BeebeeReads Steps Up in 2022

Hi and welcome to my first LT thread. I'm Barb, aka beebeereads. I am happily retired and fill my time with volunteer work doing remote Medicare counseling for our state agency. Open Enrollment is crazy, but otherwise it's a nice pace. This allows me to be at home most days to keep an eye on a hubby with health challenges. I do spend one day a week with three of my grandchildren 8-6-4 yo girls--a delightful day! I have been a lifelong reader and in retirement it has become my primary hobby. Cross Stitch charts call my name, but the book seems to win out most of the time. I don't read as many books as most on LT groups, but I am comfortable in my chosen space. I read 4-5 books/month. I thought I would try a thread this year. I have tracked my books on LT since 2008 and at that time entered ones I could remember reading back to 2000. I don't write reviews, but I do post comments about the book to share my thoughts and to remind myself of the reasons for my rating. I use the typical 5 star scale, but do use .5 decimals as well.

This year I would like to put a dent in some of the Kindle books I purchased and have yet to read. I love the CAT challenges and have been doing those since 2017. I keep a spreadsheet now so I can plan ahead for each challenge. Obviously with my rate of reading I don't read for every one, but it is fun to plan and I often catch up with my intentions long after the challenge is over. I love figuring out which books will work for each category. I belong to two book clubs--one IRL-but over Zoom now, at my small town library; the other online.



So here's my idea for 2022. To accommodate my slower pace and my desire to participate in so much, I've decided my theme will be One Step at a Time.

Kindle TBR



Kindle is my preferred medium for reading. I love the convenience, the low eye strain screen and the ability to read at night without disturbing my hub. I use the Libby app and borrow most of my books, but I have purchased a lot of Kindle deals via my favorite website affiliations. I don't purchase a deal unless the title is already on my TBR, but sometimes the newer ones come along and older choices get left behind. I'd like to catch up a bit this year. There are some great reads on that precious Paperwhite.

Accomplished:
Jayber Crow by Wendell Barry
Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
The Sewing Machine by Natalie Fergie
State of Terror by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny
The Yellow House by Sarah Broom
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

Series



I work in my next-in-series books one at a time when the mood strikes.

Which shoe shall I wear today?

January: Lady Sherlock #5 Murder on Cold Street
March: Gamache #13 Glass Houses
April: Gamache #14 The Kingdom of the Blind
June: TMC #2 The Man Who Died Twice
Gamache #15 A Better Man
August Ruth Galloway #14 The Locked Room
September Gamache #16 All the Devils Are Here

My Real Life Book Club


We have been together for 5 years now and it feels very comfy. We are a diverse age group, tackling a wide range of topics as we alternate between fiction and non-fiction. I rarely skip the chosen book.

January The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
February The Anthropocene Reviewed
March Klara and the Sun
April Covered with Night
May The Lincoln Highway
June The Yellow House
July The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
August How the Word Is Passed
September Firekeeper's Daughter
September The Woman They Could Not Silence
October Beautiful Country

Online Book Club



I joined this group during the pandemic and am so glad I did. It's a fun outlet for my hobby that allows me to pick and choose among a large array of options. No pressure! I chose a Regency boot to reflect the name, but this does not reflect the reading diversity in the club.

Jayber Crow This was on my TBR based on recommendations before it became a monthly flight pick for this group. So glad I read it!

Laundry Love From the Summer Reading Guide (which I read all year.

The Unseen World Monthly Pick

Who is Maud Dixon?

Musical Chairs

Selected Poems

So Many Beginnings

Bomb Shelter

Lessons in Chemistry

The Cartographers

Pre-reading for my grandchildren



My g-kids (10-8-8-6-4) are a gender mix with a wide variety of interests. Some are getting into Middle Grade range and I have read a few books each year to suss out best gifts. I have always pre-read the picture books for the younger ones as well. In the future, I hope to read books that they choose on their own so I can keep up with them that way as well.

Bunheads by Sophie Flack
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
Borders by Thomas King, Natasha Donovan>
I Am an Artist by Patricia Collins and Robin Brickman
Katie and the Starry Night by James Mayhew
Watercress by Andrea Wang
Noodle and the No Bones Day
What Can Colors Do by Liz Yohlin Baill
How to Be An Art Rebel by Ben Street
A True Home by Kallie George

LT Challenges This Year



I'm always running to keep up with the challenges in the Category Challenge. So I'll list my accomplishements here. I accept duplicates! I don't always make it in the designated month, but look at it as a yearlong endeavor.

This year I am following:
AuthorCAT
January: Moon of the Crusted Snow
June The Yellow House
July Watercress
November The Sentence

CATWoman
January: Dust Tracks on the Road
May: Death on the Nile
July: Lessons in Chemistry
August: How To Be An Art Rebel

RandomKIT
March: Hobby Love A Woven World
April: April Showers Fifty Words for Rain
July: Dog Days Lessons in Chemistry

MysteryKIT
January: Murder on Cold Street
March: Glass Houses

AlphaKIT
January: R and H
Dust Tracks on the Road
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
None for H this month :-(

February: A and B
Borders by Thomas King, Illustrated by Natasha Donovan
The Anthropocene Review by John Green
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews

March: P and S
Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel
Klara and the Sun
Glass Houses

April : L and J
Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie
An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo

May : O and D
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

I also follow Reading Through Time when I can.
April: Technology The Sewing Machine
May: Beginnings So Many Beginnings
July: Mental Health The Woman They Could Not Silence
August: Fiction and History By Her Own Design

Diversity



I make a concerted effort to have a variety of voices in my reading life. I love to learn more about other races amd cultures, to learn more about challenges that people face, and to broaden my world view.

Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
Borders by Thomas King, Natasha Donovan
Moon of the Crusted Moonby Waubgeshig Rice
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Maud Martha by Gwendolyn Brooks
An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo
Two Old Women
The Nickel Boys
So Many Beginnings
The Yellow House
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
How The Word Is Passed
By Her Own Design
No Land to Light On
Beautiful Country
The Sentence
Murder on the Red River
All That She Carried

DNF-Second Chance



I have a few books that I put back on the shelf before finishing or in some cases, barely starting. I want to pull them out for a second look in case it was just wrong time.

Just Because----



Sometimes a book comes along that just calls my name. I chose this stunning shoe to represent the joy of finding a beautiful book to read, just because its there calling to me!

I am editing this category to include Textiles and Needlearts. My Favorites and my TBR are filled with ficiton and non-fiction on these two topics. I read them interspersed with my book club books. Sometimes there is overlap, but mostly I read them "Just Because".

Laundry Love
Kaffe Fassett in the Studio
House of Gucci
The Nickel Boys
By Her Own Design
Metropolitan Stories

Ahh, how clever and cute! I love keeping my thread--you won't regret it. And yes, both shoes and books can call our names!

Welcome! I love all your shoe pictures, especially the rainbow of ballet flats!

Congrats on your very first thread! I only started last year, too, and I have never looked back.

I love the shoe pictures that you picked so thoughtfully, and I think that it is great that you know what reading pace is comfortable for you - our hobby shouldn't be stressful or put pressure on us!

I look forward to following along!

What a clever idea for your Category Challenge! I have placed a star here and I am looking forward to following along!

>11 NinieB: >12 christina_reads: >13 MissBrangwen: Thank you for the welcome. I am looking forward to this year of reading, whatever it brings.
>14 DeltaQueen50: special shout out to you for helping me launch!

The shoe pictures are great. Have fun with your reading this year.

Enjoy your 2022 reading!

I love your shoe cat, especially the "Just Because" Cat. However, I would probably fall over and get a concussion if I wore those!

Great theme and pictures. Enjoy!

Great theme and the shoe pictures are wonderful. Enjoy your reading!

>18 Tess_W: LOL-me too, but we can revel in the beauty and stay upright in our dreams!!

>16 hailelib: >17 thornton37814: >19 marell: >20 MissWatson: Thanks for your support. We'll see how it goes!

Excellent setup! Like Christina, I love that rainbow of flats! Also the rainbow Doc Martens (?) for your diversity category are fabulous. Have a great reading year!

>22 rabbitprincess: Thank you! I couldn't resist the rainbow boots!

Welcome! I retired in 2013 and I also volunteer as a Medicare counselor. We have a free tax program too but in that case I just work doing clerical, I have never wanted to come out of open enrollment, jump into holidays and then into annual tax training. I can only dream of a career with fabrics, I was in manufacturing, but how I love them!

I hope you enjoy having a thread!

>24 clue: You are a busy lady! I loved my time in the fabric business. Unfortunately, as with the cobbler who had no shoes, my own sewing took a back seat. What I loved most about sewing though was the fabric selection. So I was lucky to have that experience every day of the 24 years I owned the business.
I do try to work my love of sewing and fabrics into my reading life...perhaps I should have added a category for that as well. I have several on my TBR right now so they will show up sometime this year, I hope!

Kindle TBR, MMD

Oh my goodness, what a read! I am so glad I dipped into Wendell Barry. His writing is magnificent and the story carried me through to the last page. This fictional tale told in a memoir form flows like a river of words winding through a single life. Barry's ever-flowing narrative moves from story-telling to philosophizing. He ably captured such topics as the worth of one life, the fullness of a small town, the satisfaction of a simple life, and the changing of norms between the young and the old.

Right now I am unsure as to whether I will read more of the Port William series. I am inclined to leave that image as seen through Jayber's eyes and be happy I went there.

Serious book hangover here!

>26 beebeereads: Sounds lovely! On my WL is goes.

>26 beebeereads: I definitely need to read some Wendell Berry. Sounds like this is the one I should add to my list!

>27 Tess_W: >28 christina_reads: Since this is my first foray into his work, I would say I am very happy to have started with Jayber. A reading friend of mine advised that the order is inconsequential. I'm thinking I will do Hannah Coulter next but I am not at all ready. Need time to digest so I've moved on to other reads this month.

RL Book Club The Invisible Life of Addie Larue



I loved this book from the first page. I would never have picked this up because I don’t usually read fantasy, nor have I much interest in Faustian mythology. But oh my, I am so glad this was a book club selection. I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through 300 years of cultural history, dipping in and out of major events from the point of view of the downtrodden and other times the wealthy class. But it really isn’t about the day-to-day trials of a woman who lives forever. It is more about relationships and memories and the trades people are wiling to make for happiness. It is complex in its presentation of these thought problems and does not slip into superficial explanations. My only regret is that the story didn’t end a few pages earlier. I think the author or her editor felt the need for a few more explanations but I was fine with an ending that assumed the reader would be satisfied.

Kindle TBR, CATWoman, Diversity


I so loved Their Eyes Were Watching God that I was enthusiastic about reading the author's memoir. The first half of the book was stimulating and told the story of her early life well. I will say only that after that it was a struggle to hold my interest. However, there is much to consider and her writings and musings on religion, friendship and race were informative. I will be interested to hear from younger readers who have recently embraced ZNH. I captured a lot of notes with quotes that I know I will remember. One of my favorites for the humor of it is her commentary on reading trash sometimes rather than all erudite works.
I do not regret the trash. It has harmed me in no way. It was a help, because acquiring the reading habit early is the important thing. Taste and natural development will take care of the rest later on.

A more thoughtful comment as she closes
So I give you all my right hand of fellowship and love, and hope for the same from you. In my eyesight, you lose nothing by not looking just like me.

January Pre-reads for grandchildren.
I've read a couple that I'll mention here.



Bunheads

Good story for children studying dance or other competitive activities. I was not a fan of the illustrations. The angularity didn't seem to fit the storyline.



Garlic and the Vampire

Too simple for kids who like vampires, too scary for most young kids. The ilustrations are beautifully done, but pretty dark for sensitive readers.

Four of my five grandchildren I would categorize as sensitive readers.
Therefore my reviews reflect that consideration as I search for books to share.

January Series, January Mystery KIT



Murder on Cold Street

I enjoy this series when I'm in the mood for a light read. The characters are fun and the main character is quirky in all the right ways. I like the feminist bent and also the historical context of the late 19th c.

AuthorCAT, AlphaKIT, Diversity


I am so glad I listened to Moon of the Crusted Snow. The dystopian plot is predictable and not inventive. However, that is not the point of this richly told story. Rice sets the stage using simple language that gets deep to the heart of the setting and the characters. Reading this during the winter months in my locale just added to the drama of the setting that the author describes. The reader gets to know each character as they appear on the page, not only by physical descriptions, which are clear and precise, but also their backstory and that of the community. Native words were included to educate and to authenticate the story. Listening to the rhythm and intonation of the native actor who read the novel made the characters come to life. If you love stories that revolve around living off the land or you want to learn more about indigenous peoples history, this would be an excellent place to start. I know this will live in my head for a long time.

Hello Barb! Catching up on a few threads, and what a great way to showcase your various readings this year. DeltaQueen was also a big help while I expanded my own thread on this Group. Happy 2022 reading!

>35 threadnsong: Thanks so much. As I said, I don't read the volume (oops pun) that many of you do, but I do plan to keep up with my posting. I expect to finish a couple this week and will post accordingly. Hope you stop by often.

AlphaKIT, Diversity, Pre-Read for Kids



Borders

I really appreciated Donovan's illustrations. I feel they told the story well. The narrative was repetitious, but the facts of the book are important and moving. I would find this a helpful demonstration of the conflicts and challenges faced by native peoples.

Online Book Club, Just Because



Laundry Love

This book came onto my radar via MMD summer reading list. It is a lighthearted visit to the laundry room. Those who love textiles, both historic and modern, will find this fascinating. Those who want cleaner clothes without chemicals will find this essential. The guides in the book would be helpful for people with little experience in the laundry room with stain removal. Over a half century doing laundry and a quarter century working in textiles and I still had more to learn!

Mostly though this was a trip down memory lane. What was old is new again. I particularly enjoyed reading about line drying. Patric’s description of hanging clothes with his grandmother transported me back to my mother’s side, handing her the pins as she artfully hung the wash.

Patric's humor is throughout bringing a smile to a routine activity. Use this book hoot as a good palette cleanser after heavy reading.

Real Life Book Club, AlphaKIT



The Anthropocene Reviewed

I was an outlier in my book club. This one just didn't work for me. I wanted to give this book of essays at least a 3* rating, but I struggled to justify it. First, I rarely read books about other people's angst and this was definitely in the angsty memoir genre. I also am not a fan of essays. Both of those are caveats that will only apply to a few readers like me who prefer to huddle in a happier place. No shade to the author.
Structurally, the book reminded me of a high school research paper. There was sort of a thesis, supported by relevant quotes from reliable sources, a few wise conclusions with a rating at the end of each section which supposedly supports the thesis??? There was a lot of rambling, not quite stream of consciousness, but headed in that direction. The structural idea was good and I am certain I will remember many of the anecdotes. The ratings were fun to anticipate, but did I need to read it? Probably not. So "it was ok" is the best rating.

Online Book Club



The Unseen World

Last year Liz Moore's Long Bright River was in my top 10 reads. I was eager to read another of her novels. This one did not disappoint. In my opinion, Liz Moore is one of the best current day storytellers. She weaves a plot that is compelling from beginning to end. You don’t know where you are going but are so willing to go there with her. I loved the characters in this book even though they were mostly scientists, except, of course, the dear librarian. She provided a softer sensibility. I wonder if she ever talked to ELIXIR? To say much about the plot would be to ruin the experience. I went in blind and am glad I did. I may now need to be a Liz Moore completist!

>40 beebeereads: Long Bright River was one of my favorites from last year as well, so I am adding The Unseen World to my wishlist. :)

>41 DeltaQueen50: Hope you enjoy it when you get to it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and may add Heft to my TBR.

>38 beebeereads: I have this and look forward to reading it soon!

AlphaKIT, Diversity, BC Readalong


A Snake Falls to Earth

Whew! I’m done with that one! I usually don’t push through unless I am reading in tandem with others. First, this is YA. With notable exceptions, I don’t usually enjoy this category. In addition, I don’t delight in fantasy the way many others do. So that said, this wasn’t the book for me. I do, however, appreciate books based on legends and this would definitely qualify on that count. Through that lens, I was able to appreciate the story more. The characters are fun to get to know, but the silliness of their actions seems cartoonish and didn’t hold my interest.

Just Because


Kaffe Fassett in the Studio
I am not a quilter, a knitter nor an artist, but this book about Kaffe Fassett’s home and studio was delightful to me and fed my lifelong fascination with color and textiles.
I particularly enjoyed the tour of his bathroom highlighting Rupert Spira’s ceramics. Rich colors combined with muted hues are so delicious. And then the entry way...delightfully skewed stained glass tumbling blocks. The mosaiced terrace overgorwn with lush climbing florals..a stunning place to contemplate color and design.
Although I could not live in this riot of color, I appreciate what it must be like to be surrounded by the artistic joy.

Favorite Quotes

Color is such a gigantic enigma, changing and revealing different possibilities each time one concentrates on it for more than a moment.

Jumping from media to media gives anyone interested in the mysteries of color a fresh eye on the subject.

AlphaKIT, Online Book Club


Who is Maud Dixon

This very buzzy book was a disappointment for me. It didn’t capture me the way it did many others. The ruse was too easy to figure out and even with a few more twists, the ending left me flat. I guess I need at least one likeable character in my books!

>45 beebeereads: Kaffe Fassett is a giant in the textile and yarn worlds. His use of color is astounding, and I know several knitters who have undertaken his creations. It's not an easy feat. I had no idea this book existed!

>47 threadnsong: I think you would enjoy it...its a peek into his personal world.

Book Club, Alpha KIT



Klara and the Sun

I was surprised I didn't love this book. There was so much buzz about it. I do think it was a worthy read, but the plot lacked sophistication. The subplot offers a lot of room for ruminating on the meaning of our way of life. What is Love? As expected it was a good book club discussion. I was the cynic amongst the group, seeing Klara as total technology. Many of the group loved her as a real person. I couldn't go there. I was having a lot of trouble liking many of the characters. One member raised the point that we were seeing the characters through Klara's eyes which might explain some of the flat emotionality. I thought that was worthy to ponder as I reacted to the Mother or the Photographer. 3.5* I'll now go back and read other reviews. I avoid reviews like the plague prior to reading. It sucks the life out of any book for me to know much of anything ahead of time.

Alpha KIT, Online Book Club



Musical Chairs

This light-hearted story is full of reflection on life choices and their consequences. It is fluffy with minimal character development and less plot. The rural Connecticut setting was appealing and perfect for the “rich people problems” that abound. It was billed as humorous and it is, in a sit com kind-of-way. I would definitely recommend it as a palette cleanser and there are some characters (I’m looking at you Will) who are worth the read. In fact, the male characters seemed to have more depth, which is a turnabout for me. I generally gravitate to strong female characters…not too many here…maybe Lottie? I’m not sorry I read it but wonder if it would be better on the screen.

Random KIT



A Woven World

This is not what I expected, but I found it so interesting. It is a memoir of sorts told in several love languages. She searches for a more complete picture of her matrilineal heritage. She remembers her grandmother fondly, but knows little about the details of her life. Her great grandmother was a dressmaker in France, emigrated to NYC by way of Mexico and created a couture business that lasted through two generations. This was what drew me to the book and I was not disappointed with the background history she unearthed. But then in counterbalanced chapters Demming turns her focus to the fishing industry off the Northern Atlantic coast in New Brunswick. Her family summered on this island and she became fascinated with the history of herring weirs. And if you are me, who knows what those are? I learned so much. As much as the author frames her life through natural surroundings she also remains fascinated with the world of high fashion. Such a contrast and yet she finds commonalities that are realistic and apt.
This narrative rambles from one thought to the next, then is randomly and regularly infused with historical references. Amazingly it all hangs together and is more compelling with each chapter. The writing is lyrical (the author is a poet) and sweeps the reader along from one dress to another fish story. I am so glad I found this book.

>51 beebeereads: That is an eye-catching cover. I know if I saw it on the shelf, I would be picking it up for a closer look!

>52 DeltaQueen50: If you like memoir told in a literary voice with dabs of history mixed into the family story, this is for you. If not, just enjoy looking at the cover!

Mystery KIT, Alpha KIT, Series



Glass Houses

Of course I loved this book...as with all the books in the Gamache series. This one jumped to five stars for me because the storyline was so compelling. Told in a back and forth present and near past, the truth comes out as the book nears conclusion. Although I had figured out the plot earlier, I kept hoping I wasn't right! As usual, the writing is what sweeps me in. After several meh books this month, I opened this one and immediately felt "ah, so good to be here". I will never tire of Three Pines and the captivating stories Penny tells.

Kindle TBR, CATWoman

The Art of Gathering
I love books like this! Right up my alley of interest in group behavior. The topic has very little to do with my life right now, but I still found it fascinating. Readable, accessible, and well worth it for anyone planning business gatherings. I think it is a bit too much manipulation for small family events, but larger events in any social context would benefit. I started this book last year but put it aside...not because I didn't like it, but other things kept taking priority. I picked it up again recently and finished it. Note to self: it is always worth taking a look at your prior DNFs.
This book would work so well for anyone tasked with organizing a professional gathering with a purpose. The author walks the organizer through from pre-event planning to the final exit. Although I don't have much current use for the techniques, I enjoyed reading her experiences in facilitating groups. It would have served me well in many of my past roles. I found the business and professional applications very specific and useful. I didn't feel as comfortable with her effort to transform those techniques to personal gatherings. Some of the techniques suggested for professional gatherings translate to simple courtesy at a private party, i.e., greeting your guests individually and personally walking each out at the end. But there are tips here and there that might help for specific private parties. Again, I am passed that in my life, but won't hesitate to recommend this to anyone planning an event.

AuthorCAT, WomanCAT, RandomKIT, AlphaKIT, Kindle TBR



Fifty Words for Rain

This debut novel from Asha Lemmie really hit the mark.

"The first real memory Nori had was pulling up to that house."

The story is compelling from the first sentence to the last.

A child born out of wedlock to a royal family in 1940’s Japan, an unknown stepbrother, a cruel grandmother, an evil grandfather, a touching friendship and so much more. If you are a sensitive reader, check your triggers first. Simply put this is a story of survival and hope. Even though many readers disliked the ending, I was satisfied and I think it made the story more realistic. Can't say more without spoilers. See what you think.

I don't read reviews until after I have finished with a book. I was disappointed to see a number of people did not enjoy this book as much as I did. It worked really well for me, but evidently not for everyone. Caveat emptor!

>55 beebeereads: I have helped organize and participated in many group business and themed gatherings. This sounds like one I should put on my wishlist for any future events. Thanks for your review!

I offer a "mea culpa" for not visiting here earlier. It seems every year I miss a thread I should be following. Your post over in the Needlearts group made me realize I hadn't noticed what books you read. I've put the Kaffe Fassett book into a library wishlist. I hadn't realized how many of his books are available from the library. Chris Grabenstein writes a middle school series Mr Lemoncello... that is quite good. I'm going to try and get to Wendell Berry this year too. And I was interested in The Anthropocene Reviewed until I read your remarks - probably not for me either. Ok - Now I'm caught up and have you starred.

ETA: Oh yeah - love the shoes!

>57 threadnsong: Hope it enhances your meeting planning!
>58 dudes22: Welcome. So glad for your comments. I am new to LT threads so its fun to have some participation as I find my way.

>60 Ann_R: I hope you enjoy it! I saw the poor reviews after I read it. I can see some of the points that were made, but I came away with a very positive review as you saw. As we know, what works for one, does not for another. Hope its a win for you.

Reading Through Time, Technology


The Sewing Machine

I added this to my Kindle TBR when it was first published. Based on the title alone, it promised to pull me in but halfway through the book I was using the word “meh” to describe my reading experience.
Good news! By the end I was ready to up it a star or more.

This debut work is historical fiction told in three or more timelines, following a single sewing machine, the Singer 99K first produced in 1911. The premise had me from the beginning, but I was uninspired by the writing and the storytelling until at least the halfway point. Having finished on a surprising upbeat, I may go back to reread the first half. The writing was flat. She tried, but she just doesn't have that word magic that so many writers do. It could have been my mood so I’ll give it another shot.
I am always a sucker for the author’s backstory and this one didn’t disappoint. She collects old sewing machines. For others who do the same, this will scratch that itch. I am not a collector, but having just donated my mother’s old Singer last year, I did feel a bit of donator’s remorse. All in all, I would recommend this book as a worthwhile read for those who find sewing as a backdrop to a story intriguing. The author plans on future books so I’ll look forward to her sophomore novel.

>62 beebeereads: - Sounds interesting enough to go on the "someday" list.

Book Club



Covered with Night

This was way too academic for my reading life these days. Listening to others, evidently this is a grand narrative that is not typical for history books. I will say "hats off" to the author for the extensive research she put in and to her attempt to tell a story. Honestly, I skim-read a large part of it, slowing down when there was a human-interest angle. The Great Treaty of 1722 lay the basis for restorative justice claims today. I am happy to add this part of Native history to my knowledgebase and will now be more aware of the definitions of justice that are so much a part of our discussions today.

Addressing the broader point of principle, Satcheechoe explains, "one life is enough to be lost, there should not two die." With these words, Satcheechoe does more than just announce the Haudenosaunee position on this particular case. He is articulating a broader worldview wholly at odds with English expectations. Emotion figures centrally in the Iroquois approach to justice: The sadness of the mourners, the remorse of the killers, the sympathies of the community all create the atmosphere necessary for successfully covering the dead by providing the grief-stricken with offerings of reparations. At the same time the Haudenosaunee believe it is essential to avoid anger if further violence is to be prevented. Even killers can be forgiven and reintegrated into the community, as long as the emotional and material suffering they cause has been throughly redressed.

Diversity



Maud Martha

This book came to my attention through The Book Cougars podcast. It is a quick, but powerful read. This is the only novel written by poet Gwendolyn Brooks. "The book begins "Maud Martha was born in 1917. She is still alive." And so the story begins with Maud Martha in her teens, then on to marriage, a baby, homemaking and working. Her statements on Black life in the 1930s and 40s are poignant and often delightful. I wanted more, but it was not to be. The writing is sparse in the best of ways. This short collection of vignettes is worth a read whether you are a fan of her poetry or not.

>66 Ann_R: Be aware it may be hard to find. I had no trouble getting right away from my library system, but others in my group could not get it anywhere. I did hear that a reprint was done recently in London and may be available on Book Deposit. Hope you can find it and that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Just Because



This book isn’t for everyone. I could understand readers categorizing it as a dry biography without a lot of action. But for me, it was a great listen. The subtitle says it all...murder, madness, glamour and greed!! Oh yes! I thought the author did a great job making this family dynasty story compelling. The audiobook narrator made the Italian backdrop seem very real and the author’s description of setting was exceptional. I appreciated the add-on Afterword to bring the facts up to the present.

If you plan to read it, I suggestion you google House of Gucci family tree. There is one in the front of the paper book and I found it helpful to review after I listened to it. The author does a masterful job reminding readers regularly who each character is, but I had a little trouble with the timing as ownership passed. I would have liked a tree of the business ownership especially as it left the confines of the family.

I doubt that I will watch the movie, preferring to keep the descriptions I “see” in my head as those that stick with me.

Online Book Club pick

During poetry month, we read a wide variety of poetry. In addition to a currated list of poems for each day of the month, we read some collections.

An American Sunrise was a re-read for me. Highly recommend this personal and poetic telling of the Trail of Tears journey. Beautiful in its sadness and grief.


What Kind of Woman Baer is a fierce feminist voice chronicling phases of a woman's life in the contemporary world.



Kyrie is a sad, and raw recounting of the double horror of the 1918 flu pandemic and World War I. This was a tough read but I admire the poet who could capture the pain and grief of that experience.

>62 beebeereads: How fascinating! I have (and use) my grandmother's Singer Featherweight, and I feel your donater's remorse. I sometimes wonder if I had taken more interest in Home Ec in high school if I would have been more adept at the attachments that come with it.

And I would love to see more books where women taking an interest in or doing needle arts is not a bad thing. Foxmask by Juliet Marillier was one of those, where the protagonist brings her embroidery with her on her journeys.

>70 threadnsong: Thanks for the recommendation. You never know when a book features needlearts unless the title or summary features it. It's fun to find out about others this way.

Time to catch up with my May posts. I've had a number of 5 star reads, each rated that way for a different reason, but each providing that sought after 5 star experience.
Alpha KIT, CatWoman


Death on the Nile
I have read only a few Agatha Christie mysteries so my comments are unrelated to her entire catalog. This one was a lot of fun to listen to "rich people problems" from 1937. Familiar themes of greed and jealousy twist around with generosity of spirit and the intrigue of a murder investigation. Just what I needed for a palette cleanser so for me it was the right book at the right time.

Book Club


The Lincoln Highway
Who remembers supper at Howard Johnsons? Duck and Cover drills? and so much more.
I had been waiting for this book a long time. So glad it arrived at my library in time for my May book club discussion. A Most Excellent Adventure! Perhaps it was the romp through 1954 which dazzled me, but Amor Towles can make any time in history seem captivating. I love his side roads to other topics as he takes you on the journey. This is off-putting to some readers, but I love it. I'm a couple weeks out from finishing it and I am still delighted by the scenes that keep coming back to me. Although I found Billy’s character annoying, his repetition of historical journeys helped provided a philosophical context for life journeys. Of course, as in any novel there are some tough times, so readers should not be lulled into thinking all is right in this fictional world.
Although I loved Gentleman in Moscow, I actually think this has surpassed it in terms of sheer enjoyment of the reading experience. Can't wait for his next book!

Kindle TBR



State of Terror
I wanted to like this book. I liked enough to finish it, but it didn't rise to a Louise Penny book in my opinion. I was disappointed to see the Three Pines tie-in. It just didn't fit very well. All that said, if you like political thriller it works well enough. Wish I could rate it higher as I really liked the idea of these two women working together to craft a readable mystery. Oh well...

Just Because



The Nickel Boys
It is hard to rate anything Whitehead writes less than five stars. His talent is inspiring. His choice of topic is challenging and provocative. The story of the Nickel school is based on an actual reform school in Florida in the sixties. Whitehead weaves the background of some of the boys and some of the custodians into the forward moving story of the main characters. The treatment of the kids was horrifying and the behavior of the elders disturbing to read about again, but we must.

For Grandkids



I Am an Artist
I loved reading this picture book. The artistic eyes through which the author sees nature and the world around her and the illustrations to help the reader see it too are worth the read. However, my very imaginative and artistic 6 year old will not hear the poetic words that I do. She would do better rendering her own images. So I'll pass on this for her, but highly recommend for others.

Online Book Club, Diversity, RTT Beginnings



So Many Beginnings

I didn't expect to like this book. First, once around the bend with Little Women was enough for me. Second, I don’t like retellings. Third, I am generally not enthralled with YA, with notable exceptions.
Now that I have finished the book, I thoroughly appreciate why the author chose to do a remix of a popular work…the better to invite a diverse audience to an untold history. Readers like me need to have this history in our knowledgebase. I was not familiar with the Freedmen’s colonies of the 1860s. I appreciated that the author thoroughly researched and told the history of these communities. In so doing, she gave us a strong sense of the place and the people. In addition, through her characters, she was able to expand her story to other relocations that were prevalent during this period. I recommend this to anyone who endeavors to learn more about life opportunities or lack thereof for freed people.

Diversity, Readalongs, Alpha KIT


Two Old Women
As with all legends, lessons were learned. The untapped strength of the two old women sustained them, but also inspired respect and determination as The People learned to better use their resources.

Series



3.5 * This quirky group of characters are back to entertain me. I like this series, but that's as far as it goes. I don't love it. The characters are a hoot and the mystery has lots of twists which are fun. To expect more is unrealistic. I will likely read the next one when I need another palate cleanser.

Kindle TBR, AuthorCAT, Book Club



Memoir, New Orleans history, Katrina, but also Burundi---so much to unpack here.I had high expectations for this book. Most of them were met, but the writing left me a little bit wanting. I respect her choice, but the author was maybe too careful not to offend her family members as she reels out the story of the house where she and 11 siblings grew up in New Orleans East. She left at age 18 for college and didn't return for a number of years. Curiosity about her family history lead her back to the city. Her journey is interesting, but her family stories are more so. Her mother Ivory Mae plays the most prominent role even as she stays in the background. In fact, I believe she wrote the book as a tribute to her mother's resilience. I highly recommend listening to some of her interviews where the true poetic nature of her voice comes through. I will be curious as to her next work.

Book Club



Bomb Shelter

I loved this book…thank you book club!! I would never have added this to my list, but so glad I read it. Real, funny, insightful, did I say real? Yes! Philpott is so authentic and I found myself racing through the book as she created a narrative throughline that took the reader from one thoughtful essay to another. If you have baseline anxiety about every day living, you will find your twin in these pages. From my stage of life, this is nostalgic, but I understand it could be difficult if you are in a different season right now. Her stories are delightful, poignant with all the feelings imaginable.

A Better Man

Not my favorite of the series, but still a 4 star for me. The mystery was a bit convoluted, but I still love everything she writes! On to Paris.

Kindle TBR, Book Club, Diversity


flt
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
4.5 Stars
I raced through this book. I was felt compelled to move forward with every sentence. Although it was long, I moved right through it as the plotline was revelatory and I was eager to know more about each character as they were introduced. I think I enjoyed the structure the most. I really admire the way Jeffers wove the historical story into the current day narrative. Some may find the number of characters and the multiple names for the same person confusing, but I found it captivating. The story was alive! The reason I fell short of the 5 * rating is that the middle third of the book is a very tough read. It did not deter me, but readers should know to expect graphic details around slavery and racial brutality along with lots of trigger warnings for harm to children. Know yourself before you dive in, but if you can, sally forth for the reward is great. I was immersed from the beginning and I know this reading experience will live with me for a very long time.

Random KIT, Pre-read for Grandkids



Noodle and the No Bones Day

This adorable book will bring fond memories to my grandchildren as they remember their pug who passed last year. Noodle will capture their hearts.

>80 beebeereads: - That dog has been on the Today show a couple of times and I think the author has a blog or twitter or something with the dog.

>81 dudes22: thanks, I had no idea! I will share that with my kids.

Kindle TBR



Catch and Kill

Ronan Farrow tells the story behind the story in his narrative of the Harvey Weinstein, scandal. Most of the facts of the case came out as Weinstein was accused in public and finally arrested and held accountable for multiple rapes, sexual assaults, and workplace sexual harassment. So those who followed the coverage will not find a lot new here but will learn a lot about the efforts the Weinstein company took to obstruct the investigation. Another more interesting angle of this book is the exposure of NBCs journalistic failures at the top echelons of the network. Farrow goes into deep detail of the process of building an investigative report which some may find tedious. I was intrigued and perhaps surprised, although I shouldn’t be, about the hours, days, months it takes to build such a report. Several years ago, I also read She Said, by Kantor and Twohey of the New York Times. These make good companion pieces. Farrow focuses on the process of getting powerful people to expose their peers. Kantor and Twohey got to know their sources and worked with them as equals. These are both important works and deepen our understanding of the Me Too! Movement.

Just Because



Search

This book about a church search committee was a good palette cleanser after a very heavy book. The story is low stress, the characters mostly authentic, the food descriptions fun. In the process of following a search committee that met for 9 months to choose the next minister for their UU church in Southern California, the author exposes the inner workings of a progressive church. She explores questions about organized religion, the definition of a “good fit” candidate and the existence of a fair and equitable process. Most importantly she seeks to define consensus. It was written in the form of a fictional memoir and included recipes that were worked into the narrative. The food that I enjoyed reading about was the restaurant food that ran through the story because the MC is a food critic. The group dynamics were fun to parse and there were a few unexpected events that changed the character of the group as the plot progressed. Some reviewers have suggested this is satirical. It stops short of that, but a few of the characters are exaggerated characterizations, not quite caricatures. This would be good read for anyone who has served on a search committee for any position---academic, ministerial, business or non-profit.

Online Book Club, CAT Women, Random


Lessons in Chemistry

Feminist rage, love, loss, determination, incredibly, as in beyond believable, smart dog, a precocious child, found family. I ended up really liking this book. It took me awhile to hop on board because the characters are just this side of believable. But once I bought in, I was all in right to the end. A fun summer read with messages galore.

Just Because

The Lazy Genius Way

I’ve heard about his book for a few years, listened to the author guest on shows and listened to a couple of her podcasts. I decided to take a look even though I don’t think it applies to my “season” of life. After reading it and now reading her next book, I told my daughter…we could have written this! Except of course we couldn’t. We are not talented writers with a sense of humor and a dynamic way of organizing all the tips for living that Adachi has done. Thank you Kendra for your skills. So I can’t say I “learned new things…having lived a life, I had discovered most of her tips through the school of hard knocks and gradually handed them over to my daughter to add to her stash of ways to make life easier. I am thankful that Adachi took the time and the talent to turn these into a readable text that was lighthearted, but seriously helpful. I was surprised that she chose to bring her belief system into one of the chapters, but she left it there---not preachy. It is pretty focused on families with children. I think this book would make a great gift for a baby shower.

AlphaKIT, Just Because


Going There

I borrowed this from Libby as a form of entertainment while I picked berries this month. It was a memoir so no real plot to follow. Katie's voice was familiar to me from all her years on network TV. There were no huge reveals as her life has been chronicled forever in the media, but I appreciate her honesty and her willingness to share some of her cringe-worthy moments along with her personal traumas. Seeing behind the celebrity curtain is so important for people who judge based on the front-facing persona. It was worth my time, and I got a lot of berry picking done!

Online Book Club

The Cartographers

I loved the structure of the book and the way the author unspooled the story. The characters were all fleshed out enough to be individualized as the reader learns what to expect from each. The solution to the mystery was not all that surprising, but the motivations behind some of the characters’ actions were more revelatory. This was a good summer read that falls into several subcategories. It had the flavor of a campus mystery, magical realism for sure, and it was a “get the band back together” story as well.

Pre-reading for Grandkids



What Can Colors Do?

This is an exploration of color in the art world. I think it will be appreciated by several different ages. The school age girls who have just completed some painting classes this summer will be able to learn more about how to use color in their art. The preschooler will enjoy learning different names for the shades of her favorite color-yellow!



How To Be An Art Rebel
I was very disappointed in this book. The narrator was constantly calling out parents as the ones who knew nothing, encouraging the kids to tell their parents they don't know what they are talking about. This is a dangerous message. I get that he was attempting to gain the trust of kids, but he could have done in it a positive way. I also felt that some of the language was verging on crude. I won't be giving this one to any of the five kids in my life.

Diversity, Book Club


How The Word Is Passed

A very worthwhile read to further my education in the history of slavery. I found the author’s exploration of notable sites informative and rich with detail, both in setting and in the conversations that he shared at each location. His writing style wandered between journalistic and literary. This sometimes caught me off guard, but never deterred me. I know I learned a lot that I had not recently known and was reminded of much that I had learned over the course of my life. This is not an academic book. It is a very readable walk through the difficult history our country has with slavery. I would recommend this for anyone high school forward as we all struggle to come to terms with the past.

Series



The Locked Room

In the latest addition to the Ruth Galloway series, the writing is 3*, the mystery is 3* but my interest in following these characters continues. I regularly give these books a 4* rating. Is it a locked room mystery n the strictest sense? Probably not, although there are plenty of locked rooms as the plot moves along. Several mysteries converge and the solutions are not surprising. The characters experience life in 2020 Britain and there are many references to that time. This is the first book I have read set in the Covid pandemic. It is a little weird watching the characters morph from naiveté into the stark reality of the pandemic. I remember so well that emerging realization. For light reading I always recommend this series. If you are looking for a literary mystery, look elsewhere.

Diversity, RTT, Just Because


By Her Own Design
This biographical historical novel is a great read for those interested in fashion design in the 20th c. Annie Lowe was a black woman with exceptional design skills. With the mentoring of her matriarchal household, the determination to never give up and some artistic patrons along the way, she created a business where she dressed the women of high society in the US. Her most well-known (now) dress was Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress when she married JFK. But there are sore spots in this narrative where they shouldn’t have been. Why was she never recognized? Why did her name not attach to her art? This is well worth the read for the history and the unveiling of a person of color whose work was nearly erased. It is packed with facts but wrapped in a story that is easy to follow in its memoir format.

Just Because


Write for Your Life

Anna Quindlen invites the reader into her world which she believes should be everyone’s world. Write it down was the mantra I gleaned from this ode to the written word. Her narrative takes us back in history and forward to the future as we consider those who did and did not “write it down”. I found it delightful and accessible as are most of her works. Even if you are not interested in becoming an amateur writer, you might reconsider what you can leave behind for generations to come.

>92 beebeereads: I just started this last night. I'm also surprised that Annie Lowe remained unknown so long. I would think just making Jackie's wedding dress would bring notoriety.

>94 clue: I'll let you read to find out more of what happened.
I also recently listened to a podcast with the author. I would not recommend it until after you've read the book. The author gives some more information as to her research and her storytelling.
https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com/interview-with-piper-huguley-by-her-own-design...

>92 beebeereads: I've taken a book bullet for By Her Own Design, it sounds very interesting.

>96 DeltaQueen50: I hope you enjoy it. The writing won't grab you, but the story will for sure.

Book Club, Diversity


Firekeeper's Daughter
Well, here I am again loving a YA novel…a genre I say I don’t like. The difference between this one and so many others is that the author doesn’t pander to the reader. It is a full-on exploration of a few years in the life of an older teen, aka young adult, and the challenges she faces as she makes difficult (i.e. adult) decisions. Set in the UP of Michigan on land owned by the Anishinaabe tribes, the land and culture of the Ojibwe are the center of this fictional tale. I loved all the characters…every one of them. The storyline is compelling from beginning to end featuring mystery, crime, family drama, budding romance and coming of age. It is YA in its format with lots of “life lessons”, but not preachy in tone as much as instructive language. Learning the cultural teachings and the role of traditional medicine was a true bonus to the narrative. Some have considered the plot implausible, but if you consider this as a story and not a fictional memoir, it really works. Highly recommend.

Just Because



Metropolitan Stories

I recommend reading this in one or two sittings to appreciate the narrative flow. I did not do this and found it choppy until I finally read the remaining portion of the book in one session. The stories are a mix of magical, quirky, and factual. Sometimes its hard to sort. The best way to describe the experience is to think of it as a romp through The Met as the author creates characters around actual works and settings in the building. Once I tried to stop figuring out what was real or not, I thoroughly enjoyed the magical and imaginary happenings.
It's a short read, a series of vignettes, that will either work for the reader or not. I particularly loved the first and the last, but others may find favorites throughout the collection. 3.5*

Pre-read for Grandchildren


A True Home

This is a tender and charming story of found family told through the voice of woodland animals. Beyond the story the author presents solutions to fear of danger, reliance on others, and resilience in the face of hardship. The setting is adorable, like being dropped into a dollhouse and introduced to a world that rings true. This would be a great readaloud for a family or group of children. There are endearing b&w illustrations to accompany many of the pages. 5* if your child loves stories told by personified animals. It's a delightful world.

Series


All the Devils Are Here

There was a lot I liked about this entry in the Louise Penny Gamache series. Unlike some readers, I was thrilled to take a break from Three Pines and spend some time in Paris. I enjoyed the various settings and found the Author’s Note at the end informative and fun to read. The mystery was fairly transparent. Perhaps its because we know the author’s habits and the way she treats her characters, that there were few if any surprises. In the beginning, Daniel was portrayed in a way that I found distasteful. It is hard to see a grown man behave like a child. I thought it was exaggerated to make a point but could have been shown differently. The characters who travelled to Paris were advanced in this installment in ways that prepare us for the next one. I will always be a fan of Louise Penny and Gamache, but this will fall short of my favorite.

Reading Through Time-July, Book Club, Alpha Kit


The Woman They Could Not Silence

So glad this book landed in my lap. I was drawn to an author chat with a sister book club. Not wanting to attend without reading the book, I spent the last week reading it. I was immersed. It is a well-researched account of a 19th c. activist who not only was a determined advocate for women’s rights, but also for those consigned to an asylum under false pretenses. The writing is clear and compelling with lots of historical notation if that is your bent. You can easily read it straight through as I did, without stopping to study the notes. The author gave this a fictional feel that pulls the reader from chapter to chapter with anticipation and dread. Highly recommend.

Book Club, Diversity



Beautiful Country

I dislike passing judgment on memoirs…everyone has a right to their own story. Although this was written as an immigrant story and that is for sure what it is, it is also a grueling story of poverty, made all the worse by racism and fear. Reading vivid accounts of her childhood hunger and the resulting physical impact from a poor and uncertain diet, one aches for her that she had to experience such hardship. Her reactions were hard to read…anger, frustration, sadness, meanness, anxiety…all part of this little girl’s life when she was torn from comfort to uncertainty. She summarizes her life after childhood at the end. Some readers are frustrated by not being able to dig deeper into her rise from poverty. But this is the memoir she chose to write, and I respect her decision. Perhaps others just wanted the happy ending without immersing themselves into the deprivation of her childhood. I leave it up to you to determine if you will find this journey informative or unfinished.

>102 beebeereads: This sounds fascinating! Thank you for mentioning it. Going on my Wishlist ;)

>104 threadnsong: Great! I really loved it and it has stayed with me. She was a force of nature and not generally recognized in the history of that time.

Well, I am almost through my fall rush with OEP for Medicare! Hope everyone has had a good fall and a happy Thanksgiving. My reading always less for 6 weeks in the Fall but below you'll see my updates.

I haven't decided on a theme for next year or even if I going to keep a thread. It's fun, but it does take up time so I'll make a decision next month.

Online Book Club


The Arsonists' City

I liked this book but didn't love it. Two story lines describe lives filled with family secrets and dysfunction. The political climate of the late 1970s in Damascus and Beirut was fraught with danger and heartbreak. Immigration to America was challenging and brought with it much regret. As the two timelines come together over a relative's death, family secrets, lost dreams and generational dysfunction come to a reckoning. Acknowledging that all of us are flawed human beings, I still didn't love any of the characters. The whining of the "children's" generation got tiresome. The inability of the main character to move on was frustrating. Much is explained as the novel comes to a very gradual ending. There were so many characters and each could have their own story. It took a long time to land the plane, leaving the reader coming down in one drop after another rather than a smooth glide onto the runway. 3.5*

Online Book Club



No Land To Light On

This is first a love story. It is not a “romance” novel, but it is a rich and fierce love story about two people who found common ground as an immigrant/refugee from Syria in the 20 teens. The travel ban of 2017 lays the groundwork for the dramatic plot and the reader is drawn into the real life experiences of those effected. It is a fast- paced narrative that swings back and forth to fill in the history of their lives. I found the first half hard to take in because in some places the language and the actions were too flowery, too emotionally extreme. But I got used to the style and sank into the rhythm of the writing. I ended up at 4 stars…it could not be less, due to my breathless read of the second half. The characters did not embody stoicism in a way that is more familiar to me. Yet stoic they were as they moved through the trials of their young lives. The overly emotional scenes were so uncomfortable, and I guess that was the point. When tragedy strikes, we emote without regard to cultural norms or situational demands. Zgheib wrote this masterfully. Thanks to MMD for moving this book up my TBR. It may have lingered too long and never realized the top spot.

Just Because



Ladies First Common Threads

This was not for me. This book is most appropriate for a Middle School reader who wants to dig into presidential history. To say the author explored needlework through the eyes of the First Ladies is a bit of a stretch. It seemed that if the FL even picked up a needle once in her life, it was counted. The book was laid out with too much repetition and random facts were thrown together as if they were related. It would seem more appropriate to include the biographies of all the First Ladies and highlight under each their particular hobby or interest. Choosing to include only those who used the needle seemed incomplete. I picked up a few interesting historical facts, but with a few notable exceptions the needlework showcased was uninspiring. 2.5*

LT Challenges


Oh William

Slow paced, going nowhere, the narrator is introspective (or is it self-absorbed?) In the end I didn’t care much for any of the characters. I also felt many were left undefined. I would like to have known Lois better and maybe Estelle as well. What about Bridgit? The author lets you know all you can know about Lucy, but so little about those she engages with.
I felt like the whole book was a big sigh…Oh William, Oh Lucy, Oh Everyone Do we need to look at everyone’s loneliness all the time to know that everyone is lonely in one way or another?

Ed. A couple weeks out and the book is settling in for me. I am now open to going forward to Lucy By the Sea. I want to like this author's works so maybe it was wrong time for me. 3*

Book Club, Diversity



The Sentence

This was my first Louise Erdrich book and I wish I had chosen another. I think I fell prey to the hype around this title and was disappointed. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I will definitely read another of her books in the future. She is so renowned that I need to find out more about why this one didn't rise to that level for me.
The story takes place in present day Minnesota. The title is the most awesome part of the book. It speaks multitudes. Most of the characters were likable in a flawed human way which I appreciate. I didn’t care for the ghost, not because she was a ghost, but for me she didn’t add a lot to the story that wasnt accomplished elsewhere. The personal journey of the main character is the focal point and we learn about it through her thoughts and actions, present and past. The other characters were used in support of that journey. I would love to get to know some of the them much better. Erdrich gave us just enough to want to know more. The backdrop of the plot was filled with 2020 references. I wonder to what extent this book will hold up over time. The author gives only the smallest context for the events she weaves into her story. I think future readers will not get the full impact of the events. For readers who enjoy book lists, this will deliver for you. 3.5*

Diversity, Online Book Club



Salty

Surprisingly deep and worthy. I am not usually drawn to cookbooks as part of my reading life. I use a variety of books from various food writers and chefs, but don’t consider it “reading” per se. So, at first, I was put off by the title and the brief descriptions. Because I participate in the MMD book club online, I wanted to give this a try. Reading the book in print form was not working for me. I listened to a portion of the author chat and decided I needed to forge ahead. This time I chose the audio format. I read the whole book and learned a great deal about women of history that I had not been introduced to in the past. The structure of the book was created on the idea of a dinner table with specific invitees who we learn about through their relationship with food and community. It’s a fascinating discovery of each women’s contributions whether you have previous knowledge of their work or not. And yes, I even chose a few recipes to add to my collection. 3.5*

>106 beebeereads: Are you a volunteer with SHIP, or someone else? I have been for the past 8 years and we've been really busy this year. I have 16 hours to go and I'll be finished. It's very worthshile but I'm always ready for it to be complete. Of course, I haven't done my own yet!

>106 beebeereads: Putting in my vote for hoping you will keep a thread for next year! I have enjoyed your lists and your book choices on this thread.

And I agree that it does take time to upload and add and keep a thread going. I always think I can spend some weekend time, and then the weekend comes . . . and goes. And the finished books pile up. But I always feel like I've accomplished something when I get my LT thread and reviews updated.

Plus, OEP for Medicare - I've done company-based OEP's and my hat is off to you for being in the thick of it for Medicare. You got this!

Thank you both for your posts!
>113 clue: Yes, SHIP. I have been counseling for 6 years. I cover three sites virtually. I had done some remote counseling before Covid, but once we discovered how much more we can accomplish that way, I have opted to stay mostly virtual. I do voice and Zoom and a few in person sessions at one senior center. . My response time for remote clients is usually within 24 hours so everyone likes that aspect. I really love this volunteer work and assume you do too or you wouldn't have stayed with it this long. I wish you the best in your last 16 hours. Do you stay busy during the Jan-Mar OEP as well? I find that March and July are my slowest months, but nothing can compare to Fall OEP.

>114 threadnsong: Thank you so much for the encouragement to continue my thread. Once Dec 7 arrives, I will have some time to think about a theme. I'm considering a simpler format to lessen the posting burden. It's fun to know others are appreciating the posts and I totally enjoy seeing my reading laid out this way. So I guess I'm in...I'll keep you posted--pun intended:-)

Readalongs, Diversity



Murder on the Red River

Well, here I go again, raving about a YA book! "but I don't like YA" I protest! It's just that some of them are awesome. The main character is endearing, but her life is fraught with disappointment and abuse. We meet her as a 19 year old living on her own, making a living driving farm trucks and shooting pool. I was totally drawn in by this character. Throughout the book, there are advocates through whose eyes you see Cash's hidden heart. The book is classified as a mystery, but that is only a backdrop for the character exploration. The author draws in the history of the indigenous peoples of North Dakota and Minnesota along with the racism they suffer as she leads the reader through the story. There's a bit of mysticism but it rings true and keeps the plot moving along. I so loved this character that I jumped right into #2 in the series just to keep her in my life.



Girl Gone Missing

This second installment is a little more gritty with some TW to watch for, but again I really am enjoying the characters. I will take a break for now, but will definitely return for more Cash Blackbear.

Book Club, Diversity



All That She Carried

I was so conflicted about this book. This is a very academic look at the history of an artifact. On the one hand it is skillfully written and is overpacked with historical background. I found myself frustrated throughout because I wanted to stay on the straight path from Rose to Ruth via Ashley. The fact that this wasn’t possible due to the lack of records I could accept, but the author went down a lot of rabbit holes as she stretched to develop a narrative. The story behind the artifact is so tempting for the reader. Miles uses what history she can find to enlighten the reader as to the possibilities of the narrative associated with Ashley’s sack. As frustrating as it is for the reader, it is certainly a reminder that tracing family history backwards through slavery is generally not possible. We are fortunate that there are records that can be pieced together to create a possible throughline from Rose to Ruth. I appreciated the author’s work and learned a lot from her suppositions.

>117 beebeereads: - I attempted to read this earlier this year but gave up partway through. I think maybe it was too academic for me. I too was expecting an interesting story and those "rabbit holes" didn't help. But I've only put it aside and may try to read it again some time.

>118 dudes22: The information is really worthwhile and I get why it won awards, but honestly some of it was a slog. I dislike saying that about such an important topic, but all the members of my book club had the same opinion and some of them are very "academic" in their taste. So I am glad I read it and rated it 4*, but I don't think I'll be recommending it to many because of the lack of narrative. Let me know if you tackle it again and we can chat about it.

>119 beebeereads: - I was actually thinking of recommending it for my book club because we're doing award winning books in 2023, but after starting it, I decided maybe I wouldn't. It didn't win for the award I'm responsible for anyway.

Probably a good decision. We read How the Word Is Passed which was far more readable and covered some of the same history.
Here are the awards it won. Don't know if that will match for any of your award selections.

Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction

Winner of the Stowe Prize

Winner of 2022 Hillman Prize for Book Journalism

A New York Times 10 Best Books of 2021

>121 beebeereads: - Thanks for the info.

Kindle TBR



Rough Draft

I really enjoyed reading Unbelievable about her time covering the Trump campaign. I decided to read her memoir, but just got to it at the end of the year. I don't often comment on memoirs as noted above. Everyone has a right to their own story. I found this one less interesting, lots of angst and soul searching...good for her for trying to figure it all out. I do think she is a talented journalist and a hard if not compulsive worker.

Series



My last book of 2022 was the third in a series from Marcie Rendon.
Sinister Graves

I have really enjoyed this series and fell in love with the protagonist. Who would have predicted that I would fall for a 19 yo former foster child who hauls farm produce and shoots pool. But oh she is so much more! I will continue with this series as the installments come out.

Meet me on my 2023 thread which I finally posted a few days ago!

BeebeeReads Keeps on Steppin' Up in 2023.