Katie Commits to Nothing in 2019, Part 10

In honor of Mother's Day, which is celebrated in the US (and Canada, I think) on the second Sunday of May, I chose this image because my mom, who was a school librarian, instilled in me the love of books and reading.

___________________________________

Hello Old Friends and Welcome New Ones!

I'm Katie, and I've been with the 75ers since 2011. I live just outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, and our cat, Leonard. I work from home for a global engineering association, which allows me to scratch my travel itch a few times a year. In addition to reading and traveling, I enjoy taking advantage of all that my current location has to offer, from bars and restaurants to theater and museums to seasides and mountainsides. I lived 12 years in "exile" in Texas and am glad to be back in the northeast :)

My only "goal" for this reading year is to not have any goals. I am hoping to read more of the 3500 books I currently own rather than shiny new ones, but I'll just be happy with a year of excellent reads, regardless of where they come from.

(Audio) (Kindle)

2019 BOOKS COMPLETED
Off my shelf (pre-2019): 12
Off my Kindle (pre-2019): 6

46. How To Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry (audio) (4 stars)
45. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Burrows (4.5 stars)
44. Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie (4 stars)
43. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams (audio) (3.5 stars)
42. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms (3.5 stars)
41. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson (audio) (3.5 stars)
40. Imagined London by Anna Quindlen (3 stars)
39. These Truths by Jill Lepore (4.5 stars)
38. The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye (4 stars)
37. Nine Women, One Dress by Jane Rosen (audio) (3 stars)
36. Black Out by Lisa Unger (2 stars)
35. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (audio) (4 stars)
34. Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward (4.5 stars)
33. The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer (3.5 stars)
32. Unbelievable by Katy Tur (audio) (3 stars)
31. Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler (audio) (3.5 stars)

DID NOT FINISH (Year to date)
1. Eucalyptus by Murray Bail
2. Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck
3. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
4. Census by Jesse Ball

2019 BOOKS COMPLETED

30. Drop Shot by Harlan Coben (3 stars)
29. All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue by Sophie Jordan (audio)
28. A Good Debutante's Guide to Ruin by Sophie Jordan (audio) (4 stars)
27. American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson (2.5 stars)
26. The Golden Tresses of the Dead by Alan Bradley (audio) (3 stars)
25. Inheritance by Dani Shapiro (4.5 stars)
24. Kings of the Earth by Jon Clinch (4.5 stars)
23. The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit (audio) (4 stars)
22. My Name is Venus Black by Heather Lloyd (4 stars)
21. My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan (audio) (3 stars)
20. Anything for You by Kristan Higgins (3.5 stars)
19. Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss (4 stars)
18. Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco (audio) (4 stars)
17. Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg (3 stars)
16. Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely (audio) (3.5 stars)

15. Enlightening Delilah by M.C. Beaton (audio) (3 stars)
14. The Captives by Debra Jo Immergut (4 stars)
13. The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie (4 stars)
12. Murder in an English Village by Jessica Ellicott (audio) (2.5 stars)
11. The Garden Party by Grace Dane Mazur (4 stars)
10. In the Sea There Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda (audio) (3 stars)
9. The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld (4 stars)
8. The Governess Game by Tessa Dare (4 stars)
7. Blood on the Forge by William Attaway (4.5 stars)
6. Boo by Neil Smith (audio) (3 stars)
5. The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwan (3.5 stars)
4. Good Neighbors by Ryan David Jahn (4 stars)
3. A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh (audio) (3.5 stars)
2. By the Book by Julia Sonneborn (3 stars)
1. Going Back by Penelope Lively (3.5 stars)

My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)

2 stars = below average
3 stars = average
4 stars = above average
5 stars = perfect *for me*

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)

A Book You Should Read
(A new, regular feature on my threads...)



A Passage to India by E.M. Forster

Some people say this book is boring. Some people are wrong. I can't remember when I first read this - I *think* it was for a literature class in college - but I took to it immediately. It's different from other Forster works, like A Room with a View, but it's rich and thought-provoking and well worth a read.

From Amazon:
"A Passage to India (1924) is a novel by English author E. M. Forster set against the backdrop of the British Raj and the Indian independence movement in the 1920s.... The story revolves around four characters: Dr. Aziz, his British friend Mr. Cyril Fielding, Mrs. Moore, and Miss Adela Quested. During a trip to the Marabar Caves (modeled on the Barabar Caves of Bihar), Adela thinks she finds herself alone with Dr. Aziz in one of the caves (when in fact he is in an entirely different cave), and subsequently panics and flees; it is assumed that Dr. Aziz has attempted to assault her. Aziz's trial, and its run-up and aftermath, bring to a boil the common racial tensions and prejudices between Indians and the British who rule India."

And with that, this thread is now open!

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book about Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

What Lawson had to say about her mental illness - what it feels like, what real support looks like - was very useful. I have a close friend who battles anxiety and bi-polar disorder, and it can be difficult to really understand what she is going through, so I appreciated those aspects of the book. The helpful bits were sandwiched between a lot of silliness - some of which was laugh-out-loud funny and some of which was just dumb. So a bit of a mixed bag, but I would like to read Let's Pretend This Never Happened.

3.5 stars

Happy new Thread, Katie! Am I first in the door? In which case I will bring cake as a thread warming present.

>8 Helenliz: - Lovely to see you, Helen, but even lovelier to see the cake ;-)

>6 katiekrug: Perfect!

>8 Helenliz: Ooo! Ooo! Gorgeous. I'll have just a big piece, please.

>10 vivians: - I thought so :)

>11 richardderus: - You don't get any cake until you properly greet your hostess!

>12 katiekrug:

Canadians do indeed celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May. :) I love your opening picture which is by one my favorite illustrators, Jessie Willcox. Happy New Thread, Katie.

BTW, I have a copy of A Passage to India sitting on my shelves so I need to give it a little nudge.

>13 richardderus: - That's better!

>14 DeltaQueen50: - I am not familiar with Wilcox, Judy, but I do like that image. I keep meaning to do a reread of APtI. Maybe it will happen this year...

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

This was occasionally charming and humorous and occasionally repetitive and trite. But I think the good outweighed the bad, since it kept me, a non-mother, interested in a story about a mother away from her kids for a summer who vacillates between relishing her freedom and feeling guilty for "abandoning" (she didn't) her kids. I appreciated the ending which wasn't too neat, but neat enough to be satisfying. And I thought the mother-daughter relationship was nicely drawn.

3.5 stars

Happy new thread, Katie!
Over here we celebrate Mother's Day at the same date.

>16 katiekrug: While I'm amazed at the author's ability to draw you in to that narrative, I myownself shall pass.

Happy new one, Katie! I love the images you chose. And that cake Helen brought looks delicious. I read A Passage to India for the first time several years ago, and I really liked it. "...rich and thought-provoking" are exactly the right words to describe it.

Happy New Thread, Katie! Hooray for Part 10!!

>5 katiekrug: I like this feature. I may borrow it. I have never got around to A Passage to India and I have wanted to read more Forster.

>17 FAMeulstee: - Thanks, Anita! Maybe it's just the UK that celebrates it in March...?

>18 richardderus: - Yes, I think you can safely skip it. I'm not sorry I read it, but it hasn't added anything to my life.

>19 Crazymamie: - Glad you like the images, Mamie. I always have fun searching for ones I want to use. And yay for APtI!

>20 msf59: - Thanks, Mark. I think you'd like the Forster.

>1 katiekrug: What a beautiful image and what a beautiful thought. Happy new thread :)

Happy new thread!

>22 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba!

>23 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

>1 katiekrug: Oh, very nice.

I hope you'll visit the Jay Parini thread for May's AAC.

>6 katiekrug: I have no idea what you are talking about, Katie. ;)

Happy new thread.

>21 katiekrug: the UK celebrates Mothering Sunday on the middle Sunday of Lent, which is why the date moves. It has nothing to do with your mother; that's a Hallmark Holiday. Mothering Sunday is about returning to your mother church. But it's mutated into a celebration of your mother, and they probably need a bit of love, although they probably deserve it more than once a year.

>5 katiekrug: Stick me down in the "wrong" camp Katie. I am not ashamed! (Although I should probably try to reread it, as I liked A Room With a View).

>25 laytonwoman3rd: - Thanks, Linda! I'll have to see if I can dig something by Parini up.

>26 BLBera: - Thank you, Beth!

>27 Helenliz: - Wow. I had no idea, Helen! And yes, mothers (at least un-awful ones) deserve a bit of love more than once a year.

>28 charl08: - I figured at least one person I liked and respected would be in the "wrong" camp, Charlotte :)

Happy new thread, Katie!

I have no opinions about A Passage to India, but I have now noted that I should read it :-)

>30 susanj67: - I hope you get to it sooner rather than later, Susan. I'd be interested in your thoughts!

My own mother being dead as a haddock these twenty years, and no other mothers of my acquaintance requiring my felicitations, I've lost track of the date on which the event occurs. Anyway, I co-sign your endorsement of the elegant and seamlessly constructed A Passage to India. A beautiful edifice, a Notre Dame of novels.

Back-pats for your virtuous walking self.

>31 katiekrug: Katie, I've reserved it from the elibrary, where it will be about two weeks. In the meantime, they suggested The Gate, Life of Pi or, um, Shirley Conran's Lace. That's some crazy algorithm right there.

>32 richardderus: - Excellent - another fan of the Forster! And thanks for the back-pats :)

>33 susanj67: - Crazy is right... What the what?

Happy New Thread, Katie! I love that mother-and-daughter illustration up there.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Passage to India, too. I’ve been thinking I should re-read A Room with a View, as I don’t remember it as well as I’d like.

>35 jnwelch: - You're a man of impeccable taste, Joe! I am a fan of ARwaV - the book and the film.

>35 jnwelch: The Audible edition I listened to is really good.

eta: Ah. Hi, Katie. Happy new thread.

Happy new thread Katie.

I love that picture. We also celebrate mothers day on the second Sunday of May here in Australia.

>37 ffortsa: - Hi Judy - thanks!

>38 fairywings: - I guess we're not as out of step with the rest of the world as I thought (at least re: Mother's Day!)...

I had a great day yesterday and then got a nice long read in my book last night. The Wayne has (again) changed his commute, deciding he likes going to the gym before work, so now I can hit the park in the mornings again before I start work :) And he's getting home an hour earlier (still not until about 8:15) which is nice.

Tonight I am meeting a friend for dinner and to hand over our house key so she can check on Leonard while we are gone this weekend. We are taking the train to Virginia to my SIL and BIL's, to see them and our nephew, but also to see Louis the World's Best Dog, who is in declining health :(

Sorry to hear about Louis, Katie. I'm sure he'll be happy to have all his people together for the weekend, though.

Happy new thread!

>41 susanj67: - Thanks, Susan. Apparently, he is still happy and cuddly and wonderful, but he has COPD and has trouble breathing. He's on medication, but it's not really a long-term solution.

>42 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!

I'm sorry to hear about Louis (and somehow I never realized he was living far away, so that makes it even more difficult). Sending him snuggles and pets.

>44 lauralkeet: - Thank you, Laura. When we moved up here, we couldn't find a suitable place that would accept a large dog. We even had to negotiate for Leonard with the place we're in. So Louis stayed in Virginia, which worked out well because my nephew got the best first dog a boy could have :)

Happy new thread, Katie!

Sorry Louis is not doing well, Katie. I'm glad you'll get to spend some time with him, and I hope you enjoy your train ride. Unfortunately it looks like rain this weekend here in VA.

>46 kidzdoc: - Thanks, Darryl!

>47 norabelle414: - Thank you, Nora. I a looking forward to the train ride and hoping for a bad wifi connection so I don't have to do work :) I think it's supposed to rain here, too, so at least I won't miss anything. And my in-laws never do much, so we'll probably just chill at the house.

>48 katiekrug: Thankfully if there is one thing you can count on Amtrak for, it's bad wifi :-)

>40 katiekrug: Boo for the reasons, yay for the trip, and wifi? What wifi? Sorry bossman, you know what Amtrak is like.

Schmoozle Louis's ears from me.

>49 norabelle414: - #truth

>50 richardderus: - Heh. In theory, I should hope to be able to do work so I don't have to take even more PTO, but I love reading on trains alternating with starting out the window, so I'm sure that will win out.

Schmoozles scheduled.

Oh, dang. I'm sorry that Louis isn't doing well. You must miss him tons - I've been wondering about him but didn't want to bring it up in case there was sadness that I had missed. Please to add some ear scritches from me, too.

>52 scaifea: - Thanks, Amber. I miss him lots but I also know that he would have been unhappy in an apartment, which was the only rental we could find that would take a large dog. In Virginia, he has a big back yard to run around in, and he bonded with our nephew, Charlie. He's always been super good with kiddos. So it's sad, but I'm also glad he hasn't lived out his later years in a cramped space.

>53 katiekrug: You're a stronger and better person than I think I could have been in that situation. Kudos for doing the absolutely right but very difficult thing.

Hi Katie and happy new thread.

I'm sorry to hear about Louis's declining health. We were very glad Jenna came home to see Kitty William the week before he went to Kitty Heaven, and I'm sure Louis will be very happy to see you and The Wayne.

>54 scaifea: - Thanks for that, Amber. I have a lot of guilt about it - afraid he thinks we abandoned him because he wasn't a Good Boy :( He is the Best Boy.

>55 karenmarie: - I didn't really want to go, to be honest, Karen. I felt like I'd rather remember him as he was when we were there at Christmas, but The Wayne said I should, and I know he's right.

Ghost Wall gets praised in Elizabeth Hand's review...most of it quotes, which is effective.

Sorry to hear about Louis, Katie. Pets around here are not faring so well lately. :(

I saw the fabulous Ferryman last night - you were right...the three hours really flew by. I was glad to have read Say Nothing, specifically the detailed telling of the hunger strikes.

>57 richardderus: - Ooh, nice! That's one of the few things I've read recently that have stayed with me.

>58 BLBera: - It sure seems that way, Beth.

>59 vivians: - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I thought the acting was really stellar.

I have a bunch of naggy little things to do today, in addition to my actual job - need to get gas, go to the PO, pay our rent, figure out why a prescription isn't getting re-filled, finalize flood insurance for the new house (hoo-wee - that's turning out to be more expensive than I thought... sigh), pack for our trip, etc. And I have a physical therapy session. And I am slightly out of it from having drunk one too many glasses of wine last night with my friend. I'm getting old.

Good luck with your busy day, Katie. I hope you quickly recover from last night, get all of your chores done without a snag and that you have a relaxing train trip tomorrow.

>61 katiekrug: Petty details. Pesky things, chores. But tomorrow you're off, and it looks like a good day for it!

>62 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba. I'm feeling better and got my errands and chores done, so now I can (maybe?) focus on work :)

>63 richardderus: - Petty and pesky indeed. But all done now!

Wishing you a good journey Katie. Hugs to the best dog.

Thank you, Charlotte.

Happy Friday, Katie. Enjoy your weekend.

Thanks, Beth! Mostly looking forward to the train rides for good reading time :)

Happy reading! Safe travels, fun visits, happy homecoming.

>69 richardderus: - Thank you kindly.

Because no trip is complete without a report on what books are coming along...

I'm in the midst of Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie. This is one of my very favorite series. I think I'll finish it on the train, so I am also packing The Guernsay Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I think I'm the last person on Earth to read this? I like epistolary novels, and it's been on my shelf for a while. And just in case I also finish that, I have the next-for-me Eve Dallas "In Death" book downloaded from the library.

Hope it's a great trip! I really enjoyed Guernsey and hope it works for you. There was a movie made last year which was pretty good - some great actors. I've just begun a reread of Case Histories in anticipation of the next installment. So far it's just as good, if not better, than the first time around.

Thanks, Vivian! I am expecting to like Guernsay... And I do want to watch the film when I'm finished with it.

I might follow suit in re-reading the Jackson Brodie series before reading the new one...

>71 katiekrug: Safe travels, Katie! In a weird coincidence, I just finished re-reading Water Like a Stone last night. It's one of my favorites in the series. And Guernsey is lovely, and the movie isn't bad. It's on Netflix, or at least it was when I watched it last year-ish.

>74 rosalita: - Julia! What a nice surprise to have you visit!

I am really enjoying Water Like a Stone. I have a feeling it will end up being one of my favorites, too. I think Guernsey was a netflix film with a limited release in theaters, so it should still be available whenever I get around to it.

Don't be a stranger!

Enjoy your trip this weekend, Katie! Guernsey is an excellent travel book. Engrossing but with many breaks so you can put it down when you want to.

>77 katiekrug: - Precisely why I chose it, Micky :)

>54 scaifea: What Amber said. Enjoy your reunion with the wonderful Louis.

>75 katiekrug: I check in here every day, Katie. I just don't post if I don't have anything to add to the conversation. :-)

Enjoy your train trip. Give Louis a hug for me — he's a very good boy and I'm glad I got the chance to meet him.

>71 katiekrug: Guernsey has been on my radar for a long time but something else always comes between us. Look forward to your thoughts on it.

Hope you have a great trip :)

Morning, Katie! All caught up with you, and I am so very sorry to read about Louis.

I also really liked Guernsey when I read (in my pre-LT days). I have not seen the movie yet.

Wishing you safe travels, my friend.

Has anyone ever tasted or made potato peel pie?

>82 kidzdoc: Do twice-baked potatoes count?

>83 richardderus: I don't know. Does potato peel pie actually contain potato peels?!

>84 kidzdoc: Yep. The joke is that the "book club" started after a Nazi patrol stop and the name was drunkenly made up...so they had to make it real. A potato-peel crust for a pie wasn't a taste hit, in the book, though I can imagine a properly buttered pie tin with peel-side-out peels being blind baked to fill with a shepherd's-pie-like filling wouldn't be awful.

>78 laytonwoman3rd: - Thank you, Linda.

>79 rosalita: - Hug delivered. He got lots of them :)

>80 fairywings: - That's exactly what's happened with Guernsey and me, Adrienne. But I am determined to get it done this month!

>81 Crazymamie: - Thank you, Mamie. Louis report to come...

>82 kidzdoc: - Nope. My assumption was that it was a war-time delicacy made neessary by rationing and such.

>83 richardderus: - Mmmm..... twice-baked potatoes......

>84 kidzdoc: and >85 richardderus: - Mystery solved!

>85 richardderus: Ah! That makes sense. Thanks, bro.

Our weekend was fine. Louis is old and slow. And he wheezes a bit and occasionally coughs. But I really think my SIL was exagerrating his condition. He is not at death's door, as far as The Wayne and I could tell. And he was as happy and loving as ever, still eats and drinks, and still loves his rubber football, even if he can't run after it like he used to. So yay for all that!

Also, our nephew (Charlie) is adorable. He's just over 2 yo and one happy kid. (Mostly) a pure joy to be around - I mean, he is 2 after all, so he has his moments... He loves trucks and dinosaurs and Sesame Street and the color green. Every color is green.

So all in all, it was a nice visit. I slept terribly last night and the night before, so I'm pretty exhausted. And we didn't *do* anything, which was kind of boring. The highlight was The Wayne and I escaping yesterday to pick up lunch :-P

>88 katiekrug: Substitute Mister Rogers for Sesame Street and Charlie is me, only short and young.

I'm glad to hear that Louis is aging, not declining. No matter what, getting in a visit was a net-positive, so whatevs, right?

Yay for Louis! I'm so glad to hear he's doing okay, and just being a typical old dog.

>89 richardderus: - Yes, it was good to see everyone, but especially my dog :)

>90 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura. He definitely has breathing issues but they don't seem to bother him too much, all things considered.

Morning, all! It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do for a person! I am feeling much better. I turned my light out at 9:30 and didn't wake up until my alarm went off at 7:00. B.A.G.

I started 'Guernsey...' (I can't keep re-typing that title) before bed and ripped through 50 pages of it. It's charming. And this morning, I started the audio of How to Find Love in a Bookshop (what's with all these long titles?), which I think I am going to very much like.

Lots of work to get caught up on, and a PT appointment at 12:30...

I'm not sure why, but all of a sudden I'm in the mood for an everything bagel...

"Two (social media) worlds colliding....."

...mit a good solid schmear...

>95 richardderus: - See my FB post :) The schmear was there!

>96 katiekrug: I saw...I drooled...I lusted.

Nothing like a perfect bagel to start the day off right... The trick will be not to start EVERY day off "right" :)

Hi Katie! I really liked *Guernsey* too. I found the television adaptation a little too twee, but I know many loved it.

We just went out for our usual Friday breakfast, the BELT (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato) at La Colombe. Yes I know it's Tuesday but we are traveling tonight and have no food left in the house. Chris and I share the sandwich which makes us feel both virtuous and old. But along the lines of being virtuous and thinking about your nascent bagel addiction: could you buy a passel of those everything bagels, slice & freeze them, and then make your own schmear with just one half? Our toaster has both "bagel" and "defrost" settings which makes this easy to do.

The risk is real. Of course, you *could* add a V8 juice to the bagel and call it lunch....

>99 lauralkeet: - That's a great idea, Laura. I will definitely try that! Especially since the bagel is flavored on BOTH SIDES ;-)

>100 richardderus: - Also a great idea!

>101 katiekrug: Oh yes. Our bagel supplier is not as generous as yours, resulting in occasional spousal battles chez nous over who gets stuck with the bottom half.

>92 katiekrug: All the British reads! And I think I'm responsible for the second one. :)

>102 lauralkeet: - Next time you visit Kate, you should bring an extra bag and stuff it full of bagels right before you leave and then freeze them when you get home :)

>103 MickyFine: - Did I hear about Love in a Bookshop from you, Micky? I know it was someone on here, but I'm terrible at making notes...

Also, please to find some excuse to visit Calgary the very last weekend in September, as I will be there :)

Glad your trip went well (mostly) and that Louis is doing better than reported. I enjoyed "Guernsey" both when I read it and more recently on TV. Have a good Tuesday.

>104 katiekrug: that's a thought. Or, make it my life's work to find a Philly bagel that's coated on both sides.

>104 katiekrug: I should know by this weekend whether I'll be able to make plans for that weekend. I'll keep you posted. Are you there for a full Friday-Sunday?

>106 lauralkeet: I highly recommend getting a jar of everything bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's and sprinkling it on top of your schmear! That way you always have enough everything.

>105 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba! I should post a photo of Old Man Louis for his many fans :) Glad to hear more thumbs-up for Guernsey.

>106 lauralkeet: - Oooh, a project!

>107 MickyFine: - I am there a full Wednesday to the following Thursday most likely :-P It's our fall Board meeting and then annual conference. But I usually have Saturday evening free.

>108 norabelle414: - I keep meaning to get a bottle of that, Nora. I heard it's good sprinkled on hard boiled eggs, too. Our Trader Joe's is in an impossible location with a terrible parking lot, so I tend not to go much. The Wayne pointed out I could go during the day on a weekday, which I might try. Of course, I told him that would be easier if I didn't have to work...

Old Man Louis

Charlie patiently explaining something to me. Or possibly asking for a "bananana":

>110 katiekrug: A distinguished old gent. Amazing how white whiskers are so flattering on males, so NOT flattering on females.

But I suppose it's no surprise I'd feel that way....

>112 richardderus: - I think you look very distinguished with the white whiskers!

>110 katiekrug: That's a wise old face.

>111 katiekrug: That's an adorable young face!

>112 richardderus: Now I've got myself in a trap... (Just kidding...the whiskers are a true complement to the rest of the distinguishing features.)

>110 katiekrug:, >111 katiekrug: Ah! Love them!

>112 richardderus: Great photo! Katie wouldn't look half as good with whiskers.

>114 laytonwoman3rd: - Thanks, Linda!

>115 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba :)

>116 kidzdoc: - Thanks, Dar - oh wait, you didn't greet the thread hostess, so nothing for you!

>109 katiekrug: Noted. I'll let you know if I'll be able to swing a trip down south by this weekend. I drove to Calgary for the first time a couple weeks ago (prior to that I was always a passenger rather than driver) so it freaks me out a bit less (Calgary is notorious in Alberta for its bad drivers although it ranks below larger cities like Montreal and Toronto).

>117 katiekrug: My comment about bagels in >93 kidzdoc: doesn't count?!

>118 MickyFine: - No worries, Micky! I was actually joking - not that I wouldn't love to meet you! - I assumed it would be a bit far to trek. How long is the drive?

>119 kidzdoc: - No, because I already responded to that one. *pout*

>119 kidzdoc: Sorry, ma'am. But, on the other hand, when is the last time you visited my thread? *sniff*

>120 katiekrug: It's about 3 hours if you don't make any pit stops. :)

>121 kidzdoc: - I visit your thread whenever there are new messages. I just rarely have anything to add to the conversation. And I CERTAINLY don't engage in conversation with others while ignoring you!

Man, it's fun to give you a hard time...

>122 MickyFine: - Oh! That's closer than I thought, but still pretty long. I hope it works out but totally understand if it doesn't!

>123 katiekrug: 😂 Someone needs to keep me in line...

>125 kidzdoc: - Joe and I tag-team it...

>126 katiekrug: Don't forget Richard.

>127 kidzdoc: - Oh, of course. The more the merrier! Also, I'm getting old and tired so need all the help I can get.

Hi, Katie!

>110 katiekrug:, >111 katiekrug:, >112 richardderus:. All good-looking! Which one is Richard again?

Hi, Katie. Yep, I am loving Say Nothing. You mentioned it being on your list. That's a good start.

My beard comes in very light, but I am sure if it really grew out, there would be plenty of greyish-white.

Hi Katie, how nice that you got to go visit with Louis. He looks great, the other pictures of Charlie and of Richard just go to show us how many good looking men there are in the world!

>129 jnwelch: The one with the ears.

What do you mean bearded ladies aren't pretty?

>110 katiekrug: Louis is such a lovely boy :-) I'm glad he's doing OK, and still enjoying his football.

A Passage to India has downloaded itself from the elibrary, which is entirely due to you. Two others are entirely due to Julia, so happily I can accept no responsibility for my current e downloading spree :-)

>134 susanj67: Hey, now. Don't go blaming me on other people's threads, Susan. That's what I go to YOUR thread is for. ;-)

>135 rosalita: Dangnabbit! Found out :-)

Hi again Katie!

>110 katiekrug: Love the Louis shot. Our boy Chico (huge Marx brothers fans in my house) is ageing too, and has recently lost all of his canines. He looks cute and it hasn't stopped him from chowing down everything in reach.

>129 jnwelch: - Hi Joe!

>130 msf59: - You should grow a long beard so we can see, Mark ;-)

>131 DeltaQueen50: - Excellent point, Judy. Such handsomeness all around...

>132 richardderus: - Snerk.

>133 Berly: - CREEPY!

>134 susanj67: - Hi Susan! Oh, I hope you like the Forster. I'll feel so guilty if you don't...

>135 rosalita: - Hi Julia!

>136 susanj67: - Hi again, Susan :)

>137 vivians: - Aw, poor Chico. Louis is mostly deaf at this point, which makes it fun to get his attention :-/

Nothing much happening here, but I can report that I absolutely adore my current audio, How to Find Love in a Bookshop. It's not too twee, but still charming, and the narrator (I need to look up who it is) is just wonderful.

I didn't read much in Guernsey yesterday, so maybe tonight I can knock out a chunk...

>139 katiekrug: Good gracious, I've even read your current read! Two years ago. The title tickled my memory circuits and sure enough, there it was.

>139 katiekrug: Huzzah!

>140 richardderus: - And did you enjoy it or are you politely neglecting to share your less-than-enthused opinion?

>141 MickyFine: - *grin*

I bought a new Kindle today, because it was on sale. I got the new Paperwhite, and with the sale plus a gift card I had lying around, it cost me less than $50. Score!

My old grey and white Kindle died the true death a few months ago and tell the truth I haven't missed it.

I have the Kindle app on my Samsung tablet and I get the books there in color and with better clarity and more choice of fonts.

One day I'll miss the 3G get the book anywhere of the old Kindle but so far Its been OK

>144 magicians_nephew: - Hi Jim! I like to have a dedicated e-reader because I am easily distracted. So I have the Kindle app on my phone and iPad, and I have a Kindle Fire, but I rarely read that way. I also like the less glare-y screen on the readers.

>142 katiekrug: To be brutally barbra (as opposed to Frank), I was surprised I'd read it. Entirely forgot the whole thing. I even picked out quotes I liked and everything, and forgot those too. So...well...it would seem the title is the most memorable thing about it.

>146 richardderus: - Yeah, I'm not sure it will stick with me, really, but I'm definitely enjoying it while it lasts.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Queenie is in her 20s, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, trying to make it in contemporary London. Her boyfriend has just called for a "break," she's goofing off at work and not taking advantage of the opportunity she worked so hard for, and she's carrying around A LOT of baggage. We slowly learn more about that baggage, and I appreciated Carty-Williams' perspective on race and gender in contemporary London. Queenie is self-destructive, makes terrible choices, and eventually has a breakdown. My favorite part of the book was her recovery, uneven as it was, and how she finally learned to value herself a bit more.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I originally put it on my To Read list because it was blurbed as "Bridget Jones meets Americanah" (or something like that), and it sounded intriguing. I haven't read Americanah so can't comment on that, but this was no Bridget Jones - it's much darker and tackles more serious issues. But even once I realized that, I was still on board. However, in an effort to make her protagonist complicated and to address important issues, Carty-Williams just went too far for me and made Queenie infuriating and unlikeable, even as I empathized with her.

3.5 stars

Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie

The 11th entry in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery series, this is one of my favorites. I love the characters, their relationships and developments, I love how Crombie set her stories in real places and truly takes her readers there, and I love that the mysteries are usually pretty solid, and not just an afterthought. This one takes place in Duncan's hometown at Christmas, and the family love and tension is so well done. I do wish Duncan and Gemma would just TALK to each other more so there would be less angst, but then I guess the tension is the point. I hope it gets resolved soon, though.

4 stars

>148 katiekrug: Bridget Jones only self-destructive. Yeah, no.

>149 katiekrug: I read A Share in Death back before you were born (well, 1993-1994) and somehow never read the others! I liked the couple, too. Gotta go fix that.

>150 richardderus: - The Crombies get SO much better - and the locations are really well-drawn and researched. I always learn something interesting. I was shocked to find out the author is American (she lives in Texas...). I think you'd like the series - of course, it has some weak spots but overall, it's very satisfying.

>151 katiekrug: Not just Texas...McKinney!! EW

The library has the series so I've got it requested.

Hey, I got married in McKinney!

But, yeah. I concur.

>153 katiekrug: Noplace to go but up after that. *shudder*

>154 richardderus: - It was a lovely wedding, thankyouverymuch!

The *wedding* of course...the setting was McKinney. 'Nuff sed.

So not to belabor the point, but their historic district is actually kind of nice. It's just been mostly swallowed up by McMansion developments.

It's not a bad little town. It just got chancred over with nouveaurichephylis.

I'd still take it over Frisco ;-)

HOLY. CATS. YES.

*grin*

Oh my A Passage to India has been sitting on my shelf for eons. Maybe I will pick it up with your encouragement Katie.

>162 brenzi: My vote would be to leave it there, but I know I'm in the minority.

Hi Katie! Can I read >149 katiekrug: first? Or do I read the other ten beforehand?

>163 charl08: I'm not Katie, but the answer to your question is the "or" part.

:-)

Hi Katie! Well done on the new Kindle! I love it when sale prices and gift cards add up like that :-)

Sorry to hear that Queenie wasn't as good as you hoped. It's on my watchlist but perhaps I won't hurry to reserve it.

>162 brenzi: - Go for it, Bonnie! Never mind what Charlotte says :)

>163 charl08: - No, you really need to start at the beginning. I would say, though, you don't have to start with #1 (A Share in Death). IIRC, it hardly features one half of the pair, and is a pretty throwaway mystery.

>164 susanj67: - I really don't think you would like Queenie, Susan.

>165 katiekrug: Katie, I might remove it from my list. So that leaves only 4,567,497 books to go!

>166 susanj67: - Progress!

>166 susanj67: Clearly I need tips from you, Susan. How do you keep your list under eight digits?

Thursday. Is Thursday good? I can't remember. I'm hazy from being sleep-deprived by Gregor Xane's free horror short, Tipping. A whole new meaning for "tipping cows" that...well.

Yeah. So go have an everything bagel for me. Extra schmear, some purple onion and capers too? Please. SOMEone should be able to eat.

>168 richardderus: - Thursday is good. It's cleaning lady day, so hooray for that. And I already had my bagel with a schmear (but nothing else - sorry!).

>169 katiekrug: *sigh* Timing is everything when it comes to meal planning, isn't it.

I'm already planning french onion soup and hot dogs for lunch. (Heating the dogs in the soup then dipping the bun into it satisfies just enough of my french-dip lust.)

>170 richardderus: - I love both hot dogs and French onion soup... *jumps in car*

>171 katiekrug: Happy to help, he cackled, realizing another addict has been created. (PS I also put swiss cheese slices on the bun so they get lovely and melty while being steamed over the heating soup.)

>172 richardderus: - *thumbs up*

Half of a Yellow Sun is on sale for Kindle for $1.99. I have it in paperback, but since I'm trying to cut down the size of my physical library, I snapped it up.

Also, PUPPIES!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stniMFzKpPw

They are currently sleeping, and there are three of them all in a ball in the middle and it's SO CUTE.

Aww. Those are lovely. Want one!

>165 katiekrug: So just nine to read? Noted.

>176 charl08: - The Wayne wants them all! I would settle for one :)

>177 charl08: - You read so fast, you could knock them all out easily!

*wave*

>110 katiekrug: I love the photo. What a sweet old guy. And a cute baby in the next as well. :)

I read The Overdue Life of Amy Byler last month too. I think I had a similar response, except for the part where she navel gazed overlong about "abandoning" her kids. That was super annoying. They are teens for goodness sake. But I'm also not a clingy mom, so maybe that's just my own issue. *shrug* I like my kids, but I like them to be pretty independent. I mean, that is my goal, their eventual (total) independence.

>179 nittnut: - Hi Jenn! I hope you had a nice trip to Charleston - I would love to go there sometime...

If I were a mother (perish the thought), I think I'd be more like you than Amy. But I think she also came to realize that her kids were independent if she'd just let them be, and she had been using them as a crutch. I see that a lot, even among some of my friends, and I wonder what the hell they are going to do when they don't have their kids to build their life around.

I finished 'Guernsey' yesterday, and started The Great Fire but after 20 pages, I think I'm going to pass. The premise and setting intrigue me, but the writing is a little too... oblique?... for me right now.

This house purchase is going to be the death of me. So much random stuff to take care of that wasn't part of the process when we bought and sold in Texas. But we are getting there and (fingers crossed) in less than 3 weeks, it will all be done.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Since I am about the last person on earth to have read this, I don't hink I can add much to what's already been said, good or bad. I found it charming without being twee, and both fascinating and humorous. I didn't know much about the German occupation of the Channel Islands so that was eye-opening and made me want to learn more.

All in all, a very satisfying read.

4.5 stars

>182 katiekrug: And thus is a book's central purpose served. How delightful!

>182 katiekrug: exactly right! I had no idea about the Germans in the Channel Islands either.

I saw Dani Shapiro last night at the Jewish Museum. She's been on just about every podcast, TV interview and literary write-up in the last few months, so she really didn't say anything new. It was a mob scene and I had to stand (despite having a ticket) so that might have slightly affected my mood. But a bonus was the absolutely amazing Leonard Cohen exhibit, which I highly recommend if you're a fan. So moving and beautifully curated, with lots of videos. (And free on Saturdays!)

>183 richardderus: - Exactly!

>184 vivians: - I follow her on Instagram now, but I am finding her more and more annoying - not sure why. Her husband was just diagnosed with cancer, which is very sad, but I'm tired of her weird, privileged-life-but-my-life-is-terrible-FEEL-SORRY-FOR-ME posts. Perhaps I'm just cranky today?

Thanks for the tip on the Cohen exhibit. I don't really know much about him beyong 'Hallelujah.'

>182 katiekrug: Glad you enjoyed that one. It really charmed me also.

>186 MickyFine: - I'm going to give the movie a whirl tonight, I think.

>185 katiekrug: Showing my age, I guess ;). He was definitely THE poet of my generation.

>185 katiekrug: Not even "Suzanne"? The most talked about "whatdoesitreallymean?" song of my college years. We all drank Constant Comment tea and grooved over the lyrics.

>189 laytonwoman3rd: no the "Whatdoesitreallymean" song is "Famous Blue Raincoat"

I mean who did what to who, when and who is who's brother anyway?

Even more confusing when Judy Collins sings it

>188 vivians: - Hey, at least I've heard of him!

>189 laytonwoman3rd: and >190 magicians_nephew: - I am not familiar with either of those songs :)

Katie, Jim and I are scheduled to hear George Packer at the library on Monday night. Are you by chance going to that event? He'll be talking about his book on Richard Holbrooke, with Ambassador Samantha Powers.

>190 magicians_nephew: Actually I think all of Cohen's poetry/songs lend themselves to endless late night puzzling...or maybe it was just the...ummmm...atmosphere...in those days.

>182 katiekrug: Oh, yay for Guernsey! I loved that one, too.

>182 katiekrug: I also loved that one, Katie. There was a series on Masterpiece about the occupation, I think. It was very good. I can't remember the title. It was much better than the film made from this novel.

>192 ffortsa: - Hi Judy! I am not going to that event with Packer. Do report back - sounds fascinating. Holbrooke was awful as a person (as I understand it) but an effective diplomat, which is kind of interesting...

>193 laytonwoman3rd: - Hi Linda :)

>194 scaifea: - It was a good one, Amber.

>195 BLBera: - I will have to look up that series, Beth. I'd like to learn more. I did realize I have another book set during the occupation of Guernsey - it's called Island Madness.

Welp, I watched the film version of 'Guernsey' and dear gawd, it was terrible. It was completely stripped of all of the charm and humor of the book, and the changes made to basic plot points made little sense to me. I hate-watched all 2 hours of it. The Wayne said to me at one point, "Why do you do this to yourself?" Heh.

I've started reading The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh, set in contemporary India. I've owned the paperback since 2011, but I downloaded the e-book from one of my libraries because it's easier to read that way. I'm getting old.

It's absolutely gorgeous out today - all colorful and sunshiney. I'm going to see if I can get The Wayne to go for a walk with me. We have tickets to see a documentary about elephants in the wild this afternoon, as part of the Montclair Film Festival (https://montclairfilm.org/events/the-elephant-queen/), and then a friend and I were going to see a documentary about Toni Morrison (https://montclairfilm.org/events/toni-morrison-the-pieces-i-am/), but she's sick, so I'll have to see if I can get The Wayne to go (doubtful).

>197 katiekrug: Thank you for taking that hit---I will now remove the Guernsey movie from my Netflix list with no reservations.

>197 katiekrug: I knew there was a reason I rarely watch film adaptations of books - that'd be it. Have a lovely day with elephants and stuff.

>196 katiekrug: There's a review of the Packer book in the Times - I think yesterday's or the day before's issue. Yeah, he does sound both effective and awful.

>197 katiekrug: I'm always happy to see my opinions validated, Katie. The film didn't work for me, either, and I was so disappointed! I roped Chris into watching it with me, and then felt bad for talking it up so much beforehand. But then we started hating on it together, and all was well.

Ooof, I've not watched the movie version, and now I'm torn between avoiding it at all costs and curiosity at just how bad it is... *sigh*

>198 laytonwoman3rd: - Good, Linda - glad I could save two hours of your life for you :)

>199 Helenliz: - I can't resist watching an adaptation of a book I've read, despite knowing I will most likely be disappointed at the very least...

>200 ffortsa: - I'll have to look for that, Judy. Thanks!

>201 lauralkeet: - Hate-watching does have it's enjoyments, Laura.

>202 scaifea: - Seriously, Amber, don't do it. So not worth it.

Pouring rain here today (and for the next couple of days, apparently...). I've been out to the grocery store and am back home for the forseeable future. We'll probably get a late lunch or early dinner out somewhere. I need to do some laundry, but other than that, I think I'll snuggle in with my book and listen to the rain on the skylights. Bliss.

Guernsey was certainly a disappointment if you've read the book but, had I not read the book, I think it would have been a pleasant enough diversion for my evening knitting. But I agree, if you've read it don't watch it.

Enjoy your rainy reading day!

>205 RebaRelishesReading: - Hmm, I'm not so sure, Reba. As a film, it really didn't hang together and the acting was pretty bad (for the most part - there were a couple of decent performances). It was pretty to look at, though.

>206 ChelleBearss: - Thanks, Chelle!

It is the *perfect* rain-reading day. Chilly, damp, vaguely unpleasant outside...or in other words "English high summer"...a book, a fire, a drink, a sammy. Yaaasss

>208 richardderus:. Now now, that's not entirely fair. The definition of an English summer is 3 fine days and a thunderstorm.

Hope you're having a good reading day.

>208 richardderus: - Well, no fire, and there's no wine in the house, but we had some delicious lentil soup, and there are, of course, the books...

>209 Helenliz: - If those 3 days could occur at the end of June, that would be just perfect, thanks ;-)

>202 scaifea: >203 katiekrug: Oh, the movie adaptation isn't that bad (IMHO). Having read the book first, you keep that in your mind, anyway. The book was definitely better, but there are many fine actors in the movie, and the location is great.

There is an audio version of the book which is a lot of fun to listen to--almost like listening to a play. It does the "letters" format very well.

Karen O.

>211 klobrien2: - Ooh, I will have to look for the audio. That would be a great way to re-visit it!

And I'm sorry, but no. Just no. The movie is that bad! :)

>209 Helenliz: ...and the thunderstorm lasts 50 days...

>212 katiekrug: Lily James made me feel asthmatic. She kept holding her breath then gasping in the most theatrical way possible. I wanted to follow her around with an epi pen and stick her whenever she gave one of those damned gasps.

>213 richardderus: - Yes! There was a scene early on, where she gets her first (or one of the first) letters from Dawsey, and she's practically panting as if reading some hard core erotica. And there was nothing in the content of the letter to get her so worked up. It's like she couldn't figure out how to convey emotion silently. Maybe too much Botox in her face, so, you know, expressions were out of the question?

>214 katiekrug: Possibly Botox. Probably limited imagination, play a repressed person blossoming and coming out? Gasp for breath as they emerge.

Dunno. Do know I don't like it.

>215 richardderus: - Or lack of talent, which would get my vote. She wasn't much good in Downton Abbey and she wasn't much good in this.

I read Guernsey when it first came out and loved it. I don't even think I knew there was a film adaptation. I agree that most adaptations are disappointments but sometimes, perhaps rarely, they aren't. Case in point: 2 of Helene Hanff's books, 84 Charing Cross Road and its sequel, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street were made into a truly wonderful film starring Anne Bancroft as the feisty and quirky Helene and Anthony Hopkins as Frank, the British store clerk and the casting was as perfect as it could possibly be. The film is as delightful as the books are.

>217 jessibud2: - Shelley, I agree films rarely live up to the books, but that is quite different from something just being a bad film, which is what 'Guernsey' was, IMO.

The Hanff books are delightful. I saw the film years ago before I read the books, so I really should watch it again. I think I bought a copy after finishing the books to do just that and never got around to it. I'll have to check our DVDs. And that reminds me I've been wanting to create a Collection on LT for our DVDs, as I can never remember what we have...

Yesterday was very quiet, as expected, but I didn't read as much as I wanted to. I kept getting distracted by random things. I was going to cook dinner - a new-to-us recipe for spicy stir-fried chicken and shredded Brussels sprouts, but then I didn't feel like it, so we went out. Our favorite pizza place had a watermelon salad on the specials menu and it was SO GOOD. Chunks of melon, slices of cucumber, and feta cheese crumbles with a lime vinaigrette. Very refreshing. I'll have to remember it for the depths of summer. It should be easy enough to recreate.

I finally got some reading done last night and am now fully engaged with The Hungry Tide. It started off a bit slowly for me, but I'm very much into it now.

I have an appointment with my orthopedist this afternoon. Hopefully, he'll relax some of the limitations he put on my initial round of PT so I can start working on the muscles that still don't want to do what they are supposed to! And I guess I'll make that stir-fry tonight.

>219 katiekrug: ...WITH the shiitakes this time. Of course.

>220 richardderus: - Oh, hell no!

*tsk* Such delicious things!

Although I can see an aesthetic reason not to eat something so closely related to 45.

Snerk.

I can deal with mushrooms if I must. The Wayne absolutely will not.

Your thread moves so quickly!

Difference of opinion on the Guernsey movie, which I though was enjoyable. I'm not a fan of Lily James at all, either in Downton or in Mamma Mia (shamefacedly admitting to have wept during the latter). But I really like Katherine Parkinson, and she saved it for me.

>224 vivians: - Is Katherine Parkinson the other Downton Abbey alumna in it? I didn't understand the changes they made to her character at all. Anyway, I'll shut up about it, since you enjoyed the film...

I found out today that Lily James is starring in the new re-make of Rebecca, along with Armie Hammer and Kristin Scott Thomas. I'll watch it because I love the story, but I wish they'd gotten a more interesting actress.

Sorry to see you didn't like the Guernsey film. I am of the opposite camp in my reaction to it but to each their own.

My ortho visit went fine - it was, as usual, about 3 minutes long. I got a prescription for more PT, and clearance to go back to yoga, as long as I am smart about it and don't try to push through any shoulder pain. I thought that was pretty funny since I think I'm a big baby, but the doctor said he thinks I have a high tolerance for pain, given what I did and how I reacted when I dislocated my shoulder. Regardless, I won't be pushing too hard in yoga. It'll take me months to remember how to do it anyway ;-)

>226 MickyFine: - No comment, Micky! At least we have lots of other things we can agree on :)

>225 katiekrug: Parkinson played Isola in Guernsey. She was Pauline on Doc Martin years ago, but never on Downton Abbey.

Lily James as the drippy, moist Second Mrs de Winter? Hmm.

>229 richardderus: - Ah, ok. I actually thought she was a bright spot in the cast.

I enjoyed the Netflix adaptation of Guernsey, but that could have something to do with a gap of several years between reading the book and watching the movie.

I don't have a problem with Lily James as Mrs. de Winter specifically, but Maxim is supposed to be almost twice her age and Armie Hammer is only 3 years older than Lily James.

>231 norabelle414: - Huh. Interesting. I feel like it would have made even less sense if I didn't have the book immediately in mind to fill in the giant gaps in story and character development.

ETA: Yeah, I think the Maxim casting is worse than the Unnamed Drip casting.

My new Kindle Paperwhite arrived yesterday, so I spent some time setting it up and "learning" (it's pretty intuitive) the different interface. I love that it has a flat screen, and I spent way too much time playing with the different fonts available.

I also cooked the stir fry I had meant to on Sunday. It turned out pretty well but needs a lot more seasoning than the recipe calls for. Luckily, The Wayne keeps Sichuan peppercorns on hand :)

https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-stir-fried-chicken-brussels-sprouts-bowls

I should finish my current audio today so will need to figure out what's next on that front.

A pretty quiet day here - work, PT, more work. I hope to get some good reading time in this evening before picking up The Wayne from the train station.

>175 katiekrug: Oh my gosh. Roly poly puppies! I can smell that puppy breath from here!

>182 katiekrug: I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society years and years ago and loved it. I keep meaning to reread it. You’re the impetus for me to put it on my TBR for next month.

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

There's really no other word for this but charming. The bookshop centers the novel, but it's made up of various characters and their stories and how they intersect and come together in a small village in the Cotswolds.

The audio was beautifully read by Fiona Hardingham.

4 stars

>234 Morphidae: - Hi Morphy! I can definitely see myself re-reading 'Guernsey' in the future.

>235 katiekrug: Book bullet! Added to 75ers book rec list.

Book bullet for me, too, Katie. Couldn't resist How to Find Love in a Bookshop, especially since that's what my wife and I did!

I had to laugh to see today's Facebook LT topic - "Name your favorite film adaptation of a book." Well I can think of one Katie won't be adding to the list. >:-)

>237 Morphidae: and >238 jnwelch: - It's a nice little read, Morphy and Joe. Hope you enjoy it!

>239 Helenliz: - Oh, was I that obvious? *blinks*

:)

Wait, what? Katie didn't like something about the Guernsey movie? *laughs uncontrollably* Sometimes I crack myself up.

>241 laytonwoman3rd: - Wherein "something" actually means the entire sorry mess. Heh.

>242 katiekrug: Who has more fun than us?

Nobody!

My next audio will be Census by Jesse Ball, about a dying father and his son with Down Syndrome who travel around taking a mysterious census in some sort of dystopian/post-apocalyptic setting. Sounds cheery, eh? I do like the cover. In fact, the covers of both my current books are kind of similarly striking:

A new version of Rebecca? But, *why*?! The 1940 film is so fabulous!

Hi, Katie! According to your comments on FB, it looks like you have a lot going on right now. Good luck, my friend and I hope the books are offering some comfort. Hooray, for The Guernsey Literary! I really enjoyed that one too, but still have not see the Netflix film. I have also still not read Jesse Ball, although he has been on and off my radar.

>235 katiekrug: This sounds like a great vacation read.

>245 katiekrug: Those covers are cool. I'll wait for your comments on Census.

>246 scaifea: - Because everything good must be ruined, Amber. Haven't you learned that by now? :-P

>247 msf59: - Thanks, Mark. I'm trying to take it one day at a time, but reviewing the calendar for the next couple of months certainly gave me pause... Ball has been on my radar for a bit, but I don't think this one was a good place to start. I decided this morning to stop listening to the audio. That said, it's kind of weird and off-beat so you might love it!

>248 BLBera: - The Henry would be a perfect vacation read, Beth. Easy to pick up and put down as distractions warrant.

I'm not going to finish Census - it's just not my cuppa. Not bad, but I can't gin up any interest in it, so... buh-bye!

BACK TO YOGA TONIGHT!

I've been sidelined for months by (1) laziness and then (2) my shoulder injury. I'm super excited to get back to it, and my instructor is awesome and is meeting me early to talk about my movement and what variations I can do to accommodate the still-limited range of motion I have.

And, full disclosure, this is a more accurate view of me at yoga:

Hi Katie. I remember very mixed thoughts about Census. It was hard to read but very intriguing. Good luck at yoga!

>250 katiekrug: *snort* I know what you mean, I do yoga - badly. One day I intend to make acquaintance with my toes, but at present they elude me.
Good luck with the yoga with the shoulder. It should be good for the shoulder as long as you accept the limitations of movement and not having done it for a while.

Hey, if you can do what that cat is doing...

>251 vivians: - Hi Vivian! Thanks for the yoga wishes - I'll need them :)
The premise of Census intrigued me, but it just seemed to blather on quasi-philosophically without going anywhere.

>252 Helenliz: - I plan to be very careful at yoga and not to push myself wrt the shoulder. The doctor and my physical therapist made me promise!

>253 laytonwoman3rd: - I didn't even really think about it, but I guess the picture could be viewed in a rather "interesting" manner...

Happy Hump Day, Katie, and limber yoga wishes.

>255 richardderus: - Many thanks, RD!

>254 katiekrug: limber....just really limber...that's all I was thinking.

>257 laytonwoman3rd: - Riiiiiiight.....

>250 katiekrug: downward facing cat?

Well, you are the winner, Katie, with 174 unread posts after my return from Berlin ;-)

>110 katiekrug: Awww, I love pictures of old dogs, so adorable!

>112 richardderus: idem

>250 katiekrug: Hah! I sympathize, Katie. I am not a pretty sight at yoga.

Morning, Katie! How did the yoga go?

>259 magicians_nephew: - Exactly *grin*

>260 FAMeulstee: - Hi Anita! Ha! I never win anything, so that is pretty exciting ;-)

>261 BLBera: - I posted my post-yoga photo on IG and FB last night. Sooo attractive...

>262 Crazymamie: - Well, I survived, Mamie. That may be the best result I could have asked for!

I made it through all 75 minutes of 90-degree yoga with only a bit of dizziness towards the end. My shoulder held up okay - there are certain movements completely off limits still (mostly involving reaching behind me) but no other pain really. And this morning, it felt looser than usual. Mostly, yoga just tired me out since I am so out of practice. It was great to go back and have that very me-centered time, though.

In books, I am still enjoying The Hungry Tide but it's a slower read for me. And after quitting on Census, I started the audio of I Can't Complain, a short collection of essays by Elinor Lipman, and author I like. It's very light but enjoyable, and I appreciate her sense of humor.

Census is one of those worthy-idea books that I uniformly dislike to read. Fathers and sons are, I suppose unsurprisingly, of enduring interest to me. This, however, sounded just too heartstringy for me to want to read. Push on top of the human drama the SFnal conceit and, well, it affects me as lavender essence does Paul Hollywood.

>265 richardderus: - I may not have gotten far enough into it, but there was little about the father-son relationship which I thought was odd. Just a lot of thinking (supposedly) deep thoughts and other nonsense. Hard pass!

(PS: Love the PH reference :D)

>266 katiekrug: I suspect we're two of the few who get it, eh what?

>263 katiekrug: Was that you in that post-yoga photo?! I thought it was, umm,...

>267 richardderus: - I guess I am not alone in obsessively checking for new episodes on Netflix... :D

>268 kidzdoc: - Lovely, twasn't I, Darryl? At least I can't be accused of being vain.

>269 katiekrug: I keep checking to make sure I saw right when Iain stomped over and binned his Alaska, then got bounced, and all because Diana had a senior moment. She should've been the one bounced...but he did act like a damn fool.

And I can. not. look. at Kim-Joy's horrifying clown mask without squinting.

Hurry up August! (I don't mean the weather, obvs.)

Oooh, so they'll be more in August?!?!

I liked Nadia. And she went on to co-host a season of The Big British Family Cooking Show (or something like that) - another nice, low-key "competition" show from the UK.

Glad the yoga went well.

>269 katiekrug: Absolutely lovely! And 10 times better than I would have looked.

August teh fourth. VPNs are your dearest friends.

>272 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen!

>273 kidzdoc: - Ha - thanks, Darryl :)

>274 richardderus: - I guess I need to get The Wayne on that. I usually just wait for Netflix...

New thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/307098