Berly's Books Chapter Three

When books come alive.

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
The Sympathizer with Twin and Ellen
I Will Never Leave You (K) (338 pages) by SM Thayer
Out of My Mind by Alan Arkin
These Truths Part 2

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

and
March--A Visit From the Goon Squad (340 pages) by Jennifer Egan
March--Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
March--The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker with Ellen, Megan
mid-April--Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk with Karen, Janet
April--Irma Voth with Twin
June--Pachinko With Twin and Ellen
The Mars Room with Twin

Read in February / ??? pages / Total Read
B) These Truths Part 2 (151-307, 156 pages)
⭐️ The Snakes (438 pages) by Sadie Jones
16. Noir: A Novel (A) by Christopher Moore (PR after 1 1/2 hrs or 100 pages)
⭐️ The Fire This Time (224 pages) by Jesmyn Ward with Twin
14. One Good Turn (541 pages) by Kate Atkinson, Jackson Brodie #2, 4.0
13. Preacher (436 pages) by Camilla Lackberg #2, 3.75
12. Future Perfect by Victoria Loustalot Pearl Ruled at 71 pages
11. Start without Me by Joshua Max Feldman, LTER, 3.5
10. Nerve (313pages) by Dick Francis (Thank you Mamie!) 3.5
9. Rock Needs River (K) (185 pages) by Vanessa McGrady 3.0
8. Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield 3.75

Read in January / 2655 pages
A) These Truths (150 pages -- Section One) by Jill Lepore 4.25
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
⭐️ 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 - The Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama
March - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
April -
May-
September -
October -
November -

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#

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra with Morphy. Month TBD

✅ 1. A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne, #77
✅ The Fire This Time in February with Twin
3. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker in March with Ellen
4. Irma Voth in April with Twin
✅ The Snakes by Sadie Jones
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

And to get me to read more Books I already own....



Alphabet Challenge
A -
B -
C -
D -
E -
G -
H -
I -
J -
K -
L -
M -
N -
O - One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
P -
Q -
R -
S - Start Without Me by Joshua Max Feldman
T -
U -
V -
W -
X -
Y -
Z -



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

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 ~ Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman -- reading
3. Book about/featuring siblings ~ Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
4. Read an LT book bullet ~ How To Be a Woman Caitlin Moran (Crazy & Katie's Fault)
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 ~ Nerve by Dick Francis
8. Book with an artistic character - Start Without Me by Joshua Max Feldman
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 ~ The Fire This Time
17. Book made into a movie
18. Fairy tale ~ Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
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 ~ Preacher by by Camille Lackberg
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 ~ Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne

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

https://www.librarything.com/topic/301134
Dick Francis Horsey Adventures

✅ January-February — Nerve
March-April — Forfeit
May-June — Reflex
July-August — Rat Race
September-October — Break In
November-December — Bolt

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 8/29 Read

✅ Becoming by Michelle Obama, G*
✅ One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (Thank you, SS Paul!) G*
3. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith (Thanks, SS Paul!) G*
✅ A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
5. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne, INDIEspensable #77 *
✅ How To Be A Woman by Caitlan Moran* (Crazy & Katie's Fault) AC*
✅ 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
✅ 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
✅ 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!)
21. Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama
22. The Library Book by Susan Orlean
23. Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley, INDIEspensable #78 *
✅ The Snakes by Sadie Jones, INDIEspensable #78 *
25. The Bold World by Jodi Patterson, ARC *
26. Freedom Road by William Lashner *
27. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
28. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
29. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

* = 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
#5 Cormoran Strike series 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
#4 Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson, Started Early, Took My Dog

Am I first?

Happy new thread, Kim!

Your extensive organizational powers frighten and intimidate me.

*smooch*

Blinkin’ ‘eck, woman; I was only joking when I said you’d be onto the next thread in a minute. At least I managed to get one post on the old one.

Happy new thread Kim!

What a pain having to re-enter all that data. Sorry to hear that. Nice meet-up photo. Also, your maths is better than mine. I’m glad I have you around to work mine out.

>12 katiekrug: You are indeed First!! I don't know about you, but I need me some of this...join me!!

>13 richardderus: Bwa ha ha!!!! : )

>14 humouress: And now you have one post here!!! The meet-up was lots of fun, as they usually are. And my math is better, but your maths rock! LOL

Happy new thread, Kim, and sorry to hear about having to repost all that data. Bummers!

Happy new one!

>17 ronincats: I know, right? Like it wasn't enough of a chore the first time. LOL

>18 figsfromthistle: Thank you!!

I'm happy to get in at the beginning, Kim. Happy New Thread, and Happy Reading!!!!!

This was me last week with the accounting disaster. Now I am happy to be almost caught up there and on a new thread here! Thanks for popping in. : )

Happy new thread!

Well done with being almost caught up. Yikes.

And happy New one - I love that topper. So imaginative.

Congrats on the new thread and getting your accounting disaster almost caught up.

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk reading plan noted.

Happy new one, Kim! Wow, at that topper!

Happy new one, Twin! Love the topper.

>8 Berly: I don't think you should have to count the books you get as gifts. Just saying...

I got out my copy of The Fire This Time.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Kim!

Happy New Thread, Kim!

Happy new thread, Kim. Glad the accounting issue is nearly cleared up! Happy weekend.

Love the book art in that topper. Our local museum had an exhibit a few years ago of incredible examples of that sort of thing. I was almost as spellbound by it as by some books in their natural state.

Happy new thread, Kim! How nice that you've put out wine and cheese for us!

Checking in on thread 3 before I get ridiculously behind again. . .

Happy new thread Kim my dear, hope you are having a good start to the weekend and my favourite band is in your neck of the woods tonight I believe, the mighty KISS. Looking forward to seeing them in Birmingham in July with Karen, Rob, Amy and Andy.

My reading is going well so far although I am one book behind Karen at the end of January, sending love and hugs to you and the family from both of us dear friend.

Happy new one, Kim!!

>21 Berly: I can't see the image but maybe that is just as well... ha. I hope it's better now.

>8 Berly: I LOVE that mug!! I have a Powell's mug that I use at work all the time. I don't get many comments on it but a student noticed it last week and talked about loving Powell's. Yes.

>5 Berly: I have a copy of The Twin on my shelves, as well. If you're reading it in March, I'll join you!

And yes to Travis McGee. :-)

>22 quondame: Hi there!!

>23 charl08: Well, I thought I was. LOL. Spent the day in the office and fixed lots of things and then found more. Sigh. Headed in again tomorrow.

>24 karenmarie: Hello! I thougth we talked about April for Llillian Boxfish. Is that right? Does it work for you?

>25 jessibud2: Glad you like the topper! I thought it was very cool myself. : ) Can't imagine the time and dexterity it took to carve the figures out.

>26 BLBera: Twin--I know, but I want to keep track of how many are coming in and how many of them I get read. If I mark them as Gifts, then I don't have to feel as guilty about them. LOL

Hoping to start The Fire This Time around Wednesday-ish.

>27 drneutron: >28 thornton37814: >29 jnwelch: Welcome Jim, Lori and Joe!! Always glad to have you guys along. : )

>30 RebaRelishesReading: Well, it is the weekend, but I am spending it at work. : P Six hours today and probablay another 4 tomorrrow. I just have to get on top of the accounting again. Hope you are having more fun than I am!!

>31 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, I would love to see this paper/book artwork up close and in person! I think it is just so cool. I will keep posting them as long as I can find cool, new ones.

>32 mstrust: Anytime! Although now I have had dinner and I want some dessert!

>33 alcottacre: You are completely up to date!! For today. That's payback woman. {{evil laugh}}

>34 johnsimpson: KISS was here and I missed it? Dang it. I would have loved to see them. : (

>35 EBT1002: The image shows for me....

Yay for the Powell's mug and for public recognition. : )

Yes--The Twin in March!!

Travis McGee, my color challenge backup author rocks. LOL

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

February--Part Two, The People, pages 153-310 (1800-1865) is open for business!!

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

Happy Sunday, Kim. Happy New Thread. I hope you are having a good weekend. I started Part 4 of These Truths and I have been taking a break but will probably return to finish it later next week. I know I haven't contributed much on the Group Read but I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Happy new thread!

>37 Berly: Sounds good. My copy is ready to go. I might dip into the intro today after I finish school stuff.

>35 EBT1002: I have that mug and just finished drinking my morning coffee from it.

Hey Kim! Happy February, Happy new thread!

Some lemon meringue bites, dear?

Hey Twin: I read Ward's intro to The Fire This Time. She explains the reasons for wanting to do this book -- very powerful. She says, "I believe there is power in words, power in asserting our existence, our experience, our lives, through words. That sharing our stories confirms our humanity."

I think I'll aim for two or three essays per week.

Happy new thread, Kim!

>42 msf59: Mark--I am so glad you are enjoying These Truths! Whether or not you comment on the group thread. : ) I spent about 6 hours at the office today, still trying to get the accounting caught up. What a nightmare! As you can see it has seriousl cut into my LT time! Hoping to be all caught up by the end of this week. HOpe you had a great weekend. : )

>43 ChelleBearss: Thank you!! Happy Monday.

>44 BLBera: Twin--I finished my other book so I am ready to go on The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward. I just read the intro. I love her way with words, their power and the beautiful cadence. I know this is going to be very moving, even wrenching. I so need to read this!

>45 Carmenere: And the very same to you! And I'll throw in Happy Monday!!

>46 richardderus: Um....yes, please!! You are so thoughtful. : )

>47 BLBera: Oh, hi again, Twin. Long time, no talk! LOL.

I am good for a few essays a week. One of the most moving lines for me (among many) from the intro: "I, too, grew up in a place that could sometimes feel as limiting and final as being locked in an airtight closet, the air humid and rank with one's own breath and panic." (Jesmyn Ward, The Fire This Time p. 4)

>48 FAMeulstee: Thank you!! Nice to see you as always.

To all my LT friends -- As I try to get caught up at work, I will to my best to keep up to date here on my own thread and I REALLY appreciate all the visits. Please know this!! I promise I will make the rounds again as soon as I get a life back. xoxo

>53 Berly: Life swamps all of us at times!

What an aggravating task! I hope it untangles soon.

Good morning Kim! I hope today is the day the accounting is all caught up and that you get a little time to read tonight :)

Happy new thread Kim and happy to learn that all the extra accounting work caused but the software snafu is now finished.

Happy Thread the Third!

I've started Part two of These Truths. Not very far in, not much to comment on yet.

Hope the accounting is sorted soon!

>53 Berly: ditto!!

Just checking in to sample the lemon meringue bites and see about books. You know, they usual :)

Hi Berly-boo, it's just me wishing you a speedy psychic recovery from your technological betrayal.

>52 Berly: I love "The Weight" - I commented on it on my thread, but I also liked her comparison between Baldwin and her grandfather, and there's a great quote by Baldwin: "Life is tragic simply because the earth turns and the sun inexorably rises and sets, and one day, for each of us, the sun will go down for the last, last time."

Hope you get the pesky work stuff straightened out soon.

Happy reasonably new thread Kimmers and great to see you so busy. xx

A Ladder to the Sky (384 pages) by John Boyne 4.0

Maurice wants to be a writer, and although he puts words together well, he falls short on inspiration. So he gets to know people, uses them for ideas, feeds his ambition. He is a handsome man. How much can he get away with? For the reader, the moral questions arise. All ideas are inspired by something or someone, but when does it become theft? And what about telling someone else's story, especially if it is told to you in confidence? So you change a few names. Is it enough? What if it has negative repercussions for them? Where is the line?

The main character, Maurice Swift, is a narcissist. A psychopath. No two ways about it. I hate him. But I have to know, how far will he go? I loved how multiple narrators tell his story: we learn of Maurice and the publishing world through their viewpoints, their hopes, their desires. His pawns will be remembered long after their tales have ended and Maurice has moved on. This is definitely a tale of dark morals. Thought-provoking, well-told, very memorable and a surprising page-turner.

How To Be A Woman by Caitlan Moran 4.0

Have you ever read a book that made you blush? Well this one did!! So, I quickly decided that I was only listening to this audio in the car, ALONE, and as I loosened up a bit I found myself completely laughing out loud. (You HAVE to get the audio!) Let's be real. The Brits, for all their prim and properness, take everyday life and sex to new levels of honesty. I mean I doubled my anatomical slang vocabulary!! But Moran has a serious side, too, and time and again, she makes very insightful comments. (Which is an argument for print, so you can make note of these passages, something I was unable to do while driving.) Topics include but are not limited to: feminism, childbirth, waxing, abortion, periods, dating, marriage, etc. And men--don't shy away from this one--it could be exactly what you need to understand the other sex! I highly recommend this book and put all the blame on give all the credit to Mamie and Katie who talked me into this one. Thanks you guys!

The Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg 3.6

"A psychological thriller by No.1 bestselling Swedish crime sensation Camilla Läckberg. Returning to her hometown after the funeral of her parents, writer Erica Falck finds a community on the brink of tragedy. The death of her childhood friend, Alex, is just the beginning. Her wrists slashed, her body frozen in an ice cold bath, it seems that she has taken her own life. Erica conceives a memoir about the beautiful but remote Alex, one that will answer questions about their lost friendship. While her interest grows to an obsession, local detective Patrik Hedstrom is following his own suspicions about the case. But it is only when they start working together that the truth begins to emerge about the small town with a deeply disturbing past."

The first in this series, I liked the two main protagonists, flawed though they are, but none of the other characters are redeemable. And, strangely, I figured out most of the mysteries (there are several interwoven) before the end. Still, I liked the book a lot. And I am not alone. Winner of the 2008 Le Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, France's most prestigious award for crime fiction. The LT group will be reading the second in the series in March. I look forward to seeing where this one goes. https://www.librarything.com/topic/301134

Oh yay! Good reading done and I'm not book-bulleted! wheeee

>66 richardderus: Oh, I think you would like Ladder to the Sky. Just saying. Smooch. : )

I seem to be just lurking on LT this week. So just letting you know I'm also lurking here.

Hi Kim!

>36 Berly: Absolutely, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk in April. It’s just that I have now written it down in my desk calendar on April 1st to jog my memory. I have a pretty good memory, but that’s a bit much to remember what with all the other reading, books, LT activity and etc. It’s for my book club’s May discussion on the 5th. It’s 273 pages in trade paperback so I’ll need to start it early in the month.

>39 Berly: Those make my teeth hurt just looking at them – for me a good cup of black coffee would be a perfect offset.

>63 Berly: Another book bullet added to my wish list.

>64 Berly: I’ve now got two books by her on my wishlist, the other being How to Build a Girl – recommended by Mamie!

>65 Berly: Sigh. 3 of 3. You’re dangerous. Said with affection, of course. *smile*

>65 Berly: We are in accord on Ice Princess. I hope the author doesn't onto the more obnoxious of the subsidiary characters as she continues the series. Some of them remind me of the Commisario Brunetti books by Donna Leon.

>64 Berly: - Glad you liked it!

>64 Berly: And if you're able to catch it, there's Raised By Wolves, the tv show Moran created, loosely based on her teen years. It's hilarious too.

I opted for the e-version and plan to read it this fall when my BFF and I are off on a girl's trip together and I will have a bedroom to myself to blush in :)

Hi there Kim!
Just read about your accounting disaster - I'm so sorry.

I'm giving our current weather forecast for Saturday a side-eye. Worst case I have The Hubster take me to the train and pick me up in the 4-wheel drive truck in order to get myself to the Michelle Obama event.

>64 Berly: OK - even though I have the print edition I think I'll have to get the audio.

Start Without Me by Joshua Max Feldman 3.5

It's Thanksgiving day. Two strangers, whose lives' are train wrecks, strike up an unlikely conversation in an airport restaurant. Adam is 9 months sober, a former talented keyboardist in a band, estranged from his family. Marissa is a stewardess, who cheated on her husband and doesn't know how to save her marriage. She offers to give him a lift on her way home and their holiday adventure begins. An earnest look at family, dreams and expectations and how hard it is to be your best self.

And with this review I am caught up on my LT Early Reviewers!!!

>54 thornton37814: I'd be coming out of the swamp except I caught a cold, which is why I am home in bed and have time for LT. : )

>55 ffortsa: The accounting nightmare is slowly receding. Except I can't go into work today...{{ACHOO!}} Maybe tomorrow.

>56 RebaRelishesReading: Well, while batting the lurgy, I have read two books and, as you can see, I caught up on some reviews. : )

>57 lkernagh: The accounting glitch is not over, but I was making significant progress. Now I am fighting The Cold. And I don't mean temperature. LOL. Went to the doctor yesterday and got some meds. Slight improvement today. I'll take it!!

>58 streamsong: I haven't been up to reading history with this cold, but I am about 10 pages into These Truths part 2. Hope to get back to it soon. : )

>59 LovingLit: So about books, are you up for The Twin in March? It is one of my INDIEspensable reads I want to do and it was one of the ones you expressed an interest in ....

>60 richardderus: Much appreciated! Now can you send me some physical recovery mojo from dis code? Tank you.

>61 BLBera: Another great quote! How far along are you? I only finished the into so far...

>62 PaulCranswick: Paul!! Hello, sir! So nice to see you here. I hope you are gaining ground on life. : )

>68 humouress: Lurking is good. Always. Well, at least on threads. : )

>69 karenmarie: Oh, maybe I should move Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk up to mid-March then. I have a book group that meets in the beginning of the month, too and I have to remember to read it the month before. ; )

Sorry, not sorry about the book bullets. Turn about is fair play. ^^

>70 ffortsa: Are you doing the mystery group thread? Have you started the February Guido Brunetti book? Although, I do love a detective that has a normal, healthy family life, and I am fond of Guido, I wasn't thrilled with the last one and I feel like the bad guy never gets brought to justice. Not sure if I want to keep going on that series. Thoughts?

>71 katiekrug: I really did like reading Moran's How to be a Woman and I look forward to finding How to Build a Girl. Thank you!

>72 mstrust: And I guess now I have to find "Raised by Wolves" by her, too. ; )

>73 RebaRelishesReading: Excellent plan! Blush away to your heart's content...in private! : )

>74 SuziQoregon: Oh, no. Is the snow supposed to be that bad? I really want to see Michelle Obama on Saturday. Crossing my fingers.

I loved the audio of How to Be A Woman -- good move. : )

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney 4.25

"My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me. 1. I'm in a coma 2. My husband doesn't love me any more 3. Sometimes I lie.

"Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can't move. She can't speak. She can't open her eyes. Though she can hear everyone around her, no one knows because she's in a coma. But she doesn't remember what happened. And she has a sneaking suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, the narratives build and collide for an ending that leaves readers speechless." Amazon

I loved the different timelines and I never knew whose narrative I could trust. TOTALLY didn't guess the ending. Highly recommended.

>79 Berly: Love that - kind of creepy.

I've read the first two essays. Although the first one isn't really an essay? "The Weight" was really good, though. I am going to start the third one now.

>63 Berly: Disappointed that my local library does not have that one.

>65 Berly: My local library has several of Lackberg's books, but not that one. I refuse to start a series in the middle!

>83 Berly: Sounds interesting! I will have to look for it.

>81 Berly: I read a lot of the Brunetti mysteries before, and in fact have given some of them away to Helen and Benita. You might check my post on the thread to se if you want me to send you some. I find the series thoughtful, but the constant complaint about endemic corruption can get tiring.

That said, I decided not to reread them, but did just read Sea of Troubles, which I somehow skipped. I'll say more about it on my thread, but it started slow and really revved up in the end.

>83 Berly: How intriguing. I love an unreliable-narrator story!

Happy new thread! You are moving right along on the Bingo card.

And sorry about the accounting issues. I actually had good news from Quickbooks: the new Mac version has a clunky but usable import feature now so I don't have to manually data enter all the credit card purchases anymore. Good thing since I had procrastinated doing it and had some 500 to enter. In this case, I was rewarded for being a laggard ;-)

>84 BLBera: Just starting #3 in The Fire This Time!

>85 alcottacre: I think that means I almost BBed you! At least you tried to let me, LOL. I don't blame you--I never like starting a series in the middle. Wait for the first one!

>86 ffortsa: Exactly! It's that constant complaining about endemic corruption that gets old. And never sending the guilty guy to prison, although some of them get justice in a different way.

I looked over your list but the immediate reads are already taken and I am not sure how long I will stick with this series. Thanks for doing that though!

>87 richardderus: Yes, indeedy!! I am a reliable reviewer and the narrator is unreliable making this the perfect recommendation for you! : )

>88 witchyrichy: Yes, the Bingo Card is doing well. However, the alphabet and ABCs could use some help. Oops!

I love when being a laggard pays off! Yay you!

>64 Berly: I have that one in Olive Editions and it sounds delightful!

Did you dig into The Fire This Time? I liked it although the essays varied, of course, in impact.

I hace a feeling you're doing better on the alphabet challenge than your picture shows. I mean, The Ice Princess could count for I, yes? On the other hand, it does seem like you've been reading lots of books that start with "S" -- LOL.

>91 EBT1002: I have read the first four essays in The Fire This Time with varying degrees of enjoyment. There are some very good lines which I have been marking for my final review.

My BINGO card is for old or new books, but the Alpha or Color lists are both supposed to be motivating me to read off my own shelves and, as you can see, I am not doing that very much. {{Sheepish Grin}}

I have only read 2/11 books that start with "S" this year!! What are you talking about? : P

I have enough books on my own TBR thank yew verra much. And hi! ::waves::

>93 AuntieClio: Hey there stranger!!! It's okay if you ducked and avoided all my book bullets. Just glad to see you here. : )

Ah, well, it helps to understand the alphabet and color challenges you set out for yourselves. I know I will be no help whatsoever with focusing on books already on your shelves. I have done a bit better on that since moving to Pullman, I think (less access to book buying on a daily basis!) but still.....

>94 Berly: I'm on deadline for a review of Alexander Hamilton for my editor at Drink Tank. It's a tome and that's where I'm placing all my reading energy right now.

>95 EBT1002: I'll take a photo of my piles and maybe you can tell me if any of them are any good? : )

>96 AuntieClio: Alexander Hamilton was a busy guy, so yes, I am sure it is a tome. Good luck and read fast but carefully!

I hope your cold and accounting woes are taken care of Kim. Happy new-to-me thread.

Looks like we're in for some weather. I'm taking my laptop home from work tonight because I expect I'll be working from home early next week.

>98 Familyhistorian: Thanks for those wishes. The accounting has to wait as I am still home with the cold. And now we are supposed to get hit with snow. Sounds like reading in bed to me!!!

>99 SuziQoregon: Good plan. I think driving is going to be tricky. Stay warm!

I was so psyched to see Michelle Obama tomorrow night, but since I am still under the weather and the weather is supposed to be horrible (that's bad weather squared), I am glad they rescheduled. Now I have it to look forward to in March. : )

+ + =

>102 Berly: Great recipe!

Feel better, Kim!

>103 quondame: Thank you! It is working for me. ; )

>104 katiekrug: Trying. How are you doing?

Happy Saturday, Kimmers! Sorry, to hear about the Obama event but I am glad to hear they are rescheduling. Good luck and be safe, with this snowstorm. Sounds like a tough one.

Hope you're feeling better. Hope your accounting is on its way to being sorted out.

>105 Berly: - I have reached the point where I can't taste anything. That may be a good thing - makes me less interested in eating - ha!

Weather squared is no fun. I'm sorry you're under it, and Portland's is way too white.

It sounds like for you personally the Obama event reschedule works out well. Anticipation is, after all, half the pleasure.

I hope you start feeling better sooner than soon.

>102 Berly: Sounds perfect. I think I caught a cold from LT. I woke up with a scratchy throat, coughing.

I'm sorry to hear about your cold, but it was thoughtful of Michelle Obama to reschedule for you! ;)

Great reviews.

I may have to join in on the Lilian Boxfish read.

Hope you feel better soon but glad for everyone that the Michelle Obama event is rescheduled.

>106 msf59: Thanks, Mark. So far we only have a half inch on the ground, but it is supposed to pick up this afternoon. My phone weather app shows snow for the entire week!! Argh! No one here knows how to drive in snow and there are so many hills!

>107 humouress: I am only marginally feeling better. The meds from the Doc have not really helped. I think I will have to go back again on Monday.

>108 katiekrug: Ha! I wish that were my case. I am so tired my body is saying if you can't get enough sleep...eat!! LOL Feel better, Katie.

>109 karenmarie: Karen--I am very grateful that Obama rescheduled as I wasn't really up to attending tonight. Small miracle. Although it would have been nice to see her before my bookclub this Monday to discuss Becoming, I am good with aniticipation! : )

>110 BLBera: Dang. I thought LT was complaint-ridden but germ-free! Sorry, Twin.

>111 streamsong: Wasn't that nice of Obama? I have always thought she is a very kind lady.

And thank you for noticing the reviews!! No one has said much about them.

Please do join in on the Lillian Boxfish read!! I think Karen's book group meets the beginning of May, so I may start it mid-April-ish. Heavy on the ish.

>112 RebaRelishesReading: Much appreciated and exactly!! : )

From The Fire This Time, "Where Do We Go From Here?" by Isabel Wilkerson

"It is as if we have reentered the past and are living in the second Nadir: It seems the rate of police killings now surpass the rate of lynchings during the worst decades of the Jim Crow era. There was a lynching every four days in the early decades of the twentieth century. It's been estimated that an African American is now killed by police every two to three days...the caste system has only mutated with the times."

"We must love ourselves even if--and especially if--others do not. We must keep our faith even as we work to make our country live up to its creed." (p.61)

This book is well worth reading. I don't love the essays equally, but different voices are good. It is a bit rough to take, because it is so very honest, but we need to know what is happening, to face it and make a difference. This disparity amongst people has to change! It has to disappear. We are equal despite color, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or whatever other divide can be thought up or named.

>115 Berly: Nice, Twin. That is the next one for me.

Hi Kim! I am hoping that the snow and ice peter out after the weekend. I have to go to work Monday regardless, so hoping for clear roads.

I hope that you get lots of rest and feel better!

>115 Berly: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Sounds like a great read.

Feel better soon, Kim!

>115 Berly: Too depressingly true and accurate for me ATM. I want to unswallow all over current events as it is.

>116 BLBera: Thanks. It is a great book. I've just reached Part II, The Reckoning. I read the first poem (excerpt below)....

The Fire This Time, "Queries of Unrest" by Clint Smith, an excerpt from p. 99

Maybe I come from the gap
between my father's teeth.
Maybe I was meant to see a little
bit of darkness every time he smiled.

Maybe I was meant to understand that
darkness magnifies the sight of joy.
Maybe I come from where the sidewalk
ends, or maybe I just read that in a book once.
It can be hard to tell the difference sometimes.

Maybe that's because when I was a kid
a white boy told me I was marginalized
and all I could think of was the edge
of a sheet of paper, how empty it is--
the abyss I was told never to write into....

>117 banjo123: I don't know...it looks like snow on and off throughout the week. I am sitting in my kitchen, playin on LT and I have seen two hummingbirds feeding amidst the white flakes of snow. So pretty.

>118 alcottacre: Happy to contribute to the black hole! Lord knows you read fast enough that you need more. LOL.

I feel marginally better each day, but it sure is taking a while. Thanks for the good wishes. : )

>119 richardderus: Sorry. Have a muffin?

>115 Berly: Great comments on The Fire This Time, Kim. Adding it to the tbr.

I hope you continue to feel better Kim. Glad Michelle could reschedule. I really enjoyed her book.

>121 Berly: *gobble*slurp*smack*

...muffin? MuffinS!

I hope you feel better soon, Kim!
Nice to see The Twin on your reading list.

Hope you're feeling better soon. Glad Michelle Obama rescheduled.

>122 jnwelch: Happy to help that ol' TBR pile grow! : )

>123 Caroline_McElwee: I am still very much looking forward to hearing Michelle Obama talk, now in March. It's interesting that both my RL bookclubs chose Becoming as our first book of the year and now one of my clubs has chosen The Audacity of Hope as the second read. Should be an interesting compare/contrast.

>124 richardderus: ; )

>125 FAMeulstee: Yes, The Twin is schedule for next month! I think Ellen and Megan are going to read it with me.

>126 SuziQoregon: RE: Michelle Obama's talk--The snow didn't turn out to be that bad today, but who needs the worry? Also, I am not up to snuff and will enjoy it WAY more when I am feeling well. Rescheduling can be a good thing. : )

Your snow made our news, Kim. From the looks of things even Monday's book club may be in doubt. They said that both Portland and Seattle were hit and they were predicted snow for our area on Sunday but maybe not for where I live as the prediction for the Lower Mainland (where Vancouver and its surrounding suburb cities are) is from 0 to 5 centimeters of snow. I have my fingers crossed for the 0. We have hills and snow tires are rare.

>127 Berly: - Both Barack Obama's book on audio were read by him. Just saying.... :-)

Hi Kim!

>114 Berly: It would have been way cool to have seen her just before your meeting for sure.

I’ve added Janet to my note for the LBTaW read.

>121 Berly: I keep forgetting that hummingbirds are year round out there. Here they show up in April and leave in early October. I don’t even have feeders out yet.

>127 Berly: I’ve listened to Barack Obama’s Dreams of My Father narrated by him but haven’t listened to The Audacity of Hope yet. It’s on my shelves just waiting…

I hope you’re recovering nicely.

Hey Twin - Hope you're feeling better. Enjoy your snow - misery loves company and all that. It's coming down at a pretty good clip here right now.

I'm going to sit down with The Fire This Time as soon as I finish typing. You're ahead of me! I've got to catch up.

>129 Familyhistorian: I am in "wait and see" mode for tomorrow night's bookclub. We are not supposed to get much today, but....

Hills and no snow tires is a bad mix! Stay warm and safe. : )

>130 jessibud2: I listened to Dreams of my Father and loved listening to Barrack, but I am a faster reader than listener so I have ordered a print copy. Besides than I can mark passages I want to discuss.

>131 karenmarie: We are getting a little crowd going for Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk! Fun!

I love that we have hummingbirds year round here. They were frequent visitors yesterday with the cold and snow.

I am resorting to the dreaded Prednisone to get over this one. I slept better last night now that I can breathe a little better. Still taking it slow today. I haven't been to TKD in two weeks. Ugh. Progress though!!

>132 BLBera: I think the snow is done until Wednesday. Due for rain again tonight. Just hope we don't freeze in the morning or there will be ice everywhere.

Thanks for sending me the ice fort picture with Scout--so cute!

I am starting the second Jackson Brodie, One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson today and I really have to get back to Part 2 of These Truths!! Those are my plans and I am sticking to them.

I read The Fire Next Time when both Baldwin and I were young. Sound like I need to read The Fire This Time now that we both aren't.

>136 RebaRelishesReading: LOL. Yup, it is worth reading. I am trying to read just a little at a time to really let it sink in, which is hard for me because I like to just read straight through, but it is worth it.

>121 Berly: >134 Berly: Huh; I'd have thought, with their high energy consumption, hummingbirds wouldn't be able to deal with cold.

>138 humouress: You are right--they don't normally do well in the cold, but then, we are not normally that cold here, so they tend to stick around all year. I think I am seeing so many little guys at the feeder because they need so much more food in the cold.

A ton of library books have arrived, and although I swore I wouldn't start anything until I've finished somethig else, I paused to read the introduction of Becoming and was captured.

Ah well, what's one more in the mix.

Truly truly nasty here in Montana with below 0 temps this morning and, like your forecast, no change until the end of the week.

>127 Berly: funny how that happens Kim. I read both Obama's books before he became President. I'm looking forward to his next, which I think is due late this year, or sometime next year.

Are you on the mend?

>140 streamsong: Ha! Sucked in. I hope you enjoy Becoming and I know you can handle one more. : )

Brrrr! I remember those below zero days. Another whole week? Yikes. Stay warm!!

>141 Caroline_McElwee: Oh, I hope it comes out this year then I can call this my Obama year!! LOL And, of course, you are way more on top of things than me and read them BEFORE he was President. Nicely done.

Sort of. I started Prednisone yesterday and it seems to be helping. Actually leaving the house today--I need groceries!!!

Hi Kim my dear, sorry to hear of the accounting woes and then to get a really bad cold on top is not good my dear, I hope the cold is easing and you get back to good health. I could understand you being annoyed about missing seeing Michelle Obama but how lucky for you that it has to be postponed and now you will be able to see her.

I hope the weekend has been good to you and the family and that your reading is going well. Thanks for stopping by my thread, the pens and brooch are lovely and then Amy getting two job offers topped the week off. Amy will be ringing the Pullman bus company up tomorrow to just sort a couple of issues out and then accept the position, it makes it even better that she found this one out on her own. My reading is going well although Karen is still a book ahead of me and she lets me know about this every now and then.

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

Happy Sunday, Kimmers! It sounds like you guys dodged the snowstorm, right? If so, I hope the luck continues. I will be wrapping up These Truths tomorrow. It is such an impressive achievement.

Hey, it looks like I will be making a MN Meet Up, next Friday, with Rachel and Erik! I have been meaning to do this forever.

>133 Berly: - I listened to both his on audio but also own both hard copies! ;-)

Hills and no snow tires are indeed a recipe for disaster. Nothing (including book club) is worth THAT risk, I dare to say

I might not say much about reviews but of the five book bullets I've recorded since I started my thread on 6th, two of them are yours (40%)!

MinneSNOWta is going to be hit three times this upcoming week with the white stuff. Ugh.

Well between you, Mamie and Katie I am waiting for the audio version of How to Be a Woman to accompany the kindle book I've had for a very long time. Thanks Kim.

I loved The Twin so I hope you enjoy it too.

I hope you're dealing well with your snow. It kind of comes second hand to me but even in Buffalo when we get the first snow of the year everybody drives like they've never seen it before. Funny story: my son and his wife have lived in Raleigh for the last ten years but before that they lived here in Buffalo and in Rochester and Albany so they know snow.. they were shocked last year when Raleigh got a couple of inches of the white stuff which of course ground the city to a complete halt but in addition they announced that they wouldn't be able to clear the snow because it was just too darn cold. Lol. Life in the south.

I am not commenting on your reviews for fear I will get hit with book bullets galore and we all know I am trying to dodge them. (AHEM)

I'm also halfway through Alexander Hamilton, what a rich and dense read!

Another one who enjoyed The Twin. Sorry about your snow. We have snow today , for the first time this winter, and as Meg mentioned, most us don't have snow tires and yes, we have hills. The hill situation is not too bad where I live, but I dread to think of my son driving to work tomorrow morning and the rest of the week.

>143 johnsimpson: Like I said on your thread, John, I am so happy this week went well for you, Karen and Amy! I ma really starting to feel better. The Prednisone has kicked in and today I was a cleaning whirlwind (I get hyper and sometimes can't sleep on this med). The house is looking good!! LOL Wishing you a great week. Hugs to you all.

>144 msf59: Mark---We dodged the snowstorm so much, that we only got a dusting. : ( The eastside and north of us got hit, but we were skipped. It kinda made me sad, but I am going to be careful what I wish for. We were supposed to get snow this whole week, too, but the temperature has gone up 3-4 degrees and now we are back to rain. Maybe next weekend....You stay warm!

And I am so glad you enjoyed These Truths so much! Please feel free to chime in on the threads as they pop up. I am looking forward to the Supreme Court discussion. Someone leaked that that's in Part 2. Yay!

>145 jessibud2: Shelley--Now that sounds like the perfect combo! LOL.

No, I definitely did not want to risk life and limb, even for Michelle. The snow actually wasn't that bad, but it really could have been. So much easier to do it in March.

>146 Morphidae: Ummm....you are welcome, Morphy!! Embrace those book bullets and I am going to take full bragging rights, because I don't think I am going to be able to keep 40% going for long. ; )

OH, MinneSNOWta--love that! I am going to tell my sister that one. Sorry you have more on the way. Definitely a hard winter.

>147 brenzi: Bonnie--Yay for audio of How to be a Woman!! We all guarantee you will love it.

More good news on The Twin--I am really looking forward to it now with your vote of approval. : )

Funny story about your son and his wife. I am used to snow driving, too, having lived in MN for years, but you are right, that first snowfall, you gotta go easy and remember the tricks. No one uses an umbrella in Portland unless it is a real downpour and I remember in MN no one wears a coat until it is actually below freezing. I still try to be tough, but I think my limit is more like 38 now. Shhhh, don't tell!

>148 AuntieClio: Stephanie--No, see if you comment on them, then you have participated and you can move on having dodged the bullets!! See what I mean? ; )

Glad you are enjoying the Alexander Hamilton tome.

>149 vancouverdeb: Deb--More good reviews on The Twin! Yay!

So sorry you understand the snow/hill dilemma. Hoping everyone stays safe where you are. Enjoy the pretty whiteness!

Finally making it to this thread, Kim. I managed to somehow lose a bunch of you - so weird. Anyway, I am all caught up with you now. Are you feeling better? Birdy has caught that cold, and she is pretty miserable right now.

I knew you would appreciate How to be a Woman on audio! Nice review.

Hi Kim, just getting caught up with you here. Sorry about the cold. I'm taking care of three of my grandchildren while their parents are living the good life in Cabo San Lucas. Two of the kiddos have colds, so it's probably just a matter of time for me…ah choo! Lots of good reading going on here. Thanks again for hosting These Truths. I am behind the group and not very chatty, but I am really liking the book. It is one I wouldn't have gotten to without being part of a group.

>148 AuntieClio: do you mean the Ron Chenow Hamilton book?

It's probably my least favorite of Chernow's books takes forever to get up and running.

OTOH I will be forever grateful that Lin-Manual Miranda picked it up and somehow -- amazingly -- heard people rapping - and came up with "Hamilton the Musical"

I enjoyed Audacity of Hope which I read shortly after Obama became president. I am definitely trying to read Becoming now, because I signed up for a challenge which is very specific about which books to read and when to read them. I liked the list so much, that I decided to join. The other books were Between the World and Me, Citizen: An American Lyric, Americanah, The New Jim Crow, Bodies out of Bounds, Headscarves and Hymens, Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White, The Hate U Give, White Rage, Colonize This!, So You Want to Talk About Race, How Log Til Black Future Month, Marrow Thieves, Dawn, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Educated. I own many of these, and read a few of them. So I thought I'd just top it off and read the rest.

>158 The_Hibernator: that certainly is a fine list of reading Rachel. I have a number of those, and will be reading them this year too. enjoy Becoming.

I feel your pain, Kim! The colds going around are down right nasty! Hope you're better soon! So cool the Becoming book tour changed the date. Fingers crossed snow will not be an issue!

Loved The Audacity of Hope. Enjoy!!

Hi Kim! Just popping in to say hello!

Hey Twin, I hope you're on the mend. Another snow day here for us. My SIL is removing snow as I write. :) I'd say there's about ten inches? I am so ready for spring.

>153 Berly: 38° -- wimp. I'm still in a sweatshirt over a T at that point. *pssshhh*

>155 Crazymamie: Thanks for the tip on that one--How to Be a Woman was so much fun!

No, I am still miserably sick. Went into the doctor again yesterday and I am on new meds. Hope they work! IT's been three weeks and I am so done with this. : P

>156 Donna828: Oh, I hope your cute grandkids don't share their cold with you. I am sure you are having fun with them though! SO glad you are enjoying These Truths and that the group read stretched you a little bit in to trying something you might not have on your own. I have been woefully negligent at posting on the thread. Maybe today?!

>157 magicians_nephew: I so want to see Hamilton the musical, not the book. LOL

>158 The_Hibernator: My copy of The Audacity of Hope just came in at my local store so I have to go pick it up. Wow, that is a great list! I have read three of them and I think I have three more sitting on my shelves somewhere. Have fun and I will look for your thoughts on them.

>159 Caroline_McElwee: Ditto!

>160 Carmenere: So glad Obama changed the day. I really wasn't up to it and the snow was the crusher. We don't normally get snow in March, so it shouldn't be a problem. Yay!

I have to pick up my copy today.

>161 ChelleBearss: Hello back atcha!! Your little girls are so cute. I love following their antics on FB. You are such a great mom. : )

>162 BLBera: You guys have gotten hammered this year and I have bad news for you...it is only February. Winter has a long way to go. Feel free to vent to me anytime. Hugs.

>163 richardderus: When you are sick, 38 is cold and I deserve a coat. ; ) (You warrior, you.)

>166 Berly: Bite your tongue, Twin! Winter is almost over.

I'm going to have to read How to be a woman aren't I? Curse you all *shakes fist* *leaves some delicious black bean brownies*

>167 BLBera: Okay, okay! Winter is almost over...Winter is almost over...

: )

>168 evilmoose: Yes, I think you must read it. {{evil grin}} Oh, and thank you for the black bean brownies. ; )

Keep saying it, Twin!

I am really enjoying a visit with Jackson Brodie in Kate Atkinson's One Good Turn. Just what I need in my still cold-ridden state. : (

I am, however, slightly hopeful that the antibiotics are kicking in. : )

Hi Kim, I'm stopping by after a long absence and looking to catch up. So sorry to hear you are not well. I really enjoyed all the Jackson Brodie books. I'm glad you're feeling well enough to read.

Haven't we had the craziest weather? I got all geared up for the big storm last weekend and here in Tigard we got nary a snowflake. The forecasters have cried wolf so many times that those of us on the west side may ignore storm warnings that actually come to pass!

Happy Valentine's Day!! ❤️💚💗💙

I hope you're feeling better, Twin. I'm still hacking away, although I did almost make it through my classes today without scaring my students. My last class though, about halfway through, I think the cough medicine wore off. Oh well, at least I have until next Tuesday to kick this.

>166 Berly: Heh, warrior...My right knee bled too profusely to allow for my planned trip to the library. Leaving bloody footprints tends to make the neighbors tense, I've observed. Rob came hotfooting over when I grumbled about it, flustered and wondering if I should go to the hospital...I said "ooh mmhmm yes of course" while fishing around for the rock of tophus causing the problem with my forceps. When I pulled it out, the poor thing looked like he wanted to pass out! The bleeding finally, after more than an hour, stopped. I had to pitch two towels!

>172 Oregonreader: Hey there! I just finished One Good Turn, Jackson Brodie #2, only to realize that I have read them out of order, so #3 is done and now I have to find me #4. I don't think I have read that one yet....

The weather has been insane. And you're right--no one is going to listen to dire warnings next time! LOL Hope all is well with you. Stay dry.

>173 ChelleBearss: Okay, the science nerd in me fell for this one...

>174 BLBera: Yeah, you should definitely NOT be scaring your students. Stop that! I hope you feel better soon. The meds are definitely helping, but I am wiped. And my thyroid is off...again. How can it have been fine for years and years and now go so wonky? Sigh.

>175 richardderus: Of course, then there is Richard, who makes all my aches and pains seem....trivial. Ouch! I am so sorry that on a day-to-day basis you have continuous pain and that, worse, it sporadically erupts into bloody hell. I hope you recover quickly. Sending big hugs and more towels. Thank goodness you are a stubborn guy who refuse to let the gout win. Smooch, smooch.

*smooch* I'm a stubborn old cuss, it's true, but the pain thing is mostly practice. When it's always with you, it sets to zero at different levels from the civilian populace.

Hope this makes the science nerd in you smile :)

>178 richardderus: That's true about the pain reset button, but still. It sucks to have to rise above it ALL THE TIME. Smooch.

>179 ChelleBearss: Ha! I love it. Perfect. Sending that one on to my hubby. : )

Back to The Fire This Time--My favorite essay thus far is "Black and Blue" by Garnette Cadogan. From Jamaica to New Orleans and then New York, Garnette talks about the pleasure and pain of walking at night and how very different it is in each city. This made me think, really think. Here are just a few excerpts--

In NY: "I returned to the old rules...No running, especially at night; no sudden movements; no hoodies; no objects -- especially shiny ones --in hand; no waiting for friends on street corners, lest I be mistaken for a drug dealer; no standing near a a corner on the cell phone (same reason)."

"For a black man, to assert your dignity before the police was to risk assault. In fact, the dignity of black people meant less to them, which was why I always feel safer being stopped in front of white witnesses than black witnesses....the concern of white witnesses usually registered on them."

"Walking is an act of faith. Walking is, after all, interrupted falling. We see, we listen, we speak, and we trust that each step we take won't be our last, but will lead us into a richer understanding of the self and the world."

Ohh enjoy the Jackson Brodie series. I really loved them and can't wait for the new one to come out. Sorry you are not feeling well and that your thyroid is off. I hope that soon gets sorted out. I have osteoporosis and with a collapsed vertebrae in my back, I live with a certain amount of constant pain too, but some days aren't bad, others not so good. I'm not keen on the snow and ice, owing to my concern about a slip and fall that would cause a lot more damage pre -osteoporosis. Ah well, that's' life.

>182 vancouverdeb: Osteoporosis and a collapsed vertebrae sound like no fun at all. I hope you have cleats in your shoes for all that snow and ice!! I find that so many people have conditions that they just don't talk about too much. We are all in the "Do the best with what I've got" mode. I wish you more good days than bad. And lots of good books to get you through the rest. : )

I finished #2, and 've read #3 (out of order) so now I have #4 in the Jackson Brodie series waiting for me....when is the new one supposed to come out?

Yes, I generally don't mention my osteoporosis. I was diagnosed with it at least 10 years ago when I got the compression fracture in my spine. I had so much pain, but at the age of 48, no one suspected osteoporosis. Finally I convinced my GP to do an x rayof my spine, and there was the by then healed fracture. But it remains collapsed. Then a couple of years later I slipped in our foyer and fractured my wrist and foot at the same time. That was way less painful, but definitely yes, I am careful when it is icy and snowy out. I do have some sort of super grip hiking shoes for bad weather, but I'm cautious now. Books do help. As my dad said, you can be anywhere that you want. I have a treadmill for indoors now for icy days. I used to enjoy snow. Not so much any more.

>184 vancouverdeb: Yikes! Poor Deb. I'll bet you're careful when it's icy! I'm glad you can do a treadmill all right.

I just read One Good Turn, too, Kim, and like you enjoyed it. It made for an interesting comparison with the tv version, particularly the relationship with Louise and the character of Martin.

>184 vancouverdeb:

Sorry to read about another with osteoporosis. My doctor wants me to try yet another medicine (side effects from first one),
but they all sound dangerous. Have you found a good one to recommend? thank you.
Also, can't find a safe statin for high cholesterol...

Wow, sorry to learn that you have been battling this last sickness for three weeks, Kim! Fingers crossed the new meds are working are you are feeling better soon.

>183 Berly: I believe the new Jackson Brodie installment is due out June 25th in the US.

Hi Kim! Just a quick hello. I hope you have a great weekend.

I was trying to remember if I spoke up or just lurked when I was here yesterday. Obviously, I was in lurk mode. Hi, Kim!

>171 Berly: I get to dodge that BB since I have already read it.

>184 vancouverdeb: Marianne, like you, I've been afraid to try the medication. I can't swallow pills well, no matter how small and so the usual Bisphosphonates were not a possibility for me. I saw an endocrinologist about it and he recommended either a Reclast Infusion , or Forteo, which is daily injections that you do yourself. However, I read and heard so many negative things about the once a year reclast IV infusion, I was to scared to proceed with it. And Forteo is not paid for here in Canada, so it would have been close to $1000 per month , which was just not affordable. Then Prolia came along it sounded to be possibly promising. One injection every 6 months at about $80 bucks a shot. However , since Prolia has come out, I've read a lot about people being on prolia for two or three years and then having to come off it and having sudden collapse of 3 -4 vertebrae at once. So, I've become very wary of the medications and not even tried one. I decided to just add in the vitamin D as recommended, drink lots of milk ( which I already been doing ) and do my walking. I used to hit the gym a few times a week and do 75 crunches and all sorts of exercise, but the doctor and physiotherapist warned me against forward bending. Ironically, I likely got the collapsed vertebrae as I was doing crunches for my abs. I was always big on exercise of all kinds , but I have had to stop most everything but walking. Life. I feel for you. No good answers, I don't think.

Sorry Kim, for cluttering up your thread with the osteo medication chat.

Take care, Kim and have a great weekend.

>184 vancouverdeb: That is pretty young to have that diagnosis. I am glad you persisted and they were finally able to at least identify what was going on with your back. I am wishing you dry sidewalks, lots of books, no pain and a great weekend, in any order you choose!

>185 jnwelch: There's a a TV version of Jakcson Brodie? Well, of course there is. I think I have to look for that one. : )

>186 m.belljackson: Hi! Carry on with the conversation. (I am just eavesdropping.) Sorry you are dealing with this, too.

>187 lkernagh: Thank you! I am definitely headed in the right direction again. Happy weekend!

>188 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks for that info -- So I have four months to get caught up on Jackson Brodie. That should work, LOL.

>189 karenmarie: Quick helloes work for me! Hi is even faster. : )

>190 ronincats: Lurking yesterday and posting today means you visited twice--I'll take it!

>191 alcottacre: But have you read the third and fourth ones? Hmmmmm?

>192 vancouverdeb: Feel free to hijack my thread any time! I love how this group looks out for each other and I think it is so important to be able to find other people to share these things with. It allows us to gather information and let's us know we are not alone in our battles.

Recent book acquisitions!! (Meaning yesterday.)

21. Audacity of Hope by Barrack Obama (For RL Bookclub #1, so I had to!)
22. The Library Book by Susan Orlean (For RL Bookclub #2, also had to!)
23. Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley, INDIEspensable #78 (gift)
24. The Snakes by Sadie Jones, INDIEspensable #78 (gift)
25. The Bold World by Jodi Patterson, ARC (free)

2 had-to's + 3 gifts/free = absolutely no guilt!! It was a very nice Valentine's Day. : )

>196 Berly: Good haul! And, as you point out, every one of 'em guilt free. Kudos!

>192 vancouverdeb: >193 Berly:

Thank you for the medication update.

I've been following the same diet and exercise (had to give up my favorite Yoga Sun Greeting!) protocol.

Lucky you to live in a location where you can still - at times - walk in the winter.
It's no fun here = with Yax Trax over Wisconsin's pure thick ice all the way to the mailbox!

>194 Berly:, So glad you're feeling better. >196 Berly: Nice haul. I've read both of your "have to's" and really liked them both. Hope you do too :)

>181 Berly: Hey Twin! I just finished "Black and Blue" as well. I loved it! I even chose one of the same quotes that you did. How ironic he feels safer in Jamaica than in the States!

I hope you are feeling better. Have a great weekend.

>197 richardderus: Thank you kind sir! And may you have a blood-free, happy day. Perhaps the delayed library visit? Smooch.

>198 m.belljackson: >192 vancouverdeb: Wishing you both a wonderful weekend.

>199 RebaRelishesReading: Glad to hear my bookclub reads get a thumbs up from you. : )

>200 BLBera: Twin minds think alike!! I am going to try and read some of These Truths first today and then pick up again on The Fire This Time. So enjoying both of these as shared reads!

More thoughts from The Fire This Time...

"The condition of black life is one of mourning." That's the chapter title.

It just made me tear up.

"Though the white liberal imagination likes to feel temporarily bad about black suffering, there really is no mode of empathy that can replicate the daily strain of knowing that as a black person you can be killed for simply being black...." (p. 146, Claudia Rankine)

This book is really important, but not a happy book, and quite frankly, after reading it I want to take a break from race and race relations. I want fantasy, escapism, humor. And how lucky am I that I can just put a book down and take a break from the darkness of racism?

>201 Berly: Yeup, my much-delayed library visit occurred. Plus a trip to CVS. Now I'm lying down wondering why I went so far into crazytown as to imagine that I can walk 1.9 miles without paying for it later.

>204 richardderus: Um. Oops? Hope your CVS meds and library books can distract you. How about some nibbles, too?

Happy weekend, Kim! Hope you are feeling better.

>206 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda. I finally am!! The anitbiotics did the trick. : )

AND yesterday we finally found the glitch in the accounting files and fixed it so I am headed in to work to bring everything up to speed today. I am so excited!

Glad you found your glitch AND you are feeling better, Twin. I just finished the Rankine essay. She does not mince words, which is a good thing. We need to hear others' experiences.

>205 Berly: I see toasted marshmallows!
"I am so excited!" is rarely heard when talking about work, but I'm glad for you. Just imagine how happy the world would be if things at work went right.

>205 Berly: *smothered belch* ...nibbles...? I don't *gulp* see nibbles. *surreptitious mustache swipe*

YAY to the zillionth power re: accounting glitch removal. That will reduce your stress levels immensely.

Ding, ding, the glitch is dead! Which old glitch? The wicked glitch...

Good glitch news, Kim!

The Jackson Brodie TV series is called Case Histories. It's well done, with a favorite actor of ours, Jason Isaacs, as Jackson. I'm pretty sure it's on Netflix.

Just passing through. Glad you're feeling better and hoping the snow/cold weather is finished. :)

Sounds like life is looking better, Kim, with the glitch found and your health better. Hope things keep going in a positive direction. Great looking valentine haul!

Sending sunny greetings from Davos.

>207 Berly: Also impressed at the enthusiastic response to the glitch discovery.
So glad you are on the mend. I have been slacking off on the Jill Lepore front, but hope to get back to her this weekend. Lovely lazy days planned :-)

>196 Berly: Nice haul! I love the 'no guilt' philosophy too!

>207 Berly: HOORAY!! That must be a HUGE relief!

I finished The Fire This Time, Twin. I really loved Edwidge Danticat's essay, the last one. A strong finish.

Glad to hear things have turned around for you!

I'm glad you're feeling better and you found the accounting glitch.

There is nothing more annoying to me than an error in my credit card accounting, which does happen from time to time, mostly when I've entered something by hand instead of by download. Even a slight discrepancy irks me, although if thorough investigation fails to rectify it, I will put in an adjustment in my quicken, just to start even for the next month. Business is different, of course.

>181 Berly: thanks for posting tThe Fire Next Time stuff - fascinating.

Just came back from seeing the movie "Green Book" - seeing another Black Man humiliated and insulted by white authority.

^I hope you had a great day, Kimmers! Hugs to my pal!

So happy to see that the "glitch" has been discovered and corrected! OMG, did I miss your birthday? Happy Birthday!

Ooo, a birthday girl, happy birthday Kim. I hope there will be books, and cake, and books, and, books.

Happy belated, Kim!

Happy belated birthday!!

Happy belated birthday, Kim! I hope you're doing well and had a lovely day.

Did you have a birthday? How could I not know that? I hope it was great.

>208 BLBera: I just finished The Fire This Time and I think it is a really important book. I loved all the voices and their perspectives. Definitely recommended!

>209 mstrust: Being excited and happy at work is a great thing. Definitely. I am headed in today to finish up the last of the tax stuff. I was really worried with the glitch we wouldn't be able to pull it off in time, but it's looking good.

>210 richardderus: Stress levels greatly diminished! Here's a napkin. You missed a spot. No...a little lower on the left. There. : )

>211 drneutron: Ha! That is great!! I am going to share that one with my hubby.

>212 jnwelch: Definitely gonna look up the Jackson Brodie series.

>213 nittnut: Hello! Snowmageddon didn't not happen, but we get a second chance next week. Sigh.

>214 Familyhistorian: Feeling pretty good. But I haven't exercised in about a month. So now I have six weeks to get in shape and learn my TKD curriculum. Gulp.

>215 Ameise1: I will happily take those sunny greetings!! Thanks. Happy weekend.

>216 charl08: Today is a work day, but I plan on a lazy day tomorrow. I have read about 1/3 of this month Lepore and I want to get back to it. It's hard to read just a few pages at a time. I want a good hour or two to sink into it.

>217 alcottacre: Thanks! No guilt is the place to be. Seeing as I just bought two more books. LOL

A Visit from the Goon Squad and Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan. Just saw her speak for Literary Arts and she was amazing!! More on that tomorrow when I have time.

>218 RebaRelishesReading: A HUGE Relief!! Life is good again. : )

>219 BLBera: Definitely a great book. Giving The Fire This Time a five!! Are we on to The Sympathizeer in March? I am thinking maybe the second half of the month. What do you say?

>220 Morphidae: Hi Morphy! Thanks. And it is so nice ot have you back around here again. Hugs.

>221 ffortsa: Attention to detail is key. We are in the process of making sure everything is connected to the correct accounts, double checking, and rechecking. LOL

>222 magicians_nephew: Hi there! Glad you liked all the snippets from TFTT. I hope I have done my job well and sucked you in. LOL. The Green Book, huh? I think I need a little break from serious stuff, but I will keep it in mind. Thanks.

>223 msf59: I had a great day, Mark! Thanks for the book cake. I went out to dinner with a friend who was also celebrating her birthday and then we saw Jennifer Egan talk. A most excellent birthday.

Mark, Lori, Caroline, Shelley, Anita, Karen and Twin--



Thanks for all the birthday wishes!! My hubby's birthday is the day before mine and we are getting together with the rest of the family to celebrate tomorrow night. I think it is going to be a great year. : )

Happy belated birthday! I hope it was great!

Well, my book club meets March 8, so I will be reading The Sympathizer early in the month. But you can read it when it works for you. No pressure.

Oh dear, sorry I missed your birthday. Hope it was happy and that your celebration tomorrow will be loads of fun.

Aaargh, I am not on facebook at the moment so I missed your birthday, Kimmers (if that makes any sense).

Belated wishes, dear lady, and also for a splendid Sunday.

Belated Happy Birthday, KIm!!

>236 mstrust: Thank you. It has been a very nice birthday week. Tomorrow night is the family get-together at a very fun restaurant. Yum!

>237 BLBera: Well then, I will jump on it and switch up the order. The Sympathizer starts now! : )

>238 RebaRelishesReading: It is never too late to wish someone "Happy"!! Thanks.

>239 PaulCranswick: I understand exactly what you mean and I will take you birthday wishes happily, anytime.

>240 ronincats: I preferred prolonged celebrations, so thank you!

Moving on....