Whisper1 Third Thread of 2022

BOOK #34 OF 2022


Night in the Country by Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by Mary Szilagyi

I enjoy the works of Cynthia Rylant, and this most recent one I've read is a favorite. Her clear, beautiful images are poetic. She depicts the dark night of the country, the smells, and the sounds of those who inhabit the beauty. The lovely dark night, so black and beautiful it feels like light will never arrive. There was the clear sound of the blackness, and of frogs as they sang reek, reek, reek when their haunting noise surrounded the sky.

This book brought back childhood memories of the summer when my family lived in the country. There was a large corn field across the street, and down the road, there was the sound of a creek under the small road. My dog, named Patches, ran along side my bike wherever I went. My friend lived a half mile away, and at night when I peddled my bike from her house to mine, I was very much afraid. Everything seemed pitch black. When a train was heard way down the tracks, it gave an echoing, frightening, haunting sound that brought scary thoughts.

There were only a few people my age and that of my sister. We bonded with them and visited their houses down the lane. Periodically, we slept outside, blankets of the ground. And, in the morning we were covered with itchy mosquito bites, as we collected the blankets wet from the dew on the ground.

If you listen closely, Rylant reminded me of the sound of the screen door closing, , leading me to wonder who was up so late. And when the apple falls from the tree, one can almost hear the plop as it hits the ground, waiting for the bunny rabbit to eat it.
And as the farm animals sleep softly, the sun rises gently in the sky leaving lovely streaks of red, yellow, blue, and orange as the colors meet the green grass.

There's really nothing like it -- A night in the country. It is forever remembered and held in our memories, even as we grow to adults. We will always remember that specialness of the beautiful night sounds.

Once again, Rylant paints beautiful images with clear, soft words.

Four and 1/2 stars

Happy new thread!

How wonderful that you are back to posting again! What a maze of obstacles you've been through. Patience isn't the half of it I sure.

Happy new thread, Linda! Glad to hear your good news, and hope recovery continues much more smoothly for you from here on out!

>2 quondame: Thanks Susan. It took me 45 minutes to write the above review. It is so very frustrating to not have needed energy. Plus. two surgeries in four days left me with a marbled, confused brain from all the anesthesia

>3 bell7: Hi Mary. Many thanks for your kindness.

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I made a mistake at the bottom of thread two and should have noted number three. Does anyone know how I can correct this?

I wasn't sure Linda whether you intended the new thread or not as it didn't seem to be the normal way you start them and this one is now your second second thread of 2022.

Happy new thread dear lady and I hope and pray that life is kinder to you in the coming days, weeks and months by taking away the pain finally.

>4 Whisper1: I think Jim can do it, Linda.

>4 Whisper1: if you're looking to change the title dof a thread, I think you have a limited amount of time to change it, but if not, I'm pretty sure Jim can do it as the group admin.

>1 Whisper1: Another Great Review, Linda - from a Happy, Healing Person!

Just checking because of the missing 1/2 star = nothing passes away, right?

I want to share this with a sensitive child so need to ask...

Happy new thread!

I'm happy to see you here, Linda. You endure and blossom.

Happy new thread, Linda, so glad to see you back!

Welcome back, Linda. I am glad to see you posting!

Happy Friday, Linda. Happy New Thread. I think Jim can fix your thread number. PM, him.

Thanks for the update on your last thread. Happy new one--and Rylant is such a great way to begin one!

Thanks to all who posted here, and on my previous thread. Please understand attention span is limited and I don't have the ability to focus and send a message to each of you.. I want all of you to know how much I deeply appreciate your kindness!

It is a beautiful day today. Spring is in the air. Two home appointments today, one from the physical therapist, and then another from the home nurse. I have a difficult time focusing on reading. It is very frustrating! I'll keep trying. Happy Day to all!!

Hi Linda!

I'm so glad to hear that the pump is finally working, with the correct tubing. Fingers crossed that the conversion of pill dilaudid to pump dilaudid continues to go well. You are doing all the right things, and yay for your granddaughter, doctors, nurses, neighbors.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

It is wonderful to see you posting, Linda! I hope the appointments today go well for you!

Happy new thread, Linda. I hope the pump continues to work. Stay well and be kind to yourself.

Happy new thread! title’s all fixed. Let me know if you’d like it to say something else.

>16 Whisper1: One day at a time Linda. One minute, hour, whatever works best. Your concentration will return once your body has recalibrated from its hefty shock.

Happy weekend and happy new thread, Linda! Your patience and fortitude are paying off. Hang in there. Things will only get better!!! Hugs.

Dear Linda, I am happy to see you getting ready to make great progress in every way. You deserve everything good!!!

Happy new thread, Linda! It's so good to see you posting when you can.

Hi Linda, wishing you great healing and a good recovery and more than anything success with pain management.. You have been though so much! I love to see you posting again with such beautiful pictures.

Thanks to all, and for your understanding how very much your bright, shiny words mean to me.

BOOK NUMBER 35 OF 2022


The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey

This book adds history, mystery, romance, and most of all the story of the mammal collection of the British Museum was moved during WWII to the safe location of the vastly haunted, winding, rambling rooms of Lockwood country manor.

The description of the book was enthralling, and though it rambled, and was boring in places, it did what I thought it would, in that it brought back memories of the first time I visited the New York City Museum of Natural History.

Sitting in a darkened huge circular room, surrounded by stuffed, large animals in their real-life settings, frozen in time behind glass cases, where the sound of those visiting this room echoed off the large walls in this section of the museum was an experience I never forgot.

My adventure to the museum was a fourth grade school trip. I lived in a small town, making this excursion to cause me to become transfixed and very afraid of the vastness of the museum. Some of these mammals I may have seen in a picture book, and so very many of them, I never saw before.

Fixed, frozen with their glass eyes seemingly staring at me, this was a very scary experience. Trough the light shining in the glass cases, the darkness of the huge room created an experience I will never forget. I was transported to their environment, and the animals looked so very real, I envisioned them coming alive when no one was there. When I closed my eyes, I imagined a loud, trumpet like blast filling the room. As a side note, this was way before the popular movie A Night at the Museum.

The setting of the book occurred during WWII, when much of the mammal collection was transported from the British Museum into a countryside, old, large manor home that was as dusty as some of the mammals. The most precious collections were moved, with their director, Hetty Cartwright to a safer environment during the Blitz.

Strange events began to occur, parts of the collection became missing or were moved to various locations in the rambling house. A huge, beautiful Jaguar is the first to be lost. He simply disappeared in the night. Then, other animals were placed in a different setting than originally placed.

As Hetty tries to find the animals missing, she is befriended by the sad, depressed daughter of the owner of the manor house.

I enjoyed the book, though I can only guardedly recommend it.

Some Books Acquired in 2022
My Goal is to read as many as I acquire this year

1) Apollo8 by Jeffrey Kluger Read March 2022
2) The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
3) The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
4) The Fall of Light by Niall Williams
5) Leningrad State of Siege by Michael Jones
6) Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
7) Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
8) A Bright Shining Lie John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam by Neil Sheehan
9) Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth
10 Before This Decade Is Out Personal Reflections on the Apollo Program by Glen Swanson
11 Day of Tears by Julius Lester
12 Killing Jesus: A History by Bill O'Reilly
13 American Moonshot: John F Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley
14 FDR and Lucy: Lovers and Friends by Resa Willis Read February 2022
15 Newtown by Matthew Lysiak
15 Freedom Summer written by Deborah Wiles with illustrations of Jerome Lagarrigue
16 As Good As Anybody written by Richard Michelson and illustrated by Raul Colon
17 Busing Brewster written by Richard Michelson and illustrated by R.G. Roth Read February 2022
18 The Editor by Steven Rowley
19 The Boy Who Knew Too Much by Cathy Byrd
20 The Lost Painting the Quest For A Caravaggio Masterpiece by Jonathan Harr
21 The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox
22 The Fear and the Freedom by Keith Lowe
23 Night bird by Alice Hoffman Read March 2022
24 Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
25 These Precious Days by Ann Patchett Read January 2022
26 Once When I was Scared by Helena Clare Pittman with illustrations by Ted Rand
27 Hannah's War by Jan Eliasberg
28 The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey Read February 2022
29 The Boy Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris with illustrations of Brad Sneed
30 My Father's Boat by Sherry Garland with illustrations of Ted Rand
31 Shoot For The Moon The Space Race and the Extraordinary Voyage of Apollo 11 by James Donovan
32 Courage In A Dangerous World The Political Writings of Eleanor Roosevelt by Allida M. Black

BOOK #36 OF 2022


The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

Each of the "Weird Sisters" was named after characters in the works of Shakespeare by their father who is a college professor who teaches and has a passion for Shakespeare, and who speaks mainly in quotes of the bard.

Rose is the only one who remained in their home town, the other two led more colorful lives. Bianca came back after being fired by disgrace for stealing money from the New York City law firm where she worked. Cordelia, the youngest, returned pregnant, gritty and scarred from a life of hippy-like living.

Anna the oldest was the most mature of the group. She finds her place in life by helping others get their life in order. Both Bianca and Cordelia are very immature when compared to Anna. I was captivated by each of the sisters, but originally disliked Bianca and Cordelia for their selfish, narcissistic lifestyles.

Their beloved mother has breast cancer and is struggling to live with radiation, chemo and operations. Bianca and Cordelia return to help, yet is them that need the help. Anna holds the family together, and as the sisters grow apart and come together, Anna must find a life of her own. Bianca must pay back the money she stole. Cordelia must grow up and learn to take responsibility before a baby arrives.

This is a solid, well written book. I grew to know and enjoy all the characters who eventually find how to live together and apart.

Highly Recommended Four Stars

Hi Linda! I hope you're doing well today, gaining strength and managing your pain much, much better than ever before.

>28 Whisper1: I just acquired a Kindle copy of The Narrative of Sojourner Truth for 99¢.

>29 Whisper1: I loved that one when I discovered it a few years ago! I might have to do a reread soon.

>30 karenmarie: Hi Karen. I am gaining strength, using the ability to post on LT as a way to gauge my stamina
>31 foggidawn: Hi Foggi..I enjoyed this book a lot.

BOOK #37 OF 2022

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman


This is a re-read for me. I liked it the second time even more than the first.

Alice Hoffman remains one of my favorite authors. The setting in Nightbird Is Sidwell, MA. A small, sleepy town with a history tied into witches and magical spells.

During the Revolutionary war, Agnes Early, heartbroken and left alone the evening before her wedding, placed a spell on the men of Twig's family. Henceforth, they would develop wings and fly away.

Twig, a highly intelligent, sensitive young girl is gawky and very protective of the family secret. Her brother, who inherited the curse, flies out the window every night. Using his wings to propel him up in the sky, he is friend to the birds, but never allowed to come in contact with humans by day.

When a new family moves into the old house of Agnes Early, her brother James is magically drawn to one of the beautiful daughters of the owners.

For years, the townsfolk have gossiped about the Sidwell Monster, even selling t shirts to tourists that come to Sidwell in the fall to celebrate the apple fest and to enjoy small-town New England beauty.

Suspiciously at night, someone is going through town with blue paint, drawing a monster and warning people not to develop the large wooded area in Sidwell. Making an inaccurate connection between the monster and the graffiti, Twig is very concerned that her brother will be shot by the local men who vow to kill the Sidwell monster.

Once again, Hoffman waves a magical spell on the reader. The reader roots for the children of Sidwell, and for love that casts a spell, difficult to break.

Highly recommended!

Happy new thread! You're in my thoughts.

BOOK NUMBER 38 IN 2022


Once When I Was Scared by Helena Clare Pittman illustrated by Ted Rand

The tale begins "When Grandfather was a boy and lived in the mountains,"
Daniel is sent to get hot coals from the neighbors next door. Their wood pile was now wet from day after day of autumn rain. Their wood pile was too wet to kindle coal. And thus, Daniel agreed to go to the neighbors so that their home can once again be warm.

Taking the tin box with a wooden handle, Daniel started on his journey. The nearest neighbor was two hills and through a dark woods. Cold outside Daniel started out as the fall leaves swirled in the air, landing on his face. Stumbling over wet rocks, and wet roots, he tried to navigate through of the first hill.

Daniel needed to walk fast so that he could get back before the darkness prevails. When he spots fox, he was very fearful. Finally, he was welcomed by the neighbor who filled the tin box with many coals. Now, on his return through the woods, he heard the eerie hoot of the owl, and then he saw mountain lions. As he approached the hill behind his house, he came upon a very large black bear, fearful, his movement of shaking made the tin box fall and as he watched helplessly. When the black bear stood tall showing his long claws. Daniel knew he had to scream, and in doing so, the eagles swooped down to scare the bear.

As the rain fell, Daniel frantically found two large twigs which he used to pick up the coals. Nearing his grandparents house, he realized how safe and beautiful the small cottage looked. When he told his grandfather how scared he was. In return to sharing, his grandfather gave him an eagles feather from the two he found when he was a little boy and was scared.

The illustrations are beautiful.

Hi Linda my dear, Happy New Thread, i hope all is well with you and your pain is easing and you are progressing nicely. I take it Kayla is keeping you on track and looking after you.

We are both fine and plodding along, the weather today has been lovely with a top temperature of 57F and sunny all day. The weather for the rest of the week is to be the same apart from Wednesday when it is to rain all day, the weekend should see temperatures up to 64F and continue like this into next week.

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

>36 johnsimpson: Hi John. Thank you for your lovely message. I am happy to be home, out of the hospital. I had time to witness how very hard the nurses work.

My grand daughter is such a lovely young lady. She was fortunate to have had Will, her "Opa" who spent countless hours with her, and her mother, who from the day she was born was dedicated to her child. My role in her life was to read many children's books. She loved the books when objects were shaped differently when there was another letter. She latched on to a special few. I've kept them in a large box in the hope she will pass the history of our relationship and how fortunate we are were to be in the lives of each other.

When visiting daughter Amy, who lives 11 hours away, I noted her book case filled with toys and books. Many of the books were from her childhood. Her father and I didn't have a lot of money. We were young, in college, and there was a need to carefully make purchases. A Friday night treat to a local park where she could ride on a beautiful hand-carved carousel, and then a small dinner, followed by the purchase of a book were our memories.

When I found the Raggedy Ann pop up book that we thought was so expensive at $1.99, but couldn't help but buy it for her...tears came to my eyes as I remembered that very blonde haired child with long curly hair, blue eyes and a smile that melted everyone's heart, who sat on my lap and said "read it again!" "read it again" "read it again!"

Her father and I continued to co-parent as we grew up and left each other to pursue other options. I have nothing but kind words to say about him. We were too young, and the greatest prize was a beautiful child who grew to have special children of her own.

Good to see you have been feeling well enough to read, Linda, and I hope you continue to improve!

>37 Whisper1: Such wonderful memories featuring books.

Love to you, dear Linda! I'm happy to see you writing good, long posts and love reading your memories!

>37 Whisper1: What beautiful family memories...thanks for sharing them with us. Your posts are so uplifting, Linda. I admire your patience, courage and fortitude.

>38 curioussquared: Thank yo Natalie. I feel guilty that so many, like you, post on my thread even when I don't have the energy to respond. Your posts matter to me!
>39 quondame: Thanks Susan, i send the same post to you as Natalie. Many thanks for taking time to support me.

>40 LizzieD: Dear Peggy, Again, thank you for your outreach.

>41 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks Linda, the same message to you as those sent above. I hope to meet you and that you find it able to attend the Bethlehem library sales with those in the group who attend.

BOOK # 39 OF 2022


Apollo 8 by Jeffrey Kluger

While books with a scientific base can have the potential to be lost with description of too much information, this isn't the case with Apollo 8. The excitement of the space program, its failures, and the overall happy feeling received when learning about the actual missions and the fact that today's computers are so much more powerful. Yet, the information learned from each journey to go to space, then to do what Apollo 8 did which was to circle the moon, and take photos of the beauty of the earth, spin back around the moon, to find the trajectory to bring them back home was mind boggling.

When I thought of the real potential that the three astronauts to never return, to make one little slight error that would propel them out of either the moon or earth's orbit and to be suspended in space, constantly turning round and round, while there was notability to bring them back brought the reality of this very successful mission.

My review could never begin to explain the overwhelming odds and courage it took to fly from earth, spin around the moon, called the transluner injectiion ignition, then slow enough to find the earth's obit that would bring them safely back to earth.

The backdrop of what was happening in the United States in the year 1968 was filled with angust of the assignation of Marth Luther King, Jr. , the hatred of the continuation of the death of American soldiers in a war in Viet Nam that made no sense, the assignation of Robert Kennedy. There were riots in the streets throughout the United States and "Johnson's war" was a failure.

Thus, when Frank Borman, commander of the space craft spoke from Apollo 8 in space on Christmas Eve was an incredible feat. As the writer notes, Borman's voice traveled across a quarter million miles of void. Bill Anders and Jim Lowell and Borman spent the day before Christmas doing experiments, taking pictures, firing the spacecraft engines around A photo appeared on the TV in living rooms throughout the United States of the lunar sunset. There was talk of how desolate the moon appeared, lonely, forbidding type existence of nothingness. Jim Lowell's voice could be heard in agreement of his same thoughts about the moon in agreeing with Borman, and adding "The moon is a vast loneliness up here in space is aew-inspirin, and makees you realize just what you have back home on earth!!!" Bill Anders was the crew member who took the stunning photos, seen for many years in all major magazines and newspapers. He noted that he was impressed with the start terrain, and that the terrain is stark.

The message ended with a reading from the bible in the book of Genesis, quoting " and God said, let there be light!"

Highly recommended. Five Stars. Read this one, I don't think you will regret it./b>

Hi, Linda. Two surgeries in four days! I’m impressed that you’re posting, and even writing thiughtful reviews-wow.

I need to read more Alice Hoffman, and particularly want to get to the new one in herPractical Magic series, and this one you recommend.

How are you feeling these days? Improved, I hope.

Happy new thread, Linda - All the best for you!

>44 jnwelch: Joe, I had a surge of energy, but yesterday was too busy. The day started with a home visit by the nurse who has my case, then the home aid physical therapist, followed by an hour long appointment with my pain management PA. Once again, I am fortunate I am a reader because I can sit and read when I don't have a lot of energy.

It was decided to have the dilaudid from the infusion pump delivered into my spine at twice the level from the original prescription.
The technology of this pump never ceases to amaze me. Now that the tubing is fixed, they are concentrating on the delivery process.

The bump to twice the level of delivery was accomplished by a hand-held device, slightly larger than a cell phone. When placed outside of my abdomen where the pump is internally located, the device registers the amount of medication used since the last check of the pump, and then the level of delivery was doubled. Each time the device is checked, it registers what occurred when it was last checked.

Thus, the amount of medication infused in my spine was doubled, but the actual dose of the medication was not changed. The medication will be delivered faster, but the dosage of medication will not be increased until the pump is almost empty. At that time a new prescription for the strength of the medication will be entered via a needle into the canister. And the canister is then refilled in this manner. There is an area in the infusion canister where a needle fits.

When it is determined how my body is reacting to the new increased mg of medication, or perhaps two different medications may be tried, then the rate of infusion may or may not be increased.

I find this amazing, considering the size of the pump, which contains a computer chip, the liquid medication and the area of initial tubing carrying the medication into to my spine.

Book #40 of 2022


True..Sort of by Katherine Hannigan

This is yet another young adult book wherein the content delivers a message of strength and the courage needed by the characters.

Delly is quite a character, self absorbed and very extraverted, she even makes up her own words to fit emotions or events happening. Longing for a true friend, Delly goes out of her way to try to make people like her, and much to her chagrin, it only gets her more and more in trouble.

When a new student arrives, Delly is anxious to learn about Ferris Boyd, whom the teacher told the class must no be touched. Ferris Boyd is as far introverted as Delley is extraverted. She does not talk, and communicates by words of a tablet.

When Delly follows her home into the woods, she observes a lonely girl obsessed with playing basketball. Gradually, Delly learns she must not push herself into Delly's hidden life. When a tree house is built, Delly's brother is added to the circle. Another classmate is added to the small group, and Brud is added to the group who grow to care deeply about Ferris.

Amazingly, birds circle round Ferris. She is loved by woodland creatures. When Delly, her brother and Brud notice a green car pull up to the house, they immediately see Ferris' reaction of fear.

Gradually, as the story unfolds Ferris learns that she can trust friends who will seek their wise, learned mother to help her find a life of safety.

Four Stars

>46 Whisper1:. Remarkable, cool technology, Linda. How is the pain relief so far?

Sorry the accompanying nursing and therapy services are time-consuming and tiring. Thank goodness for sanity-saving books!

P.S. Good review, and you got me. Adding this one to the WL.

Linda, I'm so glad that you are able to read and find comfort in books. It sounds like your medical team is amazing. I hope everything continues to keep working as it should and that you get stronger each day. xxxooo

>48 jnwelch: Hi Joe, it is always good to see a post from you. The two surgeries, plus additional procedures have placed my ability to know if the pump is working behind schedule. I still take, and need the pill form of dilaudid. I believe when the incisions and my recuperation are accomplished, I can move forward. For now, I am still consuming the same amount of oral medications as before the surgery. Thanks for asking!

>49 Donna828: Hi Donna. It is so very good to see you back with the group. You were missed. And, now your return is celebrated!

BOOK #41 OF 20222


Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

There are two certainties, one is that 64 year old hand surgeon Dr. Jennifer White has dementia that causes her memories to resurrect in spurts, and often not at all. And, the second certainty is that Dr. White's best friend and neighbor was brutally murdered with five digits cleanly severed from her hand.

The author takes us on a journey of what it is like to want to remember, but tragically, both long and short-term memories slip away, never to return. Jennifer has two grown children, a daughter, and a son. The daughter is much more mature than her younger lawyer brother. And, together they must find a way to be patient and find what is best for their mother.

Increasingly, all evidence of the murderer of Amanda seems to point to Dr. White, though she cannot remember anything about the murder of her friend, and some days cannot even remember she once had a friend.

Remininiscencent of Still Alice written of Lisa Genova, who also covered the topic of dementia in a scientific, understandable manner, both these well written books are most reads for those of us who may confuse forgetfulness with true dementia, or are part of the sandwich generation wherein we have health issues, but we must sacrifice ourselves for the love and care of those we love.

Jenifer White cannot remember the names and faces of her children or her full-time care taker. She thinks she is still married, and doesn't remember her husband's death.

So many holes in her memory make it almost impossible to prove she murdered her friend. What is sure is that their friendship was tenuous, problematic, and Amanda wasn't the friend others thought she was. Amanda was mean, vindictive and quite a bitch.

The author captured the issues of dementia in a very realistic manner. I had a 86 year old neighbor that I loved very much. As her memory became filled with gaping holes of loss, and her personally was quickly becoming lost, there were instances when I cried. I lost my friend. Her happiness, her ability to make me laugh, the sureness of her love, day by day were chipped away and left to a place never to be recovered. I will never forget the day she walked across the street to my house, sat on the chair she liked the best, and said "Linda, my mind is going. I do not know where it is going, but I cannot find it."

This was an excellent book because my experiences matched the way in which the writer portrayed Jennifer White's journey into an abyss of no return.

BOOK #42 OF 2022


Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper

This beautifully illustrated book is a must read for those of us who carry memories of one or more of our special grandparent(s).
Max misses his grandpa every time he must leave. To help him with his sadness, his grandpa tells him that the same bright mon that is above his house, is the same moon that will follow him allow the way home.

Worried when the moon disappears behind clouds, Max merely must learn patience until the dark clouds will soon break through, producing the bright, big moon.. This book brought back memories of spending a weekend with my beloved grandmother and sadly counting down the minutes until the expected time of my father's arrival to pick me up approached.



Highly Recommended -- Four Stars

I'm very grateful for good reading for you and me!!!!

Thank you for the clear explanation of your new device. I eagerly look forward to the time that they get the meds and the dosage exactly right for you. I believe that time is coming! (I've looked at research for treating macular degeneration and see that a similar pump implant for the eye is the next new thing although it's several years away.)

>53 LizzieD: Peggy, As a wonderful eye doctor, Will would have been very pleased to learn of this device. He often told me how his heart went out to his patients with this nasty eye disease.

Hi Linda!

>47 Whisper1: Absolutely amazing. Thank goodness for the advanced technology that is giving you hope.

Hi Linda!

Glad to hear that your pump may very well be sorted out now. Hopefully all those visits will soon reduce in length and number, too. No doubt they are necessary, but they must get in the way of things you would rather do - such as reading!

And thanks for visiting my thread overnight. It was so nice to see a message from you waiting there this morning.

Hi Linda - It is so great to see you posting again, and some great books as well. I'm taking notes. :)

Take care.

Sending good thoughts and a wave. Your new device sounds amazing. I hope they get the medicines sorted out as soon as possible.

Thanks also for sharing the amazing book illustrations.

>53 LizzieD: Oh, I like the idea of a treatment for macular degeneration, as that is something I very much fear. Though first I'd have to survive with sufficient eyesight until it is on the market....

>28 Whisper1: My Goal is to read as many as I acquire this year

I am fairly sure I would fail that!

>29 Whisper1: I own that one. I just need to locate it so that I can get it read.

>33 Whisper1: Oo, that one sounds really good. I will have to see if my local library has a copy.

>39 quondame: That one sounds very good as well. I have a thing for the space program as I lived in Florida when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon.

>47 Whisper1: >51 Whisper1: >52 Whisper1: All into the BlackHole! Your thread is a dangerous place for me, lovey.

Thank you for the explanation of your pump. I am glad it is working for you now.
I agree with Stasia, your thread is a dangerous place. I have added many of your reviews to my wish list!

I love those illustrations for Max and the Tagalong Moon, Linda. Adding it to the WL.

You’ve suffered for so many years with pain. I sure hope the new tech brings you respite soon.

BOOK #43


The Napping House by Audrey Wood with illustrations by Don Wood

Delightfully written and illustrated with lush pastel colors. Mindful of picture books that add on from one element to the next until they all fall down.

Inside the napping house is a granny who snores while she sleeps. And on that bed where the granny is sleeping, is a child who dreams atop the snoring granny, and everything in the room is hushed and dream like.
Adding to the granny and the boy is a dozing dog who sleeps atop the sleeping boy who sprawls across the snoring granny.

The snoozing cat climbs aboard the dozing dog and the dreaming child and a dozing granny in the soft house where everyone is sleeping. Added to this ever climbing combination of a snoozing cat, a dozing dog, a sleeping child and a snoring granny, arrives a soft slumbering cat.

The pile grows every larger and more contentedly sleeping, until added on the top is a mouse who has a little bitty flea. The wakeful bitty flea, bites the mouse who jumps off the bed, and awakens the cat that was snoozing and now awakens the dozing dog and the sleepy boy who stirs the snoring granny and then they all fall on the floor as the bed breaks.

And as the dance of being awake occurs in the bright sunny morning, the free spirited group watch the sun and the outside where there is only love and gladness. The awaken where there are lush flowers flopping over the white wooden gate that surrounds the green grass where there are two large, beautiful trees on either side of the creamy cottage, where the windows have wooden slats on each side of the four windows, two on each side, with a delightful small window that rests above the door that has a roof and a dancing granny with her arms outstretched as she is singing a song of ever lovely bright notes.

I enjoyed the rhythm of the writing and the delightfulness of the story. The pastel colors are soothingly beautiful as a welcoming rainbow colors the sky.

>63 Whisper1: That looks like fun! Gives new meaning to making the bed.

>63 Whisper1: I do like a good nap Linda.

>64 quondame: Hi Susan! The poetry and the colors pop off the pages. I found The Napping house while searching for books illustrated by Don Wood The sleep is deep. I noted Promised Land: Thirteen Books That Changed America on your thread. I'll look for this one.

>65 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline. I take a lot of naps since the surgeries in February. The sleep is deep. I noted Promised Land: Thirteen Books That Changed America on your thread. I'll look for this one.

I love the artwork you post on your thread Linda.

Feels like being read aloud to

Hope that the sleep is helping you heal, Linda. xx

The Napping House is one I remember fondly from my childhood 😊

Hope you are still on the mend and trending upward, Linda!

All the best to you and your health, Linda!

I am sorry to be out of touch. I had yet one more trip to the hospital. Last week, the rate at which the medication was delivered throughout the pump was increased again. When I arrived home, I immediately was very sick. I called the pain management office and they ordered to prescriptions. Throughout the night and next day, I vomited. by Friday, I was dehydrated. I called the office, and was told to go to the hospital.

This was Friday. I stayed from noon until 12:30 a.m. The doctor wanted me to stay, but, I really wanted to be home. More medication and lots of fluids and I felt well enough to leave.

Yesterday, any medication originally placed in the pump was taken out via a needle to the pump. Afterward, a higher level of medication and delivery was added via a larger needle to the pump. I came home and slept all day. Today, I slept most of the day, but feel better. I am committed to making this system work.

Next Monday, I see the neurosurgeon who performed the installation of the pump and the two surgeries regarding the defective tubbing.

I am weak, but hanging in there.

I realize how important this group is to me. Thanks again, for walking the journey with me. I look forward to spring, flowers, and the ability to function without pain.

Thanks to all! Today is the first day I can read. I'll post information later. For now, Happy Spring to all.

{{Linda}} Keep up your good fight! You can only win.

Thanks so much for the update, Linda but I am sorry to hear about your continuing issues. I sure hope they get this defective tubing problem corrected promptly. Do you ever get a break? ❤️❤️

>71 Whisper1: Oh dear. I do hope this latest procedure is your last for some good long time!

Your communication with us is so appreciated. Sure hoping that you will be doing better very soon.

Happy Spring!

I am glad that you have a pain free day. May these type of days continue. Sending fast healing vibes your way!

Thanks for the update and all the best to you.
I'm thinking of you and hope that things are slowly getting better now.

Glad you felt like reading yesterday! I hope things improve.

One day at a time, one foot in front of the other Linda. It has certainly turned out a tougher journey than was suggested at the outset, but if it ultimately provides the necessary pain management with ease, it will be worth it.

>71 Whisper1: I am so sorry to hear that you are having yet more issues, lovey. Hang in there! I know you can!

Sorry you've been back in the hospital, Linda. Continuing to send best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Ah, Linda, I'm so sorry there are still issues with the pump and medication.

Sending prayers, hugs, and much love.

Thanks to all. It is a lovely spring day. I hope to plant bulbs that I dug up last year and saved for a different space this year. Gardening is cathartic. I'm still having difficulty focusing, and reading is a challange. I read 30 pages last night ane it felt like climbing a tiny mountain.

I hope to have energy to visit threads later today. For now, the thought of being able to plant some bulbs brings happness.

I send this message with deep appreciation.

Hello again, Linda!

What bulbs are you planting?

Our small hill of Snowdrops are the only ones up so far, with the temperatures still veering below 32 at night.
Tulips and Daffodils and Hellebores should be rallying soon.

Which Alice Hoffman books (saw your note on Joe's thread) are your favorites?

Sending wishes and prayers that your gardening eases you into a very relaxing weekend.

Hello dear Linda! I am so sorry to hear that pump adjustments continue. On the other hand, it is good news that pump adjustments continue! I hope the balance is quickly found. Enjoy your cathartic gardening and some sunshine. Hugs. I am thinking of you.

Hi, Linda. Sorry to hear it’s taking a while to get the medication levels right and that you had a vomitous time of it. Your persistence and patience will pay off, I’m sure.

We had a beautiful day here, and had a birder relative visiting. We took her to our favorite bird sanctuary, which is right by Lake Michigan (Montrose Bird Sanctuary). What a wonderful time we had. She didn’t want to leave.

We heard of a new band in California called "The Linda Lindas" all teen age girls with a fun sound and a big beat.

The name made me think of you

Hi Linda!

Enjoy the gardening activities. The reading will come back.

((hugs))

Thank you, Linda, for the Storehouse of Books!

I was expecting only the NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY so all of these were a real welcome surprise.

If you PM your email address, I can send a Fun Thank You card.

Dropping in to wish you a wonderful Easter weekend. Enjoy the gardening :)

All the talk of spring put me in mind of a favourite poem - Gerard Manley Hopkins - this is called "Spring"

Nothing is so beautiful as spring --
When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;
Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush
Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring
The ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing;
The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brush
The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush
With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling.

What is all this juice and all this joy?
A strain of the earth's sweet being in the beginning
In Eden garden. -- Have, get, before it cloy,
Before it cloud, Christ, lord, and sour with sinning,
Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy,
Most, O maid's child, thy choice and worthy the winning.

>91 PaulCranswick: I've been pondering on picking up my Manley Hopkins again Paul.

Last year a thrush sang exquisitely from an old wall I was standing nearby.

>87 magicians_nephew: Hi Jim. I hope you are Judy are well. "fun sound and a big beat" I like the image!!!!

>88 karenmarie: Hi Karen, I've always found that working in the soil brings joy! Thanks for the encouragement. I hope you are having a fun weekend.

>89 m.belljackson: I am glad you liked the gift. I so enjoy sending books to others. Kayla will be making a trip to the post office on Monday to send an installment of books promised to our group members. I hate that I am so darn behind in so many things.

>90 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita. I hope the weekend is a good time for you! Thanks for stopping by!.

>91 PaulCranswick: Paul, Thanks for the lovely poem. I will search for a book of this poets books. Simply beatuiful!

I hand a 10% off coupon for Ollies (a discount warehouse.) They have many aisles of books at a wonderful price. Kayla went with me as I am not able to drive yet. We had a wonderful time. She found many items for her bedroom. Of course, I headed to the many isles of books. I brought home the following:

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins
The Devil and the Dark Matter by Stuart Torton
Cursed by Frank Miller and Thomas Wheel
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Caroll Rifka Brunt
#WeRateDogs by Matt Nelson
Ghost Fire by Wilbur Smith
Big Sky by Kate Atkinson
Transcription by Kate Atkinson
Stranger Things Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond

>94 Whisper1: Yay for getting out and acquiring books!

Linda, books are such good therapy. Migrations is one of my very favorites of the past few years. I recently bought a mint used edition at my library's mini gift shop. Happy day!

I hope you and Kayla have a very Happy Easter. It is supposed to rain here tomorrow. I haven't been able to get out and do any yard work because of rain and cold-for-this-time-of-year weather. I need perfect conditions to enjoy my time digging in the dirt. ;-)

>94 Whisper1: I rarely go in our Ollie's. The books are the one thing I enjoy seeing, but most of the time, I buy very few because the ones in which I'm interested are available at the library.

Hi Linda!

>94 Whisper1: Book therapy - good prices AND a discount coupon. Congratulations. I just got a copy of Transcription at the Friends book sale and want to read it later this spring.

Spring arrived, squirrels frolicking in the green grass, birds chirping, reminding me to fill the feeders, and my perennials are pushing their way up through the ground with the hope of flowers to come in another month, what better reason to purchases some books.

Plus, I am rewarding myself for getting through the last months of surgeries, doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and days when i felt terrible. There is hope -- spring brings that to us. I may ask Kayla to drive me to Hobby Lobby for some material to make place mats.

Happy Day To All!!!

HI Linda, for sure spring does provide hope and you are quite right to reward yourself with some wonderful books. Hope your days of feeling terrible are a thing of the past!

Happy Day Mary!

>94 Whisper1: Nice haul, lovey!

Dear Linda, it is such a pleasure to see that you're feeling better and getting out. It has been a long, long, long journey - even this latest leg of it. Now may the better times continue for the same length of time AT LEAST!!!
It's lovely here with temps in the 60s, Carolina blue skies, and a fresh breeze. Everything is green! Take care and read a LOT!!!!!

I hope spring brings you relief, Linda.

>99 Whisper1: I am glad to see a happy message. Working in the soil brings me happiness each year. It is indeed good therapy. Of course books are too. I just hope your medicine situation improves.

Hello to all. While it hasn't been a tough winter in that there wasn't a lot of snow, spring is needed for my soul, and my body. I'm not at the end of pain time as yet, but I am titrating from all the non- pain pump medication. I still have a fentynal patch, a pill form of dilaudid, and medical marijuana. Now, the infusion pump delivers a specific amount of dilaudid directly to my spine.

While it is a lot of medication, recently a lovely pain management doctor said that no professional who looked at an MRI of my spine should discredit the need for the amount of pain meds. Still, I become defensive when I am grouped with those who consume large amounts of pain medications unnecessarily.

The loud sound, sharp of a cardinal at the feeder brought immediate joy. I've learned to embrace the small things that occur and should never be taken for granted.

I hope today is a joyous day for all!

>106 Whisper1: Professional validation is good to have even when you know you really need the medication. And really why should there be any issue at all with what a retired person wants to do with her remaining time - the dues are all paid and it's our time to fritter as we can and want.

>107 quondame: "the dues are all paid and it's our time to fritter as we can and want" I like that philosophy.

>107 quondame: >108 laytonwoman3rd: I love it too! I should call myself the chief fritter-er at my house :)

Hi Linda, just popping in to wish you a wonderful day!

Linda - NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY is so perfect - I read it every night!

Though born and raised in Chicago, when I was around 25, I moved to THE COUNTRY,
first rural Michigan, Bath and Laingsburg, then to Wisconsin, Cambridge, Hollandale,
and, for the last 37 years, rural Token Creek.

I went once to New York City to see my Daughter Dance, visit the Met's Amber Show,
and, wonder of wonders, witness the Original STOMP!

Otherwise, only a few visits to Madison and Chicago for Music, Food, and Art.

^^^^^^^^^^

There's an April Poem for you and Joe on his site.

Hi Linda--Hoping today is a good day. : )

I've finally been able to concentrate and can now read. My body isn't recovering as fast as with other surgeries. The pump infusions are strong. They wear me down at first, creating the need to sleep 1/2 day or more. I've learned to adjust my need to have to have the house spic and span, and I'm trying to realize I really need to slow down in almost every area of my life.

I mourn I cannot be with this group as much, but I will do as best as I can to visit threads when I have the energy. Because this lovely group gives and receives so very much from each other, it is important to me.

I'm learning to take the time for Netflix. I highly recommend Ricky Gervase and his incredible self-written episodes of Afterlife and
Derek. Both contain the same people, but the setting is different for Derek. And, watching Ricky Gervase portray a 50-year old adult who lives in a nursing home all with various personalities, and his interactions as a challenged adult, are stunning. Both of these shows solicit spontaneous laughter and sad situations creating the watcher to laugh till their side hurts, and cry, using a lot of tissues in both of these shows.

Spring is here. I need to plant more perennials as I can no longer have two gardens in front, and three in back. It is a good cleansing, but difficult to realize I am not going to read all the many books I've collected. I'm giving hundreds to the local library, and keeping only those I think I really will read.

All the butterfly bushes, that started as one and became eight, are pulled up and flowers pulled out as well, thanks to the help of my neighbors and family. Grass is now growing from the seeds planted in the fall.

Things I don't like in this house, I'm slowly giving away to a local organization that comes to your door, collects your used, but well taken-care of furniture, and take the items to a warehouse. The local social service agencies and churches are told that if they have people in need, to take the number and call them for free, much needed items that will be delivered.

Stinky the ferret has earned grand daughter and my affection, but we've given him too much rein, just enough for him to get in trouble and require too much of our time. He is going to slowly live more and more back in his cage. Last night I couldn't find him, and heard him climbing inside a large wooden cabinet. Climbing in the back, up inside, he loves pulling the items inside and bringing them down to hide.

I was in the room, supervising him when I heard him climb up the cabinet and then he panicked. So, another lesson. Ferret's are so darn sneaky and intelligent. They get in trouble and can literally die from their huge ability to get bored and in deep trouble. So, adjustments are being made today.

Life is good. I stand by that tenet...It is difficult, hard at times. I remain committed to living with open arms, even though at times, it hurts.

Today the sun is bright, the sky is blue, the flowers are pushing out from their hibernation.

One foot in front of the other is the only way to get through.

I send all good wishes to everyone!!!

You are inspiration, Linda!! And to be able to recognize your limits and changing needs, and accept them as you adjust - you have no idea how HUGE that is and how much good you are doing to yourself in this, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. Big {{hugs}} to you

Hi Linda!

I’m glad you can now read.

Slowing down and adjusting your need to have the house spic and span are hard. You’re a strong person, though, and will figure it all out.

Rein that ferret in! Good luck.

Sending love, hugs, and prayers.

>114 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley! I appreciate your inspirational support.
>115 karenmarie: Karen, You certainly have helped me a lot. You also have been through a lot of physical and emotional things this year!

>113 Whisper1: Many years ago, a friend at work talked me into taking his raccoon home for the weekend.
Said it was well-behaved and we'd form a bond.

It opened ALL of our kitchen cabinets and trashed much of the lower house.

Worse still, when taking in back to work EARLY on Monday morning, it unlocked its cage
and perched on my shoulder with paws on top of my head for the entire drive,
giving many Chicagoans a wakeup double take.

Are Stinky and Lilly getting along better?

>113 Whisper1: Glad to see the update. I'm sorry you are so "zapped" by the treatments.

BOOK #44


I, Emma Freke by Elizabeth Atkinson

I've decided to return to young adult books periodically. They contain such heart-felt wisdom, of children of varying ages handling situations that were presented to them, and they must be dealt with. The only way out is through, and these tough kids have to learn at an early age, that for many, their lives are tragic and very challenging.

In this gem of a book, Emma Freke defines herself by her name. She feels that she really is a Freak. Very tall with flaming red hair, kids at school are mean and love to taunt her with her name. What a Freke (Freak)! And, like many, when their peers are nasty, they head back inward to that safe spot where they might process internally and find ways to become and overcome! Emma finds solace at the local library where the librarian guides her and introduces her to those who feel as she does.

Emma hates her life. Her mother was young when she was born. She has no idea of who her father is, and believes her mother doesn't know either. Believed to be on a spectrum of challenged in ability to learn schoolwork, truly it is her life that holds her back. She is strong, but it is very difficult when her mother doesn't care enough to cook, or go to her school meetings with the guidance counselor. In many ways, Emma is the mother in this situation, and trying to navigate life with a hippie mom who refuses to accept responsibility in life, makes it harder to concentrate in a hostile school environment.

Emma has a small, spunky, outspoken friend who helps her to work through some rather heavy things. How do you operate when at your mother finally remembers it is your birthday, buys a small store made cake and announces you do not need school because her present is the best -- a rambling box of various out dated encyclopedias, many editions are missing.

When Emma attends a reunion, encouraged by her mother, to meet some of her relatives, this is at the demand of Emma who insists knowing about her father and his family. At the reunion she finds solace being with people who look like she does, but are on the range of obsessive control rules. A mother who has no rules, and now a family that has too many rules.

Through it all, she overcomes, and embraces her mother's wackiness, coming to the conclusion that she really does care.

>117 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, your story is a funny one that made me laugh right out loud! Regarding Lilly and Stinky, Lilly simply continues to bark a warning yip. If the ferret has something else to do rather than bother Lilly, they are fine.
>118 thornton37814:, Lori, my dedication to getting rid of the oral dilaudid pills is that I want to be under the care of the hospital pain management group who performed the trial for the infusion pump, professional, kind and a font of knowledge about how to manage pain, they will take me and will then be responsible for refilling the pump.

Thanks for visiting!

Hang in there, Linda

>113 Whisper1: Life seems to have interesting distractions with which too distract and involve you, always a feature.

>121 magicians_nephew: Thanks Jim! Interestingly, I was posting on your thread as you were posting here!

>122 quondame: Natalie, my life is a ride, sometimes too fast, but I always wear a seat belt.

Thanks to both for stopping by.

Agreeing with Shelley, Linda. You are a real inspiration. I can't imagine having to deal with what you are dealing with, with such grace.

>124 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline, You are very kind! I appreciate your comments.

Catching up on your thread and updates, Linda. I'm very glad you used some of your energy to visit my thread today, and can understand the need to conserve it and take some time to rest. I hope you continue to recover from the surgery and can meet your goals to get rid of the oral pills in favor of the pump alone.

Spring and the flowers in my garden have been making me smile as well. The daffodils were blooming when I left, and the tulips are starting to come up. The previous owner planned out the garden well, and I will have something blooming all through the summer and 'til the chrysanthemums are past. I hope you find the same joy in your gardens.

Very much agree, you are a major inspiration Linda. Your sharing is helpful to us all and appreciated. I too loved the Ricky Gervais shows of Derek and Afterlife. He is such an interesting, talented, insightful and very creative person. Glad that spring is happening where you live and that you are enjoying it!

Glad to have you back, Linda.
I wish you all the best on your way and a wonderful weekend.

>113 Whisper1: Thanks for the update, Linda. You are an inspiration.

>113 Whisper1:. >119 Whisper1: I'm glad you're able to read more again, and Emma Freke sounds like someone I want to get acquainted with.

Sorry you had to sacrifice your butterfly bushes. I've tried to grow them here, along with bee balm, but the soil is poor, and they just didn't take. I'm doubly sorry about it these days, because my brother gave me the bee balm plants a few years back when he was thinning out the many many clumps at the farm. It would be comforting to have them here.

I am overwhelmed by the kindness and healing shown by all of you. Your messages are an inspiration to me that there is such great goodness in the world.

From my hospital bed, I watched the initial bombing in Kiev and the beginning of this incredibly unjustified invasion by a very brutal Russian leader.

I started to write my feelings of this war, but what is happening there is too difficult to understand. I will merely say that every single act of kindness is important to give, to feel and to acknowledge that we need to be good hearted, loving people.

BOOK #45
The Girl You Left Behind by Jo Jo Moyes


The Girl You Left Behind by Jo Jo Moyes

Like other books written by this author, her writing is multilayered and deals with difficult emotional decisions. The setting is Northern France in World War I.

This book is chocked full of details, and my only reservation is there are a lot of characters, and there are abrupt new chapters with sudden new details that do not mesh seamlessly. Too often, I had to go back and try to find the connections and I found it confusing and unnecessary.

The setting is Northern France in WWI. With husbands away fighting the war against Germany, the wives and those left behind must carry on with little food and comfort.

The plot centers on various situations, again leading to some confusion. When Sophie and her sister continue with their family hotel, the new Kommandant in town demands they prepare meals for he and his soldiers. Cruelly, while they provide the bounty to be cooked and they dine lavishly, the rest in the town are near starvation.

The Kommandant feasts his eyes on a painting of Sophie given to her at the beginning of her relationship with her artist husband. He is increasingly drawn to the portrait and thus to Sophie. When on Christmas Eve, he requests a dance from Sophie, members of the community see this and she is branded a traitor.

Eventually, she learns her artist husband was sent to prison camp and she is desperate to see him. Telling the Kommandant she will do anything for him, if only he can reunite her with her husband, only leads to more seriousness with terrible consequences.

Comparing herself now, to the beautiful, healthy woman in painting, she calls it The Girl You Left Behind.

A century later, a new plot surfaces when the painting is discovered and a well known firm hired by those whose valuables were stolen during the war, seek their right to have the painting returned. Was this painting considered worthy of restitution? Was it stolen? Was it a part of the billions of dollars of paintings stolen by the Germans? Or, did the current owner, Liv Halston whose husband, now dead, gave the painting to her as a gift meant to keep it in her possession?

The firm representing Sophie's family demand it to be returned and a court battle ensues. Enter one of the lawyers of the firm who represents Liv's adversaries over the painting and unbeknownst to him, has a chance relationship with Liv, unknowing she is the current owner.

As the court battle ensues, the lawyer is torn between is job and his commitment to Liv. Enter more characters, a room mate for Liv, a young son of the lawyer, the brother of the lawyer, Liv's father and his girlfriend again become a mix added to the original plot.

While I've addressed my concerns, I will end by saying I enjoyed the book. I finished reading it, and the original plot and choices made lent a sense of knowing what it was like in small town Northern France during WWI.

BOOK #46


Jezebel's Spooky Spot by Alice Ross with illustrations of Ted Rand

This is a cute book and is a simple tale of young Jezebel whose father goes off to fight in the Civil War leaving Jezebel, her brother and grandmother to keep the home front.

Jezebel is afraid and learns to overcome her fear by exploring the local woods where she finds a lot to be more frightened about.

The illustrations are good, not great.

BOOK # 47


Yolanda's Genius by Carol Fenner

Unlike many Newbery honor books that I've enjoyed, this one just didn't work for me. The character of Yolanda is a middle school girl who is sassy, bossy and big in body weight and attitude. These attributes seem to be painted as good traits.

Yolanda's good trait is her relationship with her brother who his challenged in his ability to interact and communicate verbally, but who is very gifted when playing music.

Yolanda's brother uses a harmonica his father gave him to exhibit his genuine talent. During a trip to Chicago to visit her mother's friend during the jazz festival, Yolanda finds a way to get her brother on stage to let his talent shine and to be recognized. Again, the way she does this is sneaky and underhanded -- not great personality traits to admire.

>132 Whisper1: Historians say that some books are about then - and about now.

New writers of fiction seem to delight in writing books that take place both then - and now.

Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't

Thank you again, Linda, for the stash of books -
after NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY, my favorite is THE NAPPING HOUSE.

Books will be shared with my Great-Nephews in Tucson.

So Great that the Pain Medication specialists are giving you the relief you deserve
for peaceful sleeping and happy gardening, Kayla comforting, pet tending,
and blessed reading time.

>135 magicians_nephew: Jim, I enjoy books about then -- and about now. My problem with this book is that the transition wasn't smooth. There didn't seem to be a clear path from then, and now.

I hope you and Judy are well. It is a beautiful sunny day. I may work a bit in the nice spring soil.

>136 m.belljackson:, Hi Marianne. Thanks for visiting so frequently. I am glad you liked the books. Napping time has wonderful colorful illustrations.

Hi Linda!

I do hope that the pump and pain management are coming along and send love and hugs to you.

I hope you are continuing to improve, Linda!

>140 karenmarie: Hi Karen, Thank you, as always
>141 curioussquared: Hi Natalie. It will take awhile until my body adjusts to the method of delivery of pain medication directly into my spine vs. the dilaudid pills I've taken for 12 years. May 9th I will undergo another infusion to the pump. The medication left in the pump will be drained, and new, stronger dose of liquid dilaudid will be entered into the pump. After that, it is a few bad days of sleeping and severe effects which leave me out of commission for a few days.

But, I know the hope for end result is that the correct medication that my bod will accept to deliver a steady dose of medication that is not too strong, but strong enough to take away he pain.

I hope you both have a lovely weekend. It is picture perfect outside!

Hello, Linda! It is wonderful to see you back here posting, both your books and your uplifting take on life and all its complexities. Thank you for blessing us with YOU! : )

It doesn't get much better to have one of my favorite illustrators (Pamela Zagarenski) and my favorite Emily Dickinson poem together

>143 Berly: Hi Kim. Thanks, as always, for stopping by. I hope this is a good day for you. It is raining a lot today. It is nice to read while the drops hit the sky light.

BOOK #48


Travels With Myself and Another: A Memoir by Martha Gellhorn

Martha Gellhorn, a well-known journalist and war correspondent, would not necessarily want you to identify as Ernest Hemingway's third wife, but she was. Martha Gellhorn, would like to be known as a person who didn't let the details get in her way, and was a very care-free traveler, and in some instances she was.

Her writing is clear, humorous and a joy to read. She easily depicts Africa as a lost continent, incapable of ruling themselves because the populations who lived there all their lives are ignorant. The Massi tribe is depicted as so very ugly that one has a difficult time looking at them. Made uglier by the long, deep groves of scars decorating their faces, she thinks they plead ignorance so they do not have to work.

The book begins with her journey to China, the weather is depicted as God awful hot, and the inhabitants were ignorant and small minded. Like the Soviet Union, she finds the government oppressive and crooked.

When I told a friend that she has a strong distaste for the ugly Massi tribe, my friend overreacted and said she would never read her books, and for that matter, I shouldn't either. When I tried to explain that books written in another time frame than current, are best read with an open mind, and the reader must take that into their view of what appears her sarcasm, prejudice, and loftier than thou perceptions, I was met with silence.

I very much liked this book. She writes with just enough description and feeling, that I was amazed at her ability to overcome many troublesome events.

Hi Linda - Hope You, Kayla, Lilly, and Stinky have a Great Fun Mother's Day with your Family!

(I posted a note on the origin of Mother's Day on the Non-Fiction Thread.)

>146 Whisper1: Martha Gellhorn was the only one of Hemingway's wives to leave him, and he was intensely jealous of her success as a journalist. I have a lot of respect for her, even as I recognize the flaws in her own personality. I would not have liked her, I don't think, or been at ease in her presence. She could be cruel, and her personal relationships were often disastrous, but she always saw the human element in the stories she reported, not just the political ramifications. And everything she wrote deserves to be read. I'm sorry your friend gave you a hard time about her.

ETA: If you haven't read Gellhorn's collection, The View From the Ground, I recommend it.

Another great review. Today started out rough, but PT helped and now we are making homemade pizza. (I have a few LT minutes while the dough rises...)

>146 Whisper1: I can see both your side and, up to a point your friend's. It's fine for her to refuse to read it, but not to judge you for making the other choice. I do purely curl up with cringe when "civilized" writers disparage other peoples.

>146 Whisper1: I agree, Linda, with your open mindedness in reading authors of a different time and culture. You don't have to like everything about an author to appreciate their work.

I hope your doctors are able to find the correct dosage for your pump. Living with constant pain can sap the resources of the strongest person and your ability to handle it is amazing. Stay strong.

>144 Whisper1: I love Dickinson, and the illustration is lovely.

The Gellhorn book sounds great; onto the WL it goes.

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope each day is a little better.

Hi Linda! Hoping today turns out to be a good one. Hugs.

I can’t believe the journey you’ve been through. Best of luck tomorrow, Linda.

Good morning Linda, all the best for the next days! My thoughts are with you.

Waiting for positive news, Linda. xx (((((HUGS))))))

Hello to all. I appreciate the kind messages. I am doing better, but energy is compromised. I write to thank each and every one at this point, but look forward to the day when I can individually accept the doseage.

I apologize for being out of touch. The second infusion began at number five. The small amount of medication left in the pump was taken out with a needle, and then another needle infused to number 20. While I haven't had the reaction that I had the last time, This round left with some of sickness, and a lot of tiredness.

Today is a better day, and I want to reach out with gratitude to all of you! I am so very blessed by members of this group, my family and my neighbors. My rose bushes are beginning to bud, the phlox is blooming profusely. While I cannot garden in the manner I did previously, every day I replace a few non perennials with perennials.

I am slowly learning my way through the reaction of the pump. I was told it would take a lot of time to infuse the liquid dilaudid into the pump, and allow my body to accept the new level of strength in the infusion.

Reading is slow. I start a book, and cannot stick with it. But, I am able to read and look forward to the point when I can concentrate. It is frustrating, but I believe that the pump is working and it is a fine dance.

A BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE I am so very grateful!!!

Always good to see you back here posting, Linda, whenever and however you are able.

{{hugs}}

Good luck, Linda, and take care of yourself.

>146 Whisper1: I have that one hanging around my house (somewhere) waiting for me to get it read. I just need to find where it is!

I am glad to see you posting, even a little. I do hope that the pump works out for you soon!

Linda - We are Grateful that you are out of pain, can sleep, admire your beautiful plants, and plan to read to Stinky and Lilly...

Wishing you a lovely day, Linda!

Nature in its renewal has a wonderful way of reaching us even when times are trying. Hang in there, Linda.

Sending love and (((hugs)), dear Linda, take care.
Enjoy the roses, and all other flowers in your garden.

Much love Linda

Thank you for the update!! I am glad things are moving (even if slowly) in the right direction. Hang in there! We are all here whenever you can make it back. : )

I am going through a tough patch. Gradual weaning from five dilaudid pills a day to now two per day is very challenging. I am sad that reading is on hold and my posts are not as frequent as they should be. In the meantime:

BOOK #49


A Finder's Magic written by Philippa Pearce with illustrations of Helen Craig
Published 2006

I found this book on one of the shelves in the house. There isn't a room without book. This is the last book written by the author before her passing. It is a soothing book with both black and white and colored pencil drawn illustrations. A young boy and his dog leave the house each day and run for the field where they both can play. On this particular day, the dog pulls out of his color and becomes lost.

Till is heartbroken and in despair. One day, Till meets "Finder" who offers to help find Till's Best-ub-the-wide world dog. As the finder interviews each animal or person living in the the area. When the finder and till come upon two older women, through a series of written puzzles, they help find the dog.

The description of the book on the inside cover notes "Part Detective story, part fairy tale, A Finder's Tale has mystery, darkness and light."

This is a soothing book that calls to be re-read soon after the first reading.