton37814: I recently discovered the "manage hold" feature in Libby (the new OverDrive app) and I've used it to try to prevent this from happening to me. I currently have holds on next month's British Isles challenge books and SeriesCAT audiobook, but suspended until either then end of this month or the first of next month. I am first on the waitlist for all three.

>138 cbl_tn: I've used the "suspend" feature before, but I honestly thought it would be another 3 weeks on one based on the number of holds. One is pretty short (a YA novel). The other was just at the end of its loan period instead of the beginning when I placed the hold, so I really didn't know when it would come in. I have managed the holds on mine in Overdrive itself. I haven't used Libby yet. I suspect they'll eventually make it where everyone needs to use it. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using Libby?

>139 thornton37814: Libby syncs across devices, and it manages content from multiple libraries well. It's very easy to switch between KCPL and TN Reads in Libby for borrowing as well as for reading. The search and borrow function is integrated into Libby, where with OverDrive the app seems to have been designed for reading or listening to already borrowed items.

I guess I'll give it a try soon. I just renewed my Morristown card for another 2 years. I mailed the check for the Knox County renewal today. (It's due at the end of the month.)

Book 11. Plum Tea Crazy by Laura Childs

Date Completed: 15 Jan 2019

Category: The Who

Rating: 3 stars

Review: When a banker shot with an antique crossbow falls from Timothy Neville's roof becoming impaled on the iron fencing thus meeting his death, Theodosia, who was present at the event, feels compelled to help her boyfriend Detective Pete Riley and his superior Detective Burt Tidwell with the investigation. She does uncover useful clues for the detectives but endangers those around her in the process. Theodosia's lists of suspects includes the wife of the victim, a colleague of the victim, a man involved in business deals with the victim, and a man who wants to stop the upcoming antique weapons show. A few comical moments are created. My suspicion fell to the person who committed the dastardly deed almost from character's introduction. This series is becoming very formulaic. I'd like to see Jamie become a regular in the series--perhaps being mentored by Drayton. It was nice to spend some time with my Theodosia and company, but with Theodosia dating Pete, her interaction with Tidwell was limited, and I missed that aspect.

Book 12. Book, Line, and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay

Date Completed: 17 Jan 2019

Category: The Who

Rating: 3 stars

Review: When Riordan shows up to dig on an island near Briar Creek with what he believes to be Captain Kidd's treasure map, the citizens hold varying opinions. Some believe it will boost tourism; others voice concern over ecological implications. When the tourism director turns up dead on the island, operations halt. I don't want to convey too much of the plot. A love triangle with Lindsey, her current boyfriend, and her ex-fiance emerges, although Lindsey makes it clear to John she loves Sully. Character development for the police chief and for officer Emma advanced in this installment. The book provided a pleasant diversion.

Book 13. Harvest of Secrets by Ellen Crosby

Date Completed: 18 Jan 2019

Category: The Who

Rating: 3 stars

Review: When workers discover a skull buried in a storage shed on Lucie Montgomery's property, she calls in the sheriff. However, the murder victim lived in the mid-19th century. A glimpse in the family Bible reveals no death date appears next to Susannah Montgomery and additional evidence gleaned points in that direction. Although Lucie recently took a DNA test, the archaeologist working the case wants Lucie's DNA in the same format as the bone sample's DNA. While she spit for the test that revealed an unknown half-brother whom she gets to know in the narrative, she does a cheek swab for the match to the bones. In the meantime, a hurricane is headed to Virginia, and a French winemaker working a neighboring vineyard turns up dead. Suspicion falls to an immigrant whose secateurs are found near the body. He left his documents in his car where someone broke in and stole them. Lucie suspects an attempt to frame him. Miguel,however, ran, making him look guilty. Lucie finally gets around to solving the crime with the sheriff thankfully not far behind. The murderer's identity was obvious to me early on, but it took Lucie forever to figure it out. I liked the historical/genealogical parts far better than the present-day mystery. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christine Marshall. I nearly abandoned it early on because the accent was wrong for the region. She dropped r's as New Englanders do rather than pronouncing them (and adding a few) as Virginians often do. However, she improved as the story went along. It made me think someone corrected her but that they didn't go back and fix the first couple of hours of reading. This first venture into this series came from reading a review mentioning the genealogical angle. I may go back and read earlier installments. If I do, I will read them unless the narrator differs.

Goodness! Quite the string of diverting mysteries. I'm not a tea fancier, but that series has serious legs since that's book 19.

Have a good weekend ahead, Lori.

>145 richardderus: Yes. I had a lot of cozies come in all at once from holds. (One was one I checked out from the academic library where I work over Christmas. I didn't get to it then, but it's due to go back to the lease book company soon, so I needed to read it.) I didn't expect them all to come in at the same time. My current read is police procedural so it will go in a different category. The other hold that came in is juvenile so it goes in a different category.

>144 thornton37814: The genealogy aspects of that one sound interesting, Lori.

>147 Familyhistorian: It's quite good. There's also an old quilt that is quite interesting in that part!

A baker's dozen books read so far -- you're off to a quick start, Lori!

Hi Lori!

Book, Line, and Sinker is a clever title. I haven't read any of the series, will keep my eye out for them.

>149 EBT1002: Not a bad one, but it will slow down. I will soon need to prepare syllabi and begin work on new presentations for July and August. Well, the one in July is one I haven't done in awhile which needs to be updated, so there is some usable stuff for it.

>150 karenmarie: It was a good title. The series is a pleasant escape when you need something light.

Book 14. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Date Completed: 20 Jan 2019

Category: The Police

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: A serial killer murders women in a gruesome manner leaving Roman numerals carved upon their chests. Kate Burkholder, chief of police for Painter's Mill, fails to call for outside help at first, reminded of something that happened sixteen years ago during her life as an Amish teenager. When city officials ask for help from Columbus, they send a detective with a prescription drug problem to aid the investigation. When the second victim's body is discovered, Kate asks for assistance from the local sheriff's office. The charismatic sheriff knows how to play the press. The book combines the police procedural with the thriller. The book lacks the calmness other Amish Country crime novels, probably as much due to the nature of the crime as anything. While I prefer P. L. Gaus' Amish mysteries at the moment, I want to continue reading this one to see how Kate develops. I previously read a Christmas installment from later in the series which had a cozier feel than this first installment. Castillo's first effort held the reader's attention. My biggest complaint centers on a rushed romantic relationship, which feels especially rushed in light of what happened to Burkholder as a teen.

Thanks for the conversation with Carrie about Libby. I've been using it just a little not knowing it is another version of Overdrive. I mostly use Hoopla to borrow audiobooks and have had no problems other than the limited materials. I hope your week end was enjoyable, Lori.

>153 Donna828: Yes. I just saw no reason for "Libby" when Overdrive worked perfectly well. I'm sure they'll eventually discontinue the original app so I suppose I should go ahead and download the other. I am curious as to whether one can use both. I guess I'll see if FAQs address that question.

>154 thornton37814: I've used both. Libby isn't available on Kindle yet, so I primarily use the Overdrive app. But I've downloaded both on my phone to be able to show library patrons the difference and also used Libby on occasion. I found the initial setup a little more streamlined and intuitive for Libby, but it's not a strong preference for me.

>155 bell7: That's good to know! I'll try to download it and see how I like it.

>122 thornton37814: Adding that one to the BlackHole!

>142 thornton37814: That is a cozy series to which I need return. I enjoy them. I guess they are what you might call 'guilty pleasures' for me.

>157 alcottacre: Nice to see the BlackHole is getting its workout once again! I love the tea shop series and the Cackleberry Club series.

Hi, Lori. Finally adventuring into the world of the threads and dropping a star. Picasso, Mycroft, Bandit and J'zargo send lots of purrs to Sherlock, Mr B, and Barney!

A new Flavia mystery comes out on Tuesday, The Golden Tresses of the Dead. I read it as an ARC in the fall and enjoyed it. I'm not sure where you are with the series, but if you haven't read the previous book, The Grave's a Fine and Private Place, make sure to read Golden Tresses as soon as you can after it.

I read The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner at the end of last year and I think you would really like it. It's about a German-American teenager whose family is sent to an internment camp in Texas during WWII. I had heard about the Japanese internment camps, but I hadn't really realized that the US also rounded up German-American families as well.

ETA >155 bell7: >156 thornton37814: I read that there weren't plans to discontinue Overdrive at this time, which is a very good thing. I have both and I rarely ever use Libby because the Wishlist feature from Overdrive does not transfer into Libby and vice-versa. Since I have a huge Wishlist on Overdrive, I see no reason to try to duplicate that on Libby. While Libby does have a nice interface, I won't find it usable until the list syncs between Overdrive and Libby.

>156 thornton37814: >159 rretzler: Yeah, there are definitely some features that still need to be worked out. There's much more fine tuning to your searches and lists that can be done in Overdrive and not Libby. I do like the feature where Libby will estimate about how long it'll take your holds to be available.

>159 rretzler: It would be frustrating to need to manually enter the wish lists. I'm ready for The Grave's a Fine and Private Place. I enjoy the audiobooks so I'll probably get to it before too long. I wanted something non-mystery this time, so I'm listening to a rather longish audiobook, How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn, a book bullet from LT. The Meissner is on my wish list already. I did know about German internment but mainly because I read about it about 30 years ago.

>160 bell7: I noticed we can already get the estimate of how long it will take in the web version. I don't know if I've checked it on iPhone which I use for audiobook listening or iPad which I use for ebook reading. I do most of my browsing in the web browser.

>152 thornton37814: I really enjoy that series but a word of warning that the crimes Kate investigates can get pretty dark and disturbing. My sister gave up on the books for that reason, but I'm vested in the characters and the action always holds my interest. Plus, I met the author at a book signing one time and she was delightful in person.

>162 LibraryLover23: Thanks for the warning. This one was pretty gruesome. I will see how it progresses. At the moment, I prefer the P. L. Gaus Amish mysteries set in the same area.

>154 thornton37814: Gosh, I hope they don't discontinue Overdrive. I can't get Libby outside the US. Neither can I use Overdrive on my Kindle but I do like being able to borrow e-library books. Plus, I don't have to worry about physically getting them back to the library when they're about to become overdue.

>164 humouress: They probably won't discontinue it until it is available for you all then!

Book 15. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

Date Completed: 22 Jan 2019

Category: New Kids on the Block

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Candice and her author mom move to her late grandmother's home in Lambert, South Carolina while their Atlanta home is being remodeled to put on the market due to her parents' divorce. Candice planned to spend time with her friends that summer, but now she will be alone much of the time as her mom writes. Candice' grandmother served as Lambert's city manager until a letter presenting a puzzle and an opportunity to help Lambert's economy caused her to dig up the tennis courts. She resigned due to pressure from the town, leaving the puzzle unresolved. Candice befriends Brandon from across the street. They both share a love for reading. She finds her grandmother's letter in one of her old puzzle books in the attic and enlists Brandon to help her resolve the puzzle. They uncover the outcome of a 1957 tennis match between the black and white schools which forced the town's coach and his family as well as a player to leave town, assuming new identities. Candice and Brandon piece things together to solve the mystery. While I loved the puzzle itself and even the story behind it, I would never encourage a Christian young person to read this as some of the behavior of children and adults clearly defies biblical commands and moral teaching.

I hope you enjoy The Grave's a Fine and Private Place/ I'm very keen on the series. It is so much fun!

>167 vancouverdeb: I'm sure I'll enjoy my visit with Flavia.

>166 thornton37814: Thanks for this review. I met Varian Johnson at our local Children's Lit Festival last year, where he plugged this. Your review reminds me I want to get to it, and I'm encouraged that you enjoyed the story.

>169 swynn: Hope you enjoy it.

Book 16. Welcome to the Isles of Mull, Iona, Staffa by John Brooks

Date Completed: 23 Jan 2019

Category: Journey

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Although this little tourist book is somewhat dated, I found it provided insights about these Inner Hebridean Islands' history. While the photographs reflect the best quality for color reproductions of the 1970s, they still bring pleasure when viewed.

>171 thornton37814: I'd love it for the photos alone. I find Scotland and its isles unearthly beautiful.

>172 richardderus: It was in a gift collection at work. I couldn't resist reading it over lunch!

Book 17. Nerve by Dick Francis

Date Completed: 23 Jan 2019

Category: The Who

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I'm clearly in the minority on this one, but I did not enjoy this book. I think I just don't enjoy horse racing (or any other form of racing) enough to relate to the main character. Rob Finn is an up-and-coming jockey but someone is trying to do him in. If you enjoy horse racing and thrillers, you might enjoy this one. I won't be trying another installment of the series.

Sorry about your two star read. I confess I've never wanted to read anything by Dick Francis. Like you, I so not enjoy horse racing or, indeed, any kind of racing. So his books do not appeal to me at all. But like you, I'm likely in the minority. Good for you for plowing through.

>175 vancouverdeb: I never wanted to try him, but the group read of him prompted me to attempt that one, especially since I found the book for 90 cents at the used bookstore. Most of the folks really loved it--even some who have similar tastes to mine. As a child, I used to watch "Let's Go to the Races" but only to see if the one on my card from the grocery store won the race. (It never did.) However, now I've read too much about abusive practices to race horses to appreciate the sport.

Book 18. The British Isles: A Picture Book to Remember Her By designed by David Gibbon; produced by Ted Smart

Date Completed: 24 Jan 2019

Category: Journey

Rating: 4 stars

Review: I enjoyed my visit to the British Isles via this slim volume of photographs. While such a book could never replace an in person visit, armchair travelers will appreciate the collection which depicts many parts of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

Book 19. Eight Lights: The Story of Chanukah by William F. Rosenblum and Robert J. Rosenblum; illustrated by Shraga Weil

Date Completed: 24 Jan 2019

Category: The Temptations

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This is a very simple telling of the story of Chanukah (alson known as Hanukkah) in which Judah Maccabee recaptured the temple after Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated it by sacrificing a pig to Zeus. The eight day celebration arose from a period of purification and a rededication of the temple. The illustrations are very dated.

>177 thornton37814: Another pleasure-to-absorb read, I'm happy to note.

My mother liked Dick Francis a lot. I never got the taste for his stuff.

>179 richardderus: Yes. It was a gorgeous book! It made me want to leave my armchair and catch the next flight! Of course, I really want to see the villages and open country more than the big cities.

Lori, I'm afraid I'm an curmudgeon when it comes to physical versus e -books. I tried a Kindle, but never really got to like it. I like to flip back and forth between the pages and I have never found that as easy on a kindle as I have with " real books." In Canada, amazon has not made e-books available to our libraries. So we have to rely on Kobo's or what ever will support Overdrive, which I've yet to figure out. I'll have to try to move with the times. I know my sister loves her kindle, whereas her husband likes his Kobo.

>177 thornton37814: I'm happy to see you had a four star read.

>180 thornton37814: Oh, I could spend a year in London and not get tired of it; but I'd adore a chance to make a long, leisurely circuit of the byways as well. Then do the same with Edinburgh and Scotland.

>181 vancouverdeb: The main book apps available to me are Overdrive and RB Digital. I rarely find anything on RB Digital. I love Overdrive. I still enjoy print books too--and at times I prefer reading in print.

>182 richardderus: I would not mind touring some of the museums and such in the larger cities, but I like more "peaceful" locations (although given the large amount of crime fiction set in these locales, I'm not sure "peaceful" is the correct term). One of the books I held out to read is on the Scottish border country. Perhaps it will be my lunch read tomorrow. If I don't finish it, I'll bring it home with me.

Book 20. The Life of Charlemagne by Einhard; translated by Samuel Epes Turner

Date Completed: 24 Jan 2019

Category: America

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This small volume,written in the 9th century by a member of Charlemagne's court, provides a glimpse of the leader's life. While it lacks the sophistication of modern biographies, its importance lies in revealing how his inner circle viewed him. I found the map of "Europe According to Einhard" fascinating.

>122 thornton37814: Once again, an incredible review! I hope to read As bright as Heaven soon.

Thanks! I so enjoy your reviews and wonderful writing ability.

>185 Whisper1: I really enjoyed that one. I hope you enjoy it as well. I'm humbled by your comments!

I'm heading out to flea market and antique places over in Sevier County. I'm trying to find something I like that can be used for a TV stand. (My new TV sits closer to the edges of my current one than comfort allows when one is owned by three cats.) The new ones I like are $200-$400 (and I didn't even look at the ones that were more expensive. I want to see if I can find something usable that can be refinished. I know what dimensions I would prefer so I'll see what I can find. If I can't find something, I'll see if my nephew who makes furniture as a hobby can beat the prices or if I just need to buy the one that is just over $200.

I'm noticing a lot of broken image links in threads I'm visiting. At one time, LT supported external image links. I noticed some of my own which were linked to images I'd uploaded elsewhere began disappearing a couple years ago. At that point, I began uploading the cat photos and other images into my gallery here so they would display. I always link to LT cover images. Perhaps someone else knows other tricks if LT actually supports images outside LT they could share? It might help a lot of folks with broken image links.

>187 thornton37814: Lori, have you tried Ikea? I've managed to buy some good bookcases from them at a very reasonable price.

>188 thornton37814: There has been an issue with the covers disappearing on the threads in particular, Lori. The solution is to sign out of LT and sign back in again. Then the images should appear again.

>187 thornton37814: We purchased shelving from a public library that was moving locations. A lot of businesses sell off old furniture, etc. Also, unclaimed freight stores sometimes have good items for less. :)

>189 Whisper1: Nearest Ikea is in Charlotte, but I did look online and didn't like their options.

>190 Familyhistorian: That's a strange solution!

>191 genesisdiem: I need library shelving! That ought to be strong enough to endure my book weight plus the cat weight. I'm not sure a library would have a suitable TV stand. We tend to have "mobile units." I don't know of an unclaimed freight store nearby.

>192 thornton37814: We cut one set of the library shelves in half for a tv stand. :)

Hi Lori! I hope you managed to find something for the TV. My current stand is narrower than the TV but I don't have cats :-) And my father made it for me, so I want to keep it. It was perfect for my 21-inch TV, when that was a respectable size for a TV instead of a smallish computer monitor.

Those library holds in the hundreds are amazing! I've never seen anything here with that many people waiting for it. I was #25 on something recently, which is about the highest I've ever been. I checked to see whether my library has the Michelle Obama memoir, but it doesn't yet. That one seems to be the most popular on LT for very long holds.

My library's Overdrive has just started saying approximately when a book will be available - I haven't noticed it before. Previously I would just multiply the number of holds by the three-week loan period, and when something came really early I took it as a sign that it was either *very* good (and people read it super-fast) or not very good (and they returned it disgusted after a few pages :-) )

>193 genesisdiem: I want something that is a bit more "closed" below. I do want some storage in it for DVDs and/or books, but I want it a little more closed.

>194 susanj67: The problem is that the legs are right as the edge (which you may be able to see in the cat photos that will soon follow). The time estimate seems to be a new feature to Overdrive. Someone said it was giving that in Libby so it may be a feature they incorporated to the main app.

Sherlock helps Mississippi State make points.



Barney heard the Lady Vols need help so they can break the biggest losing streak in decades.

>196 thornton37814: Lori, I see what you mean!

I tried Libby but I couldn't really see what it added so I don't use it any more. But I'm glad they added the "wait" feature to Overdrive. Maybe fewer clever features and more books might be the answer, though!

>196 thornton37814: buy and stain a piece of plywood that would extend a couple inches past the current top of the stand, but be sure to attach it well.

Or check out thrift stores like Habitat for Humanity. We've bought several nice WOODEN pieces of furniture that way. No more particle board for me!

>197 susanj67: It's very close -- and the cats are fascinated by the television.

>198 fuzzi: I'm sure I'll find something. I'm trying to avoid particle board too. My nephew makes wonderful furniture so I may be able to get him to build something for me, but I thought a used option would make it more affordable. It's just all the thrift stores lacked anything useful. The big flea market seemed absent of furniture. It appeared some of the outdoor stalls that were all closed might sell furniture, but I'm not waiting until it is warm enough for them to open. I think one of the problems in our area is that a lot of people call God's Warehouse or Samaritan House when they have furniture. Both of those ministries help people who are burned out, etc.

Book 21. Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston; edited by Deborah G. Plant

Date Completed: 27 Jan 2019

Category: America

Rating: 4 stars

Review: While dialect makes this a more difficult read than some, the telling of one man's experience on one of the final slave ships deserves a reading. Ii found the contrast between the way two brothers treated their slaves enlightening. The story itself will break your heart at times. The appendix with Cudjo's stories and an African game was fascinating.

Tomorrow is a snow day at work. I can't believe they called it based on the forecast alone! I am, however, grateful!

LibraryThing knows I'm the Crazy Cat Lady. I'm getting Miss Mink: Life Lessons for a Cat Countess from Early Reviewers.

Hi Lori!

>196 thornton37814: What a riot. My Kitty William likes to look at the monitor while I'm typing or 'mousing around' and sometimes even gets between me and the keyboard just to make things interesting.

>200 thornton37814: I saw on Meg's thread that you had read it. Funny - I read the Critical Essay at the end of the book and skipped the stories and the African game.

>203 karenmarie: The boys continue to get up close and personal to watch TV. I hope they continue to enjoy it. I really did enjoy the stories. I didn't really figure out the game, but I suspect it's just a cultural thing.

I made Grands! Crescents Ham and Egg Breakfast Braid today. It tastes incredible. Highly recommended.

Hi, Lori! We have a snow day, so I'm trying to catch up with LT friends. Nodding at the Overdrive/Libby conversation. For some reason, they are really pushing Libby, but I gave up on it mainly because of the wishlist issue. Very annoying!

I read Sworn to Silence and a couple more of that series by Linda Castillo. I got the feeling, eventually, that she enjoyed dwelling too much on the more sensational elements of crime. I don't know why, but the last book of hers I read, I found it bothered me more in these books dealing with the Amish than it does in other hard-hitting crime books. It somehow felt exploitative. I can't really explain why. Maybe it was just the mood I was in. I do know I won't listen to any more of them on audio.

>206 tymfos: My understanding from talking to our library's OverDrive rep is that Libby is the new app, and they will eventually phase out the old app. Hopefully, they will solve the problems you were having with Libby before they go over to it entirely.

>206 tymfos: I have not given up on the series yet, but I'm not sure I like how she portrays the Amish community. Maybe "exploitative" is the right term. I'm not sure yet, but I'm sure I'll figure it out after I've read a couple more. It's really a shame because I truly loved the "short" I read recently.

>207 foggidawn: I'm hoping they wait a bit to phase it out. European Overdrive users say Libby is not available there yet. That gives me hope it will be awhile before they get around to eliminating it.

I'm crawling around the threads to say I'm not dead but woefully unread, both books and threads. Happy polar vortex.

>209 richardderus: I'm just thankful we are above 0 in East Tennessee. I really feel badly for those of you with sub-zero temps and wind chills.

It's BRUTAL out there! I will not touch trotter to pavement until sanity is restored.

>211 richardderus: LOL

>208 thornton37814: I didn't get the sense that they were in any hurry, so hopefully they are more focused on doing it right than on doing it quickly.

>213 foggidawn: I certainly hope that is the case!

Book 22. Seneca Falls Inheritance by Miriam Grace Monfredo

Date Completed: 31 Jan 2019

Category: Herman's Hermits

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Historical mysteries featuring well-known persons usually fall a bit flat with me. I enjoyed this one a bit more than some of those. In it Elizabeth Cady Stanton, acquaintance of the murder victim and her mother, testifies in the case. While local officers are investigating the murder, librarian Glynis Tryon plays an important role in the solution. Set during a time women are struggling to earn the right to own property and vote, the mystery's biggest flaw lies in gaps in evidence collection. The genealogist in me screamed "obtain a copy of the marriage license" in one instance. Another situation in the book's narrative produced one. A license plus other evidence readily available would quickly establish the proof needed for the earlier situation.

Book 23. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna: a Short Guide to St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna by Richard Rickett

Date Completed: 1 Feb 2019

Category: Journey

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This brief guide, designed for persons touring the cathedral, includes interesting information on the cathedral's architecture and history as well as on persons associated with the cathedral such as the great composer Mozart.

Book 24. The Story of Franklin D. Roosevelt: Warm Springs and the Little White House by Georgia. Department of Natural Resources

Date Completed: 1 Feb 2019

Category: Journey

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This souvenir booklet tells about Franklin Delano Roosevelt's trips to Warm Springs, Georgia and his building of what became known as the "Little White House." It includes photographs of the home and its furnishings. It tells the story of his unfinished portrait and about the state memorials on the grounds. Until I read this booklet, I did not know Roosevelt died at this home in Georgia rather than in Washington, D.C. The booklet stirred my interest in visiting the home which is now in the Georgia State Park system.

>215 thornton37814: Decades ago, a friend and I visited Seneca Falls as tourists and those mysteries were in several touristy shops. I passed on them then, and this is the first time I have thought of the event and book since. Maybe not the wrong call after all.

>216 thornton37814: Ah, Vienna, the city where my coffee came "mit Schlag" because of course it did, want it or no, there it was. That and the Radetzky March are my Viennese take-aways from my early-teens visit with Dad. I'm sure that cathedral was on the agenda, but after the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris who cared?

>217 thornton37814: Warm Springs was a very humanizing passage in FDR's fairly chilly life. I think there was a movie made about that.

>218 richardderus: The Seneca Falls book was borrowed from a friend who rated it 1/2 star lower than I did. The Vienna and Warm Springs books were in a gift collection at work. I held them out to read. I've got an older Scotland book pulled out to read. It may go home with me this weekend. I can return it to the "book sale" pile after I read it. Of course, I don't anticipate much reading this evening since it's game night for our church choir!

Game night vs reading...yeah, this ending is pretty much written already.

>220 richardderus: I need a fun night once in awhile. The cats might prefer I read to them.

Book 25. My DNA Diary: All About YOU (Genetics for Kids) by Lisa Mullan; illustrated by Neil Chapman

Date Completed: 2 Feb 2019

Category: New Kids on the Block

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: This book introduces the science of genetics to children. I dislike using the term "dinky amigos." It reminds me of science class in middle school when a student teacher, on a day the regular teacher was out of town, defined the term "villi" for us. When the teacher returned, she asked us what they were. We gave the very memorable answer to her. She was absolutely shocked at the vulgar definition we recited back to her. The man never taught our class again and failed his student teaching. Perhaps the term "dinky" appears in all books published by "Dinky Press." If students cannot understand the science terms, perhaps studying the subject when they can is preferable to using a cute term that may cloud their thoughts when they advance in their studies.

Book 26. The ABC's of Crime and Punishment in Puritan New England by Donna B. Gawell

Date Completed: 2 Feb 2019

Category: America

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Any time a book reduces a topic to ABC's, some dumbing down of the topic is bound to occur. This book mainly illustrates cases from the author's own family history. Much of the research came from the author's In the Shadow of Salem which fictionalizes her ancestor Mehitabel Braybrooke's story. (The cover of that one depicts an Amish/Mennonite woman on the cover rather than a Puritan.) Unfortunately Gawell's narrative seems to be limited to a few incidents which are re-hashed throughout the book from different perspectives. While she does point to records which exist, she does not carefully cite those references. She calls the bibliography an "appendix." It does not follow a recognized citation standard format.

Book 27. Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver by Mary Oliver

Date Completed: 2 Feb 2019

Category: Air Supply

Rating: 5 stars

Review: Although I purchased this volume last year, I did not read it right away. I wanted to find time to savor the works of Mary Oliver whose work I love. Her death last month prompted me to pick up the volume. While Mary's words rarely rhyme, she conveys beautiful thoughts and scenes in poetic language. The volume contains poems collected from works published in the 1960s to 2015. I will revisit this volume many times in the years to come. My only criticism pertains to her affinity for including snakes in her poetry.

An extra player on the field for the Kitten Bowl. Sherlock lends a paw.

I’ve somehow missed visiting your thread this year. Shame on me!

I love the photos of your kitties watching TV. I tried to get both the cat and dog interested in the kitten bowl earlier today but no dice. I’ll give the puppy bowl a shot later. The last thing they watched with interest was a PBS program about the birds of Central Park, but that was a few years ago.

>226 Copperskye: Barney and Mr. B were both asleep on my bed. Sherlock was enjoying it all by himself. I guess I didn't take a long enough nap for the other two. I did go grab them at halftime and bring them in, but they went off and slept without glancing at the TV. Sherlock really enjoyed himself! When I needed to leave for youth choir rehearsal at church, I left the first Cat Bowl on for them. I hope they enjoyed it. I needed a hidden video camera.

>200 thornton37814: I already have that one in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again.

>224 thornton37814: Adding that one to the BlackHole. I just read her Dog Songs and want to get to more of her poetry read, a rare thing for me.

>228 alcottacre: It's a good collection. It includes several poems from Dog Songs, but it's a huge collection for poetry (455 pages).

>225 thornton37814: That's great, Lori! Our cats seldom betray much interest in what's on TV, and usually only Otto will stick around while we're watching something, even if his choice is to sleep, too. The dog is more likely to pay attention; she was keen on watching the dog Chinook in the Kirby Grant & Chinook movies, but we also found her showing some interest in Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers' dancing.

>230 harrygbutler: I've been delighted at how much interest they've shown in things. I was especially glad they enjoyed the Kitten Bowl. Until I got this larger screen TV, they didn't show nearly as much interest. It's funny what peaks an animal's interest and what doesn't.

>196 thornton37814: LOL, so cute. i didn't know your kitties were so athletic! Mittens doesn't watch tv he prefers to lay in sunbeams and sleep on opened books :0)
>216 thornton37814: We toured St Stephens Cathedral a couple of years ago when we were in Vienna! What an enormous, gothic, dismal structure!

>232 Carmenere: Mittens sounds like he has a good life. Interesting to hear about St. Stephens Cathedral from someone who actually saw it.

Book 28. How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn

Date Completed: 4 Feb 2019

Category: Herman's Hermits

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This coming-of-age novel narrated by Huw Morgan, youngest son of a family of Welsh miners, paints of picture of Wales in the age of industrialization. The mines, now owned by outsiders who care more about profit than about the lives and welfare of their employees or about the integrity of the land, become less attractive, particularly when strikes yield little or no concessions by those in charge. Most of Huw's siblings move off during the course of the book. One brother dies, and Huw, although attracted to his widow, cannot wed her because of marriage laws. The book tells the story of Huw's education and of his first love as well. The book ends on a sad note. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ralph Cosham.

>234 thornton37814: that's one of my favorites. There is a sequel, Green, Green, My Valley Now, and a very good series that came out in the 1970s. I've probably seen the 1941 film (which beat Citizen Kane for Best Picture that year) but don't recall anything about it.

>235 fuzzi: I picked up the book bullet from someone here. It really had a little more "fighting" than I like in a book, but one expects that somewhat in a coming of age book with a male main character. I'm not in a hurry to read a sequel. I've had enough of the valley for the moment. I'm ready for something a little more escapist so I began listening to the next Flavia de Luce book this morning.

How Green Was My Valley on the TBR pile now! I've seen the movie - I think it had John Wayne in it?

I also have How Green was my Valley on the TBR pile, hopefully I will get to it at some point this year.

>234 thornton37814: Liz and I read that for the bestseller challenge last year. I had mixed feelings about it, but found the writing quite good.

>237 DFED: I haven't seen the movie, but I don't see him listed in the credits. Roddy McDowell played Huw. See https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033729/fullcredits

>238 johnsimpson: I don't have any idea how long the book is in print, but it was 16 parts in audiobook so it is an audiobook chunkster!

>239 swynn: The writing is good. I think the fighting marred my enjoyment somewhat. I still rated it high, because it's one that really deserves it.

Book 29. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Date Completed: 5 Feb 2019

Category: The Beatles

Rating: 4 stars

Review:The classic tale of the March sisters--Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. It's a coming-of-age tale in many ways as the girls grow up and most find love. Marmee imparts wisdom when her daughters seek it. The neighboring Laurance family, particularly Laurie, plays an important role in the book. Jo begins her career as a writer. This classic never fails to make me cry. Even though I know it is coming, I never want Beth to die.

Catching up here, Lori. I have my grandmother's walnut dresser in the living room as the TV furniture. It's 51 inches wide and the tv is 44 inches wide, which give some space for the electronic stuff. I love having it where I can look at it every day and remember it in my grandmother's front bedroom (and truly, I have no room for it anywhere else in the house!).

Always good to see the kitties. I put together a new litter box enclosure for mine today. They didn't say thank you.

>242 ronincats: I've looked at some of the dressers at the antique stores and flea markets, but nothing so far has grabbed me. I won't do anything for awhile since the cats haven't knocked it off yet. (The tight fit may be a bonus for now.) However, I do want it to sit higher and I'd like at least another 6 to 12 inches in width (and up to about 48 inches). The depth is okay.

Book 30. The Scottish Borders (with Galloway) to 1603 by W. R. Kermack

Date Completed: 5 Feb 2019

Category: America

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This book provides readers with a brief overview of Scottish border history, including information on major clans in the area. The author gives a good overview of life during Medieval times in the area. He addresses the importance of abbeys and the church during the period. Footnotes and an abbreviated bibliography (which lacks all the elements of modern citation requirements but which can probably still help the reader locate the book) provide readers with additional resources for further study. This book provided unexpected pleasure in its usefulness to genealogical research for the region.

Hi Lori! >144 thornton37814: I have The Merlot Murders home from the library right now - it's good to know that you liked one further on in the series. A few people have recommended these mysteries, so I thought I'd give them a try.

And I'm about to pick up Sworn to Silence for a reread. I read a few in the series starting about 7 years ago, but didn't get far with it - I'm not sure why. It's entirely your fault I'm giving it another try - I really enjoyed that short Christmas piece by Linda Castillo that I joined you for a shared read.

My kitties don't get to see much tv, but I suspect they would have loved the Kitten Bowl.

Good morning, Lori! Since switching to a flat-screen TV, we've used a small bookcase (built by my father or grandfather, I think) as a stand. It is ample for the TV, but we just keep books on the lower shelves and find other spots for DVD players, because I don't want to drill holes for wires through the back. The cats do get up and walk in front of the TV, but it is a narrow space, so they just use it as a thoroughfare.

>246 harrygbutler: I'm hoping to eventually find something that works for me. I've seen a couple of stands that have a space large enough above some enclosed shelves that would allow me to place both the cable signal box and the DVD player there. I could then use the shelves for books and/or DVDs. I just want to make sure I'm getting something with storage that works and keeps the cats from knocking off the items.

>244 thornton37814: That sounds intriguing to my history-loving self...and so did a $1.99 Kindle special, The Family Tree Problem Solver. I didn't see it in your library, and the people I know on Goodreads warbled its helpfulness, so permaybehaps it's worth your eyeblinks. The sale appears to be today only.

>248 richardderus: Thanks for the tip on that one (the Marsha Hoffman Rising book). I knew about it, but I've never wanted to pay full price for it. It's definitely worth $1.99 for the Kindle version. The Scottish borders book appeared to be part of a series that included a volume on the highlands (that I remember). It's not comprehensive but it's a good introduction which is its intended purpose.

>237 DFED: you might be thinking of The Quiet Man, with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. It takes place in Ireland.

>250 fuzzi: A movie my husband loves and I hate. I want to drown Maureen O'Hara's character, and I find the cute Irish-ness, so not.

>251 quondame: I love it too...

>250 fuzzi: >251 quondame: >252 fuzzi: Glad you all are getting the movies all sorted. I've never been that movie literate.

Just de-lurking to say Hi! Good luck finding the right base for your TV and cats. ; )

>254 Berly: Thanks. I'll need it. I'll find something eventually--even if I have to pay full price.