Beth's (BLBera) Books in 2024 - Chapter 2

Statue of Cervantes in Toledo, Spain.

My name is Beth, and I am a recently retired English instructor. I love retirement, and last year I was able to travel to Hawai’i, Spain, and Portugal. I also attended book festivals in Iowa City and Portland. Besides travel and reading, I also like to sew and spend time with my granddaughter Scout.

I read eclectically, mostly fiction, but I do tend to always have a volume of poetry and a book of essays going as well. I belong to a book club that has been going since 2002, and I do group reads here on LT. Otherwise I don't plan my reading. I always resolve to read more from my shelves, but those shiny new library books do distract me.

I look forward to following my LT friends in 2024.

Orchids from Hilo Botanical Gardens

Favorite Reading of 2023

Currently Reading

Plans??
Book Club
Jan. The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny ✔️
Feb. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer ✔️
Mar. Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin ✔️
April The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
May Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner
June Square Haunting by Francesca Wade

LT shared reads
January - Vaster Wilds ✔️
February - Chenneville ✔️
March - The Lost Journals of Sacajewea ✔️
April - Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma
May - The End of Mr. Y
June -House on Endless Waters

Some books I look forward to in 2024:

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
The Hunter by Tana French
Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
Until August by Gabriel García Marquéz
James by Percival Everett
The Morningside by Tea Obrecht
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud
The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez
Memory Piece by Lisa Ko
The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty
Bear by Julia Phillips
The Palace of Eros by Caro de Robertis
Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet

Inaugeral Women's Prize for Nonfiction Longlist
Young Queens
All That She Carried SL
Doppelganger SL
Vulture Capitalism
Wifedom
The Britannias
A Flat Place SL
Intervals
Code Dependent SL
The Dictionary People
Shadows at Noon
Eve
Matrescence
Thunderclap SL
Some People Need Killing
How to Say Babylon SL

Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist
The Blue Beautiful World
And Then She Fell
8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster
Restless Dolly Maunder
Western Lane ✔️
The Wren, The Wren ✔️
A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams
Ordinary Human Failings
Hangman
Soldier Sailor
The Maiden by Kate Foster
In Defense of the Act by Effie Black
River East, River West
Brotherless Night
Enter Ghost ✔️
Nightbloom ✔️

Read in 2024
🎉January🎉
1. Collected Poems Jane Kenyon* 💜
2. Sorry
3. Northwest Angle 🎧
4. The Postcard
5. Space Invaders*
6. North Woods
7. The Invisible Hour
8. I Must Be Dreaming
9. Poems of Akhmatova*
10. Judgment Prey
11. Chenneville* 💜

🌷February🌷
12. Where Shadows Dance* 🎧
13. American Mermaid 💜
14. Hotel Silence*
15. A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women*
16. On Juneteenth*
17. Family Lore* 💜
18. The Vulnerables
19. Normal Rules Don't Apply
20. Homeland of My Body*
21. The Wren, The Wren

🍀March🍀
22. Light in Gaza*
23. Fresh Water for Flowers*
24. Queen of a Rainy Country*
25. The Lost Journals of Sacajewea*
26. Orbital
27. Enter Ghost
28. Word by Word*
29. What You Are Looking for Is in the Library
30. A Map to the Next World*
31. Western Lane

*From my shelves
💜Favorites

You Must Read This


I just read this great piece of historical fiction. Below are my comments.
Chenneville
Paulette Jiles owns Texas in the immediate post-Civil War era. I loved both News of the World and Simon the Fiddler, but Chenneville is even better. Besides her wonderful descriptions of the Texas landscape, Jiles also gifts us a wonderful character in John Chenneville. Chenneville is a complex character revealed little by little as he travels through Texas after the Civil War.

John Chenneville wakes up in a Virginia hospital after a head injury that put him in a coma, his recovery miraculous. Eventually he makes his way to his home near St. Louis, only to find that his little sister and her family have been murdered. All through his journey to revenge his sister's death, we see the effects of the war.

I loved this novel. Fans of the previous Jiles novels will love this as well.

January Reading
I read 11 books in January.

Library books: 7
From my shelves: 4

I need to do better reading from my shelves.

By women: 8
By men: 3

Novels: 8
Poetry: 2
Graphic novel: 1
Translations: 3

I have a good start reading in translation, which I want to increase this year.

I loved the Jane Kenyon collection of poetry, The Postcard, and Chenneville, especially the later which is my favorite book for the month.

For February, I would like to read some of the books by African American writers to honor Black History Month. I'm looking at you, Barack Obama memoirs! We'll see how that goes.

Happy new thread Beth. Can't believe I'm the first to send good wishes........

And I’m second! Happy new thread, and have a great February!

Karen O

Happy new thread!! 11 books in January -- nicely done! I just finished Chenneville -- perfect ending.

Happy new thread! Do you think the first two Paulette Jiles books should be read before Chenneville?

>7 BLBera: Happy new thread, Beth :)

Plus, just wanted to say I bought Chenneville today. I'm planning on starting soon.

My copy of American Mermaid has just come in at the library. I'm looking forward to this one.

Sweet Thursday, Beth. Happy New Thread. I also enjoyed Chenneville. Jiles Rocks! I hope you are enjoying the Blanco collection. I loved this collection but poetry lands differently for everyone.

Happy new thread, Beth.

You do a great job of selling Chenneville - I will go and look for it.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread Beth!

Happy new thread, Beth.

>13 AMQS: Nope. Chenneville is a stand alone. Go for it!

Happy new one, Beth!

Happy new thread, Beth. You obviously did a great job passing on your love of your favorite books of 2023 - more than half of them are either patiently waiting in among my books or are on my list! Looking forward to the BB of 2024!

>7 BLBera: I really wish my local library would get a copy of that one! I am a big fan of Jiles and would love to read it.

Happy new thread, Beth!

Dear Friend

it is late at night, and I'm not gettign to sleep as I should, but I am making a point to visit a few threads of those I very much care about...you of course are one. I love your lists, and especially the covers of favorites in 2023 readings. I have added a few, buthope ot spend more time this weekeend looking more in depth.

For now, good night and happy reading. I send much love

Let's see if I can get everyone: Hi Mary, Karen, TwinK, Anne, Reba, Kay, Mark, Paul, Anita, Susan, Shelley, Katie, Judy, Stasia, and Linda. Thanks for stopping by. It's so great to come here and see visitors.

>13 AMQS: Anne - The Jiles books don't have to be read in any order.

>15 RidgewayGirl: Kay, I am enjoying American Mermaid; it's pretty funny.

>23 DeltaQueen50: I'm happy to add to people's wishlists, Judy.

>25 Whisper1: Oh, Linda. Thanks so much.

12. Where Shadows Dance
This is the sixth novel in the Sebastian St. Cyr series and the first one I listened to. The audiobook was well done, and I might listen to future books in the series.

This one is set in 1812, a very complicated year for Great Britain. One thing I really like about historical fiction is that I learn about the time, and Harris has certainly done her research. Great Britain thinks that the Americans want Canada, they are at war with the French, and Russia wants military help as Napoleon has invaded them.

Paul Gibson, St. Cyr's physician friend finds a murder victim inadvertently when he is dissecting a corpse that supposedly died from natural causes. He goes to St. Cyr, who agrees to investigate. The victim, Alexander Ross, worked for the Foreign Office, and all the complicated diplomacy comes into play. This also makes for a complicated mystery. Perhaps listening made it more confusing, but after finishing it, I am still scratching my head. The plot was a little too convoluted this time. Still, I'll continue with this series.

Happy new thread, Beth!

Happy new thread, Beth. I bought Chenneville yesterday. I have a couple of things to finish up but it's near the stop of the stack :)

Happy new one Beth. Relived it's Friday here.

Happy new thread, Beth!

Thanks Anita, Reba, Charlotte, and Jim. Happy Friday!

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread , Beth! I like your Best of 2023 read. I enjoyed Black Butterflies and The Bandit Queens, but my favourite was The Poisonwood Bible which I read some years ago. I really loved The Poisonwood Bible

Beth, I added three new books that I haven't read. I added some of the best of 2023 when you read them and reviewed them on your thread. For now, I've added Chenneville (what a great review!!!, the Postcard Killers by ames Patterson and the Invaders From Outer Space by Phillip Brookes

>34 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda.

>35 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah. I know we shared some great reading in 2023, and I hope we are able to do more this year.

>36 Whisper1: Happy reading, Linda!

I've re-requested Chenneville from the library and hope to not let it slip away again! Thanks for the lovely review and reminder.

>27 BLBera: I have the first in that series on my Kindle. One of these days...

>6 BLBera: I'm glad to see that star by Chenneville, Beth, as I have it checked out from the library. I've liked all of Jiles's books. I'm glad she's back in Missouri for at least part of this one. Lovely review as always.

>27 BLBera: That is a series that I need to get back to at some point. I have only read the first book to date, but I enjoyed it enough to continue. . .some time.

Have a wonderful weekend, Beth!

Hi Joanne - I hope you don't have to wait too long for Chenneville. I know what you mean about series... There are too many good ones.

Hi Donna - I did not know there was a French settlement near St. Louis. I hope you enjoy Chenneville.

Hi Stasia. Have a great weekend.

Hi, Beth! Happy New thread!

I really enjoyed News of the World when I read it last year. It was my first Giles, but it won’t be my last.

Hi Mary - You have so many good ones to look forward to.

Happy New Thread, Beth! And good job promoting Chenneville. It definitely gets a heart from me, as well.

I just think Jiles deserves more recognition, Ellen. We meet this week, right?

Happy New Thread! I've added The Twilight Zone by Nona Fernandez and Chenneville to the library hold list.

I may join you in The Lost Journals of Sacajewea. I have a copy sitting on my shelves. It came up as a suggestion for this year's reading in my library book club, but our advisor discouraged it, saying it was a fine book but had many triggering scenes of rape and abuse. She was, after all, a child slave. :(

The more, the merrier, Janet. Please do join in. I think it will be a tough read.

13. American Mermaid
I loved this surprising novel, but it is hard to describe. There is a lot going on, and I'm sure my comments won't do it justice.

One one level, this tells the story of Penelope Schleeman, a high school English teacher. As she says, "My life involved no great luxuries and the crush of teaching sometimes overwhelmed me, cumulatively. All those early mornings and then finishing grading and class prep pretty late and feeling a bit resentful for doing lawyer hours for babysitter money." When Penny writes a feminist novel called "American Mermaid" that surprisingly becomes a best seller, and she is hired to help write the screenplay for big bucks, we have to question what we are rewarding in our society.

Money is important to Penny, yet as she begins to work on the script, she sees the superficiality of Hollywood -- any complexities have to be removed to make her work "cinematic," and there has to be sex and action. Penny begins to feel guilty about profiting from the transformation of her work. In Hollywood, the surface is what is important and we also see the outsized effect of "influencers" and social media.

What is different about this novel is that we don't just get Penny's story -- there are also extensive excerpts from her novel "American Mermaid," and so we also get the story of Sylvia the mermaid. In some ways, Sylvia's life parallels Penny's, and we see how anything rare or different struggles in our society.

There is also mermaid magic and humor. This is a really interesting novel and I will be thinking about it for a long time. If you want to read something different, give this a try.

>45 BLBera: Yes! Wednesday. 6:30pm your time. 🙂

>48 BLBera: I'm wondering if I'd like this one. I've not heard of it before.

I think you would Ellen.

>49 EBT1002: 6:30? or 7:30?

>48 BLBera: That one sounds intriguing. Into the swamp with it!

>48 BLBera: this sounds good - I might give it a try!

>48 BLBera: I love "lawyer hours for babysitter money."

>53 swynn: It was unexpected, Steve.

>54 japaul22: I thought it was an original.

>55 labfs39: Yes, Lisa, as a teacher that jumped right out at me. There is a bit of teacher humor in the novel.

>46 streamsong: - I'm thinking of joining in on this one as well, in hopes of being able to get through it with company. It's been on my radar awhile, and I can easily get it from the library.

>48 BLBera: American Mermaid is now on my tbr list. Your thread is always packed with wonderful books to read. Thanks!!

Okay, adding American Mermaid to the list.

Hello Beth, how are you?

>57 markon: The more the merrier, Ardene. It's pretty informal. We don't create a separate thread or anything.

>58 Whisper1: I hope you like it, Linda.

>59 EBT1002: I'm pretty sure you will like it, Ellen.

>60 Owltherian: Hi Lily. Thanks for stopping by.

You're very welcome Beth.

>27 BLBera: Hmmm. Perhaps I will start with the first in the series and see how I like it. I am always up for starting new series.

HAppy mid week!

>63 figsfromthistle: Several LTers are fans of the series, Anita. Just saying. :)

Hi Beth. I asked this over on Katie's busy thread but I fear it may have gotten lost in all the pasta discussion. LOL

Would you be willing to pass along the copy of Clash of Civilizations in an Elevator after you're done with it? :-)

Sure.

14. Hotel Silence
Hotel Silence won the Icelandic Literature Prize and is described as "endearing" on the book jacket. It's a good description of this novel about Jónas Ebenezer, a man in his fifties who doesn't want to live anymore. He's good at fixing things and a dutiful son and father, but he can't seem to find any reason to keep living. So, he buys a one-way ticket to an unnamed country recovering from a war -- Serbia or Croatia? -- determined to kill himself there. He finds a country in ruins, and his hotel in need of a DIY man. In the process of fixing pipes, Jónas hears the stories of people who have survived war and begins to reconsider his own life.

There's something satisfying in reading about people fixing things, and I enjoyed this short novel about this likable man. If you enjoy character-driven novels, you might enjoy this.

I am happy to pass on my copy. PM me your address and I will send it your way.

Happy new thread!

>67 BLBera: I've added this to my list, Beth, thanks. The amount of great books that comes out of Iceland is so amazing, given the size of the population!

>67 BLBera: Was thinking "this sounds good, but familiar" and I'd read it already. Glad I don't have to add it to the wishlist!

I really loved Tom Lake although I was slow getting into it. Made me want to visit a cherry farm too.

>67 BLBera: Okay, I’ve changed my mind. If no one else has claimed it, I’d love for you to pass this one along to me.

>68 ChelleBearss: Thanks.

>69 vivians: It is amazing how many Icelandic writers there are, Vivian. And, it's the first one I've read in a while.

>70 charl08: Hi Charlotte, I'm glad I'm not the only one that happens to.

>71 EBT1002: It's yours Ellen.

>67 BLBera: Sounds charming, actually my. I’m going to see if I can find a library copy.

>48 BLBera: This one too.

>73 Storeetllr: They are both good, Mary. I hope you can find copies in your library.

>72 BLBera: HI Beth, I read somewhere that one in ten in Iceland is a published author. It might have been in the Sarah Moss book on Iceland Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland.

It sounds a bit like A Man Called Ove

>75 mdoris: I loved Names for the Sea; it really interested me in Iceland for the first time.

>76 jessibud2: I thought of that while I was reading it, Shelley.

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/08/1229334473/nipplegate-20-years-ago-janet-jackson-...

This book sounds interesting.

>75 mdoris: Amazing stats on Icelandic writers, Mary. I know I enjoy many Icelandic authors.

>75 mdoris: & >79 vancouverdeb: I like Scandinavian writers in general to be honest and will always read several a year.

>79 vancouverdeb: I've gotten a few recommendations from you, Deborah!

>80 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul.

15. A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women
I enjoyed the philosophy, discussion of art, and the neuroscience in this thought-provoking collection of essays. It did require time and concentration, as I read this over the course of a couple of months. Hustvedt asks, "What are we"? and draws on years of reading, research, and thinking in her attempt to answer the question.

In the introduction, Hustvedt writes, "If I can be said to have a mission, then it is a simple one. I hope you, the reader, will discover that much of what is delivered to you...as decided truths, scientific or otherwise, are in fact open to question and revision." She discusses art, from Picasso to Louise Bourgeois, the "mind/body problem" and the origins of creativity, to mention a few of her topics.

I like discussions like this, but I understand that this collection may not be for everyone.

Coincidentally, Hustvedt often cites the seventeenth-century philosopher Margaret Cavendish, and there's a new biography of Cavendish that I would like to read, Pure Wit. I had never heard of Cavendish before reading this collection.

>82 BLBera: That one sounds so interesting Beth. i have it in the queue. i am reading Naomi Wolf's most recent book of essays and have taken your lead and reading one a day. That way they can be digested better I think to let the idea of each essay float around a bit.

>82 BLBera: Hustvedt's The Blazing World takes it's title from Cavendish's book and refers to Cavendish's life in the novel, so if you are interested in reading more by Hustvedt, I'd recommend that novel. I really liked it.

>48 BLBera: My local library has a copy of that one so I will try "something different" when I get a chance. Thanks for the recommendation, Meg.

>67 BLBera: Adding that one to the BlackHole as I could not luck out twice in a row. . .

Have a super Saturday, Beth!

>83 mdoris: I have started to appreciate good essays, Mary.

>84 RidgewayGirl: I've read it, Kay. Hustvedt is one of my favorite writers, and I have read most of her fiction, with the exception of an early one and her latest. Harriet in The Blazing World is loosely based on Louise Bourgeois.

>85 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Have a great weekend. Happy reading.

>82 BLBera: Do you think this would work as an audiobook, if I could find an audio version? My eyes just aren’t happy reading text anymore more.

I'm not sure, Mary. I don't think it would work for me. I had to go back and reread and refer to previous passages in some of the essays, but I am not a good audiobook consumer in general. You could give it a try.

Thanks, Beth! If I can find it, I will!

Let me know how it is, Mary.

You never steer me wrong, Beth. You got me with American Mermaid (I can relate to doing lawyer work for babysitter money), and Hotel Silence.

Oh, Anne, that is so nice. I hope you enjoy both books. I am always nervous about recommendations.

And here is a lovely morning poem from Richard Blanco's new collection Homeland of My Body.

No More than This, Provincetown

Today, home is a cottage with morning
in the yawn of an open window. I watch
the crescent moon, like a wind-blown sail,
vanish. Blue slowly fills the sky and light
regains the trust of wildflowers blooming
with fresh spiderwebs spun stem to stem.
The room rises with the toasting of bread,
a stick of butter puddling in a dish, a knife
at rest, burgundy apples ready to be halved,
a pint of blueberries bleeding on the counter,
and little more than this. A nail in the wall
with a pair of disembodied jeans, a red jersey,
and shoes embossed by the bones of my feet
and years of walking. I sit down to breakfast
over the nicks of a pinewood table and I am,
for a moment, not afraid of being no more
than what I hear and see, no more than this;
the echo of bird songs filling an empty vase,
the shadow of a sparrow moving through
the shadow of a tree, disturbing nothing.

Hi Twin!

>3 BLBera: The Whalebone Theater is on my shelf and I will move it closer to the top of the pile.

>7 BLBera: Ditto...historic fiction is a favorite and I am new to Giles.

>48 BLBera: Ditto...mermaid magic is just what I need!

>92 BLBera: Aah...thank you! I want to make more space for poetry.

I just passed on my copy of Dinosaurs as part of work's bookswop. Feeling very virtuous, hoping the next reader likes it as much as I did.

>93 Berly: Hi Back! I hope you are feeling better.

>94 witchyrichy: I hope you like any books you discover here, Karen. You are welcome. We all need more poetry.

>95 charl08: I have passed on some books recently as well, Charlotte. It makes room for new ones? I am so happy that Dinosaurs is gaining some fans.

I love the poem in >92 BLBera:. I also love that you have a poetry book in progress along with other books. I wish I was that person. :)

I have Dinosaurs on my library hold list. It will get here eventually.

>97 streamsong: Hi Janet - I have always loved poetry, and it is a nice reflective way to start the day for me. I love Richard Blanco's poems. Dinosaurs is worth the wait!

16. On Juneteenth
In this collection of essays, Annette Gordon-Reed explores various aspects of Texas history through family stories. She points out the distinction between origin stories and history, the role of Indigenous people in Texas, as well as the origin of Juneteenth.
It turns out a lot of what I know about Texas is based on stories and myths and John Wayne movies.

This short collection is excellent; Gordon-Reed's personal experiences make this very readable, and I found the history fascinating. I am glad I finally read this; it had been on my shelf for too long.

>92 BLBera: >97 streamsong: Me, too! I donate money to the American Academy of Poets and have poetry delivered every day. I think I need to "piggyback" a poem a day with my other morning routines.

>99 BLBera: Adding this to the list. I read her excellent book about Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson and also discovered much of my "knowledge" was historical hearsay and rumors.

>99 BLBera: It turns out a lot of what I know about Texas is based on stories and myths and John Wayne movies.

Same here.

I read On Juneteenth a couple of years ago and liked it also. Glad to see it's still finding readers.

>82 BLBera: just found your thread, and saw this about the cavendish bio. Im another that has been interested in her since reading the blazing world and the article in the Nyer about her, and the new bio. got it and havent started it yet, but am eager to!

>100 witchyrichy: Hi Karen. On Juneteenth is a short read, but content rich.

>101 swynn: I don't know why it took me so long to read it, Steve.

>102 cindydavid4: Hi Cindy. Yes, I would like to read it. I don't know when...

Inaugeral Women's Prize for Nonfiction Longlist
Young Queens
All That She Carried
Doppelganger
Vulture Capitalism
Wifedom
The Britannias
A Flat Place
Intervals
Code Dependent
The Dictionary People
Shadows at Noon
Eve
Matrescence
Thunderclap
Some People Need Killing
How to Say Babylon

I had only heard of a handful of these, but for those interested in reading nonfiction by women, here are some choices. I haven't read any.

>100 witchyrichy: Another source of poetry is the poetry thread in Club Read People post poems as they run across them.

>104 BLBera: Thanks for posting these Beth. I'll be taking a look to see what I want to read.

I was looking at the list, Ardene, and my library has quite a few. So, I will start with some of those. This isn't good for my reading from my shelves!

>104 BLBera: Thanks for posting! And happy Thursday!

Happy Thursday to you, TwinK! Hey, I am starting to read Light in Gaza, a collection I picked up at the book fair. At the time, you said you would like to read it when I finished it. Should I earmark it for you when I am done?

I've read All That She Carried and highly recommend. I also already knew about Eve and How to Say Babylon and have been on my library wait list. There are several others that I'm now interested in.

>99 BLBera: My local library has a copy of that one. I will have to check it out. Thank you for the recommendation, Beth!

>104 BLBera: Thank you for posting that list, Beth. How to Say Babylon is next on my stack to read. Unfortunately, it is the only book on the list that I can lay hands on currently.

>104 BLBera: What an interesting list. I don't think I have read any yet either.

>109 japaul22:, >110 alcottacre:, >111 figsfromthistle: It is an interesting list. I will definitely dip into it.

17. Family Lore
I loved this novel about four Dominican sisters. Disclaimer: I lived in the Dominican Republic for four years, and so enjoyed revisiting the culture, which Acevedo paints in both a loving and tongue-in-cheek way. Each of the Marte sisters has a talent: Matilde is a demon on the dance floor; Flor can foretell deaths; Pastora can tell when people are lying; and Camila is a talented herbalist. All of the sisters have moved to New York City and have created a community there.

When Flor informs her sisters that she is going to hold a living wake, the whole family is worried. Has Flor seen her death? She isn't saying, and the family gets ready for the celebration, including Flor's daughter Ona, an anthropologist and Flor's niece Yadi, a caterer.

The chapters alternate among the sisters and the nieces; this is very much a woman-centered novel although the men with their machismo very much influenced the trajectory of the women's lives.

I enjoyed the language with the bits of Dominican Spanish although I understand that those not familiar with it might find this to be an obstacle. But the sisters and their lives drew me in. I loved The Poet X, and Acevedo's first adult novel is a success. I can't wait to see what she does next.

>113 BLBera: This sounds great and what a pretty cover!

>108 BLBera: Feeling kinda swamped. If someone else wants it, give it to them. If no one else speaks up, then yes. : )

>113 BLBera: Family Lore sounds good, Beth. How interesting that you lived in the Dominican Republic. I think I may have to wish list that and see if my library has it. Thanks!

>114 banjo123: I forgot to mention the cover, Rhonda. It is pretty.

>115 Berly: Well, it will be a while before I finish it. Maybe by then, your pile will have a space.

>116 vancouverdeb: I enjoyed it, Deborah. It's exciting to see so many young Dominican American writers.

>92 BLBera: Such a lovely poem! Thank you for sharing it.

Thanks , Beth , Poppy is feeling so much better today. It's relief. She's having her liquid pain killer disguised in some wet dog food that she is keen about.

Hello Beth. My names Owl or Lily! Its nice to meet you, and how are you?

>118 Copperskye: You are welcome, Joanne. I love Blanco's poetry.

>119 vancouverdeb: I am glad to hear it, Deborah. Fingers crossed.

>120 Owltherian: Good morning Owl. Thanks for the visit.

>121 BLBera: Your so welcome, also sorry for the semi late response i fell asleep.

>122 Owltherian: Not a problem - there is no time limit here.

>123 BLBera: Cool, i would have responded way sooner than i did though and i may just go offline for a few hours to do somethings like eat, take care of this cold that i now have, and brush my starting to get matted cat (she has an undercoat so we have to brush her daily)

I've just started reading Light in Gaza, and in one of the first essays, by Refaat Alareer, an English professor at the Islamic University of Gaza, he points out the problem with criticizing Israel: "All are terror in Israel's books. Even Archbishop Desmond Tutu...was slandered as a bigot and antisemite. Renowned actor Emma Watson was attacked and accused of antisemitism for daring to post in support of Palestine solidarity on Instagram."

There must be some kind of middle ground. Can't people criticize acts without being labeled? I can tell that these essays will be thought provoking and heartbreaking.

>125 BLBera: That sounds like an interesting and highly relevant book to read. I'll add it to my wishlist.

>126 labfs39: I want to be better informed, Lisa, and this collection looks like it comes from a variety of people in various disciplines. Obviously, they are going to be pro Palestine, but I am interested in hearing from people who live and work in Gaza.

>125 BLBera: The middle ground, Beth, is often found by separating the people from the politics which is so difficult to do. We can surely feel pity and disquiet for the human suffering in Gaza without criticizing the right of another state to exist.

Have a great weekend.

Well said, Paul.

>125 BLBera: being jewish, I am shocked and outraged at the govt of Israels actions at the destruction and killing that has taken place and think the PM needs to stop this and negotiat to free the hostages (if they are still alive by this point) I can say that here, and to some family members who agree with me. but I need to keep my mouth shut among some friends and cousins, or I will be called a traitor to Israel and to my people, What happened on Oct 7 was an outrage, and I do want Hammus to pay for it,but this is not the way; israel have shown its might, now they need to show their humantity* There are countries who are willing to help with talks. Right now the whole world seems to be against Israel, and it didn't need to be that way. as you say it is very sad that we arent at liberty to speak out. I can only hope that the people in Isreal, esp the families of the hostages, can fill the streets with demonstrations against this government, and maybe call for a new election.

*they also need to investigate how this could hapen, how so many of these terrorists were able to break through the supposed protections that had been put in place. I have cousins who live there who have had their trust shattered by this

BTW a few weeks ago the NYT magazine had a collection of scholars on both side talking about the history behind thi conflict. I found it to be enlightening and informative. . I think this would be good to read if you want to be better informed

and its interesting, I looked up the history of the Middle East on Wiki and from about 2000bce lists conflict after conflict and war after war in a never ending cycle. So maybe they just cant quit....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Middle_Eastern_history

Light in Gaza is one for my wishlist, Beth. I have The Hundred Years War on Palestine and I hope that will shed more light on the conflict there.

>82 BLBera: Oops, Pure Wit fell straight into my cart Beth. Might be a while before I get to that volume of Hustved's essays, but I know they will be fascinating.

I think that will be my next read, so looking forward to it!

So regarding my wish in >130 cindydavid4:, I think it may be coming true

Large Antigovernment Protest Returns to Tel Aviv, as Criticism of Netanyahu Mounts

>130 cindydavid4: Thanks Cindy. It is all so sad; Israel certainly deserves the right to exist but the pictures from Gaza are just heartbreaking.

>133 Caroline_McElwee: I am trying to resist buying it, Caroline because my library does have a copy, but I usually take so long reading nonfiction that maybe I will HAVE to buy it!

>132 vancouverdeb: I will look for that one as well, Deborah.

Middle ground is a rare thing, these days, when so many issues are so polarizing. It is sad, and so unproductive.

You got me with Family Lore. I enjoyed Ms. Acevedo's Clap When You Land which I read a few years ago. Marina's roommate is from the DR, so she is learning quite a bit about the culture as well.

>136 AMQS: I know Anne. If people were willing to put themselves in others' shoes, the world would be a better place.

Have you read The Poet X? That's the only other novel by Acevedo and I loved it. I wonder if she will continue to write adult fiction or go back to YA?

Saying hello as I pass through the threads.

hello!

Hi Lori and Cindy.

>113 BLBera: I have seen mixed reviews of that one. I guess I am going to have to check it out for myself and decide!

>125 BLBera: Adding Light in Gaza to the BlackHole. Unfortunately my local library does not have a copy of it.

18. The Vulnerables
Set in NYC during the lockdown as cases of COVID mount, the narrator contemplates writing, solitude, and life. When she is asked to care for a friend's parrot, she is happy to have a purpose to leave her apartment.

Some thoughts:
I enjoyed the stream of consciousness and digressions, but if you want a plot, this novel probably isn't for you.

We have to ask ourselves who are the vulnerables.

I loved all the allusions to other writers (the narrator is a writer) and seeing how she connects her reading to her life experiences.

I would expect that this novel would be especially relatable to people who lived through this in NYC but also that it might be difficult for them to read.

A doctor friend tells the narrator: "Doctors are used to seeing people behave irrationally...But what's so ominous is seeing the behavior on a massive scale. It's like the whole world woke up one day and took a giant stupid pill."

Hi Beth! How are ya?

>141 alcottacre: Hi Stasia - I enjoyed Family Lore but admit that when the nieces discussed sex, at times I felt like there was TMI. Ona's power is an alpha vagina...

I think Light in Gaza is from a small press. I hope you can find a copy.

>142 BLBera: I was in NYC then. Maybe I should try this, but I do like a bit of a plot, however light. An interesting review!

>142 BLBera: Still waiting for this one from the library. I really loved her previous two. I'd be cross at the wait, except I've maxed myself out again...

Hi Beth. I wonder about picking up a copy of Light in Gaza. I have been wanting to read about the area, the conflicts, etc. and keep finding myself overwhelmed. I have purchased a handful of books but made no progress. Maybe a series of essays would work for me.

>131 cindydavid4: That sounds like a good read. As a subscriber to the digital NYT, I wonder if I can fid a copy....

>145 kjuliff: Have you read other things by Nunez, Kate? If you have liked her other work, you will like this. She tends to be stream of consciousness.

>146 charl08: I loved The Friend, Charlotte, but the one after that not so much. Her style though is similar in all of them.

>147 EBT1002: Ellen, I can send you Light in Gaza when I am done. Then you can send it on to Kim. When I bought it in Portland, she said she'd like to read it, but she says she has a lot of books on her pile now, so you could have it first.

>113 BLBera: Beth, as you predicted I'm interested in Family Lore. From your description I can't help but think of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents because of the four sisters. Any other similarities?

I just wrote down all the book bullets from a quick scroll through your thread.

>148 BLBera: Sounds great. Thanks Beth!

>147 EBT1002: yes Im sure you can; it was two sundays ago, I know theres a way for subscibers to use the archives.eta Just found it

https://www.nytimes.com/issue/magazine/2024/02/02/the-1424-issue

>149 AnneDC: Hi Anne - I wasn't thinking of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents when I read this, but the sisters' closeness is similar. The sisters in Family Lore are in their 70s although the story does go back to when they were younger.

>150 EBT1002: It will take me a couple of weeks and then I will send it your way.

>151 cindydavid4: Thanks for the link.

>148 BLBera: No Beth, I haven’t read any Nunez. I don’t like a whole book of stream of consciousness- but I like it in small doses. I think that’s why I liked Mysteries.

Give it a try, Kate. You can always stop reading if it doesn't appeal.

Hi Beth, just wandering through and catching up. Hard to believe we are nearing the end of February - where does the time go?

Hi Beth, your thread got away from me (it was in good company, there were a bunch that I couldn't keep up with). Looks like you are reading some interesting books. You got me with a BB for American Mermaid.

>155 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy- I have noticed that since I retired, time does seem to fly. I can't believe we'll be in March next week.

>156 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I know what you mean about threads. I can't keep up either. I loved American Mermaid.

I loved The Poet X so I should add Family Lore to my list.

The Vulnerables is my favorite of the three books by Nunez that I've read. I loved how she captured the sense of unease, and well, vulnerability.

I wanted to make sure to stop by and let you know how much I absolutely loved These Old Shades. You had sent me your copy more than a few years ago and I finally got to it - it was so fun! Thank you!

Hi Joanne - I had completely forgotten about These Old Shades - it is a fun one.

I think I might like The Friend more than The Vulnerables, but you are right, she did a great job of capturing the times. And I loved her digressions and talk of other authors.

>159 BLBera: was there a live parrot in The Vulnerables?

It is hard to believe we are nearly in March and it's almost daylight savings time again. We had a nice warm ( 58 F ) and sunny day today. Glad you enjoyed Ghost Bride and I hope you enjoy The Fox Wife when you get to it.

>160 dianeham: Yes, there was a live parrot in The Vulnerables, Diane.

>161 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah - It was warm here as well. It has been a warm winter here, not good at all. We've hardly had any snow, either.

>105 markon: Thanks for the poetry tip!

>158 Copperskye: I also loved The Poet X so Family Lore is on the list.

>162 BLBera: Very disappointing winter here with lots of rain and not even a hope of snow.

Hi Karen. I worry about drought if we don't get more moisture this winter or spring.

19. Normal Rules Don't Apply
I will read anything Kate Atkinson writes, and this newest collection of stories is wonderful. There is some crossover among the stories, which have a playful tone. We have a female deity who is finding creation hard work, a ghost looking for heaven, a group of stuffed animals terrorized by their owner, and a talking horse. Overall, the stories portray people who are trying to live decent lives, but finding that there are no rules (see the title) for doing this.

Atkinson fans will welcome this. The opening story "The Void" is especially powerful.

>165 BLBera: interesting! I didn't know she had a new book out.
ETA: and my library has it! I've put it on my list as a future hold request.

>165 BLBera: Well, I’m an Atkinson fan, and “Normal Rules” immediately went on my request list at the library. Thanks!

Karen O

>166 lauralkeet: Hi Laura - I think story collections maybe don't get as much hype? I really enjoyed this collection.

>167 klobrien2: Hi Karen - There are some great stories in this collection, and I like that there is some crossover with plots and characters.

>155 DeltaQueen50: That's definitely one for the WishList. I love Kate Atkinson too.

>165 BLBera: Thanks Beth, on to the library reserve list it goes!

>165 BLBera: I liked her earlier novels, but the last one set in nightclubs didn’t grab me, though I had really been looking forward to it. She’s a good writer, so I will try to get these short stories.

>165 BLBera: I liked the collection but the female deity one particularly tickled me.

>165 BLBera: Normal Rules Don't Apply is now on my TBR list. Thanks for your excellent review!

>169 SandDune: Hi Rhian - If you like Atkinson, I can almost guarantee you will like these stories.

>170 mdoris: Hi Mary. I hope you like it.

>171 kjuliff: Hi Kate - I haven't read Shrines of Gaiety yet, but I know a lot of Atkinson fans were disappointed. I hope to get to it this year.

>172 charl08: Yes, Charlotte, that was a good one. I loved Franklin as well, especially the story when he was visiting his fiancee's home.

>173 Whisper1: Enjoy it, Linda.

Normal Rules Don't Apply is on the WL!! Love Atkinson. Happy Sunday, TwinB!

Happy Sunday to you! How are you feeling?

Better than yesterday! But not yet well. I got The Running Grave by Galbraith on audio partially because I know it is so long it will keep me occupied while I sniffle in bed. LOL. 34 audio hours!!

I'm not that keen on short stories, but do love Kate Atkinson's books, so I might have to consider Normal Rules Don't Apply.

>165 BLBera: I've just finished Normal Rules Don't Apply and I liked it much more than I expected. I love Kate Atkinson's writing I was hooked from Behind the Scenes at the Museum, which I read in 1990ish (before proper records began!) but I don't usually care for short stories and I find her more surreal stories are sometimes harder work. I think the links between the stories helped.

>177 Berly: I hope you are still feeling better, TwinK. The Galbraith should keep you out of trouble for a while!

>178 vancouverdeb: I love short stories, Deborah, and these are really good ones.

>179 CDVicarage: Hi Kerry. I do like linked stories, and I has happy to see Franklin return in several.

20. Homeland of My Body
I loved this new collection of poetry by Richard Blanco. As I read through the collection, I can see the evolution of his style, and also see the changes in the poet's thoughts about home and his place in the world. Some of my favorites are selections from City of a Hundred Fires, poems set in Miami, especially "La Revolución at Antonio's Mercado." It gives us such a clear view of the bodega and the people who frequent it. I also appreciate his activist poems, "One Pulse -- One Poem" (about the shooting at the Pulse night club) and the powerful "Seventeen Funerals" about the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

I will revisit this collection.

>157 BLBera: It is amazing how fast time flies in retirement! I found there were so many things to see and do that I have to keep a close eye on my calendar to make sure I don't miss anything. Good luck keeping up, Beth!

Well, Beth , like you I am keen to find out what will be on the Women's Prize Longlist. Not too long to wait now. I was looking on Charlotte's thread and I noticed you had a few ideas on what might be on the list and you could well be correct.

>182 Familyhistorian: I know, Meg. I can't understand people who are bored in retirement.

>183 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. It is always fun to see what is on the longlist, and usually some unexpected books. I always find new-to-me writers.

>151 cindydavid4: Thank you!

>165 BLBera: Sigh. Adding it to the list....

>185 EBT1002: I'm always happy to add to your list, Ellen.

Hi Beth, all caught up with you once again. I noted a few possible book bullets: Family Lore and The Vulnerables. It may be a month or two before I can check them out further because I have a backlog of library books at the present time. Oh, I was also interested in the nonfiction version of The Women's Prize. I need to read more NF and may try The Dictionary People because of my fascination with words. Like Deborah (and others I'm sure), I am eagerly awaiting the Women's Prize for Fiction List.

Hi, Beth. I am glad to see your positive review of Normal Rules Don't Apply. I was on the fence with that one, being somewhat disappointed in her last couple of books. I also loved Homeland of My Body. A wonderful collection.

>187 Donna828: Hi Donna - February was a great month of reading for me; I think all of the fiction was four stars. I have reserved The Dictionary People at the library. I am so happy that my library has quite a few of the NF selections for the Women's Prize.

>188 msf59: Hi Mark - If you like Atkinson, you will like this story collection. I agree that the Blanco collection was great.

21. The Wren, The Wren
I loved this novel about a mother (Carmel) and her daughter (Nell). Overshadowing them is the memory of Carmel's poet father Phil McDaragh. Although he died before Nell was born, he is a presence in both women's lives. This is an Enright novel, so both Carmel and Nell have issues, but I found this novel to be lighter and funnier than other Enright novels I've read.

And I loved how Enright structured her story. She alternates Nell's and Carmel's voices, and separating the sections, we have Phil's poems. To help keep the characters' voices distinct, Nell's sections are narrated in first person, while Carmel's story is told in third person. Also, Nell's voice changes as she gets older.

I found myself laughing out loud in some passages. Nell is writing a book for anxious travelers, and some of her observations are very funny. Of the Uffizi, she says, "All the painted women in the Uffizi are whiter than any human flesh. Many of them look like Cate Blanchett if Cate Blanchett could not act. This is especially the case in the early rooms. Here, groups of pale, serene people gaze off in different directions doing very bad acting indeed."

This may be my favorite Enright novel.

>190 BLBera: that sounds great.

>191 dianeham: It was Diane. I had a great reading month! Most of my books were four stars.

>190 BLBera: That sounds good, Beth. Fingers crossed, it might be on the Women's Prize Longlist.

>190 BLBera: ok, for the Uffizi alone Id read that book!

>190 BLBera: I only read Enright's Booker winner, The Gathering, but this one caught my eye when it was released. It's been on my library list ever since, and your review shifted it back onto my radar.

>193 vancouverdeb: I enjoyed it, Deborah. Enright can be pretty bleak, but this was less so.

>194 cindydavid4: The description went on, and it was pretty funny.

>195 lauralkeet: Hi Laura - I've read several by Enright, including The Gathering and Actress. Both Actress and The Wren, The Wren show how our pasts can influence us. I'll watch for your comments when you get to it.

February Reading
Books read: 10

Library: 4
From my shelves: 6

By women: 9
By men: 1

Novels: 6
Poetry: 1
Essays: 2
Short stories: 1
Translation: 1

I had a great month in reading. Both essay collections were great: On Juneteenth and A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women and the novels were all stellar. It was hard to pick a favorite. I only read one book in translation, so I need to step up those in March. I've already gotten a start with Fresh Water for Flowers.

>190 BLBera: Thanks for that review, Beth. I'm in the library queue and hope it arrives soon.

I think you'll like it, Vivian. What else have you read by Enright?

>199 BLBera: I've read a few, including Actress, The Gathering and The Green Road. I don't remember much about the latter two, other than neither bowled me over. I thought Actress was beautifully written but it didn't really resonate. I have still have high hopes for The Wren, The Wren.

I haven't read The Green Road, but I read the other two. The Wren, The Wren is my favorite of those I have read.

You are doing great with reading from your shelves, Beth. I wish I could say the same but the library books seem to be taking over lately.

>197 BLBera: Good to see you had a successful reading month in February. I cannot claim the same but I have made a decent start to March.

>202 Familyhistorian: Well, it's an ongoing project, Meg. We'll see how I do in March.

>203 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. Good luck with your March reading.

>190 BLBera: Hi Beth! I haven't read Anne Enright but it sounds like this might be a good place to start.

Beth, I started a topic here in 75 - seems like a friend place.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/358983#n8450600

>205 Copperskye: I would start with her latest one, Joanne, if the description sounds interesting.

>206 dianeham: Great, Diane! I will visit right away.

>190 BLBera: "Favorite Enright novel" is high praise. I'm looking forward to this one.

>206 dianeham: Love your title in your 75 books thread.

22. Light in Gaza
This collection of essays, poems, and photos is illuminating. Some of the essays are very academic, those about the use of AI and about architecture, for example. My favorite essays were the personal ones that showed the human cost of living in Gaza, limited ability to travel, lack of medical resources, and death of family and friends, to name a few of the experiences mentioned. I had no idea about life in Gaza, and thanks to this collection, I now understand a bit better. I'm really glad I read this.

>208 RidgewayGirl: If you like Enright, I think you'll like this one, Kay.

>209 kjuliff: I wish I had thought of it!

Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist
The Blue Beautiful World
And Then She Fell
8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster
Restless Dolly Maunder
Western Lane
The Wren, The Wren
A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams
Ordinary Human Failings
Hangman
Soldier Sailor
The Maiden by Kate Foster
In Defense of the Act by Effie Black
River East, River West
Brotherless Night
Enter Ghost
Nightbloom

Some of the touchstones don't work. Well, this is a surprise. I am not familiar with many of these books. I look forward to dipping into them. I've only read The Wren, The Wren and Nightbloom

It is a surprise indeed, Beth . I’ll post the list on my thread a little later . I have only read Western Lane as it was one the Booker Short List . I’ve put several on hold at the library, and ordered The Maiden from Kenny’s Bookshop in Ireland .

>212 BLBera: Thanks for this enticing list. I'm eager to read Brotherless Night and I love how Western Lane is the little book that could, showing up on every single list it's eligible for.

>212 BLBera: It must have been a busy day, I forgot all about this!

I've read Western Lane and The Wren, The Wren but that's it. Off to request some books from my library catalogue.

>213 vancouverdeb: I told you I was rotten at predictions! I was pretty surprised that The Fraud wasn't on the list.

>214 RidgewayGirl: I always have fun exploring this, Kay. I always find new-to-me authors that I end up loving.

>215 charl08: I did the same thing, Charlotte. I do have Enter Ghost from the library, and I see the library has a couple of others.

>212 BLBera: Thanks for the list!! And happy Tuesday. : )

Right back at you!

>212 BLBera: Thanks for the list. Sadly, many of these titles have not been ordered by my local library.

>212 BLBera: I started Hangman a while back but didn’t finish it.

Hi Beth, Most of the long list are unfamiliar to me. I have read Western Lane and do have The Wren, the Wren on reserve at the library but the rest I will try and keep my radar tuned.

I'm surprised that Fraud wasn't one the list too, Beth.

>219 figsfromthistle: There are only four titles that are unavailable to me, Anita. They may be new, so I am hoping that eventually my library will get them.

>220 dianeham: Why didn't you finish it, Diane? I ask because it's one I reserved at the library.

>221 mdoris: Half of the novels are first novels, Mary. That gives us a chance to find new authors!

>222 vancouverdeb: I know, Deborah. Kate Grenville and Anne Enright are the only ones who have been on the list before, I think.

Hi Beth! I just started River East, River West and am loving it so far.

>224 vivians: Hi Vivian - I look forward to reading through the list with you once again, although you always get through it much faster than I do!

I’ve started on Nightbloom , and I have River East , River West arriving today from
Amazon . I have a couple of holds in from the library, so we’ll see what I can finish as far as the library books go.

Hi Beth! I have not read The Poet X, but it is on my list.

I am a bit bewildered as I listen to American Mermaid. You're right - it is different, and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I think I'm maybe 2/3 of the way through the book right at that explosive scene where it appears the screenplay is writing itself.

>223 BLBera: I think I intended to go back to it and just forgot.

>228 dianeham: I will watch for your comments, Deborah.

>227 AMQS: All will be explained, Anne. I read it; I'm not sure what it would be like to listen to it. Let's talk when you finish. I just delivered Ferris to Scout this afternoon. She was very excited about it. And VERY excited about Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's new book. :)

>238 BLBera: Thanks Diane. I was hoping it wasn't because it was terrible.

Hiya Beth....hope your having a good day, and its better than mine probably.

Hi Lily. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Hopefully but im crying already while trying to understand why someone basically wrote a whole kind of hate post about me and a few others

I am sorry to hear that. There are some mean people in the world.

23. Fresh Water for Flowers
I read this for my book club and I look forward to the discussion. As I began this, it reminded me of The Elegance of the Hedgehog, and in many ways, that held true. Both are portraits of independent women. However, Perrin adds a plot twist and other points of view to her novel. In the end, I'm not sure that part of the novel was successful. I have to think about it a bit more.

This is (mostly) the story of Violette Toussaint, an orphan who marries young. She ends up as a caretaker of a cemetery and much of the novel details her life there. As the novel progresses, we glimpse other people's stories, a diary of a woman who wants her ashes placed on the grave of a man not her husband, and Violette's husband.

I really liked Violette and enjoyed my time in her world. I would read more by Perrin.

>233 BLBera: I dealt with it thankfully and they understand if i don't trust/forgive them as much

24. Queen of a Rainy Country
This collection suffered in comparison with the Richard Blanco poems I just finished. At first, the poems seemed bland in comparison. The collection is divided into sections, and the section on poems related to a long marriage pulled me in and I loved the section on poetry. For example the poem "What Does Poetry Save You From?" answers the question, "From having to say/'nothing,' when a stranger/asks me what I do."

From "The Life I Didn't Lead"
But the art that mattered
was the life led fully
stanza by swollen stanza.

So, I am glad I stayed with this collection.

If anyone would like my copy, PM me your address, and I will pass it on to you. I know there are some other Pasten fans out there.

>234 BLBera: oh I loved Hedgehog, until the last few pages when I threw it at the wall and swore not to read that autor again But this one does look interesting

>237 cindydavid4: I did enjoy it, Cindy. The others in my book club also liked it, and some of the things I had reservations about, they liked, and it gave me a different perspective. It made a good discussion.

I am enjoying my Women's Fiction List reading, Beth, thanks! I am nearly finished Nightbloom and am really enjoying it. Next up is Restless Dolly Maunder, since I have it out from the library and someone else has placed a hold on the book. Now that I am more familiar with the Longlist, I am quite keen on most of the books. I do enjoy a list with good books on it!

Hi Beth. I have The Wren, the Wren on hold and now I'm looking forward to its arrival. I also want to get a copy of Light in Gaza.

The only book on the Women's Prize long list that I've read is Western Lane. I gave it 3.5 stars.

>239 vancouverdeb: I look forward to your comments, Deborah.

>240 EBT1002: Light in Gaza is on its way to you. :) After I finish with The Lost Journals of Sacajewea, I think I will read Enter Ghost. I have that one checked out of the library.

Just caught up here (whew!). I’m intrigued by Light in Gaza and the new Atkinson. Everything I’ve read by her has been excellent to very well done.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful week, Beth.

Hi Gail! I will read anything by Atkinson. I know the opinions of her new story collection are varied, but I really liked it.

25. The Lost Journals of Sacajewea
This novel gives us Sacajewea's story in her own voice. In her blurb of the book, Susan Power says, "Earling's Sacajewea tells us a new story, closer to the bone. In gorgeous, startling, revelatory prose, the author commands the English language in profound ways, shapes it to her purposes, and designs a new speech." Earling uses this "new speech" to give Sacajewea her voice and we follow her from her days as a young girl living with her family, to her capture by enemy War men, to her eventual journey with Lewis and Clark. It is a harrowing story.

This speech does make for slow reading at times. An example: "I read sign of all creaking Trees, of all animals spying us, of Owl's hoot voice, of voles scrittering in caches, of Bird swoops and Eagle screeches and Fox paws and Coyote cries and camps abandoned. Great water falls -- go away hiss."

Eventually I discovered reading large chunks at a time helped me to get into the flow of Sacajewea's speech. This is a remarkable achievement, but it won't appeal to everyone. The entire book uses speech similar to the quote, so if that doesn't call to you, you may want to give this novel a pass.

I did finally learn how to spell "Sacajewea."

I think this might be a good fit for an audiobook?

>224 vivians: Unfortunately I don't think The Lost Journals of Sacajewea, but then as I read your review, maybe it is, other than the speech that you mention. I'm glad that you discovered how to spell Sacajewea, but then , how to pronounce it?

The language is challenging, Deborah, but I persevered and am glad to have read it. It's quite an achievement.

Hi Beth! I'll start The Lost Journals of Sacajewea soon since I bought it last year when I heard Debra Magpie Earling speak. I think there are several ways of both spelling and pronouncing Sacajewea. :) I think DME pronounced it something like Sa ka ga wah.

Oh my the BB's whenever I visit your thread! And then the Women's List books - I'm still digesting all the International Booker Prize list also recently published recently.

I've added The Wren The Wren to my library holds. This will be my first Enright as I have struggled with bleak the last few years and so have skipped her work. I've also requested Normal Rules Don't Apply and Undiscovered by Gabriela Wiener. Most of these will be for a bit later in the year, since as usual, I am afloat in library books.

Hi Janet. I hope you enjoy any books you get from this thread. I will be interested to see what you think of Sacajewea.

Hi Beth! Just passing through.

Oh boy, now I'm confused. Another LTer, Lori, thought Chenneville flat at the conclusion but you thinks its even better than Jiles two previous books.
I may need to page through it at my library and seed if I get, 'you should read this vibes'

>249 dianeham: Hi Diane, thanks for stopping by.

>250 Carmenere: Take a look, Lynda; all of our tastes are different.

26. Orbital is a lovely, poetic novel that reveals one day on the International Space Station.

I loved The Western Wind, Harvey's novel set in a sixteenth century English village, and while Harvey travels centuries into the future in this new novel, she once again reveals her talent for description. We are in the space station and it seems impossible to me that Harvey is able to describe the place so vividly without ever being there. She gives us the sense of the unending loops of orbit: "And now those cities on the Gulf of Oman are passing behind, blanched by the dawn. Rose-flushed mountains, lavender desert, and up ahead Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and a round of faint cloud that is the moon...To starboard now the view is only the snow-covered Himalayas that stretch away like a road..."

As we follow the six astronauts in the space station through the day, we get a sense of their characters and motivations and also the awe they feel at being in space. The novel makes us consider the immensity of not only the universe, but of our lives.

Wonderful novel. The cover is beautiful.

>252 BLBera: I've heard of this one and am glad to hear your thoughts. On to the pile!:)

Hi Beth! Now I am thinking of reading Sacajewea. That passage you quoted sounds challenging, but rewarding.

Well, I am chipping away at my Women's Prize reading and have just finished Restless Dolly Maunder and I am moving onto The Wren, The Wren. This will be my first read of an Anne Enright. I made a start of The Gathering and there was so much swearing, I think that is the reason I DNF'd fairly early on.

Thanks for stopping by my thread -- I truly appreciate visitors and don't deserve any! I've added the Lydia Milletfrom your last years list to my wishlist. I think you might not like The Passage very much . . . Book 2 was ok, but uneven and occasionally just gross! But I seem to be hanging on, mostly due to character attachments.

Cora Harrison is terrific and you do find yourself reading the history of that period. Irish law is the real revelation though, very community oriented, totally unlike Roman/British law which we endure.

My 'writer's' book group liked Trespasses a great deal. I have Fintan O'Toole's essays We Don't Know Ourselves about present-day Ireland which I can't wait to start reading!

>253 vivians: I think you would like it, Vivian.

>254 banjo123: I am glad I read it, Rhonda. It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the language; I would suggest reading bigger chunks at a time.

>255 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. I'll stop to see what you thought of Dolly Maunder.

>256 sibylline: Hi Lucy. I am a huge Millet fan; she is so original. Maybe The Passage is one I just skip. I think I would like Cora Harrison though.

>212 BLBera: Thanks for posting the list! I'm trying not to add any. I already have The Wren, The Wren on my TBR list.
>252 BLBera: Orbit is on my TBR list. I'm going to the library tomorrow to see where my status is on the list.

Beth, I am so impressed at how many books you've read already! Congratulations.

>252 BLBera: Orbital sounds wonderful! On to the TBR list it goes.

>258 Whisper1: Hi Linda. Thanks for the visit. Orbital is really good, and it's short so easy to read in a couple of sittings.

>259 Carmenere: I hope you like it, Lynda.

>260 BLBera: oh I want to read that!

Yup me too. On to the library list it goes.

>252 BLBera: I don't think this would have tempted me, but your description has me adding it to the wishlist. Thanks Beth!

>261 cindydavid4: I'll watch for your comments.

>262 mdoris: It is a good one.

>263 charl08: It's one of those books that is hard to describe, but SO good, Charlotte. I think you will like it. The six characters' portraits are so deftly drawn in just a few words, and the descriptions of space are lovely.

Hi Twin!! I still have 100 pages to go on The Lost Journals of Sacajewea (not an easy read) and I am about halfway through Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma which I am enjoying immensely (not the evils done by people, but the discussion of art vs morality). Oh, and Orbital sounds good. Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you TwinK! I hope you are feeling better. I started reading Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma as well. I have to keep up with you. Orbital is very good. I think you would like it.

The library is holding a copy of Orbital. I can pick it up tomorrow! I'm anxious to read it!

I hope you are feeling better.

I hope you like it, Linda.

I did finish The Wren , The Wren. I think you already read it and enjoyed it, Beth ? Such was not the case for me, but at least now I have another Women's Prize Longlist book under my belt and another book to compare with the others. I don't plan to read the entire list , just what I can find , mainly from the library and also what I think I might enjoy.

I'll be interested in your take on Enter Ghost. That is one I plan to read and I asked my library to purchase it, and they did, so now I am just waiting on that.

>252 BLBera: ooh! You hit me with a BB!

Happy mid week reading.

Hi Beth

27. Enter Ghost
Sonia Nasir is an actress who lives in London. Her mother is Dutch and her dad is Palestinian. She hasn't visited Israel, where her sister Hannan lives, for eleven years. Hammad opens the novel with Sonia's arrival in Israel and the interrogation and strip search at the airport. This sets the mood of unease and uncertainty that pervade the novel.

Sonia's sister is a professor at an Israeli university and is a citizen of Israel. While Sonia is visiting, she is convinced to take the role of Gertrude in Hamlet. The play is being directed by Hannan's friend, Mariam Mansour. Some of the actors live in Israel and some live in Ramallah, while others are from West Bank camps. The cast allows Hammad to show us the variety of Palestinian experiences. The play also allows us to see the importance of art and the reasons for the longevity of Shakespeare. As they begin rehearsals, one of the cast says, "I think (Gertrude) does symbolize Palestine...like Palestine part of her accepts this, part of her betrays the old king, forgets what it used to be like, forgets her loyalty like those traitors on the inside, and those people who sold land to the Jews and, you know, these kinds of people, this betrayal is also the story of Palestine. It's not just we have been oppressed, it's also we have betrayed ourselves, our brothers." Shakespeare is still relevant.

Hammad has a lot to say in Enter Ghost, and she mostly does it very well. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and I found that hard at times, but I really loved this. I can see why it is on the Women's Prize longlist.

>269 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah - Sorry The Wren, The Wren didn't work for you.

>270 figsfromthistle: It's so good, Anita.

>271 Owltherian: Hi Lily.

>272 BLBera: Still waiting for my paperback copy of this! I've skimmed your review but will come back once I've finished it.

I really liked it, Charlotte. One thing I didn't mention were all of the scripts. :)

Great zoom visit yesterday, Beth. Thank you.
I've added Enter Ghost to my wish list even though I can't put it on hold at this time.

I so want to read this; but omg the synopsis brings me to tears. I remember learning that Israel was a shining light, over the years the shine has tarnished for me. It so saddens me that they have turned into something completely different, I dont think I could read this but I sorrow for the people who are suffering

>272 BLBera: Sounds like an amazingly good and important book, Beth, but it also sounds like a tough read. There is so much pain around anything in the middle east. My "short-term TBR" is also getting out of control. So...I think I'll keep this one in mind but not get it right away. Thanks for the thoughtful comments.

>273 BLBera: Hiya, how are you today?

Hi Beth, once again I am taking a hit from you with Orbital. The Lost Journals of Sacajewea are also calling out to me but I already have it on my list from some other source.

Great review of Enter Ghost. I put a purchase request into my library for that book, and the library is in the process of purchasing the book, so I hope it won't be to long until I get a hold of it. Meantime I have several others from the longlist to read, but I'm taking a break from the Longlist at the moment.

>276 EBT1002: It's always great to "see" you, Ellen. One of these years, we'll meet in Portland.

>277 cindydavid4: I really liked it, Cindy, and it is pretty matter-of-fact about the microagressions that Palestinians face daily. I thought that made it even better.

>278 RebaRelishesReading: It is good, Reba, but I certainly understand about the long WL!

>279 Owltherian: I'm fine Lily. I hope your day is going well.

>280 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy. I loved Orbital and in Sacajewea I appreciated what Early attempted, but I found it tough going.

>281 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah. It might be my favorite of the ones I've read so far.

Happy weekend! I saw mention of Joy Harjo above, and realized that some Harjo poetry would be nice to be reading. So I’ve got A Map to the Next World requested at the library.

Karen O

That is reminding me that at my next book group meeting we're supposed to bring a poem or two!

>234 BLBera: I'm just playing catch-up with you, Beth. Coincidentally, I just finished Fresh Water for Flowers. One of my bridge playing friends highly recommended it. I would have liked it better if the plot hadn't been so meandering. I did love Violette and her resilience! There is so much to discuss with this book. I hope you share your group's major likes and dislikes.

As usual, you are doing lots of interesting reading. I like the way you read a wide variety of books. I am reading too many depressing books in a row. Time to lighten up...

Just hi. Happy almost-Sunday!

How is Scout, by the way?

>283 klobrien2: Hi Karen - Like all poetry collections, some poems work better than others. I do like Harjo.

>284 sibylline: Hi Lucy - You have to write one, or find one?

>285 Donna828: Hi Donna - My group really liked Fresh Water for Flowers; I thought the shift in point of view didn't wholly work, but the others really liked getting another story. They thought the part on grief was well done, and everyone liked Violette. I think everyone said they would read others by Perrin.

>286 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. Scout is sick right now. We were going to do some sewing today, but she has a temp. :( In general, she is great. She's having a good year at school and learning how to cope with some mean girls.

I love your review of Enter Ghost. I will have to put it on my never ending list.

I enjoy all your reviews, whether the book ends up sounding interesting to me or not. I usually read the Club Read Questions for the Avid Reader thread and a recent discussion has been about reviews - what makes them good and bad, etc. I wish I was more analytical and had less summary of the book - but when I refer back to my reviews to comment on a book, I find I am most helped by my own summary. Any comments?

28. Word by Word
Who would have thought that a book about lexicography would be a page turner? In Word by Word, Korey Stamper manages to fascinate the reader as she explains how a dictionary comes into being. Each chapter is one word that she uses to illustrate another aspect of her work defining words for the Merriam Webster dictionary. She uses personal experience, and her sense of humor engages us: "English has a lot of synonyms for 'fool' or 'idiot.' Perhaps you take this to mean that English speakers are mean-spirited. I simply reply that necessity is the mother of invention." The chapters "Bitch" and "Marriage" are especially good.

People interested in language will appreciate this, and as Stamper points out, "...whenever I tell people what I do...'I write dictionaries'...one of the first things they ask is if we're hiring. Sit in a room all day, read, ponder the meanings of words -- to anyone who even remotely likes words, it sounds like the ideal job." (They aren't hiring.)

This book was given to me by Julia (rosalita), and I could picture her laughing at some particularly snarky bits. I am sorry it took me so long to read, but I'm glad I did. Thanks, Julia. This is being passed on to a member of my book club.

>288 streamsong: Hi Janet - we were posting at the same time.

I think you would like Enter Ghost. I know what you mean about long wishlists! Right now I am working through a pile of library books and the Women's Prize longlist.

Regarding reviews, it is tricky, I think. I think a summary is helpful in that it gives people an idea about the content of the book, but I also like to hear what people liked and didn't like about it. I try to include information that I would like to have about a book.

Some reviews are easier to write than others. I should mention that I did review books professionally for a time a long time ago, which was good experience.

>289 BLBera: I had a neighbor for a while who wrote definitions for the Oxford English Dictionary. He had some great stories.

>291 RidgewayGirl: Hi - can you share any of the stories?

I have two very old OEDs on my keep shelf.

>291 RidgewayGirl: Hi, Kay. Stamper does have some good stories. The dictionary answers each piece of mail, and she has found that some people are pretty passionate about entries.

29. What You Are Looking for Is in the Library
Books set in libraries are like catnip. When I picked this up, I expected to read a novel that embraced the power of books and libraries, and the novel does that. I was concerned that the Japanese books mentioned would be unfamiliar and make the novel hard to follow, but the books' contents are explained very well.

Set in a small community center library in Tokyo, this is actually a collection of linked stories about five people who are struggling with some aspect of their lives. They find inspiration from unexpected books they are directed to by the enigmatic librarian.

I found the book a little saccharine and simplistic, but if you are in the mood for a rather sweet, predictable story, you may like this more than I did. It is a quick read.

I still have the enormous 20+ volume OED I requested as a combined Birthday/Christmas gift in my early 30s. I've also had e-versions for at least 2 separate computer architectures and would love to have a Kindle version to keep on my MAC, but as far as I can tell it's only available by online subscription.

I would love to have the complete OED, Susan. I am jealous.

>289 BLBera: The book about words and creating dictionaries looks like an interesting one, Beth. I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Hi Beth! Catching up on a zillion threads here after having been MIA for a couple of months. As usual, you and I have a lot of overlaps in books read (yours) and on the pile (mine). Enter Ghost is one I want to get to sooner than later. I heard her talking about it on a podcast a while back (can't remember which), and then with the war in Gaza it seems like this would be a good—though not pointedly current-events—read for right now.

I read the first few stories in the new Kate Atkinson and liked them a lot. That one's also on the virtual pile.

Anyway, good to catch up and see what you've been reading!

My parents had a complete OED, which they got as a wedding gift from William F. Buckley, Jr. It's a long story...

My father loved to send me to the dictionary to look up words when I asked him about ones I came across while reading and didn't know. I eventually stopped asking him so as to avoid struggling with the giant volumes :)

>299 katiekrug: Building your muscles as well as your vocabulary.

>292 m.belljackson: Oh, he had a hard time with the definition of semifreddo, given that he couldn't just translate the word and use semi-frozen. Or the time on the newly coined words beat, where many of the words he had to define were not words he would ever say in polite company, but also the horror of getting stuck with a basic word like use.

>297 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg

>298 lisapeet: Lisa! I hope all is well with you. I did really like the Atkinson story collection although I saw differing views here. I do love short stories though, and I understand they are not everyone's cup of tea. Enter Ghost is really good -- and timely.

>299 katiekrug: Cool! I used to have students write an essay defining a word, and they had to look in the OED. They grumbled but usually ended finding it pretty interesting. Or at least they told me they did. :)

>300 quondame: Yes!

>301 RidgewayGirl: Stamper's word was "take." It took her a month.

>301 RidgewayGirl: >302 BLBera: "Use' would be a horror - Like "wind" or "French" or even "slips," as "used" in Simon Winchester's

The Meaning of Everything.

>303 m.belljackson: I think Stamper found that some of the hardest definitions were for common words.

>304 BLBera: "woman"!

>305 mdoris: "Marriage" is one that caused her trouble.

Hi, Beth. I hope all is well in MN. I am so glad you also loved Orbital. Possibly my biggest surprise read of last year. I hope it finds a bigger audience.

30. A Map to the Next World
It's always hard for me to discuss poetry collections. This one had some poems that I really liked, and some that left me cold. This volume tells of Harjo's various journeys and what she has learned from them. She's had an amazing life, and I enjoy reading about her discoveries. The thread that runs through this collection can be summarized by the excerpt from "Sudden Awareness":

Once again I walk the windowed corridor after security to the gates to catch a flight to somewhere in this eternal land, my horn in one hand, my bag of poems and notes in the other. Then the sun rises up softly over the Sandia Mountains and stops me there. I breathe deeply to take it all in, take the sun and the mountains into my lungs. And I know that when I die it is this moment that will surface, then go under, taking me with it.

>307 msf59: Hi Mark. It is wet here, but after a snowless winter, we are not complaining. We need a wet spring. Yes, Orbital is a great little book.

My next poetry is tagged: "poetry, literary criticism, memoir" so it should be interesting.



My Poets

>307 msf59: im reading it as well,in between other books. Liking it quite a bit

Our spring has been unusually cool and rainy for the desert. Not complaining, I know whats coming in a few months, but its playing havoc on my garden! That being said looks like we we have another superbloom of flowers this year

>311 cindydavid4:, >312 cindydavid4: Hi Cindy! We are not used to drought in Minnesota, so after a dry summer and winter, we really need rain.

>310 BLBera: I'm intrigued! I can't see the title...

>313 BLBera: weve been in drought for a decade or so. But they keep on building.....we need lots of rain, and snow melt in the mountains to make things bettr. the last few years we did pretty good. but its always a guess whats going to happen

>314 charl08: My Poets, Charlotte.

>315 cindydavid4: It is depressing, Cindy. We are leaving a crap world for our kids.

31. Western Lane
Western Lane gets its title from the fitness center where eleven-year-old Gopi -- our narrator -- goes to play squash. After Gopi's mother dies, Gopi's father pushes his daughters Mona, Khush, and Gopi to practice harder, but only Gopi sticks with the regime. More than squash, this novel is about grief and the different ways that people learn to live with loss. It's a remarkable first novel, notable for the unsaid as much as for what is stated.

>317 BLBera: Hi Beth. Excellent review of Western Lane. You know how many books are read with a positive review but in the end it is in one eye and out the other, so hard to remember or recall details, I should say but for me Western Lane has stayed so vividly in my memory. You are right it is a remarkable first novel.

I enjoyed Western Lane, Beth, and I am glad you do. So far it is my top book of the four books from the longlist that I have read.

>318 mdoris: Thanks Mary. The girls were portrayed so well, and Maroo gave us just the right amount of details, hard to do, and remarkable in a first novel.

>319 vancouverdeb: It was so good, Deborah. I think Enter Ghost might be my favorite, but so far, all the books I've read are good. I am liking And Then She Fell so far as well.

Time for a new thread, I guess.