Mdoris (Mary) reads in 2o23, WELCOME #2

Well it is that daffodil time of year. I love them!

Welcome! Please come a visit and let me know what wonderful books you are reading.

Happy new thread, Mary!

>1 mdoris: I have some white daffodils blooming in my garden right now. My (small) yellow daffodils are gone, they are always early.

Happy New Thread, Mary! I do love your garden decor, as well as the daffodils. I finished The Bandit Queens, if you wish to read my short review. I am now about 120 pages into All The Broken Places and am very much enjoying it. I read The Hearts Invisible Furies a couple of years ago, and enjoyed that too. An unexpected sunny day today, which I am heading out to enjoy.

Happy new one! Nice daffodils. Mine are still a few weeks away from blooming.

>3 FAMeulstee: Thank you Anita for the good wishes. The white daffs sound beauitful. I have see them but they are not common here. I will come visit and see what you are up to!

>4 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah. i am almost finished All the Broken Places and am thoroughly enjoying it. He is such a good story teller. i think he should be added t the Irish list! I have read 4 of his books and they have not disappointed. I will come over and read your review of The Bandit Queens. Happy reading to you!

>5 figsfromthistle: Hello Anita. I know you will greatly enjoy those daffs when they do bloom! Hope you are having a very good weekend.

A time for renewal! Happy new thread, dear Mary.

>2 mdoris: I like that. Just the sort of conservation that I believe in. xx

>9 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, Sure hope you are having a restorative weekend. Take care my friend!

All the Broken Places by John Boyne library p. 383


This is my 4th Boyne book and I think he is a great story teller and writer and should be part of the Irish list now circulating on L.T. At least he will make my list! This one tells the story of a 91 year old woman's life who had seen and been part of huge evil (the Holocaust) and other evils (domestic abuse). There is a plot connection to one of his earlier books The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I have not read this book but I did see the movie made from it many years ago. This was a riveting read!

Happy new one, Mary!

>12 drneutron: Thanks Jim!

Ducks Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton library p. 430



This graphic novel and memoir just won the final elimination round of Canada Reads 2023. It tells the story of a young university grad trying to pay back her student loans by working in Northern Alberta oil camps where the ratio of male to female is 50 to one. She encounters the good, the bad and the ugly!

>14 mdoris: I like the look of that one, Mary.

Paul, it's a real Canadian story as she is from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia and where there are no work prospects so she must leave her home area and her family to find work and Northern Alberta is where the jobs are and where she can make fast money.

>14 mdoris: Ducks Two Years in the Oil Sands is one I'd like to get too. Still reading All the Broken Places and another book caught my eye, Old God's Time: A Novel by Sebastien Barry, so I put a hold on that at the library .

>17 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah. I have just put the new Sebastien Barry on hold. There will be a bit of a wait, but that's okay!

>1 mdoris: Gorgeous photos!
Your comment from the previous thread: >213 mdoris: They will be popping up soon

I wish! Our climate is zone 2b.
The Narcissus species don't survive the winters (although one apparently can coax them to bloom if you've a sheltered place to protect the pots from the deepest cold spells).

However, the compensation is a riot of bloom and lush growth by the end of May! I have a peony (cv Early Scout) that blooms very early, and flowering ground covers to enjoy then.

>11 mdoris: Looks like I should explore some John Boyne books!

Hi Sandy,
2B or not 2B.
Sorry I couldn't resist!
I planted a peony many years ago and it has never bloomed. It just sits and pokes up leaves in a quite pathetic way and never bloooms. It is in horrible soil, and gets little water so I don't blame it. I love peony and will think of you in May with your riot of blooming.

Hope you like John Boyne books when you get to them. I think he is pretty amazing!

Happy New Thread, Mary! I love the photo of your daffodils.

We've had snow off and on the last few days - wake up to a bit of snow, and then it usually melts before the day is over. It looks more serious today, though as there are several inches on the ground. Boo, hiss.

I was interested in your remark in your review for Horse that it struck you as an American story. True, I guess. I loved Geraldine Brooks' comment that it was not about races but races. My RL book club will be reading it in May - I'll be interested to hear the discussion.

I'm on the library list for Ducks. I currently have an over-abundance of books home from the library (18!) as they all seem to have come in at once. So I'm hoping this one takes a while to arrive.

>21 streamsong: Hello Janet, very nice to see you visit! i am thinking that reading Horse would have quite a different impression on you as a reader in that you understand horses so completely and understand the relationship that can be developed with them. I can see G Brooks comments too about the focus of race in the book. Yes, that made a real impact on the reader (me)! Me too on the overabundance of books from the library. Maybe not quite 18 but LOTS. I am very fortunate because my loans can be for 3 weeks but there is a bit of pressure there as more come in steadily. Greatly enjoy your spring when it happens. I think it will happen soon!

Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life by Marta McDowell library



This lovely book tells the story of B Potter's life, as an artist, as a gardener, as a successful landowner in the Lake District of the U.K. There are many photos of her beautiful gardens and beautiful illustrations from her childrens books. BP was a very remarkable person! I first become interested in her from the excellent James Rebanks book The Shepherd's Life: Modern Dispatches from an Ancient Landscape well really well before that when I read her wonderful books to my kids many moons ago.

I found these book images in my thread from 2017 and will cut and paste them again. I have released all these books to the grandkids but there are some real gems here.

These are some of my favourite Easter books!

>20 mdoris: Peony begging for help to Re-Plant in good soil!

>25 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, yes very good advice but the soil is so rock hard that i'm afraid I will kill it trying to dig it out. What to do?

>26 mdoris: Borrow some big strong arms and wheelbarrow of good dirt!

>26 mdoris: Worth a try.......

>26 mdoris: Only a part of the roots can grow into a new peony, Mary. I replanted one myself, and bit of root stayed behind there, so now I have two.

>22 mdoris: Yes, a well-written book with horses will always get me! In addition, I have a mixed race DIL, and my son is one of those who did not grow up with the race rules that white policemen often seem to follow. So the two subjects together made this a memorable book for me.

Having 18 books out from the library feels almost obscenely decadent to me. We can keep a new book for 14 days and a back catalog book for 28 days. Both can be renewed twice as long as no one in the thirty-some library coalition is waiting for them. So for some of them I can probably have them for three months. Lots of book juggling going on, trying to figure out what I *must* read before someone else may want it. Today I am taking two back, but picking up two more.

Happy new thread, Mary. You got me to check out the books by John Boyne. They look interesting. I'm on the wait list for Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands. Young people from Nova Scotia having been heading west for jobs for decades - over half a century. When I headed out from NS in the '70s - we were going for a vacation in Florida but came back to Canada by entering into BC because - jobs. I think that the book will probably strike a chord for me.

>22 mdoris: & >30 streamsong: I seem to recall that the Wakefield library system allows me to take out 12 books at a given time. It is so long ago though that I may be mistaken.

>29 FAMeulstee: I like the idea of doubling up the plant Anita, getting two of them. Thanks for the tip. My peony has really struggled.

>30 streamsong: Hello Janet. I'll come over for a visit and see what you are reading these days. Always lots of book juggling going on!

>31 Familyhistorian: Meg it is such an impressive way for a young woman to tell her story. i can see why it has caught lots of people's attention.

>32 PaulCranswick: Paul I am so sorry about the recent news of Book Depository being bought out by Amazon. Without your access to a library system I'm sure you depended on them greatly. It is a such a disappointment.

Thanks for stopping by my thread Mary, and I do hope you enjoy The Beggar's Garden. I'm sure you will. Just off to get my hair trimmed in a couple of minutes. Wishing you and yours a Happy Easter Weekend! Darling Easter books for children >24 mdoris:. We have dinner at my sister's on Sunday, and I am hoping to see Miles and Melissa tomorrow. Dave is working over the long weekend. Oh well! Such is life.

>37 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I loved those children's Easter books! There were some really good ones there but i have passed all my books on to daughter #2 who lives in Fernie now. She has a 4 year old daughter and a 2 year old daughter. We just heard from her while she was driving home from Golden where she was doing an avalanche course this past week. Wow , these young moms are super busy! Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend. Sounds great with a get together on Sunday. I will roast a big chicken with stuffing.

Poverty by America by Matthew Desmond library p. 189



I am Canadian and I am not pointing a finger to say America is bad and we are good. No I am not! Canada has it's fair share of MAJOR problems. There is more pressure right now in Canada on food banks than at any time over the last 40 years I read recently. Matthew Desmond's book Evicted was a major eye opener for me and this one is too. How could there be so much poverty, such suffering when the nation is so rich and the wealthy only getting richer and more of them? Please read this book! Some major changes need to happen. There is also a great deal of information in the book about racial imbalance that is critical to understand to create the necessary changes that must happen.

Desmond is a sociology prof at Princeton Univ. and a MacArthur Fellowship recipient.

p.17 The U.S. allows a much higher proportion of its children over 5 million of them to endure deep poverty than any other of its peer nations.

p 18 There are millions of American whose suffering through material poverty and poor health is as bad or worse than that of the people in Africa or in Asia.

p. 18 From 1995 to 2018 the number of households receiving food stamps increased from 289,0000 to 1.2 million amounting to 1 in 50 Americans.

The number of homeless children rose from 798,617 in 2007 to 1.3 million in 2018

There is growing evidence that America harbors a hard bottom layer of deprivation a kind of extreme poverty once thought to exist only in faraway places of bare feet and swollen bellies.

Poverty is the loss of liberty …by the time they reach their mid thirties. almost seven in ten Black men who didn’t finish high school will have spent a portion of their life in a cage (prison).

p. 36 Roughly one in three families headed by a single mother is poor compared to 1 in 17 of married families….a study of 18 rich democracies found that single mothers outside the U.S. were not poorer than the general population

p. 38 In the history of the nation there has been only one other state sponsored initiative more anti family than mass incarceration and that was slavery.

p.50 Since 1979 the bottom 90% of income earners saw annual income earnings gains of only 24 % while the wages of the top 1%of earners more than doubled.

p 51 The U.S. now offers some of the lowest wages in the industrialized world a feature that’s swelled the ranks of the working poor …workers with a high school diploma made 2.7 % less in 2017 than they would have in 1979 adjusted for inflation. workers without a high school diploma made nearly 10% less.

p. 77 Every year over $11 billion in overdraft fees, 41.6 billion in check cashing fees and up to $9l8 billion in payday loan fees. That’s one $61 million in fees collected predominately from low income Americans each day -not even counting the annual revenue collected by pawnshops and title loan services and rent to own schemes. When James Baldwin remarked in 1961 how “extremely expensive it is to be poor,” he couldn’t have imagined these receipts.

p.101 In all the top 20% income earners receives six times what the bottom 20%receives in tax breaks.

p.137 Since 1985 rent prices have exceeded income gains by 325%

p. 139 In 2020 1,1 million workers earned at or below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour a wage mandate that hasn’t budged in over a decade

p. 145 Families typically pay more as renters than they would as homeowners. (sometimes with an over $300 a month difference). ..... Banks generally avoid issuing small dollar mortgages ....because they are less profitable.

Messy Minimalism by Rachelle Crawford library, p 220



This gives tips written by a young mom with a busy family trying to find order in chaos. The minimalsim aspect is critical and she gives some ideas how to do this. No pictures, but lots of personal stories and testamonials are included . She was even able to bring her family on board. Now that is a feat!

>40 mdoris: Oh to be a minimalist, Mary. Currently Dave and I are de-cluttering somewhat as we having a sofa and two chairs delivered the first week in May. I confess, I have hard time keeping clutter under control . I was better at it as younger mom with two kids! Books, puzzles and papers seem to reproduce , I think at times. Dave is also somewhat reluctant to part with things . I have an old blanket that is just too old to donated, and I said to Dave, how about I throw that out? He said, maybe Poppy can use it? Well, she has a kennel, a dog bed, her very own chair to sleep on, a pile of sheets that Dave put in the living room for her to sleep on, plus she has a cosy area under the desk top computer. I don't think Poppy needs any further furnishings. I will have to sneak that out when Dave is not around. It's a battle.

Mary, I think you asked about what series I enjoyed on Britbox? Anyway, I have quite a list on my thread. Of course, taste does vary so pick what is right for you. I lean toward enjoying crime, mystery and police dramas with a fair bit of action.

>42 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah, I will have a peek! I too like the crime, mystery and police dramas but maybe with less action/ gut wrenching drama. I like Vera! I've recently watched a police drama with Martin Clunes that I really liked.

The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin off the home shelves p. 264



This fantastic book has been languishing on my shelves for far too long. After I read Haven by Emma Donoghue about three monks venturing off the west coast of Ireland (7th century) to establish a retreat on the outer islands, I was intrigued with the notion of ocean travel in skin boats. There is a theory that the Irish monks traveled in skin boats to North America in the 500's A.D. so Tim Severin figured out how these boats would have been made from tanned skins, flax thread and sheep fat as a sealant and ventured in the 1970s in a replica boat built to make the same trip. The trip was a nail biter going north along the coast to the Hebrides, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, past Greenland and finally to Newfoundland with 4 sailors and with success. It managed severe gale force storms, ruined food, harsh elements of driving rain and plunging temperatures and frightening battles with sea ice that punctured their boat. What a great book! The book has a number of amazing photographs and drawings. Many years ago I saw Severin's boat, the curragh, at at the Craggaunowen open-air museum in County Clare, Ireland.


Departure day from western Ireland.

The Brendan Voyage sounds too good to pass up. On the TBR pile it goes. Thanks for your excellent recommendation.

Yeah, me too. You got me with that one!

>45 Whisper1:, >46 drneutron: Thanks Linda and Jim. Hope you like it when you read it!

The Seige by Helen Dunmore off my home shelves p. 291.



Finally I got this off the TBR pile. It has had such rave reviews on L.T. that I thought I had better get to it. It is my 3rd Helen Dunmore book (along with The Greatcoat and The Spell of Winter). It is about the very grim winter (700 days) when Leningrad was surrounded by Germans in WW2 and the slow grip of starvation and exceedingly low temperatures that crushed the residents. I learned a lot by reading this book and can see why there are the glowing reports.

>44 mdoris: The Brendan Voyage sounds like the chronicle of an adventurous and scary trip. Good for them for proving that the voyage could have been done with the technology from centuries ago.

>49 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, It sure beats theories of Columbus all to pieces being the great discoverer!
Hope you are having a great day! It is good to get a few books off the TBR pile. Like you I have so much pressure from library books. I think there are about 8 waiting for me right now!

> 48 I really enjoyed The Siege too, Mary. I've read several books by Helen Dunmore, GreatCoat, The Betrayal and House of Orphans. She is an excellent author. Excellent review of The Brendan Voyage.

I was thinking that if you enjoyed Manhunt with Martin Clunes, you would probably enjoy Doc Martin, where Martin Clunes plays a somewhat crabby, eccentric family doctor in small village of England. They are plenty of laughs, some tension and a touch of romance. It was a great series that I enjoyed.

>51 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah! I guess I should read more of Helen Dunmore's books! And yes, I closely followed and loved Doc. Martin. The series was a delight! Enjoy your week, getting Poppy walks between down pours........☂

Metabolical by Robert Lustig library p. 379



"Metabolical" is a created term a mix between diabolical and metabolic disease. This disease is affecting 88% of the population in the U.S (and I'm sure Canada) with obesity, hypertension, heart disease, fatty liver, diabetes and more. Lustig is an extremely knowledgable pediatric endocrinologist with concerns about diet. This is unusual but shouldn't be! I have read his books before and know his position about sugar, the devil sugar! This books explains from a chemistry point of view, the needs for our bodies for REAL FOOD and not processed food. This book should be read by everyone! It is excellent. He puts a big plug in for fibre to keep the intestinal biome healthy and for low amounts of sugar to keep the liver healthy. He explains it all very, very well. A big BOO!!! to processed foods! Lustig does a good job of explaining the differences of the various diets i.e. keto, low carb, low fat, vegan etc.. He does explain the greed of the food industries in cahoots with the government. Like the opioid crisis and the links between Big Pharma and Government there is much corruption between the Food industry and Government links. He also explains the links and possible corruption between Big Food and the Association for Dietitians and Dental Associations. All quite discouraging.

Have you seen the food T.V. ads recently, what is conditioning us to be so unhealthy? Just pick up your Iphone and order a big juicy burger. Don't forget the big gulp of sugar drink and those oh so delicious fries to be delivered to your house.

p.17 if you have metabolic syndrome your risk of death goes up 20 fold.

It certainly had rained quite a bit this week, and overall this spring, if I am not mistaken. Poppy and I have had some lucky days, fitting in the walks between the rainfall, but today was not one of them. It was certainly blustery out. I kind of dreaded heading out into the rain and wind, but dogs need a walk, especially when you live in a townhouse as we do. No yard to run around in etc. So we got a bit wet. Sorry to hear that you lost your power. That's is never fun. I hope it is restored now, or will be shortly. Poppy sends hugs to Loki, and her sympathy the Loki was startled by the bench that got blown over in your yard.

Doc Martin was a fun one! Glad you enjoyed it. You have fun walking Loki in the rain too. Let's hope we have some sunshine soon!

Big Tree by Brian Selznick library p. 525



This is a fanciful telling of the story life on earth told from a seed's point of view and told by Selznick an accomplished graphic novel artist. This is the 3rd book I have read by this writer/artist Wonderstruck and The Invention of Hugo Cabret were the other two.

>40 mdoris: Hi Mary, I like the sound of this one. I added Messy Minimalism to my PL wish list.
It was lovely to see your message on my thread. Somewhat recovering from the vertigo but it lurks in the background all the time.

>54 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. I think we will all be happy for some warm weather and sunshine, just hope it happens very soon.

>56 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, Sure hope your dizziness ends soon. I know it can make a big impact on daily life.

Well, supposedly on Saturday I think it is supposed to be 22 C here. I checked today to make sure my shorts still fit! Must lose 15 - 20 lbs very soon.

>53 mdoris: Well, I am going to have to get my hands on that one! Thanks. : )

>58 vancouverdeb: HI Deborah, I can hardly wait for Saturday and 22C. That will be wonderful!

>59 Berly: Hi Kim, yes the book was very good. Now if only I can closely follow his advice!

shortlist announced today for the Women's Prize for Fiction.

>57 mdoris: Hi Mary. Thanks for the good wishes.

I think the situation has pretty much been resolved by an excellent physiotherapist treatment. I even finished two books since last week and am going to complete a third one, so at least 3 books read this month, though they were all re-reads off my own shelf. It was all about familiar comfort reading!

>62 SandyAMcPherson: So glad Sandy that you are out the other side from the dizziness and finding some relief and so good that you cana be back to doing some reading. Well done!

It was pleasantly warm today, I though, Mary. I wore shorts for the first time this year, partly to prepare for tomorrow. Time for my old white legs to see the sun. Our townhouse was about 75 F today. I splashed out for Black Butterflies. I found a soft cover version , but it will take about 10 days to arrive. I could not find it locally or at my library , so...

Enjoy the heat tomorrow. I have dry mouth in addition to just drinking a lot of water, and I refill my 16 ounce water bottle at least once on my walks and dog walks, that Dave has been teasing me that he may get my a camel bladder backpack for my hydration needs. :-) You never know, but I think having a back pack would a be a little bothersome and how to you clean them ?

>40 mdoris:, >56 SandyAMcPherson: RE Messy Minimalism, I picked up a physical hardcover copy yesterday. I think I can't read it: the print is ridiculously small and in a fine non-serif font like "Calibri light size 9" (I ran a screen check to figure that out).

So back it goes and I've submitted a hold for the e-book so I can enlarge the font on my Kobo reader. I showed the book to my much-younger neighbour and she confirmed it wasn't (necessarily) my older eyes. So strange when a publisher prints an author's work in such a restrictive format.

>64 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah, Wow, another gorgeous day, aren't we lucky! Lots to do outside and little reading time but that's okay. Hope all's with you and family. How is your mom doing? Hope a whole lot better! I am not brave enough to try the shorts. Good for you! Sorry about your dry mouth. I don't know anything about that. Hope that gets better too! I have no urge to drink and can easily get dehydrated and P is always pushing the ice water. He's a nice guy as Dave is suggesting the camel bladder backpack for you! That sounds like a good idea. I've just made myself a big pot of herbal tea and hope to drink that after all my hard work in the garden today! Hope you have had a fabulous day.

>65 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, That is so annoying about the print. I am noticing print often looks faded as if they are using less and less ink to print bpoks and it does make for eye strain. Same in cookbooks where they have 1/2 c. or 1/4 c. and it is nearly impossible to see the difference as the size is minute. Oh my these eyes are troubling. Sorry that the book did not work out. And the print size, yes I do remember that too being a problem.

>67 mdoris: I do intend to read the book, looks pretty inspiring.
I looked at Rachelle Crawford's website (a lot of advertising for her book) but also some snippetts that probably are taken from her book, so that made interesting reading until the e-book comes available.

>68 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy I think the thing I took away from the book is REDUCE! We just all have too much stuff. Years ago I read quite a few wonderful books about the gross wastefulness of the fashion industry and of course the abuse of powers of workers and that really helped to change my feelings about clothing choices and pressures not that I was ever a fashion plate (by any means). Same thing with reading about the food industry. Knowing about food production and the food industry and the corruptions there helps when making food choices. Same with this minimalism approach. In this book it helps to questions yourself "Do I really need this? ". We are so bombarded with images of STUFF and it starts the mental drooling happening so we need to fight this I think.

>69 mdoris: That's exactly what I think too, Mary.
I read about the marketing scheme that took over North America back in the 1950's. So interesting that it was based on a model developed at the Harvard School of Business, wherein economists advocated appealing to the middle class which was expanding rapidly after WWII.

IIRC, the premise was that the economy would benefit from post-war consumer spending. In the book I'm remembering, it was said that the strategy works only with an always-expanding market. In other words, as you've said, create "the desire to acquire" and marketing was the vehicle.
I have the book title somewhere in my off-LT records but I didn't recognize which finance title it might be.

About 7 or 8 years ago, after the final stored boxes belonging to family members were taken from our house, I arrived at examining my own things. I read avidly about 'decluttering' and 'tidying up'. Now my mantra is "Do I really need this?" Usually I can say no. It has become really easy to do so. Even Mr. SM is on the page and has embraced the one in means one out. That's what we should be teaching to kids in school, well before high school, too.

>70 SandyAMcPherson: Well said Sandy! I read, so many years ago, a wonderful book The Paradox of Choice and it really was an eye opener for me to realize the silly creatures we are, so easily manipulated and studied to find out how we can be swayed to want things, so we buy more and more and more. I just looked and the book was published in 2005 and i must have read it when it came out and it made such an impression on me. Good luck with your minimalism.

The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry library p. 190



This was an interesting book written by a U.K. journalist (and new mother) outlining the harms to women and children of the sexual revolution post birth control pills and the attitudes supported by liberal feminism. She made some good arguments!

>1 mdoris: I love daffodils! They herald the start of warmer times, and also my birthday month (September...NZ springtime!)

>61 mdoris: I am so out of touch with recently published books! But any stack of books looks is appealing to me.

>72 mdoris: I can't foresee what any of these arguments might be, but, as I like to think I read all around a topic, would definitely have a read

>73 LovingLit: HI Megan, nice to see you! It has been a fabulous year for daffs, a very long bloom time as spring here seems to last forever.

September is my birth month too but a fall one.

I found it interesting to read Perry's book. Women maybe haven't gained so much as we thought and maybe it has been a great benefit for men. She does say we are different and I agree with that! Sometimes it works to read the opposite of what you have opinions about and then realize there is quite a good different point of view.

Great day here, lots of sunshine and warmth. I love it!

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenistsyn Library p 192



A classic and an eye opener.

>75 mdoris: I read that as an older teen or in my early 20's on the advice of my dad and really found it interesting. I think I also read The Cancer Ward. My dad was big fan of his work.

>76 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah for letting me know! I'm kind of shocked at myself why it has taken me so long to read it!

Time for Lights Out by Raymond Briggs library p. 187



I am a BIG Raymond Briggs fan. He created the most wonderful books for children The Snowman, Father Christmas, Father Christmas goes on Holiday and others Ethel and Ernest: A True Story. Briggs died last August at 88 years of age and knowing that he wrote a book about old age I had to get my hands on it! It did not disappoint. This unique and wonderful book was part memoir, part graphic novel, full of poetry and drawings and photographs with a focus on aging. It really is quite a special book, very personal!

An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West by Konstantin Kisin library p 210



K. Kisin is a writer, comedian and co-host of Triggernometry a wonderful U.K. podcast of interviews with very interesting people. I am a follower! This book is a challenge to the present woke movement in the west and he has a good source of comparison as he is an immigrant from Russia and understands how these movements have devastated societies in the past (his grandmother was born in a gulag). He explores race politics, language manipulation, free speech, immigration, affects on comedy and more. He is passionate and direct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbdp51O0J6Q

Just stopping by and hoping you had a nice Mother's Day. I know all of your kids and grandkids live afar, so likely you had a fairly quiet day. So did I. I had some bad lower back pain and just stayed home all day. Took some Advil, used a heat patch on my back. I had to get out with Poppy yesterday, and while it is still bothering me, much improved. My mom requested dinner out at the Spaghetti Factory, so that is what we did on Friday evening. My mom, me, sister Tannis, Dave and my niece Maddie. We had a nice time! Maddie was off to a university outside Halifax for a French Immersion programme. She has just finished her second year at UBC, but I guess she wants to brush up on her French. If you are caught speaking English, they send you home, so the school is very focused on French only.

Here is the place. https://www.usainteanne.ca/en/learn-french/spring-and-summer-sessions

I'm sure she'll do well.

Old Babes in the Wood Margaret Atwood library p. 255



This book of 16 of Atwood's recently published short stories was a bit hit and miss for me. Really on balance more of a hit. She amazes! I love her interest and use of language and the topics of mother/teenage daughter interactions and the topic of grief, (an intimate look at being a widow after losing a husband bit by bit to dementia) were major hits for me. I share her concerns for the future. But there were some misses for me too. Stories I just didn't "get".

>80 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, Our kids did not do the french immersion program but all are pretty proficient because of travel and french experience programs taken here and there. Heather is now a core french teacher in the English stream so must have picked up enough to make that happen. Your mother's day sounded wonderful, a lovely family gathering. Hope you enjoying this warmer weather and hoping too that you are feeling much better from the back pain.

Thanks Mary, yes, my back pain seems to be gone, knock on wood. Poppy and I had a nice long walk together yesterday. My mom likes the same dish that you enjoy at the Spaghetti Factory, the Mizithra Cheese. I had never heard of it. I think most of my brother's kids did do the French Immersion progamme, though Maddie quit in Grade 9 I think she said. She seemed quite confident about it. It helps that her mom did her pediatric residency at McGill and thus was kind of forced to learn French on the fly. I recall her saying that in Emergency a lot of people would come in with their kids and despite it being an English language, parents would refuse to speak English, or could not speak English, thus Karen became proficient in French.

Well , if your daughter Heather is a core french teacher, no doubt your girls are all very proficient in French. I'm enjoying the sunshine, but you know me, I don't mind the cooler temperatures, around 17 - 18 C . But I do like the sun!

I hope you had a lovely weekend and got some time in the garden.

Hold the Line My Story from the Heart of the Freedom Convoy by Tamara Lich p. 222



This is a recent book written by Tamara Lich one of the leaders and organizers of the Freedom Convoy (Ottawa Feb. 2022). She has spent 48 days in jail on charges of mischief. This is an important book for people to read to get the other side of the story from how the biased legacy media has portrayed the situation and that has exclusively supported the government point of view which it is deeply financially dependent on.

p. 186 From the pages of JCCf (Justice Centre of Constitutional Freedoms). "Ms. Lich inspired Canadians to exercise their Charter rights and freedoms by participating actively in the democratic process, and took the initiative to help organize a peaceful protest and serve as one of their leaders"..... "The resulting peaceful protest in Ottawa awakened many Canadians to the injustice of Charter-violating lockdowns and mandatory vaccination policies Ms. Lich has suffered for the cause of freedom by spending 18 days (later more) unjustly jailed and exemplifies courage, determination and perseverance"

I hope you are enjoying our nice weather, Mary. Poppy and I have been having our usual lovely walks, though Poppy finds the temps a bit warm. When we get home after our walks in the afternoon, I find she is too tired and warm to eat dinner, so she has been waiting to eat her supper until 8 or 9 pm this past while. But this evening she jumped in my lap to give me kisses, so I guess her health is fine. But, in true Poppy fashion, after I gave her some nice belly rubs and scratches, she gave me a slight snarl to indicate that the ' love session " had come to and end for her. She is a character.

Hello Deborah. I love reading the Poppy stories. Agree, she is a character! They sure have personalities and Loki is getting nicer and nicer over time. She is right now beside me waiting for her morning walk so I had better get crackin'! Unlike Poppy i love the heat and seem to be able to eat any old time. Enjoy your day! More of these lovely days are forecasted.

Hold On To Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld library p. 298



I know this was a weird book for me to read because I am WELL past the child rearing stage of my life but i have always been very interested in books about parenting and understanding kids. Once I got a book Siblings without Rivalry and was teased that that would be "earth without gravity"! My kids always gave me the gears that I was reading these books. Anyway this one has had such glowing reports with Neufeld being a very well respected Psychologist in Vancouver and I had waited over 9 months for it from the library. He proposes that things go south because children are more attached to their peer group that the adults in their lives and he goes about explaining this, the horrible behavious that can occur and how to remedy this. All good points but it just felt there was only one horse in the race so of course it would be that horse that wins. i think it is more complicated than that! But I do remember listening to a parenting guru when our kids were in middle school who suggested 4 positive statements for every negative statements made by parents. He made this hilarious and memorable by giving examples. " I love the buttons on your shirt!". Really!!!! I think he had an excellent point and I think Neufeld does too.

The Weaponization of Loneliness by Stella Morabito library p. 216.



back cover
This book explains how dictators- from the French Revolution to the Communist Party of China to today's globalists-aim to atomize us in order to control us.

The author does a good job describing societies of the past chasing a form of utopia to their demise and destruction. She expresses concern about current human rights and freedom challenges that corrupt governments are pursuing. Is she paronoid or is she prescient? Time will tell but each individual must do their part to be open and honest and brave.

Good to "see " you, Mary! I'm looking forward to the Women's Literature Prize which is to be announced June 14th. I hope summer is going well for you so far. I know it's not officially summer, but close enough.

Glad you are having nice weather right now. Ours has been beautiful and dry, unusual in that when I moved out to Oregon it was cold and wet and summer didn't "start" until after the Fourth of July. Hope that doesn't mean too many fires later on and I'm just going to enjoy it for now. : ) Happy reading!

Thanks Mary, for asking after our new furniture. Yes, we are happy with it. Fortunately the place that we order our couch and chairs from , Sofa, So Good allows you to return your custom furniture just once, within a couple of days of receiving it, if you find that you dislike it. I'm glad Eaton's took back your custom furniture shortly after you married. I did love Eatons myself, and our first sofa and love seat came from Eatons. We used that same soft and loveseat for some 34 years of so! Good quality. Not much new with Poppy, but we were visiting with my brother and his wife Thursday evening for dinner. They have a Welsh Terrier named Hudson and he so fun and well behaved for the most part. He recognized a soft touch like myself and soon was in my lap, begging for bread and other food, which I obliging supplied him with. Then I rushed around playing tug of war and throwing his Frisbee for him, until my brother and SIL told dear Hudson to "Behave " :-)

Hi Mary. Your thread is beautiful...so many wonderful books that you read!

Happy June to you!

>91 vancouverdeb: Very good Deborah that the new furniture is working out well. Amazing that your EAtons sofa loveseat lasted for 34 years. Well done!

>92 Whisper1: Thank you Linda!

Barbara Kingsolver is the winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction awarded today for her recent book Demon Copperhead. She won the prize previously (2010) for Lacuna. It is a worthy win!

I’ve been eagerly waiting to see who would win the Womens Prize for Fiction , Mary. I read about it earlier , but have yet to post it on my thread. I was kind of pulling for Trespasses but I am happy that Demon Copperhead won. I read in January and it was a fascinating read . Yes , a bit embarrassing, I think , that we made what I call our “ pre -William “ furniture last so long . William is 33 . We had been looking for a few years , maybe even as many as five years, but we had a hard time choosing something we liked , or else some other expense would come up . I wrote about Elizabeth Hay new book on my thread . I have not read it , just seen it often in the store and possibly at the library, but have yet to attempt to read it .

Feminism Against Progress by Mary Harrington p. 223 library



Am I a feminist? Yes and no. Mother of 4 daughters, gramma to 5 granddaughters. Do I care about women's rights? Yes of course I do but being a feminist is complex these days and some policies leave me to say "No I am not a feminist!" (patriarchy focus, late term abortions, legitimizing sex workers, porn saturation) There have been many "waves" and changes, power struggles, new definitions, new fights, new enemies, new vulnerabilities. Mary Harrington is an interesting U.K. journalist. I follow her writing on UnHerd so wanted to know what she had to say. She calls her self a "reactionary feminist" and has lots of thoughts and analysis and advice to give having had a personal life of complexity as a woman. Like Louise Perry's book that I read recently >72 mdoris: she has a lot of advice to give that might make life better for women and for men too. It was an interesting book!

Your thread is always dangerous for me, Mary. So many interesting reads. You caught me with more than one BB! I've been travelling so ended up even further behind on the threads than usual. What a strange spring we experienced. I went south and really, the temperatures in the southern states were about the same as the ones we were experiencing at the end of May. Strange weather that seems more normal now that rain has lasted more than one day. Not enough for the grass to turn green again though.

>89 vancouverdeb: Oh, oh I missed a few visitors! Hello Deborah. Are you pleased with the Women's Fiction prize selection? Of course it is a very timely subject and a gripping novel and and interesting one too to be a shadow of David Copperfield. Very smart!

>90 Berly: Hello Kim, I sure would love to visit Oregon and especially go to the Powell's bookstore in Portland. Hope you are having good weather and enjoying summer! Yes it was an early start to summer here too. I guess we get similar systems. Hope you are enjoying your reading!

>95 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I have frozen my holds (I have so many of them!!!) but I will get to Trespasses eventually and value your enthusiasm. Yes I thought you had written something about the new Elizabeth Hay book but couldn't find it and thought perhaps you had read it. I am on a non fiction roll these days and after 25 pages I returned the book but will keep an alert to other's enthusiasms about it and may return to it.

>97 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, Nice to see you! Yes we have had almost a month of good hot weather and now back to a more typical June. I miss the heat! Very glad I was able to hit you with a few BB's. Just paying you back!

Indeed, yes, having my nephew in town is a good excuse for a get together with the family for a BBQ. It was great to see him again and see his pix from Japan, especially the rather yucky food . Ugh! Octopus, raw oysters, a baked reptile - a lizard of some sort , raw eggs. He is sure a lot more adventurous than I am.

Yes, I am happy that Demon Copperhead won, though I would have been pleased with Trespasses too. I have yet to get to The Marriage Portrait though, so I'm not sure if I was pulling for that or not. As you say, Demon Copperhead has a very timely theme indeed. Well, now that I have finished that the last season of Endeavor , which I loved - what to watch next?

Hi Mary

Demon Cooperhead seems to be very popular on the threads. Now, your recommendation prompts me to buy a copy. The list on the library is very large.

Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry p. 261 library



This is the 4th Sebastian Barry book that I have read and like the others, i found it wonderful. It is intense and exquisitely written and winds some Irish cultural and history concerns into the plot. It is about love, family, survival and about evil.

>100 vancouverdeb: Deborah, hope you like The Marriage Portrait when you get to it. I did!

>191 mdoris: Hi Linda. I will try and read more from the short list from the recent Women's Prize for Fiction but I can see why Demon Copperhead won. It is such a tragic topic (opioid addiction) and that is especially the case here in British Columbia.

Mary, you are reading great books. I'm adding your latest read to my list.

>104 Whisper1: Hi Linda, Have you read any of his books? I am very taken with Irish writers.

Happy Wednesday, Mary. I have no idea why I haven't visited in so long. Whatever the reason, I will try to correct that oversight. I hope you are doing well. I NEED to read more Barry, so I will add Old God's Time to my obese TBR.

I have you down for a shared read of East of Eden, for July. So, this is a reminder. I hope you can join us. I plan on reading it, early in the month.

Old God's Time is a book I'd like to read too, Mary. I took it out from the library and read about 15 pages in , and then some other book bumped it out of place. Eventually I will try to read it. I've read it is possibly a Booker Contender this year - just speculation I've read, but that is extra motivation for me. I really enjoyed Annie Dunne, but I thought Days Without End was just okay.

>106 msf59: Hi Mark, Laughed when I saw "obese TBR" I have one too!

>107 vancouverdeb: Good morning Deborah, It is tough to make decisons when many good books come in at once from the library. I have frozen all my reserves (about 60). Our 4 daughters and their families (9 grandkids) will be visiting this summer one after the other so very little reading will get done except for kid's books. I must read Annie Dunne! Thanks for the hot tip.

Hi Mary, now I understand why all your books are on hold for the summer. How wonderful that you will be seeing your children and grandchilren, but I can see that reading won't be your first priority. Hope, our 9-yr-old granddaughter from CO, will be spending a week or so with us next month. I am going to get Big Tree from the library for her. I will enjoy it, too. She's not much of a reader but we may have quiet time after lunch every day with NO phones or tablets!

I got another book bullet for Old God's Time. It has been way too long since I've read a book by Sebastian Barry. Thanks for calling it to our attention.

>108 mdoris: How lovely to see all of your grandchildren and your daughters and their families this summer. You are going to be very busy, in a very Happy Way!

>108 mdoris: Priorities are obviously right, Mary. The books will wait but time with the Grandkids is precious. xx

All being well I will be a Granddad for the first time near the end of August. I am of course nowhere near old enough!

>109 Donna828: How wonderful Donna to have plans for your 9 year old granddaughter visiting for a week. Our Colorado grandkids will be with us too and I can hardly wait! First batch arriving this Saturday, 2 little girls almost 4 and 2. It will be fun!

The Sebastian Barry book is a bit of a tough one to read but I am glad I did.

>110 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. Yes it will be a very busy summer and you are right in a happy way. Sure hope this gorgeous weather last a while.

>111 PaulCranswick: Paul I know you will be the world's BEST granddad. Very exciting news to be coming in August. Agree, you aren't nearly old enough! xx

How nice to have all those family visits to look forward to, Mary. I remember how you missed being able to see the grandkids when travel was restricted.

>113 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg, The Denver family are here right now and fun for me to read their bed time stories.

The New Puritans by Andrew Doyle p. 305



Not much reading is being done these days due to visits of the little people (grandkids) but I did manage to polish this one off and greatly appreciated his excellent writing, thoughtful concerns, critical thinking skills and impressive observations. I had read his book recently Free Speech and Why It Matters which was excellent as well. Doyle is an academic, teacher, comedian (satirist), and broadcaster in the U.K. He is of the Tatania McGrath fame!

Glad you managed to get some good reading in, Mary. That's not easy when all of the grands are visiting. I trust you are having lots of fun and getting a bit of rest , here and there.

>115 mdoris: Interesting to note that you have just read that one, Mary. I have seen some of his programmes on YouTube and he speaks a fair bit of sense. It does bother me sometimes that the sane voices are not often coming from the side of the political divide I always associated myself with.

The Labour movement stood up against the repression of fascism and to give the working people and the disadvantaged a voice. This seems to have been misappropriated in recent times for the establishment to try to frame opinions and the conversation and to stifle anyone who doesn't hold their world view.

>117 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, I feel that ALL the parties have been put on the chopping block and no longer represent the roots (values) that they came from. All topsy turvy and all quite frightening. Where will this be going? Yes Doyle has a weekly programme on GB News and his interviews are often very interesting and pertinent. Are you familiar with his Tatania McGrath personae? I think he can also be a bit of a brat!

I'm glad you're having a wonderful time with family!

I've added Old God's Time to the library request list. I have never read anything by Sebastian Barry, but like you, I do enjoy Irish authors.

I hope you got some much needed rain there today like we did, Mary.

Hi Meg, Yes the rain was a great welcome. The poor plants are so parched and I have all drought tolerant plants.

Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock's Gender Service for Children by Hannah Barnes p. 374



Very little reading is being done this summer by me. Lots of visitors and lots of outdoor work has been done (daily swims too). But I did finish this very important book about the challenges and (supposed) closure of the gender clinic GIDS in the U.K. The title is a good one. It is "time to think" and time to get an evidence research based understanding of this complex and now political issue. Puberty blockers were introduced with the notion that it will give children "time to think" but this is not correct. 98% of children who start puberty blockers go on to cross sex hormones, potentially for life. This book is packed with information and concerns. It was well researched and balanced.

This is an article that I found today that was written a year after the supposed closure of GIDS. What has happened?

https://unherd.com/2023/07/has-gids-learned-from-its-failure/?tl_inbound=1&t...

>122 mdoris: I am not at all in favour of puberty blockers or gender reassignment surgery for pre-adults. I have no issue with any person who wishes to undergo the surgery over the age of 21 (three years of contemplative time after reaching adulthood at 18) which ensures that those who undertake such an irreversible procedure do so with full knowledge of the consequences and in assurance of their own mind.

An adult who genuinely feels that they are "trapped in the wrong body" should not be prejudiced against and should be given every assistance to make the best of their lives.

Lovely to see you posting, Mary.

>119 streamsong: HI Janet. I really hope you like the Barry book when you get to it. Hope your summer is going well.

>105 mdoris: I apologize for not responding to this question earlier. I haven't read the "Irish" books. I find them depressing, and I always seem to read books regarding Ireland when there are lots of things going on in my life. Your comments prompt me to try those you referenced.

All good wishes...

Linda

>123 PaulCranswick: Paul, I couldn't agree with you more. You have summed it up beautifully. Canada's approach is one of affirmation only with no pre therapy/counseling for gender confusion allowed by law. There is currently a protest against a doctor (Vancouver) whose practice consists of radical mastectomies (top surgery) for teenaged girls as young as 14. Great harm is being done to children and I am convinced that this will be the biggest medical tragedy, scandal and shame of all time.

Paul, I am following your thread closely and see you are so knowledgable about music as well as books. And I agree you are far to young to be a grampa but it is very exciting that you will be soon.

>125 Whisper1: Hi Linda, I know lots has been going on in your life and I wish you some time to rest and get things sorted. Yikes on the car horn. How does that happen? I know what you mean about the Irish books being on the depressing side and they seem to have lots of baggage about their religious past, that is the domination of the church and priests in their lives. Anyway maybe you should stay clear of the recent Barry book!

>126 mdoris: It is tantamount to child abuse, Mary. A child is not cognitively and especially not emotionally competent to make such choices at such a tender age. The exclusion of parents from the diagnosis and procedure is pernicious at best.

I do like my music, Mary and it often provides a soundtrack to one's life!

Well, now I am all excited about the Booker Prize Longlist that I think is announced at midnight tonight, Mary. Are you looking forward to it? I imagine you are plenty busy with your family visiting. We are off to see Melissa and Miles tomorrow , as Serenade and William are going camping overnight on the Island the next day, and then onto a hotel/ motel around Qualicum, I think, with the kids plus some friends of theirs. We are going to watch the grandkids while they load up the car. I guess one night of camping is plenty when you have a 2 and 5 year old.

>129 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. We have just come up for air and expecting the next family's arrival next Sunday. We will have the Denver family of two boys with one turning 11 while he is here (gramma gets to make a birthday cake) and the other 6. We had all girls before visiting, two 2 year olds and two 4 year olds and lots of activity and lots of fun. Many loads of laundry and many trips to replenish the larder so we have been busy with very little reading. Fun that you are following the Booker Prize longlist announcements. I will follow your thread to see what you think of the announcement. You are certainly knowledgable and up to date on new books! Our weather has been superb! Very hard for the thirsty plants but the ocean has been glorious day after day. We are lucky! Enjoy your time with Melissa and Miles tomorrow! Nice that Dave has some holiday time.

Enjoy your time with family, Mary. The books will be there when they are no longer visiting.

Meg there are some amazing passages that I am having to read out loud to share in East of Eden.

Mary, it's good that you have had a few breaks between family visits. It sounds like a wonderful time is being had by all. Think of all the memories you can relive this winter as you look at pictures in front of the fireplace...or wherever your comfort place is.

>133 Donna828: Thanks Donna, the next batch arrives at dinner time today. Grandsons 6 and one turning 11 while he is here.i have made the birthday cake and will ice it later. They live far away (Denver) and I hardly ever get to see them so this will be a treat! But wouldn't you know it, the weather has been glorious for months and now there is the prediction of days of rain. Ugh. But I know we need it.

Enjoy the next batch of grandchildren arriving today , Mary! I'll bet you are keeping very busy. Ah, grandsons arriving today. If we are lucky, perhaps we will only get overcast skies, or at least that is the prediction over here, though I think rain is in the forecast here on Tuesday. What flavour is the the birthday cake ?

Thanks Deborah. I can hardly wait as it has been ages since we have seen them. I am so pleased that you get to see your grandkids all the time. It must be fun to be with them lots! Yes the cake is a chocolate sour cream one with melted chocolate and also cocoa, so it is pretty wonderful. It is tucked away in the freezer for now but I will make an icing and have already made a home made raspberry ice cream so we should have a little feast on Wednesday when Erik turns 11.

>136 mdoris: ...home made raspberry ice cream...

Literally drooling! I bet it will be a lovely feast. Enjoy your family time, Mary!

>137 PlatinumWarlock: Lovely to have you visit Lavinia. The feast and celebration is tomorrow. What a great visit it has been!

Happy Birthday to Erik , the chocolate cake sounds very yummy!

Happy Wednesday, Mary. Just checking in. I hope you are having a wonderful time with the grandkids. We are truly blessed. I miss seeing you around. I hope those books are treating you well.

>139 vancouverdeb: Oh my goodness, the chocolate cake was divine and so fun to share an 11th birthday with our grandson. Thank you Deborah for the good wishes.

>140 msf59: Hi Mark, Thanks for checking in. Yes we are truly blessed. You are right about that! It is so great to see the next generation thriving so well. It is typical for me to have low reading times in the summer but I know things will pick up soon in that department. Hope you are having a great summer. I do follow your wonderful camping adventures!

>141 mdoris: I just read about the chocolate cake you made on my thread and I wish I had been there! Chocolate is my favourite flavour and vice, Mary. I'm glad it was divine! I'm sorry that your grandsons left today. That must be hard. I think most of us read less in the summer, there is just so much to do outdoors, family in town, holidays to take. You are doing much better with the Booker Winner reading than me, Mary. You said you had read 12, and I've only read 4! Shameful! Milkman is one I'd like to get to eventually. I borrowed it from the library some years ago but could not get into it. I think I might enjoy it more now that I understand more about the Troubles in Ireland through reading Trespasses .

East of Eden by John Steinbeck p. 714= a whopper!!! off the home shelves.

Can you believe it! There are 396 member uploaded covers for this book! This is the cover for the one I finished today. I think if I had a choice i would have for sure chosen a different cover to purchase. C'est la vie!



I was so sorry to have missed the group read on this one but with visitors happening I knew it was not realistic for me to read it with others in July. Of course this is a classic and a revered book. It has many of the major big themes, love, family, jealousy, forgiveness, devotion, good vs. evil and I was caught wrapped up with several families and characters. It does show it's time of writing in the 1950's and to be a bit churlish it was at times soap opera-ish but still riveting. I loved the character Lee!

>144 mdoris: I have to agree with you, Mary, on East of Eden. Reading it was a special experience with memorable characters and a great narrative (even if the soap opera part rang slightly true at times!).

The talk of chocolate cake here sort of sucked me across! I remember scraping out the bowl in those long ago days of baking with my dear old mum.

>143 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, so you are a chocolate fan too. Do you like Lindt chocolate? It is the best, the darker the better! i must get to Trespasses. i think I have it on reserve at the library. i paused everything at the beginning of summer and now about to "defrost" the large list. I hope to get to lots of books this fall. I have a big birthday coming up soon and have plans to visit our girls in Denver to celebrate and get hugs from those grandkids once more.

>145 PaulCranswick: Paul I think it was with you that I planned to do the shared read but I imagine that you found other LTers to discuss the book with. Yes, I remember the days licking the bowl clean when I was a kid. My mom was a good baker, especially pies. I think we had dessert every night!

>147 mdoris: I took my time with it too, Mary. Mark read it and dusted it off much faster than I did. I am glad that I took my time with it though as I think I appreciated it all the more for doing so.

>146 mdoris: I am an absolute fan of chocolate, perhaps too much so, Mary. Yes, I have one or two squares of Lindt Madagascar Chocolate every day. Is there a better flavour that chocolate, because I'm not aware of it. Congratulations on your big birthday ahead and I'm glad you will be heading to Denver to visit your family. I'm glad you can get back to the books too.

>144 mdoris: Congratulatilon for reading a large book, that was very good! I've never read East of Eden.

>148 PaulCranswick: Yes Paul, I am glad I took my time too with East of Eden. It was very atmospheric and nice to be caught in that.

>149 vancouverdeb: HI Deborah. Me too! i have 2 squares of the Caramel/Salt Lindt every day (confession) but I will try the Madagascar next time I purchase chocolate. P. has the 100 % (no sugar added) and has it with Medjool dates every day. I think we should buy shares in the company! Better flavour than chocolate? No I haven't found one yet.

>150 Whisper1: Thanks Linda. I'll come and visit your thread very soon.

East of Eden is a whopper at 741 pages , Mary . Good for you! I was talking to Dave today re chocolate eating. I knew he liked a higher percentage of cocoa than I do, but not 100% like P. He said he prefers 75% to a maximum of 95 % cocoa. I'm not really a fan of vanilla as in vanilla ice cream, or vanilla coke or yogurt, but the Madgascar Lindt has a touch of vanilla in it , and I think that bit of added flavour is what makes me enjoy it the most. Yes, why not buy shares? We all eat enough of it!

Count me in as a chocolate lover. Recently a friend and I visited a local dollar store. I was amazed at the racks and racks of candy bars, each one was $1.25. I bought Snickers, Kit Kat, M&M's, and my favorite Hershey bars with almonds! I was also surprised at the large size cans of Coke, Pepsi and other delights. I spent $25.00 and ate one Hershey bar. I squirrelled many bars away in a container in the closet. I've lost a lot of weight, so I want to keep it off. I'll have to limit my cravings. It is a constant battle.

>153 Whisper1: My daughter was ordering a few groceries from Target and saw "8 Hershey Bars for a dollar!"
A sweet little package of mini-Bars arrived the next day.

Though sometimes over-rated, I still enjoy Godiva and the old Classic Chicago Fanny Mays.

Well, I am only 150+ posts behind, Mary. Sorry about that. Hopefully I can keep up better through the rest of a year.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

>152 vancouverdeb:, >153 Whisper1:, >154 m.belljackson: Hi Deborah, Linda and Marianne It sure looks like we are major chocolate lovers. I make a chocolate cookie that is really yummy, more like a brownie.

>155 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I know life has been busy ultra busy for you and you have had health challenges too but still doing an amazing amount of reading. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday too!

>156 mdoris: >153 Whisper1:

Lake Champlain Chocolates have a great email connection!

I'd love to try their prize winning selection, but shipping cost from Vermont to Wisconsin is too high.

Your chocolate buddy is missing you Mary! Hope all is ok?

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett library p. 309



I froze all my requests at the library over the summer as I knew there would be little time to read with various visitors coming to stay. So I recently de-frosted the books and i have so many that came in at once. Gulp. But this is a good thing! The first was Ann Patchett's new book. I am a big fan of her fiction and her essays and this one did not disappoint. I am the mom of 4 daughters. They were born within 5 years of each other so for me this book was such a gift to read about the relationships of mother to daughters and the relationships of sisters to one another. Apart from that it was an interesting read to follow how a first love dominates a life and maintains a grip.

>157 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne. Have you had your chocolate fix today?

>158 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, Yes your chocolate buddy is fine!

>159 mdoris: Nice one Mary! I recently added this one to my stacks and am a little ashamed to admit that I still haven't read any of her books.

>161 PaulCranswick: WHAT!!!! Paul you are in for some treats.

>159 mdoris: Good review of Tom Lake, Mary. I have had mixed results with Ann Patchett. I loved Patron Saint of Liars, but I was a little bored by Dutch House, though I know many people loved it. I've certainly had my chocolate fix today, Mary. One piece of Lindt Chocolate Madagascar with my cup of tea after dinner. Four daughters in 5 years! You must have been very busy! My mom had 5 in 9 years, Dave's mom had 4 in 6 years. I recall my mother in law, who I really loved, saying, after she got married, the babies would not stop coming! :-) I had two in 5 1/2 years, but I had a miscarriage in between and then trouble conceiving William. But it has all worked out fine, My mom claims she had only to look at my dad and she became pregnant.

>163 vancouverdeb: I remember Deborah that a long time ago we tut-tutted about a couple we knew who told us that they were pregnant with twins so then ended up having 4 kids in three years and low and behold I was already pregnant (unknowingly) with baby #4 when we passed judgement! . That served us right for tut-tutting.

I am a fan of Ann Patchett. I have read 8 of her books of fiction and essays but not Patron Saint of Liars. I must read that one at your recommendation.

Short list for the Booker Prize was announced today



And amazing Old God's Time and The House of Doors did not make the list.

I am happy with the Booker Shortlist, Mary, though a wee bit disappointed that Old God's Time did not make it. I just ordered Bee Sting. No sign of it at the library!

Our library does have it but a long list already!

>165 mdoris: I agree with you that I was quite shocked that both Barry and Tan were missing from the shortlist and probably even more surprised that Escoffery and Harding made it instead.

I really do wish that the Booker would go back to just the Commonwealth (including Ireland and South Africa) as otherwise worthy authors are being deprived of both opportunity and sales by American authors who have their own prizes which non-Americans are excluded from.
I do think publishers are pushing American authors forward too on the basis that an American winner may generate more sales there.

Happy Friday, Mary. Hooray for Tom Lake. Patchett has been on quite a roll, this past decade or so. I was also surprised that Old God's Time didn't make the Booker cut. I have yet to read The House of Doors.

>159 mdoris: I am very happy to see another fan of Ann Patchett. Her Bel Canto is one of my all-time favorite books, followed closely by Tom Lake.

>165 mdoris: I cannot tell you how disappointed I am that Escoffery made the shortlist and Tan Twan Eng did not.

Have a fantastic Friday!

I'm glad you got the last minute gardening , done , Mary. It's hard to believe the rains are coming. I know we need rain, but... I'll have to dig up my rain pants. No, Poppy does not like her raincoat at all, but with a wheedling voice and a few treats, she will let me put it on. I always have to sweet talk her. How about Loki? How is he for raincoats? And then all of the wet towels after a dog walk.

>168 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I think you would have a lot of people agree with you about restricting the Booker to Amercian authors. At least I agree with you!

Excited for your news on Monday. Hope you get the lovely house for your family! Fingers crossed.

>159 mdoris: Hi Mark. I guess they should have us to be judges on the Booker lists, then we could set them straight!

>170 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Hope you have a very wonderful weekend! The rains have finally hit here and while it is much needed, I like sunshine and warmth better.

>171 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah, I am amazed that you can restrict yourself to only one square of chocolate a day. Is this really true? True confessions. I have 2 squares a day and would love more but.....I am impressed with your self control.

No Loki does not like the rain. She does not like to get her paws wet (not a swimmer) but she likes even less being by herself so she will quite willingly come out on rain walks with us. She does have a raincoat, a lovely red one with velcro closures across her stomach. She is quite horrified when that comes out of the closet. My get-up is none too fashionable either.

Trespasses by Louise Kennedy library p. 289



This is an Irish book about "the conflict" (1970's) and how it affected everyday lives and loves.The book was on the short list for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023.

Mary, I wish I had the self control to restrict myself to one square of Lindt Chocolate per day, but no, it's at least two pieces a day . One after dinner with a cup of tea, and then another one before bed when I get my last glass of skim milk in with a piece of chocolate. ( I have osteoporosis and I understand it's best to eat your calcium, thus it is 3 glasses of skim milk for me every day. ) Interesting that Loki is not a water dog, and does not like swimming. Poppy is 3/4 Poodle ( according to DNA My Dog) and she loves the water. Dave takes her to Garry Point park in Steveston every day on his days off and Poppy loves to paddle around in the Fraser River. She is just as 18 pound miniature poodle mix of some sort - not sure, as her mom came up from California as a rescue dog. My Edmonton brother was here this summer, with their two dogs, a golden retriever and a Chesapeake bay Retriever. A Chesapeake is supposedly a water dog, but not Kona.
He was terrified of the water.

Poppy has the same raincoat in pink, I think. Does up under the tummy with velcro and around her neck. Poppy does not even like the word " jacket ." Dave says she dragged him home this morning due to the rain and some hail.

Just checking in on you, Mary, and hoping all is well! What are you reading lately ? I really enjoyed Gin, Turpentine, Pennyroyal, Rue, and am about 150 pages into The Bee Sting. That's a chunkster!

I hope you have some nice plans for Thanksgiving.

Happy Friday, Mary. Just checking in. I hope all is well on your end. I thought Trespasses was excellent. I think it was definitely prize-worthy.

Dear Mary, I hope that your Thanksgiving Weekend has been wonderful thus far. xx

Hello wonderful friends Deborah, Mark and Paul. Thank you for keeping my thread warm. I have been missing in action a birthday celebration in Denver (my BIG 75) and then I got sick so recooperatubg from that. Not much reading being done these days but it will pick in the future I'm sure.

>180 mdoris: Glad you are on the mend, Mary, and CONGRATULATIONS, 75 is the new 45!

So glad to see you Mary! I’m glad you get away and sorry to hear you caught a bug . Happy Belated Birthday! 🥳🎂Thanks for posting. I was getting a bit worried about you , dear friend.

I'm happy to read that you are well into The Covenant of Water, Mary. Paul really loved it - says it is among the best books he has read this decade! I hope to get to it in the New Year. I hope Loki is doing well. Poppy and I had a nice walk into Steveston and around Garry Point Park today, and enjoy the Halloween decorations ( or at least I did- I'm not sure if Poppy notices ).

Darn, that must have been a wild birthday party to make you sick, Mary. I'm a year closer to 80 than you so I can feel your pain my friend. I hope you are feeling much better by now. I've heard that curling up with a good book is excellent medicine!

I find that these days I often end up sick after travelling but get over it quickly. I hope that you weren't sick for your birthday celebration, Mary.

Well I am surfacing and so good to follow my friends here on your threads and see what amazing reading that everyone is doing. My energy is coming back and of course my enthusiasm for reading has never left.

>181 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I needed a cardioversion (again) after my 75th birthday but this time in Denver where we were visiting our two daughters and their families. I think the high altitude did a number on my heart. But I will try and think of myself as the "new 45". It might take some imagination!

>182 vancouverdeb: Nice to be back Deborah and hope all's well with you and Poppy (and Dave too!).

>183 vancouverdeb: Deborah I am on the home stretch with The Covenant of Water. I might be able to finish it today. It is a whopper!

>184 Donna828: Hello Donna. I think you are 100% right that curling up with a good book is excellent medicine. So true!

>185 Familyhistorian: HI Meg. I see you are doing some fabulous traveling. Hope you manage to stay well for your adventures.

The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane off the home shelves p. 364



This is such a great book if you are in the mood for language, rich vocabulary, nature and exploring in places you probably will never get to in RL. You sit on Macfarlane' shoulder in remote and wild places with his poetic turns of phrase to treasure. I loved it!

>187 mdoris: Well, who isn't in the mood for "language, rich vocabulary, nature, and exploring places"? You pushed all my buttons, Mary. It also doesn't hurt that I've loved the MacFarlane books that I've read. Book Bullet!

Glad you are feeling better, sorry that the altitude in Denver has repercussions for you. I'm not crazy about it myself, although it's worse in the actual Rockies so we usually just enjoy the panoramic views from the lower altitudes.

>188 Donna828: Donna for sure my body is better at sea level but that is a sadness for me that I may not be able to visit the grands all for them in Denver any time soon. Fun that I have given you a BB. I have been meaning to read the Macfarlane for years and did so slowly.

Hi, Mary. Glad to hear that you are feeling better. I have The Covenant of Water on my obese TBR. I remember really enjoying The Old Ways. Glad you felt the same.

The Convenant of Water by Abraham Verghese library p. 715



Yes, this is a whopper, a big book more like three books in one It charts three generations of a family. Verghese manages to weave many themes together, colonialization, gender challenges, caste/class, family devotion and many more. One theme is consistent and treasured and winds its way through the whole book; the author's love and expertise in medicine and how that theme is always present in communities and in families. There were so many twists and turns of the plot and many unforgetable characters. It is quite the story!

>190 msf59: Hi Mark, Hope you enjoy CofW as much as I did when you get to it. I'll come over for a viist to see what you are up to! Love the pictures you post of Jackson. He is growing up! Does he really drive that little truck? Is there a motor?

>191 mdoris: I look forward to eventually getting to The Covenant of Water , Mary. I read a chunkster in October, The Bee Sting, so I figure I will get to it in the New Year. Off to the dentist for me shortly. Thanks for thinking of me in Canadian Tire. I'm just starting a 2000 piece puzzle, called " Novel Avenue" . Wish me luck, as it the first 2000 piece puzzle I have done. Poppy is off with the dog walker today, as I am shortly off to the dentist, but I will say hi to her a little later from you. Enjoy the sun while it lasts. I think we are in for some rain tomorrow, or at least around here. Say Hi to Loki for me.

We were dentist twins today Deborah. Me too and I have to go back for more work....ugh! The sunshine was fabulous while it lasted. I'm trying to figure out what my next book should be!

Western Lane by Chetna Maroo Library p. 150



In some ways this was a strange little book but one presently short listed for the Booker prize. It's voice is a young 11 year old girl, a squash playing and accomplished athlete who has recently lost her mother and the family is dealing with the grief of that huge loss. It was very readable but a little too focused on the one theme for me.

Well I am a bit of a weirdo in this group. I don't make it to 75 books, sometimes I get close but no cigar. I do not collect books, so have few bookshelves and what books I have are shelved randomly. i guess I have been at the buying "no green bananas" stage of my life for a long time so just don't want to collect things that others have to deal with when I am gone. I am a huge library user. I ❤️ the library! I am a slow reader so I just can't imagine re-reading a book. Of course I have over time but it is rare. So if I do purchase a book I ditch it pretty fast and love to pass them on to others. I did however buy many, many children's books and I kept most of them and passed them on for grandkids to love. I love to think it is through books that children get to understand the world and that they get guidance from them. I also have been reading lots of non fiction books, books to figure out our world and of course they can be truly disturbing. Others in this group declare in these troubled times that they are reading cozy reads. I get that but weirdo me that's not me! So onwards and upwards (or downwards!) and on to write about a book I am about to finish which gave me substantial food for thought. Have a great day!

Woke Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam by Vivek Ramaswamy library p 328



I read John McWhorter's excellent book Woke Racism about how he believes the present interpretation of racism is damaging and a form of religion and discriminatory. In Vivek's present book he has the same look and interprets from a business point of view. He is a former CEO of a pharma company. He competently covers many subjects and looks at the big picture of what America represents, it's constitutional history and how the present divisions can be healed. Ramaswamy is also a lawyer and puts forward some interesting legal arguments. I found it an impressive book, well researched, thoughtful and readable but will he ever be given admittance into the swamp of Washington to clean up the corruption there (as he is running as a Republican candidate)? We shall see but I don't think it will happen. The book was published in 2021 and I think many more examples of his concerns could have been added since then.

>197 mdoris: I knew it was dangerous coming to your thread, Mary. You got me with a BB for Woke, Inc..

>198 Familyhistorian: Oh good Meg, just paying you back for the BBs I get from your thread!

I am very behind again, Mary, and I do apologize. Spending 2+ weeks out of town with little to no Internet took its toll!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

I quite enjoyed Western Lane , Mary. It's been quite a few years since I have read 75 books, and I certainly won't do it is this year. I don't really read for comfort, you know me and my Brit Box selections etc - the more bodies that pile up, the better!:-) A little excitement. I recently purchased a non - fiction book on the Palestine - Israel conflict. I don't read a lot of non- fiction, but I do want to better understand the current conflict and what has led up to it.

>201 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah, i will be interested in your feelings about the book about the Israel/Palestine conflict. It must be very complex and deep rooted and now so political as everyone has a point of view but how can any of us know as the reporting seems so biased. I did like Western Lane and was glad that I had read it. Very cloudy and grey here today. i don't think I will need my sunglasses!

>200 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Hope that you had a fabulous 2& weeks away! I have been out of the loop as well and just now jumping back in. I will come and have a visit on your thread soon. Hope you are finding some wonderful books to read!

>196 mdoris: You are definitely not a weirdo, Mary. I wish I had the patience to read more nonfiction these days. I think I have given up on figuring out our world. :-(. The closer to the holidays we get, the lighter books appeal more to my overloaded brain.

Thanks for sharing your reading views. I know your grands are loving the books you’ve passed on to them. I do that as well.

Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan library p. 180



Short stories, edgy, disturbing, haunting and very good and Irish.

Edited to add "very" (good)!

>204 Donna828: Thanks for your visit Donna and kind words!

Antarctica by Claire Keegan library p 209



This was another gem of short stories, her first collection by Claire Keegan.

Good to see you, Mary. I’ve not read Antarctic, but my brother spent several Antarctica summers there, flying a twin otter . I’ll put it on my wish list. Hope all is well. A sunny day here , so that is positive. ☀️

You Can Only Yell At Me For One Thing at a Time (rules for couples) by Patricia Marx Illustrated by the WONDEROUS Roz Chast library p. 139



Anything with illustrations by the wonderous Roz Chast must be read by me. She is a cartoonist of the best fun and insight. These rules poke fun at relationships and I loved it!

>208 vancouverdeb: Nice Deborah that you have some sunshine today. Overcast and some light rain here right now. Snug under a blanket and reading some of the books from today's library foray. . Lots of work outside though raking, putting the garden to bed so a little R&R has been earned. Hope you enjoy your weekend. Is Dave working this weekend?

>196 mdoris: Well Mary if you are a weirdo I don't know what the heck it makes me!

You are certainly one of my favourites, dear lady. Have a lovely weekend. x

Books Make A Home by Damian Thompson library p. 159



This coffee table type book is eye candy for book lovers. It is all photos of book displays and so gorgeous to look at.

>211 PaulCranswick: Oh my goodness thank you Paul as you are for me too! I do visit your thread frequently but perhaps lurking mostly these days. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and I love hearing all about Pip and seeing her gorgeous photos. Take care my friend! xx

>213 mdoris: :D xx

Mary, I send thanks and gratitude for your presence on the 75 challenge group. I hope to be able to visit your thread more often in '24. In the meantime, I send all good wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Olive Mabel and Me by Andrew Cotter library p. 205



I was so taken with this thoroughly wonderful book. I am a dog person and this is a book for dog people. I first heard about Olive and Mabel from a neighbour who urged me to view Cotter's videos on YouTube. I did so and was smitten. There are many of them. He has his own channel. Andrew lives in Scotland and is a sports broadcaster. In Covid times his work was gone and he started posting videos of his beautiful dogs which became an instant success. The videos are fun and the narration fabulous. He has a way with words. The dogs are a black lab and blonde one and they all have many incredible high mountain snowy adventures and beach ball chasing and swim times too and just daily routines that are fun to watch as well. Cotter then wrote the book about his life and dog experiences. It was wonderful.

p. 193 A Rudyard Kipling poem.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone-wherever it goes- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

https://www.youtube.com/c/mrandrewcotter/videos

And in the book there are wonderful coloured and black and white photos of these gorgeous labs. They have quite the life!

Dave was working on the weekend, yes, Mary. He works 2 out of 3 weekends, unfortunately, though I am kind of used to it now. He has to work over Christmas this year too. But my sister is having Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at her place with the family , so I'll be fine. At least next Christmas he's be retired and so no more working Stat holidays. Fortunately in our younger days , Dave's shift work was mainly M- F , 7 am to 3 pm, or 3 pm-11 pm, so he was almost always home for Christmas. That was when he was with Canadian Airlines, but with Air Canada, he has had this long shifts, no stats.

I love dogs too and am a dog person. Olive and Mabel and Me sounds like a good read. I'll be my mom would like it too.

>205 mdoris: I am very fond of Keegan's work (I just finished one of her books, So Late in the Day, this past week), so I am going to have to see if I can find a copy of that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary!

>207 mdoris: I am going to have to track that one down too!

>212 mdoris: Drool. . .

>216 mdoris: I am more into cats than I am into dogs, but I would still like to read that one!

Hello Paul, Linda, Deborah and Stasia. Thanks for the visits! There is lots to be thankful for especially the friendships on L.T.!

Canadian Thanksgiving is mid October and I had ordered a turkey but had to cancel it as I was feeling crummy. I wondered if the local butcher would order some fresh turkeys for American Thanksgiving and they did. Lucky me! I love turkey and today will be turkey soup making day. Yum!

At this time of year I love this web site and visit it often. It is a compilation of "best of " books for a particular year from zillions of sources. It is a bit skimpy right now but worthwhile refreshing often as he adds many sites to the list over December. Enjoy! I sure do as I LOVE lists.

https://largeheartedboy.com/2023/11/18/essential-and-interesting-best-of-2023-bo...

Out doing a bit of gardening today in the fog. It is like pea soup and cold and clammy but look what I found blooming. It is a rhodo and called Christmas cheer. This is not my photo. Mine are struggling but still blooming in November so it wins a prize.

>221 mdoris: Beautiful flowers so cheery in these foggy days, Mary. It will be nice when the fog finally lifts - well, not really because it seems that will usher in the rain. I hope your reading is keeping you warm.

Aren't those beautiful blooms , Mary, and sight for sore eyes in late November - nearly December.

I ❤️ George Booth!

>222 Familyhistorian: I was so surprised Meg about the blooms. I also noiticed a few new rose blooms. You just don't expect to see that at this time of year. Hope all's well with you!

>223 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah. I can't stay away from the garen for long. Thinking about you and your family. !

>225 mdoris: I hope your flowers are still blooming, Mary and still will be after all the rain.

The Adversary by Michael Crummey library p. 321.



Michael Crummey certainly understands the underbelly of the human heart and character. This wonderful story takes place in a remote Newfoundland outport in times of yore. There is the stewing of power struggles for domination and wealth between siblings and it does not always fare well for the community. Crummey loves to research and use the local language of the times and does a fabulous job doing so. He paints a stunning picture of remote communities at the mercy of weather and nature and one another for their existence. I am a big fan of Crummey books!

>226 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, just back from a Cof L for a very wonderful friend in Calgary and I don't think there is much blooming there! Hope you survived the rainfall. We were away but know that there was lots.

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen of the I Want My Hat Back fame! library



This is a delightful new Christmas season addition by the award winning duo. More questions were asked than were answered! Just sent it to my two Denver granddaughters.

Happy Wednesday, Mary. I hope all is well on your end. I won't be able to bookhorn in The Convenant of Water this month but I am hoping for early next year. I would also like to read the Keegan story collection.

Here is the newly posted short list for the spring Tournament of Books, which is always a fun thing to follow. There are many titles (with descriptions) that I am not familiar with.
https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/the-2024-shortlist

>220 mdoris: Well, that will keep me busy for a minute or two! Thanks for posting that link, Mary! Like you, I LOVE lists.

>227 mdoris: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

>231 mdoris: Thanks for that link too!

>232 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Aren't lists the BEST! Hope you are having a good week and feeling better. I am a sleep sponge too (post stroke) and I often resent the time sleeping and being away from reading time..

>232 alcottacre: & >233 mdoris: Another list-o-maniac here, Mary!

>234 PaulCranswick: Hello list-o-maniac.! This one could suck up lots and lots of time. Hope you are feeling much better soon Paul. Not good to have a sore throat and difficutly swallowing.

Yet more books to read from the Tournament of Books, Mary.

>229 mdoris: Looks very cute! I've done all my chopping to make Minestrone Soup and I am shortly to cook it up for tomorrow. The family is all doing well, which is very good news. I hope your family is all well too.

>234 PaulCranswick: >235 mdoris: I am happy to be in great company!

Amazon as Santa.......love the shorts!

>236 vancouverdeb: So pleased Deborah to hear that your family is doing well. Your soup sounds delicious I love homemade soup.It is the best!

>237 alcottacre: I love that list of largeheartedboy and have been following his "best- of's" for years.

I'm sure you have a delicious recipe for minestrone soup, but just in case, I posted a link on my thread. I started watching the new season of Midsummer Murders on Acorn TV last night. I forget if you have Acorn TV, but it's a fun new series if you do.

Because I love jigsaw puzzles, every time I look at a cover of the New York Magazine, I think it would make a nice puzzle. There is a brand of puzzles that are covers from the New Yorker Magazine.

The Canceling of the American MInd by Greg Lukianoff library p 307



I was so very taken with Lukianoff's previous book The Coddling of the American Mind (read in 2019) that he co-wrote with Jonathan Haidt that I wanted to read this newly published book right away. It looks at free speech and cancel culture and the present environment at universities. While it is good it was a repeat for me of other excellent books (Andrew Doyle), providing the same examples and concerns that I have read about in other books. This is not to say that it isn't a critical subject and should be taken very seriously with some drastic and needed changes that need to occur in society, institutions and in individual's behaviour. Jonathan Haidt is about to publish a book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness in March 2024 that will tie into this theme. I greatly look forward to that book and am first on the library wait list for it.

Greg Lukianoff is president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). In Appendix 11 there is the FIRE 2022 College Free Speech Rankings of over 200 U.S. college and universities ranked and scored.

There are many books referenced in the text but one I thought sounded interesting is written by a previous dean of Stanford University How to Raise an Adult. On to the list it goes......

>240 vancouverdeb: Deborah we had cauliflower soup tonight and it was yummy. Aren't soups the best on these rainy and cold winter days?

>240 vancouverdeb: Yum, Mary, cauliflower soup ! Sound delicious. If you want to share the recipe, I'd be glad of that. I purchased the ingredients for more of the minestrone soup earlier today and I'll make it again tomorrow. As you say, these cold and rainy day are perfect for some nice warm soup. I did really enjoy Van Dusen Gardens with my sister last night, thanks.

Well, Mary, I am a part of the Anxious Generation of the early 1960's. I think I might put that down to the parenting of two very young parents who had my sister and I both at age of 19 , January and November. But I have much improved over the years, and I am very close to all of my siblings, and certainly my closest in age sister, Tannis. I think of you the loss of your beloved brother last year. I am sorry. I am so blessed to have my 4 siblings still, though they are all younger than me.

>243 vancouverdeb: Deborah that is so wonderful to have the close relationship that you have with your siblings and so wonderful that they are close by so you can do things together like the Van Dusen Garden winter lights. You are lucky but I know it is way more than luck too.

Thanks for letting me know about being part of the anxious generation of the 60's. I can't imagine being a parent at 19. Really it is babies having babies! I am very pleased that you are doing so well now.

I'm afraid that I am a bit of a throw things together kind of cook and do not follow recipes closely. In this soup there would be onion(s), shallots celery, potatoes, cauliflower (whole head) and about 8 cups of chicken stock and then buzzed with the blender wand when cooked and simmered and a bit of sharp cheddar cheese (like Imperial cheese) added and slurp of cream at the end and salt and pepper. If I am roasting a chicken I always make stock with the bones as the stock makes very delicious soups. When making soups I use the microwave oven to cook the vegetables first before thowing them in the soup pot for a good simmer with the stock.

Your thread is always dangerous for me, Mary. I always end up with more nonfiction books on my library hold list after catching up here. This time it was The Cancelling of the American Mind and The Anxious Generation, which is on order at the Vancouver Library and I am the first one on the hold list.

>245 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I hope they do not disappoint!

I didn't finish the new Jean Twenge book Generations before it was due back at the library but find it fascinating (and a bit scary) the difference in the generations. I have it on reserve again to finish it. I found her first book iGen really interesting and a deep concern for the Iphone generation from 2007 onwards, the social media pressures.

Just in case you are interested, Mary, I started a thread about Canada Reads Contenders here - https://www.librarything.com/topic/355981#n8320497

I'm afraid I have not read any of them yet. I think you might have read The Innocents by Michael Crummy

I Must Be Dreaming by Roz Chast library p. 118



This is Roz Chast's new collection of cartoons and drawings based on dreams. Dreams are so personal and unique but Chast manages to put a spin on the subject. Her drawings are always fun and captivating. She is a favourite!

>247 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah for starting thread and posting the list. There are many unknowns for me on the list. i had better investigate! Yes I read The Innocents a and loved it and just recently finiished his new one The Adversary and was very impressed with it too.

>248 mdoris: I have only read one of Chast's books (Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?) and enjoyed it, so I am going to have to give her latest a try if I can get my hands on it. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary!

Hi Stasia., I was impressed with Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir to be able to bring humour into a difficult subject (aging parents) is impressive! And her drawings are delightful and fun.

The Prophet Song by Paul Lynch library p. 307



This book recently won the Booker Prize for 2023. It was a riveting read although it was a difficult one subject wise, dark and dystopian. A mother of four is left to manage the family while the society around her is falling apart. This takes place in Ireland some time in the future. It is written in a unique way, in sections not with paragraphs and no quotation marks to mark dialogue. I found it frightening and disturbing how society can unravel.

I'm lifting a quote from vancouverdeb's excellent review posted on the book's main page.

"The power of this novel is that this nightmarish scenario could happen anywhere,"

>252 mdoris: I'm glad you had a chance to read The Prophet Song, Mary. I found it very gripping when I read it earlier this year. It is indeed a dark read, but gripping. Thanks for kindness regarding my review. No surprise that the book won the Man Booker Prize. I hope to read The Innocents in the future, it seems to have been very well received.

From a Far and Lovely Country Alexander McCall Smith library p. 239



This is book #24 in the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Book series and like all the others I loved it. It was such an antidote to my previously read book (The Prophet Song) with this one full of human kindness, forgiveness, patience, tolerance and positive resolutions. These books are the best!

>253 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. Hope you enjoy the holiday weekend with your family! We were supposed to drive to Fernie to have Christmas with family but Loki got sick and was too sick to travel. She is better now but plans have had to change.

I can see how you'd need to cleanse your palette with something like your last read after the previous heavier tome, Mary. You got me with your post about Generations, that looks like an interesting one.

>256 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, There are two books in the works and presently being published that I have my eye on. One by Jonathan Haidt The Anxious Generation and the other by Abigail Shrier Bad Therapy and these books are about the generation greatly negatively affected by social media. i have read their books before and find them excellent and informative so look forward to these new ones. While reading the Generations the Real Difference book I should have taken notes. I will be getting it again from the library as I didn't quite finish it before it was due back. It is a very interesting subject for me. We for sure not all the same and greatly affected by our peer group.

I hope Loki is feeling 100 % now, Mary. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Sorry you didn't get to Fernie to be with your family as you had planned. My best to you and yours in the New Year.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year, Mary.

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday.

>257 mdoris: The Vancouver Library has Anxious Generation on order and, after reading your post about it, I'm the first on the hold list.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

>258 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. Loki is much better, thank you but it was a nail biter. The grands are now sick in Fernie but had a blast of a 5th birthday on the ski hill. Hope your Christmas has been spectacular with family!

>259 ctpress: So nice to see you Carsten and I loved your greeting and picture. Best also to you and wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas.

>260 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg and wishing you a really wonderful Chrismas and best in 2024! Have you got lots of holds coming in all at once? I do!

Thinking about you during the festive season, Mary.

So Shall You Reap by Donna Leon p. 262 library



And another wonderful book by Donna Leon #32 in the series. As usual the plot takes place in Venice and under the watchful eye of Commissario Brunetti who dines on luscious lunches and dinners with his family but who has time to solve a case where political follies and ideals of youth impact adult life and involve a murder or two. Leon manages to weave Italian history, architecture, local geography and scrumptious gourmet foods into the plot and makes these books a great read!

>262 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul and best to you and your family for the festive season! xx

Favourites for 2023
This was a great reading year for me 66 books in total, and there were many amazing cookbooks borrowed from the library that were not listed. Right now i have about 70 books on reserve at the library and lots about to come in all at once. Yikes!

East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry
The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin NF
Olive, Mabel and Me by Andrew Cotter NF
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Haven by Emma Donoghue
The New Puritans by Andrew Doyle NF
A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
Time to Think by Hanna Barnes NF

Oh and anything by Claire Keegan, her wonderful short stories or short novels.

Happy Holidays, Mary. I am also working on my Best of the Year List. It was a fantastic reading year. Old God's Time may also make my list. I never could squeeze in The Covenant of Water. 2024?

Hi Mark, This is a great time of year to see everyone's lists of favourite books read for the year. I look forward to see your choices! Hope you and family are having a wonderful holiday break and all the best, (especially reading) in 2024! Of course I will be following your threads and always appreciate your photos and news of Jackson!

Good luck with all those library reserves, Mary. Mine keep showing up almost faster than I can read them.

>268 Familyhistorian: Ditto Meg but I guess there are bigger problems to have!

>265 mdoris: We certainly have three repeats, Mary. The Covenant of Water was my favourite book of the year.

>252 mdoris: Prophet Song was one of my 5-star reads for the year and I doubt I will forget it any time soon.

>265 mdoris: Thank you for the list, Mary! I will see how many of the unread ones I can track down. . .

I hope you have had a wonderful holiday season and best wishes into 2024!

I have yet to get around to listing my favourite reads of 2023, but Old God's Time will among them,Mary. I had a great time over Christmas, but I am glad for some peace and downtime now.

Not That Bad by Roxanne Gay library p. 339



In a way this was an unusual book to wind up my year of reading for 2023. i had read about it earlier on a LT. thread so really it was the library's game of Russian Roulette in timing that the book appeared for me at the end of December. It is a disturbing read. It is a collection of 29 essays by mostly women, some men and often about experiences that happened when they were children related to sexual assault/rape. There are pieces that examine sexuality from a female's point of view. I had read a thoughtful book about this earlier this year by Louise Perry The Case Against the Sexual Revolution and both books allowed lots of questions without necessarily a lot of answers. You are left asking the question why is this happening?

>270 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I love looking at everyone's fav reads for the year. Yours too!

>271 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, Prophet Song you are right, will not be forgotten any time soon.

>272 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. Glad that you had a good Christmas but good too that you have some down time now, good puzzling and reading time! I love looking at everyone's fav. list for the year. I'll come and have a peek at yours!

Greetings, Mary. I often lurked this year but with nothing erudite or even semi-thoughtful to say, so I came and was BB'd occasionally and admired your flowers and ... so on.
My latest BB here is Haidt's book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. I am grateful to be nudged because there are already holds in our Library Consortium.

Fortunately, the provincial system means there will be 10 books bought and I'll be able to read it without too long a wait (after it arrives for shelving, of course).

Happy reading times going forward. I hope your plans for the spring gardening season will produce more fabulous flower photos here on LT.

>275 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, so today is the countdown until the new year. Hope it will treat you and family very well! Ditto. I come and hang out on your thread too and often don't add a response but value what you are reading and how things are going. Did you ever read Jonathan Haidt book The Coddling of the American Mind? I thought it was a stunner so always want to read more of what he writes! I think The Anxious Generation will be very informative. Always thinking about the influences and pressures for the grandchildren and their generation. About the flower photos. I have Christmas Cheer a rhodo in bloom right now. Amazing! Blooms are scrawny as the conditions are not the best but I still appreciate its fortitude!

Welcome and please come for a visit on my thread for 2024!

Best wishies for 2024!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/356417#n8334595