Mdoris (Mary) reads in 2022, WELCOME! #2

I got this image form Joe's thread. I hope you don't mind Joe! It just made so much sense to me. Where does the time go? Isn't it fun!

Hello, my name is Mary. I live in Comox, on Vancouver Island. I have been a member of LT since 2011 and I love it here. It is great to see what people are reading, to follow threads and to make new friends. I am a slow reader (it will be a miracle to reach 75!). Please don't kick me out of this wonderful group!

Almost all my books are from the library. I love cookbooks and do get lots of them too but do not list them in my grand total count.

I have 4 daughters who have all flown the coop. They are all living far away and they now have little ones. Now I am Gramma to 9, 4 boys and 5 girls. I was passionate about kids' books when our kids were little and still read lots of the newly published ones too. I am a retired Speech/Language Pathologist and loving retirement.

WELCOME! Please come and visit!

What an honour to be first to wish you a happy new thread, Mary!

Happy new thread!

>1 mdoris: Ha! So true. Love the image

>2 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, Have a great reading day!
>3 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, Isn't that image great! So very true.

Happy new thread, Mary!

Happy new thread, Mary!

>1 mdoris: Make that two days in between, one to recover AND one to prepare.

>5 drneutron: Hi Jim, thanks for the good wishes!

>6 FAMeulstee: Hello Anita, Good point! Yes 2 days in between is an excellent suggestion.
Hope that you're enjoying summer and no doubt doing lots of wonderful reading.

i have been on a Jane Austen movie run. After reading some criticisms about the newly released Persuasion I started there, then on to Emma, then Sense and Sensibilities, then Pride and Prejudice (the Netflix options) and then on to Northanger Abbey and then last Mansfield Park on Youtube.. Now having watched so many close together, I am getting them all mixed up as there is a sameness to them. I have enjoyed the plots, the romance, the dancing, the costumes, the acting, the scenes and, the scenery. Now at some point I should read the books! (again!!)

What stands out for me? i guess I would have to say Emma Thompson in S&S. She is amazing! What a brilliant actor! And Alan Rickman as the patient suitor in S&S.

Happy new thread, Mary! Hope the books are treating you well.

>1 mdoris: I am Kermit the Frog, especially today.

Happy new thread, Mary!

>9 Familyhistorian: Thank you Meg. I am reading Michael Shellenberger's new book on the homeless situation in San Francisco (and other cities). It is a must for Vancouver residents to read too I think. I have learned a lot!

>10 alcottacre: Isn't that a great image Stasia? I know you are having some challenging days and sure hope that changes soon.

>12 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. We all have challenging days, I know. I just complain louder, lol.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Hi Mary. I love Kermit the Frog. It’s not easy being green!

I also love the grands’ pictures you posted on your last thread…and your comments on Arctic Dreams. One of the good things about those group read threads is that one can still get the group experience at any time.

>13 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Hoping you have a wonderful weekend!
>14 Donna828: Hi Donna, Thank you about the grandkids photos. Of course we miss them! Have you done many group reads?

San Fransicko by Michael Shellenberger V.I Regional Library p. 290



HOMELESSNESS, DRUG ADDICTION AND MENTAL ILLNESS in our cities, these are the subjects the Shellenberger takes on very capably in his new book. He has done very extensive research between countries (Portugal, Netherlands) and between cities in the U.S. to see what has worked and what has not. It is a very complex problem that is devasting to individuals and to communities. He does offer some solutions based on what has been successful elsewhere. This is a critical and important book to read and solutions are needed urgently!

Old Wood Boat by Nikki McClure V.I. Regional Library



I have been a fan of Nikki McClure, the illustrator, for a long time. Here is her outstanding book recently published. It is gorgeous and has a wonderful message with stunning seaside art work.

Happy New Thread, Mary! I loved the pics of your grands!

Virginia Woolf's Garden looks lovely. My own garden is looking very sad and dry as we continue our streak of abnormally high temps.

>16 mdoris: I will have to see if my local library has a copy of that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary.

>17 mdoris: That one too!

Have a super Saturday!

Checking in on you, Mary. I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

>19 alcottacre:, >20 alcottacre: HI Stasia. Nice to see you viist!

Material Girls by Kathleen Stock Off the home shelves p. 276



Kathleen Stock is a courageous and excellent, thoughtful writer. She has a PhD in philosophy and until recently was a professor at Sussex University in the U.K. until gender activists made her life there exceedingly uncomfortable and unsafe with threats and continuous harassment. This book does a studious and measured and reasoned look at gender theory and the impact it has had on women's spaces (sports, prisons, shelters healthcare ) and more. This is an excellent book. K. Stock understands very well logic and reasoning and categories.

Came across this today....

"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become."
C. S. LEWIS

Hi, Mary. I have not visited in a while. I sure hope you are doing well and enjoying those grandkids.

>23 mdoris: Nice quote!

>24 msf59: Hi Mark, Hope all's well in your neck of the woods and you are reading some great books! I know you will have lots of wonderful adventures with your new camper!

The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting VI Regional Library p. 403



This book takes you on a family mystery that takes place in Norway, Shetland Islands and France to solve the sad challenge of a little boy orphaned by gas explosion from a French WW1 war site. It is a clever at bringing in all sorts of characters who are part of the mystery. I appreciated the descriptions of place, the background of trees as part of the story and their relationship to craftsmanship.

I just copied this from Paul's thread for future reference. Thanks Paul! xx

The Booker Prize Shortlist is up:

Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
The Trees by Percival Everett
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout
Treacle Walker by Alan Garner

>23 mdoris: As a big Lewis fan, I am always happy to see quotes from him.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Mary!

>27 mdoris: Oh nice! I have to read some of them on the list.

Happy weekend :)

>28 alcottacre: I must read more of C.S. Lewis. I think the last one I read was A Grief Observed.

>29 figsfromthistle: HI Anita. I have read two and want to read more! I have read Oh William and Small Things Like These. I know on L.T. there has been some criticism of Strout's most recent book but I valued it and remember it! I like her writing!

The Alphabet Thief by Bill Richardson V.I. Regional Library


I think Bill Richardson is great fun! His Bachelor Brother books are wonderful and good for a chuckle so I wanted to read this one. While somewhat predictable in its story line it is clever and fun with it's play of language. It omits the letter in words as the alphabet proceeds so boat becomes oat in poetry play with the illustrations to match when b must vanish as all letters must in sequence. Fun!

>31 mdoris: Too bad my local library does not have that one. It does look fun!

>32 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, nice to see you visit!

>26 mdoris: I will certainly go and look for that one, Mary.

Bad News How Woke Media is Undermining Democracy by Batya Ungar-Sargon V.I Regional Library p. 256



I have long been interested in how the media (newspapers and magazines) influence our opinions and political positions and this book was good at explaining this. The mainstream media or legacy media has been losing its reputation and not reporting but taking the role of shaping opinion. Although the focus is the U.S.A., this is also happening in Canada too (sadly).

from the back cover
" B. U-S has demonstrated that the press has fundamentally misdiagnosed the sources of tension in American political life which are based more on class than race."

"the book paints a disillusioning picture of the state of 21st century journalism where disapassionate reporting too often takes a back seat to narrative-driven progressive activism."

The author is the deputy opinion editor of Newsweek.

Have a fantastic Friday, Mary, and a wonderful weekend!

I am a big fan of Nikki McClure >17 mdoris: and noticed on Charlotte's thread that she has just read her newly published book. McClure is such a talented writer and illustrator. Here's an example that rings true for L.T.called" liberate". I think on L.T. we do a LOT of liberating!

>36 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Have you got lots of reading plans for the weekend? I see you are polishing off lots of great books!

I haven't posted a picture of Loki for ages. She is now 3 and loves to bask in the sunshine! (Me too!)

>35 mdoris: I do agree with that hypothesis, Mary, as you know but I would expand it father to include all media. All the media nowadays - sometimes one in reaction to the other - has an agenda and is failing in its duty.

I read somewhere that if you don't have access to the media you will be UNINFORMED
but if you have access to the media you will be MISINFORMED.

>39 mdoris: Hani would fall in love with Loki, for sure.

>39 mdoris: Loki looks lovely, Mary.

>39 mdoris:: Awwww, what a pretty baby! Loki looks completely relaxed and shows off the colorful background. It is hard to believe that he is 3 now. Thanks for sharing your beautiful puppers with us. Penny says "woof"!

Way up there you asked if I took part in many group reads. I tend to be pretty quiet and don't feel like I have much to add so I guess my answer is no. I do think that the Arctic Dreams GR was one of the most successful ones that I have done. When I started on Library Thing eons ago, I remember the group discussions about Kristin Lavransdatter that really impressed me and made me a fan of Nordic life.

Have a great week, Mary!

>39 mdoris: Aw, what a beautiful boy! My cats, Mallory and Chalfont, love to lay in the sun - although they do it inside :)

Have a marvelous Monday, Mary!

Morning, Stasia. I hope you managed to have a nice weekend and I hope the CFS stayed on the sidelines. I am at the halfway point in Us Against You and continuing to enjoy the novel.

>40 PaulCranswick:, >41 FAMeulstee:, >42 Donna828:, >43 alcottacre:, >44 msf59: Hello to my wonderful visitors, Paul, Anita, Donna, Stasia and Mark. Thank you for the compliments on our Loki. She is female. I know the name sounds like a male dog. She is now 3 and full of beans and fun.

i have not been reading much and reading slowly as I am reading mostly non fiction. i do have a huge pile waiting for me at the library of great books so hope I can pick up my speed. Wishing you all well and fabulous reading!

I'm making Christmas cake tomorrow. Is it too early? I do drench it in some brandy and it does age well.

Donna Loki says "wooof" back to Penny!
Paul media is a MAJOR problem at the moment!
Stasia, isn't sitting in the sun the BEST! We have had really gorgeous days recently, nice and warm.

Sorry about the gender mixup. I’m confused easily about gender these days… I’m glad I called Loki ‘pretty’ rather than handsome. People call Penny a “He” all the time on our walks. SHE doesn’t seem to mind. ;-)

Christmas cake sounds about right. It will be here in the blink of an eye! So what’s new on the reading front, Mary?

>46 Donna828: Hi Donna, very nice to see you visit! Loki doesn't seem to mind the gender mix up either. Our dogs must be very advanced! I remember dressing daughter #1 Heather in full pink when she was a toddler and people would ask the age of my little boy. Hmmmm.

Not much reading being done these days because I am reading slowly in the non fiction world trying to figure things out. (much to figure out by the way as you know!) Am about to finish off a new Naomi Wolf book about CoVID (mis) management. I have always meant to read her books especially the one about the beauty industry and so perhaps I will go looking for it when I am done. I have a huge stack of beauities from the library of new fiction so I must pick up my reading speed.

Enjoy your weekend! Hi to Penny from Loki!

The Bodies of Others by Naomi Wolf, off the home shelves p. 307



I have always wanted to read one of Wolf's books and now I have done so! I will now read others she has written! This one does an analysis of how the COVID crisis was handled and the impact it made on society and individuals. She was not able to be vaccinated due to health concerns and she shows the challenges and impact on her life that occurred. I greatly valued this book and her concerns expressed of where our society is heading.

>48 mdoris: Good to see that Naomi Wolf came out with a viable book after Outrages. When I was in London I saw part of her book tour promoting that book before it was pulled due to a significant research blunder on her part.

>49 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, Interesting. I don't know much about her except she is smart and articulate and takes on BIG subjects and prepared to go against the flow which I always admire. And she is deeply concerned about women's rights and concerns. That also has my vote!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9HrJs792wY

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel V.I. Regional Library p. 255



I feel as if my brain was just played with. Maybe that's what time travel does. I have not read St. John Mandel before but I have been meaning to read her book Station Eleven for ages so now I must! This book is a time travel book, with a character trying to figure out a mystery and in the meantime find some meaning in life. I liked it and of course E.St.J M wrote it in the pandemic time so there were threads of that in the plot. I guess we can't escape it!

>48 mdoris: I suppose that there will be a full and frank dissection of the causes and responses to the COVID-19 crisis when governments and officials are far enough away from it to avoid being burned by the findings. I do have a great deal of competing emotions about the whole fiasco to be honest:

I am jabbed and double boosted.
I did so to enable travel but then was always seemingly prevented from travelling.
I did so because on the balance of probability I would benefit from its imperfect protection.
I did so knowing that it was a shot/jab and not a vaccination as reading the fine print and not listening to the politicking and self-interest of the medicos and pharma, that was obvious.
I did so fairly sure that it would not prevent transmission and that the "epidemic of the un-vaccinated" was a slur to enforce compliance
I masked in order to work
I masked in order to go to the shops and provide for my family
I masked in order to show solidarity with others showing solidarity with me
I masked because it gave others peace of mind
I masked knowing that the protection afforded was scant but better than nothing.
I suffered along with the rest of us through the rampant overkill of lockdown
I suffered along aghast at the disdain shown to us by the state in terms of our civil liberties
I suffered along seeing the hypocrisy of those in charge
I suffered along whilst a small number enriched themselves and everyone else were made poorer
I suffered along whilst my mother died alone and I couldn't be there when she was laid to rest.
I suffered along whilst we were frankly experimented upon.

>52 PaulCranswick: Paul so eloquently and insightfully expressed. Thank you!
Jabbed/masked/suffered, an excellent summary.

i am less confident than you about the full and frank dissection when I fear little will be said and done to analyze causes and responses to COVID-19. Those "in charge" seem to just wait until the next crisis to match our short term memories and little justice is done which will be very difficult for the many, many people who have greatly suffered.

>53 mdoris: Certainly the ones at the helm now - whether in Canada, US, UK or elsewhere - will not want issues to be fully ventilated now. Some reputations were fatally damaged by COVID at a time when genuine leadership was needed and found lacking.

The medical profession came through the crisis with their reputations enhanced and the admiration the doctors, nurses and ancillary works are held in is fully justified. The politicians and public administrators did quite the opposite.

>51 mdoris: I may look to add Sea of Tranquility to my collection soon, Mary.

>56 PaulCranswick: Nice to see you visit Paul.

French Braid by Anne Tyler V.I. Regional Library p. 243



This was a meander through an extended family, multiple generations, that ended in real time of pandemic time. While told of ordinary folks and normal family "stuff", and the minutiae of family life, I found it compelling. When a good writer writes, it seems to be interesting even when the content is fairly commonplace. Families, all the same and all different in their own way. Isn't that how the saying goes......The only part that for me didn't fit in was the first chapter, the intro to the family. It just didn't fit for me.

This is the 4th book of Tyler's I have read (Ladder of years, Morgan's Passing, Digging to America ) . Should I read more?

>50 mdoris: Naomi Wolf has been around for a while. I believe she became known from the time of her book Beauty Myth which came out in 1991.

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, Mary!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mary. x

>59 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, Yes, I know that N. Wolf has been around for a while. I do remember her book Beauty Myth and would like to read it but my library doesn't have it. Drats! I guess I will have to do a ILL for it! Have you read it?

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving too Meg!

>60 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, Just about to make the stuffing for the bird! Thank you for the good wishes! xx

Dropping in to say hello. Hopefully, you had a wonderful thanksgiving!

Happy Wednesday, Mary. In regard to Tyler, I would highly recommend The Accidental Tourist. My favorite of hers. I also loved her earlier book Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant.

>51 mdoris: Hi Mary, you remind me that I need to read Sea of Tranquility and The Glass Hotel. I loved Station Eleven when our book group read it together a few years ago.

I like Anne Tyler's books but can't read too many in a row for some reason. They are too similar I suppose as they are set in Baltimore and have quirky characters. Personally, I think they make wonderful 'In Between' books when I need something light to read. Out of the 15 I've read, it looks like my favorites are Celestial Navigation, Saint Maybe, and A Spool of Blue Thread. She and I go back a long way. ;-)

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving celebration.

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith V.I. Regional Liberary p 227



I saw this one on the 7 day loan table at the library so I grabbed it. It is #23 in the Botswana detective series books and I loved it! Like all the other 22, McCall Smith is able to hold your attention as he takes you through human stories resolved by kindness and good will, vanquishing the foes and bringing insight to those who need it. These books are good to add balance to my non fiction reading that is often about some really weighty subjects.

>63 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, great to see you!

>64 msf59: HI Mark, Thank you so much for your Tyler recommendations. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

>65 Donna828: Hello Donna. Great to get your Tyler recommendations. I loved how you said you go back together a long way! I will add them to my list. I must get to Station Eleven but have such a stack from the library at the moment. About to start the new E. Strout book tonight. I do like her books!

>64 msf59: & >67 mdoris: I can't remember a book of Anne Tyler's that I didn't like, Mary, but I would put Breathing Lessons at the top so far.

Have a lovely weekend, dear lady.

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout V.I. Regional Library p. 288



Well I gobbled this one up. Not minding at all that it is familiar characters and some visits with some story threads from previous books. It is intimate and personal and insightful of emotions and of how our beginnings of family life influence who we are. Being the age of Lucy and William, I could relate to their views and worries, concerns about our kids and getting old. It was another book that takes place during the pandemic. i liked it and would look forward to more and hope she is not done with Lucy!

>68 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul. I will add Breathing Lessons to my list. Hope you have a very good week!

>66 mdoris: I was thinking the other day about reading more by McCall Smith. I've read the first in the series and liked it a lot. Glad to hear the series holds up.

Now I’ve bought the second one as an audiobook, so I look forward to that.

Freedom Convoy by Andrew Lawton V.I. Regional Library, p. 175



This well written book by a journalist who was pepper sprayed by police in the Ottawa fiasco once the Emergencies Act passed to support police violence and arrests of citizens and when the freezing of protesters' bank accounts occurred. It gives a good look at the reaction of the truckers' concerns over Canadian government vaccine mandates and loss of freedoms and rights. This happened during the 3 week in downtown, very cold Ottawa in February 2022 when the convoy leaders repeatedly and consistently insisted on peaceful protesting. Lawton does a good job telling this shameful government mishandling and stories of the leaders and some of the behind the scenes events. There is more evidence for shameful mistrustful reporting too by the mainstream media to contribute to the challenges of these times.

There is presently an inquiry and resulting testimony that is supporting Lawton's narrative.

>69 mdoris: Mary, I loved your comments on Lucy by the Sea. I could also relate to Lucy and William because of my age, however, I don't need another book with her as the main character. I think her story was well told and now would love her to play a supporting role in some of the other interesting people of coastal Maine. Either way, I will keep on reading Strout's books. I am a Forever Fan!

>71 ctpress: Hi Carsten, i have not ventured on to other story lines of Mc-Smith just this one. He is so prolific as a writer that I worry I would be reading nothing else but him! i do have a soft spot for the books that take place in Botswana and have read them all! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. They are hopeful......

>73 Donna828: Hi Donna, The sun is pouring in here today and hope you are getting some sunshine too where you are! I loved your expression "Forever Fan" and for sure I am too of Elizabeth Strout. It will be interesting to see what she writes about next! Enjoy your weekend!

Woke Racism by John McWhorter V.I. Regional Library p. 187



In this gem of a book McWhorter takes on "the Elect" his term for the woke, the social justice warrior, those who can not be argued with about racism in America at this moment, the judges. But he does and does so, so well! He likens this movement to a religion and then has some ideas how to make some effective changes for blacks (end the war on drugs, proper teaching of reading and de-emphasizing university and instead emphasizing vocational training). He writes about how to overcome the pressure of name calling (racist!!!) and canceling that the Elect have made effective. (walk away, just say "no"!) I like McWhorter. He is a prof teaching linguistics and in his writing there is frequent reference to language which i love (he is an expert!) and he also has a great sense of humour. Being black himself he is able to take on this subject as someone white is unable to do right now. Isn't this racist?

Free Speech and Why It Matters by Andrew Doyle Off the home shelves p. 98



In this marvelous book Andrew Doyle takes on the arguments that support the idea for free speech in society. I have followed Doyle for a while since he started his Tatania McGrath spoof and look forward to reading his new book The New Puritans: How the Religion of Social Justice Captured the Western World. Free Speech is a little book written with 18 short chapters. He is a clear, articulate writer with a strong academic background and knowledge base. I have found his programme and interviews on GB news "Free Speech Nation' to be excellent as well. I know I will read this book again.

Sweet Thursday, Mary. Glad to hear that you enjoyed Lucy by the Sea. I just finished Oh, William and will be ready for that one, early next year.

Caught up now Mary. And starred.

Lovely to see Loki again.

Dropping in to say hello. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far!

>61 mdoris: I’m way behind here Mary just like I am with all the other threads. I have The Beauty Myth but have never read it. I probably should.

>77 msf59: Hi Mark, There are lots of Strout fans here on L.T. Glad that Lucy by the Sea is in your line up!
>78 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, Lovely to see you visit!
>79 figsfromthistle: Hello Anita. I'll come and have a visit with you on your thread, very very soon.
>80 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, It is so very easy to get far behind on the threads, especially at this time of year!

Going through a tough time right now and getting very little reading done. My brother, 10 years older than me and the one in the family of 4 siblings I am the closest to has been in the hospital for the past week and a half and he is not doing well at all. He is constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

>82 mdoris: Mary - Does your Brother live close by?

>83 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, my brother lives in Ontario and I live in British Columbia, so many provinces away. Up until now we have been able to visit on-line but that is not happening any more.

>84 mdoris: Can you arrange a visit by train?

>85 m.belljackson: Thanks for your concern Marianne. I'm afraid the time for visits has passed.

>82 mdoris: So sorry, Mary, sending good thoughts for all close to him.

>87 FAMeulstee: Thank you Anita, much appreciated.

>82 mdoris: I am so sorry to hear of this news. (( hugs))

Meanwhile Back on Earth by Oliver Jeffers V.I. Regional Library kid's picture book


I am a big fan of Oliver Jeffers so had to read his latest published book and it did not disappoint. He takes a long look at history showing the conflicts of humans over time. This doesn't exactly seem like a likely theme for children but he does an interesting job of it nonetheless. As always the illustrations are superb!

>89 figsfromthistle: Thank you so much Anita.

>82 mdoris: Sorry to hear about your brother Mary. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Also sending you hugs, Mary. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as will your brother. xx

>92 Caroline_McElwee:, >93 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul and Caroline. It is a very sad tiime for me as my brother Paul died on Saturday in the hospital. I am really going to miss him.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mary. I read that your brother was unwell, and I have had you both in thought and prayer since then. I'm so sorry to read that your brother Paul has passed away. Big hugs and love to you .

>94 mdoris: I am so sorry, dear lady. Sincerest condolences to you on the passing of your brother. I trust and pray that he is at peace in heaven's warm fond embrace. xx

My deepest condolences, Mary on the passing of your brother. Hugs to my friend.

>95 vancouverdeb:, >96 PaulCranswick:,>97 msf59: Hello Deborah, Paul and Mark. Thank you good friends here on L.T. for your caring thoughts so well expressed. My brother was a BIG reader almost all non fiction and very keen on current affairs and where this crazy world is spinning to be.

Trans by Helen Joyce p. 300



This book written by a smart Irish woman (journalist/(Newsweek) and PhD in Mathematics) expresses the concerns that gender self id creates for children and women, for fairness and safety (sports, prisons, and much more). The focus is the U.K. and Joyce outlines lots of history and politics on the subject. Her interviews on-line are very interesting.

>94 mdoris: So sorry for your loss, Mary, my condolences.

>100 FAMeulstee: Thank you Anita, that is very kind of you!

So sorry to hear your brother died Mary. Keeping you in my thoughts.

>102 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you Caroline. I really appreciate your thoughts!

https://www.parnassusbooks.net/holiday-catalog-2022
I'm having a delicous tour through this catalogue of Ann Patchett's bookstore. I'm sure getting some good ideas.

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell V.I Regional Library p 333



One of my favourite series for kids books is wordless books by John Goodall. These are gems now old! There is one I particularly love The Midnight Adventures of Kelly, Dot and Esmeralda. In this book the dolls from a dollhouse climb into a picture hanging in a room where their dollhouse is and they have an adventure as the the picture comes to life. For me The Marriage Portrait was similar. I studied art history millions of years ago and I often wondered about the lives behind the portraits, the details portrayed, the lives lived behind the expressions and this book gives a wonderful creative glimpse into that! Apart from the appalling role of the Duchess (main character) as a powerless ornament and body bag to grow babies the books gives a look at the culture of Italy in the 1500's. While there is little plot, the writing is captivating and portrays the character very well. .

Mary, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I only have one sibling, my brother who is 3 years older than me. He has had a few strokes over the years but seems to be in good health. I would be so sad if I lost him. Sending some healing hugs to you, my friend.

Maggie O'Farrell is a favorite author of mine. I appreciated your comments about the art history aspect of the book. I can't draw a straight line but do appreciate art and am glad to know of your expertise...even if it's a million years old! ;-)

>106 Donna828: Thank you Donna I really appreciate your kind thoughts! So great that you are close to your brother.

Tournament of Books shortlist for 2023
https://themorningnews.org/article/the-2023-tournament-of-books-shortlist-and-ju...

Sorry to hear about your brother, Mary. It's hard being so far away from siblings.

>99 mdoris: I found Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality very thought provoking.

The Colony by Audrey Magee V.I. Regional Library p 374



This was a wonderful novel although not much happens. The setting is a remote island off the coast of Ireland and the island characters are the last of pure Irish speakers. The visitors are an English artist and a French linguist studying the Irish language for academic purposes. And then the plot thickens getting to know the various characters, the dynamics of this self sufficient community and the interactions with non islanders.. Of special interest is they young James. Along with the chapters are also descriptions of the horrendous fatalities Protestant and Catholic that continued to occur in Northern Ireland.

Years ago I did visit the Blasket Islands (Ireland) where the last of the Irish speakers were studied and it made me imagine this story in place more fully!
https://www.greatblasketisland.net

The Irish sure know how to write and tell a story. It was poetic and unique and interesting with the focus of art being part of the plot. This book was on the long list for the Booker in 2022.

>109 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg about my brother.

Yes the book Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality was a very worthwhile read. I also read Kathleen Stock's book Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism of similar content and it was perhaps more academic as Stock has been a philosophy prof. and is good at presenting arguments. Both good!

I certainly have major concerns about women's rights and children's safety and health.

>110 mdoris: I'm currently reading this book too, Mary, and very close to finishing. "Poetic" is a good way to describe it. I envy you, having visited that part of Ireland too.

Happy Wednesday, Mary. I am a fan of O' Farrell, so I hope to get to The Marriage Portrait sometime in the New Year. I already have The Colony on the list. So many books...

>110 mdoris: I really must nudge this one up the pile Mary.

>112 lauralkeet: I've been over at your thread Laura. It's a busy place!

>113 msf59: Hi Mark. Yes so many books. For me being a slow reader the pile of TBR seems to get immense.

>114 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, I keep a close look on what you are reading and get great ideas!

i love this time of year for BEST OF LISTS. This is one I wait for with anticipation every year. There is lots to get lost in here!
http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archive/2022/10/online_best_of_84.html
This list will be updated soon as this one was done in October so re-visit and load up again at the end of December!

That is quite a long list, Mary. I was hoping to find The New York Times Notable Books without a firewall. They sure want me to subscribe! I'll check out some of the other sites when I have more time. I mostly depend on my Library Thing friends for lists of their favorites. I have the new Lars Mytting book waiting for me at the library. Is your husband loving it?

With every good wish of the season Mary. Enjoy your celebrations.

Malaysia's branch of the 75er's wishes you and yours a happy holiday season, Mary.

Thank you for being such a fast friend to me in the group. xx

>117 Donna828: Hi Donna, I have been sidetracked with Demon Copperhead and may not get to the new Mytting book and may have to reserve it again from the library. Lots of reading pressure! I will be interested to know what you think of it!

>118 Caroline_McElwee: Hello Caroline and very happy reading for you in 2023!

>119 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul, I greatly value your friendship! I read about your wonderful turkey feast. Yum!

Come and visit to my new thread for 2023!
https://www.librarything.com/topic/346961#n8014166

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver V.I. Regional Library p. 548



This book looks at the pure evil of drugs introduced to communities, to people, to individuals, to families, the wreckage that is caused by the pharmaceutical companies for profit. Kingsolver does an amazing job showing this. Her characters come alive as the story unfolds.

In the past several years there have been more OD deaths in British Columbia than there have been COVID deaths.

While this books mirrors Dickens' David Copperfield, for me the pull of the book is about the opportunity of birth and what our culture is allowing to happen to the huge detriment of children and their health. Have we made any progress since Dickens time?