reading for a better 2021 - lesmel

Here's hoping 2021 is far better than 2020.

>1 lesmel: Hear, hear!

Or is it Here, here!

Either way, I agree.

And here's hoping that people can just "get along".

Better wishes for 2021 for all of us, and happy reading to you in the new year.

First read of the year!

#1 - The Vanishing Half
I'm trying to decide if I would have ever read this if it wasn't for bookclub. I'm about 80/20 in thinking I never would have read this otherwise. It's...interesting. Bennett is a talented writer; I just prefer books with some sort of destination. Books that are all journey are not appealing to me.

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#2 - Heart on Fire, Bouchet
Last book of the trilogy. An interesting story all around. Totally new author. Weird mish-mash of Greek mythology; but appealing.

#3 - Friday Night Knitting Club
Really good book. A little sad. A lot happy.

>6 lesmel: Hmmm. I think I have a copy of that book, unread as yet. But I have no idea at all where it might be now.

#4 20 to Stitch: Mini Quilt Blocks
Tiny little pamphlet almost. The blurb says there are 80 mini quilts blocks measuring 5 inches. Really, there are 20 blocks with four colorways. I might use some of the patterns to finish the mug rug project I'm still in the middle of.

#5 Tula Pink's City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks
I have wanted this book for ages. A friend bought this, took it to OfficeDepot, and had then put a spiral binding on it. I can see why. It's a shame this book isn't already available in a spiral bound format. Overall, I'm glad I didn't buy it. Not because it isn't interesting; but because it's a project book. All of the blocks finish at 6 inches. The second chapter with color choices, tools, quilt top options, and finishing options is a nice bonus.

#6 1, 2, 3 Quilt: Shape Up Your Skills with 24 Stylish Projects
Spiral bound (always appreciated). Includes loose-leaf patterns in a pocket (also appreciated). This is a skill-builder collection of projects. There are a variety of projects: apron, placemat, tote bag, pouch, etc. Of everything in this book, the pixel pouch appeals...a lot.

#7 Resident Alien Volume 1: Welcome to Earth
There's a new SyFy showing coming with Alan Tudyk. This comic/graphic novel is the basis for the show. Since I don't have cable, I decided I needed to at least read the comic. It's interesting. Now I want to figure out how to watch the show at some point.

#8 Resident Alien Volume 2: The Suicide Blonde

#9 Little Bits Quilting Bee: 20 Quilts Using Charm Packs, Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, and Fat Quarters
An odd little book packed with a lot of info. For some reason the difficulty key is in the back of the book instead of the front. There's a nice section with resources (like other books, blogs, websites, etc). I found two patterns that I liked enough to make note of.

#10 Maverick Quilts-Print-On-Demand-Edition: Using Large-Scale Prints, Novelty Fabrics & Panels with Panache
Never in 5 million years would I make anything out of this book. The book isn't terrible; but it's not my style at all. Having said that, there are some really good tidbits in here about choosing fabrics, working with novelty fabrics, how to chain piece and then lace piece (which is chain piecing multiple rows of blocks), and a really great tutorial on how to cut and match prints to make bigger pieces of fabric when you need to (and how to make mistakes and still move forward). Overall, this is a great brainstorming book. Borrow it, don't buy it.

#11 Create Your Own Improv Quilts
No thank you. I think I'd rather be stabbed with a spoon...repeatedly...than own this book. That's harsh. Improv quilts are very arty and definitely are not my thing. At all. This isn't a pattern book (hint: improv); but it is a theory and technique book. There's a lot of theory and technique packed into this very slim volume. (Also, I'm irrationally irritated that the author calls a square a fat rectangle).

#12 Make Your Own Quilting Designs & Patterns
Well beyond my abilities; but fascinating. Covers the techniques and methods for quilting patterns in whole cloth quilts, thread painting, and developing quilt patterns (that aren't blocks).

#13 Quilt Fiesta!: Surprising Designs from Mexican Tiles
If you love appliqué, this is the inspiration for you! I like the process the author provides; but I'm not going to do extensive appliqué on a big quilt.

#14 Mini Quilts : Fun Patterns to Quilt in a Snap
An interesting book. I'm not sure I'd try out any of the projects; but I like the detailed steps and tips. It would be easy enough to adapt any of the patterns or projects.

Is this regular seasonal reading for you; or are you clearing shelves? Just curious.

>19 2wonderY: I decided I wanted to spend more time on crafting. I figured a good way to do that would be to review quilting books. So, I raided the library. 😂

#15 350 Quilting Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets
I love this book. It's packed with practical advise and tips across a wide variety of topics. I don't think it's the kind of crafting reference I would keep; but I would probably make notes in my crafting journal.

https://www.librarything.com/work/23222403

#16 Modern Log Cabin Quilting
I really like log cabin quilts and this book just makes me want to dedicate 2021 to making log cabin quilts. This book includes quilts, aprons, pincushions, etc. I find the chapters (1-2) about the different log cabin designs and the "anatomy" of a log cabin quilt very appealing.

#17 Fresh Quilting : Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration
Interesting book to browse. Nothing really caught my eye.

#18 Dare to Be Square Quilting : A Block-by-Block Guide to Making Patchwork and Quilts
I love this book -- not so much to own as to refer to. The projects are really neat. The blocks all appeal to me and my need for tidy lines. Also, when the intro starts talking about Metallica and quilts, you know the book is going to be interesting.

#19 Modern One-Block Quilts : 22 Fresh Patchwork Projects
I like this book; but definitely not enough to try any of the projects.

#20 Once & Future Vol. 1
Interesting premise - monster hunter grandma comes out of retirement with her not-a-monster-hunter grandson. Might read the other collected volumes.

#21 Carthago Vol 1
I was hoping for something less word intensive and more...sharky.

>27 lesmel:

I'm awaiting it from my Local, after the mentions in an LT Comic thread. Someone else found it a mixed bag, too. I wonder if it'll be good to share with my 10-year-old.

>28 elenchus: I think I saw the same mention as you. I happened to get lucky and find it on Hoopla. It's really word intensive. And the text isn't exactly easy to read. I think I may see if I can borrow the physical volume and see if it's better that way.

>29 lesmel:

Sounds as though you're interested in continuing the series, despite any reservations -- that's a good sign!

>30 elenchus: I am! There's storyline I'm curious enough about; but I don't think reading electronically is the best medium for this series.

#22 Fresh Fabric Treats
I really want to like this book; but there are problems. The projects vary in instructions because each project is from a different crafter. The first project wastes an entire layer cake on foundation piecing. The second project has detailed instructions; but they aren't very well laid out. The rest of the projects vary in waste, instructions, etc. The only projects I'm interested in are the tote and the kit.

#23 Baby Times: 24 Handmade Treasures for Baby & Mom
This is a cute book with a mix of projects. They range from really easy to advanced. If you have a baby in your life, this is a great choice for making some handcrafts they can cherish. The only thing that bugs me about this book is the gendered blankets. The book was published in 2012. One would think we could be beyond pink is for girls and blue is for boys.

#24 S Is for Stitch
I would have given this four stars; but it's gendered. In this day and age, there's zero reason to do this sort of thing. Other than that, this is a really nice project book with a lot of stitches, a lot of guidelines, and really nice detail for two alphabets.

#25 Brave New Quilts
I love this book. It delves into art movements, art & design theory, process, methodology, etc. Each project includes alternate colorways & suggestions on how to make the pattern your own. I've already reviewed Ricketson's Little Bits Quilting Bee in >13 lesmel:. There was one kinda odd thing I noticed, there was a lot of intro for a quilting book. Then I got to the end of the book & discovered Kathreen Ricketson had died the same year (2013) this book was published! Tragically, she and her partner Rob both drowned.

#26 Mixing Quilt Elements
I like this as an inspiration book, not a project book. There's a ton crammed into this book. It's a little overwhelming; but the pictures are beautiful.

#27 Quilting with a Modern Slant
Another inspiration book. The photos are lovely. The projects are...not basic. Read this for the history, knowledge of the movements within quilting, and contemporary movers and shakers in the quilting world.

#28 Nautical Quilts
I would give this four stars except the print is tiny and there's not a ton of contrast between the page and the text. I love the semaphore quilt; but I don't know that I'd ever make it.

#29 Paper Pieced Modern
I've had this on my TBR for ages. I really want to try paper piecing even though it's totally foreign to me and intimidates me. Spoiler alert: Don't start here 😂. This book has fabulous quilts in it; but there are no "starter" projects.

#30 Vintage Quilt Revival
Solid project book. Good for inspiration.

#31 The Best of Fons & Porter Scrap Quilts
Solid project book. Good for inspiration.

#32 Modern Bee 13 Quilts to Make with Friends
I like this for the projects/ideas; but not for the bee/project swap parts.

#33 Quilting Line and Color Techniques and Designs for Abstract Quilts
Meh. This is exceptional; but for me it's like visit the MOMA. I get that it's art; but it doesn't move me.

#34 Fat Quarterly Shape Workshop for Quilters
It's a shame Fat Quarterly no longer exists as a zine. I would be tempted to subscribe. This book is interesting because each shape is color coded and all the tutorials use white and that color (squares = red, e.g.); then, there's a section with actual projects.

#35 The Handmade Quilt
This is hand-piecing, hand-quilting...neither of which I'm ever going to do for anything larger than a 12 x 12 project. However, I loved looking at the techniques and tips for handwork.

#36 The Modern Medallion Workbook
I like this book for the mix and match aspect! All the blocks are interesting apart and together.

#37 Fearless with Fabric Fresh Modern Quilts from Traditional Blocks
This is the title that compelled me to start checking out all these titles. I like the tidbits in the margins

#38 Kaffe Fassett's Sew Simple Quilts & Patchworks
I like this book for inspiration rather than actual projects. I think Kaffe Fassett fabrics are exquisite; but are incredibily busy and overwhelming. If you love color and design inspiration, this (and the other Kaffee titles) are for you!

#39 Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Grandeur
Like the other Kaffe books, I like this for inspiration rather than actual projects. The photo settings and the quilts are equally beautiful.

#40 Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Morocco
Like the other Kaffe books, I like this for inspiration rather than actual projects. This book makes me want to see Morocco rather than make the quilts.

#41 Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Sweden
Like the other Kaffe books, I like this for inspiration rather than actual projects. I love reading how the projects are picked/designed to match some of the settings. I also appreciate the fabric overview.

#42 Modern Quilts
Really great review of projects that have come from contemporary makers of modern quilts.

#43 Shots and Stripes
Like the other Kaffe books, I like this for inspiration rather than actual projects.

#44 Unconventional & Unexpected
Exceptional coffee table book. This pass through was for the photos; but I'd like to spend more time reading the text.

#45 Comfort and Glory
Excellent coffee table book and reference. The quilts in here are amazing. The history of quilts and quilting in Texas is pretty spectacular. I may check this book out again and spend more time reading the book as well as inspecting all of the photos of the quilts.

You and my sister should talk...she loves all things sewing, knitting, etc.

#46 Florence Adler Swims Forever
I want to love this more than I did; but I struggled with a one huge problem -- namely Fannie being a flat cardboard representation instead of a fully developed character that could have delved into the psychology of being lied to for so long, gaslighted continually, and having to reconcile the truth vs. the lie. I listened on audiobook. There were multiple narrators. The one thing that kept throwing me off is one of the men kept giving Joseph (the Hungarian immigrant) a pronounced New Jersey accent.

#47 Patchwork City 75 Innovative Blocks for the Modern Quilter
I love this book. I'm not sure I would ever tackle the projects in here; but I want to. Maybe if I join a quilt along. Still, I like the detail for each block and then the projects for using the blocks.

#48 Betty
Repetitive misery porn that I almost burned, but felt a compulsive need to finish. Going to scrub myself with sandpaper and a hot shower now

#49 The Big Finish
After book #48, this was a breath of fresh air and thoroughly enjoyable! Don't trust the blurb or the book art. Neither are accurate.

#50 Elevation
Interesting read. That's about it.

I should be reading more. I have a ton of things I could be reading. I'm struggling though with any interest in anything. Bleh.

I have access to a ton of quilting magazines through work. I may spend some time looking through those. See if I can spark my reading light.

>62 lesmel: I'm in a protracted slump as well and have bounced off even middle grade books. I usually use those to bust my reading slumps. I hope the quilting magazines work for you.

>62 lesmel: Oh boy! I can sympathize. I’ve been going through a similar time of disinterest with much of what I try. Just took a glance through your To Be Read shelf and there’s nothing there I’d attempt now either except perhaps a Mark Twain or maybe Anne of Green Gables.
Do you listen to much audio?

>64 2wonderY: My TBR is much bigger on GoodReads. I have it divided between real TBR (as in I own the book, read it damn it!) and Wish List (OOOoo, doesn't THAT shiny look interesting!) This year, I was aiming to read everything for my book club on audio. It's harder than I anticipated. I can visually and auditorily read faster than most narrators speak. That means I'm listening to most books at 1.5 or 1.75X faster; but that means everyone (including Tom Hanks) sounds like Minnie Mouse. Also, the books are harder to come by since most of what I'm reading for book club is newer -- meaning there's a lot of interest. Although, maybe older would be even harder?

#51 A Burning
It's a hard read. There's not much happy in here; but it is compelling.

#52 Love Lettering
I almost gave up on this book multiple times; but it's worth sticking with it if you like this genre. I'm not a fan of the ebook since there's some graphic design integrated. Far better to read it in print. At least, I hope the print integrates the graphic design better than the electronic.

#53 The Dutch House
If I had been forced to read this instead of listen, there's a good chance I'd have reader rage. Character driven books are not my cup of tea. I was plot. I want clear journey. I want more than being a Peeping Tom in the lives of fictional characters. Still, it's well written and produced a lot of discussion in our book club last night. And Tom Hanks makes the audiobook worth a listen.

#54 Cats on Quilts
Weird little book with half history of cats and textiles and half poetry/quotes. Full of cat motifs on textiles.

#55 One-Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-Of-A-Kind Quilts

#56 Magic Stack-N-Whack Quilts

I'm putting these together because they are the same concept, different name, slightly different instructions. Neither will I ever end up using because this technique requires a LOT of engineering. Definitely not my style; but I love the results.

#57 Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Italy: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting
It's always a pleasure to look through Kaffe titles. It's also always a pleasure to be able to but the book away. There's just way too much happening with colors and shapes and backgrounds.

#58 Texas Quilts and Quilters: A Lone Star Legacy
Excellent coffee table book. Very similar to Comfort and Glory (>55 lesmel:) and Unconventional & Unexpected (>54 lesmel:). Interesting stories of the people and their quilts.

#59 Leonard and Hungry Paul
Not something I would have read outside of bookclub. Its character driven, urk. Still, it's a sweet book with no serious drama. If you need low key and a little too perfect, this is for you.

#60 Ripper
Only listened to this at first because of the narrator: Edoardo Ballerini. He falls in the same category as Simon Vance -- I'd listen to either man reading the phone book if that was all they had. The book is gratingly slow for 2/3 of the book. Then it starts to get better.

#61 All Systems Red

#62 Artificial Condition

#63 Rogue Protocol

#64 Exit Strategy

Decided on a whim to listen to the first title. Totally hooked and binged the next three. There's something about the combination of sarcasm, confessional, and blatant anti-social attitude that appeals.

>75 lesmel: woo! Another convert 😁

>75 lesmel: sending you a pm.

#65 Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop
Irritated by the status dropping (instead of name dropping) throughout this book. Also irritated by the oh-so-perfectness of the story. I'd have almost considered a higher rating if the author hadn't slammed the convenience fairy into her plot hole. In thinking this over, I am strongly in favor of dropping a star from three to two.

#66 Embers of War
Interesting novel. I'm trying to decide if I like it enough to continue the trilogy. It doesn't have the same appeal and draw as the Murderbot Diaries; but it's appealing in an entirely different way.

>79 lesmel: BB...drat.

>80 fuzzi: Ha! Wait until you see what else is going to show up in the next week or so. Apparently, sentient AI is my jam all of a sudden. lol

#67 Network Effect

#68 Compulsory

#69 Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory

Ok, I'm caught up on my favorite sarcastic sentient SecUnit. Now I have 14 days until I can read the next novella. 14 verrry lonnnng daaaaays. Wait, it could be 22 days. Cloud Library will let me know whatever length it is.

>82 lesmel: Check your second link.

>83 2wonderY: Yeah, already fixed. Dumb touchstones disappeared on me and lost the correct link.

I seem to be on a space opera kick. Specifically sentient AI space opera with discussions about the ethics and treatment of said sentient AI.

#70 Velocity Weapon
Good start to what looks to be a trilogy. There's a lot of twisty bits, some of which seem glaringly obvious; but also there's this weird sense of gaslighting the reader (not in an evil, stalkery, psycho way) so I second guessed myself through most of the book.

#71 The Gourmet Cookie Book
I love this little book -- mostly because I have a special place in my heart for Gourmet magazine. I don't know that I'd bake any of the recipes; but some are appealing.

#72 Lost Desserts
This is a really interesting look at a variety of recipes from well known and little known restaurants & chefs.

#73 Shiner
Really good book. Set in West Virginia amid crippling poverty & crushing attitudes toward women. It's sometimes hard to remember this book is set between 1990s and 2010s not early to mid-1900s.

#74 Faithless in Death
I'm a completionist about this series.

#75 Sworn to Silence
Oh god. Oh god. Will this book ever end? Will Kate Burkholder ever stop being the poster child for a terrible officer of the law? When I read the blurbs for the books in this series, I really want to read the books; but then I come to my senses.

I tried a few other sci-fi books. I'm not counting them; but I want to remember I didn't like the books. Well, maybe not. I can only think of one title so far. I swear there was another title I tried.

A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe

>91 lesmel: hmm. It says for fans of The Expanse. I liked the first two books in The Expanse universe, have #3 on the shelves waiting for me to choose it.

>92 fuzzi: I read the first Expanse book. I will probably re-read it and then read more. I did not like the book in >91 lesmel: because the characters all grated on my nerves immediately. Murderbot would have told them to STFU. Murderbot is my measure for all things sci-fi this year and maybe all years from now on. lol

>93 lesmel: agreed on Murderbot. It's a good measure to use.

#76 Winter's Orbit
An interesting spin in the space opera YA genre. It loses a star for the needless, endless lack of communication between every character on and off the page.

>95 lesmel: That drives me crazy! I’m a polite but blunt person. I hate when plot is driven by lack of communication.

I've been listening to the Gunrunner-Empress books from K B Wagers. There are two trilogies: Indranan Wars and Farian War. I've read the Indrana Wars titles multiple times; but decided to listen this time. I've only read the first Farian War title; but I swear I don't remember about 1/3 of it. I have a really low tolerance for the unknown right now. So, not remembering the book is making it hard to finish when I only have 3 hrs left in the book. I actually do know how the book ends; but I can't remember the specifics. Wagers also has a third series that's basically the coast guard in space NeoG. Book two in that series comes out soon (July). I'm going to listen to book one (I've read it once) before I listen to book two.

>96 2wonderY: Right?! I know the secret in the basement; but I can't tell you for....REASONS! ARGH! No. No. Nooooooo.

#77 Down Among the Dead
*sigh* I am disappointed in this book. There are a number of reasons why, the biggest being the utter bullshit plot...or lack thereof. The reader spends a lot of time watching Hail absolutely lose her mind and then three chapters later she's magically off the slippery slope of insanity, suicide, and unbridled rage. This book should come with a huge trigger warning instead of the tidy little notice about suicide ideation (uh, noooo, there was no ideation -- Hail full out had Aiz murder her repeatedly for 8 months), self-harm (again, Hail intentionally let Aiz beat her to death daily for 8 months...and then she starts cutting like that's better? safer?, and grief. I can only think the author was excising a lot of demons through this book. It cheapens the trilogy; and honestly, you could skip to chapter 17 and avoid most of the icky bits without losing any of the story. If you are willing to suffer some icky bits you could read chapters 1 - 8 then skip to chapter 17. That would give the reader a feel for Hail's mindset without eight chapters of torture porn.

#78 Fugitive Telemetry
Murderbot to the rescue! I really prefer listening to this series. A lot of the sarcasm is lost in just reading unless you are exceptional at translating what you read into more than just visual stimuli. I've got the audiobook on hold even though I've read it in ebook form already.

I may have my family convinced to try the first book as a family book club read. Maybe. If they are willing to read it, maybe I can actually get a bookclub going and we can stick to short fiction!

>100 lesmel: what a good idea! Hmm. I doubt I could round up my family’s reading in that way, though we do heavily recommend to each other.

>101 2wonderY: This will be the coup of the century if I manage to get them to read even one book. No one in my family reads like I do. My level of consumption, that is. My dad reads mostly non-fiction and takes the time to read. My mom reads, but it's never a priority. My cousin (dyslexic) loves to read; but she never really has time. My brother hates reading (he's dyslexic, too); but will listen to audiobooks. My SIL reads; but she says she loves to nap more - heh.

>91 lesmel: HA! Found the other sci-fi I tried and passed on: Stars Uncharted

I can't help but snort with laughter at this because now I have this weird vision of Murderbot with a Hercule mustache and fussy three-piece suit. https://www.npr.org/2021/05/01/992439902/murderbot-meets-miss-marple-in-fugitive...

#79 Out Past the Stars
Ok, I'm probably being overly generous because I'm a sucker for a happy (happyish? happier?) ending -- plus, I like it when the bad guys lose. The second book in the trilogy really rankles though and I will struggle with recommending this trilogy. That's a shame because Hail is a really great character. Wagers is a decent author.

#80 The Book of V
Meh. I think if I had a long road trip and listened to this, I wouldn't feel like my time wasted. Solomon is a good writer; but this just did not click for me.

#81 We Are Legion
Also meh. I had higher hopes; but this seemed...forced? Naming dropping pop culture isn't cute or adorable after the first few clones. Also, this would have been a faster read if the author had just written a list Step 1: Buy cryo contract. Step 2. Died. Step 3. Be brought online...blah blah...Steps 10 thru 900. Poop out a few clones to wander the stars and broadcast observations that may or may not be received.

(Long live MURDERBOT!)
p.s. Martha Wells was interviewed by Kate Elliott on May 3rd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr4sDr3vm9c&ab_channel=MurderByTheBook

>107 lesmel: thanks for the interview link!

#82 White Rose, Black Forest
I have no idea why I borrowed this on Prime; but I did. It's fine.

#83 The Blacksmith Queen
Ok fantasy.

#84 The Princess Knight
2nd in the Scarred Earth Saga. I'm not sure why I feel compelled to continue reading this. It's not terrible; but it's not my cup of tea.

#85 American Street
Good read. A book club title I actually picked. A strong dash of magical realism. This doesn't read like the author's debut novel.

#86 Unbroken
Impulse read. Totally worth it.

#87 Project Hail Mary
It's another (mostly) lone dude in space facing impossible odds with sarcasm, science, & pop culture. And poop. Lots of poop. I can see this being optioned for a movie.

>114 lesmel: Oh gosh, haha. I didn't like the Martian at all. I think I'm one of very few.

>115 handshakes: Oh. Yeah. I can recite entire lines from the Martian...at least, the movie. I've read the book or listened to it at least three times, too.

#88 The Silence Between Us
Good book! It's amazing to see books with true representation (i.e. books portraying differences by authors with those differences).

#89 Alex + Ada
I wasn't too sure I'd like this; but ultimately did (obviously). I seem to be reading a lot of AI fiction this year.

#90 Wild Sign
I'm always intrigued by this storyline from Briggs. Even from the beginning when the storyline was a single short story.

#91 Polaris Rising
#92 Aurora Blazing
#93 Chaos Reigning
Binged these. Fast. Fierce. Funny in parts.

#94 Miss Benson's Beetle
Book club title. Good book. I'm annoyed by the murder of the dog. There's zero reason -- it doesn't move the plot at all -- for this violence. It nearly ruined the whole thing for me.

#95 Storm Cursed
I like the Mercy Thompson books. I was sort of meh a few books in because it seemed like every bad thing is thrown at Mercy and she just bounces back like nothing. The story line has matured.

#96 A Deadly Education
Ok. I liked this book; but I was annoyed the ENTIRE TIME I read it. The hardback is smaller than a standard hardback. The font is small. That all fits with YA; but I'm a half-blind, cranky old lady reader. Also, I spent a LOT of time wondering if the publishers did it on purpose. The main character is prickly. The setting is disturbing. Maybe I'm reading (ha!) too much into the physical representation.

#97 Smoke Bitten
Another Mercy book.

#98 Angel Killer
Interesting premise. I want to read the others in the series. Famous magician from famous magician family joins FBI. Out of box thinking makes her unique.

>123 lesmel: I hate small font, too...

Am tired* and behind in my posting...

#99 Fantastic Hope, Hamilton
#100 Rules of redemption, White
#101 Age of deception, White
#102 The Cipher, Maldonado
#103 Pathfinder's Way
#104 Mist's Edge, White
#105 Wayfarer's Keep, White
#106 The Wind's Call, White
#107 Dragon-Ridden, White
#108 Shadow's Messenger, White
#109 Last Tang Standing, Ho
#110 Threshold of annihilation, White
#111 The Lost Soul of the City, Koontz
#112 Gentle Is the Angel of Death, Koontz
#113 Kaleidoscope, Koontz
#114 Light Has Weight, but Darkness Does Not, Koontz
#115 Corkscrew, Koontz
#116 Zero In, Koontz
#117 Little Free Library, Kritzer

* My cat was diagnosed with cancer in Nov 2019. She's been on prednisolone since then. At no point did the vet mention that long term steroid use can induce diabetes. Yet, here we are. There's no telling how long my cat has been diabetic b/c the vet never warned me that we should be monitoring her. So, now I'm giving her 2 units twice a day. I spent the day working my usual job AND doing a glucose curve (which means jabbing her delicate ears with a sharp lancet every two hours for 12+ hours to test her blood glucose).

#118 The Pirate, Schechter
This took forever to read considering how short it is!

#119 The Galaxy, and the Ground Within
The end of the series! It's a good book; but I wanted more about the sloth-like? characters.

#120 Honor Among Thieves, Caine
Initially didn't like this book; but it gets better very quickly.

#121 The Thursday Murder Club
Almost cozy mystery (which I hate). Read for book club. Will not be reading the other books.

>127 lesmel: Poor kitty. It's so painful having to give a cat any kind of medication, they forever don't understand why you're torturing them. Kudos to you for having the patience and dedication to do the glucose curve -- that sounds rough. Good luck to kitty and to you -- I hope he/she adjusts to it soon.

>127 lesmel: poor kitty. You're a good "mommy".

Princess Demon Kitty had her second glucose curve this week. After her first one, we upped her insulin to 3 units twice a day. Now we are upping her insulin by another half unit. She'll need ANOTHER curve in 7 days.

She's not trying to summon demons when I pinch-jab any longer. Now, she just growls or hisses once. That will probably change since she's done this once before.

We've done our 3rd curve and upped the insulin again...which means ANOTHER curve. *sighs* I worry we are chasing an unreachable goal.

#122 Honor Bound, Caine
These are kinda like potato chips -- tasty and hard to stop eating.

#123 Honor Lost, Caine
Last of the trilogy.

#124 Before She Ignites
Interesting book. First in a trilogy. I'm not sure I'm invested enough to read the other two.

#125 Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
This. Is. A. Hoot. It's ridiculously improbable, smart, and funny.

#126 The Book of Longings
Not something I would normally read -- which is pretty standard for a lot of my book club titles -- but Kidd is a very good writer.

>132 lesmel: how's she doing?

We have a new kitten. Her mother is a feral who had a litter on our porch while we were on vacation. She moved them elsewhere and left one behind. We got kitten formula, bottles, and good advice from Rescue friends.

Deborah is now 6 weeks old and racing into full speed insanity...she's my joy.

>134 fuzzi: I forgot to reply to this! Princess Cinnamon Boots is good. She acts pretty weird from how she was for the last 12 years -- a lot more lap sitting and seeking attention AND sleeping near the dog. Her blood glucose is really stable (finally) and I can tell. She's not super cranky or endlessly ravenous. How is the kitten?

>135 lesmel: good news about Princess!

Deborah went to the vet for her first vaccinations and a check up. In one month she went from 12oz to 2.2 lbs! She had ear mites, so the vet cleaned her ears before applying medicinal drops...and it sounded as if we were torturing Debbie, though the screeching that filled the clinic sounded more offended and ANGRY than painful.

She slept all afternoon, now she's zipping around the house, coming close to breaking the sound barrier!

I got really behind in posting my reading!!

#125 Little Slaughterhouse on the Prairie, Schechter
#126 The Brick Slayer, Schechter
#127 Panic, Schechter
#128 Rampage, Schechter
#129 The Pied Piper, Schechter
#130 Hannah-Beast,McMahon
#131 The Sleep Tight Motel, Unger
#132 There's a Giant Trapdoor Spider Under Your Bed, Cantero
#133 Miao Dao, Oates
#134 The Tangled Woods,Raboteau
#135 The Remedy,Haslett
#136 Oak Avenue, Reeds

#137 Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
This. Is. A. Hoot. It's ridiculously improbable, smart, and funny.

#138 The Book of Longings
Not something I would normally read -- which is pretty standard for a lot of my book club titles -- but Kidd is a very good writer.

#139 To Serve Them All My Days
#140 A Queen in Hiding
#141 Cold Magic
#142 The Invisible Library
#143 Warrior of the Wild
#144 Nearly Gone
#145 Deadmen Walking, Kenyon
#146 Death Doesn't Bargain, Kenyon
#147 At Death's Door, Kenyon
#148 The Queen's Weapons
#149 The Bright Side Sanctuary for Animals
#150 Wild Montana Skies, Warren
#151 Rescue Me, Warren
#152 Nothing Fancy: Recipes and Recollections of Soul-Satisfying Food
#153 The Art of Mexican Cooking, Kennedy
#154 My Mexico: A Culinary Odyssey with More Than 300 Recipes
#155 The Essential Cuisines of Mexico: Revised and Updated Throughout, with More than 30 New Recipes
#156 Victoria Findlay Wolfe's Playing with Purpose: A Quilt Retrospective
#157 Beautiful Foundation-Pieced Quilt Blocks
#158 Create Your Family Quilt: Using State Blocks and Symbols
#159 Simple Contemporary Quilts: Bold New Designs for the First-Time Quilter
#160 Bold Blooms: Quilts and Other Works Celebrating Flowers
#161 Sew Retro: 25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl & A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution
#162 Free-Motion Meandering: A Beginners Guide to Machine Quilting
#163 Guide to Machine Quilting, Gaudynski
#164 40 Bright & Bold Paper-Pieced Blocks: 12-Inch Designs
#165 Quick & Easy Machine Quilts: 25 Modern Heirlooms for the Home
#166 Two-Color Quilts (Better Homes and Gardens)

#167 Braided Bargello Quilts: Simple Process, Dynamic Designs * 16 Projects
#168 Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe
#169 Large-Block Quilts: 16 Quick and Easy Quilt Patterns
#170 Skip the Borders: Easy Patterns for Modern Quilts
#171 Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts: 23 Original Quilt Designs
#172 Sew to Swap: Quilting Projects to Exchange Online and by Mail
#173 15 Minutes of Play -- Improvisational Quilts: Made-Fabric Piecing Traditional Blocks Scrap Challenges
#174 The Quilt Block Cookbook: 50 Block Recipes, 7 Sampler Quilts, Endless Possibilities
#175 Modern Quilt Bible: Over 100 Techniques and Design Ideas for the Modern Quilter
#176 Scandinavian Stitches: 21 Playful Projects with Seasonal Flair
#177 Fountains of Silence
Really good book. Read for bookclub. I know next to nothing about the Spanish Civil War or the 36 years of Franco's regime.

>137 lesmel: wow!

My mother was an R.F. Delderfield fan, and read all his books. I read the Horseman Riding By series but am unsure about any of the others.

>138 fuzzi: The Amazon singles or whatever they are called make it really easy to load my read list. LOL

>139 lesmel: I like the 99 cent books!

I've been burning through a lot of quilting books from Overdrive. I mean A LOT. I'm at 220 read titles for the year. I'll add the list soon. I think I may have burned myself out on quilting books; but it's been fun to look at all the projects and processes.

#178 Quilt Remix: Spin Traditional Favorites Into 10 Fresh Projects
#179 Quilt As-You-Go Made Vintage: 51 Blocks, 9 Projects, 3 Joining Methods
#180 More Jelly Roll Quilts

#181 Improv Patchwork: Dynamic Quilts Made with Line & Shape
#182 Modern Holiday: Deck the Halls with 18 Sewing Projects - Quilts, Stockings, Decorations & More
#183 Quilts from the House of Tula Pink: 20 Fabric Projects to Make, Use and Love
#184 Quick Projects with Jelly Rolls: Use Up Your Scraps with These Quick and Easy Projects

#185 Shizuko Kuroha's Japanese Patchwork Quilting Patterns
This book is worth the effort to borrow. There's a lot packed into it. I'm never going to do anything out of it; but I can appreciate the art and craftwork in here.

#186 Quilt Giving: 19 Simple Quilt Patterns to Make and Give

#187 Forgotten in Death (In Death, #53)
I feel like Robb/Roberts is going back to original feel for these books after a really weird, grim turn. I keep waiting for the day Peabody & McNab announce they are having children.

#188 The Girl with the Louding Voice
Book club title that was interesting but particularly compelling.

#189 Patchwork Quilted Bags: Totes, Purses and Accessories

#190 Amish Circle Quilt
This is really weird. I get this squidgy fiction/not-fiction vibe off this craft book. I cannot imagine any Amish woman handing over letters to an outsider let alone handing over letters to an outside to publish. I'm left feeling really uncomfortable about this craft book. The patterns are interesting; but the premise is...off-putting.

#191 Seaside Home: 25 Stitched Projects from Sea Creatures to Sailboats
#192 Make 1-Hour Gifts: 16 Cheerful Projects to Sew
#193 Make + Love Quilts: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century
#194 Modern Rainbow: 14 Imaginative Quilts That Play with Color
#195 World of Quilts: 25 Modern Projects: Reinterpreting Quilting Heritage from Around the Globe
#196 Simple Sashiko: 8 Sashiko Sewing Projects for the Modern Home
#197 Quick Easy Baby Quilts: Trendy or Traditional

#198 Quilting: Row by Row Construction
This was like a pamphlet in a series. No idea why the series was published like this and not as ONLY one book.

#199 Special Delivery Quilting for Baby

#200 Morse Code Quilts: Material Messages for Loved Ones
I borrowed this specifically because I plan on putting a coded message on at least one quilt. I wanted the technique the author used more than I wanted her projects.

#201 The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen
OMG. The squick factor for this book. Not to mention I still get all the irrational angry feels for this book and Russell as I do for Sherlock Holmes. Does no one else get creeped out that Russell and Holmes marry further in the series??

#202 Whip Up Mini Quilts: Patterns and How-to for 26 Contemporary Small Quilts

#203 East-Meets-West Quilts: Tiptoe into Improv with Japanese-Inspired Designs
This is spectacular. I'm not buying it; but it's just amazing the browse through and enjoy the artistry.

#204 Mini-Mosaic Quilts: 30+ Block Designs, 14 Projects, Easy Piecing Technique

#205 Modern Memory Quilts: A Handbook for Capturing Meaningful Moments, 12 Projects + the Stories That Inspired Them
I'm tempted by this. The process and the questions are of more interest to me than the actual projects highlighted.

#206 Color Essentials Crisp & Vibrant Quilts: 12 Modern Projects Featuring Precut Solids

#207 Amy Butler's Piece Keeping: 20 Stylish Projects that Celebrate Patchwork
There is something I find off-putting in every Amy Butler book I browse through. I can't figure out what exactly it is.

#208 The Royal Treatment (Alaskan Royal Family, #1)

#209 Redhead by the Side of the Road
Book club title. Nothing. Happens. Ever. I do not like character driven novels. I want plot. Give me PLOT. Still, Tyler is exceptional at her craft; and I didn't want to sue her for my lost hours of reading.

#210 Beyond the Block: Modern Patchwork Projects Inspired by Log Cabin Blocks
Ooooh, I am really tempted by this book. In fact, I'm almost positive I will put in on my Xmas wishlist this year.

#211 Modern Selvage Quilting: Easy-Sew Methods 17 Projects Small to Large
#212 Love Flying Geese: 27 Modern Quilt Projects from Love Patchwork & Quilting
#213 Quilt As-You-Go Made Modern: Fresh Techniques for Busy Quilters
#214 90-Minute Quilts: 25+ Projects You Can Make in an Afternoon
#215 The Quilter's Practical Guide to Color: Includes 10 Skill-Building Projects

#216 The Kansas City Star Quilts Sampler: 60+ Blocks from 1928-1961, Historical Profiles by Barbara Brackman
This is also very tempting. I want to know more about this segment of the history of quilt making. I looked up some of the patterns in the digitized edition of the Kansas City Star. I'm always fascinated by the social register/social columns of smaller newspapers. I want to know more about the people that wrote in looking to connect with someone.

#217 Modern Minimal: 20 Bold & Graphic Quilts
#218 The Proposal (The Survivors' Club, #1)

#219 Quick Quilts with Rulers: 18 Easy Quilt Patterns
Very disappointing. The rulers used are very specialized. It's basically an ad for buying the rulers.

#220 Growing Up Modern: 16 Quilt Projects for Babies & Kids

#221 The Modern Appliqué Workbook: Easy Invisible Zigzag Method 11 Quilts to Round Out Your Skills

#222 Use Scraps, Sew Blocks, Make 100 Quilts: 100 stash-busting scrap quilts
I am not a scrappy piecer. I'm never going to be a scrappy piecer. That's partly why I have ridiculous collections of scraps that aren't ever going to amount to much unless I force myself to do something with what I've got.

#223 Visual Guide to Patchwork & Quilting: Fabric Selection to Finishing Techniques & Beyond

#224 3-Fabric Quilts: Quick Techniques for Simple Projects
Oooooooh, I like the -- simplicity isn't really the right word; but I can't put my finger on the exact one that works. The technique of 3-color quilts is appealing.

#225 Modern Quilt Magic: 5 Parlor Tricks to Expand Your Piecing Skills - 17 Captivating Projects
#226 Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Burano: Designs Inspired by a Venetian Island
#227 Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Ireland: 20 Designs Using the Kaffe Fassett Collective

#228 The Bad Muslim Discount
Book club title. This doesn't have a ton of plot; and it's about 50-75 pages too long. Having said that, it's a good book.

The last of my reading for the year...wait.no. I have one more bookclub book for the year. Also, I just realized I probably won't be in town for the meeting.

#229 Hamnet
#230 How Much These Hills is Gold
#231 Priceless, Mayer
#232 Storm and Fury, Armentrout

I've also read a bunch of magazines (anything quilt related that is available from Overdrive). I'm definitely not including that in my reading count. Although, I feel like I should considering the number of titles I've read. lol

#233 The Nature of Fragile Things
#234 Hold Fast Through the Fire
#235 The Duke Heist
#236 You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey
#237 An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good

I probably have at least two more books in me for the year.

#239 56 Days
Surprisingly good for being a COVID-19 novel. It's a little slow; but I think of it as a slow burn rather than annoying.

That's it for 2021!!

Happy New Year! May your reads be satisfying!

I'm wrong! I left off the last book club read of the year:
#238 Winter Counts