DeltaQueen Relies on Friends in 2022 - Page 6
This is a continuation of the topic DeltaQueen Relies on Friends in 2022 - Page 5.
Talk 2022 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
It’s hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from a new year. 2022 has been a mixed year for me, a year of sadness over losing my mother but also a great reading year, and I expect I still have some excellent reads ahead of me in the weeks left of 2022. I am not particularly looking forward to Christmas this year as it will be the first Christmas without my mother. But I still expect to get together with friends and family to enjoy the spirit of the holiday.
Welcome to my sixth and final thread of 2022. My name is Judy and I live in Delta, a suburb of Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. My husband and I are senior citizens, living a quiet life. We have two daughters that live fairly close, two son-in-laws and two grandchildren, all of whom we love dearly. I have participated in the Category Challenge for a good number of years as it suits my reading, I enjoy the preparation and planning and, I can’t resist a good challenge! The best part of the Category Challenge is that I have made some excellent friends here along the way.
I truly believe that friends and reading make everything better and they are needed in ones’ busy life no matter what our age. Putting friends and books together makes for good conversation and happy times. My love of books is well known in my family and I have become the “book Nana”, one who enjoys both the giving and receiving of books.
2DeltaQueen50
2022 CATEGORIES
A. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson: This duo is responsible for solving many a tricky mystery, and their friendship is deeper and more lasting that what appears on the surface. These two are much better together than on their own. I will use this category for my crime stories and mysteries.
B. Starsky & Hutch: Two streetwise police partners that protected each other and the public while keeping the streets of Bay City safe. This TV show was one of the first buddy cop action shows. I will place my crime series/police procedurals here.
C. Nick and Nora Charles: Friends, lovers and partners, this married duo solves the crimes and keeps their audience smiling the whole way through. Dashiell Hammett created a lasting duo with his Thin Man series but, for me, the films starring William Powell and Myrna Loy were sheer perfection and better than the books. Vintage mysteries will be located in this category with particular attention being given to the H. R. Keating List of 100 Best Crime Novels
D. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet: Sisters and best friends, this relationship is one of the reasons why I love Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice so much. They support and encourage each other each step of the way towards finding their own happy endings. A perfect place for my historical fiction reading most of which will be based on the Reading Through Time monthly/quarterly topics.
E. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger: These three young wizards formed an unbreakable bond of friendship while at the Hogwarts School. Battling the evil Voldemort helped to strengthen their bonds, even though they didn’t always agree on everything. My fantasy reading will be placed here.
F. Godzilla and King Kong: Well these two are not exactly friends but they often appear together in film and their epic battles leave humanity caught in the middle. As co-stars and combatants these two scary creatures are the duo that I am going to use for my horror, dystopia and darker fantasies.
G. Captain James Kirk and Mr Spock: The contrast between the passionate and headstrong Kirk and the cool, logical Mr. Spock was compelling. These strong characters kept the Universe safe and made Star Trek a television science fiction classic. My science fiction reading will be placed here.
H. Chuck Noland and Wilson: In the movie Castaway, Fedex systems analyst Chuck Noland ends up on a deserted island in the South Pacific. His only companion was Wilson, a soccer ball. Strange as it seems, his friendship and conversations with Wilson kept him sane. Both because Noland travelled all over the world for his job and because of the exotic setting of the film Castaway, this category will be for global reading.
I. Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Cristina Yang: These two met on the televised medical drama Grey’s Anatomy and forged an unbreakable friendship. Becoming each other’s “person” they stood by each other and helped each other through every life crisis that they faced. They particularly helped each other through their romantic dilemmas which were improved by their dark humor and competitive natures. Stories of romance and love will be placed here.
J. Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler: My childhood role models as to what friends can be to each other, Trixie and Honey met as young pre-teens and the friendly, outgoing Trixie was exactly what the lonely, sheltered rich girl, Honey needed and vice versa. They went on to have many adventures together along with their brothers and I eagerly gobbled up each one. My YA and children’s literature will be placed here.
K. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: Together through good times and bad, this legendary duo robbed banks, evaded capture and lived the good life – until they didn’t. Remembered today mostly from the 1969 film which highlighted their camaraderie. I will place my western reading here.
L. Patience and Foritude, New York’s literary lions: These well known and well loved marble statues grace the entrance to the library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, New York City. They have become well known mascots to libraries everywhere. I have an extremely long library list and this will be the place where some of the books that have been on my list for some time will be placed.
M. Lucy and Ethel: No last names needed, these BFFs have brightened our lives since the 1950s and can still be found on TV reruns today. Their friendship and their television program is a classic so this is where my 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die will be placed.
N. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: Two real life best friends who have each other’s back, protect each other’s privacy and know how to have fun with each other. This seems like the perfect place for a variety of women authors
O. Calvin and Hobbes: Before they branched out into books, calendars, mugs, etc. this famous duo brightened our comic strip reading for years as young Calvin and his stuffed Tiger tickled our funny bone with their antics and observations. I can picture Hobbes helping Calvin to learn his ABCs so this will be where I place the books I read for the Alphabet Challenge. As I don’t want to have to purchase a book to read for this category, I might be giving the letters X & Z the year off.
P. Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey and Ross – Friends: This television show is the standard bearer of shows about friends. We followed the lives of these six singles for ten years and it became one of the most popular television shows of all time – all built around the theme of friendship. This group of assorted friends will be the place I put any books that don’t fit anywhere else in my Challenge along with any graphic novels that I read during the year.
A. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson: This duo is responsible for solving many a tricky mystery, and their friendship is deeper and more lasting that what appears on the surface. These two are much better together than on their own. I will use this category for my crime stories and mysteries.
B. Starsky & Hutch: Two streetwise police partners that protected each other and the public while keeping the streets of Bay City safe. This TV show was one of the first buddy cop action shows. I will place my crime series/police procedurals here.
C. Nick and Nora Charles: Friends, lovers and partners, this married duo solves the crimes and keeps their audience smiling the whole way through. Dashiell Hammett created a lasting duo with his Thin Man series but, for me, the films starring William Powell and Myrna Loy were sheer perfection and better than the books. Vintage mysteries will be located in this category with particular attention being given to the H. R. Keating List of 100 Best Crime Novels
D. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet: Sisters and best friends, this relationship is one of the reasons why I love Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice so much. They support and encourage each other each step of the way towards finding their own happy endings. A perfect place for my historical fiction reading most of which will be based on the Reading Through Time monthly/quarterly topics.
E. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger: These three young wizards formed an unbreakable bond of friendship while at the Hogwarts School. Battling the evil Voldemort helped to strengthen their bonds, even though they didn’t always agree on everything. My fantasy reading will be placed here.
F. Godzilla and King Kong: Well these two are not exactly friends but they often appear together in film and their epic battles leave humanity caught in the middle. As co-stars and combatants these two scary creatures are the duo that I am going to use for my horror, dystopia and darker fantasies.
G. Captain James Kirk and Mr Spock: The contrast between the passionate and headstrong Kirk and the cool, logical Mr. Spock was compelling. These strong characters kept the Universe safe and made Star Trek a television science fiction classic. My science fiction reading will be placed here.
H. Chuck Noland and Wilson: In the movie Castaway, Fedex systems analyst Chuck Noland ends up on a deserted island in the South Pacific. His only companion was Wilson, a soccer ball. Strange as it seems, his friendship and conversations with Wilson kept him sane. Both because Noland travelled all over the world for his job and because of the exotic setting of the film Castaway, this category will be for global reading.
I. Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Cristina Yang: These two met on the televised medical drama Grey’s Anatomy and forged an unbreakable friendship. Becoming each other’s “person” they stood by each other and helped each other through every life crisis that they faced. They particularly helped each other through their romantic dilemmas which were improved by their dark humor and competitive natures. Stories of romance and love will be placed here.
J. Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler: My childhood role models as to what friends can be to each other, Trixie and Honey met as young pre-teens and the friendly, outgoing Trixie was exactly what the lonely, sheltered rich girl, Honey needed and vice versa. They went on to have many adventures together along with their brothers and I eagerly gobbled up each one. My YA and children’s literature will be placed here.
K. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: Together through good times and bad, this legendary duo robbed banks, evaded capture and lived the good life – until they didn’t. Remembered today mostly from the 1969 film which highlighted their camaraderie. I will place my western reading here.
L. Patience and Foritude, New York’s literary lions: These well known and well loved marble statues grace the entrance to the library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, New York City. They have become well known mascots to libraries everywhere. I have an extremely long library list and this will be the place where some of the books that have been on my list for some time will be placed.
M. Lucy and Ethel: No last names needed, these BFFs have brightened our lives since the 1950s and can still be found on TV reruns today. Their friendship and their television program is a classic so this is where my 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die will be placed.
N. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: Two real life best friends who have each other’s back, protect each other’s privacy and know how to have fun with each other. This seems like the perfect place for a variety of women authors
O. Calvin and Hobbes: Before they branched out into books, calendars, mugs, etc. this famous duo brightened our comic strip reading for years as young Calvin and his stuffed Tiger tickled our funny bone with their antics and observations. I can picture Hobbes helping Calvin to learn his ABCs so this will be where I place the books I read for the Alphabet Challenge. As I don’t want to have to purchase a book to read for this category, I might be giving the letters X & Z the year off.
P. Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey and Ross – Friends: This television show is the standard bearer of shows about friends. We followed the lives of these six singles for ten years and it became one of the most popular television shows of all time – all built around the theme of friendship. This group of assorted friends will be the place I put any books that don’t fit anywhere else in my Challenge along with any graphic novels that I read during the year.
3DeltaQueen50
2022 Tickers
Total Books Read
Pages Read
Books Read From My Shelf
Total Books Read
Pages Read
Books Read From My Shelf
4DeltaQueen50
How I Rate Books:
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another probably due to sheer stubborness!
3.0 ★: Slightly below average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A Good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - this will be an author I return to.
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book that touched me and gave me an emotional reaction. This is a book that I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another probably due to sheer stubborness!
3.0 ★: Slightly below average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A Good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - this will be an author I return to.
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book that touched me and gave me an emotional reaction. This is a book that I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me
5DeltaQueen50
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge - COMPLETED
1. A book with a main character whose name starts with A, T, or Y: Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
2. A book connected to a book you read in 2021: Incurable by John Marsden
3. A book with 22 or more letters in the title: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
4. A book that fits a prompt that did not make this list: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
5. A book by an author with two sets of double letters in their name: Mojave by Johnny Boggs
6. A book with an image of a source of light on the cover: The Raffle Baby by Ruth Talbot
7. A book set in or about Australia: Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth
8. Three Books set on different Continents: Book 1 - Europe: To the Back of Beyond by Peter Stamm
9. Three Books set on different Continents: Book 2 - Asia: The Court Dancer by Kyung-sook Shin
10. Three Books set on different Continents: Book 3 - Africa: The Good Braider by Terry Farish
11. A book from the genre of historical fiction: Goodbye, Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
12. A book related to glass: The Empty Glass by J. I. Baker
13. A book about a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and maths): The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
14. A book with fewer than 5000 ratings on Good Reads: Black Alibi by Cornell Woolrich
15. A book without a person on the cover: Before the Poison by Peter Robinson
16. A book related to Earth Day: Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
17. A book from NPR’s Book Concierge: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
18. A book by an Asian or Pacific Islander: Real World by Natsuo Kirino
19. A book that involves alternative reality, alternative worlds, alternative history: The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
20. A fiction or non-fiction book that is set between 1900 - 1951: The Norths Meet Murder by Frances Lockridge
21. A book with one of the Monopoly tokens on the cover: Traitor's Purse by Margery Allingham
22. A book with a Jewish character or author: Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger
23. A book that features a loving LGBTQIA relationship This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
24. A book related to inclement weather: Cold by John Smolens
25. A book less than 220 pages or more that 440 pages: Rendezvous in Black by Cornell Woolrich
26. Two books with the same word in the title - Book 1: The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks
27. Two books with the same word in the title - Book 2: The Blood Road by Stuart MacBride
28. A book that won an award from Powell's list of book awards: Beloved by Toni Morrison
29. A book set on or near a body of water: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
30. A book related to mythology: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
31. A book published at least 10 years ago: Only One Life by Sara Blaedel
32. A book where the main character is a female detective/private eye/police officer: Deadly Intent by Lynda La Plante
33. The next book in a series: Collecting Cooper by Paul Cleave
34. A book with an academic setting or with a teacher that plays an important role: Village School by Miss Read
35. Two books, one related to flora - Book 1: An Ecology of Enchantment by Des Kennedy
36. Two books, one related to fauna - Book 2: Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest by David Moskowitz
37. A book that uses all 5 vowels (a,e,i,o,u) in the title or author's name: Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold
38. A book by a Latin American author: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez
39. A book from the TIME List of 100 Best YA Books of All Time: Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
40. A book related to one of the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot: Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
41. A book with a theme of food or drink: Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui
42. A book with a language or nationality in the title: English Creek by Ivan Doig
43. A book set in a small town or rural area: Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson
44. A book with gothic elements: Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe
45. A book related to a game: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
46. A book with a non-human as one of the main characters: Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill
47. A book with hand writing on the cover: Little Bee by Chris Cleave
48. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Books of the Month threads in 2021 or 2022: Conviction by Denise Mina
49. A book connected to the phrase, "Here (There) be Dragons": The Dragon Man by Garry Disher
50. A book that involves aging or a character in their golden years: Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey
51. A book published in 2022: The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
52. A book with a time related word in the title: The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
6DeltaQueen50
Historical Fiction Challenge - COMPLETED
1. Set in the country you're from: The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe
2. Set in a different country: Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
3. Set in your favourite historical period: World War I - Goodbye, Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod- Eagles
4. Set in period you're less familiar with: Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton (Cuban Revolution)
5. Historical fiction with a speculative element: Children of the Ice by Charlotte Prentiss
6. About a real historical figure or a specific event: City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin
7. A classic work of historical fiction: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Bonus: a work of historical fiction of over 500 pages: The Ravenscar Dynasty by Barbara Taylor Bradford
1. Set in the country you're from: The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe
2. Set in a different country: Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
3. Set in your favourite historical period: World War I - Goodbye, Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod- Eagles
4. Set in period you're less familiar with: Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton (Cuban Revolution)
5. Historical fiction with a speculative element: Children of the Ice by Charlotte Prentiss
6. About a real historical figure or a specific event: City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin
7. A classic work of historical fiction: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Bonus: a work of historical fiction of over 500 pages: The Ravenscar Dynasty by Barbara Taylor Bradford
7DeltaQueen50
Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson - Crime Stories/Mysteries
Books Read
1. Evil Things by Katja Ivar - 4.0 ★
2. The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer - 3.3 ★
3. This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - 4.3 ★
4. Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand - 5.0 ★
5. The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks - 3.4 ★
6. Cold by John Smolens - 3.0 ★
7. The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson - 4.0 ★
8. The End of Everything by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
9. Knock, Knock! Who's There? by James Hadley Chase - 4.0 ★
10. Conviction by Denise Mina - 4.3 ★
COMPLETED
11. Bad Axe County by John Galligan - 4.1 ★
12. Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson - 4.2 ★
13. Crimson Snow - Anthology - Martin Edwards - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. Evil Things by Katja Ivar - 4.0 ★
2. The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer - 3.3 ★
3. This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - 4.3 ★
4. Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand - 5.0 ★
5. The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks - 3.4 ★
6. Cold by John Smolens - 3.0 ★
7. The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson - 4.0 ★
8. The End of Everything by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
9. Knock, Knock! Who's There? by James Hadley Chase - 4.0 ★
10. Conviction by Denise Mina - 4.3 ★
COMPLETED
11. Bad Axe County by John Galligan - 4.1 ★
12. Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson - 4.2 ★
13. Crimson Snow - Anthology - Martin Edwards - 4.2 ★
8DeltaQueen50
Starsky and Hutch - Crime Series and Police Procedurals
Books Read
1. Collecting Cooper by Paul Cleave - 4.2 ★
2. Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir - 3.5 ★
3. The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty - 4.0 ★
4. Only One Life by Sara Blaedel - 3.6 ★
5. The Blood Road by Stuart MacBride - 4.2 ★
6. Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart - 4.0 ★
7. Bloodline by Mark Billingham - 3.8 ★
8. Eeny Meeny by M J Arlidge - 3.7 ★
9. The Green Mill Murder by Kerry Greenwood - 3.8 ★
10. Deadly Intent by Lynda La Plante - 4.1 ★
COMPLETED
11. Want You Dead by Peter James - 4.0 ★
12. Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid - 4.1 ★
Books Read
1. Collecting Cooper by Paul Cleave - 4.2 ★
2. Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir - 3.5 ★
3. The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty - 4.0 ★
4. Only One Life by Sara Blaedel - 3.6 ★
5. The Blood Road by Stuart MacBride - 4.2 ★
6. Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart - 4.0 ★
7. Bloodline by Mark Billingham - 3.8 ★
8. Eeny Meeny by M J Arlidge - 3.7 ★
9. The Green Mill Murder by Kerry Greenwood - 3.8 ★
10. Deadly Intent by Lynda La Plante - 4.1 ★
COMPLETED
11. Want You Dead by Peter James - 4.0 ★
12. Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid - 4.1 ★
9DeltaQueen50
Nick & Nora Charles - Vintage Crime
Books Read
1. Home Sweet Homicide by Craig Rice - 4.0 ★
2. Smallbone Deceased by Michael Gilbert - 4.0 ★
3. The Norths Meet Murder by Frances Lockridge - 4.0 ★
4. Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson - 4.5 ★
5. Black Alibi by Cornell Woolrich - 3.8 ★
6. Bedelia by Vera Caspary - 4.5 ★
7. Three-Act Tragedy by Agatha Christie - 4.2 ★
8. Traitor's Purse by Margery Allingham - 4.0 ★
9. Rendezvous in Black by Cornell Woolrich - 4.2 ★
10. Kiss Your Elbow by Alan Handley - 4.0 ★
COMPLETED
11. In The Teeth of the Evidence by Dorothy Sayers - 3.7 ★
12. Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe - 3.8 ★
13. The Crime At Noah's Ark by Molly Thynne - 3.5 ★
Books Read
1. Home Sweet Homicide by Craig Rice - 4.0 ★
2. Smallbone Deceased by Michael Gilbert - 4.0 ★
3. The Norths Meet Murder by Frances Lockridge - 4.0 ★
4. Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson - 4.5 ★
5. Black Alibi by Cornell Woolrich - 3.8 ★
6. Bedelia by Vera Caspary - 4.5 ★
7. Three-Act Tragedy by Agatha Christie - 4.2 ★
8. Traitor's Purse by Margery Allingham - 4.0 ★
9. Rendezvous in Black by Cornell Woolrich - 4.2 ★
10. Kiss Your Elbow by Alan Handley - 4.0 ★
COMPLETED
11. In The Teeth of the Evidence by Dorothy Sayers - 3.7 ★
12. Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe - 3.8 ★
13. The Crime At Noah's Ark by Molly Thynne - 3.5 ★
10DeltaQueen50
Elizabeth & Jane Bennet - Historical Fiction
: Books for this category will mostly be from the Reading Through Time Monthly and Quarterly Challenges
Books Read
1. English Creek by Ivan Doig - 4.3 ★
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald - 4.0 ★
3. Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth - 4.5 ★
4. Village School by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
5. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict - 3.0 ★
6. Goodbye, Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles - 4.2 ★
7. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell - 4.6 ★
8. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton - 3.3 ★
9. Under the Harvest Moon by Sophie Lynbrook - 3.8 ★
10. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy - 4.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper - 4.3 ★
12. Children of the Ice by Charlotte Prentiss - 3.8 ★
13. The Empty Glass by J. E. Baker - 3.0 ★
: Books for this category will mostly be from the Reading Through Time Monthly and Quarterly Challenges
Books Read
1. English Creek by Ivan Doig - 4.3 ★
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald - 4.0 ★
3. Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth - 4.5 ★
4. Village School by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
5. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict - 3.0 ★
6. Goodbye, Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles - 4.2 ★
7. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell - 4.6 ★
8. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton - 3.3 ★
9. Under the Harvest Moon by Sophie Lynbrook - 3.8 ★
10. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy - 4.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper - 4.3 ★
12. Children of the Ice by Charlotte Prentiss - 3.8 ★
13. The Empty Glass by J. E. Baker - 3.0 ★
11DeltaQueen50
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger - Fantasy
Books Read
1. The Sasquatch Hunter's Almanac by Sharma Shields - 3.0 ★
2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - 4.0 ★
3. Red Rising by Pierce Brown - 4.5 ★
4. Horses of Heaven by Gillian Bradshaw - 3.8 ★
5. Belle by Cameron Dokey - 3.6 ★
6. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik - 5.0 ★
7. The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis - 4.3 ★
8. Legacy by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
9. Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier - 3.0 ★
10. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton - 4.1 ★
COMPLETED
11. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. The Sasquatch Hunter's Almanac by Sharma Shields - 3.0 ★
2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - 4.0 ★
3. Red Rising by Pierce Brown - 4.5 ★
4. Horses of Heaven by Gillian Bradshaw - 3.8 ★
5. Belle by Cameron Dokey - 3.6 ★
6. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik - 5.0 ★
7. The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis - 4.3 ★
8. Legacy by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
9. Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier - 3.0 ★
10. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton - 4.1 ★
COMPLETED
11. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard - 4.0 ★
12DeltaQueen50
Godzilla & King Kong - Dark Fantasy & Apocalyptic Stories
Books Read
1. The Road to Woodbury by Robert Kirkman - 3.3 ★
2. Kill Creek by Scott Thomas - 2.0 ★
3. Arachnoid by Michael Cole - 3.0 ★
4. The Infection by Craig Dilouie - 3.4 ★
5. Miao Dao by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.0 ★ and The Grownup by Gillian Flynn - 4.0 ★
6. The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson - 4.0 ★
7. A History of the Future by James Howard Kunstler
8. The Rains by Gregg Hurwitz - 3.8 ★
9. The Devil Crept In by Ania Ahlborn - 3.5 ★
10. The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James - 4.3 ★
COMPLETED
11. Ghost Run by J. L. Bourne - 4.0 ★
12. Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne - 3.3 ★
13. Christmas Horror, Vol. 1 an Anthology - 4.0 ★
14. The Harrows of Spring by James Howard Kunstler - 3.4 ★
Books Read
1. The Road to Woodbury by Robert Kirkman - 3.3 ★
2. Kill Creek by Scott Thomas - 2.0 ★
3. Arachnoid by Michael Cole - 3.0 ★
4. The Infection by Craig Dilouie - 3.4 ★
5. Miao Dao by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.0 ★ and The Grownup by Gillian Flynn - 4.0 ★
6. The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson - 4.0 ★
7. A History of the Future by James Howard Kunstler
8. The Rains by Gregg Hurwitz - 3.8 ★
9. The Devil Crept In by Ania Ahlborn - 3.5 ★
10. The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James - 4.3 ★
COMPLETED
11. Ghost Run by J. L. Bourne - 4.0 ★
12. Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne - 3.3 ★
13. Christmas Horror, Vol. 1 an Anthology - 4.0 ★
14. The Harrows of Spring by James Howard Kunstler - 3.4 ★
13DeltaQueen50
Captain James Kirk & Mr. Spock - Science Fiction
Books Read
1. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice - 5.0 ★
2. The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything by John D. MacDonald - 4.0 ★
3. The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal - 3.6 ★
4. The Old Man and the Wasteland by Nick Cole - 4.5 ★
5. Contact by Sean Platt - 3.3 ★
6. Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
7. The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi - 4.2 ★
8. The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson - 4.0 ★
9. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone - 3.5 ★
10. Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill - 4.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman - 3.4 ★
12. The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice - 5.0 ★
2. The Girl, The Gold Watch and Everything by John D. MacDonald - 4.0 ★
3. The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal - 3.6 ★
4. The Old Man and the Wasteland by Nick Cole - 4.5 ★
5. Contact by Sean Platt - 3.3 ★
6. Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
7. The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi - 4.2 ★
8. The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson - 4.0 ★
9. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone - 3.5 ★
10. Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill - 4.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman - 3.4 ★
12. The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers - 4.0 ★
14DeltaQueen50
Chuck Noland and Wilson (Castaway) - Global Reading
Books Read
1. To the Back of Beyond by Peter Stamm (Switzerland) - 4.0 ★
2. The Court Dancer by Kyung-sook Shin (Korea) - 3.0 ★
3. Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat (Haiti) - 4.1 ★
4. The Dragon Man by Garry Disher (Australia) - 4.0 ★
5. The Good Braider by Terry Farish (Sudan/Egypt) - 4.0 ★
6. City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin (Germany) - 5.0 ★
7. Real World by Natsuo Kirino (Japan) - 3.4 ★
8. Where the Air is Sweet by Tasneem Jamal (Uganda) - 4.2 ★
9. The Lost History of the Stars by Dave Boling (South Africa) - 3.8 ★
10. Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig (Burma/Myanmar) - 3.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Parted Earth by Anjali Enjeti - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. To the Back of Beyond by Peter Stamm (Switzerland) - 4.0 ★
2. The Court Dancer by Kyung-sook Shin (Korea) - 3.0 ★
3. Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat (Haiti) - 4.1 ★
4. The Dragon Man by Garry Disher (Australia) - 4.0 ★
5. The Good Braider by Terry Farish (Sudan/Egypt) - 4.0 ★
6. City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin (Germany) - 5.0 ★
7. Real World by Natsuo Kirino (Japan) - 3.4 ★
8. Where the Air is Sweet by Tasneem Jamal (Uganda) - 4.2 ★
9. The Lost History of the Stars by Dave Boling (South Africa) - 3.8 ★
10. Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig (Burma/Myanmar) - 3.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Parted Earth by Anjali Enjeti - 4.0 ★
15DeltaQueen50
Meridith Grey & Christina Yang - Romance and Love Stories
Books Read
1. It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas - 3.8 ★
2. Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev - 3.8 ★
3. On The Way To The Wedding by Julia Quinn - 3.7 ★
4. Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh - 3.7 ★
5. Cluny Brown by Margery Sharp - 4.0 ★
6. The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - 4.0 ★
7. The Ravenscar Dynasty - Barbara Taylor Bradford - 3.2 ★
8. The Ungrateful Governess by Mary Balogh -2.5 ★
9. The Duke's Wager by Edith Layton - 3.8 ★
10. An Unlikely Duchess by Mary Balogh - 3.7 ★
COMPLETED
11. A Match Made At Christmas by Elle St. Clair - 3.3 ★
12. The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson - 3.6 ★
Books Read
1. It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas - 3.8 ★
2. Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev - 3.8 ★
3. On The Way To The Wedding by Julia Quinn - 3.7 ★
4. Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh - 3.7 ★
5. Cluny Brown by Margery Sharp - 4.0 ★
6. The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - 4.0 ★
7. The Ravenscar Dynasty - Barbara Taylor Bradford - 3.2 ★
8. The Ungrateful Governess by Mary Balogh -2.5 ★
9. The Duke's Wager by Edith Layton - 3.8 ★
10. An Unlikely Duchess by Mary Balogh - 3.7 ★
COMPLETED
11. A Match Made At Christmas by Elle St. Clair - 3.3 ★
12. The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson - 3.6 ★
16DeltaQueen50
Trixie Belden & Honey Wheeler - YA and Children's Literature
Books Read
1. Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff - 3.8 ★
2. Incurable by John Marsden - 3.8 ★
3. The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera - 5.0 ★
4. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez - 3.0 ★
5. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson - 4.3 ★
6. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett - 3.7 ★
7. This is Our Story by Ashley Elston - 3.7 ★
8. Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah - 4.5 ★
9. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare - 4.2 ★
10. The Dogs by Allan Stratton - 3.8 ★
COMPLETED
11. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson - 5.0 ★
12. Sure Signs of Crazy by Karen Harrington - 4.2 ★
13. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - Jacqueline Kelly - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff - 3.8 ★
2. Incurable by John Marsden - 3.8 ★
3. The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera - 5.0 ★
4. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez - 3.0 ★
5. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson - 4.3 ★
6. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett - 3.7 ★
7. This is Our Story by Ashley Elston - 3.7 ★
8. Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah - 4.5 ★
9. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare - 4.2 ★
10. The Dogs by Allan Stratton - 3.8 ★
COMPLETED
11. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson - 5.0 ★
12. Sure Signs of Crazy by Karen Harrington - 4.2 ★
13. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - Jacqueline Kelly - 4.3 ★
17DeltaQueen50
Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid - Stories of the American West
Books Read
1. The Chains of Sarai Stone by Cynthia Haseloff - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Crossing by Barbara Riefe - 3.0 ★
3. Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles - 4.2 ★
4. Mojave by Johnny D. Boggs - 3.7 ★
5. Cloudy in the West by Elmer Kelton - 3.8 ★
6. A Wagon Train For Brides by Kent Conwell - 3.8 ★
7. West Like the Lightning by Jim DeFelice - 3.8 ★
8. Pony Express by Harriet Cade - 3.7 ★
9. Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird - 5.0 ★
10. Into the Savage Country by Shannon Burke - 4.0 ★
COMPLETED
11. Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. The Chains of Sarai Stone by Cynthia Haseloff - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Crossing by Barbara Riefe - 3.0 ★
3. Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles - 4.2 ★
4. Mojave by Johnny D. Boggs - 3.7 ★
5. Cloudy in the West by Elmer Kelton - 3.8 ★
6. A Wagon Train For Brides by Kent Conwell - 3.8 ★
7. West Like the Lightning by Jim DeFelice - 3.8 ★
8. Pony Express by Harriet Cade - 3.7 ★
9. Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird - 5.0 ★
10. Into the Savage Country by Shannon Burke - 4.0 ★
COMPLETED
11. Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson - 4.5 ★
18DeltaQueen50
Patience & Fortitude, New York's Literary Lions - Library Loans
Books Read
1. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles - 5.0 ★
2. Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey - 5.0 ★
3. An Ecology of Enchantment by Des Kennedy - 4.2 ★
4. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware - 3.3 ★
5. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi - 5.0 ★
6. History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund - 3.3 ★
7. Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui - 4.0 ★
8. Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy - 4.2 ★
9. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli - 4.5 ★
10. The Untold by Courtney Collins - 4.5 ★
COMPLETED
11. 419 by Will Ferguson - 4.2 ★
12. Little Deaths by Emma Flint - 5.0 ★
Books Read
1. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles - 5.0 ★
2. Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey - 5.0 ★
3. An Ecology of Enchantment by Des Kennedy - 4.2 ★
4. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware - 3.3 ★
5. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi - 5.0 ★
6. History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund - 3.3 ★
7. Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui - 4.0 ★
8. Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy - 4.2 ★
9. Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli - 4.5 ★
10. The Untold by Courtney Collins - 4.5 ★
COMPLETED
11. 419 by Will Ferguson - 4.2 ★
12. Little Deaths by Emma Flint - 5.0 ★
19DeltaQueen50
Lucy & Ethel - Classics, Books from the 1,001 List
Books Read
1. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys - 4.0 ★
2. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse - 3.4 ★
3. Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant - 4.0 ★
4. The Crow Road by Iain Banks - 4.2 ★
5. Red Harvest by Dashiel Hammett - 3.8 ★
6. Beloved by Toni Morrison - 4.0 ★
7. The Wars by Timothy Findley - 4.5 ★
8. Excellent Women by Barbara Pyn - 4.2 ★
9. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson - 3.8 ★
10. Hell by Henri Barbusse - 2.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - 4.0 ★
12. The Circle by Dave Eggers - 3.4 ★
13. Who Do You Think You Are? by Alice Munro - 4.2 ★
14. Franny And Zooey by J. D. Salinger - 3.0 ★
15. The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon - 3.8 ★
16. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro - 4.0 ★
17. The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o - 4.0 ★
18. Willard and his Bowling Trophies by Richard Brautigan - 3.6 ★
19. Amok by Stefan Zweig - 4.0 ★
20. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann - 3.7 ★
21. The Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys - 4.0 ★
2. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse - 3.4 ★
3. Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant - 4.0 ★
4. The Crow Road by Iain Banks - 4.2 ★
5. Red Harvest by Dashiel Hammett - 3.8 ★
6. Beloved by Toni Morrison - 4.0 ★
7. The Wars by Timothy Findley - 4.5 ★
8. Excellent Women by Barbara Pyn - 4.2 ★
9. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson - 3.8 ★
10. Hell by Henri Barbusse - 2.2 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - 4.0 ★
12. The Circle by Dave Eggers - 3.4 ★
13. Who Do You Think You Are? by Alice Munro - 4.2 ★
14. Franny And Zooey by J. D. Salinger - 3.0 ★
15. The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon - 3.8 ★
16. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro - 4.0 ★
17. The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o - 4.0 ★
18. Willard and his Bowling Trophies by Richard Brautigan - 3.6 ★
19. Amok by Stefan Zweig - 4.0 ★
20. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann - 3.7 ★
21. The Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand - 4.0 ★
20DeltaQueen50
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler - Women Authors
Books Read
1. The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent - 3.8 ★
2. Wonderful Tonight by Patti Boyd & Penny Junior - 3.8 ★
3. In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward - 3.8 ★
4. The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn - 3.0 ★
5. A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson - 5.0 ★
6. Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende - 4.5 ★
7. Galina Petrovna's Three-Legged Dog Story by Andrea Bennett - 4.0 ★
8. The Raffle Baby by Ruth Talbot - 4.0 ★
9. Spam Tomorrow by Verily Anderson - 4.0 ★
10. Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah - 4.5 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan - 4.1 ★
12. The Thirteen by Susie Moloney - 3.8 ★
13. Gun Love by Jennifer Clement - 4.0 ★
14. The Wives of Los Alamos by TaraShea Nesbit - 4.0 ★
15. Rhododendron Pie by Margery Sharp - 4.0 ★
16. Sixpenny Christmas by Katie Flynn - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent - 3.8 ★
2. Wonderful Tonight by Patti Boyd & Penny Junior - 3.8 ★
3. In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward - 3.8 ★
4. The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn - 3.0 ★
5. A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson - 5.0 ★
6. Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende - 4.5 ★
7. Galina Petrovna's Three-Legged Dog Story by Andrea Bennett - 4.0 ★
8. The Raffle Baby by Ruth Talbot - 4.0 ★
9. Spam Tomorrow by Verily Anderson - 4.0 ★
10. Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah - 4.5 ★
COMPLETED
11. The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan - 4.1 ★
12. The Thirteen by Susie Moloney - 3.8 ★
13. Gun Love by Jennifer Clement - 4.0 ★
14. The Wives of Los Alamos by TaraShea Nesbit - 4.0 ★
15. Rhododendron Pie by Margery Sharp - 4.0 ★
16. Sixpenny Christmas by Katie Flynn - 4.0 ★
21DeltaQueen50
Calvin & Hobbs - The Alphabet
Books Read
A Missing by Karin Alvtegen - 4.2 ★
B Five Roundabouts to Heaven by John Bingham - 4.2 ★
C Little Bee by Chris Cleave - 4.5 ★
D The Devil's Closet by Stacy Dittrich - 2.0 ★
E The Horizontal Man by Helen Eustis - 3.7 ★
F The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan - 4.0 ★
G The Good Journey by Micaela Gilchrist - 4.0 ★
H Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer - 4.0 ★
I Madensky Square by Eva Ibbotson - 3.2 ★
J Where All Light Tends To Go by David Joy - 4.0 ★
K Never Cross A Vampire by Stuart Kaminsky - 4.0 ★
L The False Inspector Dew by Peter Lovesey - 5.0 ★
M One Monday We Killed Them All by John D. MacDonald - 3.5 ★
N November Road by Lou Berney - 5.0 ★
O When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka - 4.0 ★
P Bloody January by Alan Parks - 4.0 ★
Q Calamity Town by Ellery Queen - 4.2 ★
R Before the Poison by Peter Robinson - 4.5 ★
S My Friend Maigret by Georges Simenon - 3.8 ★
T Flight of the Phoenix by Elleston Trevor - 4.0 ★
U The Sands of Windee by Arthur W. Upfield - 3.7 ★
V The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe - 4.5 ★
W American Boy by Larry Watson - 4.0 ★
Y Run Me To Earth by Paul Yoon - 4.2 ★
COMPLETED
Books Read
A Missing by Karin Alvtegen - 4.2 ★
B Five Roundabouts to Heaven by John Bingham - 4.2 ★
C Little Bee by Chris Cleave - 4.5 ★
D The Devil's Closet by Stacy Dittrich - 2.0 ★
E The Horizontal Man by Helen Eustis - 3.7 ★
F The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan - 4.0 ★
G The Good Journey by Micaela Gilchrist - 4.0 ★
H Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer - 4.0 ★
I Madensky Square by Eva Ibbotson - 3.2 ★
J Where All Light Tends To Go by David Joy - 4.0 ★
K Never Cross A Vampire by Stuart Kaminsky - 4.0 ★
L The False Inspector Dew by Peter Lovesey - 5.0 ★
M One Monday We Killed Them All by John D. MacDonald - 3.5 ★
N November Road by Lou Berney - 5.0 ★
O When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka - 4.0 ★
P Bloody January by Alan Parks - 4.0 ★
Q Calamity Town by Ellery Queen - 4.2 ★
R Before the Poison by Peter Robinson - 4.5 ★
S My Friend Maigret by Georges Simenon - 3.8 ★
T Flight of the Phoenix by Elleston Trevor - 4.0 ★
U The Sands of Windee by Arthur W. Upfield - 3.7 ★
V The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe - 4.5 ★
W American Boy by Larry Watson - 4.0 ★
Y Run Me To Earth by Paul Yoon - 4.2 ★
COMPLETED
22DeltaQueen50
Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey & Ross - Friends -Everything Else
Books Read
1. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot - 5.0 ★
2. Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson - 3.7 ★
3. Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest by David Moskowitz- 4.0 ★
4. Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain - 4.0 ★
5. Lady Killer, Volume 1 by Joelle Jones - 4.0 ★
Lady Killer, Volume 2 by Joelle Jones - 4.0 ★
6. The Aspern Papers by Henry James - 3.8 ★
7. Canadian Christmas Traditions by DeeAnn Mandryk - 3.5 ★
8. Village Diary by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
9. Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot - 5.0 ★
2. Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson - 3.7 ★
3. Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest by David Moskowitz- 4.0 ★
4. Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain - 4.0 ★
5. Lady Killer, Volume 1 by Joelle Jones - 4.0 ★
Lady Killer, Volume 2 by Joelle Jones - 4.0 ★
6. The Aspern Papers by Henry James - 3.8 ★
7. Canadian Christmas Traditions by DeeAnn Mandryk - 3.5 ★
8. Village Diary by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
9. Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump - 4.0 ★
23DeltaQueen50
2022 Reading Plans
: January - Hosting MysteryKit
: May - Hosting ScaredyKit
: June - Hosting Reading Through Time
: August - Hosting AuthorCat
: September - Hosting CatWoman
: October - Hosting ScaredyKit
: November - Hosting AuthorCat
: November - Hosting CatWoman
: December - Hosting Reading Through Time
: January - Hosting MysteryKit
: May - Hosting ScaredyKit
: June - Hosting Reading Through Time
: August - Hosting AuthorCat
: September - Hosting CatWoman
: October - Hosting ScaredyKit
: November - Hosting AuthorCat
: November - Hosting CatWoman
: December - Hosting Reading Through Time
24DeltaQueen50
Welcome to my final thread of 2022!
25MissWatson
Happy new thread, Judy! The last weeks of the year always fly by, don't they? I hope they're filled with many more good books.
26dudes22
Happy New Thread, Judy! While strolling through your books read this time, I paid particular attention to the ratings in case I had missed something and your science fiction and dystopian categories and the ratings you gave. I think I've picked up a few more BBs.
27msf59
Happy Wednesday, Judy. Happy New Thread! We are getting a taste of winter in Chicagoland this week.
29BLBera
Happy new thread, Judy. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. I look forward to see what you come up with for 2023.
30Storeetllr
Dropping a ⭐️ so I don’t lose your thread again.
I read a few of the Bony mysteries back in the 80s and remember them fondly. Not sure I’d feel the same about them now.
I read a few of the Bony mysteries back in the 80s and remember them fondly. Not sure I’d feel the same about them now.
33DeltaQueen50
Good morning. I hope everyone is having a good day so far. Today is grocery shopping day (Ugh) so I will be heading out shortly.
>25 MissWatson: Hi Brigit. I have had a very good reading year so far and hopefully there may still be some great reads to come!
>26 dudes22: I am always happy to pass along a book bullet or two, Betty. I was just looking through my 2022 reads and I was surprised to see that I have given 5 stars to fifteen books!
>27 msf59: Hi Mark. Today is a typical day here for November - cloudy, chilly, cold and dull. Thankfully no snow although we did get a few sprinkles last week.
>28 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer.
>29 BLBera: The year has sped by - it seems like we just Christmas and here we are planning for the next one!
>30 Storeetllr: The Bony mysteries are interesting but one does have overlook the derogatory language but then that is true of most vintage books. I am currently reading a hard-boiled crime story that was originally published in 1937 and I have to often grit my teeth over the casual use of the N word and the misogyny.
>31 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen.
>25 MissWatson: Hi Brigit. I have had a very good reading year so far and hopefully there may still be some great reads to come!
>26 dudes22: I am always happy to pass along a book bullet or two, Betty. I was just looking through my 2022 reads and I was surprised to see that I have given 5 stars to fifteen books!
>27 msf59: Hi Mark. Today is a typical day here for November - cloudy, chilly, cold and dull. Thankfully no snow although we did get a few sprinkles last week.
>28 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer.
>29 BLBera: The year has sped by - it seems like we just Christmas and here we are planning for the next one!
>30 Storeetllr: The Bony mysteries are interesting but one does have overlook the derogatory language but then that is true of most vintage books. I am currently reading a hard-boiled crime story that was originally published in 1937 and I have to often grit my teeth over the casual use of the N word and the misogyny.
>31 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen.
34DeltaQueen50
>32 Jackie_K: I know - I felt like I was ahead of myself posting some Yuletime pictures, but with the American Thanksgiving almost upon us, it seems the holiday season has been launched!
35rabbitprincess
We had snow here today, so it feels a little bit Christmassy. I'm still not doing anything Christmas before December 1 though ;)
36pamelad
>35 rabbitprincess: We had snow in western Victoria (in The Grampians) last week, which is the sign of a climate gone berserk. It's almost summer!
It's been Christmas in the Supermarket since October so you're not ahead of yourself, Judy.
It's been Christmas in the Supermarket since October so you're not ahead of yourself, Judy.
37Tanya-dogearedcopy
>35 rabbitprincess: We got our first snows here over the first weekend of November! One minute we had cold, clear blue skies and the next minute, snow! One of local ski slopes was literally sending up the first load bearing test run in white-out conditions and we’re all eagerly waiting for the base to build up di the season can officially begin 🎿
39LadyoftheLodge
Happy New Thread! It was fun to look over your graphics again.
40DeltaQueen50
>35 rabbitprincess: I would rather wait until December 1st before thinking about Christmas but for some reason my husband has been bitten by the Christmas spirit and has already put the wreath on the door and he even made some mince tarts the other day!
>36 pamelad: Funny, I never think about Australia getting snow - is it mostly limited to the mountains? I started to see Christmas in the stores befor the Halloween decorations were taken down - rather confusing!
>37 Tanya-dogearedcopy: We don't usually get more than a week or two of snow here during the winter instead we deal with lots and lots of rain. The endless grey days can be a little depressing so it's important to have things in your life that keep your mind off the weather.
>38 humouress: Thanks, Nina!
>39 LadyoftheLodge: I have really enjoyed my Category Challenge this year, the categories worked well. It's going to be strange next year as I have changed the format into monthly plans.
>36 pamelad: Funny, I never think about Australia getting snow - is it mostly limited to the mountains? I started to see Christmas in the stores befor the Halloween decorations were taken down - rather confusing!
>37 Tanya-dogearedcopy: We don't usually get more than a week or two of snow here during the winter instead we deal with lots and lots of rain. The endless grey days can be a little depressing so it's important to have things in your life that keep your mind off the weather.
>38 humouress: Thanks, Nina!
>39 LadyoftheLodge: I have really enjoyed my Category Challenge this year, the categories worked well. It's going to be strange next year as I have changed the format into monthly plans.
41DeltaQueen50
194. The Good Journey by Micaela Gilchrist - 4.0 ★
Category: Calvin & Hobbs
November AlphaKit: G
November TIOLI #8: Author's Name has Spelling Variations
Building her historical fiction novel on actual letters and diaries, author Micaela Gilchrist has delivered, The Good Journey, a story about Mary Bullitt Atkinson and her marriage to General Henry Atkinson. Strong willed Mary joins the General at his outpost at St. Louis on the Mississippi River in January 1826 and the story covers the next twenty years in their colorful marriage, as the General deals with both the Winnebago Indian War and the Black Hawk War.
Mary is a young girl of twenty when they marry, and has been sheltered during her life. The General is in his forties. Although Mary is greatly attracted to him, and he to her, what seems to define their marriage are the secrets that they keep from one another. The General is often away, fighting the various Indian wars, but he is considered too soft on the Indians by others. Mary is confused by her husband’s attachment to an Indian woman called Bright Sun, but he offers no explanation.
This was an interesting read as it was very descriptive of both military and Indian life. The Americans were moving ever westward and pushing the Indians from their land. Black Hawk’s people, the Saulks were expected to move west of the Mississippi into the lands of the Sioux, their traditional enemies. Unfortunately, this was also a rather dense and slow moving novel, and perhaps suffered a little from having to read the viewpoints of quite a few characters, including Mary, her soldier cousin, and Bright Sun. I thought the story was wonderful even though the writing was uneven, and I think this book would appeal to anyone with an interest in this time period in American History.
Category: Calvin & Hobbs
November AlphaKit: G
November TIOLI #8: Author's Name has Spelling Variations
Building her historical fiction novel on actual letters and diaries, author Micaela Gilchrist has delivered, The Good Journey, a story about Mary Bullitt Atkinson and her marriage to General Henry Atkinson. Strong willed Mary joins the General at his outpost at St. Louis on the Mississippi River in January 1826 and the story covers the next twenty years in their colorful marriage, as the General deals with both the Winnebago Indian War and the Black Hawk War.
Mary is a young girl of twenty when they marry, and has been sheltered during her life. The General is in his forties. Although Mary is greatly attracted to him, and he to her, what seems to define their marriage are the secrets that they keep from one another. The General is often away, fighting the various Indian wars, but he is considered too soft on the Indians by others. Mary is confused by her husband’s attachment to an Indian woman called Bright Sun, but he offers no explanation.
This was an interesting read as it was very descriptive of both military and Indian life. The Americans were moving ever westward and pushing the Indians from their land. Black Hawk’s people, the Saulks were expected to move west of the Mississippi into the lands of the Sioux, their traditional enemies. Unfortunately, this was also a rather dense and slow moving novel, and perhaps suffered a little from having to read the viewpoints of quite a few characters, including Mary, her soldier cousin, and Bright Sun. I thought the story was wonderful even though the writing was uneven, and I think this book would appeal to anyone with an interest in this time period in American History.
42Tess_W
>41 DeltaQueen50: You gave a BB with the first sentence!
43DeltaQueen50
>42 Tess_W: I really liked the book but I have noticed a lot of negative reviews, I hope you like it as well.
44DeltaQueen50
195. Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson - 4.2 ★
Category: Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson
November TIOLI #5: Author's Name is Edward
Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson was originally published in 1937 and is about three small-time gangsters who break out of prison and immediately fall back into robbing banks. T-Dub, Chicamaw and Bowie cut a swath across Oklahoma and Western Texas. While holed up in a small town, the youngest, Bowie meets and falls in love with Keechie, a cousin of Chicamaw. After a robbery goes bad, Bowie and Keechie strike out on their own, and the story becomes a tale of love on the run with no where to hide.
The novel paints a realistic picture of life in the dust-bowl of the 1930s. One gets a feeling that the author based his story on the real lives of Bonnie and Clyde. As they drive back and forth on the dusty roads the reader can sense that time for these two is running out, that sooner or later they are heading for a confrontation with the police.
Thieves Like Us is a gripping, well written story that brings this lost era to life. There is an overwhelming sense of doom that clings to these tough, violent men, and even as they dream of a better life in Mexico, it is clear that fate has other plans for them. I note that this novel is considered an excellent example of the noir style of American crime stories.
Category: Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson
November TIOLI #5: Author's Name is Edward
Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson was originally published in 1937 and is about three small-time gangsters who break out of prison and immediately fall back into robbing banks. T-Dub, Chicamaw and Bowie cut a swath across Oklahoma and Western Texas. While holed up in a small town, the youngest, Bowie meets and falls in love with Keechie, a cousin of Chicamaw. After a robbery goes bad, Bowie and Keechie strike out on their own, and the story becomes a tale of love on the run with no where to hide.
The novel paints a realistic picture of life in the dust-bowl of the 1930s. One gets a feeling that the author based his story on the real lives of Bonnie and Clyde. As they drive back and forth on the dusty roads the reader can sense that time for these two is running out, that sooner or later they are heading for a confrontation with the police.
Thieves Like Us is a gripping, well written story that brings this lost era to life. There is an overwhelming sense of doom that clings to these tough, violent men, and even as they dream of a better life in Mexico, it is clear that fate has other plans for them. I note that this novel is considered an excellent example of the noir style of American crime stories.
45pamelad
>44 DeltaQueen50: There are two good films based on Thieves Like Us: Robert Altman's 1974 film of the same name, and Nicholas Ray's 1948 film They Live by Night.
Happy Noirvember!
Happy Noirvember!
46DeltaQueen50
>45 pamelad: I will take note of those film's names - I love a good noir film!
47DeltaQueen50
196. An Unlikely Duchess by Mary Balogh - 3.7 ★
Category: Meredith Grey & Christina Yang
November TIOLI #6: Silhouette on Cover
An Unlikely Duchess by Mary Balogh was a fun story about a ditzy young lady who runs away from meeting her intended only to find herself in a much more precarious situation with a lowlife who plans on ruining her reputation and getting her father pay him to marry her. Of course she is rescued in the nick of time by the hero, and they embark on a madcap romp across the countryside chasing the villain in order to retrieve her jewels, she never realizing that her hero is in fact the intended that she originally ran away from.
I really liked the hero of the book, the Duke of Mitford was a down-to-earth fellow, neither handsome or rugged, but instead could only be described as “nice”. He gets involved with this silly young lady and is soon having amusing adventures but all the while he behaves in a gallant, manly manner. The heroine, Josephine was at first charming but as the book progressed I found she got on my nerves with her increasingly silly behavior.
While the book did amuse me, I did find it became somewhat tedious as it went on. Eventually just about all of Josephine’s family is out criss-crossing the country in their carriages yet continually missing each other. I did find the secondary romance between Josephine’s sister, Susanna, and the Duke’s friend, Thomas quite heart-warming and I did love the ending of the story when all was revealed.
Category: Meredith Grey & Christina Yang
November TIOLI #6: Silhouette on Cover
An Unlikely Duchess by Mary Balogh was a fun story about a ditzy young lady who runs away from meeting her intended only to find herself in a much more precarious situation with a lowlife who plans on ruining her reputation and getting her father pay him to marry her. Of course she is rescued in the nick of time by the hero, and they embark on a madcap romp across the countryside chasing the villain in order to retrieve her jewels, she never realizing that her hero is in fact the intended that she originally ran away from.
I really liked the hero of the book, the Duke of Mitford was a down-to-earth fellow, neither handsome or rugged, but instead could only be described as “nice”. He gets involved with this silly young lady and is soon having amusing adventures but all the while he behaves in a gallant, manly manner. The heroine, Josephine was at first charming but as the book progressed I found she got on my nerves with her increasingly silly behavior.
While the book did amuse me, I did find it became somewhat tedious as it went on. Eventually just about all of Josephine’s family is out criss-crossing the country in their carriages yet continually missing each other. I did find the secondary romance between Josephine’s sister, Susanna, and the Duke’s friend, Thomas quite heart-warming and I did love the ending of the story when all was revealed.
49DeltaQueen50
>48 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne. It's scary how quickly the year has gone - the older I get the faster time seems to move!
50LadyoftheLodge
>49 DeltaQueen50: That seems to be true, unfortunately. When we were kids, time seemed to pass slowly, especially with the lead up to birthdays of holidays or vacations.
51DeltaQueen50
>50 LadyoftheLodge: I well remember how long the wait for Christmas was or how endless the summer holidays seemed. Today I blink my eyes and 6 months seem to have passed by.
52DeltaQueen50
197. Rhododendron Pie by Margery Sharpe - 4.0 ★
Category: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
November TIOLI #12: I Am Thankful For _____
The 1930 novel Rhododendron Pie was Margery Sharp’s first published novel and I believe is a very good indication of the style that she continued to develop over her writing career. It is a witty and insightful satire on the coming of age of one young woman, Ann Leventie, who doesn’t quite fit into her family. The Laventies are intellectual, snobbish, rather pretentious people, perhaps priggish best describes them. They tend to be tall, slender people with straight dark hair, whereas Ann is somewhat shorter, plump and has light brown, curly hair. But perhaps the biggest difference is that Ann is more down to earth, practical and certainly cares more about other’s feelings than her siblings and father.
Her father is scholarly and just wealthy enough to focus his attention on reading and other high brow pursuits, her brother Dick becomes an artist and sister Elizabeth the writer of elegant essays. Ann, on the other hand, worries about her figure and is what might be called a “people person” who appreciates the simpler pleasures of life. Perhaps the birthday pies sum up the family the best. For their birthdays each child gets a special pie, but instead of a fruit filling, the pie is filled with flowers. Beautiful but inedible. Lovely to look at, but no substance. While Dick and Elizabeth look forward to these elegant pies, Ann dreams of receiving a good old fashioned apple pie. As they grow older, their differences become more obvious but when Ann comes home with an unsuitably ordinary finance, everyone’s true colors are exposed but it is Ann’s mother, the quiet invalid, who surprises everyone with her opinion.
The romance aspect is a minor one as the book is mostly about social standing and the way people view and treat each other. Although at times the author tends to wander from her story and some of her descriptions are a little long, Rhododendron Pie is perceptive and clever, a very good first novel that highlights Margery Sharpe’s writing and tongue-in-cheek style.
Category: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
November TIOLI #12: I Am Thankful For _____
The 1930 novel Rhododendron Pie was Margery Sharp’s first published novel and I believe is a very good indication of the style that she continued to develop over her writing career. It is a witty and insightful satire on the coming of age of one young woman, Ann Leventie, who doesn’t quite fit into her family. The Laventies are intellectual, snobbish, rather pretentious people, perhaps priggish best describes them. They tend to be tall, slender people with straight dark hair, whereas Ann is somewhat shorter, plump and has light brown, curly hair. But perhaps the biggest difference is that Ann is more down to earth, practical and certainly cares more about other’s feelings than her siblings and father.
Her father is scholarly and just wealthy enough to focus his attention on reading and other high brow pursuits, her brother Dick becomes an artist and sister Elizabeth the writer of elegant essays. Ann, on the other hand, worries about her figure and is what might be called a “people person” who appreciates the simpler pleasures of life. Perhaps the birthday pies sum up the family the best. For their birthdays each child gets a special pie, but instead of a fruit filling, the pie is filled with flowers. Beautiful but inedible. Lovely to look at, but no substance. While Dick and Elizabeth look forward to these elegant pies, Ann dreams of receiving a good old fashioned apple pie. As they grow older, their differences become more obvious but when Ann comes home with an unsuitably ordinary finance, everyone’s true colors are exposed but it is Ann’s mother, the quiet invalid, who surprises everyone with her opinion.
The romance aspect is a minor one as the book is mostly about social standing and the way people view and treat each other. Although at times the author tends to wander from her story and some of her descriptions are a little long, Rhododendron Pie is perceptive and clever, a very good first novel that highlights Margery Sharpe’s writing and tongue-in-cheek style.
53pamelad
>52 DeltaQueen50: I also liked Rhododendron Pie and have read quite a few of Margery Sharp's books this year. I like her common-sense and her good-natured amusement at people's behaviour.
54DeltaQueen50
>53 pamelad: This was just my second Margery Sharp book but I fully intend on reading more, I also enjoy her humor and writing style.
55Storeetllr
>52 DeltaQueen50: That sounds really good! It’s now on my wish list.
>51 DeltaQueen50: Ain’t that the truth!
>51 DeltaQueen50: Ain’t that the truth!
56DeltaQueen50
198. Into The Savage Country by Shannon Burke - 4.0 ★
Category: Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
November TIOLI #7: Rolling Challenge - Elton & Bernie
Into The Savage Country by Shannon Burke is the story of a young man, William Wyeth, who joins an independent fur brigade in 1826 with the hopes of making his fortune. His fiance was against him going off to the wilderness but agreed to wait for him for the duration of one year. Although this is a totally fictional account, the author peopled the brigade with a number of fur trappers who would become famous Mountain Men, Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger and Hugh Glass to name a few. But by far the most interesting character was the fictional leader of the group, Henry Layton who is almost psychopathic with violent mood swings, extremely charming and likeable one minute then nasty and unpredictable the next.
Layton is the son of a wealthy St. Louis merchant, he assembles the brigade and makes a treaty with the Crow Indians that allows them access to land that hasn’t been trapped before. The year looks to be highly successful, but unfortunately, treachery is all around them and they must face difficulties with trappers from the Hudson Bay Company and ambush from the Blackfoot Indians. Even when they are on their way out of the mountains, there is no safe passage for them and their pelts.
While the story is fairly predictable, I enjoyed the descriptions of the virgin wilderness and there was plenty of action to keep the pages turning, including confrontations with grizzly bears as well as with the natives. As an adventure and a story of courage, Into The Savage Country was an exciting read.
Category: Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
November TIOLI #7: Rolling Challenge - Elton & Bernie
Into The Savage Country by Shannon Burke is the story of a young man, William Wyeth, who joins an independent fur brigade in 1826 with the hopes of making his fortune. His fiance was against him going off to the wilderness but agreed to wait for him for the duration of one year. Although this is a totally fictional account, the author peopled the brigade with a number of fur trappers who would become famous Mountain Men, Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger and Hugh Glass to name a few. But by far the most interesting character was the fictional leader of the group, Henry Layton who is almost psychopathic with violent mood swings, extremely charming and likeable one minute then nasty and unpredictable the next.
Layton is the son of a wealthy St. Louis merchant, he assembles the brigade and makes a treaty with the Crow Indians that allows them access to land that hasn’t been trapped before. The year looks to be highly successful, but unfortunately, treachery is all around them and they must face difficulties with trappers from the Hudson Bay Company and ambush from the Blackfoot Indians. Even when they are on their way out of the mountains, there is no safe passage for them and their pelts.
While the story is fairly predictable, I enjoyed the descriptions of the virgin wilderness and there was plenty of action to keep the pages turning, including confrontations with grizzly bears as well as with the natives. As an adventure and a story of courage, Into The Savage Country was an exciting read.
57DeltaQueen50
>55 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. I am really enjoying discovering Margery Sharp!
58DeltaQueen50
199. Village Diary by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
Category: Friends
November TIOLI #1: By a Favorite Author
Village Diary by Miss Read is the second book in her Fairacre series. Fictionally written by the village school mistress, this volume follows a monthly schedule as Miss Read writes in her diary an account of village and school life. Opening in January and closing in December, we are treated to sketches of various residents, descriptions of nature and gardens, general village affairs and day to day life at the two room schoolhouse.
Set in a beautiful rural location, these books are timeless and charming. I am slowly working my way through the Fairacre series and I seize these books whenever I feel the need for a comfort read as these books never fail to transport me to a kinder, gentler world.
Category: Friends
November TIOLI #1: By a Favorite Author
Village Diary by Miss Read is the second book in her Fairacre series. Fictionally written by the village school mistress, this volume follows a monthly schedule as Miss Read writes in her diary an account of village and school life. Opening in January and closing in December, we are treated to sketches of various residents, descriptions of nature and gardens, general village affairs and day to day life at the two room schoolhouse.
Set in a beautiful rural location, these books are timeless and charming. I am slowly working my way through the Fairacre series and I seize these books whenever I feel the need for a comfort read as these books never fail to transport me to a kinder, gentler world.
59LadyoftheLodge
>58 DeltaQueen50: I love Miss Read. She is my "go to" selection, just as you said. I hope you get a chance to read Village Christmas and No Holly for Miss Quinn.
60DeltaQueen50
>59 LadyoftheLodge: I have dipped in and out of the Fairacre Series over the years and have read No Holly for Miss Quinn but now I am going back and reading the series in order so I have Village Christmas to look forward to.
61DeltaQueen50
200. Sure Signs of Crazy by Karen Harrington - 4.2 ★
Category: Trixie Beldon & Honey Wheeler
November TIOLI #14: ISBN Contains the Numbers 1 & 3 and/or 2 & 5
When Sarah Nelson was two years old her mother tried to drown her. Luckily the drowning didn’t take, unfortunately, her twin brother Simon wasn’t so lucky. In Sure Signs of Crazy we spend Sarah's twelfth summer with her.
Sarah’s mother is now in a hospital for the criminally insane. Sarah lives with her father, and this summer he is letting her stay at home instead of shipping her off to her grandparents. Sarah and her father have moved around a lot, always trying to avoid being recognized. They both have their scars from their traumatic past, her father drinks too much and Sarah is constantly worried that she too will go crazy one day. Sarah is a very bright girl, and one of her hobbies is to collect her favorite words and find places to use them and she writes engaging letters to Atticus Finch, the father from To Kill A Mockingbird. This summer will be pivotal in Sarah’s life as she experiences her first big crush, becomes a woman, finds the courage to tell her alcoholic father how she really feels, and takes some big steps toward understanding what happened to her family ten years ago.
The book is aimed at eleven to thirteen year old children so is simplified somewhat but the author is well able to express the difficulties that Sarah encounters in a way that is understandable. Sarah is a wonderful character, she is smart, observant yet still naive. As the book is aimed at children, one can’t help but applaud how the author manages to explore how Sarah works through her anger and fears. Sure Signs of Crazy is full of empathy and humor, resulting in an engaging and hopeful story.
Category: Trixie Beldon & Honey Wheeler
November TIOLI #14: ISBN Contains the Numbers 1 & 3 and/or 2 & 5
When Sarah Nelson was two years old her mother tried to drown her. Luckily the drowning didn’t take, unfortunately, her twin brother Simon wasn’t so lucky. In Sure Signs of Crazy we spend Sarah's twelfth summer with her.
Sarah’s mother is now in a hospital for the criminally insane. Sarah lives with her father, and this summer he is letting her stay at home instead of shipping her off to her grandparents. Sarah and her father have moved around a lot, always trying to avoid being recognized. They both have their scars from their traumatic past, her father drinks too much and Sarah is constantly worried that she too will go crazy one day. Sarah is a very bright girl, and one of her hobbies is to collect her favorite words and find places to use them and she writes engaging letters to Atticus Finch, the father from To Kill A Mockingbird. This summer will be pivotal in Sarah’s life as she experiences her first big crush, becomes a woman, finds the courage to tell her alcoholic father how she really feels, and takes some big steps toward understanding what happened to her family ten years ago.
The book is aimed at eleven to thirteen year old children so is simplified somewhat but the author is well able to express the difficulties that Sarah encounters in a way that is understandable. Sarah is a wonderful character, she is smart, observant yet still naive. As the book is aimed at children, one can’t help but applaud how the author manages to explore how Sarah works through her anger and fears. Sure Signs of Crazy is full of empathy and humor, resulting in an engaging and hopeful story.
62threadnsong
Hello Judy and Happy New Thread! I hope your wintertime reading goes well. Something about the dark coming early has certainly sparked some quiet time here with books all around.
63DeltaQueen50
>62 threadnsong: Thanks, I have had a great November in regards to reading, there's always so much going on in December that I don't have high reading expectations, but come January ...
64Storeetllr
You have had a great reading month! Year, really. 200 books so far! I’m glad for you. It’s been difficult for me to stay focused again this year. I thought after the election of 2020 things would even out, but I guess it will take awhile longer. As for your 200th book, I think I’ll pass. It sounds good triggering, for a couple of reasons. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
65DeltaQueen50
>64 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. You are lucky that you have those two adorable grandchildren to focus on - enjoy it while they are young. Mine seemed to grow up overnight - I can't believe they are now 23 and 18!
66Familyhistorian
Congratulations on reading 200 books this year, Judy. Looks like you have read some interesting ones especially those on this thread.
67mathgirl40
Happy new thread and congratulations on hitting the 200 mark ... and the year's not over yet!
>197 I'm intrigued by Margery Sharp and will have to try one of her novels. I also love the cover image.
>197 I'm intrigued by Margery Sharp and will have to try one of her novels. I also love the cover image.
69msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy! Hooray for hitting #200! I always admire that you are able to track down so many interesting books and authors that I had never heard of, like The Good Journey. I also appreciate your fondness for western-themed books. I have seen and enjoyed the film version of Thieves Like Us but never read the book.
71BLBera
Congrats on 200 books, Judy! Impressive. I'm not familiar with Margery Sharpe, but I will look for something by her.
72thornton37814
Impressive total! I used to reach that. This year I'll just be over half that by year's end.
73DeltaQueen50
>66 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg, I have had a very good reading year this year and, fingers crossed, 2023 will be just as good!
>67 mathgirl40: Rhododendron Pie is part of a publishing collection entitled "Furrowed Middlebrow" put out by Dean Street Press. It is a collection of books by some lesser known British, Irish and American female authors such as Elizabeth Fair, Susan Scarlett, D.E. Stevenson etc. I am adding a link to a Goodreads list of "Furrowed Middlebrow" books: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/131981.Furrowed_Middlebrow
Of course I want to read them all!
>68 humouress: Thanks, Nina.
>69 msf59: I do have a soft spot for the American West! I am reading Ghost Warrior right now by one of my favorite authors, Lucia St. Clair Robson. So far it is excellent. As far as I can remember, I haven't seen a film version of Thieves Like Us but as my brother is a film buff and particularly likes film noir, I have a good chance of getting to see the film when I visit him at Christmas.
>70 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. Most of my reading comes from recommendations that I pick up here at Library Thing - I don't know what I would do without LT!
>71 BLBera: You might also want to check out the Goodreads list of "Furrowed Middlebrow" books, Beth.
>67 mathgirl40: Rhododendron Pie is part of a publishing collection entitled "Furrowed Middlebrow" put out by Dean Street Press. It is a collection of books by some lesser known British, Irish and American female authors such as Elizabeth Fair, Susan Scarlett, D.E. Stevenson etc. I am adding a link to a Goodreads list of "Furrowed Middlebrow" books: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/131981.Furrowed_Middlebrow
Of course I want to read them all!
>68 humouress: Thanks, Nina.
>69 msf59: I do have a soft spot for the American West! I am reading Ghost Warrior right now by one of my favorite authors, Lucia St. Clair Robson. So far it is excellent. As far as I can remember, I haven't seen a film version of Thieves Like Us but as my brother is a film buff and particularly likes film noir, I have a good chance of getting to see the film when I visit him at Christmas.
>70 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. Most of my reading comes from recommendations that I pick up here at Library Thing - I don't know what I would do without LT!
>71 BLBera: You might also want to check out the Goodreads list of "Furrowed Middlebrow" books, Beth.
74DeltaQueen50
>72 thornton37814: I'm lucky that I am a fairly fast reader, and also my life is pretty quiet so I have a lot of time to spend on books, Lori. Of course, it isn't quantity as much as quality.
76DeltaQueen50
>75 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. When I joined Library Thing and my reading list grew ever longer, I realized that I have limited time to get as much reading done as I can. Before LT I read about 60 books a year but that rate would hardly make a dent in my TBR so I upped my game.
77LadyoftheLodge
Thanks for the link to Furrowed Middlebrow. I discovered several I have read from the list. I especially like D. E. Stevenson and also the Mrs. Tim novels.
78mstrust
>76 DeltaQueen50: Before joining LT I didn't keep track of how much I read a year, so LT has definitely made me more organized, and reading a long ago review jogs my memory of how I felt about the book or author.
79rabbitprincess
How did you all fare with the snow this week? Hope you were able to stay in and not go anywhere. The footage of Highway 1 was unbelievable!
80DeltaQueen50
My tragedy this week has been that my computer has been hit with a particularly vicious virus and has been taken to the Geeks to have it cleaned up. They called yesterday to say that they are having trouble getting rid of the virus from my document files. They were going to try one more thing and then get back to me. If it doesn't work, then the only solution is to destroy all my document files. And being the idiot that I am, I have no backup to these files. I hope to get my computer back at some point this week, so I will check in when it's back.
>77 LadyoftheLodge: Enjoy discovering all the "Furrowed Brow" books - I could easily spend a fortune there!
>78 mstrust: Now that I tend to write a blurb about every book that I read I do remember most of the books that I read the last 14 years!
>79 rabbitprincess: Where I live, which is very close to the ocean and away from the mountains, we tend to get less snow. This last snowfall didn't really last here. We did get a slight sprinkling of snow last night but not enough to even have to wear boots. It is cold though but I am enjoying the bright sunshine - we usually have grey skies with rain.
>77 LadyoftheLodge: Enjoy discovering all the "Furrowed Brow" books - I could easily spend a fortune there!
>78 mstrust: Now that I tend to write a blurb about every book that I read I do remember most of the books that I read the last 14 years!
>79 rabbitprincess: Where I live, which is very close to the ocean and away from the mountains, we tend to get less snow. This last snowfall didn't really last here. We did get a slight sprinkling of snow last night but not enough to even have to wear boots. It is cold though but I am enjoying the bright sunshine - we usually have grey skies with rain.
81humouress
>80 DeltaQueen50: Oh no! (Admittedly I haven't backed up my stuff to discs but it does go into the cloud so I can access it from different devices.) Hoping the Geeks can save it.
82dudes22
>80 DeltaQueen50: - I do backup occasionally but that's still very scary. Hope the Geeks can help you.
83MissWatson
>80 DeltaQueen50: Oh what an unfortunate thing to happen! I hope they can save your files!
84Helenliz
>80 DeltaQueen50: Oh no! I hope the geeks can work their magic.
85msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy! Sorry to hear about the computer virus. That really stinks. I hope they can solve the issue without wiping you out. Fingers crossed.
86Jackie_K
>80 DeltaQueen50: Adding my voice to the 'oh no'es, I hope that the trusty Geeks can do their thing and rescue your documents.
87LadyoftheLodge
My sympathies about your computer, having been there when I worked for an online K-12 academy. Our whole system got infected--twice! Probably from student files.
88clue
You certainly have my sympathy, I've been through something similar recently but mine was an update gone wrong. I took it to a local business that's been around at least 10 years and the person that worked on it said he'd never seen these things happen before. I couldn't even get in to settings to fix anything myself! Oh well, I paid a rush fee and got it back in 3 days!
89DeltaQueen50
201. Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand - 4.0 ★
Category: Lucy & Ethel
Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand was originally published in 1935. It is a short novel that depicts a day in the life of Bakha, a young "sweeper", who is classed as an untouchable due to his work of cleaning latrines and sweeping the streets. This story highlights the unjustness and inhumanity of the Indian caste system.
Over the course of this particular day various incidents occur that cause Bakha to question the system of oppression that he lives under. It is a day of being slapped, shouted at, and having crowds set against him. Getting no sympathy from his father, he spends the afternoon playing grass hockey with his friends. But when he carries a higher caste injured player home all he gets is more abuse. His father, angry at him for being gone all afternoon, throws him out and he finds himself at the train station listening to a speech by Mahatma Ghandi who talks about the plight of the Untouchables and how he would like to end the caste system. Bakha also overhears a couple educated men discussing Ghandi's speech and although he doesn't understand much of what has been said, he does hear them say that changes are coming and that there will soon be flushable toilets which sends him home with some hope for the future.
Untouchable was obviously written to show the lack of dignity given to the lower caste people of India. The author also seems to pointing out the upcoming clash between modernity and tradition. The story also brought home to me my own ignorance about the caste system and how it affected all levels of society. I had never realized before that the caste system was followed by the Hindus while the Muslims did not. Untouchable was an easily read story filled with well described images that gave the book a feeling of authenticity.
Category: Lucy & Ethel
Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand was originally published in 1935. It is a short novel that depicts a day in the life of Bakha, a young "sweeper", who is classed as an untouchable due to his work of cleaning latrines and sweeping the streets. This story highlights the unjustness and inhumanity of the Indian caste system.
Over the course of this particular day various incidents occur that cause Bakha to question the system of oppression that he lives under. It is a day of being slapped, shouted at, and having crowds set against him. Getting no sympathy from his father, he spends the afternoon playing grass hockey with his friends. But when he carries a higher caste injured player home all he gets is more abuse. His father, angry at him for being gone all afternoon, throws him out and he finds himself at the train station listening to a speech by Mahatma Ghandi who talks about the plight of the Untouchables and how he would like to end the caste system. Bakha also overhears a couple educated men discussing Ghandi's speech and although he doesn't understand much of what has been said, he does hear them say that changes are coming and that there will soon be flushable toilets which sends him home with some hope for the future.
Untouchable was obviously written to show the lack of dignity given to the lower caste people of India. The author also seems to pointing out the upcoming clash between modernity and tradition. The story also brought home to me my own ignorance about the caste system and how it affected all levels of society. I had never realized before that the caste system was followed by the Hindus while the Muslims did not. Untouchable was an easily read story filled with well described images that gave the book a feeling of authenticity.
90DeltaQueen50
I have my computer back, but it's greatly changed. They were able to save all my pictures, but most of my documents are gone so I am pretty much starting over on my lists and reading plans. So many things have been changed or lost that I am feeling like a total newbie - hopefully I will be able figure things out eventually.
Computer woes are the worst as I just don't understand "computer language" at all!
Computer woes are the worst as I just don't understand "computer language" at all!
91DeltaQueen50
202. Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson - 4.5 ★
Category: Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
December AuthorCat: Favorite Author
December Reading Through Time: Reader's Choice
December TIOLI #8: Two People On Book Cover
Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson is a sweeping epic set during the last days that the Apache Indians roamed free. It is the story of Lozen, an Apache woman who was the unmarried sister of Chiricahua Apache chief Victorio. Lozen was different from most women, she did not chose to marry or have children, instead she fought side by side with the men and became her brother’s wise counselor. Although at first she was considered strange for wanting to behave as a man she eventually became revered as both a Holy Woman and a Medicine Woman.
Separating the real person from the legend, the story unfolds with humor, intelligence and realism. As the Apaches try to deal with the white people who are moving into their southwestern homeland in the late 1800s and changing their ancient way of life. That is not to say that their way of life was particularly peaceful, the Apache were a war-like people who spent much of their time on raids and in battles with other Indians and, in particular, Mexicans. Their life was one of marauding, ambushing and plundering, and now they were being rounded up, confined to a reservation and told to farm.
All the well known figures of the day are part of this story including General George Crook, George N. Bascom, Cochise, and Geronimo. But the author keeps her main character, Lozen, front and center at all times giving the reader a heroine to root for. Robson recreates the Apache way of life in great detail and gives all her characters a distinct personality. I loved this story and enjoyed my time learning about these unique people.
Category: Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
December AuthorCat: Favorite Author
December Reading Through Time: Reader's Choice
December TIOLI #8: Two People On Book Cover
Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson is a sweeping epic set during the last days that the Apache Indians roamed free. It is the story of Lozen, an Apache woman who was the unmarried sister of Chiricahua Apache chief Victorio. Lozen was different from most women, she did not chose to marry or have children, instead she fought side by side with the men and became her brother’s wise counselor. Although at first she was considered strange for wanting to behave as a man she eventually became revered as both a Holy Woman and a Medicine Woman.
Separating the real person from the legend, the story unfolds with humor, intelligence and realism. As the Apaches try to deal with the white people who are moving into their southwestern homeland in the late 1800s and changing their ancient way of life. That is not to say that their way of life was particularly peaceful, the Apache were a war-like people who spent much of their time on raids and in battles with other Indians and, in particular, Mexicans. Their life was one of marauding, ambushing and plundering, and now they were being rounded up, confined to a reservation and told to farm.
All the well known figures of the day are part of this story including General George Crook, George N. Bascom, Cochise, and Geronimo. But the author keeps her main character, Lozen, front and center at all times giving the reader a heroine to root for. Robson recreates the Apache way of life in great detail and gives all her characters a distinct personality. I loved this story and enjoyed my time learning about these unique people.
92NinieB
>90 DeltaQueen50: I am pretty much starting over on my lists and reading plans
Argh, what a nightmare. I would hate to lose all those things.
Argh, what a nightmare. I would hate to lose all those things.
93DeltaQueen50
>92 NinieB: A lot of my programs were taken out but I found a list of what they removed so that I can start to reinstate them. I just have to be patient (which is very hard for me) and not rush things. I am hating having to come up with old passwords that I have long forgotten!
94DeltaQueen50
203. Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid - 4.01 ★
Category: Starsky & Hutch
December AuthorCat: Favorite Author
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ letter word embedded in the title
Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid is the 9th book in her Carol Jordan/Tony Hill police procedural series. This book takes us into the world of cyber-bullying as Tony and Carol look into some recent suspicious deaths where the dead were victims of on-line predators. This starts off as an exercise to occupy their minds while Tony helps Carol start to put her life back together. But Tony is an expert on recognizing patterns, and before long, they realize that they have stumbled onto something.
At first former DCI Carol Jordan is too busy messing up her life to care but once she is given a second chance at police work, and is able to start rebuilding her team, they get on with the hunt. It was very satisfying to have the team being brought back together and with a new brief that will not totally help them avoid the political infighting but certainly will give them a leg up.
I find Val McDermid is an author that I can rely upon to deliver a fast moving, intricate police procedural that keeps the pages turning and the reader absorbed. I find Tony quite an admirable character and while I can’t say that I like Carol Jordan, she is a force to be reckoned with. The rest of her team are much more likeable. This 9th entry brings the team full circle and I am looking forward to seeing what McDermid has planned for them next.
Category: Starsky & Hutch
December AuthorCat: Favorite Author
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ letter word embedded in the title
Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid is the 9th book in her Carol Jordan/Tony Hill police procedural series. This book takes us into the world of cyber-bullying as Tony and Carol look into some recent suspicious deaths where the dead were victims of on-line predators. This starts off as an exercise to occupy their minds while Tony helps Carol start to put her life back together. But Tony is an expert on recognizing patterns, and before long, they realize that they have stumbled onto something.
At first former DCI Carol Jordan is too busy messing up her life to care but once she is given a second chance at police work, and is able to start rebuilding her team, they get on with the hunt. It was very satisfying to have the team being brought back together and with a new brief that will not totally help them avoid the political infighting but certainly will give them a leg up.
I find Val McDermid is an author that I can rely upon to deliver a fast moving, intricate police procedural that keeps the pages turning and the reader absorbed. I find Tony quite an admirable character and while I can’t say that I like Carol Jordan, she is a force to be reckoned with. The rest of her team are much more likeable. This 9th entry brings the team full circle and I am looking forward to seeing what McDermid has planned for them next.
95Helenliz
Glad the 'puter is back and at least they were able to save the pictures.
Good luck reconfiguring the lists and other missing documents. Sounds like a 'mare.
Good luck reconfiguring the lists and other missing documents. Sounds like a 'mare.
96humouress
>90 DeltaQueen50: Oh no! Did you post anything on LibraryThing that can help you reconstruct your reading plans?
>91 DeltaQueen50: I've often wondered about native Americans original way of life. It sounds like this book would be a good place to start, if I ever decide to do some reading on the subject.
>93 DeltaQueen50: Don't tell my kids but, since you have to have passwords for every website, store card, app etc and they have to fulfil different requirements, I use an address book to keep track of mine. I know there are mechanisms to store them on your devices or online but I don't fully trust the infrastructure of the internet. Plus you have to remember the password for that mechanism.
>95 Helenliz: Quite so; I'm glad they could rescue the pictures. You can't reconstruct those. I have an old laptop which I suspect has pictures stored on it. It's from when it was about the only password I had to remember, so from before the time I started writing them down. I shall have to wrack my brain to see if I can remember it.
>91 DeltaQueen50: I've often wondered about native Americans original way of life. It sounds like this book would be a good place to start, if I ever decide to do some reading on the subject.
>93 DeltaQueen50: Don't tell my kids but, since you have to have passwords for every website, store card, app etc and they have to fulfil different requirements, I use an address book to keep track of mine. I know there are mechanisms to store them on your devices or online but I don't fully trust the infrastructure of the internet. Plus you have to remember the password for that mechanism.
>95 Helenliz: Quite so; I'm glad they could rescue the pictures. You can't reconstruct those. I have an old laptop which I suspect has pictures stored on it. It's from when it was about the only password I had to remember, so from before the time I started writing them down. I shall have to wrack my brain to see if I can remember it.
97MissWatson
>90 DeltaQueen50: Glad to hear the photos are safe, but losing all your lists and plans is a real nuisance. Having computers is nice and often helpful, but they take up so much of our time, just to keep up to speed with them.
98dudes22
>90 DeltaQueen50: - I can't imagine having to recreate my documents. Your misfortune has convinced me to pay more attention to backing up my computer more regularly.
99Tess_W
>90 DeltaQueen50: So sorry about your docs. Every 3 months I back mine up to either Flashdrive or a blank DVD. Lesson plans for 30+ years and thousands of assignments and work sheets as well as original documents. If I lost them, I would quit working all together!
101clue
>91 DeltaQueen50: I read one of her books long ago that took place in Japan and loved it. It was before I joined LT so I don't remember the name. I bought another of her books a few years ago when I found it on a sale table, The Tokaido Road, and it still sits on the TBR. I have taken a look at her website and see she lived in Japan when her husband was in the Vietnam war. She was also in the Peace Corps and was a libriarian living in Maryland prior to writing full-time. Apparently her interest in American Indians came from living in Arizona. It looks like when she lives in a place she learns it's history and then basis a book on it. She could keep me reading for a long time!
102Storeetllr
>90 DeltaQueen50: Ugh, that's awful, though not losing your photos is a really good thing. I'm always paranoid about losing my stuff that I have it stored in the cloud now. That's a problem too, of course, because what if I can't afford to keep it or it goes away? I can't even imagine the time and effort of transferring everything back to a hard drive.
>94 DeltaQueen50: I used to read that series but stopped somewhere along the line for some reason. Not even sure if I read Splinter the Silence. I better check my books-read lists for the past few years.
>94 DeltaQueen50: I used to read that series but stopped somewhere along the line for some reason. Not even sure if I read Splinter the Silence. I better check my books-read lists for the past few years.
103DeltaQueen50
>95 Helenliz: It is a bit of a nightmare - but I am trying to look at it as an opportunity to revisit and rework many of my reading lists and plans.
>96 humouress: I am so thankful that I have posted my 2023 Challenge already and so know the monthly themes that I was planning on. Now I think I can recreate my planned reading list or at least a good facsimile.
I also have a little book of passwords cause my memory has become very much like a sieve. What threw me was somehow I was being asked for passwords that went back to my first computer and that I haven't used in years. I somehow managed to open two Amazon Unlimited Accounts yesterday and it took me a long time to figure out how to get rid of the extra one but eventually figured out that Google had the right information and MSN the wrong. I like Google but the geeks had switched me to MSN - I have now switched back to Google and feeling a little more confident.
I am a huge fan of Lucia St. Clair Robson but I particularly loved one of her books entitled Ride the Wind in which she tells the story of Cynthia Ann Parker in novel form. Cynthia was kidnapped by the Comanche when she was a very young child, grew up as a Comanche and went on to be the mother of one of their greatest war chiefs. I loved that book!
>97 MissWatson: I don't know what I would do without my computer - but that said, I am pretty ignorant about how it functions. I probably need to get one of my daughters to come over and spend some time helping me reconfigure everything.
>98 dudes22: & >99 Tess_W: Yes, that's the first thing I need to do - get everything backed up with a flashdrive so this doesn't happen again.
>100 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer and yes, it is a giant pain and is cutting into my TV time! How am I ever going to get caught up with "The Walking Dead"!!
>101 clue: I have The Tokaido Road on my TBR - it looks to be very long but I have found that her books read very quickly.
>102 Storeetllr: The funny thing is Mary is that I found that I do have a back up for most of my pictures. Apparently I backed them up just before we moved about five years ago. So I just need to back up the more recent additions. For some reason though I never backed up any of the documents.
I have been reading Val McDermid books since before I joined LT and always find her quite reliable. Of course I get tempted by so many other series that it's hard to keep them all current. Splinter the Silence was almost like a giant reset and now she can move forward with the team together again.
>96 humouress: I am so thankful that I have posted my 2023 Challenge already and so know the monthly themes that I was planning on. Now I think I can recreate my planned reading list or at least a good facsimile.
I also have a little book of passwords cause my memory has become very much like a sieve. What threw me was somehow I was being asked for passwords that went back to my first computer and that I haven't used in years. I somehow managed to open two Amazon Unlimited Accounts yesterday and it took me a long time to figure out how to get rid of the extra one but eventually figured out that Google had the right information and MSN the wrong. I like Google but the geeks had switched me to MSN - I have now switched back to Google and feeling a little more confident.
I am a huge fan of Lucia St. Clair Robson but I particularly loved one of her books entitled Ride the Wind in which she tells the story of Cynthia Ann Parker in novel form. Cynthia was kidnapped by the Comanche when she was a very young child, grew up as a Comanche and went on to be the mother of one of their greatest war chiefs. I loved that book!
>97 MissWatson: I don't know what I would do without my computer - but that said, I am pretty ignorant about how it functions. I probably need to get one of my daughters to come over and spend some time helping me reconfigure everything.
>98 dudes22: & >99 Tess_W: Yes, that's the first thing I need to do - get everything backed up with a flashdrive so this doesn't happen again.
>100 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer and yes, it is a giant pain and is cutting into my TV time! How am I ever going to get caught up with "The Walking Dead"!!
>101 clue: I have The Tokaido Road on my TBR - it looks to be very long but I have found that her books read very quickly.
>102 Storeetllr: The funny thing is Mary is that I found that I do have a back up for most of my pictures. Apparently I backed them up just before we moved about five years ago. So I just need to back up the more recent additions. For some reason though I never backed up any of the documents.
I have been reading Val McDermid books since before I joined LT and always find her quite reliable. Of course I get tempted by so many other series that it's hard to keep them all current. Splinter the Silence was almost like a giant reset and now she can move forward with the team together again.
104DeltaQueen50
204. American Boy by Larry Watson - 4.0 ★
Category: Calvin & Hobbs
December AlphaKit: W
December TIOLI #12: Recommended by Another LT Member
Set in rural Minnesota during the early 1960s, American Boy is by author Larry Watson, whose wonderful writing elevates this coming-of-age story. Matthew Garth lost his own father and his waitress mother is always busy working to support them. He has become an unofficial part of his best friend, Johnny’s family and been taken under the wing by Johnny’s father, Doctor Dunbar. In turn Matthew has put Dr. Dunbar on a pedestal.
When Louisa Lindahl is shot by her boyfriend, Dr. Dunbar treats her and she is encouraged to stay on at the Dunbar’s, working in the doctor’s office and living with the family. Matt develops an infatuation for Louisa, but she has different plans which when they are exposed lead to explosive changes for Matt as he finally sees his hero, the doctor, is oh, so human after all.
American Boy is a story of sexual tension, family loyalty and betrayal narrated in an insightful and reflective manner as Matt looks back at these events from his adult perspective. The author allows his story to build slowly and inserts equal parts of charm and melancholy to the narrative. While American Boy is not my favorite of Watson’s novels, it is nonetheless a very good read.
Category: Calvin & Hobbs
December AlphaKit: W
December TIOLI #12: Recommended by Another LT Member
Set in rural Minnesota during the early 1960s, American Boy is by author Larry Watson, whose wonderful writing elevates this coming-of-age story. Matthew Garth lost his own father and his waitress mother is always busy working to support them. He has become an unofficial part of his best friend, Johnny’s family and been taken under the wing by Johnny’s father, Doctor Dunbar. In turn Matthew has put Dr. Dunbar on a pedestal.
When Louisa Lindahl is shot by her boyfriend, Dr. Dunbar treats her and she is encouraged to stay on at the Dunbar’s, working in the doctor’s office and living with the family. Matt develops an infatuation for Louisa, but she has different plans which when they are exposed lead to explosive changes for Matt as he finally sees his hero, the doctor, is oh, so human after all.
American Boy is a story of sexual tension, family loyalty and betrayal narrated in an insightful and reflective manner as Matt looks back at these events from his adult perspective. The author allows his story to build slowly and inserts equal parts of charm and melancholy to the narrative. While American Boy is not my favorite of Watson’s novels, it is nonetheless a very good read.
105Familyhistorian
Looks like you have your work cut out for you after that computer virus, Judy. Good to see that you're using reorganizing your documents as a way to reconfigure things to your advantage.
106Jackie_K
I'm so glad to hear your pictures were recovered. If I lost my documents it would be a disaster but not the end of the world, but I think if I lost my pictures I'd be heartbroken (note to self: do a back up again!).
107msf59
Happy Wednesday, Judy. I am a big fan of Larry Watson but have never read American Boy or White Crosses. I have the latter on shelf.
108LadyoftheLodge
>98 dudes22: Agreed. After reading through this discussion, I backed up my recent documents on flashdrives.
109LadyoftheLodge
>96 humouress: I also have a little notebook of passwords. They have to be so complex now, instead of how I used to use the same password for everything. My husband has a little notebook too. Once it fell under the seat in the car and we could not find it and were panicking until we found it.
110DeltaQueen50
>105 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, yes, I certainly can't complain that I have nothing to do these days - I can always find something to update or redo on the computer. Of course, I still need to take time out for Christmas shopping, decorating, etc.
>106 Jackie_K: My documents were all assembled by me and can be recreated or if not, are not a serious loss. You're right the pictures are the important thing - I'm glad they were saved.
>107 msf59: Hi Mark. There are still a few of Larry Watson's books that I haven't gotten to yet, White Crosses is one. I have Orchard on my Kindle so that will probably be the next one for me.
>108 LadyoftheLodge: I'm glad that my situation is reminding everyone to back up their important documents. I know that I will certainly pay more attention to that in the future!
>109 LadyoftheLodge: I suspect that many of us have a little notebook of passwords. In this day and age where everything needs a password, it's impossible to remember all the various passwords that we need.
>106 Jackie_K: My documents were all assembled by me and can be recreated or if not, are not a serious loss. You're right the pictures are the important thing - I'm glad they were saved.
>107 msf59: Hi Mark. There are still a few of Larry Watson's books that I haven't gotten to yet, White Crosses is one. I have Orchard on my Kindle so that will probably be the next one for me.
>108 LadyoftheLodge: I'm glad that my situation is reminding everyone to back up their important documents. I know that I will certainly pay more attention to that in the future!
>109 LadyoftheLodge: I suspect that many of us have a little notebook of passwords. In this day and age where everything needs a password, it's impossible to remember all the various passwords that we need.
111DeltaQueen50
205. Christmas Horror, Vol. 1 an Anthology - 4.0 ★
Category: Godzilla & King Kong
December ScaredyKit: Holiday Themed
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge - 12 Days of Christmas
Christmas Horror, Vol. 1 is a collection of appropriately gruesome stories set during the holiday season. Apparently this is the first edition of a projected annual anthology featuring new and original stories from various authors published by Dark Regions Press. This volume opens with a short story by Joe R. Lansdale and continues on with 8 more stories by different authors such as John Skipp, J.F. Gonzalez and Shane McKenzie. There are also some full page illustrations by Zach McCain which adds to the general spookiness.
I enjoyed the stories but I hesitate to recommend the book to everyone. You definitely have to have a craving for the dark side and can see the humor in a story about mass murder by candy canes. As a guideline, this book could be for you if you have a touch of the grinch and would enjoy reading about people who are having a much worse Christmas than you are.
Category: Godzilla & King Kong
December ScaredyKit: Holiday Themed
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge - 12 Days of Christmas
Christmas Horror, Vol. 1 is a collection of appropriately gruesome stories set during the holiday season. Apparently this is the first edition of a projected annual anthology featuring new and original stories from various authors published by Dark Regions Press. This volume opens with a short story by Joe R. Lansdale and continues on with 8 more stories by different authors such as John Skipp, J.F. Gonzalez and Shane McKenzie. There are also some full page illustrations by Zach McCain which adds to the general spookiness.
I enjoyed the stories but I hesitate to recommend the book to everyone. You definitely have to have a craving for the dark side and can see the humor in a story about mass murder by candy canes. As a guideline, this book could be for you if you have a touch of the grinch and would enjoy reading about people who are having a much worse Christmas than you are.
112DeltaQueen50
206. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard - 4.0 ★
Category: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ letter word is embedded in the title
Glass Sword is the 2nd book in author Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen fantasy series. Set in a country where the people are divided into the upper class Silver Bloods and lower class ‘Red Bloods”, Mare Barrow is an anomaly, a Red Blood who has Silver skills. Now she and the rightful heir to the throne have become the targets in a massive manhunt as the new vindictive king and his vicious mother need them silenced.
Bruised and beaten they have taken refuge with the Red Guard but soon realize that they can trust no one. Mare decides to track down the rest of the new-bloods, people like her with red blood and silver abilities. She becomes known as the ‘Lightning Girl” and slowly gathers her army. She and the disgraced prince, Cal, grow closer to each other even as she struggles not to allow her power to overcome her humanity or to hearken back to memories of Mavern.
As a second book, Glass Sword moves the story along rather slowly. Most of the book is taken up with Mare’s journeys to find other New-bloods and descriptions of their various powers. But the ending of the book has certainly encouraged me to read on and find out what happens next. The author has created some very interesting, very flawed characters that add to the intrigue as the reader is never sure who to trust.
Category: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ letter word is embedded in the title
Glass Sword is the 2nd book in author Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen fantasy series. Set in a country where the people are divided into the upper class Silver Bloods and lower class ‘Red Bloods”, Mare Barrow is an anomaly, a Red Blood who has Silver skills. Now she and the rightful heir to the throne have become the targets in a massive manhunt as the new vindictive king and his vicious mother need them silenced.
Bruised and beaten they have taken refuge with the Red Guard but soon realize that they can trust no one. Mare decides to track down the rest of the new-bloods, people like her with red blood and silver abilities. She becomes known as the ‘Lightning Girl” and slowly gathers her army. She and the disgraced prince, Cal, grow closer to each other even as she struggles not to allow her power to overcome her humanity or to hearken back to memories of Mavern.
As a second book, Glass Sword moves the story along rather slowly. Most of the book is taken up with Mare’s journeys to find other New-bloods and descriptions of their various powers. But the ending of the book has certainly encouraged me to read on and find out what happens next. The author has created some very interesting, very flawed characters that add to the intrigue as the reader is never sure who to trust.
113mstrust
>111 DeltaQueen50: Dang, wish I'd known about this one in time to include it in my "Holiday Horrors" piece on my Substack. Looks like fun, so I'll look for it, thanks!
114DeltaQueen50
>113 mstrust: I originally thought that Christmas Horror, Vol. 1 was just published but I have since seen that there is also a Christmas Horror, Vol. 2 out already as well. Volume 2 seems to feature all new authors and stories. I will be on the lookout for volume 2 and make it part of my next years Christmas reading.
115DeltaQueen50
207. Run Me To Earth by Paul Yoon - 4.2 ★
Category: Calvin & Hobbs
December AlphaKit: Y
December TIOLI #7: Multiple two letter words in title
Run Me to Earth by Paul Yoon is the story of three teen-aged children who have known nothing but war their whole lives. Alisak, along with brother and sister Prany and Noi are orphans who are alive through their own cunning and abilities. From 1964 to 1973 the tiny country of Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita as estimated2 million tons of ordnance was dropped by the U.S. Air Force.
Through a series of interwoven short stories the author tells the story of these orphans and their fight for survival. Opening in 1969, the children have taken refuge in a makeshift hospital, they assist the staff and act as couriers for a small salary and shelter. The hospital is surrounded by land mines and many patients are blown to bits as they try to make their way to the hospital. As the bombing comes ever closer the hospital is evacuated. In the rush to escape, the three children become separated. Throughout the multiple narratives we learn the fate of each child and what the future held for them.
Run Me To Earth is a story of war and the trauma it leaves in it’s wake. Powerful and intense the author has produced a descriptive and layered novel that defines the various directions a displaced person’s life can take. My only quibble with this book was that the frequent jumps in time and the many POVs expressed became a little confusing at times.
Category: Calvin & Hobbs
December AlphaKit: Y
December TIOLI #7: Multiple two letter words in title
Run Me to Earth by Paul Yoon is the story of three teen-aged children who have known nothing but war their whole lives. Alisak, along with brother and sister Prany and Noi are orphans who are alive through their own cunning and abilities. From 1964 to 1973 the tiny country of Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita as estimated2 million tons of ordnance was dropped by the U.S. Air Force.
Through a series of interwoven short stories the author tells the story of these orphans and their fight for survival. Opening in 1969, the children have taken refuge in a makeshift hospital, they assist the staff and act as couriers for a small salary and shelter. The hospital is surrounded by land mines and many patients are blown to bits as they try to make their way to the hospital. As the bombing comes ever closer the hospital is evacuated. In the rush to escape, the three children become separated. Throughout the multiple narratives we learn the fate of each child and what the future held for them.
Run Me To Earth is a story of war and the trauma it leaves in it’s wake. Powerful and intense the author has produced a descriptive and layered novel that defines the various directions a displaced person’s life can take. My only quibble with this book was that the frequent jumps in time and the many POVs expressed became a little confusing at times.
116BLBera
Hi Judy - As usual, you have a lot of good reads! Sorry to hear about your computer woes. I have only read a couple of books by Val McDermid and really liked them. I need to read more by her.
117DeltaQueen50
>116 BLBera: Hi Beth, I am settling into some lighter, Christmas reads right now, hoping to get into the spirit of Christmas.
118DeltaQueen50
208. Sixpenny Christmas by Katie Flynn - 4.0 ★
Category: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ word is embedded in the title words
Sixpenny Christmas by Katie Flynn tells the story of two families who lives are twined together from the moment both women give birth to their daughters on a stormy night. Although Ellen lives in Liverpool and is married to a drunken, violent man and Molly has a happy marriage and lives on a remote hill farm, they stay in contact with each other but one of the women, because of a strange incident at the hospital, is never sure that their babies weren’t switched and that hey are raising each other’s daughter.
Many years go by and the friendship has only deepened. Ellen has thrown her husband out and has gotten an injunction to keep him away. He has taken to lurking about and has followed her to the small farm in the mountains. He is plotting his revenge and sees the best way to get at Ellen is through her daughter. The other problem is that Molly’s son, Chris, and Ellen’s daughter, Lana seem to be attracted to each other and Molly fears that these two are destined for heartbreak if, indeed, they are brother and sister.
Sixpenny Christmas is a sentimental, rather sweet read set in post-war Britain and Wales. The narrative covers a number of years so there are plenty of good old fashioned Christmas to read about as well as the day to day life on the hill farm. This was the first book by Katie Flynn that I have read but I certainly will be looking for more of her books to read in the future.
Category: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ word is embedded in the title words
Sixpenny Christmas by Katie Flynn tells the story of two families who lives are twined together from the moment both women give birth to their daughters on a stormy night. Although Ellen lives in Liverpool and is married to a drunken, violent man and Molly has a happy marriage and lives on a remote hill farm, they stay in contact with each other but one of the women, because of a strange incident at the hospital, is never sure that their babies weren’t switched and that hey are raising each other’s daughter.
Many years go by and the friendship has only deepened. Ellen has thrown her husband out and has gotten an injunction to keep him away. He has taken to lurking about and has followed her to the small farm in the mountains. He is plotting his revenge and sees the best way to get at Ellen is through her daughter. The other problem is that Molly’s son, Chris, and Ellen’s daughter, Lana seem to be attracted to each other and Molly fears that these two are destined for heartbreak if, indeed, they are brother and sister.
Sixpenny Christmas is a sentimental, rather sweet read set in post-war Britain and Wales. The narrative covers a number of years so there are plenty of good old fashioned Christmas to read about as well as the day to day life on the hill farm. This was the first book by Katie Flynn that I have read but I certainly will be looking for more of her books to read in the future.
119dudes22
Just popping in to say that I finished listening to Allegedly today and it was every bit as good as you said.
121DeltaQueen50
>119 dudes22: I am glad that you found Allegedly as excellent as I did. I can see that one making my top books of the year, for sure.
>120 Familyhistorian: I haven't read any of her newer ones, Meg. I am so far behind with the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan and the Karen Pirie series that I haven't even looked at any of her new stuff. She's an excellent crime writer so I do hope to get to all her books at some point.
>120 Familyhistorian: I haven't read any of her newer ones, Meg. I am so far behind with the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan and the Karen Pirie series that I haven't even looked at any of her new stuff. She's an excellent crime writer so I do hope to get to all her books at some point.
122DeltaQueen50
I spent most of today out Christmas shopping and I am now feeling that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have a little more shopping to do, but at least we have a good idea of what we are looking for which really helps. Hopefully we will finish the shopping this weekend, then I can relax and get into the part of Christmas that I enjoy - the wrapping and the baking - and of course, the eating!
123DeltaQueen50
209. Crimson Snow - An Anthology assembled by Martin Edwards - 4.2 ★
Category: Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson
December MysteryKit: Holiday Crime
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ Word Embedded in the Title
Crimson Snow is a collection of British vintage mystery stories that are set around the festive season. The stories have been assembled by well known author Martin Edwards, who also adds a short note about each author. There are eleven stories altogether and as in most short story collections some appealed to me more than others.
Although I didn’t dislike any of the stories, I particularly enjoyed “The Man With the Sack” by Margery Allingham, a story which featured Albert Campion, “Christmas Eve” a play written as a tribute to Arthur Conan Doyle featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson was also very pleasing and two of the longer stories, “Death in December” by Victor Gunn and “The Carol Singers” by Josephine Bell were intriguing and atmospheric.
I have read a number of the authors in this book previously, but there were a few are were new to me and that I will now be on the lookout for. Crimson Snow was an excellent read for this time of the year as there was plenty of crisp snow, holiday descriptions and some very intriguing crime stories.
Category: Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson
December MysteryKit: Holiday Crime
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ Word Embedded in the Title
Crimson Snow is a collection of British vintage mystery stories that are set around the festive season. The stories have been assembled by well known author Martin Edwards, who also adds a short note about each author. There are eleven stories altogether and as in most short story collections some appealed to me more than others.
Although I didn’t dislike any of the stories, I particularly enjoyed “The Man With the Sack” by Margery Allingham, a story which featured Albert Campion, “Christmas Eve” a play written as a tribute to Arthur Conan Doyle featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson was also very pleasing and two of the longer stories, “Death in December” by Victor Gunn and “The Carol Singers” by Josephine Bell were intriguing and atmospheric.
I have read a number of the authors in this book previously, but there were a few are were new to me and that I will now be on the lookout for. Crimson Snow was an excellent read for this time of the year as there was plenty of crisp snow, holiday descriptions and some very intriguing crime stories.
124MissWatson
>123 DeltaQueen50: That is a gorgeous cover, and I think I may have taken a BB from your review!
125katiekrug
>123 DeltaQueen50: - I have that one on my Kindle. I'm currently reading Murder for Christmas which is another vintage British mysery set around Christmas.
126DeltaQueen50
>124 MissWatson: I think you would enjoy the stories, Birgit. It's a fun way to discover more of the "Golden Age" mystery authors.
>125 katiekrug: I see that Martin Edwards has a few more of these vintage anthologies. I've already picked up The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories for next Christmas. I love these older stories and the old fashioned Christmases that they portray.
>125 katiekrug: I see that Martin Edwards has a few more of these vintage anthologies. I've already picked up The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories for next Christmas. I love these older stories and the old fashioned Christmases that they portray.
127LadyoftheLodge
>126 DeltaQueen50: I am taking a BB on this one too. I like the holiday ambience and the older crime stories. I think I have on my shelves a couple other anthologies similar to this one.
128MissWatson
>126 DeltaQueen50: Well, I ordered it and it's scheduled to arrive in January.
129DeltaQueen50
>127 LadyoftheLodge: I have never been a huge fan of short stories, but I too, enjoy the holiday atmosphere of these vintage crime stories.
>128 MissWatson: Now you have to decide whether to read it right away or tuck it away until next Christmas!
>128 MissWatson: Now you have to decide whether to read it right away or tuck it away until next Christmas!
130DeltaQueen50
210. A Match Made At Christmas by Elle St. Clair - 3.3 ★
Category: Meredith Grey and Christina Yang
December TIOLI #8: Two People Are On the Cover
A Match Made At Christmas by Elle St. Clair was a very bland historical romance set over the Festive Season. The setting of a Christmas party at a country manor was exactly what I was looking for, but the plot was rather tiresome as two mothers decide to throw their son and daughter together in the hopes of matrimony. The son was in disgrace and hadn’t been home in 10 years, but this part of the story I found difficult to believe, as all was cleared up very quickly by simply listening to one another – so why hadn’t this been done at some point in the last 10 years.
The romance was okay and progressed nicely. While the main characters exchanged a few passionate kisses, overall it wasn’t too steamy. But suddenly toward the end of the book, the couple suddenly decided to disregard the rules of society and went at it in the library. This chapter felt very much like an addition to the story, as if the editors told the author to put some steam in it and it didn’t feel like it belonged to the rest of the story.
I did enjoy Spirit, the lively dog who helped bring the couple together. A Match Made At Christmas was pretty much as the cover depicts. No surprises, but a romance set at Christmas with all the trimmings including meddling mothers, misunderstandings and mistletoe.
Category: Meredith Grey and Christina Yang
December TIOLI #8: Two People Are On the Cover
A Match Made At Christmas by Elle St. Clair was a very bland historical romance set over the Festive Season. The setting of a Christmas party at a country manor was exactly what I was looking for, but the plot was rather tiresome as two mothers decide to throw their son and daughter together in the hopes of matrimony. The son was in disgrace and hadn’t been home in 10 years, but this part of the story I found difficult to believe, as all was cleared up very quickly by simply listening to one another – so why hadn’t this been done at some point in the last 10 years.
The romance was okay and progressed nicely. While the main characters exchanged a few passionate kisses, overall it wasn’t too steamy. But suddenly toward the end of the book, the couple suddenly decided to disregard the rules of society and went at it in the library. This chapter felt very much like an addition to the story, as if the editors told the author to put some steam in it and it didn’t feel like it belonged to the rest of the story.
I did enjoy Spirit, the lively dog who helped bring the couple together. A Match Made At Christmas was pretty much as the cover depicts. No surprises, but a romance set at Christmas with all the trimmings including meddling mothers, misunderstandings and mistletoe.
131Familyhistorian
Good luck with getting the Christmas shopping done, Judy. I started late this year and am still working on it.
132DeltaQueen50
>131 Familyhistorian: I think we are pretty much done which is a huge relief as I really dislike shopping especially Christmas Shopping. I admit that we keep it pretty simple these days mostly gift certificates and/or cash.
133thornton37814
>132 DeltaQueen50: I think I only have one real gift and 2 or 3 gift cards to go. I figured I'd pick up the gift cards when I'm out later. I may go eat at a restaurant near the one store I need to visit on Sunday. Then I can be ready to go in and shop for that one gift. (I was given an idea for my brother by his wife.)
134DeltaQueen50
>133 thornton37814: I find gift shopping for men so difficult. Women seem easier cause I can always fall back on bath products. My grandson is almost impossible but he does love his truck so we got him gift certificates for gas. Good luck with your shopping, Lori.
135VivienneR
>90 DeltaQueen50: So sorry to hear about your computer problems. I always worry about losing stuff and make more backups than I'll ever need. Glad your photos were saved.
I love those Martin Edwards anthologies. You have reminded me to go look for some.
I love those Martin Edwards anthologies. You have reminded me to go look for some.
136msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy. I hope all is well and you are gearing up for the holidays. I have added Run Me To Earth to my list. I have wanted to read more by this author. I am considering doing a reading challenge or 2 for the New Year, just to come up with more creative ways to read books off shelf. I like the simplicity of AlphaKit.
137LadyoftheLodge
>132 DeltaQueen50: I got my shopping done early because my sisters were supposed to visit at Thanksgiving. That never occurred because they were ill, so I have their gifts all wrapped and sitting in my closet until we decide what to do.
I usually let my husband select what he wants as gifts. This year I got him a pair of shoes he saw in a catalog, and we went on a bookstore shopping trip where he picked out his reading selections.
I usually let my husband select what he wants as gifts. This year I got him a pair of shoes he saw in a catalog, and we went on a bookstore shopping trip where he picked out his reading selections.
138DeltaQueen50
>135 VivienneR: I am slowly rebuilding my documents, there were many that I really didn't need so I won't try to recreate them. There were a lot of Library Lists, Wish Lists, Challenge Lists that all needed updating anyway and I find a few that were saved so that I can look at them, I just can't go into than to make any changes. I am now a fan of the Martin Edwards anthologies as well.
>136 msf59: Hi Mark, I noticed that you have joined the 2023 AlphaKit Challenge. I've been doing it for years, you are right, it's an easy way to choose reads and get lots of variety in your reading as well. It is meant to be interpreted in the way that you want so the letter of the month can be found in the Title or the Author's name or in some other way that suits you. I hope you enjoy Run Me To Earth when you get to it.
>137 LadyoftheLodge: It a good feeling - knowing the shopping part is done. My husband and I tend to shop together so we are usually well aware of what we are getting for each other. Both of us add a few little extras as surprises, I've already bought a few books to add to his TBR.
>136 msf59: Hi Mark, I noticed that you have joined the 2023 AlphaKit Challenge. I've been doing it for years, you are right, it's an easy way to choose reads and get lots of variety in your reading as well. It is meant to be interpreted in the way that you want so the letter of the month can be found in the Title or the Author's name or in some other way that suits you. I hope you enjoy Run Me To Earth when you get to it.
>137 LadyoftheLodge: It a good feeling - knowing the shopping part is done. My husband and I tend to shop together so we are usually well aware of what we are getting for each other. Both of us add a few little extras as surprises, I've already bought a few books to add to his TBR.
139DeltaQueen50
211. The Crime At Noah's Ark by Molly Thynne - 3.5 ★
Category: Nick & Nora Charles
December Mystery Kit: Holiday Crime
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge Based on The 12 Days of Christmas
The Crime at Noah’s Ark by Molly Thynne is a British mystery novel that was first published in 1932. Set during a snowstorm at Christmas, a number of people have taken shelter at a quiet country inn called Noah’s Ark. Although inconvenienced, little did they suspect they would become involved with a murder and a theft.
I enjoyed the setting and the mystery, although it wasn’t long before I figured out “whodunit”. Although the book is only 218 pages, this felt like a much longer book. The cast is limited but nevertheless, the descriptions of and about them seemed endless. There was a lot of fumbling around in the dark and red herrings are generously strewn about as the story grew rather convoluted before all was explained.
This was my first book by this author and I would certainly give her another try. The characters were varied and interesting and the dialogue between them was very well done. The Crime at Noah’s Ark is a fine example of a closed house mystery and had me feeling slightly claustrophobic as there was a lot of running up and down the dark stairways and long passages of the old inn.
Category: Nick & Nora Charles
December Mystery Kit: Holiday Crime
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge Based on The 12 Days of Christmas
The Crime at Noah’s Ark by Molly Thynne is a British mystery novel that was first published in 1932. Set during a snowstorm at Christmas, a number of people have taken shelter at a quiet country inn called Noah’s Ark. Although inconvenienced, little did they suspect they would become involved with a murder and a theft.
I enjoyed the setting and the mystery, although it wasn’t long before I figured out “whodunit”. Although the book is only 218 pages, this felt like a much longer book. The cast is limited but nevertheless, the descriptions of and about them seemed endless. There was a lot of fumbling around in the dark and red herrings are generously strewn about as the story grew rather convoluted before all was explained.
This was my first book by this author and I would certainly give her another try. The characters were varied and interesting and the dialogue between them was very well done. The Crime at Noah’s Ark is a fine example of a closed house mystery and had me feeling slightly claustrophobic as there was a lot of running up and down the dark stairways and long passages of the old inn.
140threadnsong
>90 DeltaQueen50: I do not envy you the panic of what you went through with your virus, and I am so glad to hear that you are able to access your documents and your pictures are backed up. Like other of your friends have said, I bought a little notebook from PaperSource where you can list your User ID and password. It has come in very, very handy, especially with so many more websites these days.
>122 DeltaQueen50: Yay for an end in sight for Christmas shopping! Go you!!
>122 DeltaQueen50: Yay for an end in sight for Christmas shopping! Go you!!
141pamelad
>139 DeltaQueen50: The Draycott Murder Mystery is on my Kindle because it was a Dean Street Press freebie of the week, but my past experience with Molly Thynne doesn't give me a lot of hope. I gave The Case of Sir Adam Braide half a star, but The Murder on the Enriqueta was five times better, starwise.
142DeltaQueen50
>140 threadnsong: Thanks, hopefully I am now better prepared for any future computer disaster.
>141 pamelad: The Draycott Murder Mystery is the other Molly Thynne mystery that I have on my Kindle as well. Fingers crossed that it is one of her better ones.
>141 pamelad: The Draycott Murder Mystery is the other Molly Thynne mystery that I have on my Kindle as well. Fingers crossed that it is one of her better ones.
143DeltaQueen50
212. The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers - 4.0 ★
Category: Captain Kirk & Mr. Spock
December SFFFKit: Wishes
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ Word Embedded in the Title
To close out her Wayfarers series, author Becky Chambers gives us The Galaxy and the Ground Within which features five aliens as the main characters. Although there is very little action or story to follow, the book alternates between these characters and slowly lets us understand who they are, and how the others see them. They meet at an out of the way space station and are forced to stay and mingle with each other due to a tech failure.
Their interactions with one another creates interest, tension, humour and understanding. Other than a mother and child combination, the characters do not share a history, customs or physicality. And yet, even though there are political disagreements, they are able to overcome their differences and work together when they need to. The author’s viewpoint is rather idealized as she explores alien perspectives, but her simplified messages give the book heart and warmth.
I have enjoyed all the Wayfarer books and although The Galaxy and the Ground Within is not my favorite of the series, I appreciated the read and was happy that the author gave a nod back to the first book of the series by having Pei Tem from Aeluon as one of the stranded aliens. This is a story about bonding and widening one’s outlook, something that I am sure the author would like to see happen in our troubled real world.
Category: Captain Kirk & Mr. Spock
December SFFFKit: Wishes
December TIOLI #4: A 4+ Word Embedded in the Title
To close out her Wayfarers series, author Becky Chambers gives us The Galaxy and the Ground Within which features five aliens as the main characters. Although there is very little action or story to follow, the book alternates between these characters and slowly lets us understand who they are, and how the others see them. They meet at an out of the way space station and are forced to stay and mingle with each other due to a tech failure.
Their interactions with one another creates interest, tension, humour and understanding. Other than a mother and child combination, the characters do not share a history, customs or physicality. And yet, even though there are political disagreements, they are able to overcome their differences and work together when they need to. The author’s viewpoint is rather idealized as she explores alien perspectives, but her simplified messages give the book heart and warmth.
I have enjoyed all the Wayfarer books and although The Galaxy and the Ground Within is not my favorite of the series, I appreciated the read and was happy that the author gave a nod back to the first book of the series by having Pei Tem from Aeluon as one of the stranded aliens. This is a story about bonding and widening one’s outlook, something that I am sure the author would like to see happen in our troubled real world.
144DeltaQueen50
I doubt that any book I read from now to the end of the 2022 will make me want to change anything on this meme so here is my:
End of the Year Meme - 2022
Fill in the blanks using the book titles of the books you read in 2022
1. Describe Yourself: Daughter of Fortune
2. Describe How You Feel: Slightly Wicked
3. Describe Where You Currently Live: A Town Called Solace
4. If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Where the Forest Meets the Stars
5. You favorite form of transportation is: Pony Express
6. Your favorite food is: Rhododendron Pie
7. Your favorite time of day is: Wonderful Tonight
8. Your best friend is: An Unlikely Duchess
9. You and your friends are: Excellent Women
10. What the weather is like: Coldest Winter Ever
11. You fear: Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest
12. What is the best advice you have to give: Never Let Me Go
13. Thought for the Day: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
14. What is life for you: The Good Journey
15. How would you like to die: Home Sweet Homicide
16. Your soul’s present condition: Beloved
17. What was 2022 like for you: The Grace Year
18. What do you want from 2023: Diplomatic Immunity
End of the Year Meme - 2022
Fill in the blanks using the book titles of the books you read in 2022
1. Describe Yourself: Daughter of Fortune
2. Describe How You Feel: Slightly Wicked
3. Describe Where You Currently Live: A Town Called Solace
4. If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Where the Forest Meets the Stars
5. You favorite form of transportation is: Pony Express
6. Your favorite food is: Rhododendron Pie
7. Your favorite time of day is: Wonderful Tonight
8. Your best friend is: An Unlikely Duchess
9. You and your friends are: Excellent Women
10. What the weather is like: Coldest Winter Ever
11. You fear: Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest
12. What is the best advice you have to give: Never Let Me Go
13. Thought for the Day: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
14. What is life for you: The Good Journey
15. How would you like to die: Home Sweet Homicide
16. Your soul’s present condition: Beloved
17. What was 2022 like for you: The Grace Year
18. What do you want from 2023: Diplomatic Immunity
145DeltaQueen50
And my year end Party Meme:
How to Throw a Party Meme – 2022 version
1. What would you call the event? Rendezvous in Black by Cornell Woolrich
2. How did the guests find their way? The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks
3. How did they know that they had arrived? Knock, Knock! Who’s There? By James Hadley Chase
4. Any special activities? Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
5. Did your guests stay over? Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
6. Were there servants to help? Evil Things
7. Was there turn down service? Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth
8. How were the guests greeted? The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan
9. Was dinner held for late comers? Never Cross a Vampire by Stuart Kaminsky
10. And dinner was? Missing by Karin Alvtegen
11. Afterwards? Into the Savage Country by Shannon Burke
How to Throw a Party Meme – 2022 version
1. What would you call the event? Rendezvous in Black by Cornell Woolrich
2. How did the guests find their way? The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks
3. How did they know that they had arrived? Knock, Knock! Who’s There? By James Hadley Chase
4. Any special activities? Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
5. Did your guests stay over? Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
6. Were there servants to help? Evil Things
7. Was there turn down service? Dust Off the Bones by Paul Howarth
8. How were the guests greeted? The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan
9. Was dinner held for late comers? Never Cross a Vampire by Stuart Kaminsky
10. And dinner was? Missing by Karin Alvtegen
11. Afterwards? Into the Savage Country by Shannon Burke
146dudes22
>145 DeltaQueen50: - Oh - I forgot about this one.
147DeltaQueen50
>146 dudes22: Betty, I've done the party meme for a couple of years now and I don't know why but my parties always end up sounding like a horror show! Not sure what that says about me or my reading.
148Familyhistorian
Good thing you got your shopping done, Judy. Getting around looks like it will be a challenge for a while. We got dumped on twice over here.
149DeltaQueen50
>148 Familyhistorian: It is beautiful, yet I am definitely standing at my window and shaking my fist at all this snow! I am a true West Coaster and I love our usual mild and rainy Christmas. Hope you don't have to go out and slog around too much, Meg.
150DeltaQueen50
213. The Parted Earth by Anjali Enjeti - 4.0 ★
Category: Chuck Noland & Wilson
December TIOLI #1: All the Author's Names Begin With Vowels
The Parted Earth by Anjali Enjeti is a heartfelt story about the effect that Partition had on one particular Hindu family, and how this effect was felt by a number of generations. The story opens in August 1947 with 16 year old Deepa finding romance with the handsome Amir, but their situation is tenuous as Amir’s family is Muslim and for safety they must immigrate to the new country of Pakistan. As they pledge their love for each other, Amir vows to return to Deepa, but unfortunately with the violence that is exploding all around them, he doesn’t come and she is taken to England where she gives birth to a son.
I loved this story but was a little frustrated with how it jumped back and forth in time. A good part of the story is set in 2017 with Shan, who we find is Deepa’s granddaughter, and as her life takes a turn for the worse, she finds herself alone leaving her plenty of time to think about her lack of knowledge about her family and how they came to be so separated from each other. Her grandmother, whom she hasn’t seen since she was a little girl, has always been cold and remote, but Shan decides she needs to find answers to the past and how it affected her grandmother, then her father and finally herself.
The Parted Earth is a family saga with the Partition as a catalyst that changed the direction of so many lives. I was a little taken aback at Deepa’s attitude, although she had lost a lot, she allowed the past to dominate her relationships and became a very lonely woman. On the other hand, I was drawn into Shan’s story and enjoyed how she and her friend pieced together the mystery of her heritage and found both joy and acceptance.
Category: Chuck Noland & Wilson
December TIOLI #1: All the Author's Names Begin With Vowels
The Parted Earth by Anjali Enjeti is a heartfelt story about the effect that Partition had on one particular Hindu family, and how this effect was felt by a number of generations. The story opens in August 1947 with 16 year old Deepa finding romance with the handsome Amir, but their situation is tenuous as Amir’s family is Muslim and for safety they must immigrate to the new country of Pakistan. As they pledge their love for each other, Amir vows to return to Deepa, but unfortunately with the violence that is exploding all around them, he doesn’t come and she is taken to England where she gives birth to a son.
I loved this story but was a little frustrated with how it jumped back and forth in time. A good part of the story is set in 2017 with Shan, who we find is Deepa’s granddaughter, and as her life takes a turn for the worse, she finds herself alone leaving her plenty of time to think about her lack of knowledge about her family and how they came to be so separated from each other. Her grandmother, whom she hasn’t seen since she was a little girl, has always been cold and remote, but Shan decides she needs to find answers to the past and how it affected her grandmother, then her father and finally herself.
The Parted Earth is a family saga with the Partition as a catalyst that changed the direction of so many lives. I was a little taken aback at Deepa’s attitude, although she had lost a lot, she allowed the past to dominate her relationships and became a very lonely woman. On the other hand, I was drawn into Shan’s story and enjoyed how she and her friend pieced together the mystery of her heritage and found both joy and acceptance.
151dudes22
>146 dudes22: - Mine's not sounding like fun either although I'm having trouble finding books for some of the prompts.
>150 DeltaQueen50: - I was immediately drawn to this cover and since my knowledge of the Partition is almost nil, and you gave it 4*, I thought I might take a BB. But the rest of your review left me with a "mpfft" feeling, so I think I'll pass on this.
>150 DeltaQueen50: - I was immediately drawn to this cover and since my knowledge of the Partition is almost nil, and you gave it 4*, I thought I might take a BB. But the rest of your review left me with a "mpfft" feeling, so I think I'll pass on this.
152MissBrangwen
>150 DeltaQueen50: I'll take a BB for this despite the aspects that you didn't like. I thought about the partition recently because I watched a travel documentary featuring the border between India and Pakistan.
153RidgewayGirl
>150 DeltaQueen50: I picked up a copy of this over the summer because the publisher, Hub City Books, has their bookstore in Spartanburg, SC, which is just up the road from where I lived in SC. Long live small publishers!
154DeltaQueen50
>151 dudes22: I think my biggest disappointment with The Parted Earth was that I could see that it could have been a 5 star read. I also want to read more about the Partition, it was a very turbulent time. I did read Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh a few years ago and was an eye-opening experience.
>152 MissBrangwen: I hope you fall under the spell of this book - it certainly drew me in. It just unfortunately left me wanting a bit more.
>153 RidgewayGirl: I can't remember where, why or how I came upon this book. It might have been a book bullet or I might have just seen the cover and couldn't resist. Thank heaven for small, independent publishers that give us such a variety or books to chose from.
>152 MissBrangwen: I hope you fall under the spell of this book - it certainly drew me in. It just unfortunately left me wanting a bit more.
>153 RidgewayGirl: I can't remember where, why or how I came upon this book. It might have been a book bullet or I might have just seen the cover and couldn't resist. Thank heaven for small, independent publishers that give us such a variety or books to chose from.
155pamelad
>154 DeltaQueen50: Train to Pakistan is unforgettable because it was published not long after and the writer lived through Partition. How about Midnight's Children as a book about the Partition?
156DeltaQueen50
>155 pamelad: I haven't read anything by Salman Rushdie but would like to, would Midnight's Children be a good place to start?
157pamelad
>156 DeltaQueen50: I think so. I've read Shame and The Satanic Verses as well, and Midnight's Children is the one I liked best.
158DeltaQueen50
>157 pamelad: Ok then, I will pick up a copy of Midnight's Children and give it a try. Bonus for me, it's on the 1,001 Books List.
159DeltaQueen50
214. The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson - 3.6 ★
Category: Meredith Grey & Christina Yang
December RandomCat: Christmas Sweets
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge - 12 Days of Christmas
The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson is a feel-good holiday romance that pretty much ticks all the boxes that one needs to find in this type of book. After expecting a proposal but instead getting dumped on Christmas Eve, Jen gets an opportunity to join her step-sister and friends on a working holiday to the Swiss Alps for the next Christmas. Jen has always dreamed of the perfect romance, followed by the perfect marriage but as she meets and falls in love with the handsome ski instructor, Jon, is her happy-ever-after finally within reach or is this just another holiday good-time romance?
Although a little formulated, this book supplies the beautiful, snowy Christmas setting, the romance, a fair amount of humour and plenty of delicious cake. I appreciated that Jen is a full grown woman just turned forty who still has her romantic hopes and dreams. I enjoyed the relationship between Jen and her sister, Jody but did feel that it had more spark than her relationship with Jon. Overall, The Christmas Cake Cafe was a lively and fun read that fit in well with the holiday spirit.
Category: Meredith Grey & Christina Yang
December RandomCat: Christmas Sweets
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge - 12 Days of Christmas
The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson is a feel-good holiday romance that pretty much ticks all the boxes that one needs to find in this type of book. After expecting a proposal but instead getting dumped on Christmas Eve, Jen gets an opportunity to join her step-sister and friends on a working holiday to the Swiss Alps for the next Christmas. Jen has always dreamed of the perfect romance, followed by the perfect marriage but as she meets and falls in love with the handsome ski instructor, Jon, is her happy-ever-after finally within reach or is this just another holiday good-time romance?
Although a little formulated, this book supplies the beautiful, snowy Christmas setting, the romance, a fair amount of humour and plenty of delicious cake. I appreciated that Jen is a full grown woman just turned forty who still has her romantic hopes and dreams. I enjoyed the relationship between Jen and her sister, Jody but did feel that it had more spark than her relationship with Jon. Overall, The Christmas Cake Cafe was a lively and fun read that fit in well with the holiday spirit.
161Carmenere
Happy Holidays to you and yours, Judy! I so enjoy your challenge page and look forward to your '23 challenge! Cheers!
162BLBera
>132 DeltaQueen50: I'm with you regarding shopping, Judy, and around Christmas, it is even worse! Happy a great holiday, and I look forward to following your thread in 2023.
163DeltaQueen50
>160 VivienneR: I love the meme's that are posted at this time of the year - everyone's answers are so different.
>161 Carmenere: Happy holidays to you as well, Lynda. I am looking forward to 2023!
>162 BLBera: Hi Beth, today the weather is horrible here with snow and freezing rain forecasted and, of course, I need to go out and do some grocery shopping as I am cooking the Christmas Eve dinner for the family. It snowed last night and I am waiting for the roads to be plowed and then I am off to join the shopping hordes!
>161 Carmenere: Happy holidays to you as well, Lynda. I am looking forward to 2023!
>162 BLBera: Hi Beth, today the weather is horrible here with snow and freezing rain forecasted and, of course, I need to go out and do some grocery shopping as I am cooking the Christmas Eve dinner for the family. It snowed last night and I am waiting for the roads to be plowed and then I am off to join the shopping hordes!
164DeltaQueen50
Shopping and cleaning are scheduled for today and then tomorrow I will be cooking so I thought I would take this opportunity to wish everyone the best for the festive season. On Boxing Day (Dec 26) I will be heading over to Vancouver Island to spend a week with my family over there and I don't have easy access to a computer so I won't be around much until the new year.
Peace, Goodwill and Happy holidays to everyone!
Peace, Goodwill and Happy holidays to everyone!
165Jackie_K
>164 DeltaQueen50: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours - have a safe and peaceful holiday.
166humouress
Best wishes for the holiday season, Judy. I'll give your memes a go - let's see how I get on.
169Familyhistorian
Have a wonderful Christmas, Judy. Hopefully the weather cooperates for your holiday travel.
170DeltaQueen50
Merry Christmas to all! We opened some presents last night and my younger daughter gave me some books:
The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie
Exit by Belinda Bauer
All The Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
We are heading over to the elder daughter's house in an hour or so for a brunch and more presents!
The weather has turned mild and the snow is melting so I am feeling better about my drive over to Vancouver Island tomorrow.
>165 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie, I hope you are having a lovely Christmas
>166 humouress: Have fun with the memes, Nina. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
>167 lsh63: I'm sending the same wishes back to you, Lisa!
>168 msf59: Merry Christmas, Mark. Enjoy your time with your handsome grandson!
>169 Familyhistorian: All the best of the season to you, Meg. The roads are looking clear and the forecast continues to be for mild weather so I am now looking forward to my trip to the Island.
The Trouble With Peace by Joe Abercrombie
Exit by Belinda Bauer
All The Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
We are heading over to the elder daughter's house in an hour or so for a brunch and more presents!
The weather has turned mild and the snow is melting so I am feeling better about my drive over to Vancouver Island tomorrow.
>165 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie, I hope you are having a lovely Christmas
>166 humouress: Have fun with the memes, Nina. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
>167 lsh63: I'm sending the same wishes back to you, Lisa!
>168 msf59: Merry Christmas, Mark. Enjoy your time with your handsome grandson!
>169 Familyhistorian: All the best of the season to you, Meg. The roads are looking clear and the forecast continues to be for mild weather so I am now looking forward to my trip to the Island.
171DeltaQueen50
215. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly - 4.3 ★
Category: Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler
December Catwoman: Prizewinners - Newbery Medalist
December TIOLI #6: Author's First Name Starts with the Same Letter as Mine
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly follows the above mentioned young lady through her eleventh year in 1899. Calpurnia lives with her parents, grandfather and her six brothers. She has an interest in the natural world and her curiosity and questions eventually lead her to her notoriously cantankerous grandfather. He spends his days in his laboratory or out hunting specimens.
She and her grandfather bond over their shared interests and Calpurnia yearns to be able to have more freedom from the expectations that are placed upon her. She has no interest in cooking, cleaning or sewing but she is expected to perfect these skills for a future as a wife and homemaker. She dreams of being allowed to go to university and becoming a scientist. Although there is no resolution to Calpurnia’s dreams, it is clear that she is a determined, ambitious girl and I can imagine that she will definitely have a say in what her future will look like.
I found The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate to be an excellent coming-of-age story. The author succeeds in making Calpurnia unique and believable, and the writing is engaging with humor and style. Written for middle-grade children, this senior citizen fell under the spell of this delightful book
Category: Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler
December Catwoman: Prizewinners - Newbery Medalist
December TIOLI #6: Author's First Name Starts with the Same Letter as Mine
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly follows the above mentioned young lady through her eleventh year in 1899. Calpurnia lives with her parents, grandfather and her six brothers. She has an interest in the natural world and her curiosity and questions eventually lead her to her notoriously cantankerous grandfather. He spends his days in his laboratory or out hunting specimens.
She and her grandfather bond over their shared interests and Calpurnia yearns to be able to have more freedom from the expectations that are placed upon her. She has no interest in cooking, cleaning or sewing but she is expected to perfect these skills for a future as a wife and homemaker. She dreams of being allowed to go to university and becoming a scientist. Although there is no resolution to Calpurnia’s dreams, it is clear that she is a determined, ambitious girl and I can imagine that she will definitely have a say in what her future will look like.
I found The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate to be an excellent coming-of-age story. The author succeeds in making Calpurnia unique and believable, and the writing is engaging with humor and style. Written for middle-grade children, this senior citizen fell under the spell of this delightful book
172threadnsong
Have a merry, merry Christmas visit with your elder daughter and enjoy your many books.
I hope you have a good visit to Vancouver and that the weather cooperates with you. This time, unlike the previous week!
And after I finish catching up on threads here, I'll be heading over to see your 2023 reading thread.
Thanks for such a great reading list and such fair and thoughtful reviews.
I hope you have a good visit to Vancouver and that the weather cooperates with you. This time, unlike the previous week!
And after I finish catching up on threads here, I'll be heading over to see your 2023 reading thread.
Thanks for such a great reading list and such fair and thoughtful reviews.
173PaulCranswick
LT makes the world smaller and better. Have a good holiday, Judy.
174Storeetllr
Happy holidays! Hope you’re having a wonderful time with your family! 🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄🍷📚
175LadyoftheLodge
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year soon!
176DeltaQueen50
I am back from spending time with my family. I had a great time and have come home well rested and ready to tackle 2023. I finished a couple more books that will count for 2022 (reviews to follow) and have started a couple of books for 2023. I will post my last couple of reviews and them move on over to my 2023 thread.
177DeltaQueen50
216. The Harrows of Spring by James Howard Kunstler - 3.4 ★
Category: Godzilla & King Kong
December TIOLI #6: The Author's First Name Starts with the Same Letter as Mine
The Harrows of Spring by James Howard Kunstler is the fourth and last book in the World Made by Hand Series. The series follows the life and inhabitants of a quaint upstate New York town a number of years after both the power grid and governments around the world have failed. United States doesn’t really exist anymore and lawlessness and violence are commonplace. The town of Union Grove strives to remain a peaceful and safe community. They have welcomed newcomers and absorbed them into the community and are now trying to make bonds of trade and commerce with other communities.
In this volume they are visited by a group of left-leaning hucksters who are trying to scam the village out of it’s silver by offering them inclusion in their Berkshire People’s Republic which, in fact, doesn’t exist. I can’t believe that I read all of the books in this series, as his treatment of women, and political learnings to the far right are very different from my own. My only defense is that I am a sucker for dystopian stories.
Category: Godzilla & King Kong
December TIOLI #6: The Author's First Name Starts with the Same Letter as Mine
The Harrows of Spring by James Howard Kunstler is the fourth and last book in the World Made by Hand Series. The series follows the life and inhabitants of a quaint upstate New York town a number of years after both the power grid and governments around the world have failed. United States doesn’t really exist anymore and lawlessness and violence are commonplace. The town of Union Grove strives to remain a peaceful and safe community. They have welcomed newcomers and absorbed them into the community and are now trying to make bonds of trade and commerce with other communities.
In this volume they are visited by a group of left-leaning hucksters who are trying to scam the village out of it’s silver by offering them inclusion in their Berkshire People’s Republic which, in fact, doesn’t exist. I can’t believe that I read all of the books in this series, as his treatment of women, and political learnings to the far right are very different from my own. My only defense is that I am a sucker for dystopian stories.
178DeltaQueen50
217. Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump - 4.0 ★
Category: Friends
December TIOLI #2: A word in the title that can be found on a charcuterie board
Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump is an interesting adventure read. A young half-Maori boy, Ricky and his cantankerous uncle, Hec, take to the wilds of New Zealand in order to avoid Social Services taking Ricky into care after his Aunt Bella dies. The story is touching, funny, charming and full of adventure.
First published in 1986, I wasn’t sure if this “boys” book that would hold my attention, but no worries, I was grabbed from the start as Ricky and his Uncle Hec, both natural loners, learn to live together and eventually trust each other. So when Uncle Hec’s wife, Bella, dies, Hec is not at all agreeable to giving Ricky up. Hec is an outdoors man and knows the country through which they travel and he teaches Ricky how to survive in these wild lands. Together these two forge an unbreakable bond that sees them through the rough living and sparse comfort that they endure.
While the writing of Wild Pork and Watercress is fairly simple, it’s easy going style and economical charm woos the reader and the story is a touching one that stays within the boundaries of being believable.
Category: Friends
December TIOLI #2: A word in the title that can be found on a charcuterie board
Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump is an interesting adventure read. A young half-Maori boy, Ricky and his cantankerous uncle, Hec, take to the wilds of New Zealand in order to avoid Social Services taking Ricky into care after his Aunt Bella dies. The story is touching, funny, charming and full of adventure.
First published in 1986, I wasn’t sure if this “boys” book that would hold my attention, but no worries, I was grabbed from the start as Ricky and his Uncle Hec, both natural loners, learn to live together and eventually trust each other. So when Uncle Hec’s wife, Bella, dies, Hec is not at all agreeable to giving Ricky up. Hec is an outdoors man and knows the country through which they travel and he teaches Ricky how to survive in these wild lands. Together these two forge an unbreakable bond that sees them through the rough living and sparse comfort that they endure.
While the writing of Wild Pork and Watercress is fairly simple, it’s easy going style and economical charm woos the reader and the story is a touching one that stays within the boundaries of being believable.
179DeltaQueen50
My 2022 Reading Year is complete. I am set up and ready for 2023 - please join me at: https://www.librarything.com/topic/345630
180christina_reads
>178 DeltaQueen50: I didn't realize the film The Hunt for the Wilderpeople was based on a book! If you haven't seen the movie, I'd recommend it.
181DeltaQueen50
>180 christina_reads: Yes! I really would like to see the film I'll keep my eyes open for it.
182DeltaQueen50
My Top Books of the Fourth Quarter of 2022
November Road by Lou Berney
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
Little Deaths by Emma Flint
The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe
Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson
November Road by Lou Berney
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
Little Deaths by Emma Flint
The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe
Ghost Warrior by Lucia St. Clair Robson
