PAUL C INTO THE ROARING 20S

Some of them I will probably read in 2020!

About me

BOOKS READ

January

1. Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift (2016) 149 pp - BAC Challenge
2. Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage (2014) 232 pp
3. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (1985) 171 pp - BAC Challenge
4. The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick by Peter Handke (1970) 133 pp - Nobel winner

Currently Reading

The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan

READING PLAN FOR 2020

I always start out ambitiously but not having made 100 books in the last two years I am going all out to read 20 books a month next year and go well past 200 for the first time since my University days.

20 Categories for 2020 which will also give a nod to my other challenges and longer term projects.

The twenty categories are :

1. British Author Challenge
2. British Poetry
3. Contemporary British Fiction
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck

BRITISH ISLES AUTHOR CHALLENGE 2020



The general thread can be found here : https://www.librarything.com/topic/315141

January: Jeanette Winterson & Graham Swift

February: The 1990s - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6991758

March: Jane Austen & Walter Scott

April: Bernardine Evaristo & Caryl Phillips

May: New Wave Sci-Fi : Michael Moorcock, J. G. Ballard, & Brian Aldiss

June: Penelope Fitzgerald & Patrick Gale

July: Elly Griffiths & Winston Graham

August: The Brontë Sisters : Charlotte Bronte, Anne Bronte & Emily Bronte

September: World War II - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6999459

October: Joanne Harris & George Orwell

November: Fay Weldon & John le Carré

December: The 2010s : https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#6999620

Wildcard: Playwrights - https://www.librarything.com/topic/313878#7000002

AMERICAN AUTHOR CHALLENGE



January Charles Frazier
February Grace Paley
March David McCullough
April Francine Prose
May E. Lynn Harris
June Jean Stafford
July Wendell Berry
August Robert Penn Warren
September Dawn Powell
October Ward Just
November Ann Petry
December Tony Hillerman

BEST OF 2019 & THE PAST DECADE

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

NEXT ONE IS YOURS

So, since it's mine, here I am.

I really do need to follow your thread. Here goes!

Happy New Year to you and your lovely family, Paul.

>11 richardderus: And always a pleasure, RD.

>12 SqueakyChu: It would be lovely to see more of you in 2020, Madeline. xx

Welcome back! I’m hoping 2020 is a better year than 2019 was.

Checking in and dropping my star!

Dropping my star. Happy new year!

>14 drneutron: Thank you Jim. At least this place kept me halfway sane.

>15 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. The group is enriched by your presence.

>16 cbl_tn: Lovely to see you, Carrie. Hopefully this coming year will be a great one for all of us.

>1 PaulCranswick: Love it, but I'd always want the books at the very bottom of the tree!

>19 amanda4242: I'm thinking of trying that game.....Jinga or whatever it is called and extract one to browse that is, shall we say, nominally inaccessible.

Nice to find your new thread - I will try to follow it again as good as possible. There are always something interesting going on here. All the best for 2020

>21 paulstalder: Thank you, Paul. I will of course follow yours similarly.

Is that topper in your house??! Happy new one, Paul. Your ambitious goals are breathtaking. Best of luck!
Dropping a star here to follow along. Hoping the new decade turns things around for you.

>23 jessibud2: It is indeed, Shelley and was put together by SWMBO.
Goals are there to be shot at - one of these days I'll make it for sure!

I am here to drop my star on your thread. I really hate my work computer, your picture is not showing up for me. Hopefully when I am on my personal computer I will see the picture in your first post. I hope I am able to follow along this year.

>25 crazy4reading: Lovely to see you here Monica and I do hope that your home computer reveals to you our book tree!

Hi Paul , I'm here to read your stories! Hope your year will be much better. xxx

>27 DianaNL: The two of us, Diana. I want the best for all of us in 2020.

Good to see that Hani found a use for your books, Paul. I hope that 2020 is a better year for you!

>29 Familyhistorian: Ha! I do intend to open one or two of 'em next year, too, Meg.

Starred you for 2020, Paul!

ed!!!

Hi Paul, I will be dropping in from time to time and I wish you all the best for 2020.

>31 SandDune: Thank you, Rhian. I will, of course, be keeping up with you as always in 2020.

>32 Berly: A star within a star is an appropriate symbol to receive from you Kimmers. xx

>33 DeltaQueen50: I will try to do the same for you dear Judy. I take it that you'll be over in the Category Challenge Group again next year?

Starred and following, of course.

Here’s hoping that 2020 will be a much better year for you.

>36 Matke: Thank you, Gail. I am so glad to see you along again as it isn't the same without my friends here. xx

Kudos to Hani on the topper, Paul! You could make big bucks on LT selling it as a Christmas card next year! Put one of your poems on the inside and you're all set.

And here's hoping that your 2020 reading makes that tree disappear.

>38 kac522: Kathy, I will concentrate on work; if she wants to be imbued with commercial sagacity I will leave it to my better half!

I will be attempting a root and branch attack on my reading tree!

I've found the new thread - I missed last year's completely - and will visit!

>40 CDVicarage: Kerry, truly lovely to see you stop by. Always been a great admirer if your reading prowess!

Dropping off my star. Happy 2020, Paul!

Great work by Hani! Looks great!

Hope 2020 is a better reading year for you!

>42 bell7: Thanks Mary. Looking forward to the new year very much.

>43 ChelleBearss: It cannot be a much worse year reading wise, Chelle!

>35 PaulCranswick: Yes, Paul, I have a thread already set up in the 2020 Category Challenge and you can find me here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/313184#

Hi Paul, just starred you mate, looking forward to some good banter and reading in 2020.

>45 DeltaQueen50: And find you I shall, dear Guru.

>46 johnsimpson: You and you lovable pots of tea are a fixture in my life already, John! Look forward to catching up as always and hopefully meeting up with you again in RL sometime in 2020.

READING PLAN FOR JANUARY 2020

As always I go into a new year with high hopes and expectations:

I am going all out to read 20 books a month next year and go well past 200 for the first time since my University days.

20 Categories for 2020 which will also give a nod to my other challenges and longer term projects.

The twenty categories are (with my tentative January Plans Given):

1. British Author Challenge - Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
2. British Poetry - Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage
3. Contemporary British Fiction - Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson (also BAC)
4. World Poetry - Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky
5. 1001 Books - Oranges are not the only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (also BAC)
6. Plays - Absurd Person Singular by Alan Ayckbourn
7. American Author Challenge - Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
8. Non-Fiction - The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (thank you Benita)
9. History - James II - Penguin Monarchs by David Womersley
10. Current Affairs - England and the Aeroplane by David Edgerton
11. Booker Nominees - G. by John Berger
12. Nobel Winners - The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick by Peter Handke
13. Scandi - Guilt by Jussi Adler-Olsen
14. Series Books - Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham
15. Thrillers/Mystery - Death Walks in Eastrepps by Francis Beeding (with Liz)
16. Classic Fiction - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
17. 21st Century Fiction - Florida by Lauren Groff
18. World Literature - I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy - The Just City by Jo Walton
20. Pot Luck - The Waste Land by TS Eliot

I will fill up the other categories as I go as I am spoiled for choice rather with many more than 4,000 unread books in the house.

January Projection is 4,755 pages and I believe that is do-able.

See I like that you've shoe horned 5 1,001s in there ;)

Starred by the way...

Happy 2020, Paul - and maybe we could send representatives from all religions
to play chess at The Olduvai Gorge. Well-meaning Aliens could visit and help sort things out...

Hi Paul - I wish you a happy new year - I love your very ambitious reading plan for 2020 - and to end January with The Waste Land one cannot help feeling its symbolic significance (hopefully you'll ignore that and carry through). Having read it a few years ago, I must admit I'm more a Four Quartets kind of guy.

As a Liverpool fan you can imagine I feel quite happy at the moment. 30 years is a long time to wait, but I actually believe in it right now. Going to Anfield in March to experience the euphoria.

Thanks for posting on my thread and keeping me to the fire. Hoping for a more steady reading year in 2020.

>48 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! You are going full steam ahead with your new thread, and reading plans for 2020. I like your categories!

Starred your thread, and wishing you a good new reading year.

>49 BekkaJo: I only really count the first edition (for now) Bekka so I think it is only four!

>50 m.belljackson: That sounds like a great idea, Marianne! Any thread from you this coming year, dear lady?

>51 ctpress: Carsten, I have fond memories of The Waste Land as I did it for English Literature A Level, but agree that Four Quartets is also more my cup of tea.
It is a great time to be a Liverpool fan and I admit to being pleased for them - they play properly, have a really good coach and were the only club to give Leeds United its proper dues in the 60s and 70s when we were better than the rest.

>52 EllaTim: All I can say Ella is that I will be starting the new year optimistically. xx

>48 PaulCranswick: Best wishes on your goal of 240 books!

Hi Paul! Great to see you around in 2020!

Hi Paul. I'm dropping off my star although I won't be around much for another couple of days. I hope to be around more once the year gets going for good.

Oh my gosh, Paul! Twenty books in 31 days! Whatever will you do in February? Good thing there's an extra day in that particular month this year. You be sure to make good use of it!

Hey there Paul ... starred you. I know I have not a shred of hope in keeping up with your gregarious thread, but I refuse to let that stop me from peeking in from time to time.

Hope to catch up with you in person in KL if you're around in the first half of the month. It's been too long, my friend.

>55 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. I start the year with every intention of achieving it - let's see where I am after the first quarter.

>56 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel - where else would I be?!

>57 EBT1002: Thanks Ellen. Lovely to see you as always.

>58 Fourpawz2: Well judging on my last two years of reading, Charlotte, I am being a little ridiculous in setting my bar so high but let's see.

>59 cameling: New Year's Eve often brings a pleasant surprise or two and few could be more splendid than seeing Caro back posting!
It has been too long. I am pretty sure that I'll be around in January dear lady.

Happy New Thread, Paul. Best wishes for 2020! I hope you have a great year! Good luck with those challenges, and hitting the goal of 200!

I topped 26 threads last year but fell shy of that by nearly 5 threads this year, but I did read more books in 2019. Any correlation? I am just glad to see LT, alive and well, after 13 years. Lets keep it going!

>63 msf59: Mark, you enlighten, enliven and simply make this group a better place to be with your presence in it. In three of the last four years you have topped the number of posts on threads as a sign of the esteem you are held by all of us. I am privileged by your friendship here and really want to make it to the Windy City one day soon so that we can share a beer or three.

Albeit that the posts are way, way down on other years, you have still managed 6,325 posts on your threads.

The year end best totals in the full years I have been in the group are as follows:

2019 Mark 6,325
2018 Mark 7,669
2017 Paul 10,057
2016 Mark 8,768
2015 Amber 7,500
2014 Amber 9,759
2013 Paul 9,171
2012 Paul 9,477

As to the correlation between posting and reading - I can't really find one but it is obvious that time spent posting is time spent not reading!

There seems to be a lot of fluctuation in numbers in those yearly best totals, Paul. Are we really down that much overall from other years?

Best wishes for 2020!

>65 Familyhistorian: Actually yes, Meg.

I always record the top 140 threads and these are the yearly numbers posted.

2012 186,558
2013 178,293
2014 184,724
2015 127,536
2016 144,320
2017 151,514
2018 124,701
2019 105,847

We will probably pass 106k in posts but as you can see there is quite a discernible drop.

>66 DianaNL: Same to you Diana.

I will be around the threads fairly soon.

>64 PaulCranswick: >67 PaulCranswick: We're not nearly as chatty as we once were!

Dropping my star and looking forward to reading AND sharing!

>69 thornton37814: I have a feeling that this year will see a slight recovery, Lori.

>70 witchyrichy: Exactly right, Karen.

Wishing you 12 months of success
52 weeks of laughter
366 days of fun (leap year!)
8,784 hours of joy
527,040 minutes of good luck
and 31,622,400 seconds of happiness!!

Happy New Year's Eve, Paul!

I'll be doing my part in getting the numbers up again in 2020 after a year's hiatus. We'll see how well I manage to keep up.

>48 PaulCranswick: Interesting list. I've read only two of your choices - The Waste Land and Talking to the Dead. I can definitely recommend Talking to the Dead; it's the first of one of my favorite mystery series. And the author is a really nice guy who responds to fan's emails. As for the Eliot, I prefer The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, though The Waste Land has its moments.

Happy New Year, Paul!

I love your ambitious plans for 2020. I’d like to reach 100 before year’s end next year, but who knows? So many things can get in the way.

Happy new year and happy new thread!

Happy New Year!

I hope your new year is full of everything good and wonderful Paul!

>67 PaulCranswick: That is quite a drop in 2019! But then, to be fair, we had no statistician egging us on. Is it 2020 there now?

Hi, Paul - Happy New Year, Group and Thread!

I'm trying to resign myself to my numbers being down this year, due to the nature of my reading plans; but I see you're headed in the other direction! :D

Chat is definitely down, alas, but I also think a few of our talkers have slipped away to the Category Challenge.

Thanks for visiting my thread Paul (old and new). 2019 is a year to be forgotten for me, and it appears that you too have had better years. Here’s hoping for a grand 2020. Our goal right now is to move to Florida in mid-April. Lots to do, especially since I just had knee replacement surgery 10 days ago and I am barely mobile.

Hi Paul old mate, wishing you, Hani, Yasmyne, Kyran and Belle a very Happy New Year from both of us dear friend.

I may have whupped your ass on the reading front this year but I would imagine normal service will resume in 2020 and I will be trailing in your wake old boy.

Happy reading in 2020, Paul!

Happy New Year!

May it be filled with great books

Happy new year Paul - wishing you a good year of reading in 2020.

>72 Berly: Great numbers for the group stat man, Kimmers! xx

>73 Storeetllr: Lovely to see you back in the fold, Mary - you have been sorely missed.

I prefer the Quartets to The Waste Land but Eliot is right up there with Dylan Thomas and Yeats as my favourite poets.

>74 Matke: Ambition and resolution in January are surely to be expected, Gail, especially of an eternal optimist like me.

>75 foggidawn: Lovely to see you Foggy.

>76 Ameise1: Good things to be wished for, all, Barbara.

>77 jayde1599: Thanks Jess - lovely to see you here.

>78 brenzi: Thank you Bonnie. You will always be my Queen of Reviews as far as I'm concerned. xx

>79 Familyhistorian: It is indeed, Meg and I am already part way to finishing my first book!
You'll get much more in the way of stats this year - I promise.

>80 lyzard: That is true, Liz, the Category Challenge has whisked away some of our chatterers. I think we better create a new category to swipe them back!

>81 arubabookwoman: At least, Deborah, keeping you in one place helps the reading! Get well soon and I trust that Florida will be all the better for you being there. xx

I have missed you in the group in the last months.

>82 johnsimpson: I don't want to leave you trailing, John - let's read up a storm together!

Best wishes always to you and Karen and your family mate.

>83 FAMeulstee: Thank you Anita. I won't pretend that I'll be able to keep up with your reading numbers but I am sure that 2020 will see me improve.

Since you live in the future over there, I hope you didn't party too much and are enjoying your first morning in the Roaring 20's. How many books have you finished reading so far. :)

Happy New Year!

>84 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita. Lovely to see you.

>85 charl08: It wouldn't be the same without you here, Charlotte.

>92 mahsdad: You make me sound like something created by Robert Heinlein, Jeff! I will finish at least one book today mate.

Thanks for being a great pal in the group.

>64 PaulCranswick: Thanks for the kind words, Paul. You know how much I love this place and the people. It looks like you, me and Amber have ruled the roost, these past years. Yes, our numbers have dropped off considerably, but we are still live and well, and I see no reason why this won't continue. Cheers, to my pal!

CURRENTLY READING

Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift for the British Author Challenge

I hope 2020 is a good year for you Paul.

>95 msf59: Thanks always to the Postie with the Mostie! I have a feeling that there will be a slight recovery in the numbers this year mate.

>97 Caroline_McElwee: I'm sure that it will be kind to both of us, Caroline.

I am also quite determined that at some stage next year we will have that Poetry Expedition in London. xx

>96 PaulCranswick: I picked that one up from the library the other day and will be starting it in the next few days. I look forward to your thoughts on it.

>100 amanda4242: Will soon have it finished, Amanda. Swift has a very simple and direct way of telling a story that I unfailingly like. It is literature but unpretentiously so.

Very sad to see that Neil Innes - the brainchild of that wonderful Beatles spoof; The Rutles has passed away suddenly.

I loved his Rutles stuff and his music with the Bonzo Dog Band. He was the Seventh Python and contributed to them greatly behind the scenes.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/dec/30/neil-innes-obituary

Here he is performing Urban Spaceman a pretty big hit in the late 60s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVr2hbE6aW0

And here a twee version of Shangri La

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkNeQLyJ6u8

As I had hoped - off to a flyer!

BOOK #1



Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift

Published : 2016
Origin : UK
British Author Challenge

She would become a writer and, because she was a wrier, or because it was what had made her become a writer, be constantly beset by the inconstancy of words. A word was not a thing, no. A thing was not a word. But somehow the two - things - became inseparable. Was everything a great fabrication? Words were like an invisible skin, enwrapping the world and giving it reality. Yet you could not say the world would not be there, would not be real if you took away the words. At best it seemed that things might bless the words that distinguished them, and that words might bless everything.

What events define us?
What inspires us and leaves it's traces in our very being from the moment of occurrence?
Where do we belong?

This relatively short tale (Jane Fairchild, the narrator prefers this term) packs a punch above its slight size. On Mothering Sunday in 1924 a maid and a young well-to-do meet in his room in a well planned assignation that subsequent events will mark one of them forever.

I have always been a fan of Graham Swift's straight-forward but well-realised novels. This didn't disappoint me.

>103 PaulCranswick: And he's off and running reading!! Watch out 2020!

JANUARY READING UPDATE

1. British Author Challenge - Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift READ
2. British Poetry
3. Contemporary British Fiction
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck

Books Completed January - 1 Year to Date - 1
Pages Read January - 149 Year to Date - 149

>104 Berly: Thanks Kimmers! I won't keep it up of course! For a day or three I will dream. x

Oh, I have more faith in you than that. ; )

>107 Berly: Thank you Kimmers! SWMBO is a little more sanguine on my chances.

Looks like I should spend more time reading rather than tidying up my threads. Congratulations Paul on getting your first 2020 read done and dusted on day one.

>109 avatiakh: I doubt that I will stay near the front of the pack too long, Kerry. I think that I am going to get a nosebleed!

Happy new year, Paul! Hope January 1 has been a good one.

>111 cushlareads: Very relaxing so far, Cushla. Lovely to see you here. xx

>105 PaulCranswick: As I can see, you finished a book for the BAC 2020. Is there a thread of that challenge?

>113 Ameise1: Never mind, I've found on your old thread the links. I'll read Mothering Sunday, too.

>113 Ameise1: There will be Barbara. I will get one up in a day or two.

>114 Ameise1: I will do a General Thread shortly.

Happy New Year to you and your family Paul. I'll be lurking and occassionally posting again this year :)

>116 calm: Lovely to see you, Calm.

>91 PaulCranswick: I plan to read less in 2020, Paul, I have set my goal on 200 books. So we will get closer together, if it works out ;-)

>118 FAMeulstee: Wow, if I finish the year close to your reading numbers I shall be the cat the got the cream!

>103 PaulCranswick: Mothering Sunday was one of my few five star reads in 2019: we read it for my RL book club towards the end of the year. Glad that you enjoyed it too.

Hoping to get my first book done today. Started reading The Beekeeper's Apprentice last night. You are a day ahead, I believe. I added Mothering Sunday to the ever expanding TBR list.

Happy New Year, Paul! I stopped by to wish you the best in the new decade and to drop a star, and you already have 121 posts and a book read?! I have the Swift on my shelf, so perhaps I should take it down...

Hope you have a lovely year, reading and otherwise.

Happy New year, Paul!

>120 SandDune: I was on fairly safe ground, Rhian, having read and enjoyed pretty much everything else of his.

>121 witchyrichy: I am 12 hours ahead of you, Karen, if I'm not mistaken. It is my night and your day and vice versa - for those who sleep anyways!

>122 alphaorder: Lovely to see you Nancy. I can recommend Swift as a author who usually delivers without trying to be overly smart.

>123 harrygbutler: Same to you, Harry. I look forward to your ever entertaining thread again in 2020.

Happy New Year, Paul. I knew you would be ready for a new thread by the end of Jan. 1! Although you are ahead of us. I hope 2020 is a good year for you.

It's the first day of the new year and I'm already 62 posts behind?!!!! This is not boding well for the rest of the year ...... *pulling up my big girl panties for the daunting task ahead *

Already a book Paul! Wow! Happy New Year.

>126 BLBera: I am a little ahead, I suppose, Beth. You will all catch up I'm sure!

>127 cameling: You'll do fine Missy! Surely it is not that long ago you were running in the top dozen threads posts wise? xx

>128 The_Hibernator: Closing in on 3 books finished by tomorrow, Rachel.

Happy New Year, Paul! 130 posts on day one - wow. Have a great reading year, buddy.

>103 PaulCranswick: That sounds like vintage Swift (Graham). Great way to make 2020 bend to your will and deliver the goods! Let's consider that an omen for Other Matters and their resolutions this year.

Tell Hani I send smooches. I'm appalled at The Zuck's naked political bias...refusing to turn down political ads demonstrably factually incorrect...so FB and I will be ever less friendly.

Happy new year, Paul!

>131 jnwelch: I am always a little fast out of the traps, Joe. It is preventing myself getting left behind with the wheezy boys and girls that is the trick!

Looking forward to the usual conviviality over at the Cafe this year.

>132 richardderus: Oh I do hope so, RD! If I can be in less straitened circumstances a trip to the East Coast of the States still appeals.

I will tell her. I'm not using FB much either these days.

>133 PawsforThought: Thanks Paws. Lovely to see you here.

Happy New Year, Paul. I see you are already off and running with one book already completed! I am struggling with my first book, The Sound and the Fury as Faulkner and I just don't get along! I will need to offset Faulkner with some light and easy reads in order to keep going.

Happy New Year, Paul! Happy reading in 20/20.

Hmmm on the Housekeeping review - you might enjoy reading the reactions & a review toward the end of Weird O's 2019 thread...

>136 DeltaQueen50: Lovely to see you Judy. I'll get over to the Category Challenge and look you up shortly.

>137 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda. Same to you dear lady.

>138 m.belljackson: Happy New Year, Marianne!

I will go and look up Bill's review.

Happy new year Paul! I'm going to try to keep up with your very busy thread again this year :)

>141 RebaRelishesReading: Lovely to see you here, Reba. xx

You’ve set yourself an ambitious goal for 2020! I’ll be here rooting you on!

>143 ChelleBearss: I would come looking for you if you weren't, Chelle!

I was sure I wish you a happy New Year here before but it looks like I did not. So happy New Year Paul! I hope all is well with you and your clan.

Our New Year's Eve consisted of many film festival of Scrooged, The Karate Kid, and A Knight's Tale. It was fun.

>138 m.belljackson: >140 PaulCranswick: I saw last night that you read and reviewed Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson, that you were approving thereof. As Marianne noted, I was pretty flummoxed by the book. A family of awfully dysfunctional individuals. The hobo life: Is it for you?

This morning, I drop by here and discover you are off to a rip-roaring start. Hope I (sorta) can keep up this year. Best of luck at achieving your reading goals for 2020.

Keep on Truckin', as Mr. R. Crumb sez.

I finished my first book right after the stroke of midnight. I confess I could have finished it before the clock struck, but I didn't want to mess up my lovely reading stats so I saved the last chapter or two to read after it so I could count it as the first read of the new year. I should finish the second in a bit. That will catch me up on ARC reviews owed. Then I can concentrate on challenges and personal reading goals for January.

>145 brodiew2: Better slightly late than never Brodie! Great to see you back again.

>146 weird_O: I did really struggle to get into it too to be honest, Bill, but did find it eventually worthwhile.
I was born in Yorkshire, England and my family have never moved from there - I haven't worked a single day in Yorkshire. Enough said!

>147 thornton37814: Yikes, I should have done that with Housekeeping, Lori! Your reading has been wonderfully impressive these last few years. I hope to emulate you! xx

On this day :

In 1892 Ellis Island began to clear immigration for entry into the USA. More than 12 million people came to the USA through that route.

Born 1879 EM Forster
Died 1766 James Francis Edward Stuart (The Old Pretender/James III)
Married AD 49 Claudius married Agrippina his fourth wife and niece.


(EM Forster)

Looks like you are ahead of most of the pack having finished a book in 2020 already, Paul. Keep up the good work!

>151 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. I will finish possibly two more today as I am well into both Paper Aeroplane and Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (Touchstones playing up).

Happy New Year, Paul!

Happy New Year, Paul!

>1 PaulCranswick: I love your Book Tree.

Congrats on the reading mojo!

Hi Paul, can you point me to the BAC? Am I just not seeing it, lost in the miasma of posts on your busy thread? I know it's Graham Swift for January but there were a bunch of others I wanted to give a whirl.

Hello Dear Friend. I am back and ready to begin another year. I vow to be more present in 2020 than in 2019. You are a very special person and I missed you a lot! May 2020 be more calm than last year!

>4 PaulCranswick: Paul, have you read



If not, I highly recommend it.

>153 quondame: Happy New Year, Susan. That gif really makes books the core of everything!

>154 karenmarie: I am hoping to keep it up, Karen. SWMBO did a splendid job with the book tree.

>155 brenzi: I will update the dedicated post in a shortwhile, Bonnie, and put up a General Thread for the Challenge by tomorrow. x

>156 Whisper1: You are more than a little bit special yourself, dear Linda.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is the first book I am reading by Winterson. I am impressed thus far.

>156 Whisper1: I second Linda! That is a great one. : )

>159 Berly: I will look out for it if I get any chance this month.

This is something that I got out of the habit of last year. End of first day and these are the top threads in terms of posts. I am sure that it won't end up

1 PaulCranswick 160
2 Berly 117
3 richardderus 102
4 msf59 93
5 drneutron 76
6 FamilyHistorian 71
7 scaifea 69
8 DianaNL 68
9 KatieKrug 57
10 thornton37814 56
11 FAMeulstee 55
12 johnsimpson 55
13 ronincats 53
14 Ameise1 50
15 lyzard 49
16 EBT1002 48
17 laurelkeet 46
18 jnwelch 45
19 laytonwoman3rd 43
20 storeetllr 43
21 witchyrichy 43
22 BBLBera 42
23 SqueakyChu 42
24 The_Hibernator 42
25 bohemima 40
26 cameling 39
27 ChelleBearss 38
28 SandDune 38
29 Caroline_McElwee 36
30 SusanJ67 36

Ate you back on the stats? Thanks so much for sharing them.

>162 Ameise1: Last years stats will be up this weekend, Barbara. xx

>132 richardderus: >134 PaulCranswick: I determined to spend my social time on LT this year, rather
FB. Not sure if I am obligated to make a formal announcement on that other platform. More reading and sharing is my goal for the year.

>164 witchyrichy: No need for announcements, Karen, here and your thread is surely quite enough!

It is a pleasure anyhow to see you here. xx

I think more time on LT and less on FB is a great goal! I should try that.

>164 witchyrichy:, >165 PaulCranswick: Not quite so fast, PC...it depends, Karen, on your friendships developed/maintained on FB how you should handle lessening the time spent there. If there are people who have come to expect interacting with you there, it's a good idea to post a timeline notice about lessening the time you spend there. Otherwise they could spend a lot of energy worrying about you. And it costs nothing to put that message out there, plus subtly reinforcing the idea that the platform is the problem, not the people on it.

>166 ChelleBearss: I have fallen somewhat out of love with FB, Chelle, and don't really use it anymore. Had a couple of stalkers in the last couple of years on the medium which made it a pretty unpleasant place.

>167 richardderus: You are right of course, RD, I was being a little bit too flippant.

>168 paulstalder: Thanks Paul. That is a nice scene.

>161 PaulCranswick: I am going to enjoy my moment in the sun, as it were, because we all know Mark and Richard won't leave my at #2 for long!! LOL SO nice to have you back, Paul. And the stats. ; )

Facebook--Sometimes I only post on there so that I can easily transfer the picture to here!! Okay, I do have a few friends I want to keep in touch with, too.

>161 PaulCranswick: YAY, statistics!
So glad you could spare some time to put this together, Paul, thank you!

>164 witchyrichy: >165 PaulCranswick: >167 richardderus: What Richard said, especially the last sentence.

Happy new year, Paul! Wishing you and yours all the best in 2020!

Woot - Roaring along in the roaring 20's!

At least I got to say "Happy New Year" before you are on to thread #2.

I love Hani's Christmas tree, and yes, I would buy that for Christmas cards.

Ambitious plans - I'll just plot Freudian slip there - I meant plod along with about a hundred-ish books. I've finished my first book, too - now I just need to get a review done.

Good Lord, two days into the new year and you're nearly ready for a new thread!
Happy New Year, Paul, I'm wishing you a great 2020!

Happy New Year, Paul!

>171 Berly: Me too, Kimmers, because I cannot keep it up for long either with my desperately busy RL these days.

>172 FAMeulstee: You made top ten, Anita, in top threads for 2019 and of course topped the list again in books read.

Dropping a star and a Happy New Year, Paul!

>173 Storeetllr: Yes indeed Mary. It is the people not the platform. Thankfully the people we have here make this platform the place for me.

>174 Carmenere: Thank you, Lynda.

>175 streamsong: Lovely to see you Janet. 100 books would also be nice for me as I haven't achieved that for two years either.

>176 mstrust: Thanks Jennifer. All my threads last year were way longer than 300 posts - I'll try to be less lazy this year.

>177 ronincats: A star from a star! Thank you Roni.

>179 swynn: Great to see you as always Steve.

Hi Paul, I’m dropping my star and relieved that I managed to get over here before you started thread #2!

I read Mothering Sunday a year or so ago and really liked it. It was nothing like what I expected (although I’m not sure anymore what I expected).

>183 Copperskye: Hi Joanne. I have read most of Graham Swift's books but I did think that that one was a welcome return to form after a couple of less stellar novels.

ON THIS DAY

In 1906 Willis Carrier took out a patent for the world's first air-conditioner. I for one am immensely grateful.

Born 1920 Isaac Asimov
Died 1960 Fausto Coppi (one of cycling's all-time greats)
Married 1815 Lord Byron married Anne Isabella Millbanke



Fausto Coppi in his pomp.

>184 PaulCranswick: Have you read England and Other Stories? I picked up a used copy after I read (and loved) Mothering Sunday but, of course, I haven’t read it yet.

>186 Copperskye: No, I haven't yet, Joanne. I have read all his novels but not that one or his collected essays.

2019 Book Meme

Borrowed from several other threads and based on my paltry 2019 reading.

Describe yourself: The Rider

Describe how you feel: They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Describe where you currently live: The House in Arden

Your favourite time of day is: Good Morning Midnight

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Hanging Garden

Your favorite form of transportation: Inside the Wave

Your best friend is: Half a Lifelong Romance

You and your friends are: The Seven Madmen

What’s the weather like: Came a Hot Friday

You fear: A Thief in the Village

What is the best advice you have to give: Perseverance

Thought for the day: Let Us Compare Mythologies

How you would like to die: Below the Crying Mountain

Your soul’s present condition: We, the Survivors

What is life for you: Exercises in Style

Dropping a star and the best wishes for 2020, Paul.
May it be a good year.

WOW that is an ambitious plan! I look forward to seeing you read so many very different books.

>189 SirThomas: Thank you Thomas. I do always enjoy your visits here.

>190 BerlinBibliophile: I am doing OK so far Miriam and should have more completed books to report later.

>188 PaulCranswick: Love those answers! The best friend one made me go "Awh!"

>167 richardderus: I appreciate the thoughtful advice about FB. I tended to come and go on the platform so am not sure anyone would miss me but it is hard to tell. I did get more involved in December as I was recuperating from my hip surgery as it was an easy way to keep everyone up to date on my progress. There was an initial flurry of support that was nice and a few folks have continued to check in. I suppose there is a balance but if I am going to spend time there, I want it to be meaningful so that may mean muting a few of the louder, angrier voices. And, I suspect I have a few friends who would really enjoy LT so maybe I'll let them know that is where I'll be spending more time!

>192 foggidawn: Well it fit my reading and had the benefit of also being true! I'm now 53 and met a certain young lady 26 years ago.

>193 witchyrichy: The last sentence is certainly welcome as our numbers slowly dwindle! xx
I have found FB a slightly too open forum in the last year or so and steer clear of posting things on it nowadays. I do check my page regularly more to see what SWMBO is doing and eating than anything else.

BOOK #2



Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage

Published : 2014
Origin : UK
Pages : 232 pp
British Author Challenge

Armitage is regularly billed as the most popular British poet since Larkin. I'm not sure about that but he does have something - I mean - even RD likes him.

This is a selection of his poetry from 1989-2014 chosen by the poet himself. It is a very varied and variable collection which mixes his list poems, some beautiful poetry about nature and his environs, some powerfully topical work regarding 9/11 and the murder of a young Goth, extracts of his rendering of some classics of middle-english literature and some typical Armitigian cynicism.

This is It Ain't What You Do, It's What It Does To You

I have not bummed across America
with only a dollar to spare, one pair
of busted Levi's and a bowie knife.
I have lived with thieves in Manchester.

I have not padded through the Taj Mahal,
barefoot, listening to the space between
each footfall picking up and putting down
its print against the marble floor. But I

skimmed flat stones across Black Moss on a day
so still I could hear each set of ripples
as they crossed. I felt each stone's inertia
spend itself against the water; then sink.

I have not toyed with a parachute cord
while perched on the lip of a light-aircraft;
but I held the wobbly head of a boy
at the day centre, and stroked his fat hands.

And I guess that the tightness in the throat
and the tiny cascading sensation
somewhere inside us are both part of that
sense of something else. That feeling, I mean.

I started this a fan of Armitage. I remain a fan of Armitage.

JANUARY READING UPDATE

1. British Author Challenge - Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift READ
2. British Poetry - Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage READ
3. Contemporary British Fiction
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck

Books Completed January - 2 Year to Date - 2
Pages Read January - 381 Year to Date - 381

>188 PaulCranswick: You still had great answers, even if your reading numbers were greatly diminished from previous years.

>197 thornton37814: I suppose choosing good titles does help some, Lori!

Hi, Paul. I missed all the drama here last year. Did you have a hip replacement? Your reading ambitions are as ever ambitious. Hope you and Hani and the kids have a great year.

>199 ffortsa: A hip replacement, Judy? No, that was one of the few things that didn't go wrong!

>195 PaulCranswick: I like it, Paul!

>185 PaulCranswick: Haha. Isaac Asimov. For his birthday I finished reading Foundation. It's the first Asimov book I've read. Figured it was about time I sampled his work. Interesting tale. I may stop at an nearby new/used book store and see if I can pick up the other two novels in the trilogy.

Kinda like that Alfa tailing Fausto.

Well, you're off to a great reading start, Paul! I hope you can continue to keep to the pace you've set for yourself. And I'm glad to see you're including the AAC in your list.

>195 PaulCranswick: I love that poem. Thanks so much for sharing and for that book bullet... *dang* so much for not adding to my obese wish list ... it's only day 3 of 2020 and I've already added 5 books to my wish list.

🌟Happy New Year, Paul. You are off to a Roaring start with two books already. Keep up the good work!

>201 EllaTim: Simon Armitage was a safe read for me Ella.

>202 weird_O: He did lay foundations too in many ways in Science Fiction, Bill. I always found his writing a bit dry but I haven't read any for a long time and I'm much drier myself these days!

>203 laytonwoman3rd: I will always support your challenge, Linda, as I would never have started the BAC without Mark's initial example.

>204 cameling: Plenty of goodies in that Selected Poems collection, Caro. If we meet up shortly, it will be yours!

>205 Donna828: Thanks Donna. Definitely another to be finished today.

>188 PaulCranswick: My faves of your meme answers:
"What is the best advice you have to give: Perseverance" and
"Your soul’s present condition: We, the Survivors"

Nice!!

>208 PaulCranswick: Ambitious reader are we? Go, Paul, Go!!

>209 Berly: My favourite would have probably been the first one The Rider, Kimmers and it would have been entirely accurate 30 years ago!

Oranges are not the Only Fruit is almost done. Books by Peter Handke and Timothy Egan will follow.
Next week it will be Alan Aykbourn, Francis Beeding (with Liz, hopefully), Charles Frazier for the AAC, a book on James II and Frances Hodgson-Burnett

Glad to see you've already finished a couple of books, and interesting first day stats in >161 PaulCranswick:.

Happy reading in 2020!

ON THIS DAY

In 1853 Solomon Northup is freed after being "illegally" 7 years a slave with the help of the Governor of New York. I apostrophise the illegal because for slavery to have ever been considered legal is of course abhorrent.

Born in 1892 J.R.R. Tolkien author and creator of Middle Earth
Died in 1903 Alois Hitler, father of a certain Adolf. What a pity he didn't pass on a little sooner.
Married in 2004 Britney Spears married her childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander in Las Vegas.



JRR Tolkien

>211 bell7: Thank you Mary. I am already thinking about a new thread too.

>188 PaulCranswick: I like the answers!

>193 witchyrichy: It's best not to vanish; that tends to make people hyperventilate. I know this from bitter experience.

>195 PaulCranswick: WILL YOU BELT UP ABOUT IT!!

I do NOT "like" poets and/or poetry...I merely fail to loathe a very, very, very few of 'em.

imagine the cheek going around telling people I "like" poets ye gawds

>169 PaulCranswick: I can't say I've ever been stalked, but I can see why people would fall out with FB. I get tired of the whining and ranting that people choose to do. I mostly use FB to show pictures of the kids to our family that don't live nearby

>214 richardderus: Why are you always able to make me smile you old curmudgeon?!

Ok, I'll amend that to you do not exactly loathe Simon Armitage's work. OK?

>215 ChelleBearss: Yes, Chelle, it is good for photographs - that I will admit.

Paul, I'm not sure where to note this, but I'll be reading Graham Swift's England and Other Stories for the BAC. I have a signed first edition that my husband got for me several years ago. There are 25 stories and they look interesting.

I quite liked Mothering Sunday when I read it a couple of years ago.
And I'm wanting to read more poetry; Simon Armitage looks like a good one.

I love the stats although I have to work not to let them translate into pressure to "keep up."

Do you actually have a copy of G.? It's one of my not-yet-read Booker winners that I haven't actually found yet. I was thinking it would be hard to find (I don't know why I thought that) but it's available as an e-book from the Seattle Public Library. Go figure.

>218 kac522: Reminder that I haven't put up the thread yet, Kathy! Will put that right shortly.
Almost bought the book yesterday - I think that it is the only thing written and published by him that I don't possess yet.

>219 EBT1002: Ah no pressure surely Ellen?! You are probably the most consistent and of group members when it comes to threads and posting.

I do have a copy of G. and I have it ready to read this month. I reckon this year I will get close to catching up on having reading all the winners - I have no excuse as I have all the ones I have not read on the shelves.

I remember reading your review of Mothering Sunday and that you enjoyed it. If we ever meet up I'll pass you something by Simon Armitage since he is from my home area.

The BAC Challenge thread is finally up guys and gals. Sorry for being so tardy.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/315141

Up in January are JEANETTE WINTERSON & GRAHAM SWIFT

BOOK #3



Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

Published : 1985
Origin : UK
Pages : 171 pp
British Author Challenge
1001 Books First Edition

There are different sorts of treachery, but betrayal is betrayal wherever you find it. She burnt a lot more than the letters that night in the backyard. I don't think she knew. In her head she was still queen, but not my queen any more, not the White Queen any more. Walls protect and walls limit. It is in the nature of walls that they should fall. That walls should fall is the consequence of blowing your own trumpet.

Based on the author's own growing up this groundbreaking novel tells the story of a foundling growing up in a zealously religious household but an essentially repressive one. As she tries to come to terms with her sexuality Jeanette realises that she may be forced to chose between her church and her sexuality.

Whilst I did find parts of the story a little disjointed, this is a more than admirable debut novel. In terms funny and sad and able to sweep your emotions along with the developing narrative. Finely written too as the opening quote will indicate.

JANUARY READING UPDATE

1. British Author Challenge - Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift READ
2. British Poetry - Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage READ
3. Contemporary British Fiction -
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books - Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson READ
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck

Books Completed January - 3 Year to Date - 3
Pages Read January - 552 Year to Date - 552
1001 Books January - 1 Year to Date - 1
Bookers
Nobel Winners

>216 PaulCranswick: Much better!

>222 PaulCranswick: What a tremendous and lovely book that is, so I'm very pleased that you found it a good read. Nothing beats the feeling of a book recommending a person.

Three books read already! I was proud of my one! lol. But this is not a competition. This is not a competition. (I tell myself)

>224 richardderus: I like that, RD. A book recommending a person.

>225 The_Hibernator: If it was Rachel I would be so used to chewing the dust made by those I have always failed to keep up with. I will enjoy keeping up with the pack for a little while at least.

Now on to the controversial Peter Handke and his 1001 First Edition Book The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick

I am on the road back to work and will be in Tuscaloosa tonight. I had to pause to catch up a little on LT and pass some time before I meet my niece in Nashville to deliver Christmas presents and etc.

I have decided that this is the year to read the Harry Potter books. Actually, I will be listening to them. I have listened to the first one. I have over committed my January already in the reading department. I am going to try to read Game of Kings and Bone Clock along with several other readers here on LT. I probably won’t finish either one of them this month, but I intend to try.

I had a great reading year last year. I read about 100 books. I don’t have the exact count done yet, but will post on your thread when I have that number. I do know that for some of the various challenges I participated in here on LT I read 88 books, so being on LT has really upped my reading game.

I will start planning an LT gathering in Philadelphia for the American Library Association winter meeting as soon as I get back and will be posting to this thread as well as others about that event.

Happy New Year’s reading.

>228 benitastrnad: Happy new year, Benita.

I will read one of the Potty Harry books this year too - the first - and my first.

Hi Paul! I have finally stumbled across your thread so I am rather happy to have visited while you are still on your first thread for 2020. ;-) Happy New Year and best wishes for 2020! Love SWMBO's holiday creativity with your book pile.

>230 lkernagh: Thank you, Lori. It is always a great time of year for me. I always start every new year with a clean state and full of positivity. By February I can usually not remember why!

Paul, Keep smiling. Let's hope 2020 is full of positivity for both of us. I vow to have a better year than 2019.

>232 Whisper1: As do I, dear Linda. As do I. I have always been a glass-half-full sort of a guy and it has sustained me through times when otherwise I may simply have thrown in the towel. I will be regularly at your place too trying to make sure that you remain similarly inclined!

The candidates in the Labour Party leadership contest are slowly emerging from their shells.
So far we have Emily Thornberry, Clive Lewis, Jess Phillips, Lisa Nandy and Keir Starmer announced. I will be listening carefully to their pitches but at present and assuming that they all qualify to stand my preference vote will probably be:

1 Jess Phillips
2 Clive Lewis
3 Lisa Nandy
4 Keir Starmer
5 Emily Thornberry

One thing about the process that I dislike is that the Deputy Leader vote is at the same time. Surely they should vote for leader first and then any leadership candidates that don't make it can be considered as deputy.

ON THIS DAY

In 1970 The Beatles had their last ever recording session as a group at Abbey Road

Born in 1785 Jakob Grimm whose fairytales were often, well, pretty grim.
Died in 1960 Albert Camus in an auto-accident.
Married in 2013Raging Bull Jake La Motta married his long time fiance. The Bull was 90 years old at the time.



Albert Camus

BOOK #4



The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick by Peter Handke

Published : 1970
Origin : Austria
Pages : 133 pp
Nobel Prize Winner
1001 Books First Edition

Peter Handke would appear to have certain reprehensible views when it comes to people of my faith. Never mind, he won the Nobel Prize so I was quite prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt as a writer.

An ex-goalkeeper loses his job and then meanders around aimlessly and often inexplicably violently for 133 pages.

Not recommended by anyone other than completists on the 1001 and Nobel winners challenges.

ANUARY READING UPDATE

1. British Author Challenge - Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift READ
2. British Poetry - Paper Aeroplane by Simon Armitage READ
3. Contemporary British Fiction -
4. World Poetry
5. 1001 Books - Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson READ
6. Plays
7. American Author Challenge
8. Non-Fiction
9. History
10. Current Affairs
11. Booker Nominees
12. Nobel Winners - The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick by Peter Handke READ
13. Scandi
14. Series Books
15. Thrillers/Mystery
16. Classic Fiction
17. 21st Century Fiction
18. World Literature
19. Science Fiction / Fantasy
20. Pot Luck

Books Completed January - 4 Year to Date - 4
Pages Read January - 695 Year to Date - 695
1001 Books January - 2 Year to Date - 2
Bookers
Nobel Winners January - 1 Year to Date - 1

Happy New year .......

>238 roundballnz: Alex! Same to you mate.

Up next is the book kindly bought for me by Benita and sent in time for the holidays.

The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan

Hi Paul... the threads are definitely smoking' along and I'm drowning!

OK. Back on RD's thread, you posted a photo of Gormeh sabzi ~ (https://www.librarything.com/topic/314347#7017444)

Do you have a reliable recipe for this delicious stew? I've had it at potluck dinners (we have a largish Irani population in my town) but I don't have a good recipe. Searching can be fraught ~ you know how all and sundry post on the internet...

Hope your reading is enjoyable. I've DNF'ed a couple books and finished one but didn't post anything about that yet. It was discouraging that my first 2 choices were bleh! But the 3rd one was *great* fun.

Wow, Paul, you’re off to a great start here!

I hope your reading and posting continues galloping along.

I loved Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit but somehow haven’t pursued Winterson as an author.

>241 SandyAMcPherson: I have asked SWMBO to come up with a reliable recipe for you, Sandy. I didn't of course cook it myself and merely enjoyed the fruits of her labours. I'll post it to your thread when she comes up trumps.

>242 Matke: I think that I would have struggled had the book been another 100 pages long. The combination of sexuality, religion and mythology was a but heady but it was in a nicely digestible size.

>243 PaulCranswick: Thank you! I will definitely be looking forward to seeing the recipe! I'll post photos of my efforts when the time comes.

>244 SandyAMcPherson: She told me that she'll pass it to me later today, Sandy. x

Its intriguing that Winterson is still known mainly for Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit .... some good ones to be found

>245 PaulCranswick: 🎉🎉🎉🎉 (Yay!)

Now I am in suspense, Paul, waiting for further stats. So glad you are going to post more of them. Your reading is going well!

Since I can get a copy of G. from the Seattle Public Library without a wait, I will check that out and read it this month. I have adopted your suggestion to read an average of one Booker winner per month to help with my countdown to retirement. Unless my retirement plans shift, I would retire and be all caught up with the Booker winners about the same time. Thank you for that suggestion, by the way!

>195 PaulCranswick: I really like this poem!

>246 roundballnz: Few reasons I think, Alex:
1 - It was good
2 - It was based on her own life
3 - It was successful on TV

>247 SandyAMcPherson: She has sent it to my whatsApp so I'll retype it to your thread, Sandy

>248 Familyhistorian: Yes, Meg, stats will be back in evidence more this year. Last year's stats will be up soon.

>249 EBT1002: My pleasure, Ellen. I will join on on the John Berger book too this month. He is not reputed to be the easiest of authors.

>250 banjo123: Rhonda, Armitage is one of the most accessible poets living.

It looks like you have gotten off to a great start with your reading this year, Paul!

Hi Paul! Happy New Year! I just had to drop by your busy intersection of LT and thank you for keeping my sleepy little backwater ticking along with lots of kind words and thoughtful insights last year. Sorry to hear that 2019 was not a good year for you, here's hoping 2020 turns out much better! And I'm intrigued to see how the 20 books a month thing turns out. I can only dream of such ambitious numbers! You seem to be on track so far though. Long may it continue!

>254 figsfromthistle: I am very happy, Anita and already well immersed into my next book. Benita gave me The Worst Hard Time by Tim Egan about survivors of the American Dust Bowl. It won the National Book Award and I can well see why.

>255 HanGerg: Lovely to see you, Hannah.
I will be a regular at your thread again this year and hope we can meet up in Lincoln at some stage in 2020. xx

>229 PaulCranswick:

A reminder that the first Harry Potter movie surpasses the first book - in fun and beauty.

And, I'm l/4 of the way through Jeanette Winterson's TANGLEWRECK,
which Hermione would likely have loved.

>257 m.belljackson: I have no way to verifying that statement Marianne having neither read the book nor seen the movie!

You Go!

>259 m.belljackson: I do hope to, dear lady. xx