Berly's Books Chapter Two

When I become one with my book.

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
These Truths Part 2 (151-307, 156 pages) February
Rock Needs River (K) (185 pages) by Vanessa McGrady
Noir: A Novel by Christopher Moore
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfiled
The Fire This Time in February with Twin

Longer Plans for Reading
These Truths (960 pages) by Jill Lepore
Four-month Group read
Part 1 (1-150 pages) January https://www.librarything.com/topic/301417
Part 2 (151-307, 156 pages) February https://www.librarything.com/topic/303118
Part 3 (308-517, 209 pages) March
Part 4 (518-789, 271 pages) April

and

Irma Voth in April with Twin
The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker
Start without Me by Joshua Max Feldman, ARC
The Mars Room with Twin
March--The Sympathizer with Twin and Ellen
April--Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk with Karen
June--Pachinko With Twin and Ellen

Read in January / ? pages / ? total read
A) These Truths (150 pages -- Section One) by Jill Lepore 4.5
7. A Ladder to the Sky (384 pages) by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 4.0
6. How To Be A Woman (320 pages) (A) by Caitlin Moran 4.0
5. Sometimes I Lie (264 pages) (K) by Alice Feeney 4.25
4. Pavillion of Women (316 pages) (K) by Pearl S. Buck 3.75
3. Ice Princess (420 pages) (K) by Camilla Lackberg 3.5
2. Becoming (448 pages) by Michelle Obama 4.0
1. The Curse of Tenth Grave (353 pages) (A) 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-
September -
October -
November -

Books I already own.



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. The Fire This Time in February with Twin
3. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker
4. Irma Voth in April with Twin
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12



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 -



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!)

Old or new, it's just fun to check off a box!



1. Author uses middle name or middle initial ~ Pavillion of Women by Pearl S. Buck
2. Debut novel
3. Book about/featuring siblings ~ Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
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 ~ Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
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
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 ~
23. Food-related title or topic
24. Book has an LT rating of 4.0 or more ~ Becoming by Michelle Obama
25. Title contains a homophone word

And I can't forget the...



https://www.librarything.com/topic/301134

✅ 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 can't resist new books!!

I seem to manage to read around 50% of my newbies.

2017 47/85
2018 45/88

Let's see how I do this year!!

2019 1/20 Read
✅ 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
14. Fluke by Christopher Moore
15. Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (Reba got this one, too)
16. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
17. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
18. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
19. A Killer In King's Cove by Iona Whishaw (Thanks, Twin!)
20. Reader, I Married Him edited by Tracy Chevalier (And this one, too!)

* = 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...

#3 The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman
#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

O frabjous day! Callooh callay! Thread the second is open!

oooh ... and hi over here!

>12 richardderus: Cheers!

>13 AuntieClio: Well, hello there. Long time no talk. At least a couple hours. : )

Today was truly a Monday. Blech. But the evening brought great happiness: Books and a bookmark!! Thank you to Mamie, Paul, and Ellen. Okay and me; I bought one. Way to cheer up my day! : )

Happy New Thread and Happy 2019 - I've been very remiss in my rounds and missed your first thread- although I'm caught on with you now.

I'm so glad you had great things in your mailbox to offset the blech Monday!

I love your opening topper. 'Becoming one with my books' remind me of this image I saved several years ago. I haven't used ever used it on my thread because I can't quite decide if there is something sinister about it.

>17 streamsong: Ha! I just found your thread today and gave it a yellow star, but I haven't made it over there yet. So nice to see you. : )

I love that image! I know I used it once upon a time. I don't get anything but happiness from it.

I love your section images! Happy new thread!

>17 streamsong: I love it, but it does have a creepy factor.

>19 quondame: Hi there! Glad you like my section images. I had fun picking them out.

And each to his/her own. ; )

>20 Berly: Have you seen these?

>21 quondame: Those are awesome!!! Thank you.

Being from Portland, I gotta go with this one as a favorite...



By Elizabeth Sagan

>21 quondame: Those were pretty amazing. A lot of work to imagine and set up!

>23 justchris: Nice to see you justchris. This is justkim. : )

>24 Berly: Hee!

Thanks for stopping by my thread earlier, Kim. I thought I posted something on your first thread but then didn't see it today, so I guess computer fail? I hope you're getting more snow and thus more opportunities on the slopes than around here. We've only had one decent snowfall this winter so far, and it was soon followed by rain that melted it all away. Sigh. The Midwest is starting to feel like the PNW in terms of winter. Not that I don't love the PNW too, but I love my snowy winters.

>25 justchris: You're talking to me!! : )

We have had some snow on the mountains, but I think we are below normal levels and we have had zero snow in Portland proper. I think we might not get any this year and I like to have at least one good snowfall. (Even if this city can not cope with snow at all! LOL)

My siblings both live in MN and they haven't gotten much either. Hope we get some snow!!

Happy new thread, Kim! As always, I LOVe your topper! Also, >22 Berly:. So creative! I love her mermaid, too!. If you look at the very bottom of that article, there is a link to purses made from book covers. Several years ago, I bought such a purse created by a local artist, at a craft fair. If I can find time today, I will post a picture of it. I haven't actually used it, if I'm honest (I usually need a bigger purse when I leave my house) but I couldn't help myself!

Hi Kim!

Happy new thread. Sorry you had a blech Monday, but glad it was offset by books and bookmarks.

>8 Berly: I chose Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk for my book club’s May 5th read and will probably read Becoming next month.

>9 Berly: The Buried Giant was mentioned when we chose books for book club and now I’m seeing it mentioned everywhere. *smile*

Good morning, Kim and Cheers! to your second thread of 2019!

Happy new thread!

Morning, Kim! Happy new one! And HELLO, Tuesday!

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Kim!
>21 quondame: Wow, her photos are great!

>27 jessibud2: Hi! I am very glad my topper brings you joy. : ) The mermaid was another one of my favorites -- love her imagination. Those would make really fun purses! Like you though, I usually cart around more stuff than they would handle.

>28 karenmarie: Well, then maybe I will read Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk in April!

As for The Buried Giant -- I am pretty sure you will enjoy it. It does start out slow, but stick with it. I also read a few websites before my book discussion about historical references and allegories. It was very helpful and I enjoyed the book even more.

Happy new thread Kim. Glad to hear there's no snow in Portland. I was wondering what kind of footwear I was going to need for this weekend. Can't wait for Sunday :)

>29 Carmenere: Good morning and thank you!

>30 drneutron: Hiya Doc!

>31 Crazymamie: Indeed -- Hello Tuesday! I knew you would understand and thanks again for the Dick Francis book. I have read several of his books, but not Nerve. Looking forward to it!

>32 figsfromthistle: Very happy! Having a hard time keeping up around here. The threads are still flying!

>33 mstrust: Welcome back! Don't you just love when other people add something that makes your own thread more interesting?!! Thanks >21 quondame:!

>35 RebaRelishesReading: Hi! Yeah, no need for snow boots. LOL. We are pretty much in the low 40s this week with some rain thrown in. Can't wait to see you on Sunday! I am starting to make my WL for the Powell's visit. I also have to find some books to turning for credit. It's gonna be fun!

>37 Berly: We're even getting rain here in arid San Diego this week but it's in the 60's not the 40's. Glad to know that, though, so I can pack accordingly. I sure hope the mess with gov't shutdown and TSA doesn't get worse because we're flying up this time. I'm getting my list for Powell's together too.

>36 Berly: I enjoyed Nerve. Flying Finish was the first Dick Francis novel I ever finished, and it's still one of my favorites, along with The Edge and the books featuring ex-jockey Sid. I like pretty much all of them. Except the short stories. Did not like Field of Thirteen at all.

Happy new thread Kim! Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Congratulations on your second thread, Kim. I love that cardinal bookmark up there ^. It doesn't take much to make a reader happy, does it? And I love it when I am embraced by a good book. I just started my reread of The Chosen this afternoon and it reached out and grabbed me…in a good way! Cheers!

Happy New Thread, Kim. The 75ers are going strong in 2019. I am glad I decided to tag along with These Truths. I had started Part 2, but now I am taking a little breather, before starting it again.

I hope your week is off to a good start.

Holy runaway thread, Twin! Happy New One!

>16 Berly: Nice haul. Happiness will make you happy.

>22 Berly: Love it!

I hope your Tuesday is wonderful.

Any Australian Open on your schedule?

>41 Donna828: Yes, I love the bookmark from Ellen! I was admiring all the ones she has posted on her thread and looking at my rather meagre collection thinking I should look for a new, cool one and voila! I opened my mail and instant happiness. : )

I keep hearing about this The Chosen book. Hmmm....

>42 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I am trying to read just a little a day, but that's probably also because I haven't had a lot of reading time.

How the week is going....well, today I have come down with a little bit of a code. I am flying through the tissues. : ( Hoping it is a quickie.

>43 BLBera: I am watching tennis as I write this! Saw Andy Murray's match. I could see his limp and it was so painful to watch. I kinda hope he has the full surgery and opts for a longer time off with the chance to fully come back. Who knows? Maybe he'll play Wimbledon and then retire. Serena breezed through.

I was glad I didn't get up to get a drink while Serena was playing, or I would have missed it! I liked that she played early. I'm trying to be good and not stay up late.

You have a "code"? Poor Twin.

Off to watch tennis.

Nice, shiny new thread, Kim! Happy Reading and commenting. I'll try to get back!!!

Happy New Thread, Kim! Your heading has triggered my chocolate craving, and I have none on hand!! Yikes!

Haven't watched any tennis yet, but I need to start tomorrow.

Happy new thread, Kim. I hope you get over your cold quickly.

Have I not posted on your new thread yet? Jessh. Happy New Thread, Kim!

I love those book sculptures from Susan up in >21 quondame:, >22 Berly:. I posted a link to her post over on my thread.

>44 Berly: Poor Andy Murray! So damned young to be so cruelly sidelined.

He'll be a stellar coach, though.

>45 BLBera: Serena's match was like the quickest ever!! LOL

I took ColdCalm religiously yesterday and the sniffles are gone. But I wound up getting a GI block last night. Not worth an ER visit since it wasn't 100% blocked, but enough to have to resort to hydrocodeine for a few hours. (For those of you who don't know me I have Ulcerative Colitis, which I ignore to the best of my ability.) Completely exhausted today but pain is gone and everything is moving again. Phew.

>46 LizzieD: Hey there! Nice to see you here. I hope you do manage a visit or two. ; )

>47 ronincats: Did someone say chocolate?



I am watching Federer's match from yesterday? Have you watched any tennis yet?

>48 Familyhistorian: Thanks and I am well on the way to recovery. : )

>49 jnwelch: And where have you been, sir? ; ) Isn't her stuff wonderful? Thanks again to >21 quondame: quondame for that link.

>50 richardderus: I know. I feel bad for Murray. I am sure he have lots of people who want him for a coach.

Tomorrow night I get to go see Tayari Jones at Literary Arts. I love my season tix there because I tend to know about half the people coming and the other half are new-to-me authors, expanding my horizons. Jones is new to me. Looking forward to her thoughts on

Sorry to hear your health is acting up again but glad it seems resolved now.

Happy new thread! I used to be quite a tennis fan but cord cutting had made watching it something of a challenge. We have solved some access issues and I am now watching the Australian Open. Glad I came by as I had really lost track of tennis.

Happy newish thread, Kim!

I don’t know if you still consider this a new thread but happy thread anyway Kim. I never know when tennis is on so I miss most of it although I saw the awful one with Serena at the US Open last year. I should follow it more faithfully since I always enjoy it. Hmmmm.

>52 Berly: I said "Chocolate" -- well, actually I said "dark chocolate" in answer to a student who was completing an English assignment. She had to take a selfie with a librarian, and she had to ask me what the best way to bribe me was.

Hi Kim, I've been watching tennis. Federer's game with Daniels was fun to watch. Federer is amazing.

Have a great year.

>54 Berly: enjoy the talk Kim. It's great to have the mix of old favourites and new potential.

Morning, Kim! I hope you are feeling better today.

Checking in on the new thread, Kim!

Hi Kim!

Sorry your UC was acting up.

I haven't been paying strict attention to the Australian Open, but Roger's playing tonight (Friday in Aussie land) so I'll probably watch.

>51 Berly: Hopefully you feel better soon!

>55 RebaRelishesReading: All resolved just just a little low on energy. But its all good. I have Literary Arts tonight and I am taking my daughter with me. Should be fun.

>56 witchyrichy: Hop you are enjoying nth tennis. I have been watching way too much. Currently watching recorded stuff from Day 4. Serena's match now; previously Osaka's win (yay) and Wawrinka's loss (boo).

>57 FAMeulstee: Thank you! Happy Thursday.

>58 brenzi: Tennis is on all this week if you want to dip in.

>59 thornton37814: So dark chocolate is the way to bribe you? Good to know. ; )

>60 Oregonreader: Federer is always amazing!! What do you mean "Have a good YEAR"? Is this the one and only time I will hear from you? LOL I know your friend is coming from out of town, but I think you should at least meet us for lunch on Sunday and bring her. Come on! : )

>61 Caroline_McElwee: Exactly! I will give a full report on Tayari Jones this weekend. These talks are always fascinating. And I am taking my daughter so it's bound to be a winner.

>62 Crazymamie: Not 100% yet but on the upswing. Thanks!

>63 alcottacre: The thread is going strong! As is yours. It's so nice to have you back.

>64 karenmarie: Thanks. It was no fun at all and really wrung me out; but on the rebound now. I love watching Roger play! I am recording it. : )

>65 The_Hibernator: Almost back to normal. Thanks. I have been cleaning house with tennis on in the background. Right now I am trying to purge books....

PURGE BOOKS?!? HAVE YOU GONE ALL KONMARI ON US?!

Happy new (?) thread, Kim!

I read An American Marriage last year. I liked it. Enjoy her talk tonight.

>54 Berly: Enjoy, Twinnie.

>70 richardderus: I already told you on your thread that she is simply nuts and so, so wrong. On the other hand I am having trouble getting to my bed because the piles near my night table are out of control. So I purged 20. Kept hundreds and hundreds. : )

>71 EBT1002: I didn't make it to that talk. My daughter and I spent hours talking at the restaurant and we had a great time. Oh well. I missed one. Glad you liked her recent book.

>72 BLBera: : )

>70 richardderus: A friend and I had a good laugh over that one. On the other hand, I've had to empty my living room shelves and wait for some replacements because of warping (grump), and, in the words of an old New Yorker cartoon, there are a lot of books that aren't earning their keep in those boxes.

Happy new thread Kim my dear.

>73 Berly: Words mean less than deeds. I fear that this is the thin edge of the wedge before you have your own Netflix show about purging books. *worried frown*

>74 ffortsa: Oh NOOOO the contagion spreads!

>70 richardderus: Ideally, I will choose for myself how many books are too many...someday....if I live long enough.

Happy pretty new thread, Kimmers.

>70 richardderus: I won't do well at purging books (sounds bloody painful too) although if I do downsize to the UK, I wont be able to take all 11,000 of my friends with me, I guess. It will be a damn sight more than 30 though.

Have a great weekend.

Hey Twin - Did you see the Anisimova match - that teen has game!

No, I haven't seen any yet, Kim, and it's my own damn fault. I was home all day clearing out my computer armoire and I'm so used to not turning the TV on during the day that I completely forgot about the tennis.

Hours at a restaurant having a lovely chat with your daughter: priceless.

My book group really liked An American Marriage last year, and had a great discussion about it.

Re: Kondo, my understanding is she never said only keep 30 books. She said that's the number that works for her. Everyone is different.

I need to watch some tennis, now that I'm home with no obligations for a few days/nights....

>74 ffortsa: If they aren't making you happy any longer, then bye bye books! Besides, I know you--you'll fill up those shelves again in no time.

>75 johnsimpson: Hello, John! How are the shorter books going this year? Hugs.

>76 richardderus: Rest easy my friend. I am currently making my list of books to buy at Powell's tomorrow.

>77 laytonwoman3rd: And I think the "right" number of books changes over time. I am currently keeping lots of books I hope to pass on to my kids when they move out and I have a few favorites saved for their youngsters, too. For now, I am enjoying my many shelves.

Live long and buy books!

>78 PaulCranswick: 11,000?! Now that's a library! Downsizing that for a move would be a chore. Hope you are enjoying your weekend and I LOVE seeing you on the threads this year. : )

>79 BLBera: Yes! There are several tennis youngsters coming up through the ranks, men's and women's. They are lucky because if you came in 10 years or so ago, you were stuck with the current amazing group of killer tennis players who have dominated for so long. This new group will actually have a chance to climb to the top.

>80 ronincats: Ah! But I bet the armoire looks loverly. : ) And there is all this week to watch a match or two.

>81 EBT1002: It was wonderful to spend so much time with my daughter. I do miss having her around the house all the time. Life is good with her and I loved having the chance to catch up. I will just have to wait for the talk with Tarayi Jones to come out on podcast and listen to it then. ; )

>82 katiekrug: Another recommendation for American Marriage! I will have to see if I can find a copy at Powell's.

Re Kondo--Good for you, sticking up for her if we have it wrong. I have never watched the poor lady and have jumped on the bandwagon crying out against her. If 30 books is her personal comfort zone and not her rec for everybody else, it is slightly better. Although 30 books would never be enough for me. ; )

And welcome home -- put on the TV and watch some tennis!!

I finally finished another book!!! What a slow start for this year. Yikes.

I know everyone has been giving out 5 stars on this one, but for me it was more of a 3.75 or 4. Don't get me wrong -- The book was pretty well written and a good read, but it just wasn't earth-shaking. I liked learning about Michelle's younger years and I had no idea she was so anti-politics. Funny who she married! But that speaks to how much she loves her man. As First Lady, I thought she did a wonderful job trying to reduce childhood obesity and only someone that high up could pull together so many groups to pull it off. I also liked hearing about how she managed to keep some social freedom and spontaneity for her kids. It saddened me to hear how many times she and Obama had to back off or watch from afar in order to lessen the security detail craziness for their kids, trying to give them as much normalcy as they could. I totally applaud her as a person and I think I would like her as a friend.

Both my RL book clubs chose Becoming by Michelle Obama for our first read of the year. One meets monthly and the one is every other month. So, I will be discussing it in January and February! And I have a tix to see her when she comes to Portland. Can't wait!

Great comments, Twin. Lucky you to get to see her! Once again, I realize I have to move to Portland.

>88 BLBera: If only you could!! And just grab Scout and bring her with you. : ) We are getting down to the final 16 in tennis. : )

I know! I do plan to watch some tennis this weekend. :) I can grade between points.

>87 Berly: I'm with you on the rating Kim. I really enjoyed it, but it was a 4* read for me.

>90 BLBera: I like your game plan. LOL

>91 Caroline_McElwee: And that's why we are the Twins!! Berly=Kim, BLBera=Beth. ; )

Glad I am not alone in my thinking. Thanks for chiming in.

That's a good review of Becoming, Kim. We picked it up (Debbi'll read it first), but I'll make sure not to have too high of expectations. They seem to have done a terrific job with those two girls. What role models they've given them!

I want to catch some of the tennis this weekend, too. Saw a little bit of Osaka yesterday.

I am going to have to get to Becoming at some point this year. There are just too many books for the little time I have to read them!

>92 Berly: oops. Sorted. Pffft.

>87 Berly: - I am in the middle of this one right now, on audio. Did you listen to it on audio or read it? I have to say, I am really enjoying it so far. I have so much admiration for her as a woman and as a human being, on so many levels. The first words out of my mouth after the election in 2016, were *From class to crass*. And that went for both members of both First Families. Sigh... Though, to be fair, the Obamas would be a hard act to follow for anyone.

Now that her book is written, I can't wait to see what's next for her.

Kim, I love how set up you are for challenges this year! Especially ones which involve reading books you already own. We could all use some of that ;)

>70 richardderus: exactly!!

>87 Berly: great review. She seems like a smart and cool lady.

Happy new thread! Hope you have a great weekend!

Stopping by to say hi, Kim. I hope your New Year is going well! Eventually I hope to read Becoming. Excellent review.

Spending that kind of quality time with your daughter is wonderful!! Totally worth missing the event for.

>87 Berly: Good review. I did give it 5 stars. I loved the audio. I'm looking forward to seeing her next month.

So who are you cheering for in the women's draw?

Hi Kim!

Becoming is sitting on my shelves waiting for me, but with These Truths and A Suitable Boy in addition to 2 groups I'll be hosting soon (Last Friends and David Copperfield), it'll be a while before I can open it knowing I'll have time to properly appreciate it. And, check out some info I put on my thread in answer to your quibble about the end of Kindred hidden in spoiler chevrons for those who haven't read it...

I just finished Becoming also, and my review will be a lot like yours.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

>93 jnwelch: Joe--It is totally worth reading. Hope you and Debbi both enjoy Becoming. And, yes, I think the Obamas did a great job parenting.

I am deep into tennis. : )

>94 alcottacre: Ah! But I know you are a super fast reader, so you'll get there if you want to!

>95 Caroline_McElwee: Glad it's all sorted out. LOL You aren't the first and you won't be the last. ; )

>96 jessibud2: I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had listened to the audio. Definitely. They are a very hard act to follow, but you know who is not even trying. Sigh.

>97 LovingLit: Thank you! I had fun organizing the things up top. Now if they only help me! I want "out with old" so I have room for the new!! ( Not all of them. Just some of the ones that aren't top notch.) And I hope to fill the Bingo cards with books suggested by everyone here. I miss reading with you. Maybe we can fit one in later this year??? : )

>98 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! Tonight we went to see a play, Teenage Dick, a comedic retelling of Shakespeare's Richard III -- it was so good! And tomorrow we have a Portland meet-up with Reba and maybe Nittnut. And Powell's : )

>99 vancouverdeb: Glad you liked the review. I am glad I finally finished a book! My "someday" list is very long. LOL

>100 SuziQoregon: I might have given it another 1/2 star if I had heard Michelle Obama read it. Yes, I am excited to go see her talk!! We can talk about it tomorrow. : )

>101 EBT1002: I am cheering for Serena and Osaka. And Federer. You?

>102 karenmarie: You reading certainly sounds full-up at this moment. Sounds like fun. I will pop over to see what you said about my spoiler on Kindred.

>103 banjo123: Looks like several of us have read Becoming--we can chat about it over lunch tomorrow!! See you then.

Also, my sincere apologies--you have all been keeping my thread warm and I am just not making the rounds of everyone else's thread like I want to. Soon though!

>108 Berly: Don't stress, Kimmers - the threads will still be here for you.

POWELLS!! and Reba and Jenn. Enjoy!

Enjoy your meet up. So, now that Fed's out, will you cheer for Rafa?

>109 PaulCranswick: Paul--I am trying to keep up with a few new people here and, of course, the January romp is keeping the threads busy. Doing my best! Love seeing you here and on your second thread.

Looking forward to the meet-up!! And books!

>110 BLBera: Damn. He's out? I hadn't watched that one yet. Sigh. I love how Rafa plays, but I have a hard time watching his tics as he gets ready each point. There are players who scream a lot that I don't like either--that bothers me more. Sharipova....

>106 Berly: Enjoy your meet-up!

I was sorry to see that Fed was out - four sets, I think... but since Rafa isn't my guy either, for the same reasons as you, Kim, I do hope there's an interesting upset from a youngster.

My daughter calls her Shriekapova. I think it was Azarenka who woo-hoos and moans, so watching the two of them at the same time was simply impossible.

>113 ChelleBearss: I just posted on your thread! Thanks and happy Sunday. : )

>114 karenmarie: I think there are a lot of up and coming youngsters and I am looking forward to some new names.

"Shriekapova"!! ROFL. That is perfect. At least Barty managed to beat her. My ears are thankful.

>112 Berly: Sorry for the spoiler, Twin. I forget some people tape them. :(

Happy Sunday, Kim. Sorry, to see that Becoming wasn't totally satisfying for you. It sure pushed all my buttons. I hope you are having a good weekend. I am kicking back with the books and I will soon be turning on the Saints/Rams game, which also means beer-time. B.A.G.

Happy new thread Kim! Even though you should be ready to start the next one in a couple of minutes.

Becoming is definitely in my future. And Educated. But next, The Man in the Wooden Hat. As soon as I finish End in Tears and Testosterone Rex.

>116 BLBera: It's okay. You saved me about three and half hours of TV.

>117 msf59: No, no. Becoming was very good! Just not five-star stellar. The weekend has been pretty good. The meet-up and books were awesome!! Pic and list to come later....

>118 humouress: Glad to see you! You always make me smile. And I am not ready for another thread--then I won't be able to keep up at all!!

>119 weird_O: Rex is on my WL but didn't make it into the basket today. Soon. I know nothing about The Man in the Wooden Hat -- Just the title alone has me interested! You are always trouble, LOL.

Hi Kim! It was great to see you. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

>121 banjo123: Ditto. : )



LT Meet-up!!

Kim (berly) / Rhonda (banjo123) / Reba (RebaRelishesReading) / Juli (SuziQoregon)

We had a very fun lunch at Jake's Grill and then headed over to the favorite...Powell's!!

I was pretty well-behaved at Powell's. Brought in 20 books, 18 of which they took, and got my in-store credit receipt which I promptly spent on:

Fluke by Christopher Moore
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (Reba got this one, too)
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

So far, I have gotten rid of exactly the same number of books as I have brought in. Uh-oh.

But half of them don't count because they were free or gifts. And then I never did buy my LT Thingaversary books in December, so those don't count, right? So that brings me back down to zero guilt. How's my math? : )

Great math, Kim!

>122 Berly: how lovely to see you all.

I love your rationalising Kim. I'm good at that too.

After Ellen's raving about it, Where the Crawdads Sing is near the top of one of my book mountains, a February read I think.

Great meetup pic! I’m glad you had fun!

Great score on the books Kim. Always nice to have a meetup!

Great book haul, great math, great meetup, Kim. What a nice photo in >122 Berly:.

>122 Berly: Great meet-up photo!

>122 Berly: Jealous! Looks like you guys had a great time!

>123 Berly: Your math seems just fine to me.

Just catching up with your thread. Too bad you didn't get to go see Tayari Jones. Yay for spending quality time with your daughter :)

>122 Berly: Looks like you had a great meet-up!

>124 banjo123: I am good at math, aren't I?

>125 Caroline_McElwee: Yes, it is Ellen's Fault. And this wasn't sneaky at all but out and out brazen! I don't think it will make it in my January reads, so I may read it in February like you--have to see.

>126 drneutron: Meet-ups are always fun. : )

>127 SuziQoregon: Thanks, Juli. I think it is a good mix. Great to see you today.

>122 Berly: Another lovely Meet Up photo! I sure miss you all. I am trying to bank my vacation time, for my upcoming retirement next year, so it does not look like I will make it to Oregon. Sad face.

>133 msf59: No, no, no. You are supposed to use your vacation time now because you won't need it once you retire. LOL

>134 Berly: Actually we can bank 10 weeks and get a check for the balance, which will come in handy. I will not be able to do 10, but I am hoping to save 8, but that will be tough.

>135 msf59: I know. I figured you were saving up for the cash. Fine. You can come visit when you are retired and rich! xoxo

I miss seeing my family too. Hopefully I can get my sister to come in here, later in the year.

Mark--I hope you get to see each other. It's hard to be apart from family (assuming you like them!).

I am planning to get out to MN this summer and to visit my parent sometime in March or April.

Now stay warm this week while you are still on the job! ; )

Hi, Kim. Finally making my way around and dropping stars, and here you are on your second thread! Wow! I'll see you over on the Guido Brunetti thread if I can't quite manage to keep up with you here!

Glad you had a nice meetup!

‘Morning, Kim!

>122 Berly: Lovely meet up photo.

>123 Berly: Whatever math works out to zero guilt is perfect, of course.

Great meet-up photo! Looks like Powell's was a success!

>123 Berly: Great math, Twin. I like the way you think.

Thanks for sharing the meet-up picture. It looks like a good time was had by all.

Morning, Kim! I love that meet-up photo! And I think your math is perfect.

You all look like you were having a good time, with your lunch and books! Yes, your book math does check out. Good job!

Great meet up photo, Kim. Everyone looks happy but then they were all about to go to Powell's. I really need to get there some year. I will be reading Once Upon a River very, very soon as it is one of the five library holds that I picked up this weekend. They all have people waiting for them so I need to buckle down. Fortunately, there are some slim ones in the mix.

Hi Kim my dear, the meetup looked great and what a lovely photo of you all, you can't beat a good meetup can you. Looks like you have had a good weekend dear friend.

I am going well at the moment with the shorter books but am not up to full speed yet, it is good having Karen noting down her reading and I will post her reads at the end of each month. At the moment Karen is in front 7 to 5 at the moment, not that I am competitive you understand, lol.

Sending love and hugs to you and the family from both of us dear friend.

>122 Berly: Lovely picture of the four of you!
This January seems to be LT meet-up time :-)

Hey, Kimmers... stopping by to get caught up.

>122 Berly: - What a fabulous meetup picture!

All caught up - Yes, I had to resort to skim reading - and wishing you a wonderful week!

>139 rretzler: Hi Robin--I am still finding people and starring them, so no worries. I just got my copy of the Ice Princess from the library today! See you over on they mystery thread.

>140 The_Hibernator: It was very nice. And all four of us had read Becoming so we had a nice discussion of that, as well as some theater and other things. I was bummed that Nittnut couldn't' show up. It would have been nice to meet her, too. Hope her mom is doing okay.

>141 karenmarie: Evening Karen! I try very hard to make my math work out right. : )

>142 ChelleBearss: Powells is always a success!! Except when I spend too much. LOL But I was good this time.

>143 BLBera: Hi Twin! Hoping I get to see you this summer.

>144 Crazymamie: Thanks, Crazy. My day is complete. : )

>145 mstrust: Books and LT friends are the best kind of day.

>146 Familyhistorian: You'll have to report back on Once Upon A River -- I don't think I will get to it this month. Nothing like a library hold to spur the reading on. : )

>147 johnsimpson: John, no, you're not competitive at all...ha! I hope you are enjoying the shorter reads and having Karen dive into books as well. Hugs to both of you.

>148 FAMeulstee: I know. Lots of meet-ups this month. Just glad I got to go one of them!

>149 lkernagh: Skimming is allowed. Just glad you are here. : )

Oh, a great meet up with a great picture, Kim. I have Once Upon A River, but I don't think I'm going to get it to it right away.

Great seeing you Kim and thanks for posting the photo. 79 posts this weekend, seriously?!

Fifty-one new posts just since yesterday???!!! *pant pant*

>122 Berly: and >123 Berly: Your meet-up looks and sounds terrific. You know I wish I could've been there. I'm thrilled that you purchased Where the Crawdads Sing. I'll try not to warble too much for fear of activating the over-hyped dynamic. But you know I loved it.

I'm back to my best-job-in-the-world with the worst-boss-in-the-world tomorrow. Sad face. But these past few days have been so wonderful and they remind me of how lucky I am.

I can't wait to see you in April.

>153 vancouverdeb: Deb--I can take no credit for the meet-up photo. It was all the waiter. He took about 6 different shots! I am hoping to read OUaR in February or March, but I am also trying not to make as many commitments, so we'll see.

>154 RebaRelishesReading: Reba--Ummmm...really? That many posts? Sorry? {{Sheepish Grin}}

I am awfully glad you have family out this way; loved seeing you again. {{Real Grin}}

>155 EBT1002: Ellen--You are a runner! Keep up! LOL

I knew you'd pick up on my purchase of Where the Crawdad Sings. I am looking forward to it...one of these days. Reading in January has been slow to say the least.

Wishing you a great Monday at your best job. I still have to get another tix for April...(note to self on calendar).

>151 Berly: I was able to control my spending when I was at Powell's mainly because I knew how heavy my carry-on would be if I purchased a lot more since the suitcase was near capacity on the flight. I didn't want to ship stuff back home if I could avoid it.

Great meet-up picture. So nice to see all your smiling faces.

>122 Berly: I want you to introduce me to your vampire. You know, the one who converted you so you *always*look*30* even though I know you're not. It is mean and unfair to keep him all to yourself!

>123 Berly: Your math is spot-on. Guilt free accumulating! *wheeeee*

*smooch*

>157 thornton37814: Yes, weight limits do tend to make one buy judiciously at Powell's. LOL That just means you have to make more frequent trips or pack lighter the next time, right?

>158 ffortsa: I love meet-up photos so I can see what everyone looks like. And they are always happy photos.

>159 richardderus: Ha! You say the nicest things. I think my main youthful trick is being slightly overweight so it fills out the wrinkles. NOT sure I would recommend it. LOL

Yay, I get an A+ in math!!! Smooch.

The waiter did a great job--it was a good photo of all of you! Meet-up photos are the best!

This summer works for me.

Stopping by to say hello: I managed to get in a bit of tennis and was sorry to see Federer lose. His opponent may be the new guy on the block as he was very good, even used a few Fed moves himself.

I had hopes for a Portland trip in April but am not going to make it. So, Powell's is still on my bucket list.

Happy Wednesday!

* bouncing on my toes and waving so you can see me way over here behind all these people and their damn books *

Hi, Kim. Hiiii. Just ordered These Truths. Happy now. *growls*

>152 Berly: I cracked the covers on Once Upon a River but haven't read that far due to book juggling. I like what I have read maybe even more than The Thirteenth Tale but it is early going yet.

The Once Upon a River that I read was Bonnie Jo Campbell's book...sad, couldn't finish it, child sexual abuse is a NO for me...which one're y'all warbling about?

I've got Once Upon a River in my TBR pile. How encouraging that Meg is enjoying it. I really enjoyed The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne. I'll look forward to your take on A Ladder to Sky.

Stopping in to wish you a Sweet Thursday, Kim!

>150 Berly: Ah! That's nice to have a little book club meeting about Becoming. I believe that's one of the books that fulfills my challenges this year, so I'm hoping to get to it.

>105 Berly: that David Bowie challenge was great wasn't it? I still think about the books I discovered through the list.

>161 ronincats: : )

>162 BLBera: I will work on it!

>163 witchyrichy: Yeah, I am sorry Federer is out. And now Tsitsipas is, too.

Oh man! I was looking forward to seeing you. Promise to come another time?

>164 weird_O: Who is that waving back there? {{Squints}} Oh, hi Bill!

What took you so long? : P I hope you enjoy These Truths. I took a break this past week, but am getting ready to set up the second thread for part 2 and dig in myself.

>165 Familyhistorian: Oh good. At least it is off to a good start! I have to wrap up a few books for this month...maybe I'll have more time after the Australian Open is over. I love tennis, but what a time suck!! LOL

>166 richardderus: Ewww. Child abuse. Nor for me. The Once Upon A River I bought is by Diane Setterfield:

I haven't started it yet, but looking towards February.

"From the instant #1 New York Times bestselling author of the “eerie and fascinating” (USA TODAY) The Thirteenth Tale comes a richly imagined, powerful new novel about the wrenching disappearance of three little girls and the wide-reaching effect it has on their small town.

"On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the river Thames, an extraordinary event takes place. The regulars are telling stories to while away the dark hours, when the door bursts open on a grievously wounded stranger. In his arms is the lifeless body of a small child. Hours later, the girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or can science provide an explanation? These questions have many answers, some of them quite dark indeed.

"Those who dwell on the river bank apply all their ingenuity to solving the puzzle of the girl who died and lived again, yet as the days pass the mystery only deepens. The child herself is mute and unable to answer the essential questions: Who is she? Where did she come from? And to whom does she belong? But answers proliferate nonetheless.

"Three families are keen to claim her. A wealthy young mother knows the girl is her kidnapped daughter, missing for two years. A farming family reeling from the discovery of their son’s secret liaison, stand ready to welcome their granddaughter. The parson’s housekeeper, humble and isolated, sees in the child the image of her younger sister. But the return of a lost child is not without complications and no matter how heartbreaking the past losses, no matter how precious the child herself, this girl cannot be everyone’s. Each family has mysteries of its own, and many secrets must be revealed before the girl’s identity can be known.

"Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, the beginning of this novel will sweep you away on a powerful current of storytelling, transporting you through worlds both real and imagined, to the triumphant conclusion whose depths will continue to give up their treasures long after the last page is turned." Amazon

>167 vancouverdeb: ^^^ hoping for February on this one. The Ladder to the Sky is very good so far. I am about halfway. NO idea when I will get to The Hearts Invisible Furies -- I am lucky enough to be getting lots of new books, but not enough time to read!! A common problem around here, I know. : )

>168 Crazymamie: Happy Friday! Almost Happy Saturday!!

>169 The_Hibernator: I missed out on my book club this week--bad allergic reaction. But I still have my February book club discussion on Becoming to look forward to. ; ) You should definitely read it, especially if you can cross off a challenge category!!

>170 LovingLit: They were so good, right? And I loved doing the thread thing with you. I know you are swamped, but maybe you could choose one from my INDIEspensable books that I am trying to catch up on. Goal is 1 a month. Check out https://www.librarything.com/topic/301060#
and let me know if any of them interest you and you choose the month! Pretty please?! : )

Got my second shot in the heel for Plantar Fasciitis today. The pain is not as bad as the first time round, but it hasn't completely gone away either. Hoping this one does the trick!

Looking forward to the weekend!! The Australian Open Finals...

And who are we cheering for in the men's final? :)

...and lots of reading time. Yay! I want to wrap these up by the end of January.

>177 BLBera: Osaka in the women's. And I am leaning towards Djokovic in the men's. I know. You want Nadal. : )

!!! You're djoking, right? Of course we're cheering for Rafa. Djokovic smirks. I do like Osaka, but I also like Kvitova. I just hope it's a good match. I'll watch the reply tomorrow morning.

Hey there Kimmers, I've wrestled a giant demon of a 130pp book, The King's Evil, to the ground and reviewed it. A teaser's on my thread, but honestly it's so very TL;DR that the whole giant thing lives on my blog, or will when it goes live at 6:30a EST. It's only 10:30p here now but I'm just waiting for my second command-performance batch of banana bread to finish crockpotting. Rob will come by to vacuum it up as sustenance for whatever sporty thing he's doing tomorrow. Poor little (6ft 185b) starveling asked me pretty please to make more and who can resist puppydog eyes and blandishments?

>175 Berly: there are a few on there that interest me! The Twin, Matterhorn, and was there an Anne Tyler one there too??!!? Are you reading all of them this year?, or picking from the list at will.

I am also rooting for Osaka (saw her in an early round of the US Open last summer and she's fun to watch) and Djokovich :)

Once Upon a River sounds great!

I just think Rafa has such a great nickname (can you guess why?), so I have to root for him. I'm rooting for Osaka, too, and for her to be able to celebrate without all the discord created by that poor judgment umpire.

>181 richardderus: Well, then I had best check out your thread!! I am assuming the banana bread is gone and there is none left for me? Drat that calorie-burning young man of yours!!

>182 LovingLit: I am trying to read one a month off the list. Just finishing up Ladder to the Sky for this month and I'd be up for The Twin next month. Sound good? : )

>183 katiekrug: Go Osaka!! Not only is she a great player, but she is so humble and very funny when interviewed.

Reading OUaR in February....find a copy! : )

>184 jnwelch: Yes, I can see why you might be a tad biased due to the name Rafa. LOL No guilt in Osaka's celebration today!

I'm watching the replay of the women's match now. I like both Osaka and Kvitova. I'm glad it was a good competition. Like Joe, I was glad for Osaka to be able to celebrate without controversy. And Kvitova's comeback story is so amazing.

I need to get a copy of A Ladder to the Sky as he is an author I want to keep reading.

Hi Kim, looks like a good time was had by all at the meet up. I loved Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale so I'm planning to read her new one at some point.

Hey there Kim! Just catching up and waving.

Hope the PF is improved.

These Truths: A History of the United States, by Jill Lepore

The second thread is up!!
February--Part Two, The People, pages 153-310 (1800-1865)

https://www.librarything.com/topic/303118

>187 EBT1002: Tennis was so much fun and I was pretty happy with the outcome. I like several of the new up and coming players, so it should continue to be fun to watch. I am also happy it is over and I have my life back! LOL

Finished Ladder to the Sky. Review this weekend. I hope....

>188 brenzi: Hi there!! So nice to see you. : ) I queing up Once Upon A River!!

>189 SuziQoregon: Waving back! The PF feels much better after the second shot. Not gone, but almost. I am still trying to take it a little easy though.

Struggling at work. Our accounting software developed a glitch and upon investigation we found the data corrupted until way back in July. We then reloaded an earlier saved version and now I have to recreate all the entries since then. **SOB**

Kim, how awful. *gentle pats and hugs*

Thank you. {{Sniffle}}

>192 Berly: Oh, dear! My sympathies, Kim.

>192 Berly: - That sounds awful! So sorry, Kim!

>192 Berly: OH, NO!!! What a monstrously royal pain!

>what >195 Crazymamie: said.

>192 Berly: Yikes. Good luck with the data.

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

>192 Berly: OMG!! How awful!!

>192 Berly: What Mamie said. Just crappity crap crap. I'm so sorry. I know that means a ton of work for you.

Thanks for launching the second thread. I finished Part I the other night and will dig into Part II while I'm here in frigid Columbus.

Happy Wednesday, Kim. Miss seeing you around. Sorry, to hear about the nasty work issues. I hope you can straighten it out. Look forward to your thoughts on A Ladder to the Sky. I have had my eye on that one.

>195 Crazymamie: Yup. That perfectly sums up how I feel. Well put.

>196 katiekrug: You are correct. It IS awful.

>197 tymfos: Sigh. A royal pain in the butt indeed.

>198 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you for the sympathy. Sigh.

>199 charl08: Thanks. I think I have been able to re-enter all transactions throught "K" vendors so far.

>200 richardderus: I have been too absent to notice that you have been absent! Or at least unread. I am glad you are not dead. (Nice rhyming there).

The Shifted polar vortex has not really affected Porltand much, but my sister in MN is FREEZING!!! Wind chills of -50s. So glad I am not there right now. Be warm my northern friends!!!

>201 RebaRelishesReading: You are telling me! It sucks.

>202 EBT1002: I appreciate the sympathy. I haven't started Part 2 yet, but I will this weekend. Stay warm in Ohio!!

>203 msf59: I will be able to rectify the numbers, now that I have a solid starting base again. But it really puts a time crunch on things. Grrrr. Hope you are staying warm on your route!

Greetings, Kim! I feel your software glitch pain! OMG, all the transactions to re-post. Ugh! What a way to start a year.
I read and reviewed Once Upon a River last year when I was fortunate enough to receive it as an ARC thru Netgalley.
I hope you enjoy it. Setterfield has become one of my favorite authors.
Nice meet up pic too!

The Minnesotan delegation is largely absent, I've noticed, and I didn't wonder why. That's simply revolting. Be sane and safe!

>192 Berly: My sympathies, Twin. I think you should come for a visit, really. You need a vacation. ;)

Sending you accounting mojo and warm book thoughts.

'Morning, Kim!

I hope the recreation of all your entries is coming along, as painful as it is.

Here's another thing to add to the mix, since you expressed an interest, but I understand if you end up joining us later: Group Read: Last Friends by Jane Gardam.

Ooh, you have my sympathies about losing the data. I once lost 10 days data because of a corrupted back-up and that was bad enough.

>207 Carmenere: I am about 100 pages into Once Upon A River and I really like the storytelling and the mystery!

I made serious progress on reposting all the business transactions. Probably going to head in tomorrow, too, so I can feel more on top of it and less panicked. ; )

>208 richardderus: BRRRRRRrrrrrr!

>209 BLBera: I am definitley not coming for a visit until you guys warm up a little!! LOL. You beat out Antarctica for colded temps. Crazy!

>210 EBT1002: OH, I like those thoughts! Thank you. : )

>211 karenmarie: I am winning the war!! I managed to make copies of all the transactions records and kept the corrupt file so I can refer back to it if I have questions. Now just adding on to a new ledger and it is much easier to put them in the second time when all the little questions have been worked out already. And I took good notes on the bills and payments. I think. So far, so good. ; )

>212 SandDune: Yeah, you really understand where I am at! Heavy sigh. But I will get it back under control. I am thinking two more killer days and I will be good. Then I just have to redo all the month-end reconciliations with the bank.

Moving on folks!!