Klobrien2 Karen O Books and Life in 2024 - Part 6

Welcome to my sixth 2024 “Books and Life” thread!

I've been with the 75-bookers for many years now, and I enjoy so much the camaraderie and book talk that happens here. I'm very glad to join with you all again!

The year 2023 was my annus horribilus; I lost my husband (the love of my life) at the end of March, and had scary health concerns in November. But through it all, reading has been an anchor and a beacon for my life. This Library Thing group has provided me a safe and loving place to be.

I’ve had great reading in 2024. I find myself reading pretty much as the spirit leads. I participate in the American Author Challenge, and plan to continue with them. A long-term project of mine is to accomplish reads from the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" book, so that may guide my reading a little. Current 1001 Books count: 215.

What directs my reading more are my friends here on LT, so keep those recommendations coming!

This is my fifteenth year participating in the 75 Books Challenge. In 2009, I read 94 books; in 2010, I made it to 148!; 153 in 2011; 160 in 2012; 114 in 2013; 92 in 2014; 109 in 2015; 145 in 2016, 210 in 2017, 200 in 2018, 180 in 2019, 225 (3 x 75!) in 2020, 242 in 2021, 286 in 2022, 230 in 2023.

In addition to reading books, I've also discovered the world of Great Courses DVD lifelong learning courses. I love them! Below is a list of the courses I've completed, and I will try to always have at least one course going all the time.

A list of the Great Courses I have done can be found here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/331920

I've also begun some serious magazine reading, using my public library as source once again. I keep track of and read some fifteen magazines, on a range of topics: science, quilting, nature, birding, cats, news, etc.

I read two daily newspapers (St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune), and I also read a lot of daily newsletters from the NYTimes.

Here's where I'll list the books I read (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I listed the book).

MY FIRST THREAD:

The books I read in January:

1. Traveling Light: Poems by Linda Pastan
2. A Dog Runs Through It by Linda Pastan
3. An American Story by Kwame Alexander, art by Dare Coulter
4. There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, art by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey
5. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pickney
6. The Witches' Tree (Agatha Raisin #28) by M. C. Beaton
7. The Dead Ringer (Agatha Raisin #28) by M. C. Beaton
8. You Nest Here With Me by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y Stemple, ill. Melissa Sweet
9. The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Hadley Hooper
10. Cat Kid Comic Club Influencers (Cat Kid Comic Club #5) by Dav Pilkey
11. The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2) by Robert Galbraith
12. My Everyday Lagos: Nigerian Cooking at Home and in the Diaspora by Yewande Kololafe
13. The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll, illuminated by Lauren Childs
14. Dinner in One: Exceptional and Easy One-Pan Meals by Melissa Clark
15. Beating About the Bush by M. C. Beaton
16. Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey, ill. Julia Sarda
17. Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco
18. Coyote's Wild Home by Lily Kingsolver and Barbara Kingsolver, painted by Paul Mirocha
19. In the Dark by Kate Hoefler, art by Corinna Luyken
20. Just One Little Light by Kat Yeh, ill. Isabelle Arsenault
21. Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco
22. Zilot & Other Rhymes by Bob Odenkirk, ill. Erin Odenkirk
23. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, ill. Grahame Baker-Smith
24. She-Hulk Vol. 3: Girl Can't Help It by Rainbow Rowell
25. Collected Poems by Jane Kenyon
26. Without: Poems by Donald Hill
27. Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, adapted and illustrated by James Sturn and Joe Sutphin
28. Eve's Diary (short story) by Mark Twain
29. Banned Books, Burned Books: Forbidden Literary Works (DVD Great Course) by Maureen Corrigan
30. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, ill. Robert Lawson
31. Once I Ate a Pie by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, ill. Katy Schneider
32. When Grandfather Flew by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Chris Sheban
33. Grief Is An Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith, and Nancy Whiteside
34. Homeland of My Body: New & Selected Poems by Richard Blanco

The books I read in February:

35. Murder Most Royal (Her Majesty the Queen Investigates #3) by S. J. Bennett
36. My Indigo World by Rosa Sung Ji Chang
37. How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
38. How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham
39. A Good Cry: What We Learn from Tears and Laughter by Nikki Giovanni
40. Prince in Comics by Tony Laurenco, 16 illustrators
41. This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America by Navied Mahdavian

MY SECOND THREAD:

42. Hot to Trot (Agatha Raisin #31) by M. C. Beaton with R. W. Green
43. Three Men Out (Nero Wolfe #23) by Rex Stout
44. When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice From a Professional Clown by Kenan Thompson
45. Sloth Slept On by Frann Preston-Gannon
46. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andraea, ill. Guy Parker-Rees
47. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
48. Ironheart Vol. !: Those With Courage
49. Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking by Jacques Pepin
50. So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan
51. Ancient Writing and the History of the Alphabet (Great Course) by John McWhorter
52. The Tucci Table: Cooking With Family and Friends by Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt
53. Down the Hatch (Agatha Raisin #32) by M. C. Beaton
54. Open Throat: A Novel by Henry Hoke
55. I Wonder If I'll See a Whale by Francis Ward Weller, ill. Ted Lewin
56. Little Red Riding Hood, adapted from The Brothers Grimm by Gennady Spirin
57. Ironheart, Vol. 2: Ten Rings by Eve L. Ewing
58. Ironheart: Riri Williams by Brian Michael Bendis
59. Artificial: A Love Story by Amy Kurzweil
60. Orbital: A Novel by Samantha Harvey
61. My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Francesca Sanna
62. The Diaries of Adam and Eve and Other Stories by Mark Twain
63. Electric Arches by Eve L. Ewing
64. Dream Within a Dream by Patricia MacLachlan
65. The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World by Matt Kracht
66. The Moon's Almost Here by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Tomie de Paola
67. Before She Was Harriet by Leea Cline-Ransome, ill. James E. Ransome
68. Snowflakes Fall by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Steven Kellogg
69. The Journey by Francesca Sanna
70. The Tale of Tsar Saltan by Alexander Pushkin, paintings by Gennady Spirin
71. Before You Came by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, ill David Diaz

The books I read in March:

72. Through Grandpa's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan, pictures by Deborah Ray
73. My Father's Words by Patricia MacLachlan
74. Devil's Delight by M. C. Beaton and R. W. Green
75. Classic Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen, adapted by Valeria Manferto, ill. Francesca Rossi
76. Zin! Zin! Zin!: A Violin by Lloyd Moss, ill. Marjorie Priceman
77. I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Brad Meltzer, ill. Christopher Eliopoulos
78. Wildful by Kengo Kurimoto
79. All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan, paintings by Mike Wimmer
80. Snow White and Rose Red by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm, trans. May Sellars, ill. Gennady Spirin

MY THIRD THREAD:

81. The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel, Vol. 2 by Neil Gaiman, graphic adaptation by P. Craig Russell, various illustrators
82. The Middle Ages Around the World (Great Course) by Joyce E. Salisbury
83. Dead on Target (Agatha Raisin #34) by M. C. Beaton with R. W. Green
84. Three Names by Patricia MacLachlan, pictures by Alexander Portzoff
85. Pretty Ugly (Toon Books) by David Sedaris, ill. Ian Falconer
86. Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Short Stories by Truman Capote
87. Guts by Raina Telgemeier
88. The Graveyard Book Graphic Novel, Vol. 2 by Neil Gaiman, adapted by P. Craig Russell various illustrators
89. Notes on Grief by Chimimanda Ngosi Adechie
90. Saga Volume 10 by Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples (artist)
91. At First Spite: A Harlot's Bay Novel by Olivia Dade
92. Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control by Dana K. White
93. Corn Dance: Inspired First American Cuisine by Loretta Barrett Oden with Beth Dooley
94. Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly
95. Cat Talk by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, ill. Barry Moser
96. The Sick Day by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Jane Dyer
97. Your Moon, My Moon: A Grandmother's Words to a Faraway Child by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Bryan Collier
98. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
99. Abandoned Malls of America: Crumbling Commerce Left Behind by Seph Lawless
100. Ferris by Kate DiCamillo
101. Saga, Volume 11 by Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples (artist)
102. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
103. A Commonplace Book of Pie by Kate Lebo
104. Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Micha Archer
105. My Poet by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Jen Hill
106. Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting, ill. Ronald Himler
107. The Biggest Bear by Lynd Ward
108. My Elephant is Blue: A Book About Big, Heavy Feelings by Melinda Szymanik, ill. Vasanti Unka

The books I read in April:

109. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate, ill. Patricia Castelao
110. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin
111. No Cure for Being Human: (And Other Truths I Need to Hear) by Kate Bowler
112. King Arthur's Very Great Grandson by Kenneth Kraegel
113. The Clown of God: An Old Story Told and Illustrated by Tomie DePaolo
114. I Didn't Do it by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, ill. Katy Schneider -
115. Cher Ami: Based On The World War One Legend of the Fearless Pigeon by Meliande Potter, ill. Giselle Potter
116. Ragnarok: The End of the Gods by A. S. Byatt

MY FOURTH THREAD:

117. Answered Prayers: An Unfinished Novel by Truman Capote
118. How Can I Help You by Laura Sims
119. Post-Impressionism: The Beginnings of Modern Art (Great Course) by Ricky Allman
120. One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
121. Painting the Wind by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan, ill. Katy Schneider
122. Life in the Boreal Forest by Brenda Z. Guiberson, painting by Gennady Spirin
123. Oskar's Voyage by Laura Purdlle Salas, ill. Kayla Harren
124. Grief is the Thing With Feathers: A Novel by Max Porter
125. Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
126. Field Work by Seamus Heaney
127. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
128. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
129. The School Trip by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen
130. Field Day by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen
131. One Blowy Night by Nick Butterworth
132. The Rescue Party by Nick Butterworth
133. Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
134. Something About the Sky by Rachel Carson and Nikki McClure
135. The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung, ill. Hanna Cha
136. Gifts From Georgia's Garden: How Georgia O'Keefe Nourished Her Art by Lisa Robinson, ill. Hadley Hooper
137. The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
138. Jewish Cooking in America by Joan Nathan
139. Olivetti by Allie Millington

The books I read in May:

140. Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo, ill. Carmen Mok
141. The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
142. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate, ill. Patricia Castelao
143. Unnatural Habits (Phryne Fisher #19) by Kerry Greenwood
144. Hello, Friends: Stories of Dating, Destiny, and Day Jobs by Dulce Sloan
145. Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow by Ted Hughes
146. The Art of Rube Goldberg: (A) Inventive (B) Cartoon (C) Genius by Jennifer George
147. Michael Rosen's Sad Book by Michael Rosen, ill. Quentin Blake
148. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey
149. Big Babies by Patrick O'Brien
150. Norman Didn't Do It (Yes He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins
151. Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus by Paige Towler
152. The Truth of Me: About a Boy, His Grandmother, and a Very Good Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
153. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
154. The One and Only Family by Katherine Applegate, ill. Patricia Castelao
155. A Wild Swan: And Other Tales by Michael Cunningham, ill. Yuko Shimizu
156. Here After: A Memoir by Amy Lin
157. Miracle Man: The Golden Age by Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham
158. A Map to the Next World: Poems and Tales by Joy Hargo
159. How the Birds Got Their Songs by Travis Zimmerman, ill. Sam Zimmerman
160. Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo, ill. Chris Van Dusen
161. What the Bees See: A Honeybee's View of the World by Craig P. Burrows

MY FIFTH THREAD:

162. Three Roads Back: How Emerson, Thoreau, and William James Responded to the Greatest Losses of Their Lives by Robert D. Richardson
163. A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse by Kate Allen Fox, ill. Khoa Le
164. Small in the City by Sydney Smith
165. The Twelve Dancing Princesses, retold and ill. by Ruth Sanderson
166. Odder by Katherine Applegate, ill. Charles Chantoso

The books I read in June:

167. Timbuktu by Paul Aster (1001 Books #217)
168. The Unofficial Ted Lasso Cookbook: From Biscuits to BBQ, 50 Recipes Inspired by TV's Most Lovable Football Team by Aki Berry and Meg Chang
169. The Last Word by Elly Griffiths
170. Otto the Owl Who Loved Poetry by Vern Kousky
171. The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend, retold by Aaron Shepherd, ill. Gennady Spirin
172. The Poem Forest: Poet W. S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from Scratch by Carrie Fountain, ill. Chris Turnham
173. The Mysteries of Harris BUrdick by Christ Van Allsburg
174. W is for Webster: Noah Webster and His American Dictionary by Tracey Fern, pictures by Boris Kulikov
175. Facades by Bill Cunningham
176. Following My Spirit Home: A Collection of Paintings and Stories by Sam Zimmerman
177. Miracleman: The Original Epic by (a bunch of various artists)
178. The Serious Goose by Jimmy Kimmel
179. The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt, ill. Tony DiTerlizzi
180. Yellowface by Rebecca R. Kuang
181. The Lake Turned Upside Down: The Story of Unthinkable Tragedy and Incredible Survival in the 1969 Outing, Minnesota F4 Tornado by Sue Dugan Moline
182. After Annie: A Novel by Anna Quindlen
183. Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown, ill. John Parra
184. Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals by Lisa Papp
185. Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean E. Pendziwol, pics by Isabelle Arsenault
186. Me and You and the Red Canoe by Jean E. Pendziwol, pictures by "Phil"
187. When I Listen in Silence by Jean E. Pendziwol, ill. Carmen Mok
188. Skating Wild on an Inland Sea by Jean Pendziwol, ill. Todd Stewart
189. So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell
190. England: From the Fall of Rome to the Norman Conquest by Jennifer Paxton
191. Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp
192. Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog by Lisa Papp
193. Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson, ill. Hudson Talbott
194. Star Party by Polly Carlson-Voiles, ill. Consie Powell
195. My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story by George Takei, ill. Michelle Lee
196. GRAY by Laura Dockrill, ill. Lauren Child
197. The Guncle by Steven Rowley
198. Poachers Caught!: The Adventures of a Northwoods Game Warden by Tom Chapin

The books I read in July:

199. To Know a Starry Night by Paul Bogard, photos by Beau Rogers
200. Cooking Solo: The Joy of Cooking for Yourself by Klancy Miller
201. The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
202. A Family Tree by Stacy Lol Drouillard, ill. Kate Gardiner
203. Animal Albums From A to Z by Cece Bell
204. Too Many Golems by Jane Yolen, ill. Maya Shleifer
205. Shy Willow by Cat Min
206. Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willem
207. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
208. Antarctica by Claire Keegan
209. She-Hulk, Vol. 4: Jen-Sational by Rainbow Rowell
210. The World Central Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by Jose Andres
211. Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative by Herbert Mason
212. Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

MY SIXTH THREAD:

213. The Rain in the Trees: Poems by W. S. Merwin -- 9
214. What if Night? by Paul Bogard, ill. Sarah Holden -- 41
215. Roar-choo! by Charlotte Cheng, art by Dan Sankat -- 41
216. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen, ill. Mark Teague -- 41
217. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems -- 41
218. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes -- 41
219. Saga Volume 1 by Brian I. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 44
220. Saga Volume 2 by Brian I. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 44
221. Saga Volume 3 by Brian I. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 44
222. Saga Volume 4 by Brian I. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 44
223. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, ill. John Schoenherr -- 62
224. How Do Dinosaurs Learn To Be Kind? by Jane Yolen, ill. Mark Teague -- 62
225. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen, ill. Mark Teague -- 62
226. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat -- 62
227. Sam, The Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World by Mo Willems -- 62
228. A Matter of Pride by Emily Crofford, ill. Jim LaMarche -- 63
229. Being Home by Traci Sorell, ill. Michaela Goode -- 63
230. A Apple Pie by Kennady Spirin -- 63
231. Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro, ill. Teagan White -- 63
232. Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston, ill. Jim LaMarche -- 63
233. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson -- 80
234. A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis -- 83
235. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Book One by Emil Ferris -- 87
236. There Was a Shadow by Bruce Handy, ill. Lisk Feng -- 112
237. The Shadow and the Ghost by Cat Min -- 112
238. Too Much Stuff by Emily Gravett -- 112
239. Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ill. Nancy Tillman -- 112
240. Simeon's Gift by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton -- 112
241. A Medieval Feast written and illustrated by Aliki -- 112
242. Yakov and the Seven Thieves by Madonna, art by Gennady Spirin -- 112
243. Animals Marco Polo Saw: An Adventure On the Silk Road by Sandra Markle, ill. Daniela Jaglenka Terragine -- 112
244. Saga Volume 5 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 125
245. Saga Volume 6 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 125
246. Saga Volume 7 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 125
247. Saga Volume 8 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 125
248. Saga Volume 9 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Davies -- 125

The books I read in August:

249. Walk the Blue Fields: Stories by Claire Keegan -- 147
250. Rising by Sidura Ludwig, ill. Sophia Vincent Guy -- 153
251. Goodbye Old House by Margaret Wild, ill. Ann James -- 153
252. Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, ill. Sonia Sanchez -- 153
253. This Is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Cheng -- 153
254. Lenny & Lucy by Philip C Stead, ill Erin E. Stead -- 153
255. Starting Over in Sunset Park by Jose Pelaez and Lynn McGee, pics by Bianca Diaz -- 153
256. Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo -- 153
257. Southwest Sunrise by Nikki Grimes, ill. Wendell Minor -- 153
258. Wendy by Walter Scott -- 160
259. Wendy: Wendy's Revenge by Walter Scott -- 160
260. Wendy: Wendy, Master of Art by Walter Scott -- 160
261. Wendy: The Wendy Award by Walter Scott -- 160
262. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints (Great Course) by Emily Graham -- 173
263. The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley -- 174
264. Ninety-Nine Stories of God by Joy Williams -- 183
265. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead-- 196
266. Kick Push: Be Your Epic Self by Frank Morrison -- 196
267. Lotsa de Casha by Madonna, art of Rui Paes -- 196
268. Completely Kafka: A Comic Biography by Nicola Mahler -- 224
269. The Shadow of Sirius by W. S Merwin -- 225
270. Woman Life Freedom by Marjane Satrapi -- 241
271. Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures, ed. Kel McDonald -- 247
272. Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living by L. Roger Owens --255
273. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein -- 263
274. How the Stars Came to Be by Poonam Mistry -- 263
275. Hot ir: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride by Marjorie Priceman -- 263
276. Color the Sky by David Elliott, ill. Evan Turk -- 263
277. Bear Has a Story To Tell by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead -- 263
278. Two Many Birds by Cindy Derby -- 263
279. Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow -- 263
280. Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna, ill. Loren Long -- 263
281. My Book and Me by Linda Sue Park, ill. Chris Raschka -- 276
282. The Memory String by Eve Bunting, ill. Ted Rand -- 276
283. Miracleman: The Silver Age by Neil Gaiman, ill. Mark Buckingham -- 290
284. The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln -- 295
285. The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain: Lyrics for Stacey Kent by Kazuo Ishiguro -- 296

Here is where I'll list the authors selected for the 2024 American Authors Challenge, the books I will read, and if I complete them (here's hoping!)

JANUARY: Mark Twain -- Read Eve's Diary -- COMPLETED
FEBRUARY: Susan Sontag -- not going to read
MARCH: Truman Capote -- Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories -- COMPLETED
APRIL: General Non-Fiction with host Caroline Caroline_McElwee -- No Cure for Being Human: (And Other Truths I Need to Hear) by Kate Bowler -- COMPLETED
MAY: William Maxwell -- So Long, See You Tomorrow -- COMPLETED
JUNE: Queer Authors with host Dr. Laura Koons lycomayflower -- The Guncle by Steven Rowley -- COMPLETED
JULY: Susan Power a/k/a Mona Susan Power -- not going to read
AUGUST: Jeffrey Lent -- not going to read
SEPTEMBER: Living American authors who were born outside the US but adopted this country as their home.
OCTOBER: Katharine Anne Porter
NOVEMBER: Jewish American Authors with host Kristel kristelh
DECEMBER: The Heartland (regional authors from the middle of the country)
WILD CARD: 2015 Redux Pick an author from the 2015 Challenge
EXTRA POINTS CHALLENGE
(Complete the challenge by reading at least one work from the author or category featured each month AND one work from the Wildcard list each month.)

My 2003 "Books Read" list (casually kept, and probably incomplete): http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2003-reading-list.html
My 2004 "Books Read" list (see above caveats: things get better!):
http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2004-reading-list.html
My 2005 "Books Read" list (most pathetic list yet): http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2005-reading-list.html
My 2006 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2006-reading-list.htm
My 2007 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2007-reading-list.html
My 2008 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2008-reading-list.html
My 2009 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2009-reading-list.html
My 2010 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2010-reading-list.html

Here is a link to my last thread from 2011: http://www.librarything.com/topic/122919

Here is a link to my last thread from 2012: http://www.librarything.com/topic/138897

Here is a link to my last thread from 2013:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/156012

Here is a link to my thread from 2014: http://www.librarything.com/topic/163564

Here is a link to my thread from 2015: https://www.librarything.com/topic/186139

Here is a link to my thread from 2016: http://www.librarything.com/topic/211096

Here is a link to my last thread from 2017: http://www.librarything.com/topic/268142#

Here is a link to my last thread from 2018: https://www.librarything.com/topic/298557

Here is a link to my one-and-only thread from 2019: https://www.librarything.com/topic/301738

The books I've read in the first half of 2020 (115 of them) are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/314888

The books I read in the second half of 2020 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/322010#

The books I read in the first half of 2021 are here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/328372#

The books I read in the second half of 2021 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/333390#

The books I read in the first quarter of 2022 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/338204#n7791489

The books I read in April and May of 2022 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/340601#n7851702

The books I read in June, July, part of August of 2022 are here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/342092#

The books I read in August through part of October of 2022 are here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/343494#n7961305

The books I read from October to the end of year are here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/345382#

Good reading to you!

The NY Times is running a week-long list of 100 best books of the 21st century (so far), listing them in backward order. Thanks to ffortsa for the idea of making a list on LT!

Please see full list below at >27 klobrien2:.

I do a weekly recap of my reading: here is last Friday's list:

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (07/05/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 85 of 159 (I'll read this book throughout the summer)
World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope by Jose Andres -- p. 160 of 304
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 7 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative by Herbert Mason -- p. 76 of 229
Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Adaptation by James Loewen, adapted and ill., Nate Powell -- p. 66 of 266
A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis -- p. xix of 76
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson -- p. 9 of 302
The Rain in the Trees: Poems by W. S. Merwin -- p. 13 of 78
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
Unnatural Death by Patricia Cornwell -- p. 59 of 299 (Libby)
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs -- p. 22 of 347 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 71 of 439 (Libby)
The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni -- p. 27 of 343 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

Toxic Prey by John Sandford -- p. 11 of 389
The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne -- p. 57 of 174 (Libby)
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch -- p. 4 of 309
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan -- p. 41 of 436 (Libby)
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl -- p. 12 of 256 (Libby)
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In July we are reading books by Susan Power. I am reading The Grass Dancer -- p. 11 of 333.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham. I have read and watched 2 of 24 lectures.

Happy new thread, Karen. Sun is shining here, so maybe not cloudy all day.

>2 klobrien2: New-thread orisons, Karen O.! Adding Day 3 to the ten I've read in days 1 and 2, we're now at eighteen nooks from the list that I've read. I've got five others added from the day 3 list, ones I don't yet own. May day 4 be better yet.

If you haven't yet, I strongly encourage you to get onto Persepolis!

Happy new one, Karen!

Happy new thread, Karen!

>4 Kristelh: >5 richardderus: >6 katiekrug: >7 ArlieS: Hello, all! Thank you so much for coming by to say "howdy" and wish me a happy new thread! Have a great day!

I've encountered the name of the poet W. S. Merwin twice lately, and this made me really eager to read some of his poetry.

First, I read The Poem Forest: Poet W. S. Merwin and the Palm Tree Forest He Grew from Scratch by Carrie Fountain, ill. Chris Turnham. Merwin was a good steward of the natural world.

Then I read After Annie by Anna Quindlen, and she quoted Merwin:

Your absence has gone through me
Like thread through a needle.
Everything I do is stitched with its color.

So, finally I read the one book of Merwin's poetry that my library has (I'll find more, somewhere):



213. The Rain in the Trees: Poems by W. S. Merwin



I found a few bits of poetry that I really liked:

WITNESS

I want to tell what the forests
were like

I will have to speak in a forgotten language.

SIGHT

Once
a single cell
found that it was full of light
and for the first time there was seeing

when
I was a bird
I could see where the stars had turned
and I set out on my journey

high
in the head of a mountain goat
I could see across a valley
under the shining trees something moving

deep
in the green sea
I saw two sides of the water
and swam between them

I
look at you
in the first light of the morning
for as long as I can

Happy new thread, Karen!

Happy new thread, Karen.

>9 klobrien2: Merwin's vietnam-era stuff was very agreeable to me; the later stuff, I felt lukewarm towards. He was a really well-connected and thought highly of his whole career. He stayed busy, goodness knows, with a lot of translationa to his name.

We all come to him in such weird ways. I was watching a PBS documentary about the Buddha he was in. How's that for a weird way for ME, the atheist poetry skeptic, to find a poet!

Happy New Thread, Karen. I have not read Merwin's poetry.

Happy new one, Karen!

Karen, I am impressed by all the books you have read thus far this year! What is the secret? I am way behind in my reading for June and July.

Mainly, I've been consumed with helping a friend (Lorraine) whose husband died last July.
Inceasingly, though I like her, she is VERY needy, demanding and she is very whiny. When a family member called a few days ago and wondered why I've been out of touch, it really was a wake up call!

I own my house and enjoy the sense of accomplishment I've done in the last 5 years since Will died. I also loven my gardens, but I am not able to keep the house in order and work each day in the three/four gardens I have. I know this is at the expense of keeping the house in order.)

I know I need to cut back on all I do for Lorraine. I've come to resent her whinning and demands. She's in the hospital now after having surgery. Before the hospitalization, I informed her and the family, that I am not able to assist her while she is recovering. Especially, because she loudly said "I AM NOT GOING INTO A REHABILITATION FACILITY."

Seeing all that you have read, and the wonderful books that I want to add to my to be read list, is a wake up call that I need to take more time for myself and to sit still and read.

But, I am serious in asking how you read so many books. I am very impressed!!!

I've been out of touch with you and other LT members in the group.

Seriously, I want to thank you. Looking at your list is so impressive and I now I need to take stok of my priorities.

Do you set reading time aside each day/night?

Thanks for any assistance/direction you can provide.

Much Love

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread, Karen.
>2 klobrien2: So far I've read 6 books from the list, I'm curious to see what the next books will be...

The NY Times is running a week-long list of 100 best books of the 21st century (so far), listing them in backward order. Thanks to ffortsa for the idea of making a list on LT!

Please see full list below at >27 klobrien2:.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Order groceries.

Books I read yesterday:: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson. This novel, about a long-married woman who unexpectedly loses her husband really resonates with me, for some reason 🥴.

Magazines: The Week (6/28), New Yorker (7/8-7/15).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 7. Saint Making in the Middle Ages, and 8. Mendicants: Francis of Assisi and Louis of Toulouse. Read: 9. Margaret of Cortona: Midwife and Mystic, and 10. Thomas Aquinas: The Saintly Scholar.

Watching: Lewis 7.1.

Listening: Death Cab for Cutie, “Narrow Stairs”—My first listen to this group, though I’ve certainly heard of them. The album was okay.

Ooh, you sneaky Wordle editors! Thought I has the solution at 4, but nooo…

Wordle 1,118 5/6 irate, sheaf, paged, camel, cameo

⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
⬜⬜🟦🟦⬜
⬜🟧⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

I thought this might have an interesting etymology:

Etymonline.com: cameo (n.)
early 15c., kaadmaheu, camew, chamehieux and many other spellings (from early 13c. in Anglo-Latin), "engraving in relief upon a precious stone with two layers of colors" (such as onyx, agate, or shell) and done so as to utilize the effect of the colors, from Old French camaieu and directly from Medieval Latin cammaeus, which is of unknown origin, perhaps ultimately from Arabic qamaa'il "flower buds," or Persian chumahan "agate."
In 19c. it also was used of other raised, carved work on a miniature scale. The transferred sense of "small character or part that stands out from other minor parts" in a play, etc., is from 1928, from an earlier meaning "short literary sketch or portrait" (1851), a transferred sense from cameo silhouettes. A cameotype (1864) was a small, vignette daguerreotype mounted in a jeweled setting.

Connections
Puzzle #396
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦

Strands #130
“Loaded lunch”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/11:
52/52 words (+18 bonus words) —4 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 42% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 1

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/11:
25/25 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 18% by accuracy

>18 klobrien2: ...all the way up to 29 read now...

I'm sitting in the dermatologist office after my visit and awaiting pickup to get back to the facility. Sometimes it feels like a body is a lot more trouble than it's worth! Maintenance is a real chore no matter what you are maintaining.

*sigh*

>10 atozgrl: Thanks for the warm welcome!

>11 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I hope staying busy (say, reading? 😁) will help you get through your time of separation from your loved ones. Your new granddaughter is such a sweetie!

>12 richardderus: (paused to save my reply response because an internet glitch wiped it out a few minutes ago. Bah!) So, I have three or four more Merwin books coming my way. From what I’ve read, he had a fascinating life, living some cool places, and knowing lots of interesting people.

>13 msf59: Thank you! I will be reading more Merwin, so check back!

>14 bell7: Thanks! And thank you for stopping by!

>15 Whisper1: Dear Linda, I’m sorry you’re having this stress in your life! I’ll talk more in my response to your PM. But as for me, I am retired, and have only my three cats (cue “My Three Sons” theme song) to take care of. My son comes over weekly to help with/do the things that are tricky for me (bless him!) I talk with one of my sisters daily (we check up on each other).

As for my reading, (1) I have lots of free time; (2) I use the library a lot, so I’m always aware of when books are due, and how many people are waiting for me; (3) I read a lot of our beloved illustrated books, graphic novels, and whatever strikes my fancy. I have little patience for anything that I’m not liking; (4) I am a list maker (I have an idea of what I’d like to accomplish what I’d like to be reading each day and I try to stick with it. I always give myself lots of choice, maybe too much choice. That’s all I can think of.

>16 figsfromthistle: Thank you!

>17 SirThomas: Thank you! There’s an updated list in >18 klobrien2:.

>21 richardderus: Hello, there! I think 29 is a really good number! I’m at 19.

Thank you all for visiting! I appreciate it very much!

Happy Friday, Karen. I am currently at 50 on the NYT list. Yahoo!

I just finished listening to The Crane Wife. Great LP. My favorite. Check it out.

Happy Friday. I'm leaving the gardening behind today, and hope to read and rest. When I looked at the front garden, I saw a lovely goldfinch...It was so lovingly bright yellow. It brought and smiles and it was such a special way to start the day. Watching this tiny colorful bird atop the bright orange coneflower was such a joyful way to start the day,

>23 msf59: 50 is an excellent number! And thanks for the tip on the Decembrists’s album.

>24 Whisper1: What a lovely post! I’m glad to hear that you are feeling a little more easy and happy. I think your plan for the day (read and rest) sounds great. Thanks for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. KP. Library Book Day!

Books I read yesterday:: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

Magazines: NYT Book Review (6/30), (7/07). NYT Magazine (6/23).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched:

Watching: Lewis 7.2, 7.3, 7.4.

Listening:

The NY Times is running a week-long list of 100 best books of the 21st century (so far), listing them in backward order. Thanks to ffortsa for the idea of making a list on LT! I’ve read 27, and want to read 30 more.
The full list, all 100, are listed here

Day 1 of the NYT list:

100. Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson
99. How to be Both by Ali Smith
98. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett *
97. Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward
96. Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments by Saidiya Hartman
95. Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel
94. On Beauty by Zadie Smith *
93. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel *
92. The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante
91. The Human Stain by Philip Roth
90. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh NGuyen
89. The Return by Hisham Matar
88. The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis by Lydia Davis
87. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
86. Frederick Douglas by David W. Blight
85. The Emperor of all Maladies by Siddartha Mukherjee
84. Pastoralia by George Saunders
83. When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut
82. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor
81. Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan

Day 2 of the NYT list:

80. The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante
79. A Manual For Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin
78. Septology by Jon Fosse, translated by Damion Searls
77. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones *
76. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
75. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid *
74. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout *
73. The Passage of Power by Robert Caro
72. Secondhand Time by Svetlana Alexievich, translated by Bela Shayevich
71. The Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevsen, translated by Tiina Nunnally and Michael Favala Goldman
70. All Aunt Hagar's Children by Edward P. Jones
69. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
68. The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
67. Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
66. We the Animals by Justin Torres
65. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth *
64. The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai *
63. Veronica by Mary Gaitskill
62. 10:04 by Ben Lerner
61. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Day 3 of the NYT list:

60. Heavy by Kiese Laymon
59. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides *
58. Stay True by Hua Hsu
57. Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
56. The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner
55. The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
54. Tenth of December by George Saunders *
53. Runaway by Alice Munro
52. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson *
51. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson *
50. Trust by Hernan Diaz
49. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
48. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi *
47. A Mercy by Toni Morrison
46. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
45. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
44. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
43. Post War: A History of Europe Since 1945 by Tony Judt
42. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
41. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan *

Day 4 of the NYT list:

40. H Is For Hawk by Helen Macdonald *
39. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan *
38. The Savage Detectives by Robert Bolanto
37. The Years by Annie Ernaux; translated by Alison L. Strayer
36. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nahisi Coates *
35. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel *
34. Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine *
33. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward *
32. The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
31. White Teeth by Zadie Smith
30. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward *
29. The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt
28. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
27. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
26. Atonement by Ian McEwan
25. Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc
24. The Overstory by Richard Powers
23. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro
22. Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
21. Evicted by Matthew Desmond

Day 5 of the NYT list:

20. Erasure by Percival Everett
19. Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
18. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders *
17. The Sellout by Paul Beatty
16. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
15. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
14. Outline by Rachel Kusk
13. The Road by Cormac McCarthy *
12. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion *
11. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
10. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson *
9. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro *
8. Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald; translated by Anthea Bell
7. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
6. 2666 by Roberto Bolaño; translated by Natasha Wimmer
5. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen *
4. The Known World by Edward P. Jones
3. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
2. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
1. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante; translated by Ann Goldstein

Struggled with Wordle today! Lack of coffee? About to be corrected.

Wordle 1,119 6/6 irate, blind, civic, piggy, fishy, jiffy

🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟦🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #397
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦

Strands #131
“Auto suggestion”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/12:
60/60 words (+15 bonus words) —5 star difficulty—
📖 In the top 19% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 2

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/12:
21/21 words
🎯 Perfect accuracy

>27 klobrien2: I've meant to ask since you began posting, what does the asterisk denote? Are those books you have read?

Thanks to you and Judy for transforming the Times' presentation into a straightforward list. Kudos!

>29 weird_O: Yes, the asterisk means I’ve read the book.

I had fun with the list. When I first saw the NYT project I thought, “Now, if only the list was on LT!” And then I saw ffortsa’s list, and took off with it.

Now I’ve got 30 (at least) books I want to read (a lot were on my LT “To Read” list already).

Have a great weekend!

>22 klobrien2:, >27 klobrien2: Thank you Karen, I've now checked the whole list, but it hasn't gotten much better. So many books, so little time...
>28 klobrien2: At least you found the right word, even without coffee.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Have a happy new thread, Karen!

>31 SirThomas: Thank you!

>32 drneutron: Thanks!

>27 klobrien2: Thanks for posting the whole list here, Karen, I appreciate it. It looks like I still need to read most of the books listed.

>28 klobrien2: I thought Wordle was difficult today. When I saw where it was heading, I was afraid there would be too many possible guesses. I finally got it in 5, but I honestly thought I might get skunked.

Thanks Karen for posting the NYT best 100 for 21st Century. I have read 48 so almost 50%. A few are on my TBR list or actually on my shelves. Have a great weekend. I woke to thunderstorms so if they're not to yet, they are on the way.

>34 atozgrl: I thought the list was really helpful—kind of a “line in the sand.” You’re quite welcome.

I was sure I was going to bomb out on Wordle. I had kind of resigned myself to it, so was really happy for the six!

Thanks for stopping by!

>35 Kristelh: 48 is great! I am quite impressed! I checked the weather for the Twin Cities, and there is a heat advisory. I don’t think you outstate people have to worry.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. KP.

Books I read yesterday:: Library Book Day—I read five great illustrated books. Started my re-read of the Saga graphic novel series—finished volume 1.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 9. Margaret of Cortona and 10. Thomas Aquinas. Read: 11. Tekle Haymonat: Ethiopian Hermit-Teacher, and 12. Saints and the Protestant Reformation.

Watching: Lewis 7.5, 7.6 (season 7 was really good; on to Season 8).

Listening:

Karen, 91 perdicted here and rising humidity. Which the corn loves though we don't really need the rain we keep getting.

Wordle 1,120 3/6 irate, teach, enact

⬜⬜🟧🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #398
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #132
“Hello kitty”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/13:
46/46 words (+1 bonus word) —3 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 26% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 3

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/13:
22/22 words (+7 bonus words)
📖 In the top 16% by bonus words

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (07/12/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 101 of 159 (I'll read this book throughout the summer)
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 18 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Adaptation by James Loewen, adapted and ill., Nate Powell -- p. 66 of 266
A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis -- p. 17 of 76
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson -- p. 65 of 302
My Favorite Thing is Monsters Volume 1 by Emil Ferris -- p. 00 of 000
Overlooked by Anisha Padnani -- p. 00 of 000
Atlas of Atlases by Phillip Parker -- p. 00 of 000
Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules by David Sedaris -- p. 00 of 000
About a Boy by Nick Hornby -- p. 00 of 000
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
Unnatural Death by Patricia Cornwell -- p. 59 of 299 (Libby)
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs -- p. 22 of 347 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 71 of 439 (Libby)
The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni -- p. 27 of 343 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

Toxic Prey by John Sandford -- p. 11 of 389
The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne -- p. 57 of 174 (Libby)
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch -- p. 4 of 309
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan -- p. 41 of 436 (Libby)
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl -- p. 12 of 256 (Libby)
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In July we are reading books by Susan Power. I am reading The Grass Dancer -- p. 11 of 333.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham. I have read and watched 10 of 24 lectures.

This week's Library Book Day was great, very enjoyable reading and viewing. Thanks to all of my sources!



214. What if Night? by Paul Bogard, ill. Sarah Holden



Gorgeous artwork and words! Some so lovely they brought tears to my eyes.



215. Roar-choo! by Charlotte Cheng, art by Dan Santat



This gorgeous, fun-to-read-aloud book about a dragon with a head cold and his friend, the phoenix. The two characters, the dragon and the phoenix, represent "the power of long-lasting relationships." This book is a lot of fun.



216. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jane Yolen, ill. Mark Teague



Hilarious illustrated book featuring...DINOSAURS! HUGE dinosaurs with human parents. A lot of the humor (for me) comes from the discrepancy between the sizes of the dinosaurs and the sizes of their parents, their furniture, everything. Sweet book about going to sleep.

There is a whole series of these dinosaur books by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, and you can be sure I'll be reading some of them.



217. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willem



Funny, simple story and illustrations. Classic book, but I'm only reading it now, in my second childhood. This book is the first in the series about the pigeon, but I might wait to look at more of these.



218. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes



Very cute, charming story about appropriate behavior in school. Lilly is a little sweetheart, and she has a great teacher, and loves school, but she's a little self-centered. She learns a lesson and gets everything all straightened out.

This line is repeated throughout: "'Wow!'" That was just about all he could say. 'Wow!'"

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Online church.

Books I read yesterday:: Saga graphic novel series—finished volumes 2 through 4.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 11. Tekle Haymonat: Ethiopian Hermit-Teacher, and 12. Saints and the Protestant Reformation.

Watching: Lewis 8.1 and 8.2.

Listening:

Wordle 1,121 5/6 irate, ennui, weigh, field, video

🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #399
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦

Strands #133
“Say my name”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/14:
60/60 words (+18 bonus words) —4-1/2 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 40% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 4

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/14:
22/22 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 29% by accuracy

Part 1 of my Saga re-read. I'm loving the re-read; I understand what's going on so much more, and so I'm able to appreciate the details this time through.



219. Saga Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Staples





220. Saga Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Staples





221. Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Staples



I was thrilled to find this statement in the middle of a graphic novel:

"There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game."

I know a lot of folks here on LT who might agree with including at least one of those art forms! I agree with including all three!



222. Saga Volume 4 by Brian K. Vaughan, ill. Fiona Staples

Stopping by to say hi, Karen. Looks like you had lots of great reading going on.

>45 vancouverdeb: Good morning! Great to see you here! I’ve been having fun with my reading, that’s for sure. Thanks for stopping by to chat!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Errands.

Books I read yesterday:: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

Magazines: Bon Appetit (June/July), Vanity Fair (May)

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 11. Tekle Haymonat: Ethiopian Hermit-Teacher, and 12. Saints and the Protestant Reformation. Read: 13. Martin de Porres: Healer, and 14. Kateri Tekawitha: Mohawk Ascetic.

Watching: Lewis 8.3 and 8.4.

Listening:

Wordle 1,122 5/6 irate, cloud, smoky, spoon, swoon

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #400
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #134
“Give it the ol' college try”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/15:
25/25 words (+2 bonus words) —2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 38% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 5

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/15:
21/21 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 16% by accuracy

NYT has built a Wordle Archive for subscribers! I may sound like a commercial, but this is really cool. The archive has got history back into 2021 (I didn’t start playing until 2022).

Now I can go back and play the games I missed when I was in hospital. Closure, of a kind!

Saga Volume 3:

I was thrilled to find this statement in the middle of a graphic novel:

"There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game."

I know a lot of folks here on LT who might agree with including at least one of those art forms! I agree with including all three!

>49 klobrien2: What could be better? Closure of a scary, icky passage by getting to do things the event took away from you! How great is that?

>50 klobrien2: IJBOL

Not for me the latter, but good to see the symphony survived the cut.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Errands. Grocery list. Jerry list.

Books I read yesterday:: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, A Grief Observed

Magazines: AARP (Apr/May), Vanity Fair (June)

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 13. Martin de Porres: Healer, and 14. Kateri Tekawitha: Mohawk Ascetic. Read:

Watching: Lewis 8.5 and 8.6. Only one season to go (sob!). Grantchester 9.5 (love this show).

Listening:

I used the “2309” list before my third guess, and it was very helpful! 😁

Wordle 1,123 3/6 irate, blend, decoy

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

I think I’m going to be using the archive to do all the Wordles I missed back at the start of “Wordle time.” I have already completed the puzzles I missed when I was sick in November. That felt really good. I admit it, I am Wordle-compulsive! 🤪

Connections
Puzzle #401
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟨🟦🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦

Strands #135
“Were you raised in a barn?”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/16:
32/32 words (+4 bonus words) —2-1/2 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 24% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 6

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/16:
24/24 words (+4 bonus words)
📖 In the top 15% by bonus words

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Errands. Order groceries.

Books I read yesterday:: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 13. Martin de Porres: Healer, and 14. Kateri Tekawitha: Mohawk Ascetic. Read: 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker.

Watching: Lewis 9.1 and 9.2.

Listening:

Wordle 1,124 4/6 irate, spite, white, quite

🟦⬜⬜🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections —Phew!
Puzzle #402
🟩🟩🟪🟩
🟩🟩🟪🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟪🟪🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #136
“Park place”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/17:
41/41 words (+14 bonus words) —4 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 27% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 7

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/17:
23/23 words (+5 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 12% by accuracy

Hoping the world's got its head on right, and you're enjoying your corner of it!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Library Book Day!

Books I read yesterday::

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker.

Watching: Ted Lasso 2.12, with Jerry. I love sharing the view with a newbie. Lewis 9.3 and 9.4. Only two episodes left!

Listening:

Wordle 1,125 5/6 orate (typo from my usual first word), river, mercy, derby, nerdy

⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
🟦⬜⬜🟦⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟦🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Strands #137
“At your fingertips”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/18:
60/60 words (+14 bonus words) —4-1/2 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 37% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 8

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/18:
22/22 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Library Book Day part 2! Errands, Reading Roundup, Mags list.

Books I read yesterday:: Library Book Day part 1 (5); Last List of Mabel Beaumont

Magazines: NYT Magazine (6/30), (7/7).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker.

Watching: The Boys 4.6, 4.7. This show is so good, but it is violent and gory! I should not watch it late at night. But I just have one episode left in the current season.

Listening:

I think the global tech problem got me. I wasn’t logged in when I played Wordle, so I lost my solution to the ether. It was pretty pathetic—a Wordle-in-six (“Phew!). This is my game when I replayed. Oh, well. I have come clean.

Wordle 1,126 2/6 irate, refer

⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #404
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #138
“And the Oscar goes to ...”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/19:
56/56 words (+6 bonus words) — 4-1/2 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 14% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 9

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/19:
22/22 words (+2 bonus words)
📖 In the top 24% by bonus words

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (07/19/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 101 of 159 (I'll read this book throughout the summer)
Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Adaptation by James Loewen, adapted and ill., Nate Powell -- p. 66 of 266
A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis -- p. 36 of 76
The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson -- p. 163 of 302
My Favorite Thing is Monsters Volume 1 by Emil Ferris -- p. 00 of 000
Overlooked by Anisha Padnani -- p. 00 of 000
Atlas of Atlases by Phillip Parker -- p. 00 of 000
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 71 of 439 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 18 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
Toxic Prey by John Sandford -- p. 11 of 389
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In July we are reading books by Susan Power.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham. I have read and watched 14 of 24 lectures.

There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game. (Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)

I had the pleasure of reading a plethora of picture books over the last two days, so my appetite for the high art of illustrated children's books is well sated. Now I just have to add them to my thread. "Uff da," as we say up here in Da Nort. So, here goes.



223. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, ill. John Schoenherr



Beautiful watercolor paintings, magical words.

"Sometimes there's an owl and sometimes there isn't."

"When you go owling you don't need words
or warm
or anything but hope.
That's what Pa says.
The kind of hope
that flies
on silent wings
under a shining
owl moon."



224. How Do Dinosaurs Learn To Be Kind? by Jane Yolen, ill. Mark Teague



I just love these books--they are so fun and clever, and educational!

"A dinosaur knows
how to be very kind,
and always keeps
other folks in mind."



225. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen, ill. Mark Teague





226. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat



This one was a winner of a Caldecott Medal. It's about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world. Lovely artwork (pencil, crayon, watercolor, ink, and Adobe Photoshop) and fun story.



227. Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World by Mo Willems



This book is a follow-up to Leonardo, The Terrible Monster by Willems. The "monsters" are the cutest things you'd ever want to see (fuzzy, fluffy, cute little belly-buttons). The kids learn about bravery, and getting past first impressions.

There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game. (Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)

Other half of "Library Book Day!" reads:



228. A Matter of Pride by Emily Crofford, ill. Jim LaMarche



This one is not so much a "picture book" although there are lovely, realistic illustrations. Crofford is a Minnesota author. This book is more like a chapter book, with a great narrative about life during the Depression in a rural setting. Beautiful story of bravery and the bonding of mother and daughter.

Warning: there is a scene of cruelty to a farm animal, but the heroic father stops it.



229. Being Home by Traci Sorell, ill. Michaela Goode



A family experiences the joy of moving back to their ancestral land. Literally, a very moving story (see what I did there?) Beautifully illustrated.



230. A Apple Pie by Gennady Spirin



I learned that this book is based on a traditional English alphabet nursery rhyme. Kate Greenaway did it first (must go look up THAT book)

Each letter is given its place with magnificent illustrations (of course), and the presentation of the letter in both block letters (upper-case and lower-case), and some VERY ornate cursive. I think there is always an animal whose name starts with the appropriate letter to be discovered with each letter. Lot of detail and fun.

If you're reading this book to a kid, I would avoid spending any time or attention on the flowery script!



231. Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro, ill. Teagan White



Really fun tale of how mice spend the wintertime! They've got a nice fire going in the fireplace, cheeses on shelves (clearly labeled), and lots of cozy chairs and sofas.

One mouse doesn't like that indoor life, she wants to be outside. She accidentally discovers ice-skating!

One of mouse's friends is a punster, and comes up with some great lines, involving CHEESE (of course). For example, "Who knew winter could be so goud-a?"



232. Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston, ill. Jim LaMarche



Glorious illustrations! Celebration of the beauty, silence, and wonder of the fall season.

"We can learn from animals, my father says. About patience. About truth. About quiet. About taking only what you need from the land because we are just its keepers."

Happy weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.!

>64 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! And, to you!

>62 klobrien2:
Congratulations on reaching 75, Karen!
Congratulations on reaching 75, Karen!
Congratulations on reaching 75, Karen!

>66 SirThomas: Ha! Those illustrated books sure bump the numbers, in a big hurry!

Thanks for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Errands. File clean up?

Books I read yesterday:: Library Book Day part two (5), Last List of Mabel Beaumont, The Shadow of Sirius by W. S. Merwin.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker.

Watching: The Boys 4.8 (final episode of penultimate season). The show is such an eerie fiction reflecting the reality of MAGA and current events. Now I think I will watch “Gen V,” a spin-off which focuses on the new generation of “Supes.”

Listening:

Wordle 1,127 5/6 irate, toady, stalk, swath, shaft

⬜⬜🟧🟦⬜
🟦⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟦🟧⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧🟦🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #405
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #139
“A seat at the table”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/20:
51/51 words (+8 bonus words) — 3-1/2 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 24% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 10

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/20:
20/20 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 22% by accuracy

What a fore telling; Winter is Coming.

Happy Sunday, Karen. I hope those books are treating you fine. I watched High Sierra last night. I think you watched it, as part of our John Huston Fest. Good film. I think it is funny that Ida Lupino got top billing over Bogart, who is in every scene.

I have been listening to Ani DiFranco. If you have not heard of her, I can recommend Not a Pretty Girl. Edgy stuff but I love it. On the small screen, we have been watching Your Honor, starring the great Bryan Cranston. Good, gripping show. I am also enjoying Holly.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Online church. Errands. File clean up?

Books I read yesterday:: Last List of Mabel Beaumont—finished, Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

Magazines: The Week (July 5/12)

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker.

Watching: Lewis 9.5, 9.6 (the last episodes). I’m a little sad, because now I’ve completed the watching of Endeavour, Inspector Morse, and Lewis. Great shows! And I’ve loved seeing so much of Oxford!

Listening: NYT playlist: 10 Outstanding Brian Eno Productions (terrific!)

I dipped into the “2309” list today, once I had a few letters. irate, peony, sleep, speck

Wordle 1,128 4/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦
🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #406
🟩🟦🟨🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #140
“S-words? (a cutting-edge theme!)”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/21:
58/58 words (+13 bonus words) — 4 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 28% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 11

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/21:
24/24 words (+9 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

>70 Kristelh: Winter is Coming is a great book of the change of seasons, wildlife, and the wildlife artist. When I was reading it, My thoughts kept straying to those who are dealing with such heat. This book might provide some solace! ☺️

Here in Roseville, we recently had torrential downpour. Now just a little rain.

Hope you’re doing well! Happy reading!

>74 klobrien2: - On your recommendation, I requested this little book from the library and should have it sometime this week!

>71 msf59: Hi, Mark! Thanks for stopping by. I’ve heard some Ani DiFranco, might have to “Spotify” some more. The Brian Eno playlist I listened to yesterday was terrific! Included U2, David Bowie, Talking Heads, others I hadn’t heard of. Stellar, all of them. Those groups might be my listening plan going forward.

And thanks for the reccie for “Your Honor”! I do like Cranston a lot, and I’m looking to find a show in which to immerse.

Happy weekend to you!

>75 jessibud2: Great! Winter is Coming is lovely. I hope you love it like I did.

Have a terrific day!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. File clean up? KP.

Books I read yesterday:: Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley. I am really loving this book!

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker.

Watching: Big Bang Theory I happened on a set of episodes featuring the late Bob Newhart. He was brilliant, and I really enjoyed the watching.

Listening: Church was a sort of “Christmas in July” and we concluded with an impromptu “Joy to the World” singing. Lovely!

Wordle 1,129 4/6 irate, eaten, tamed, cadet

⬜⬜🟦🟦🟦
⬜🟧🟦🟧⬜
🟦🟧⬜🟧🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

👀Look at my first guess! Couldn’t have been more wrong! Ha!

Connections
Puzzle #407
🟪🟦🟨🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #141
“Make waves”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/22:
26/26 words (+4 bonus words) — 2 star difficulty —
⏱️ In the top 10% by speed
🔥 Solve streak: 12

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/22:
21/21 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 32% by accuracy

233. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson



Lots of reasons to like this book, starting with the beautiful cover.

That aside, it's a depiction of Mabel's grief after the loss of her spouse, which certainly resonated with me right away. It's about how each of the women that Mabel connects with is dealing with a relationship that has gone astray. The book is about the renewal of spirit and heart that friendship and attachments (new or rekindled) brings to us. It's a lovely story of friendship and kinship between women of all ages.

"...She shares stories and memories and the sadness in her eyes is still there, but it's diminished. We all have something that's broken us, I suppose. Nobody gets away unscathed."

This is a happy, vital book, although it definitely has its measure of sadness.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. File clean up? KP.

Books I read yesterday:: My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Book One by Emil Ferris, Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley, A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis—finished.

Magazines: New Yorker (07/22)

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched (finally!): 15. Absalom Jones: Abolitionist Priest, and 16. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Convert and Caretaker. Read: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Big Bang Theory New show, “Sunny,” starring Rashida Jones. Watched the first three episodes. Really liked it! There’s a lot of mystery and thrills, and peeks into Japanese culture.

Listening:

Wordle 1,130 3/6 irate, brown, prong

⬜🟧⬜⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
(Didn’t think I’d ever get that “green” level!)
Puzzle #408
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #142
“You're the best!”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡

I played https://squaredle.com 07/23:
33/33 words (+8 bonus words) —3 star difficulty —
🎯 Perfect accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 13

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/23:
22/22 words
🎯 In the top 17% by accuracy

234. A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis



This book Lewis's response to his bereavement and his search to regain his faith and serenity afterwards. He points out the particular article at the front of the title as a true indication that this set of notes is just one portrayal of grief and reasoning.

I love his writing! So smart and succinct. And he was so brave to put his soul out there for all to see.

His stepson, Douglas H. Gresham, writes: "If we find no comfort in the world around us, if no solace when we cry to God, if it does northing else for us, at least this book will help us to face our grief, and to 'misunderstand a little less completely.'"

The book certainly did that for me. I will search out my own copy, because I am sure to be rereading this little treasure.

>83 klobrien2: No fan of Lewis, me, but this book is one of the most satisfying reads about grief I've ever read.

Have a lovely!

>84 richardderus: Yes, it’s a good read. And I hope you are having a splendiferous day (man, where did that word come from?! Just popped into my head. Must go do the etymology thing).

From etymonline.com: splendiferous (adj.)
"brilliant, gorgeous," etymologically "splendor-bearing," considered a playful elaboration since its re-birth in 1843, but in 15c. it was good English, from Medieval Latin splendorifer, from splendor (see splendor) + ferre "to bear, carry," from PIE root *bher- (1) "to carry," also "to bear children."
Compare 15c. splendidious, also splendacious "very splendid" (1838). Bartlett (1859) offers this, allegedly from "An itinerant gospeller ... holding forth to a Kentuckian audience on the kingdom of heaven":
"Heaven, my beloved hearers," said he, "is a glorious, a beautiful, a splendiferous, an angeliferous place. Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, it has not entered into the imagination of any Cracker in these here diggings what carryings on the just made perfect have up thar."

Ha! I really like “splendacious,” though!

>85 klobrien2: I really like “splendacious,” though!

+1 on that, I absolutely plan to use that one soon.

*smooch*

Reading up a storm today (or just finishing up books that have been in the works for a while).



235. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Book One by Emil Ferris



Wow! Author Emil Ferris has created such a work of art, of drama, of horror...I'm so glad that listening in on other's LT threads brings books like this to my notice. While those others are currently reading the new Book Two, I needed to do some quick catch-up and read the first Book.

Young (pre-teen?) Karen Reyes is the narrator and artist of the book. She wants nothing more than to be a monster, like the creatures in her favorite horror comic books.

"Just another reason why being a human girl stinks compared to being a monster. When I'm a monster I won't have to keep my mouth shut. No, I'll open my mouth and use my rows of long sharp teeth to rip up guys like Jerry."

There are stories within stories here. Alison Bechdel, one of my favorite artists (Fun Home), summarizes the book so well:

"Once you enter Emil Ferris's spectacular eye-popping magnum opus, there is no turning back. Her werewolf-girl protagonist's spiral-bound school notebook is a visual phantasmagoria of neural pathway-altering proportions. A freakish but lovingly cross-hatched cast of characters, meticulously envisioned covers of horror comics, and all-around virtuosic drawing chops, the heroine unravels a baroque mystery whose plot pulls you forward as insistently as the images demand that you linger. This is a monster of a book, in the best possible way."

Anxiously awaiting Book Two!

>85 klobrien2: Now that's a great etymology!

Wishing you a splendiferous day, or splendacious, as you prefer.

>88 atozgrl: Thank you for the splendidious good wish! (Had to go look up the spelling of that one!)

Fun with words!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Grocery list. Jerry list. Sister’s rent credit. KP.

Books I read yesterday:: My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book One by Emil Ferris—finished, 99 Stories of God by Joy Williams, Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan, Saga Volume 5—finished.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Grantchester 9.6, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries2.1.

Listening: NYT Amplifier Playlist: “8 New Songs You Should Hear Now.” Had to skip Drug Church “Demolition Man” (they are “post-hardcore,” I guess), but otherwise fine.

Wordle 1,131 3/6* irate, route, forte

⬜🟦⬜🟧🟧
🟦🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #409
🟨🟦🟦🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #143
“Screen time”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/24:
43/43 words (+11 bonus words) —2-1/2 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 37% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 14

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/24:
23/23 words (+3 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 34% by accuracy

Duplicate—I’ll reuse later

>1 klobrien2: wow 🤯 as a non native English speaker I am unable to finish a book in 2 years 😭.
Ok to be honest I am quite jealous but I will also 👏 for you.
Well I always pick classical book which is very difficult for me to read because it's old English so that's why I am unable to finish books.

>89 klobrien2: Speaking of fun with words, one of YouTube podcasts is called exactly that. Today's drop was on "fossil words" and was it a doozy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEk4hJZfo6Q

Enjoy Rob and Jess geeking out over cool old words. I think you'll thank me later.

>94 richardderus: I’ll thank you right now! And then, again, later! “Words Unravelled” looks like a great podcast. I had meant to only watch a minute or two of the episode you posted, but ended up watching the whole “shebang” (and that’s one of the “fossil words”).

Definitely in my “like” arena. Thanks, again!

>95 klobrien2: I'm not quite done yet...I realize how much time you devote to The Great Courses, so permaybehaps you'd like a way to sample some before committing to the whose shebang:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheGreatCourses

I watched one on the Romans leaving Britain and picked up fresh details I hadn't known, so...well...who better to inflict it on than you? :-P

>96 richardderus: Ooh, that link looks great! Thanks!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Order groceries.

Books I read yesterday:: Saga Volume 6

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Sunny ep. 4.

Listening:

Wordle 1,132 3/6* irate, rough, porch

⬜🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟦🟧⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #410
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩

I found Strands a little tricky today:

Strands #144
“All that jazz”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/25:
42/42 words (+5 bonus words) —3-1/2 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 25% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 15

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/25:
20/20 words (+3 bonus words)
📖 In the top 12% by bonus words

Hi Karen. You are reading up a storm. Thanks for posting the NYT 100 list. Interesting. I have seen discussion of it on other threads.

I love The Grass Dancer.

>100 BLBera: Hi! Unfortunately, I gave up on The Grass Dancer but it will be on my TBR radar.

Thanks for stopping in!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Library Book Day(s)!

Books I read yesterday:: Lovely illustrated books, five of them. Five more today!

Magazines: NYT Book Review (7/14).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Ted Lasso 3.1 with Jerr. Gen V 1.1 (I should have watched this show before watching the last season of “The Boys”—it shows the development of young “supes.”

Listening:

>102 klobrien2: I see you aren't listening. I've long had that shortcoming: I don't listen.

Started running out of letters!

Wordle 1,133 4/6* irate, black, foamy, awash

⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #411
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟨🟪🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #145
“Go for the gold”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/26:
64/64 words (+9 bonus words) —5 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 19% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 16

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/26:
22/22 words (+3 bonus words)
📖 In the top 6% by bonus words

>103 weird_O: I must improve on my NOT listening! There’s really no excuse for me not listening, since I’ve gotten Spotify.

Okay, do you have any music recommendations? I like most anything, probably more folk and rock inclined.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a happy weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.! *smooch*

>106 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! You, too!

Happy Friday, Karen. Hooray for My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Book One. Book Two is pretty terrific too. Just sayin'...

>108 msf59: I’m impatiently waiting for my hold of Book Two to come in! I’m in position 56 on nine copies, so it could be a while (ha!) Maybe borrowers will read it quickly? Let’s hope.

Have a great weekend, and thanks for dropping in!

Oh yeah- I have been listening to Dire Straits. I forgot how damn good this band was. Loved both Communique & Making Movies.

>110 msf59: One of my favorite groups—Dire Straits! “Sultans of Swing” is playing in my head now (now I know what to pull up on Ye Olde Spotify…

Thanks!

P.s. I forget, are you listening to your music alphabetically? What format?

There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game. (Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)

This week's "Library Book Day(s)!" reads:

I am not including the first two in my books read count because I recently read these books and loved them and had to look at them again. They feature the wonderful Gennady Spirin's illustrations: need I say more? As always, thanks to whisper1 for bringing the books to my knowledge and recollection!



Philipok by Leo Tolstoy, retold by Anna Keay Bendeduce, ill. Gennady Spirin





The Tale of the Firebird by Gennady Spirin



Such a beautiful book!

The next three books were brought to my attention by the NYTimes--they have a regular column for "children's books."



236. There Was a Shadow by Bruce Handy, ill. Lisk Feng





237. The Shadow and the Ghost by Cat Min





238. Too Much Stuff by Emily Gravett



Funny and smart story of a couple of birds who get caught up in collecting stuff ("how much stuff is too much stuff?") and almost lose their little chicks. Great insight into decluttering; "The Four Rs of Recycling" (reduce, reuse, repair, recycle).

The next five books were definitely brought to my attention by whisper1. I was able to find them all at my library, or through ILL. It's nice to know that I'll always be able to get them again if I want to. I love libraries and library books!



239. Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ill. Nancy Tillman



A sweet telling of the biblical creation story (well, the first one in Genesis). Extra message of God's love (I'll take it!) Gorgeous illustrations.



240. Simeon's Gift by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton, ill. Gennady Spirin



Sweet story about the desire to make music, to be the best, and to give the best gift to one's love. And the illustrations are wonderful, too.

This one has a CD of the book, read by Julie Andrews, but I didn't listen to it.



241. A Medieval Feast, written and illustrated by Aliki



Really interesting look into what was required of the feudal lord and his household when the king (and entourage) were coming to visit. Yikes!



242. Yakov and the Seven Thieves by Madonna, art by Gennady Spirin



Beautiful book, but funny and moving, too. "We must never forget that hidden behind a large amount of darkness is a large amount of light."

Madonna wrote five of these "moral tales" books, I guess--I'm tracking down the others now.



243. Animals Marco Polo Saw: An Adventure on the Silk Road by Sandra Markle, ill. Daniela Jaglenka Terragine



One of the "Explorer Series"--books that are meant to teach responsibility to the world and to the living things in it. Lots of resources for a kid doing research on Marco Polo.

Great "Library Book Day(s)" this week!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Reading Roundup, TV shows list.

Books I read yesterday:: Lovely illustrated books (five more)--finished. Saga 6–finished. Lies My Teacher Told Me (graphic).

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Olympics Opening Ceremony!

Listening:

Phew, indeed! Used the “2309” list, because I was truly stuck.

Wordle 1,134 6/6* irate, mince, slice, voice, deice, juice

🟦⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟦⬜🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
⬜⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #412
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #146
“Bedtime story”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/27:
35/35 words (+3 bonus words) —3 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 29% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 17

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/27:
19/19 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 29% by accuracy

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (07/26/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 101 of 159 (I'll read this book throughout the summer)

Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley -- p. 78 of 307
The Shadow of Sirius by W. S. Merwin -- p. 10 of 114
Ninety-nine Stories of God by Joy Williams -- pages are unnumbered; story 9 of 99
Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan -- p. 17 of 167
Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Adaptation by James Loewen, adapted and ill., Nate Powell -- p. 76 of 266
Overlooked by Anisha Padnani -- p. 00 of 000
Atlas of Atlases by Phillip Parker -- p. 00 of 000
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 71 of 439 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 18 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
Toxic Prey by John Sandford -- p. 11 of 389
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. I am not going to join in in July (Susan Power). In August, we are reading books by Jeffrey Lent.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham. I have read and watched 16 of 24 lectures.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Online church, TV shows list.

Books I read yesterday:: Saga 7 and 8–finished. I have three more to re-read; hope to do that today.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Ted Lasso 3.4. Jerry isn’t here to watch these, so I’ll watch them, with joy, now, and then, later with him. They are a treat and I always catch things I didn’t before. Come on Richmond!

Listening: I actually listened to some music! Dire Straits Greatest Hits on Spotify! It’s more like, “All Their Songs,” so I have more to listen to.

Wordle 1,135 3/6* irate, cloud, smock

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟦⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #413
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #147
“Daily delivery”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/28:
74/74 words (+11 bonus words) —4-1/2 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 8% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 18

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/28:
24/24 words (+3 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

From Poem-a-day:

From “The Windy City” by Carl Sandburg 1878 – 1967

Winds of the Windy City,
come out of the prairie,
all the way from Medicine Hat.
Come-out of the inland sea-blue water,
come where they nickname a city for you.

Corn wind in the fall,
come off the black lands,
come off the whisper of the silk hangers,
the lap of the flat spear leaves.

Blue-water wind in summer,
come off the blue miles of lake,
carry your inland sea-blue fingers,
carry us cool, carry your blue to our homes.

White spring winds,
come off the bag-wool clouds,
come off the running melted snow,
come white as the arms of snow-born children.

Gray fighting winter winds,
come along on the tearing blizzard tails,
the snouts of the hungry hunting storms,
come fighting gray in winter.

Winds of the Windy City,
Winds of corn and sea blue,
Spring wind white and fighting winter gray,
Come home here—they nickname a city for you.

The wind of the lake shore waits and wanders.
The heave of the shore wind hunches the sand piles.
The winkers of the morning stars count out cities
And forget the numbers.

For you crafty types, this is an article about someone who crocheted dolls representing Saint Paul’s all-female City Council.

https://enewspaper.twincities.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=82d14...

And here’s a link to the SMSP (Smallest Museum in Saint Paul): https://www.smallestmuseumstpaul.com/about-the-smsp

The dolls are being displayed there.

I’ll keep trying to find a way to show you the wonderful photo that ran in today’s Pioneer Press—it, and the dolls, are very charming.

Here’s the wonderful picture. (I hope this works). Notice the picture in the back—those are the real council members).

https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/453195105_10223847270228888...

>112 klobrien2: Naturally, I smiled when I read your reviews of the illustrated books I recommended. I simply love sharing the love of illustrated books, and now, through you, more people are becoming aware that these books are NOT just for children.

I hope you are well.

>118 klobrien2: Carl Sandburg was one of the poets I was forced to read as a kid. Never understood a single word he wrote. I wish I'd known he died in 1967, since that was about the time he was rammed into my head...I'd've been so pleased. Getting some power back over the world, you know, when someone who's doing something to you that you don't like suddenly can't anymore.

Well, that was cheery. Have a happy week-ahead's reads, Karen O! *smoovh*

>121 richardderus: Happy week to you, Richard, you great big curmudgeon.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Errands. Start Romans course.

Books I read yesterday:: Finished off the “Saga” saga— volumes 9, 10, and 11. So glad that I went back to reread the older ones!
Read a few pages of Guncle Abroad to finish off my day.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Ted Lasso 3.5 and 3.6. Jerry isn’t here to watch these, so I’ll watch them, with joy, now, and then, later with him. They are a treat and I always catch things I didn’t before. Come on Richmond!

Listening:

Wordle 1,136 4/6* irate, cheer, mover, super

⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
⬜⬜⬜🟧🟧
⬜⬜⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #414
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟩🟦
🟪🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

LOVED today’s Strands theme— Public Library!

Strands #148
“Book it!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/29:
20/20 words (+2 bonus words) —2 star difficulty —
⏱️ In the top 28% by speed
🔥 Solve streak: 19

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/29:
20/20 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 27% by accuracy

Read the last seven of the Saga graphic novels. Wow, what a series! it made such a difference to go back and read the earlier novels again. There is a four-year gap between the ninth and the tenth, and I tried to rely on my flimsy memory when I recently read the "new" numbers, ten and eleven. Much better to go back and reread everything first.

I won't count Volumes 10 and 11 again in my books read count, since I read them very recently. All of the books are written by Brian K. Vaughan and drawn by Fiona Staples. I've rated them all 4-star reads.

Thanks to mahsdad for bringing the Saga books to my recollection!



244. Saga Volume 5
245. Saga Volume 6
246. Saga Volume 7
247. Saga Volume 8
248. Saga Volume 9
Saga Volume 10
Saga Volume 11

>116 klobrien2: So yesterday you listened. Viz: Listening: I actually listened to some music! Dire Straits Greatest Hits on Spotify! It’s more like, “All Their Songs,” so I have more to listen to. But then today (>123 klobrien2:) you're back to NOT listening. You are just refusing to listen.

Oh gawd. I can't believe how I've milked that. Sorry.

Hi Karen

I admire your ability to read so many books. You are an inspiration to me. Over the past year, I've help a friend who lost her husband. Increasingly needy, demanding and energy draining, yesterday I made a decision to adhere to my promise to myself that enough is enough.

Last night was a 3.5 hour disaster. No More. I am going to have time now to read. I'll be sure to let you know the illustrated books I find that are the best.

Thank you so very much!!!

>127 Whisper1: I’m glad you’re taking steps to tend to yourself! And don’t feel badly about taking back your time and energies.

I’ve got a bunch of illustrated books on their way with a theme of “Moving” (a recent NYT theme). By “bunch,” I mean A LOT. Watch this space for developments!

Happy week to you, Linda!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Start Romans course (I really mean it!)

Books I read yesterday:: Guncle Abroad

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Ted Lasso 3.7 and 3.8. Jerry isn’t here to watch these, so I’ll watch them, with joy, now, and then, later with him. They are a treat and I always catch things I didn’t before. Come on Richmond!

Listening: weird_o, still not listening…maybe today?

>126 weird_O: I’ll make all the worldly types anxious by relating that music of a religious bent has been in my mind and on my lips. Yesterday, it was “He Leadeth Me”; today, it seems to be, “How Firm a Foundation.”

And, shtum! on any criticism from the peanut gallery (boy, I’m certainly using the slang today). Those naysayers need to get over themselves.

I just mean to say that music is in my life, just not always electronically.

Thanks for stopping by, weird one! Have a great day!

Wordle 1,137 4/6* irate, waver, relay, feral

⬜🟦🟦⬜🟦
⬜🟦⬜🟦🟦
🟦🟧🟦🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #415
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟩🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #149
“That's a stretch!”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/30:
26/26 words (+7 bonus words) —2-1/2 star difficulty —
📖 In the top 43% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 20

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/30:
20/20 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 14% by accuracy

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Start Romans course (I really mean it!) Grocery list. Jerry list.

Books I read yesterday:: Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan. Guncle Abroad by Stephen Rowley.

Magazines: The Week (7/19).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Grantchester 9.7. Ted Lasso 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11. Will watch the last episode today!

Listening:

Wordle 1,138 4/6* irate, globe, spume, penne

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #416
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #150
“Staying power”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 07/31:
35/35 words (+7 bonus words) —3 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 27% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 21

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 07/31:
21/21 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 12% by accuracy

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Order groceries. Meet with contractor to get bathroom back in working order (it’s been out of order since Art’s death 16 months ago (!) Contractor Nate is also sending electricians to scope out our antiquated fuse-based electrical. I’ve been stuck in dealing with these things, but now I have forward momentum! This is major, for me.

Books I read yesterday:: Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan. Guncle Abroad by Stephen Rowley.

Magazines: The Week (7/26), Rolling Stone (07/08).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch: 17. Saints and Modernity, and 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General.

Watching: Ted Lasso 3.12.

Listening:

Wordle 1,139 3/6* irate, scalp, chalk

⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
⬜🟦🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections —slow start today!
Puzzle #417
🟩🟩🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟨🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #151
“Not stirred”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/01:
62/62 words (+11 bonus words) —4 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 25% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 22

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/01:
25/25 words (+5 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 7% by accuracy

I actually got wordle in 2 today, total fluke!

>134 klobrien2: Forward momentum is always a good feeling! Good luck with your bathroom and electricity!

>136 jessibud2: Wow! Wordle in 2 is great! And don’t discount yourself and the thinking that you do “behind the scenes.”

Happy weekend!

>137 norabelle414: Thanks! I’m looking forward to the changes.

>135 klobrien2: I had a slower start in Connections than you did. Trouble on the same green grouping as you with a wrong yellow square in there, but 3 tries for me. Then I finally got it, in regular yellow, green, blue, purple order. Just dodged a skunk.

Good luck with the plumbing and electrical. I can get stuck on taking care of things like that too, things I know I need to do, so I applaud you for getting it going.

I am way behind with threads and attempting to catch up.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend

>141 figsfromthistle: Thanks! Have a terrific weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Library Books Day! Errands. Household bills.

Books I read yesterday:: Wendy by Walter Scott. New to me graphic, about a wild and crazy artist-in-the-making.

Magazines: NYT Magazine (7/14).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Actually WATCHED!: 17. Saints and Modernity, and WILL watch: 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General, today. Read: 19. Andrei Rubler: Artist-Monk, and 20. Josephine Butler: Victorian Feminist.

Watching: Ted Lasso 3.2, with Jerry! Sunny ep. 5. Gen V 1.2.

Listening:

Wordle 1,140 3/6* irate, flame, flake

⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #418
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #152
“Here, there, and everywhere”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/02:
60/60 words (+3 bonus words) —4-1/2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 9% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 23

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/02:
19/19 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 17% by accuracy

Good job Karen. I bombed on Wordle. I haven’t finished connections yet but I did get a perfect on strands. Found the spanogram first.

>145 Kristelh: Thanks, Kristel. Sure do love playing the games, and I like how pretty the little tiles look on the "shares." Strands is a lot of fun. This reminds me that I haven't tried Squaredles yet!

Have a great weekend!

249. Walk the Blue Fields: Stories by Claire Keegan



This book of short stories was published in 2007, which places it after Antarctica (2002) and before So Late in the Day (2023). One of the stories in this book, "The Long and Painful Death," was included in So Late in the Day.

I really liked this collection. It's my favorite of the Keegan short story collections, out-starred only by Foster, the novella. Keegan once again proves to be a master of atmosphere and musical dialogue. These stories are also mostly dark and mysterious (of course).

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (08/02/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 101 of 159 (I'll read this book throughout the summer)
Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley -- p. 132 of 307
The Shadow of Sirius by W. S. Merwin -- p. 10 of 114
Ninety-nine Stories of God by Joy Williams -- pages are unnumbered; story 9 of 99
Lies My Teacher Told Me: A Graphic Adaptation by James Loewen, adapted and ill., Nate Powell -- p. 76 of 266
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander
Holmes, Marple, Poe by James Patterson
Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence
A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 71 of 439 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 18 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In August, we are reading books by Jeffrey Lent.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham. I have read and watched 18 of 24 lectures.

>148 klobrien2: Happy weekwnd-ahead's reads, Karen O.!

>149 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! Stay cool!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Errands. Household bills.

Books I read yesterday:: Walk the Blue Fields—finished; Guncle Abroad; illustrated books (4)—finished.

Magazines: NYT Magazine (7/21), NYT Book Review (7/21) and (7/28).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 18. Joan of Arc: Peasant-General Will watch: 19. Andrei Rubler: Artist-Monk, and 20. Josephine Butler: Victorian Feminist.

Watching: Watched the opening episodes of two new shows: Time Bandits, on Apple+. Shows promise. Taiki Waititi and Jemaine Clement wrote, directed, and are in this fun mix of “Our Flag Means Death,” Monty Python (this show is based on the original movie), and a lot of New Zealand things I’ve seen. I’ll keep watching. Good Girl’s Guide to Murder : Episode 1 was good. Like “Veronica Mars” in that the protagonist is detecting, and is young. She’s looking into a five-year-old murder of a young woman in her town. I’ll keep watching this one, too.

Listening: Finished the Dire Straits listen that I started days ago. Such good music!

Wordle 1,141 4/6* irate, blame, shale, scale

⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
⬜🟦🟧⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #419
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #153 —Got the spangram first thing; the last “strand” took me forever!

“A night at the museum”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/03:
38/38 words (+3 bonus words) —2-1/2 star difficulty —
🎯 In the top 16% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 24

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/03:
22/22 words (+3 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 19% by accuracy

There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game. (Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)

This week's "Library Book Day(s)!" reads:

I have been watching the NYT newsletters for their listings of kids' books. On a recent week, the theme of the recommended books was, "Moving," as in relocating one's home, or how to get through that sometimes traumatic event.

The NYT listed a lot of books, and I went after all of them (I think). There were some good ones. See for yourself.

First, a non-moving book:



250. Rising by Sidura Ludwig, ill. Sophia Vincent Guy



A lovely story and illustration of the weekly baking of challah for Shabat. Includes a recipe for challah, a glossary, and author's note.

NOW, the "moving" books:

A LOT of these books feature single parents. I suppose that breakup of a relationship does tend to result in one of the parties moving. A lot of these books also feature animals as a comforting element (I certainly can understand that!)



251. Goodbye, Old House by Margaret Wild, ill. Ann James



Great illustrations! Figures are sketched in black and white, and background elements are shown in beautiful colors, often through doors and windows.

First half of the book, "this is the last time..."; second half of the book, "this is the first time...". Lovely way to frame the story.



252. Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina, ill. Sonia Sanchez



This one is pretty sad; the girl's best friend ("the friend of the heart") is moving away. There is an in-book audio for read-along. The sound is pretty awful on it, as you might expect, but it's a cool concept.

Lovely, colorful illustrations, very moving story.



253. This Is Not My Home by Eugenia Yoh and Vivienne Cheng



Story of reverse immigration (woman and her young daughter move back to Taiwan to take care of the grandmother). Story of how a place CAN become home.



254. Lenny & Lucy by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead



"At the end of a long journey and the start of a new adventure, Peter (young boy) and Harold (his dog) are in need of a few friends. And that is exactly what they find."

Charming drawings, with colors used sparingly.

Husband and wife team! I think this was their first children's book.



255. Starting Over in Sunset Park by Jose Pelaez and Lynn McGee, pics by Bianca Diaz



Wonderful illustrations with gloriously-saturated colors. Girl and her mother move from Dominican Republic to Brooklyn, NYC.

This book features some wonderful sketched maps of NYC, as well as immigration resources.



256. Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo



A dog's love helps a girl open up, be brave, and make new friends. Sweet! Black-outlined figures give a nice, spacious effect.



257. Southwest Sunrise by Nikki Grimes, ill. Wendell Minor



"The beauty of the Southwest as a young boy sees it for the very first time."

Beautiful illustrations (those colors!) and sweet story.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Online church. Errands. Household bills.

Books I read yesterday:: Wendy by Walter Scott (I always want to put a “Sir” at the start of his name!)—finished; Started Wendy: Wendy’s Revenge; illustrated books (4)—finished.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch (today?): 19. Andrei Rubler: Artist-Monk, and 20. Josephine Butler: Victorian Feminist.

Watching: Watched 9-1-1: finishing up the seventh season. Art and I used to watch this show together, so it’s really comforting to watch it now. Watched 7.8 and 7.9; just have 7.10 left.

Listening: Stop Making Sense featuring the Talking Heads. Love this movie! Great music and performance.

Used the “go with your first hunch” rule for my final guess (I had two possibles) and it worked (this time!)

Wordle 1,142 5/6* irate, hover, joker, loner, lower

⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #420
🟨🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦

Strands #154
“In glove”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/04:
55/55 words (+12 bonus words) —4 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 16% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 25

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/04:
19/19 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

>155 klobrien2: Your last guess worked! Not-skunked is the best.

>153 klobrien2: #251 looks really well-thought-out indeed. They're all really pretty-looking, though.

Sunday orisons, Karen O.!

>156 richardderus: Hello, hello! Happy Sunday, Richard!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Get labs done at clinic (usual). Errands. Household bills.

Books I read yesterday:: Wendy: Wendy’s Revenge—finished, Wendy: Master of Art—finished. One book left in the series.

Magazines:

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Will watch (today?): 19. Andrei Rubler: Artist-Monk, and 20. Josephine Butler: Victorian Feminist.

Watching: Watched 9-1-1: Watched the final episode—7.10.

Listening: NYT Amplifier: Untitled (The Playlist). Enjoyed it (mostly—couldn’t listen to Kendrick Lamar).

Wordle 1,143 4/6* irate, globe, exude, ensue

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #421
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #155
“Rolling in it”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/05:
26/26 words (+2 bonus words)—1-1/2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 25% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 26

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/05:
24/24 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 10% by accuracy

Another find from the NYT: The "Wendy" graphic books. Wendy is almost completely out-of-control, yes, she has a drinking problem, and a drug problem, and quite a few enablers around her.

From the first book: "Art world satire, humour: Wendy's an aspiring artist in a party city, and she's in a rut. She spends her time snorting MDMA in gallery bathrooms and watching Nurse Jackie reruns on her laptop while hungover. So when she's accepted into the prestigious Flojo Island residency, Wendy vows to buckle down and get working.

"But during the remote, woodsy residency, Wendy and her collaborator/BFF Winona put on a performance piece that becomes the centre of an art world controversy, and so Wendy returns to Montreal, getting a job in a coffee shop to make ends meet...With Wendy, Scott launches the Wendyverse, brimming with painfully relatable characters like the back-stabbing frenemy Tina, the name-dropping Paloma, the cool drummer Wendy obsesses over, Jeff, and of course, our treasured Wendy, the hot mess we can't live without. In blunt, laugh-out-loud funny vignettes with perfect punchlines, Scott illuminates the opacity of artspeak and the ceaseless anxieties plaguing a largely privileged generation."



258. Wendy by Walter Scott



"Misadventures of a young artist in a satirical imagining of the contemporary art world."



259. Wendy: Wendy's Revenge by Walter Scott



"Wendy, her pals, and her milieu comprise a fictional world as fully and funnily inhabited as any in recent Canadian storytelling." (Sean Rogers)



260. Wendy: Wendy, Master of Art by Walter Scott





261. Wendy: The Wendy Award by Walter Scott

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Finish cleaning out the hall closet (cleaning supplies, vases, lightbulbs, batteries,…,you name it).

Books I read yesterday:: Wendy: The Wendy Award—finished. 99 Stories of God, Guncle Abroad.

Magazines: New Yorker (7/29).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 19. Andrei Rubler: Artist-Monk, and 20. Josephine Butler: Victorian Feminist. Read: 1. Padre Pio:The Science of Miracles, and 22. Josephine Bakhita: Freed From Slavery.

Watching: Watched Happy Valley1.1. Julia Child!! Actually, Sarah Lancashire! We had started this series years ago, but didn’t get very far. But the show was raved about (hi, Mark!) so I’m starting up again.

Listening:

Wordle 1,144 3/6* irate, manic, anvil

🟦⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟦🟦🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #422
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #156
“Bed, bath and beyond”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/06:
29/29 words (+4 bonus words) —2-1/2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 13% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 27

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/06:
22/22 words (+3 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

I’m thrilled, and quite a bit surprised! that Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, is Harris’s VP! I’ve really liked Walz as a governor, and he will be a great VP (God willing).

>163 klobrien2: I can't say enough to agree with you, Karen O.! I'm so pleased. I really hope this will turbocharge the campaign.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Finish closet. Grocery list. List for Jerry.

Books I read yesterday:: 99 Stories of God, Guncle Abroad.

Magazines: National Geographic (May), New Yorker (8/02).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 21. Padre Pio:The Science of Miracles, and 22. Josephine Bakhita: Freed From Slavery. Read: 23. Oscar Romero: Voice for the People, and 24. Saints in Our Everyday World. I’ll watch these last two episodes today (I hope) and thus finish the course.

Next course up looks like fun—“Mind-Blowing Science,” made with Scientific American mag.

Watching: Watched Grantchester9.8–last episode of the season. I love this show!

Listening: NYT Amplifier playlist—9 Great Guitar Solo Cues. Not the solos themselves, but the cues from the singers. The solos were pretty good, too!

Wordle 1,145 5/6* I found this one a little tough! Couldn’t believe it accepted my third guess. irate, among, mauvy, madam, macaw

⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
🟦🟦⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜
🟧🟧⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #423
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #157
“Oh, oh, oh!”
🔵🔵🔵💡
🔵🟡🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/07:
40/40 words (+5 bonus words) —3 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 22% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 28

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/07:
22/22 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 19% by accuracy

I almost never get Wordle in 3 guesses. It's almost always 4. Sometimes 5.

Been a while, so swinging by to check in on you, Karen. I hope all is well there!

Fair warning, Karen. I was skulking around your thread here. Appraising your reading and listening. Games and puzzles, not so much. Cheering your gov and think he was a better pick than my gov (Josh Shapiro) would have been. I would like to see a debate between the two VP candidates.

>167 The_Hibernator: I rarely get Wordle in 3, usually 4.

>168 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! All’s fine here.

>169 weird_O: Hey, weird_o! I can’t wait for the debates! Trump and Vance will be so out-classed.

Thank you all for stopping by!

>165 klobrien2: I didn't love this season of Grantchester, I thought the season-long arc of the cult leader being involved in several of the season's crimes was a bit much.

>171 norabelle414: Maybe. they have so little time to present the stories, and to have a really evil and nasty villain did take a lot of time. I'm glad they showed the issues of females in the workplace and Kathy's bout with menopause. I love the characters so much, and it's almost like Doctor Who, but we're on the third vicar.

Grantchester is one of my favorite shows. I'm thinking of rewatching past seasons, starting with season 1.

262. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints (Great Course) by Emily Graham



My latest Great Course was kind of a change of pace for me; though I really enjoy the historical courses, this one had a particular slant. But I was amazed at the ground covered in the course: not only in physical location, but in locations in time. It was quite a survey course.

Emily Graham is a great instructor, knowledgeable and intelligent.

24 lessons of 30 minutes each. Guidebook.

263. The Guncle Abroad by Stephen Rowley



Glad to say that I enjoyed this read almost as much as I enjoyed reading the first Guncle book. Rowley is a hilarious writer but serious when he needs to be.

Five years has passed since the events of the first book. Patrick (GUP, "Gay Uncle Patrick," or the ""Guncle" of the book title) takes his niece and nephew on a tour of some European cities, a break before they all meet up at Lake Como in Italy for the impending nuptials of the dad and his Italian fiancee. (As I was reading about the group's time in Paris, the Paris Olympics were starting, so that was cool.)

Patrick sees his mission as, "he would teach these kids about love, how to love others, and how to be loved in return." Comedy ensues. There are farcical moments and the book seemed very movie-like at times. Personally, I think it would make a great movie!

I loved this passage from the author's note: "To anyone who thinks it's impossible to be funny in political correctness times, I say you were most likely mistaking cruelty for humor in the first place."

I wonder if there will be another "Guncle" book? I hope so. In the meantime, I'm finding a copy of The Celebrants to tide me over.

>173 klobrien2: I am really going to have to check out some of these Great Courses! I am sure that I would love the historical ones.

>174 klobrien2: You liked that one more than I did. I loved the first one and found the second a bit of a letdown. I do hope that there is a third Guncle book - or possibly the first "Launt" one?

Greetings Karen. Have a great day. Nice to have the weather less humid but such a change!

>175 alcottacre: Well, obviously, I love the Great Courses, and highly recommend them. Does your library carry them?

As for Guncle Abroad, I now know not to read reports on books I am reading, or about to start reading. Negative comments can tinge my reading experience. I read really fast, though, so I’ll have to be quick in jumping away.

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

>176 Kristelh: Hi, Kristel! Big change in the weather! So gorgeous out right now.

Thanks for coming by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Order groceries. Finish closet.

Books I read yesterday:: 99 Stories of God, Guncle Abroad—finished.

Magazines: National Geographic (June), New Yorker (8/02).

Great Course. The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints by Emily Graham: Watched: 23. Oscar Romero: Voice for the People, and 24. Saints in Our Everyday World. Finished the course!

Watching: Nothing!

Listening:

Wordle 1,146 3/6* irate, gauzy, saucy

⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #424
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #158
“Splashy event”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/08:
50/50 words (+6 bonus words) —3-1/2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 20% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 29

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/08:
21/21 words
🎯 Perfect accuracy

>163 klobrien2: I will be sorry to lose Walz as a governor, Karen. He has been a good one.

>181 BLBera: I agree, wholeheartedly, about Walz. But I can't wait to see him as VP.

264. Ninety-Nine Stories of God by Joy Williams



I inadvertently wiped out my post here. Drat!

I really loved this little book, and look forward to reading more of the author.

Your review has won me over.
Unfortunately, my library doesn't have this book in stock, but I was able to check out an excerpt from The Visiting Privilege. I'm looking forward to it.
Have a wonderful weekend!

>184 SirThomas: I hope you’re as happy with 99 Stories as I was. One of the good things about short stories is that you can use little chunks of time to read as you are able. And these short stories are VERY short!

Thanks for stopping by! And, you have a great weekend, too!

>177 klobrien2: As far as I know, my local library does not have the Great Courses, but I have access to both Kanopy and Hoopla that do have them.

Have a wonderful weekend, Karen!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Closet (aarghh). Household acctg. KP. Errands.

Books I read yesterday:: 99 Stories of God—finished. Library Book Day! (three books). New books: Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures, Secrets of the Octopus by Sy Montgomery.

Magazines: National Geographic (June), New Yorker (8/02).

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures.

Watching: Sunny ep. 6.

Listening:

Wordle 1,147 3/6* ducked into the “2309” after my word 2–very helpful. irate, globe, ounce

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟦⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #425
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #159
“Back to nature”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/09:
57/57 words (+7 bonus words) —4 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 38% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 30

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/09:
23/23 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

Booker Long List (I've only read one)

Wild Houses by Colin Barrett
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel
James by Percival Everett
Orbital by Samantha Harvey -- read
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Held by Anne Michaels
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Enlightenment by Sarah Perry
Playground by Richard Powers
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

>189 klobrien2:. I have only read one; Wandering Stars. I have Orbital on hold. What did you think of it?

>189 klobrien2: I'm too grumpy about SIX of 'em being from the US to go read one. The Booker ought to be for Commonwealth writers. *grumble*

Well, anyway. Have a lovely weekend-ahead's reads. *smooch*

>190 Kristelh: I gave Orbital 5 stars (and most all of my ratings are 4-star). I thought it was beautiful (almost poetry), well-written, and it certainly made an impact on me. I think (I hope) you will like it. It is compact—more like a novella.

I have Wandering Stars and James on hold; long waits on both of them.

Happy weekend to you, Kristel!

>191 richardderus: I guess I don’t know that much about the prizes. I do like “best of” lists, though. If I can see where someone or groups of people thought a book was worth reading, that’s good enough for me. ☺️

Pretty simplistic, I know, but that’s me!

Have a great weekend, my friend!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Closet (getting there). Household acctg. KP. Errands.

Books I read yesterday:: Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures, Secrets of the Octopus by Sy Montgomery, Everyday Contemplative.

Magazines: Actually finished: National Geographic (June), New Yorker (8/02).

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures.

Watching: Happy Valley 1.2, 1.3; C. B. Strike 1.1.

Listening: NYT Amplifier: “A Musical Tour of Tim Walz’s Minnesota”—pretty good!

Wordle 1,148 4/6* irate, liven, edify, medic

🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟦⬜🟦⬜
🟦🟦🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #426
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #160
“Not just for poking”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/10:
26/26 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 27% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 31

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/10:
19/19 words (+2 bonus words)
📖 In the top 33% by bonus words

There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game. (Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)

This week's "Library Book Day!" reads:



265. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead



This book was a Caldecott Medal Winner.

Lovely story of a zookeeper who has to take a sick day and is visited by all of his animals. Beautifully-spare illustrations, with careful detail and subtle colors.



266. Kick Push: Be Your Epic Self by Frank Morrison



This book was from the NYT "Moving" book list. It's about meeting new friends and, along the way, doing some skateboarding.

The author has a few words to say about the book: "I wanted to show kids that their interests don't need to be confined by any expectations. Be you, be great."

Big, colorful illustrations, with lots of movement and joy!



267. Lotsa de Casha by Madonna, art by Rui Paes



Beautiful, delightful, well-made book. Best quality paper I've ever seen in a kids book.

The book is populated by anthropomorphic animals. The hero of the book, Lotsa de Casha, is a greyhound-type dog-man.

The illustrations are gorgeous--almost as good as Gennedy Spirin. Rui Paes does the filling-up-all-the space-with-pictures thing, and it's a lot of fun.

The story is okay. The book is about using your wealth and gifts to help others. Making friends along the way is an added blessing. "The secret: If you share what you have and put others before you, you will find happiness."

What really annoyed me is the author giving Lotsa a stereotypical New York Italian accent--words end with -a-- and it really is overdone. In her defense, I believe she is both Italian and from New York.

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (08/09/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 117 of 159 (I'll read this book throughout the summer)
The Shadow of Sirius by W. S. Merwin -- p. 28 of 114
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures ed. Kel McDonald -- p. 58 of 335
Secrets of the Octopus by Sy Montgomery -- p. 43 of 191
Woman, Life, Freedom by Marjane Satrapi --
Completely Kafka: A Comic Biography by Nicolas Mahler --
Clear by Carys Davies -- p. 3 of 196
Six Myths of Our Time by Marina Warner
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 71 of 439 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 18 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In August, the group is reading books by Jeffrey Lent.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is Mind-Blowing Science Season 1 by Scientific American. There are 15 episodes.

So, here I post my best guess at what I’m going to read this week…and then I get this:



The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness

The fifth book in the All Souls series; the fourth book, Time’s Convert, was published six years ago.

This book is way up at the top of my reading stack now!

From mahsdad, here is Esquire's 75 Best Sci-Fi books of all time. I count 24 that I have read.

75 - The Echo Wife, by Sarah Gailey
74 - The Calculating Stars, by Mary Robinette Kowal
73 - Redshirts, by John Scalzi
72 - Beautyland, by Marie-Helene Bertino
71 - The Ten Percent Thief, by Lavanya Lakshminarayan
70 - Midnight Robber, by Nalo Hopkinson
69 - Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson
68 - Star Maker, by Olaf Stapledon
67 - Contact, by Carl Sagan
66 - Under the Skin, by Michel Faber
65 - Way Station, by Clifford D. Simak
64 - Sea of Rust, by C. Robert Cargill
63 - What Mad Universe, by Fredric Brown
62 - The Book of Phoenix, by Nnedi Okorafor
61 - Semiosis, by Sue Burke
60 - Excession, by Iain M. Banks
59 - The Claw of the Conciliator, by Gene Wolfe
58 - Lord of Light, by Roger Zelazny
57 - This Is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
56 - The Resisters, by Gish Jen
55 - Rosewater, by Tade Thompson
54 - Children of Time, by Adrian Tchaikovsky
53 - Solaris, by Stanislaw Lem READ
52 - A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess READ
51 - The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, by Robert A. Heinlein
50 - A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle READ
49 - The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells READ
48 - The Body Scout, by Lincoln Michel
47 - An Unkindness of Ghosts, by Rivers Solomon
46 - The Mountain in the Sea, by Ray Nayler
45 - Neuromancer, by William Gibson
44 - The Stars My Destination, by Alfred Bester
43 - The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell
42 - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams READ
41 - A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller Jr. READ
40 - Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir READ
39 - Zone One, by Colson Whitehead READ
38 - The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers
37 - Engine Summer, by John Crowley
36 - The Children of Men, by P.D. James READ
35 - Radiance, by Catherynne M. Valente
34 - The City & The City, by China Miéville READ
33 - A Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine
32 - Ancillary Justice, by Ann Leckie
31 - The Stand, by Stephen King READ
30 - In Ascension, by Martin MacInnes
29 - Dhalgren, by Samuel R. Delany
28 - The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman
27 - 1Q84, by Haruki Murakami
26 - Future Home of the Living God, by Louise Erdrich READ
25 - Ammonite, by Nicola Griffith
24 - Annihilation, by Jeff VanderMeer
23 - Oryx and Crake, by Margaret Atwood READ
22 - Hyperion, by Dan Simmons
21 - Red Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson
20 - Shikasta, by Doris Lessing
19 - The Sirens of Titan, by Kurt Vonnegut
18 - Roadside Picnic, by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
17 - Childhood's End, by Arthur C. Clarke READ
16 - The Complete Robot, by Isaac Asimov READ
15 - How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, by Charles Yu
14 - Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley READ
13 - The Employees, by Olga Ravn
12 - 1984, by George Orwell READ
11 - The Three-Body Problem, by Cixin Liu
10 - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick READ
9 - Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel READ
8 - Exhalation, by Ted Chiang
7 - Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro READ
6 - The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K. Le Guin READ
5 - Kindred, by Octavia Butler
4 - The Fifth Season, by N.K. Jemisin
3 - The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury READ
2 - Dune, by Frank Herbert READ
1 - Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley READ

>199 klobrien2: I don't think I agree with Esquire's judges. There are several here that I read but disliked, and a whole bunch of others I've never encountered, in spite of being a long term (since childhood) sci fi nut.

>200 ArlieS: I think that’s how it is with “best of” lists—it’s hard to amalgamate everyone’s preferences together. I look at the lists as a way to remember old reads and to get leads on books that I haven’t read.

Thanks for stopping by to chat! Happy Sunday!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Online church. Closet (getting there). Household acctg. KP.

Books I read yesterday:: Everyday Contemplative, Shadow of Sirius, The Black Bird Oracle

Magazines:

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures.

Watching: C. B. Strike 1.2, 1.3 (I love this show!)

Listening: NYT Amplifier:

Wordle 1,149 5/6* Guessy-guessy, but finally ran out of letters. 🥴 irate, globe, shove, spoke, scone

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟧
⬜⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧⬜🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #427
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #161
“Home stretch?”
🔵💡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/11:
77/77 words (+25 bonus words)—4-1/2 star difficulty—
📖 In the top 29% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 32h

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/11:
20/20 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 26% by accuracy

>199 klobrien2: Interesting that they have Frankenstein at #1. Some of us on another thread were discussing it, and none of us thought of it as really science fiction. We thought "gothic" fit it better than sci fi. It's a book I read twice when I was younger, and I disliked it both times, mostly because it was boooooooring.

>204 atozgrl: I don’t know that Frankenstein is really a young person’s book. I’ve read it, most recently not that long ago. I like it for the history of it and the fact that Mary Shelley wrote it, along with the writing itself.

I like the disclaimer, YMMV (your mileage may vary), or even the great line from a TV show of my youth—“Laugh-In” (70s), “different strokes for different folks.”

I would call Frankenstein “Science Fiction” but definitely not “Fantasy Fiction,” which often gets lumped in with the science-ey stuff.

Enough of my rambling!☺️ Thanks for stopping to chat!

>205 klobrien2: Well, I was college age when I read it, at least the second time, so I wasn't all that young. The first time I read it on my own, I'm sure I must have read it for a class the second time because I didn't like it enough to have chosen to read it again. As I said on the other thread, I can see why some would put it in Science Fiction because of the basic plot idea for the story, but when you read it, it doesn't actually read like science fiction. Like you, I also like to keep Fantasy separate from Science Fiction.

I certainly remember Laugh-In. That was a fun show.

>199 klobrien2: Fascinating list. I think I've read forty or so, maybe fifty, but some so long ago I hesitate to count them. Back before I wrote regular reviews reads turned into a slurry of impressions. (If I'm honest, most reads still do that.)

I get the criteria they used not even slightly. Like all these kinds of lists unless the makers set out very specific criteria for inclusion and ranking, I end up verschmeckeled about why this but not that....

Dear Friend, I read a laugh-out-loud illustrated book titled Two Many Birds by a wonderful writer/illustrator, Cindy Derby. You can find the reviewon my thread. This is a five-star book. I think you will like it.

>183 klobrien2: I've added Ninety-Nine Stories of God by Joy Williams to my tbr list, and well as

>267 klobrien2: Lotsa de Casha by Madonna, art by Rui Paes

>206 atozgrl: Frankenstein was written in 1818, so I wonder if the way it reads is due to its being written so long ago. I don’t know. Part of the problem may be that the movies (and TV shows—remember the Munsters?) that sprang up were SO different from the book.

A question for you—when you read the book, did you have movie images of Frankenstein in your head? I know that I did, and I had to do a kind of reset, to start fresh with the book.

Have a good week! Thanks for stopping in!

>207 richardderus: Yes, I know what you mean about book lists. I just take them for what they can give me—kind of a gauge to what I have read, and to what is out there, waiting to be read.

Happy Monday!

>208 Whisper1: Hi, Linda! I chuckled, because I had immediately requested Two Many Birds from my library when I saw it on your thread! I know I will like it! Thanks!

I hope you will like Ninety-Nine Stories of God, for it’s ingenuity and writing, and Lotsa de Casha for its art and humor.

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Closet (getting there). Household acctg. KP.

Books I read yesterday:: Completely Kafka: A Comic Biography

Magazines:

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures.

Watching: C. B. Strike 1.4, 1.5 (I love this show!)

Listening:

Wordle 1,150 4/6* Ducked into the “2309” list after my third guess. Very helpful. irate, climb, shiny, skiff

🟦⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧⬜🟧⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #428
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #162
“Everybody cut footloose!”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/12:
29/29 words (+6 bonus words) —2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 31% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 33

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/12:
18/18 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 16% by accuracy

>210 klobrien2: They're great as idea mines, for sure. Being me, I can't stop myself from looking at them and wondering why and how and so on.

I will never run out of reads before I run out of eyeblinks. Monday *smooch*

>209 klobrien2: I'm sure that the way it reads does have a lot to do with when it was written. And yes, the first time I read it, I did have images of the movie Frankenstein in my head. It didn't take long to realize that that was completely wrong, and I had to get that out of my mind. I just found the retelling of the "creature's" experiences to be boring when I read the book. But "chacun à son goût" as my father used to say. And yes, I certainly do remember the Munsters! We watched that show regularly.

Looking at Wikipedia, it reminds me that the original challenge between the Shelleys and Lord Byron was to see who could write the best horror story. I would really classify the story as more a horror story than science fiction.

I hope you also have a great week!

So you enjoyed Orbital, Karen. I have yet to read it, and because it is science fiction I have not been keen to try it. Since it is a short read maybe I will give it a try .

>216 vancouverdeb: I hope you do give Orbital a try. I bet you’d like it.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). A stomach bug hit me hard yesterday, so I didn’t di thr things I wanted to. Much better today! Mobility exercises. Closet (getting there). Household acctg. KP.

Books I read yesterday:: Completely Kafka: A Comic Biography—finished. Shadow of Sirius

Magazines:

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Watched: 1. How dinosaurs grew so large and so smal (ooh! CGI dinosaurs!), and 2. Are we the only intelligent life in the galaxy? (Answer—probably).

Watching: C. B. Strike 1.6, 1.7

Listening:

Wordle 1,151 3/6* irate, denim, neigh

🟦⬜⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧🟦🟦⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #429
🟦🟦🟦🟨
🟨🟦🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #163
“Look it up!”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/13:
30/30 words (+4 bonus words)—2-1/2 star difficulty—
🎯 In the top 26% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 34

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/13:
19/19 words (+4 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

>198 klobrien2: I had no idea how many books were in this series. I really liked the first one Discovery of Witches but didn't care for the second one so I didn't continue after that.

>220 BLBera: Discovery of Witches was great! I’ve enjoyed the other books in the series; they’re like children from the same family, but all different in personality.

>220 BLBera: I checked my list of books and found that I own Discovery of Witches. Now, I need to find it on one of the many book cases throughout the house. A few months ago, I started to note where books were located in the house. It was a timely process, one that I will need to get back to and add a few every day. This week, I'm trying to catch up from having company for a week, and also the time spent in checking on Cathy next door.

>222 Whisper1: There's always something that gets in the way of books! 8>)

I thought of reading the whole set of "All Souls" books before starting the current one, but I think that the older ones remain fresh in my memory. So I won't.

Thanks for stopping by!

268. Completely Kafka: A Comic Biography by Nicolas Mahler



An enjoyable, but strange little graphic biography of Franz Kafka. This strangeness has a little to do with Kafka's personality I'm thinking, but the writing in this book (which seeks to invoke the spirit of Kafka) and the minimalist drawings in the book really go along with that.

I haven't read any Kafka, but have encountered allusions to him and his writing all over the place. Now I want to read me some Kafka. And then revisit this comic.

269. The Shadow of Sirius by W. S. Merwin



"Haunting poems of life and loss and the struggle to accept that what we are and what we love is evanescent and fragile. In an era of poetry that tries so hard to be ironic as it puts off the reader, Merwin writes to include the reader with simple but not easy verse." (drbrand, on the LT page for this book).

I struggle with describing this book of poetry; I enjoyed the reading, but felt that it was out of my league. The poetry reads so ephemeral and loose and it wasn't until I was halfway through the book that I realized that Merwin did not use punctuation! No periods, no commas, nothing. Very few capital letters.

There were quite a few of the poems that resonated with me: "A Likeness," "Youth," and "Going." Here is that last one:

Going

Only humans believe
there is a word for goodbye
we have one in every language
one of the first words we learn
it is made out of greeting
but they are going away
the raised hand waving
the face the person the place
the animal the day
leaving the word behind
and what it was meant to say.

>224 klobrien2: I recommend The Metamorphosis first, dear lady, if possible the David Wyllie translation. He gets the strange, dislocated-in-space sensation just right...for me, anyway...and it's only $2.99
https://www.amazon.com/Metamorphosis-Franz-Kafka-ebook/dp/B06ZZM3KQ2/

I'd say try this short novella first. The short stories are, um, like Scandinavian licorice that's doused in aluminum weirdness powder, or fresh durian: things you should lead up to, not start with. The novels. Oh. My. GAWD. Morphine pills swallowed with gin.

But fun!

>226 richardderus: That is truly the sense of Kafka’s style that I got from Completely Kafka! Great description, Richard. I chuckled through the whole thing.

So, yes, if I decide to try some Kafka, I’ll start with Metomorphosis.

Thanks for the guidance!

" I forget, are you listening to your music alphabetically? What format?" I have an extensive "Rock & Pop" CD collection, all in Alpha order. I wanted to take a journey through this collection, enjoying stuff I haven't heard in many years and weeding stuff out, as well. I have been listening to about 70-80% of what I have been going through. All through Spotify. I no longer even have a CD player. I recently sampled some of my Bob Dylan. I own more than 14. If you are a fan, I recommend listening to his Greatest Hits Volume 2. It is outstanding. I am now in the "E"s and highly recommend Steve Earle's Aint' Ever Satisfied collection. It is also fantastic.

Happy Wednesday, Karen. Sorry, for my absence. I will try to drop by more often.

>225 klobrien2: I love that, Karen.

>228 msf59: Hi, Mark! Thanks for the music recommendations. I really like me some Bob Dylan, I do. I’m glad to hear that you‘ll be back!

>229 BLBera: I’m glad you liked the Merwin poem. I like it more each time I read it. Thanks for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Closet (getting there). Household acctg. KP. Grocery list. Jerry list.

Books I read yesterday:: Shadow of Sirius—finished. Career of Evil. Woman, Life, Freedom.

Magazines: Archeology (May/June), Astronomy (July).

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Watched: 3. Decoding the Puzzle of Human Consciousness, and 4. Why Your Brain Needs Exercise (“cognitive-stimulating exercise”).

Watching: C. B. Strike 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 (“Lethal White” story arc).

Listening: NYT Amplifier playlist: 9 Great Songs Recorded at Electric Lady Studios.

Wordle 1,152 5/6* irate, rouge, spore, score, shore

⬜🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟦🟦⬜⬜🟧
🟧⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧⬜🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #430
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #164
“Honey I'm home!”
🔵🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/14:
41/41 words (+4 bonus words) —2-1/2 star—
🔥 Solve streak: 35

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/14:
20/20 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy

Cleaning your closet? That's a task.

>234 The_Hibernator: It’s my hall closet, where we keep cleaning supplies, vases, baskets, replacements (batteries, filters, vac bags, etc.) and it hadn’t been gone through for at least a decade. It is proving to be quite a task!

>235 klobrien2: oh man! Quite a task but probably very satisfying once it's done :)

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Run errands.

Books I read yesterday:: Woman, Life, Freedom.

Magazines: New Yorker (8/19), The Week (8/16).

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Watched: 5. The First Monster Black Holes, and 6. Pets: Why Do We Have Them?

Watching: Sunny ep. 7; C. B. Strike 2.4 (“Lethal White” story arc).

Listening:

Wordle 1,153 4/6* Bit of a struggle today 🥴 irate, march, cobra, acorn

⬜🟦🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟦🟦🟦⬜
🟦🟦⬜🟧🟦
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #431
🟩🟪🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #165
“Is this some kind of joke?”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/15:
50/50 words (+7 bonus words)—3 star—
🎯 In the top 33% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 36

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/15:
22/22 words (+5 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 18% by accuracy

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Lots of miscellanous chores, all half-done. Today I finish them up!

Books I read yesterday:: Woman, Life, Freedom—finished. Failure to Launch.

Magazines: Mother Jones (May/June), Quiltmaker (MarJune), Bon Appetit (August), Wired (July/August).

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Will watch: 7. The Mysteries of Neandertal Art, and 8. Six Ways to Boost Brainpower.

Watching: C. B. Strike 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 (“Troubled Blood” story arc). Netflix Preview Club has me watching “Zero Day” episode.

Listening: Enya! “The Very Best of Enya,” on Spotify.

A little guessy-guessy today, but eventually got there (ran out of possibilities!)

Wordle 1,154 5/6* irate, drape, crave, grace, brace

⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
🟦🟧🟧⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #432
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #166
“This or that”
💡🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/16:
57/57 words (+14 bonus words)—4 star—
🎯 In the top 20% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 37

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/16:
23/23 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 17% by accuracy

270. Woman Life Freedom by Marane Satrapi



"A very informative look at the protests that erupted in Iran in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the government's morality police for not wearing her head covering correctly." (villemezbrown, LT reviewer)

This is a very moving, very well-done graphic book. There is a lot of sadness here, but also hope for a positive resolution and a revolution in Iran. The book is horrific in the violence it portrays, but it is because the truth is so horrible.

The illustrators (this is an anthology) use the color red as a unifying theme. Of course, the color red also is the color of blood.

Friday Reading Roundup!

Because I rely on libraries so much for my reading (and do so much eBook reading), what I'm reading at any given time changes often, and changes quickly.

Karen's current reading (08/16/24):

Actively reading (or soon will be!)

The Everyday Contemplative by L. Roger Owens -- p. 125 of 159
Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures ed. Kel McDonald -- p. 58 of 335
Secrets of the Octopus by Sy Montgomery -- p. 43 of 191
Clear by Carys Davies (TIOLI #6) -- p. 3 of 196
The Stellar Debut of Galactica MacFee by Alexander McCall Smith -- p. 5 of 250
Six Myths of Our Time by Marina Warner
Before Midnight by Rex Stout -- p. 7 of 172 (Libby)
Murder and Mendelssohn (Phryne Fisher #20) by Kerry Greenwood -- p. 8 of 280 (Libby)
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith -- p. 89 of 439 (Libby)

I'm overbooked! I don't want to lose track of these books, but I can't truly say that I am actively reading them right now:

A Circle of Quiet by Madeline L'Engle -- p. 65 of 250 (Libby)
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride -- p. 18 of 385
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman -- p. 20 of 173
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger -- p. 82 of 421 (mine, on Nook)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett -- p. 29 of 278 (mine, on Nook)
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- p. 81 of 253 (mine, on Nook)
Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead -- p. 73 of 288 (Nook)
Agatha's First Case (Agatha Raisin #0.5) by M. C. Beaton (Nook)
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer -- p. 3 of 238
Marple: Twelve New Stories by assorted authors
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

I try to participate in the American Authors Challenge. In August, the group is reading books by Jeffrey Lent.

I usually am reading/watching Great Courses. My current Great Course is Mind-Blowing Science Season 1 by Scientific American. There are 15 episodes, each about 20 minutes long. I've watched 8 of 15.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Completed half of my to-do list. Today I work to finish them up!

Books I read yesterday:: Failure to Launch

Magazines: American Patchwork and Quilting (June), Audubon (2024 Summer), Vanity Fair (July/August), National Geographic (July).

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Watched: 7. The Mysteries of Neandertal Art, and 8. Six Ways to Boost Brainpower (exercise, diet, stimulants (coffee), music, meditation).

Watching: C. B. Strike 3.4 (“Troubled Blood” story arc). Watched Netflix Preview Club “Zero Day” episode.

Listening: Finished listening to “The Very Best of Enya,” on Spotify. Her music is so beautiful, more Enya is in my future.

Wordle 1,155 5/6* irate, court, thorn, story, storm

⬜🟦⬜🟦⬜
⬜🟦⬜🟧🟦
🟦⬜🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #433
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #167 I had NO idea on this one!

“Carle classic”
💡🔵🔵💡
🔵💡🔵💡
🔵🟡

I played https://squaredle.com 08/17:
34/34 words (+4 bonus words)—2-1/2 stars—
🎯 In the top 15% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 38

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/17:
22/22 words (+3 bonus words)
🎯 In the top 6% by accuracy

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Online church.

Books I read yesterday:: Failure to Launch—finished. Everyday Contemplative.

Magazines: Elle (June/July)

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Watched: 9. Mathematical Games:The Enduring Appeal of Tic-Tac-Toe, and 10. Earthquakes in the Sky.

Watching: Bad Monkey (Apple+), first two episodes. Based on Carl Hiassen’s book. Excellent show—funny, thrilling, Vince Vaughn is perfect.

Listening:

Wordle 1,156 5/6* irate, mason, candy, hanky, lanky

⬜⬜🟦⬜⬜
⬜🟧⬜⬜🟦
⬜🟧🟧⬜🟧
⬜🟧🟧🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #434
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟪🟪🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦

Strands #168
“What do you make of this?”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/18:
61/61 words (+7 bonus words)—4 stars—
🎯 In the top 29% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 39

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/18:
25/25 words (+7 bonus words)
📖 In the top 17% by bonus words

271. Failure to Launch: A Tour of Ill-Fated Futures by Kel McDonald



"While history is written by the winners, the full story of humanity is built on the moments when things went completely sideways; the spectacular screw-ups. monumental mistakes, and explosive errors..."

This is a very entertaining and enlightening look at 31 moments in "failure history." Many artists have their work presented here, with many different styles and approaches. A lot of fun!

One of the stories, "One Man's Beast, Another Man's Bacon," presents the idea of hippopotami in Florida, which is, I believe, the concept of another book I have ready to read, River of Teeth. I love that juxtaposition!

>247 klobrien2: Ooh, that looks great and my library has it!

>248 norabelle414: Great! It was really a good read—intelligent, but a little snarky. I hope you like it!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises.

Books I read yesterday:: Everyday Contemplative—finished. Secrets of the Octopus.

Magazines:

Great Course. Mind-Blowing Science, Season 1 by Scientific American. 15 lectures. Watched: 11. Why Good Thoughts Block Better Ones, 12. Sleep On It, 13. Thinking Like Einstein, 14. Predicting the Next Pandemic, 15. A (Dino) Star is Born. Finished!

Watching: Time Bandits ep. 2, Good Girls Guide to Murder ep. 2. Both shows are shaping up to be really fun.

Listening:

Wordle 1,157 3/6* irate, ether, meter

⬜🟦⬜🟦🟦
🟦🟦⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #435
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #169
“Hear me roar!”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/19:
20/20 words (+3 bonus words)—2 stars—
🎯 In the top 16% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 40

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/19:
19/19 words (+4 bonus words)
📖 In the top 26% by bonus words

>250 klobrien2: "12. Sleep On It" is the best advice I commonly ignore. Every time I do, I regret it.

Maybe by the time I'm 70....

Enjoy the week, Karen O.

>252 richardderus: “12. Sleep On It" This was a fascinating episode—how important adequate sleep is to our bodies.

Have a great week, Richard, and thanks for stopping by!

Mind-Blowing Science : Season One (Great Course) by Scientific American



I finished my Great Course. Can't find a touchstone on LT (I thought I had one, but can't search it up now).

This course was made up of fifteen little (20 minutes or less) video episodes that took an article from a Scientific American, adapted it into a cool little video with terrific graphics and special effects (the magazine is equally adept at providing those).

There is a season two of "Mind-Blowing Science," and I already have it requested. I may not understand all of the science, but I get some of it, and find it all interesting.

There was no book with this course, so I won't count it on my list, but I'll add it to my Great Courses thread, here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/331920.

Fifteen episodes of 20 minutes, so about 5 hours.

272. Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living by L. Roger Owens



My church (Christian, Lutheran) had a goal over the summer for its members to read this book and incorporate its teachings into our lives. Owens is a down-to-earth guy, but spiritual.

Each of the chapters introduced a spiritual practice, provided related scriptures, and encouraged getting deeper into the study of the process and the scripture. It sounds not that exciting, the way I explain it, but I found it very involving and illuminating.

Here is a summation of the chapters:

"Help me, O God, to

follow my longing,
pay attention,
embody patience,
enjoy playfulness,
embrace vulnerability,
practice non-judgement,
and respond in freedom

--all so that I can be a word from you that bears your love into the world."

I'm stopping by to tell you how much I enjoy your thread! All of it...every list, every idea, every wonderful book!!!

Thank you!!!!

I bought a puzzle at Barnes and Noble yesterday. I intended to start a puzzle regarding Van Gogh's sunflowers, but this one caught my eye. It is a collage of beautiful colors. My little buddy and neighbor, son of friend Andres, was here today while I watched him when both parents were working.

He gravitated to the table with the puzzle. At first, overwhelmed by 1,025 pieces, he carefully listened as I taught him the difference between the frame and the pieces, and how to connect each one. He caught one and was really proud of how much he accomplished. He will be here tomorrow and I look forward to day two of puzzle action with a nine year old who is exceedingly lovely and intelligent as well.

>255 klobrien2: I know someone who would love that book

>256 Whisper1: Thank you, Linda! And what an amazing time you had, and will have, with your young friend.

>257 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! I’m glad you think your friend would like Everyday Contemplative. It’s a good read!

Thank you both for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises.

Books I read yesterday:: Library Book Day, part 1: 4 books. Also, started The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln.

Magazines: Astronomy (July/August), Science Illustrated (Issue 107), Bon Appetit (September).

Great Course. Field Guide to North American Wildlife by David Mizejewsky:

Watching: Time Bandits ep. 3, Good Girls Guide to Murder ep. 3. Both shows are shaping up to be really fun.

Listening: Hozier. I’m really liking his music.

>259 klobrien2: I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the first episode of Good Girls Guide...haven't sampled Time Bandits, so I'm glad that's shaping up well.

Tuesday halloos!

Wordle 1,158 4/6* irate, bleak, legal, delay

⬜⬜🟦⬜🟦
⬜🟦🟦🟧⬜
🟦🟧⬜🟧⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #436
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #170
“I think we're covered”
💡🔵🔵🔵
🟡🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/20:
24/24 words (+4 bonus words)—2-1/2 stars—
📖 In the top 32% by bonus words
🔥 Solve streak: 41

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/20:
21/21 words (+1 bonus word)
⏱️ In the top 29% by speed

NYT staff meet to discuss Emily Wilson’s translation of The Iliad. I want to be in that book club!

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/16/insider/myths-plagues-and-battles-on-the-12th...

There are only three forms of high art: the symphony, the illustrated children's book, and the board game. (Saga Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan)

This week's "Library Book Day!" reads (so many of them made known to me by whisper1 (thank you, so much!):



273. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein



I can't believe that I have never read this book! Well, that sad situation has been remedied. Beautiful (though a little sad) story of a boy and a tree; the cycle of life is represented, and the beautiful, giving tree looks after the little boy throughout his life, as he grows to be an old man.



274. How the Stars Came to Be by Poonam Mistry



Gorgeous, crazily-beautiful words and illustrations in this book. I read the "deluxe" version, and it had metallic decorations on the cover, and gold edging on the body edges. The illustrations use dots and geometric shapes and beautiful colors. The story is as lovely as the illustration.



275. Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride by Marjorie Priceman



Fun story of a hot-air balloon demonstration way back at the end of the 1700s. And this account is "mostly" true. The passengers in this balloon ride were a duck, a sheep, and a rooster. Really. The illustrations are great, and beautifully-colored.



276. Color the Sky by David Elliott, art by Evan Turk



Speaking of beautiful colors, this book has 'em! This is "a story that celebrates the many colors of birds and the wonder of first flight." The birds are rendered in large-scale drawings, and there is some lovely poetry there as well.



277. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip Christian Stead, ill. Erin E. Stead



This book was created by the same couple that did A Sick Day for Amos McGee, and it has the same spare, uncluttered illustrations, and sweet, charming story. It's about patience and friendship (and hibernation/migration!).



278. Two Many Birds by Cindy Derby



This lovely book has charming, clever illustrations, and a great story: the power of community to stand up against unfairness and injustice and to find a better way. Also, it has a lot of birds!



279. Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow by Nicholas DeShaw, ill. Tara Audibert



Cute story and illustrations. I learned a lot about powwows!



280. Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna, ill. Loren Long



The author describes this book as being about "the power of words: We must choose them carefully to avoid causing harm to others." Lovely illustrations--very painterly.

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Jerry list.

Books I read yesterday:: Library Book Day, part 2: 4 books.

Magazines: NYT Magazine (7/28), (8/04), NYT Book Review (8/04).

Great Course. Field Guide to North American Wildlife by David Mizejewsky: Read 1. Where the Red Wolf Still Roams, 2. The Resurgent American Alligator.

Watching: Time Bandits ep. 4, Good Girls Guide to Murder ep. 4, Sunny ep. 8.

Listening:

Wordle 1,159 4/6* irate, cloud, lucky, mulch

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟦🟦⬜🟦⬜
🟦🟧🟦⬜⬜
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #437
🟦🟨🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟩🟦🟩🟩
🟩🟦🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩

Strands #171
“One for the ages”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/21:
44/44 words (+9 bonus words)—3 stars—
🎯 In the top 36% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 42

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/21:
19/19 words (+1 bonus word)
🎯 In the top 34% by accuracy

I am way behind on your thread again, Karen, but stopping by to check in on you.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

>266 alcottacre: Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

Read #280 is a lovely-looking thing with a message I wish I could do better to model in the world.

Thank you again for introducing me to Joy Williams. I really enjoyed the reading.
>199 klobrien2: Thanks for the list, I have read 27 of them, from some other authors other books than the ones listed.
And again found far too many suggestions for new reading material.
All the best to you.

>269 SirThomas: Good morning! You are more than welcome for my Joy Williams mention. She’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m such an eclectic reader (and I bet you are, too!) I can’t wait to get her new book, Concerning the Future of Souls.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Today: Puzzles and papers and LT (the everyday things). Mobility exercises. Grocery order.

Books I read yesterday:: Secrets of the Octopus, Bad Monkey.

Magazines: Booklist (6/1-6/15), Atlantic Monthly (Jul/Aug).

Great Course. Field Guide to North American Wildlife by David Mizejewsky: Watched: 1. Where the Red Wolf Still Roams, 2. The Resurgent American Alligator.
read: 3. What You Probably Don’t Know About Bees, and 4. The Monarch Butterfly’s Astonishing Journey.

Watching: Bad Monkey ep. 3

Listening:

Wordle 1,160 3/6* irate, wrote, brute

⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
⬜🟧⬜🟧🟧
🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Connections
Puzzle #438
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟦🟪🟦
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪

Strands #172
“Smoothie moves”
🔵🔵🔵🔵
🔵🟡🔵🔵

I played https://squaredle.com 08/22:
52/52 words (+14 bonus words)—4 stars—
🎯 In the top 20% by accuracy
🔥 Solve streak: 43

I played https://squaredle.com/xp 08/22:
20/20 words (+2 bonus words)
🎯 Perfect accuracy