Alcott Acre's Home, Room 2

Well, let's get the introduction out of the way. My name is Stasia and I have been happily married to Kerry for almost 35 years. We have 6 children, 4 of whom are my stepchildren and 2 of whom are ours together. We also have 8 grandchildren. My second stepdaughter, Nichole, lost her fight to pancreatic cancer on February 4, 2023. She left behind grieving parents, sisters, brother, and an 18-year-old son.

I love to read and it has been a huge solace to me over the past few months - I call it "burying myself in books." I am actually hoping to read less in 2023 than I did in 2022, a year in which I read 450+ books. I am shooting for between 300-350 this year. I have a lot of household projects I want to take care of in 2023!

That's about it, I think, so come on in and grab a cuppa!

Excellent Reads from 2023 (in the order in which I read them):

5 Stars
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch

4.5 Stars
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The Bridge on the San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
The War Against the Jews 1933-1945 by Lucy S. Dawidowicz
Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Remembrance of Things Past, Volume 1 by Marcel Proust

4.25 Stars
Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb
Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
An Episode of Sparrows by Rumer Godden
Horse by Geraldine Brooks

January's TIOLI Challenges:

Challenge #1: Read a book (F or NF) set in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, or Numazu
Hiroshima by John Hersey - Completed January 8, 2023
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami - Completed January 30, 2023

Challenge #2: Read a book in the public domain
The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder - Completed January 7, 2023

Challenge #3: Read a book that came into your possession in 2022
Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer - Completed January 31, 2023
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - Completed January 7, 2023
The Sway of the Grand Saloon by John Malcom Brinnin - Completed January 22, 2023

Challenge #4: Read a book with a character who gardens or loves plants
An Episode of Sparrows by Rumer Godden - Completed January 28, 2023

Challenge #5: Read or Skim a reference book
The War Against the Jews 1933-1945 by Lucy S. Dawidowicz - Completed January 26, 2023

Challenge #6: Read a book listed on the Millions "most anticipated" lists during the pandemic years (2020-2022)
Matrix by Lauren Groff - Completed January 12, 2023

Challenge #7: Read a book where the author uses initials instead of a first and second name
History of the Second World War by B.H. Liddell Hart - Completed January 27, 2023

Challenge #8: Read a book with the name of a famous leader in the title or author's name
Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll - Completed January 28, 2023

Challenge #9: A little R&R: Read a book where at least TWO title words and/or author names start with R
Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron - Completed January 10, 2023

Challenge #10 Read a book for the Life Balance Wheel Semi-Rolling Challenge
The Pleasure of Reading by Antonia Fraser - Completed January 28, 2023

Challenge #11: Read a book set in, or about, the 1920s
Passing by Nella Larsen - Completed January 16, 2023

Challenge #12: Read a book on a best of 2022 list
Stay True: A Memoir by Hua Hsu - Completed January 5, 2023

Challenge #13: Read a book of swashbuckling adventure
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - Completed January 8, 2023

Challenge #14: The "Welcome 2023 Challenge - Let's Read 3" - Read the first, second, and/or third book of a trilogy
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison - Completed January 22, 2023
Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch - Completed January 23, 2023

Challenge #15: 'I liked that author" - Read a book by an author in 2023 who you read a book written by in 2022
Petty Treasons by Victoria Goddard - Completed January 20, 2023
Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb - Completed January 2, 2023
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle - Completed January 3, 2023

Challenge #16: Read a book with the three letters of "one" in the title and/or the author's name
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - Completed January 15, 2023

Challenge #17 - Read a work of fiction by an author born in North Africa
Palace Walk - Naguib Mahfouz - Completed January 20, 2023

#18: The last of the first: Read a book related to ending
Seeress of Kell by David Eddings - Completed January 29, 2023

February's TIOLI Challenges:

Challenge #1: Read a book with a body part in the title
Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers - Completed February 4, 2023

Challenge #2: Read a book whose first letter of its title fits into the following Rolling Challenge – based on “Be My Valentine”
The Yellow Room Conspiracy by Peter Robinson
Battleborn: Stories by Claire Vaye Watkins

Challenge #3: Read a book with a title that pays homage to Cole Porter's "Night and Day"
In the Still of the Night by Ann Rule - Completed February 3, 2023
Selection Day by Aravind Adiga - Completed February 5, 2023

Challenge #4: Read a book about twins, or told from 2 POV or has a word indicating 2 in the title
Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft - Completed February 11, 2023

Challenge #5: Read a book for the Alphabetical Verbs rolling challenge
Ducks : Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton - Completed February 5, 2023

Challenge #6: Read a book with the numbers 6 and 0 in the ISBN
GameTek by Geoff Engelstein
History of the Rain by Niall Williams
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
Purity in Death by J.D. Robb - Completed February 8, 2023
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig

Challenge #7: The Stendahl Challenge - Read a book with either the word “Red” or “Black” in the title proper, not the subtitle. Forms of the words are acceptable.
The Black Cabinet by Jill Watts
The Red and the Black by Stendahl
Redshirts by John Scalzi
Unforgivable Blackness by Geoffrey C. Ward

Challenge #8: Read a classic whose adaptation into a movie or play you've seen
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett

Challenge #9: Read a book with an animal in its title AND that animal on its cover
The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart

Challenge #10: Read a book with something you'd find on Old MacDonald's Farm in the title or author's name
Horse by Geraldine Brooks - Completed February 7, 2023
The Red Pony by John Steinbeck - Completed February 1, 2023

Challenge #11: Read a book translated from the Portuguese or written in Portuguese
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa

Challenge #12: Read a book where the first two words in the title begin with the same letter
Beyond Belief by Deborah Lipstadt

Challenge #13: Read a book with at least two one-syllable words in the title (excludes a, an, the, and & or)
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer - Completed February 2, 2023
Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Time of Our Singing by Richard Powers
A Trail through Time by Jodi Taylor

Challenge #14: Read a book with a connection to a book you read in 2022
A Time for Planting by Eli Faber

Challenge #15: Read a book with a person's name on the page # matching the number of books you read last year
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow - Completed February 9, 2023

Challenge #16: Read a book written from a non-human perspective
Network Effect by Martha Wells

Challenge #17: Read a short story
Possession in Death by J.D. Robb - Completed February 2, 2023

Challenge #18: Read a Western
True Grit by Charles Portis - Completed February 9, 2023

My Journey through Proust:
Remembrance of Things Past, Volume 1 - Completed February 10, 2023

Series Reading - I will post these as I read them:
The In Death series
Reunion in Death - Completed January 2, 2023
Purity in Death -

The Outlander series
Voyager - Completed January 15, 2023

The St. Mary’s books
A Trail Through Time -

The Decker/Lazarus series

The Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series

The Murderbot series
Network Effect

The Three Pines series

The Maisie Dobbs series

The Raj Quartet

Black Studies Reading
Must reads for this year - Taylor Branch Trilogy:
Parting the Waters - Completed January 23, 2023
Pillar of Fire
At Canaan’s Edge
1. Passing by Nella Larsen - Completed January 16, 2023

Jewish Studies Reading
Must reads for this year:
The “Jewish People of America” series: A Time for Planting, A Time for Gathering, A Time for Building, A Time for Searching, and A Time for Healing
1. The War Against the Jews 1933-1945 by Lucy S. Dawidowicz - Completed January 26, 2023
2. Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll - Completed January 28, 2023

The Around the World in 80 Novels Challenge inspired by the book of the same name. I want to try and expand my reading horizons to places I have rarely or never been.
1. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (Scotland) - Completed January 8, 2023
2. Palace Walk (Book 1 of the Cairo Trilogy) by Naguib Mahfouz (Egypt) - Completed January 20, 2023
3. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (Japan) - Completed January 30, 2023

Continuation of the Asian Authors Challenge from 2022 - I have so many unread books from this challenge that I am going to continue it into the new year
1. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami - Completed January 30, 2023

The “Read More Sci-Fi” Challenge - using the Esquire list found here (https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g39358054/best-sci-fi-books/) and the book Science Fiction, The 101 Best Novels, 1985-2010 by Damien Broderick and Paul di Filippo

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle - Completed January 3, 2023 (#39 on the Esquire list)

The “Indie List” Challenge with the list supplied by Berly
1. Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron - Completed January 10, 2023

The Monthly Nonfiction Challenge - I try to read at least 100 nonfiction books a year and this challenge is instrumental in helping me achieve that goal
January: Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer - Completed January 31, 2023
February GameTek by Geoff Engelstein

The Chunkster Challenge (Books at least 500 pages in length) - Shooting for at least 6 over the course of the year
1. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - 548 pages
2. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - 870 pages
3. The Sway of the Grand Saloon by John Malcolm Brinnin - 552 pages
4. Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch - 924 pages
5. History of the Second World War by B.H. Liddell Hart - 713 pages
6. Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll - 616 pages
7. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow - 738 pages
8. Remembrance of Things Past, Volume 1 by Marcel Proust - 1,018 pages

The American Authors Challenge - This is one that I dip into and out of as the case may be

January: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle - Completed January 3, 2023
January: The Giver by Lois Lowry - Completed January 12, 2023
February: The Time of Our Singing by Richard Powers

Shared Reads:
Seeress of Kell by David Eddings - shared read with Nina - Completed January 29, 2023
The Return of Fitzroy Angursell by Victoria Goddard - shared read with Mary - FEBRUARY
Whistling Season by Ivan Doig - shared read with Paul - FEBRUARY
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott - shared read with Mamie - FEBRUARY
Horse by Geraldine Brooks - shared read with Mark - Completed February 7, 2023
The Winners by Fredrik Backman - shared read with Mark - APRIL
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - shared read with Kro - APRIL
Eventide by Kent Haruf - shared read with Mark - MAY?
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston - shared read with Kro - JUNE?

The “Pick a Shelf” Challenge - Goal is 2 a month - I literally just chose a shelf in my library and emptied it of books. I will mark them as I complete them - and then pick another shelf!

The Nautical Chart by Arturo Perez-Reverte
Killing Mister Watson by Peter Matthiessen
Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft
All Hallows' Eve by Charles Williams
Almanac of American Women in the 20th Century by Judith Freeman Clark
"And I Was There" by Rear Admiral Edwin T. Layton *
Ancient Egyptian Literature, Volumes I-III, by Miriam Lichtheim
The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr
The Bureau by Diarmuid Jeffreys
The Color of Distance by Amy Thomson
Dreams, Parts One & Two by Jayne Ann Krentz
Eric Sloane's America by Eric Sloane
The Glass Magician by Charlie Holmberg
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
A History of Western Architecture* by David Watkin
History of the Second World War by B.H. Liddell Hart* - Completed January 27, 2023
How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis
I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This by Jacqueline Woodson
A Many-Splendored Thing by Han Suyin
The Master Magician by Charlie Holmberg
The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers
Moonheart by Charles de Lint
The Paper Magician by Charlie Holmberg
Quiet Street by Zelda Popkin
Saving Childhood by Michael Medved and Diane Medved
The Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
Twist of Fate by Jayne Ann Krentz

*Due to the length of this volume, I will likely only read one book from this list in that particular month.

And now to fix Touchstones. . .The next one is yours!

Happy new thread Stasia!

Happy new thread Stasia!

Happy new thread, Stasia!

Happy new one, Stasia.

I love some of your lists above. The chunkster challenge is one I need to do to balance my reading too. I have managed Nabokov's Stories this month at 663 pages.

There could be a few shared reads in our TIOLI February.

Happy new thread Stasia

Happy New Thread Stasia!

Happy new one!

Hi Stasia, and happy new thread.

From your last thread, glad your mother’s been released from the hospital. I did not realize the end was coming so close for Nichole, and did not realize she had children. I feel so bad for her son Craig, only 18, and having to face the loss of his mother.

I hope you're coming out of this CFS cycle.

My friend Louise's son-in-law just got a diagnosis of stage IV Pancreatic Cancer, and it does not look good for him either. I didn't realize it was another of those cancers that usually get diagnosed very late and has a very low 3-5 year survival rate.

(((hugs)))

Sweet Thursday, Stasia. Happy New Thread! I will try to set up the Group Read thread for Horse over the weekend. I hope the CFS has abated a bit.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread!

Happy new one, Stasia! Hoping today is kind to you.

Happy new one, Stasia. That's a lot of challenges but I know you're up to it.

What great reading plans you have! All the best......

Happy new thread, Stasia.

Happy new thread, Stasia!

>13 quondame: >14 humouress: >15 FAMeulstee: >16 PaulCranswick: >17 Kristelh: >18 WhiteRaven.17: >19 figsfromthistle: >20 karenmarie: >21 msf59: >22 drneutron: >23 foggidawn: >24 Crazymamie: >25 RebaRelishesReading: >26 mdoris: >27 aktakukac: >28 curioussquared: Thank you, Susan, Nina, Anita, Paul, Kristel, Kro, Anita, Karen, Jim, foggi, Mamie, Reba, Mary, Rachel and Natalie.

>16 PaulCranswick: My biggest problem with the chunkster challenge (6 books over 500 pages) is that I think I will be finishing it in January, lol. I did not realize it when I set up my reads for this month since I do not pay a lot of attention to how long a book actually is.

Yay for shared reads, Paul!

>20 karenmarie: I am so sorry for your friend Louise and her family. I hate for anyone to be going through this! The sense of helplessness can get to be overwhelming when you realize that pretty much nothing can be done.

>21 msf59: Thanks for setting up the Group Read, Mark. I am really looking forward to reading Horse. CFS is still kicking my rear end at the moment, but hopefully soon.

>25 RebaRelishesReading: >26 mdoris: Thank you for the encouragement, ladies!

Hi Stasia my dear, Happy New Thread, dear friend.

Finished this afternoon:

19 - The War Against the Jews, 1933-1945 by Lucy S. Dawidowicz - Nonfiction; This book is styled as the "most complete, the most authoritative, and the most nearly definitive ever written on the subject of the destruction of the Jews," and I believe it. Dawidowicz starts tracking Hitler's hatred of the Jews years before the Holocaust ever began and continues through the end of World War II, by which time most of Europe's Jewish population was gone. She goes into details on how the Jews were complicit in their own defeat as Judenrat after Judenrat was forced to make impossible decisions about who lived and who died - I think that this was the hardest part of the book for me to read and I cannot imagine what those men had to go through to make such decisions. The Jewish resistance is not neglected either. If you ever want to read a book that is definitive on man's inhumanity to man, then this is the one. There are appendices at the end of the book that goes through country by country to show the affect of the Holocaust on that country's Jewish population as well as an appendix to show "The Final Solution" in figures. There is also a substantial bibliography; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine

"The historical success or failure of any policy is measured by the actual outcome of events, but that success or failure is not determined by prescience or wisdom, by right or wrong. The course of history, of victory and defeat, is circumscribed by the fortuitous confluence of resources and opportunity."

>30 johnsimpson: You snuck in there on me, John. Sorry I missed you earlier. Thank you!

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/348078

>33 SilverWolf28: Thank you, Silver!

Just piping up to give you a hug and say I'm so sorry about Nicole. I hope she is pain-free and I know she is surrounded by family.

Also saying I told you so about the Goblin Emperor despite the names.

>31 alcottacre: We are now neck and neck in reading - I won't keep that up much longer I'm sure!

>35 ronincats: Yes, you were right about The Goblin Emperor. I have a couple more of Addison's books here to read yet and am looking forward to them!

>36 PaulCranswick: I still have something like 6 books to read before the end of January, Paul. I pretty much pay no attention to the numbers since they are just numbers, but I have been this month for some reason. Maybe because I have felt "behind" on my reading the entire month?

>37 alcottacre: Me too, Stasia. I am hopeful that some of my project books (McCarthy, Zola and Knausgaard) will get done.

>38 PaulCranswick: I hope so too for your sake! I am going to finish my chunkster challenge this month, which was totally unplanned.

Kerry has headed to Nacogdoches to visit Nichole and I am off to take a nap. . .before I really hit the books!

>40 alcottacre: Hope you're sleeping well, Stasia :)

>41 RebaRelishesReading: I had a very nice nap, thank you, Reba. Now I really need to get off LT and READ!! I seem to be having difficulties with the first part of that though :)

I came. I saw. Especially ALL those lists. Impressed. I better go and get busy. :-)

>43 weird_O: LOL, Bill.

Finished this afternoon:

20 - History of the Second World War by B.H. Liddell Hart - Nonfiction; This is a very good one volume look at World War II starting from before the war began, pointing out the mistakes made from the outset, all the way until the surrender of Japan. Liddell Hart covers all of the war's theatres from the Pacific theatre, to the African campaigns, to the European theatre and the Russian front. The maps provided were extremely helpful to me - geography is not my strong point; Recommended (4 stars) Mine

Happy new thread!

>46 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda!

>45 alcottacre: His histories of both World Wars are well worth reading, Stasia.

>48 PaulCranswick: Good to know, Paul. Thanks.

Hello Stasia, I am finally getting caught up on your threads. I remember hearing about Nichole on your threads last year, What an awful journey for your family. I teared up when I read about her 18 year old son. My stepsister passed away last month, and her 18 year old son, my nephew, is really hurting. It's just awful, and I am so sorry. I will be thinking of you.

>50 AMQS: Thank you, Anne.

Finished tonight:

21 - The Pleasure of Reading edited by Antonia Fraser - Nonfiction; This book of essays by famous authors, playwrights, poets, etc is designed to expand the size of the BlackHole as they reminisce about the books that made them into readers and then submit lists of their personal top 10 list of books. We have writers who grew up with books surrounding them, writers whose families had no books, writers with a sense of humor about their childhoods (Wendy Cope made me laugh several times), writers who sought help for finding someone who was like them in what they were reading. Overall I enjoyed the book very much; Recommended (4 stars) Mine

From the Doris Lessing chapter, "You have to read a book at the right time for you, and I am not sure that this cannot be insisted on too often, for it is the key to the enjoyment of literature."

22 - Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews by James Carroll - Nonfiction; I believe I would have gotten more from this book had I been Catholic as some of Carroll's references just flew right over my head. He takes what he sees as a Jewish-Christian conflict and then writes some 600 pages about it: "It is as if Jews and Christians had begun not merely as rivalrous siblings but as Siamese twins, tragically set against each other in connected bodies that were one body, and sharing, perhaps, one sorely divided soul."; Guarded Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine

23 - An Episode of Sparrows by Rumer Godden - Godden's In This House of Brede, which is one of my all-time favorite books, introduced me to the author and she did not disappoint in this one, the story of one Lovejoy Mason, whose mother has essentially abandoned her and left her in the care of her sister, whose husband runs a small restaurant. Lovejoy is often left to her own devices and she discovers within herself a love of gardening - the problem being, of course, that she has no money for purchasing the tools, seeds, etc needed to produce a garden, so she comes up with some rather innovative stealing to help her. Lovejoy is a fully fleshed out child character and wholly believable, as are most of the people surrounding her; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine

>52 alcottacre: Wendy Cope is great fun, Stasia and an enjoyable poet to read. Just sayin'.

>53 PaulCranswick: I had never heard of her before I read the book, Paul. You know I am no great poetry fan, but I might just have to give hers a try.

>54 alcottacre: It is semi formal but light hearted, Stasia.

An example : 'After the Lunch'

On Waterloo Bridge, where we said our goodbyes,
The weather conditions bring tears to my eyes.
I wipe them away with a black woolly glove
And try not to notice I've fallen in love.

On Waterloo Bridge I am trying to think:
This is nothing. You're high on the charm and the drink.
But the juke-box inside me is playing a song
That says something different. And when was it wrong?

On Waterloo Bridge with the wind in my hair
I am tempted to skip. You're a fool. I don't care.
The head does its best but the heart is the boss.
I admit it before I am halfway across.

Happy Sunday, Stasia. I will post the Group Read thread for Horse today. I will probably sneak in one more book before I start Horse, which should be toward the end of the work week. You are welcome to my copy of Earthlings if you want it.

>55 PaulCranswick: Semi-formal and light hearted poetry I can probably handle, Paul. Thanks for posting that. I already checked my local library and they do not have any of her poetry books. *sigh*

>56 msf59: My local library actually has a copy of Earthlings, Mark, but I appreciate the offer!

Kerry is headed home today from what may be his last visit with Nichole. Heavy hearts are abounding these days. He is going to stop by and visit with Catey before he heads home, so hopefully that will lighten the load a bit.

Sundays are my days to stay off line, but I will probably be back later on this evening.

Happy Sunday, Stasia! I'm so sorry that this visit with Nichole might be Kerry's last one. It's good that he will be stopping off at Catey's on the way home. Thinking of all of you.

You got me with The Pleasure of Reading - onto The List it goes. And you are reminding me that I have In This House of Brede in the stacks. I love the title An Episode of Sparrows, and the might have to go on The List as well.

By the time I got around to it, your new thread had over 50 posts! At least I didn't miss a thread.

I’m so sorry about Kerry’s last visit with Nichole. What a heavy burden for all of you.

Continue to hold you all in my heart during these tough times.

>62 RebaRelishesReading: What Reba said so nicely. xx

>59 Crazymamie: If you ever want to do a shared read of In This House of Brede, Mamie, just let me know. I will happily re-read that one at any time. Both The Pleasure of Reading and An Episode of Sparrows are worth the read. I hope you get a chance to enjoy them both.

Yeah, I am hoping that I am wrong regarding this being Kerry's last visit to Nichole, but I fear I am not. She was not doing well at all while he was there.

>60 thornton37814: Hey, Lori! Always happy to see you!

>61 Oregonreader: Thank you so much, Jan.

>62 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you, Reba! That is so beautiful.

>63 PaulCranswick: As always, thank you, brother. xx

Finished tonight (and yes, I am burying myself in books yet again):

24 - The Seeress of Kell by David Eddings - The final book in the 5-book Mallorean series and I am sorry to see these characters go. We were introduced to Garion, Polgara, Durnik, and Belgarath in the Belgariad series (which was also 5 books long) as well as to their companions, so it has been a long journey with these people. In this, the final book, the fate of the world is finally decided by Cyradis' choice, but not without underhandedness from Zandramas and bravery on the part of Garion. I love that Eddings adds touches of humor in his books to keep them from being pompous and taking them too seriously. I look forward to re-reading these series again in future; Recommended (4 star) Mine

Happy new thread!

>66 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle!

Kerry is home from work today and I will be spending time with him, so I probably will not be around much to say hello to everyone until later tonight. Be back later!

Duplicate post. Oops!

Happy new thread, Stasia! Have a great day with Kerry!

>68 alcottacre: (((Kerry)))

>70 Carmenere: Thank you, Lynda!

>71 FAMeulstee: I will pass along the hugs, Anita!

Speaking of Kerry: because of the ice and freezing rain that are predicted here over the next couple of days, he will not be going into work, so my time here is going to be somewhat limited as I spend time with him. I am still going to get some reading in too though! Speaking of which -

Finished tonight:

25 - Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami - This is a re-read for me - the first time I read it was as a group read way back in 2010! (I feel really old now.) If someone would ask me what this book was about, I would say "triangles." They populate the book everywhere: There is Toru-Naoko-Kizuki, then there is Toru-Nagasawa-Storm Trooper, Toru-Reiko-Naoko, Toru-Naoko-Midori. Toru, this seemingly ordinary guy, who tries to withdraw from everyone, ends up involved in all of these triangles. The writing as I have come to expect from Murakami is just wonderful and, despite the suicides of several characters in the book, there is hope at the end for Toru (and Midori); Recommended (4 stars) Mine

I can't imagine how hard it must have been for Kerry to head home. Please give him an extra hug from me.

>74 ffortsa: I will do that, Judy. Thank you so much.

Speaking of Kerry - today makes day 2 of his ice-imposed lockdown. Tomorrow will be day 3. I am not sure what I am going to do with him when he retires because he gets bored easily! We have been playing board games, but still. . .

>75 alcottacre: I have a friend in the DFW who is rejoicing about the ice. He got today off and has tomorrow off. He also thought they might get Thursday off because temps won't warm up enough to melt it. The ice is supposed to be north of us. I hope it stays there. I would not mind a good snowfall, but I don't want ice. We're supposed to just get rain.

>6 alcottacre: I do not mind about snow either, but ice is entirely another matter. It is not worth anyone's life to have to drive on it, although I know first responders and such are very much needed. We got 1/4-1/2" of the blasted stuff here - I am almost in Oklahoma, I live that close to the border - and are expecting more tomorrow into Thursday. Kerry may have that day off as well. Since it is a 35 mile drive one way for him to get to work, I will adjust to him being at home :)

I hope all you get is the rain, Lori!

We have that ice, too, Stasia. School will be canceled again tomorrow for the third day. It's amazing how a coating of sleet and ice can slow things down. I missed my evening bridge game last night and tomorrow's Bible Study will be on Zoom. I can stay in my pajamas if I want to! I was also supposed to go to a birthday lunch tomorrow with friends that will not happen for a few days.

I've been keeping up with you, just not posting much. As always, I wish you and Kerry strength as Nichole's illness progresses. I'm glad he got back from his trip to visit with her before the ice came. Board games sound like a good distraction for both of you. Have fun!

>78 Donna828: Yikes, I am sorry to hear that you have been hit by the ice too, Donna, although I must say that going to Bible Study in your pajamas sounds positively decadent :)

I am very glad he made it home before the ice hit! The hotel bills would be reaking havoc with our finances, lol. The board gaming has been very fun and we have already picked out games to play tomorrow.

Finished tonight:

26 - Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer - Nonfiction; I originally bought this book because it won the Pulitzer Prize in 2022, not necessarily because I was all that interested in the subject matter, but the text changed that - I found myself learning things that I never knew about how entwined the histories of both Cuba and the United States are, going back to colonial days. Ferrer literally begins at the revolutionary days in the U.S. and takes the histories of the countries up until the presidency of Joe Biden began. There is some absolutely fascinating stuff here. My one small quibble with the book is that there is no map of Cuba itself and I think that would be extremely helpful; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine

My father passed away last night. He was two months shy of his 85th birthday.

I’m so sorry, Stasia. It’s so hard to lose a parent.

Karen O

Oh, what Karen O just said. It's so hard. You have a lot to mourn.

{{Stasia}}. I am so sorry.

>81 alcottacre: Sorry to hear your news Stasia. He made a good age though.

>81 alcottacre: Oh, Stasia, one more thing! I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Sincerest condolences to you and your family.

I'm very sorry to hear about your father, Stasia.

i'm sorry about this news you are dealing with Stasia. Please take care of yourself.

I am so sorry for your loss, Stasia. I know things were strained between you, but it’s still very difficult to lose your father. (((hugs)))

I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father.

>81 alcottacre: So sorry to here this Stasia!

Oh, Stasia, you’re really being put through the ringer. I’m sorry about your father.

Sad news, Stasia. My prayers continue for you and your family.

I'm so sorry about your father. I wish you strength and comfort in the coming days.

>81 alcottacre: So sorry for your loss, Stasia, my condolences to all involved.
(((hugs)))

Hi Stasia my dear, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father, sending condolences to you and the family at this sad time from both of us, my dear friend.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers and condolences at this time. My father and I were not close and basically never were. By the end of his life, he had alienated not only his ex-wife, his children, and his grandchildren for the most part.

I spoke with my daughter Beth this afternoon and I asked her if her daddy died, how she would feel. A one word answer - "Devastated." I told her I would feel the same way if Kerry died, but I could not feel that way about my father dying. What I feel is cheated because I did not get what I should have from a father. Other than that, I feel empty - there is no emotion there. I do not feel guilty, I do not feel heartbroken, I feel pretty much nothing. And I am not at all sure what that says about me.

I am going back to burying myself in books after what has been a very long day. . .

>98 alcottacre: This is not unusual at all. The last year of my mother's life she made life difficult for every one of the family that interacted with her and in spite of many strong bonds all of us were more shaken than grieved in the immediate aftermath. Not that we were, any of us, alienated as you describe, just that parts of our emotional responses were just worn out, and all of us were just too frazzled for grief.
When a family member is so difficult that one has to build internal walls to deal with the damage, that is grief.

>98 alcottacre: I can understand how you feel, Stasia even though I was quite close to my father who died when I was only 21 -- so I feel cheated a bit too because he was just here for such a small part of my life. In either case there is a closure with losing a parent that takes some adjustment I think.

Enjoy those books!!

Stasia, I am so sorry you're going through this and struggling with how you think you're "supposed" to be feeling. I can relate to this -- in my case, with my mother -- and just want you to know that there is no correct way to feel. Your feelings are valid, even if they are more of a lack of feelings. Sending you hugs.

>99 quondame: When Dad died, I had not spoken to him for almost 3 years - it would have been 3 years on my birthday in March. I told my sister that I had to do it for my own mental health. I do not regret that decision at all. I have been building walls my entire life against him and the damage he inflicted on me. I finally had to say that "Enough is enough."

>100 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. I am having problems settling down to a book tonight, so I am thinking I may just have to pull out one of my In Death books - you know, a comfort read.

>101 lauralkeet: Thank you so much, Laura!

Finished tonight:

27 - The Red Pony by John Steinbeck - I admit that I was disappointed by this children's book. Because of the title, I expected the book to be all about the pony that the boy, Jody, was given, but it is not. The part about the pony is all of one chapter. The other three chapters are about other things. The book felt very choppy to me because each chapter was like a vignette, not really connected other than through the characters, not the thing that happened in the chapter before. It was also depressing as death is in the forefront of at least 2 of the chapters; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Library Book

I am sorry to learn about your father's passing, Stasia. I am also sorry to learn you had a strained relationship with him.

Glad to hear you started Horse. I hope it is as good as we expected.

Like everyone else, I'm so sorry for your loss. Hoping the books give you a chance for some comfort.

I'm so sorry about your dad and the emotional struggle that goes with it! Take care of yourself

>98 alcottacre: I shows that caring people take the blame and guilt for things they are not responsible for Stasia. Release yourself from that.

>104 msf59: Thank you, Mark. As far as Horse goes, I read the first 50 pages or so last night and very much enjoyed what I read.

>105 drneutron: Thanks, Jim. Burying myself in books works pretty well for me. My husband, Kerry, being home helps me out too!

>106 ChelleBearss: Thank you, Chelle!

>107 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, Caroline. I am trying.

It looks as though we are finally going to thaw out today so Kerry will probably be back to work tomorrow. I am going to miss having him here, but on the other hand, it will be nice to get back to my 'normal' schedule.

Sending hugs and good thoughts in this hard time. I'm glad you have your books and Kerry.

Horse is a great novel to immerse yourself within.

Hugs and condolences to you, Stasia.

>102 alcottacre: Enough is always enough and I'm glad you decided that and moved on. It sounds like you've built a good life for yourself with a loving family around you. Focus there and try to forget the pain. (Stasia)

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/348237

>110 streamsong: Thank you, Janet. I have been extremely lucky in having Kerry here. As far as Horse goes, I read the first 50 pages or so last night and am very much enjoying it thus far.

>111 weird_O: Thank you so much, Bill.

>112 RebaRelishesReading: I have a wonderful family both in real life and here on LT, Reba, and am extremely blessed by both.

>113 SilverWolf28: Thank you, Silver. I am in again!

>98 alcottacre: Dear Stasia, thank you for that viscerally honest post. Our paternal relationships have been similar and my own father is not in the very best of health but I think emptiness is the right word to describe when I think of him too.

Still it is something more to cope with on top of everything else so I am going to give you plenty of hugs anyway xx

Stasia, when my father passed, we were estranged and hadn't spoken in about a year. I understand your feelings about reconciling reality with what you think you're "supposed" to feel. As others have said, there is no right way to feel.

Take care.

Sending along hugs and prayers during this difficult time, Stasia. And wishing you plenty of good reads.

>115 PaulCranswick: All hugs are greatly appreciated, Paul! I hope things can change for your relationship with your father before he passes, but I really understand if they do not.

>116 katiekrug: Thank you so much, Katie!

>117 MickyFine: Thank you, Micky. I am once again burying myself in books and pretty much everything I am currently reading is satisfying.

Finished another one:

28 - Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer - Juvenile; Roni put me on to this series that is based on the premise that Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes had a much younger sister, Enola. Their mother disappears on Enola's birthday and she reaches out to her older brothers for help. Mycroft determines that Enola needs schooling and is determined to send her off to a boarding school. She, of course, rebels and sets out to find her mother on her own. One of the things that I enjoyed about this book is that Enola is presented with a series of ciphers by her mother and she needs to untangle these clues. Springer allows the reader to do the same, so kids are not only going to be reading and trying to make deductions of their own, but they can try and untangle the ciphers right along with Enola; Recommended (4 stars) Library Book

I am so sorry for your loss. ((( Hugs)))

>120 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita! The hugs are much appreciated.

Finished tonight:

29 - Possession in Death by J.D. Robb - Some comfort reading for me here as I have read this novella several times and it is my favorite of the bunch if for no other reason than to see the eminently pragmatic Eve possessed. In this one, Eve gets taken over by a murdered woman on a quest to determine what happened to her beloved granddaughter; Recommended for fans of the series (4 stars) Mine

"I have every confidence in Lieutenant Dallas, but if it makes you feel easier, I won't let you do anything you'll regret."

"Good. But be, you know, subtle about it."

>119 alcottacre: I enjoyed all of the Enola Holmes books several years ago. I believe some new ones have come out since it became a TV show, so I should look them up and see if they are as good.

Good morning, Stasia! I love the support you're getting from this group, every one of whom truly loves you. Me too.

>123 foggidawn: There are 8 in total now, foggi, plus a collection of short stories. I looked last night :)

>124 LizzieD: Supportive is the least of words when it comes to describing this group of people and don't I know it. Incredible is more to the point. I love them - and you too, Peggy.

Stasia, I completely understand what you are saying about the death of your father. I felt the same way when my mom died. Just nothing. But I also did not feel guilty about what I was not feeling because she was not a great mother. Those feelings are earned - love is a powerful thing but the lack of love is equally powerful. She was a very difficult woman, and shortly after having Abby, I made the break with having a relationship with her because she was a toxic presence in my life. We had not spoken in many years when she passed, and it was not a bitter thing (the not talking), just a reality. The burden for your father not being a good parent is not on you - that was his choice. We choose what kind of parents we are, what kind of people we are, and it is these every day choices that build or break the relationships that we have. I am sorry you are hurting, my friend. Please know that I am thinking about you and sending you my love.

>126 Crazymamie: Thank you so much, Mamie. I am still dealing with such mixed emotions and I imagine I will be for a while yet, but guilt is not one of them. I had made up my mind when I had children that I was pretty much going to do the opposite of him in every area - and I have great relationships with my kids (may it always be so!)

Today my nephews Levi and Benjamin are heading from Longview to Plano to see if they can make heads or tails of my father's legal stuff (he has changed his will repeatedly in recent years) and funeral arrangements.

>127 alcottacre: Hugs for you, Stasia. For whatever reason, hugs for you. xx

>128 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. The hugs are needed. It has been pretty much a terrible day here.

I found out today that I am the lucky person who gets to be the executor of my father's will. Yay, hooray. I have no idea exactly what an executor does, but I guess I will be learning.

>65 alcottacre: It is kind of bittersweet to be leaving the characters of the Belgariad and the Malloreon for the last time. I haven't reviewed it yet (or any of my books this year) but I did put down some thoughts as I was reading in the group (of two!) read thread.

>98 alcottacre: I'm sorry to hear about your father and sorry that you feel cheated. Sending hugs.

Finished tonight:

30 - In the Still of the Night by Ann Rule - Nonfiction; Ronda Reynolds died, as determined by the medical examiner, by suicide in the early morning hours - or did she? Barb Thompson, Ronda's mother, did not believe that she committed suicide and set out to prove it. The suicide verdict was eventually overturned, but no one was ever arrested for Ronda's murder. My basic problem with this book is the author herself - her bias against the suicide verdict is evident from the beginning and her obvious preference for the husband (soon to be ex) as the person responsible make her biases impossible to hide. Indeed, she admits toward the end of the book that she and Barb became good friends. So why is Rule writing the book instead of someone else?; Not Recommended (3 stars) Library Book

>130 humouress: I will have to see if I can find the old group read page from last year so I can read your final thoughts on the last book.

Thanks, Nina.

>129 alcottacre: That is a lot of work at exactly the wrong time, Stasia. Hopefully his affairs are in reasonable order and his latest will or the codicil to his latest will is clear and uncontested.

>133 PaulCranswick: It is going to be a lot of work, Paul, I have no doubt - and I am supposed to be taking a family vacation in 6 weeks. Not to mention the situation with Nichole as well.

>134 alcottacre: I know dear lady, that is why I mention 'wrong time' - stress on top of stress. You will not necessarily be under too much in the way of time constraint though and your father's attorney assuming he had one could probably help with most of the work with his costs for so doing coming from the estate residual.

What a difficult time! I am glad that you have the comfort of reading.

>135 PaulCranswick: Yeah, I think I am going to have to get into contact with his attorney as soon as I can to help. I do not want to mess this up as my mother, whom I dearly love, is his sole beneficiary.

>136 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda! I am more than happy to bury myself in books these days.

>137 alcottacre: That will make it worthwhile at least, Stasia.

>138 PaulCranswick: Yep. She was cheated in their divorce and I mean to make sure she is not cheated again.

>137 alcottacre: At least, if she's his sole beneficiary, it should be easier without any complicated dividing up to be done.

>139 alcottacre: It is good to know that your mum will get some justice. I take it that Levi and Benjamin have confirmed the contents of the will if it had changed umpteen times? I trust that the two young men are on the side of the angels?

>140 humouress: Definitely!

>141 PaulCranswick: Levi and Benjamin are definitely on the side of the angels. They also dearly love their grandmother. Levi took care of my father for several years and was basically treated like dirt. He called me today and read directly from the will, which is how I discovered I got the lucky job of being the executor.

>142 alcottacre: That is very comforting news, Stasia. xx

>143 PaulCranswick: Yep. As soon as I have the info, I will be contacting Dad's attorney because I am out of my depth here and I want to make sure that Mother is taken care of. She has a great deal of family on her "side."

>129 alcottacre: >137 alcottacre: >142 alcottacre: CRAP! Crap! crapcrapcrap! I'm sorry to hear this. Can you tell? One last punishment, I guess.
On the other hand, you'll do a better job than anybody else, so I'm sure that your mom will be grateful to you.
Hope you get some sleep anyway.
We love you!

Sounds like it's been a rough time, I wish you well and hope you find some ease with everything, in however that makes sense to you in these complicated moments of life.
As to >131 alcottacre:, I am disappointed to see this - granted I have now read three of Rule's books and liked them but this one does seem a bit skewed in that it's an unresolved case based on a matter that is very easy to be biased on and then to also have such a personal connection. I'll maybe avoid this one.

>145 LizzieD: Yep, I figure that is pretty much what it is, Peggy - punishment. My sister was completely written out of the will, so she got her punishment as well :( Thanks for the love and support!

>146 WhiteRaven.17: Thank you, Kro. Yeah, I have read Rule's books before and liked them, but this one just struck me as wrong from the get go - and that is before she revealed the friendship she had formed with Ronda's mother. I would give this one a pass if I were you. There are too many other books to be read!

Well that is more work you didn't need right now, Stasia. I hope his attorney can help you a bit with sorting out. At least you will do this all for your mother.

Happy Saturday, Stasia. I hope you are feeling well. I am finally starting Horse. I did not expect to be delayed but my last book was much longer than I expected. Can't wait to dive in. It sure seems like everyone is enjoying it.

Deep breaths, Stasia, and you know where to come whenever you need to rant. If it doesn't all get wrapped up in 6 weeks, can the proceedings take a pause so you don't have to interrupt your own vacation plans? Can you explain that these plans are already made and you don't want to have to change anything.

{{hugs}}

The internet is a wonderful thing. I found very clear help there for how to act as executor in Texas just now. There are only a few things that have to be done soon, and no reason it should impact any plans you have.

Good morning, Stasia!

Good news, Judy!

My heart goes out to you with all the stress you're under just now. I hope you get some breathing space this weekend.

Hi Stasia
If you have a good lawyer- that person should be doing all the complicated legal work. I hope that your father's attorney is someone you can work with.
And don't change your vacation plans! ( advice) You need to take care of yourself.

More hugs for you! What a storm to have to live through. It seems like those that have a heart are the ones always being tried because those without one or whose hearts have shrunk down to bits of dried nothing never care either way. I feel so sad all this is happening to you.

Well, at least those of us in the LT community can offer some love and support. Your feelings are valid and real, don't feel guilty about them. People make their own beds and many times its not pleasant to deal with but it is the reality you have to live with, so you do what you have to do to survive.

So glad there are other caring family members in your life to offer support, and that you can escape from time to time into books to help you get through all this.

We just got the call we were expecting - Nichole passed away a few minutes ago. I will be back later to reply to all of your helpful, loving messages.

>156 alcottacre: Bugger! Just bugger, bugger, bugger. As my late wife used to say. Condolences to you and Kerry, Nicole's son, and everyone else impacted.

>156 alcottacre: Oh, Stasia! I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of you and yours.

>156 alcottacre: Many hugs to you and Kerry and the rest of the family. The loss is difficult, I know, but the waiting may well have been even more difficult. Now, at least, you can start to heal. Peace and comfort to you all.

>156 alcottacre: Deepest condolences to you and your family Stasia.

I am so, so sorry for what you are going through Stasia, one thing and another thing after another. Wishing you strength and peace in the days to come.

>156 alcottacre: I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry for your loss, and for everything at once that seems to be coming your way.

Thinking of you-

I am so very, very sorry Stasia. Thinking of you, Kerry, and your entire family.

{{Stasia, Kerry and family}} Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Oh dear, I am so sorry for you and Kerry and the rest of your family. What harsh times these are.

I know you wouldn't think of it, but being named executor in a will is not a legal obligation, just a statement of preference.

>156 alcottacre: So sorry, Satsia, my condolences to all involved.
And (((hugs)))

>156 alcottacre: Expected certainly but none the less devastating, Stasia. My prayers that Nichole is at rest and no longer in pain - thankfully Kerry and her son got up there to see her a few short days ago.

My heart goes out to all of you - give Kerry a hug from all of us - I simply cannot imagine what he is going through right now as a parent should never have to oversee the passing of a child.

Oh, Stasia. I'm so sorry to hear the news about Nichole on top of that of your father. Condolences to all of you.

Oh dear. So close together. A line from Brideshead Revisited comes to mind: Like a blow upon a bruise. My heart goes out to your whole family, especially you and Kerry.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts, best wishes, prayers, and condolences. It has been a very long day here. My nephews, Levi and Benjamin, came to visit and we went over my father's will. A date and time has still not been set for his funeral because the funeral director did not call Levi back today, so I will be seeing to that first thing next week as well as touching base with an attorney. Nichole's cremation will be in the upcoming week and Kerry will be heading there next weekend.

I am off to sneak some reading in while I am still awake - I slept about 2 hours last night - and to take my mind off things.

This is the best group of people anywere!

((((HUGS)))) Juana.

>173 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.

I forgot that I finished a book earlier today, but as I had right at 2 hours sleep last night, I am too tired to write about it:

31 - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers - This is so good - an examination of 5 major characters lives in the Jim Crow south; Recommended (4 stars) Mine

I am off to try and get some sleep tonight. I certainly hope it is more than last night!!

My condolences Stasia, take care of yourself.

>156 alcottacre: I am so sorry. Thinking of you all.

Stasia, I am so sorry about your losses and added responsibility. Many hugs and all my love.

Sorry to hear the news, Stasia. I know this was something you were expecting, but it doesn't make it any easier. Also give Kerry our best too.

Very sad Stasia. Holding you all in my thoughts.

I'm glad that reading offers you some solace Stasia.

So sorry for your loss, Stasia. Sending hugs and prayers for you and your entire family.

>81 alcottacre: I'm catching up on threads. I'm sorry to read about the loss of your father. Prayers for you all.

>175 Kristelh: >176 Eat_Read_Knit: >177 ronincats: >178 msf59: >179 Caroline_McElwee: >180 humouress: >181 MickyFine: >182 thornton37814:

I cannot say "Thank You" enough. I so appreciate all the prayers, good wishes, and good thoughts for Nichole and my father.

I am now in charge of Dad's funeral arrangements. I spoke with the funeral director this morning and we are going to meet up tomorrow when she is in the office so that we can get everything finalized.

As far as Nichole goes, she is being cremated and Kerry is not sure at this point when her memorial service is going to be.

I will also be contacting an estate lawyer here in Sherman tomorrow to help me with whatever Dad's estate is. This particular lawyer is the son of our family attorney.

>80 alcottacre: Stasia, I am so very sorry for all these losses. I hope the funeral arrangements go well. I know this is not an easy task for you. I was very thankful for an estate lawyer when Will passed away. He was a God send. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thinking about you as you deal with all of this, Stasia, and sending you strength.

>184 Whisper1: Thank you, lovey. I always know that you think of me. I think the hardest part for me thus far is having to spend so much time on the phone - with my sister, mother, nephews, nieces, daughters, aunts, funeral home directors, reps from the cemetery site, etc. I really dislike being on the phone!

>185 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. I very much appreciate it!

Finished this evening:

32 - Selection Day by Aravind Adiga - This book disappointed me quite a bit. The writing was good, but the story failed me. I do not know a lot about cricket, but I never felt that I needed to. To me, Selection Day is analogous to what we Americans call Draft Day so I understood the concept of that. However, I wanted more from the storyline with Manju - I really never connected to his character, nor did I feel that his character was particularly well-rounded. A near miss for me in this one; Not Recommended (3 stars) Library Book

My condolences for your losses, Stasia.

>188 jayde1599: Thanks, Jess.

Finished tonight:

33 - Ducks : Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton - Nonfiction, Graphic; This is the kind of graphic "novel" - in this case, a memoir - that I like to point to when people denigrate graphic novels and such. Beaton tackles issues such as sexism, racism, rape, pollution and heavy issues in this, her graphic memoir. The drawings are done in stark black-and-white, which very much suits the subject matter. I believe it to be an important book, no matter what the format is. Read it. You will be impressed by Beaton; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Library Book

So sorry for your loss.

>190 alcottacre: I really want to read this one soon. It made the CBC reads finals and I heard an interview with the author on CBC as well. Sounds like a great read!

((hugs))

My condolences Stasia.
>190 alcottacre: I plan on ordering some books in the morning and I'll be shure to add that one.

Stasia, I'm so sorry to hear of both your father's and Nichole's deaths. Praying for you dealing with the stress and grief, and sorry you have to deal with being executor on top of everything.

I messaged you about The Return of Fitzroy Angursell, but please don't feel like you have to fit it in on my account if you have enough on your plate right now.

Just dropping by with more hugs and good wishes............because you just can't have enough of those. Is Kerry bearing up OK?

>191 banjo123: Thank you, Rhonda.

>192 figsfromthistle: I thought so, Anita. I hope you get to it! I am curious to see what you think of it. I knew it made the Canada Reads finals, which is how it managed to get on my radar.

>193 WhiteRaven.17: Thanks, Kro. Let me know when you read Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands. I will be curious to see if you appreciate it (enjoy seems to be too strong of a word here) as much as I did.

>194 bell7: I am going to at least start The Return of Fitzroy Angursell yet tonight, Mary, but I am not sure how far along I will get. I will keep you posted. Thank you for your condolences.

>195 PaulCranswick: More hugs are always appreciated, Paul. Kerry seems to be holding it together well. Even though we knew that Nichole's death was coming, it is still hard on him. He is planning on heading to Nacogdoches at the end of the week by which time (hopefully) Dad's funeral will have been held.

On the executor front: I spoke with both the funeral home and the cemetery people today and will be having phone meetings with them over the next two days so that we can finally get Dad in his grave.

I have a phone interview with an estate lawyer tomorrow - he is the grandson of Kerry's and my personal attorney - so that we can get started on tackling the will and getting the correct paperwork filed with the probate court. I am absolutely adamant that my mother is not cheated in his death as she was in their divorce.

>197 alcottacre: As executor and having read the will, Stasia, I hardly believe your mum could be unless there are debts and obligations that you are currently unaware of.

>198 PaulCranswick: The biggest thing I am worried about in regard to his debts is his recent hospital bills.

Well, if I have accomplished nothing else today, at least I got the date and time of my father's funeral set - Thursday, February 9 at 3PM CT.

One chore off my plate, but I have oh so many more. . . Someone shoot me now.

Shoot you full of peace and quiet and good thoughts! You will get through this!

>201 mdoris: You will get through this!

Not if today is any indication. I am tired of all of it already.

*hugs* Stasia. Glad the date is set.

Passing by with concern to provide tropical hugs.

>203 bell7: Thanks, Mary.

>204 PaulCranswick: I appreciate all of the hugs, tropical or not. It has been an absolutely horrendous day.

Stasia, I'm sorry it's been so tough.

I'd say getting the funeral set was a good accomplishment for the day. I pray that you'll get some sleep tonight and that your meeting with the estate lawyer tomorrow takes a huge burden off you.
Love to you and Kerry and the girls.

Adding to the hugs Stasia.

>206 mdoris: Thanks, Mary.

>207 LizzieD: There are still a few things to be worked out, Peggy, but it is pretty much done. I did get some sleep - anything above an hour and a half was good, right? The estate lawyer meeting was Monday and I did feel better speaking with him.

>208 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you so much, Caroline!

I have a meeting with the cemetery folks this morning and then I will be doing our taxes, talking to the funeral home again, and meeting up with the girls. Yay for that last! Kerry is going by the house to pick up a suit for Dad to be buried in and was asking me whether he needs shoes or not? I have no idea!

Stasia, I am so sorry that your life has been taken over by upcoming funerals and estate management. You knew it was coming yet there is no way to prepare for the bereavement process and the avalanche of accompanying paperwork. Take it one day (or hour or minute) at a time and know that This Too Shall Pass.

We grieve your losses along with you and are here to listen and commiserate. Gentle hugs for quick healing for you and your family.

Plod on, Stasia, and you'll get through it. Afterwards I predict a period of calm in your life -- well deserved and well enjoyed calm.

Hugs, prayers and thoughts are with you Stasia.

Hi Stasia my dear, i am so sorry to read the sad news that Nichole lost her fight against Pancreatic Cancer, we both send our heartfelt condolences to you, Kerry and the family at this very sad time.

Thank goodness Kerry and her son got to see her just a few days before, i cannot imagine what he is going through as well as you my dear. The only thing i can say is that she is at peace and free of the awful pain and will look down upon you all over the coming years, knowing she was loved.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we send special Yorkshire love and hugs, my dear friend.

>211 Donna828: Thank you, Donna. I appreciate the gentle hugs and reciprocate in kind.

>212 RebaRelishesReading: I could definitely use the calm, Reba. The trip to New Mexico we have scheduled for next month looks better everyday.

>213 Kristelh: Thank you so much, Kristel!

>214 johnsimpson: Hey, special Yorkshire hugs?? I will take them all the time, John!

So, after all the mess yesterday of sorting out when the funeral was to be held and notifying all and sundry, I spoke with the cemetery people today only to be told that Dad had not paid for the opening and closing of his grave and that it was $2400. I told them flat that we were lead to believe that everything had been paid for and that we did not have that kind of money - Kerry and I really do not as we just paid $2000 towards Nichole's funeral expenses.

So the funeral that was scheduled now is not.

Finished tonight:

34 - Horse by Geraldine Brooks - I participated in the group read of this one and although I am not a horse lover, I am a book lover. Brooks did a wonderful job of jumping through the different time periods and I thought her juxtaposition of the characters of Jarrett and Theo was terrific; Highly Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine

>217 alcottacre: Looking forward to the book in paperback form. Together with Barbara Kingsolver she must be a hot contender for the Women's Prize this year.

>216 alcottacre: Oh dear.

>217 alcottacre: It will be a month or so until I get to the top of the holds queue, but I'm looking forward to reading this. Eventually.

>216 alcottacre: I have no words......well, I have them, but they're not printable on your thread. I'm sorry.

>216 alcottacre: Oh no, I missed that one, but I suspected something of the sort to be honest with all the codicils you said had been made.

Anything we can all do? Pay pal doesn't work from here to the USA but I would be happy to help somehow.

Happy Wednesday, Stasia. Sorry to hear about the cemetery woes. Glad to hear you loved Horse. As you can tell from my comments, I am loving it too. I should be close to finishing it today.

Hi Stasia! I was happily getting caught up when I read about your father, being executor and the problems with the cemetary, and Nichole. I'm going to leave stuff here anyway, but really, all you need to know is that I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through all of this with both deaths and I hope that things are resolved well before your New Mexico trip.

>29 alcottacre: Thank you re Louise. The sense of helplessness can get to be overwhelming when you realize that pretty much nothing can be done. She feels helpless because they’re in FL and she’s here in NC, plus she’s 88 and even if she was there couldn’t take care of the dogs or do much more to help her daughter.

>31 alcottacre: I.Want.This.Book. Definitely a BB.

>75 alcottacre: Yes. Husbands at home full time. Scary thought.

>77 alcottacre: People who only get snow scoff at ¼-1/2” of ice, but it’s extremely dangerous to get out onto it if you don’t really have to.

>98 alcottacre: I’m sorry that you were not close to your father and sad that you feel pretty much nothing at his passing except cheated. When that question is posed, what one would feel when a particular person in their lives dies, it really brings home the true nature of that relationship. ((hugs))

>122 alcottacre: I read all the In Death novellas last year and had fun with my small project. I liked Possession in Death when I read it in February and also gave it 4 stars.

>129 alcottacre: Ugh. I was the executor of my mother’s will in 2016 and it was pretty much thankless. I loved my mother, so it was a labor of love, but this, for you, is just a labor. Sorry.

>131 alcottacre: Good review in that you question the author’s biases once she became friends with Ronda’s mother. I’ve read several nonfiction books where the author’s biases were just impossible to ignore and made me question everything in the book.

>156 alcottacre: I’m so, so sorry. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family as you go through this and >169 PaulCranswick: What Paul wrote.

>216 alcottacre: I hope you can find your dad’s copy of the paperwork with the cemetary in case they’re trying to fiddle you. Yes, I distrust funeral homes as we had serious problems with my mother’s and eventually had to sue them (and won).

When I needed funds for a probate bill from my mother's estate before everything was finished, my lawyer was able to convince the bank to release the money. Would that help? And yes, there should be some paperwork from the funeral home confirming what was paid for.
Keep well.

Oh what a mess. But >224 torontoc: is right. If there are any liquid assets in your father's estate, you should be able to use them to bury him.

And if we can help, maybe we can all chip in to see this is done. Would you be ok with that?

Yes, please keep us posted. Happy to chip in. Again I am so sorry that another challenge has presented.

>216 alcottacre: cremation?

Am way behind, as ever.

So sorry to read of all that has been happening, Stasia. You'll get through it, I know. You are a tough cookie.

Too bad about the delayed funeral. 🙁 That's tough. How frustrating!

>221 PaulCranswick: Thank you so much for offering, Paul.

>222 msf59: Yay for Horse, Mark! I am very glad to have read that one. The two books that Kerry bought me for Christmas, Demon Copperhead and Horse have both turned out to be hits for me.

>223 karenmarie: Thank you, Karen.

>224 torontoc: The funeral home, I have paperwork for and have no issues there. It is opening and closing his grave that was not paid for. I will talk to our attorney tomorrow and see if something can be worked out. Thank you for that suggestion, Cyrel.

>225 ffortsa: Thank you, Judy. I am going to take up Cyrel's suggestion. As for the group sending me money, I have no doubt that I could ask for the moon and the generous people here would help, but I am working on it.

>226 mdoris: Thank you, Mary, and I appreciate your generous spirit.

>227 RebaRelishesReading: Not an option. He specifically states in his final directive that there is to be no viewing and that cremation is out of the question.

>228 Fourpawz2: I wish I was as tough a cookie as you think I am, Charlotte! Thank you for stopping by.

>229 The_Hibernator: Yes, it is a mess, Rachel. Thanks.

I know that most of the people here are not hard core gamers, but I am holding an auction on Board Game Geek to raise funds for both medical and funeral expenses:

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/311397/medical-funeral-expenses-auction

If you are interested in any of the games and have questions, please ask me. I will be more than happy to explain the game and how heavy it is.

>231 alcottacre: The internet servers here won't allow me to open that website, Stasia, as it has been reported previously.

>232 PaulCranswick: Sorry, Paul, I did not realize that there was an issue. It is a worldwide website as there are gamers in every country.

>233 alcottacre: Just let me know if there is any other way I can help. xx

>234 PaulCranswick: Will do, brother xx

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/348418

>236 SilverWolf28: Thank you, Silver.

I am currently living in a nightmare. My father's funeral date is still not set. I have been on the phone more this past week than I probably was the entirety of last year.

I finished books last night that I still need to record here and hopefully will be finishing some tonight. . .

Stasia, i have been checking LT hoping that you have be able to get beyond the nightmare and no, still not happening. Sure thinking about you and family.

>239 mdoris: Thank you, Mary, for checking in on me. No, the nightmare has not yet ended. Hopefully tomorrow!

OK, my last couple of completed books. I may have more yet tonight, but we will start here:

35 - Purity in Death by J.D. Robb - This entry in the In Death series finds Eve tracking down a bunch of righteous people who believe that they are doing right by killing people who by some means or other, escaped the law, and need to be killed for their crimes. They have appointed themselves judges, juries, and executioners, and Eve has a real problem with their agenda, especially when they take out a cop and a young woman who are just collateral damage in their eyes; Recommended (4 stars) Mine

36 - True Grit by Charles Portis - I have never seen the movie of the same name, but that did not stop me from imagining John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn all the way through, but this story really belongs to Mattie Ross, who does not take any guff from anybody, not even the two lawmen who are helping to track down the man who shot down her father in cold blood. In the afterward to the edition of the book that I read, author Donna Tartt says that "True Grit, in short begins where chivalry meets the frontier - where the old Confederacy starts to merge and shade away into the Old West," a solid assessment of an excellent book; Recommended (4 stars) Library Book

Finished tonight:

37 - Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow - Nonfiction; this is the book on which the tour-de-force musical is based (and yes, I listened to the soundtrack while reading the book) and the book is a tour-de-force in its own right. Chernow does not paint Hamilton as a character without flaw, but points out his foibles. Chernow also underscores the importance of Hamilton in the founding of the U.S. He was instrumental in many areas, not the least of which is the banking system here. My only ding against the book is its length, although I did not ever feel that Chernow kept going just to do so; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine

"I am currently living in a nightmare." Well, that stinks. I hope things are improving. I loved True Grit. I read it before the film remake came out. I have been meaning to read more Portis.

Hi Stasia.

I’m so, so sorry that you’re the executor of your father’s estate. I am glad, though, that it is you for your mother’s sake. And all the issues surrounding Nichole and her death, gads. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

>241 alcottacre: I loved True Grit when I read it as a teenager. I had to have bought a paperback of it, because I remember it on my shelves, but I don’t have any more. I am not a John Wayne fan so although I loved the book I did not like the movie. I remember having Portis’ book Norwood, but don’t remember if I read it or not.

{{Stasia and family}}. Continued hugs and vibes of strength. Deep breaths, my friend, deep breaths.

>243 msf59: No, not improving just yet, Mark. I hate not spending any time here on LT - I really wanted to improve this year given how badly I did at the end of last year - but I am not very good company right now.

Regarding True Grit - I wavered back and forth between giving it 4 and 4.25 stars. It was higher than a 4 star book for me, but lower than 4.25. I have never given the numbers in between - I might just have to start!

>244 karenmarie: If True Grit is any indication of how well Portis wrote, I will have to check out Norwood too!

>245 jessibud2: Shelley, if I take any deeper breaths I am going to pass out from hyperventilation :)

>246 alcottacre: Keep those deep breaths coming dear Stasia. IT WILL GET BETTER.

I really liked True Grit too when I read it.

((((HUGS)))) aplenty xx

>247 PaulCranswick: Well, one thing is finally off my plate, Paul. As of late this afternoon, we have a date and time for Dad's funeral - 3pm on Tuesday, February 14th. That is, unless this one falls through too. . .

Back at you with the hugs!

Finished tonight:

38 - Remembrance of Things Past, Volume 1 Withing a Budding Grove by Marcel Proust - I will admit that I do not care for the second part of Proust's book as much as I enjoyed Swann's Way, but not by a lot. Again, in these books you cannot expect a ton of action as they are mostly prose about nothing. I think there is a bit too much teenage angst in this one as Proust is originally obsessed by Gilberte and finally gets rid of that obsession only to fall for Albertine; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine

"The characteristic feature of the ridiculous age I was going through - awkward indeed but by no means infertile - is that we do not consult our intelligence and that the most trivial aspects of other people seem to us to form an inseparable part of their personality. In a world thronged with monsters and with gods, we know little peace of mind. There is hardly a single action we perform in that phase which we would not give anything, in later life, to be able to annul."

Stasia, I haven’t visited your thread for a week or so. So sorry to hear of the loss of both your father and Nichole, and your troubles with the funeral arrangements. Sending love and virtual hugs.

Oh my goodness, Stasia, so sorry about the complications with your father's funeral. I hope the Feb 14 date sticks this time with no further problems.

I finished The Return of Fitzroy Angursell this morning, so ready to talk about it when you are.

Continue to think of you and send you caring thoughts. Glad the funeral is arranged again. Hope things so smoothly from here.

Hi Stasia -- catching up here after my vacation. I am so, so sorry to hear about Nichole and your father and all of the stress of dealing with the aftermath. I hope things look up for you very soon.

Hello, friend! Like Mary, I finished *FrA*, but my only contribution to a discussion would be gooey ooos and ahhhhs. Loved it!

Take care of yourself and Kerry. (I feel as though I'm participating when I tell you to do something that you already do superbly anyway, so I guess that was for me.)

>242 alcottacre: - I, too, found the length of Chernow's Alexander Hamilton quite daunting. I started, but never finished it. For the last several months I've been using it to hold down one curly corner of a rug that I bought on Amazon. Must check to see if that corner is flat now so that I can return the book to the TBR pile and make a second attempt at reading it.

So sorry about all the nightmares. Glad that you were able to arrange the funeral, finally.

>250 SandDune: Thank you so much, Rhian. I will take all the love and virtual hugs I can get!

>251 bell7: It is looking like the Valentine's funeral might finally be it, Mary. I am hoping to finish Fitzroy yet tonight. I am very much enjoying it!

>252 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. I will say that if things do not go smoothly from here, I am going to be snatched bald headed soon!

>253 curioussquared: Natalie, I hope you had a wonderful vacation! Thank you.

>254 LizzieD: I am glad to hear that you loved Fitzroy, Peggy. I am ready to go on to the next book, I am enjoying the series that much.

>255 Fourpawz2: I just read the book in 50 page increments until toward the end, Charlotte, so maybe that would work for you? I hope the rug is good and flat by now!

>256 banjo123: Thank you, Rhonda!