Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 9

Amen, Don Draper. On both counts.

__________________________________________________

For anyone new to my thread, I’m Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog, Nuala/Noodles.

My reading varies widely - I love genre fiction (romance and crime), contemporary and historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I try to balance my reading in all these areas. I also use my thread as a bit of a life journal, which mostly means I talk about what I’m cooking, eating, drinking, watching, doing, and avoiding doing.

Thanks for being here!

Currently Reading
(Kindle) (Audio)

BOOKS COMPLETED

Books Off My Shelf: 43
Books Off My Kindle: 22
Books from Audible/Chirp: 4
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 66
Friend Loan:

SEPTEMBER
135. Mohawk by Richard Russo (4 stars)
134. The Temporary Gentleman by Sebastian Barry (audio) (4.25 stars)
133. Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter (audio) (4 stars)
132. On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (4.5 stars)
131. Therese Raquin by Emile Zola (audio) (3 stars)
130. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin (3 stars)
129. The Melting Season by Jami Attenberg (2.5 stars)
128. The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison (3 stars)
127. She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (3.75 stars)
126. Wellness by Nathan Hill (audio) (5 stars)
125. Hearts and Minds by Amanda Craig (4.5 stars)
124. Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen (audio) (3.25 stars)
123. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (audio) (3.5 stars)
122. The False Friend by Myla Goldberg (3.75 stars)
121. Remember How I Told You I Loved You? by Gillian Linden (3 stars)
120. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (4.5 stars)
119. Meaty by Samantha Irby (audio) (3.5 stars)
118. Five Bells by Gail Jones (3.25 stars)

Did Not Finish (YTD)
01. Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen
02. The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton
03. The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis (will try this one again at some point)
04. This Is My America by Kim Johnson (might try in print; did not enjoy audio narrator)
05. The Evidence of Things Not Seen by James Baldwin
06. Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon
07. The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
08. From the Jump by Lacie Waldon
09. The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose
10. The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler
11. Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay
12. How to Fall Out of Love Madly by Jana Casale

Q3 COMPLETIONS

AUGUST
Favorite:

117. Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country by Louise Erdrich (3.75 stars)
116. In the Bag by Kate Klise (3.5 stars)
115. How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (4.5 stars)
114. Sidelined: Sports Culture and Being a Woman in America by Julie Dicaro (audio) (4 stars)
113. Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin (audio) (3.5 stars)
112. Southernmost by Silas House (audio) (3.5 stars)
111. Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken (3.5 stars)
110. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell (4.25 stars)
109. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen (3.5 stars)
108. Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman (4 stars)
107. Howard's End by E.M. Forster (3.5 stars)
106. On a Night Like This by Ellen Sussman (3 stars)

JULY
Favorite:

105. Death in Summer by William Trevor (3.75 stars)
104. Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell (audio) (3.5 stars)
103. The Lost Boys of Montauk by Amanda M. Fairbanks (3.75 stars)
102. The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin (4.25 stars)
101. What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad (Audio) (4.5 stars)
100. Sips & Strokes by Sarah Skye (3 stars)
99. Wonderland by Steven Johnson (audio) (4 stars)
98. Clear by Carys Davies (4 stars)
97. Where the Children Take Us by Zain Asher (3.5 stars)
96. Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard (4.25 stars)
95. The Undateable by Sarah Title (3.75 stars)
94. Iron House by John Hart (4 stars)
93. Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby (audio) (4 stars)

Q2 COMPLETIONS

JUNE
Favorite:

92. Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona (3.5 stars)
91. Dukes Are Forever by Anna Harrington (4 stars)
90. Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin (audio) (4 stars)
89. The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell (4.5 stars)
88. The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson (3 stars)
87. The Hours by Michael Cunningham (4.5 stars)
86. All We Shall Know by Donal Ryan (audio) (4.25 stars)
85. Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins (3.5 stars)
84. Word by Word by Kory Stamper (4 stars)
83. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (3.25 stars)

MAY
Favorite:

82. Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert (3.5 stars)
81. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (3.75 stars)
80. Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara (audio) (4 stars)
79. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (3.5 stars)
78. Roommaid by Sariah Wilson (3.5 stars)
77. Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow (audio) (3.75 stars)
76. Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb (4 stars)
75. The Dogs of Littlefield by Suzanne Berne (4.25 stars)
74. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (4 stars)
73. The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz (audio) (3.5 stars)
72. B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton (3.5 stars)
71. Rumours by Freya North (4 stars)
70. The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4 stars)
69. The Lost Man by Jane Harper (4 stars)

APRIL
Favorite:

68. Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates (3.75 stars)
67. The Appeal by Janice Hallett (4 stars)
66. Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt (audio) (3.5 stars)
65. Unfollow Me by Jill Louise Busby (audio) (3.5 stars)
64. Garden of Lamentations by Deborah Crombie (3.75 stars)
63. The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky (audio) (2.5 stars)
62. The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
61. The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (audio) (3 stars)
60. Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore (4.25 stars)
59. Starting from Happy by Patricia Marx (3.5 stars)
58. The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash (4 stars)
57. Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper (audio) (4 stars)
56. Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (4 stars)
55. The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (audio) (5 stars)
54. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (4.5 stars)
53. Piglet by Lottie Hazell (audio) (3.75 stars)
52. How To Be a Girl in the World by Caela Carter (4.25 stars)

Q1 COMPLETIONS

MARCH
Favorite:

51. The Boys in the Trees by Mary Swan (4 stars)
50. Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter (audio) (4 stars)
49. Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Corwin (audio) (4 stars)
48. Trash: A Poor White Journey by Cedar Monroe (3.75 stars)
47. Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan (5 stars)
46. Charm City by Monica McCallan (audio) (3 stars)
45. Wednesday Walks & Wags by Melissa Storm (2 stars)
44. Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart (audio) (3.5 stars)
43. The All-Night Sun by Diane Zinna (audio) (3 stars)
42. Kala by Colin Walsh (4.25 stars)
41. Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles (audio) (3.5 stars)
40. Alias Emma by Ava Glass (3 stars)
39. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle (audio) (2.5 stars)
38. Sky Burial by Xinran (3.5 stars)
37. The Great Unexpected by Dan Mooney (audio) (4 stars)
36. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (4.25 stars)
35. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (3.25 stars)
34. Days of Awe by Lauren Fox (audio) (4 stars)
33. The Cactus League by Emily Nemens (4.5 stars)
32. A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde (audio) (3.5 stars)
31. Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham (3.75 stars)
30. Scoreless by Skye McDonald (3.5 stars)

FEBRUARY
Favorites:

29. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (audio) (5 stars)
28. Looker by Laura Sims (audio) (4.5 stars)
27. The Body in the Dales by J.R. Ellis (2.5 stars)
26. You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (audio) (3.5 stars)
25. At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier (4 stars)
24. Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley (audio) (4 stars)
23. Broken Harbor by Tana French (4.25 stars)
22. No Baggage by Clara Bensen (audio) (2.5 stars)
21. Ghosts by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4.5 stars)
20. A Day at the Office by Matt Dunn (4 stars)
19. Tar Baby by Toni Morrison (3.5 stars)
18. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris (3.75 stars)
17. Perennials by Julie Cantrell (audio) (2.5 stars)
16. Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous (4 stars)
15. Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone (audio) (3.75 stars)

JANUARY

Favorite:

14. Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay (audio) (3 stars)
13. Intercepted by Alexa Martin (3.5 stars)
12. Go Back to Where You Came From by Wajahat Ali (audio) (3.5 stars)
11. Ruined by Sarah Vaughn et. al. (3 stars)
10. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (4.25 stars)
09. Day by Michael Cunningham (audio) (4.5 stars)
08. The Birdcage by Marcia Willett (2.5 stars)
07. London't Number One Dog Walking Agency by Kate MacDougall (audio) (4 stars)
06. The Summer of Katya by Trevanian (2.5 stars)
05. Let's Be Just Friends by Camilla Isley (audio) (2 stars)
04. Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4.5 stars)
03. The Betrayers by David Bezmozgis (audio) (4.25 stars)
02. The Adults by Caroline Hulse (4 stars)
01. Shady Hollow by Juneau Black (audio) (3 stars)

My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)

5 stars = Perfect, for me
4.5 stars = Excellent read
4 stars = Good read
3.5 stars = Not a waste of time
3 stars = Some redeeming qualities, but I wish I’d read something else
2.5 stars = Didn’t work for me
2 stars = Why didn’t I DNF it?

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)

July in Review
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)

Books Read: 13 (105)
(Puzzles Completed: 3 (41))

Mine: 5 (49)

Library: 8 (56)

Male authors: 5 (28)
Female authors: 9 (79)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)

New-to-me authors: 8 (69)
US/UK authors: 11 (92)
Other: 3 - Ireland, Egypt, Nigeria (16 - Algeria, Canada x3, China, Irelad x4, Italy, Japan, Latvia, India, Australia, Nigeria, Egypt)

Print: 5 (34)
Ebook: 4 (29)
Audio: 4 (42)

General/Popular Fiction: 1 (15)
Literary Fiction: 4 (19)
Historical Fiction: 1 (11)
Romance: 2 (20)
Crime/Thriller: 1 (20)
Juvenile/YA: 0 (3)
Classics: 0 (4)
Speculative: 0 (0)
Nonfiction: 4 (13)

Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 1 (15)
2020-2022: 6 (27)
2020-2019: 4 (37)
2000-2009: 1 (11)
1980s-90s: 1 (10)
1950s-70s: 0 (1)
1900-1949: 0 (4)
19th c.: 0 (0)

Re-reads: 0 (2)
DNFs: 2 (12)

Best of the month (not counting re-reads): What Strange Paradise
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): Sips & Strokes

I don't have any profound thoughts on this month's reading. I am rather pleased with the variety of non-US/UK authors, especially since I've not purposefully been trying to read more widely.

My plan for August is too read some "heavier" stuff in the first half and save the lighter for the second half when I will be worn out by the heat and spending a few days at the US Open, so things I can read on my phone will be necessary :)

Welcome, friends!

Happy new thread, Katie!

Happy new thread, Katie.
Looking forward (vicariously) to the US Open trip

Happy new thread, Katie!!

You are such a role model, Katie. You've goaded me into starting a new thread. I won't copy yours; no, not really.

Happy new thread, Katie!

>8 drneutron: - Thanks, Jim!

>9 Helenliz: - I'm looking forward to it (for real), too! I just wish the ticket prices weren't so ridiculous, but I managed to snag another pass for Tuesday for not too, too much, so I have Monday and Tuesday. I'm keeping my eyes open for something on Wednesday now...

>10 curioussquared: - Thanks, Natalie!

>11 weird_O: - I'm glad I could inspire you, Bill. I'll be along to check out the new digs.

>12 MickyFine: - Thank you, Micky!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Katie! Nice July wrap-up.

Happy new thread and Happy August!!

Thank you, Anita, Mary, and Kim!

Weird Wordle story:

I don't use the same starter word every day - I just use whatever pops into my head at the time. Yesterday, as one popped into my head, I thought to myself "This is a terrible word." But it ended up giving me three letters, and I got the right one on the next try for a very-rare-for-me Wordle in two! And today, that "bad" starter word was today's Wordle solution! I got it in 3 :-P

Wordle 1,140 3/6

⬜🟩⬜⬜🟩
🟨🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

GLOBE, ALIKE, FLAKE

>18 katiekrug: Wow, that's quite a coincidence Katie.
How are TW's tomatoes doing? Overall, my tomato yield has been okay not great. Actually the two Early Girls did very well and they're a nice slicing tomato. I had to donate some at one point but for the most part we've been able to work them into our meals. On the other hand, my two Brandywine plants have so far yielded only 2 fully ripe tomatoes and one of those had blossom rot. The two San Marzanos have done all right, but I've only made sauce twice: each time with 2 lbs of tomatoes which boiled down to just 1.5c of sauce.

Don Draper: my spirit guide.

New-thread orisons. Off to hug my a/c.

Happy new thread, Katie!

>19 lauralkeet: - The squirrels are stealing all his tomatoes :( He's picked maybe four? But apparently his jalapenos are coming in fast and furious...

>20 richardderus: - Gawd bless the a/c!

>21 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia!

Happy new thread, Katie! (are you, by any chance, under the misconception that this is the 750 book challenge?)

>22 katiekrug: Darn squirrels! But hooray for peppers!

Happy New Thread, Katie. Nice reading wrap up for July. The grilled cheese sandwich on Instagram looked very yummy!

Happy new thread, Katie. Congrats on breaking 100! One of these years I will meet you at the US Open...

>23 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!

I think your question is better directed to others who have already read way more than I have :)

>24 lauralkeet: - I feel so bad for The Wayne. Nothing he has tried has worked against them...

He's more of a pepper person than I am, though I do like bell peppers. Still, we should get some good salsa out of them, even with store-bought tomatoes...

>25 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deborah!

Those sandwiches were fab, though TW announced he didn't like Swiss all that much. Now he tells me!

>26 BLBera: - Thank you, Beth.

I do hope you come out for the Open one of these years :)

I got several errands run this morning, and then we spent much of the afternoon watching the Olympics. I did manage to finish my book (On a Night Like This), too. Tonight we are going to friends' to celebrate one of their birthdays. I was put in charge of dessert. I was feeling lazy, so I went with store-bought. We are having a smorgasbord of apple cider donut holes, raspberry twists, and brownie bites.

In books news, I am still listening to Howard's End and enjoying it much more on audio than in print. In (e-)print, I just started Lady in the Lake. I'm planning to watch the AppleTV adaptation afterwards.

>27 katiekrug: Ummm, I'd say you're well on your way :)

Happy new thread, Katie!

Mornin' Katie -- hope your day is going well :)

Curious about Lady in the Lake

>28 katiekrug: I'm watching Lady in the Lake having never read the book (and probably won't...not my kind of thing) so looking forward to your thoughts.

Have a marvelous Monday, Katie!

>29 RebaRelishesReading: - We'll see what the final number is at the end of the year!

>30 Familyhistorian: - Thanks, Meg!

>31 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba. Sunday was good, as was yesterday. Today, I'm feeling very anxious about the rain we are supposed to get later on...

>32 magicians_nephew: - The book is pretty good - very compelling and well-paced.

>33 norabelle414: - I'm enjoying the book and look forward to seeing how they adapt it.

>34 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia! I did :)

Happy New Thread, Katie. Have you seen the film version of Howard's End? It is a wonderful adaptation. You would probably like it more than the book.

I finished up Howards End on audio yesterday and will start Southernmost today. I should finish Lady in the Lake today but still need to decide what's next.

We are expecting heavy rains later today and overnight, so of course The Wayne and I are feeling very anxious. Yesterday, I had him test the sump pump and the various auxiliary pumps we use in the basement. Hopefully, they can keep up with whatever we get. And then later in the week, we may have to worry about Debby's remnants... Sigh. I hate rain.

>36 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! I saw the film ages and ages ago but plan to re-watch it soon. I ended up liking the book more as it went along, and switching to the audio was a good move, I think.

Such a great cast. Same filmmakers that made The Remains of the Day which was also excellent.

>39 msf59: - Yep, I read and watched TRotD earlier this year.

I watched most of those 90s Merchant and Ivory films when they came out, I think. I should check to see what I might have missed...

>37 katiekrug: Oh, I hope Southernmost is a good read. Disappointed me when Algonquin declined my request for it.

Good rain mojo for later!

Why do you hate August? I admit, with it being the height of Fire Season, I'm with you, but I figure I'm missing something.

>18 katiekrug: Great Wordle story! I use a different word every day, too (I do have a handful of words to which I return now and then).

I'll be interested in your thoughts about Lady in the Lake. I read a Lippman several years ago and my recall is that she did suspense well.

>41 richardderus: - I shall be sure to report back on Southernmost :)

Thanks for the good mojo!

>42 EBT1002: - I hate August because it's (usually) the hottest and stickiest part of the summer, and I'm just sick of summer by now.

I finished the Lippman and liked it. I think this is the 4th or 5th of hers I've read.

My next print book will be my Julia Memorial Read for August:



This was her review:
"I have never read a book by Mary Doria Russell that I did not love, and this one is no exception. I already knew that Russell was an extraordinary historical researcher who combined meticulous details of the past with unforgettable characters, as she did in The Sparrow and Doc, to name two of my favorites.

This book tells the story of Jewish refugees in northern Italy during the final months of World War II. The Nazi regime is in its death throes, but that only increases the urgency of the Jewish extermination it has been carrying out. What they weren't counting on was the warm-hearted Italians, who had lived in harmony with Jews for many decades. They bravely defied the orders of their Nazi occupiers and risked their own lives to hide as many Jews as possible among their farms, churches, and convents. Native Italian Jews, as well as Jews fleeing from the Nazi threat all over Europe, found sanctuary in the mountains and valleys of the Piedmont region.

This book is fiction, but much of it is based on true stories. And so you probably know going in that there won't be a lot of happy endings, even for those who survive the end of the war. But Russell never fails to slip some hope in among the despair, a thread of grace in the tapestry of pain that was created. This book, these characters, will stay with me for a long time."

>35 katiekrug: So how did you do (are you doing) with the rain? I certainly thought about your flood when I heard the forecast 😳. Hope all is well at Casa Krug.

>45 RebaRelishesReading: - Hi Reba! Thanks for asking. We are fine. The river crested its banks into the yard, but not as badly as it sometimes does, and our basement remained dry. Now hoping Debby will (mostly) leave us alone, as the ground is sodden...

>46 katiekrug: So glad to hear that...and keeping fingers crossed for you today.

Glad the basement stayed dry!!

When I lived in Seattle, August was hands down my favorite month. Not only is that city drop dead gorgeous in August with lots of sunshine and (usually) moderate temps, it was also the quietest month at my then-job. Now that I'm in dry central Oregon, watching the fire alert app daily, I am also ready for autumn.

Julia's review of A Thread of Grace is indeed enticing.

I'm still looking forward to having a summer - let's not rush to autumn quite yet!
Glad the water stayed where it should.

>47 RebaRelishesReading: - Please keep them crossed for today as we get Debby's remnants. And we're under a tornado watch!

>48 curioussquared: - Thanks, Natalie!

>49 EBT1002: - I can understand liking August in that situation, Ellen :)

I'm sorry about the fire threat. As much as I hate the flood anxiety, I have a real phobia about fire, so I could never live out west.

I'm really enjoying A Thread of Grace.

>50 Helenliz: - Nope, sorry. Autumn can't get here soon enough!

It looks to be a rainy, blustery day here... I haven't seen the sun in about 3 days, but the temps have been below average. We even slept the last two nights with the windows open, and it was lovely. I'm planning a whole lot of nothing today - I was going to try a new recipe for dinner, but I think I'll just cobble together something from what we have on hand, so I don't have to go out...

I'm enjoying A Thread of Grace about 100 pages in. It started a bit slowly, as I tried to keep track of characters and locations in my mind, but now I can see things coming together. On audio, Southernmost is okay so far. I don't love it (yet?), but it's a pleasant enough accompaniment to my puzzling. I may have to set one of my current reads aside to get to my August book club book which is, at least, short. It's Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen and looks to be pretty light. The group meets on Thursday.

On Tuesday night, we were on flood watch so didn't go to trivia, but we went on Wednesday (same host, different location) and came in 2nd :) I've also been watching a lot of the Olympics. I want to play handball :)

>51 katiekrug: we had a tornado watch last night too and at one point our phones went off with a tornado warning which always scares the bejeezus out of me. Fortunately we were spared. The rain hasn't completely stopped but it's on the way out. I hope it's not too bad when it reaches you, Katie.

>53 lauralkeet: - When we lived in Texas, the tornado sirens used to scare me, so I sympathize!

Last I looked, most of the rain is supposed to be west of us, so while it's drizzly, it shouldn't be too bad. We might get some wind - already have, really - the yard is full of little branches - but hopefully that'll be the worst of it.

As it turns out, I need to go out because we are out of wine :)

>44 katiekrug: I enjoyed that one very much when I read it too, Katie, so I hope that you like it as well.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>54 katiekrug: No liquor store delivers? How nasty. It's just not nice out there today.

Happy weekend-ahead's reads!

>54 katiekrug: Out of Wine!!!! >:-o
That's almost an emergency situation.
Sending thoughts & prayers that you recover form this traumatic event. >;-)

>55 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia! Hope you have a good weekend, too.

>56 richardderus: - Some of them deliver, but not the one that sells the Tuscan pinot noir I am currently in love with :)

>57 Helenliz: - Emergency averted. And I managed not to get rained on. The sun even came out for a bit!

Phew!! Glad you got your hands on some more wine. The horror!

>51 katiekrug: Will do!!

As to fire threat "out west" -- depends on where you are "out west".

Congrats on 2nd place trivia finish.

>59 curioussquared: - :)

>60 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, yes, of course it depends. I was speaking generally, as there are way more fires west of here!

Have a good weekend, Reba :)

>61 katiekrug: Sunshine! Sticky air, hot, but SUNSHINE! I hope your basement is dry, your tomatoes ripening, and your books delighting you.

>62 richardderus: - It's not too sticky here, which is nice. And after today, our temps should be a bit more moderate, which I am looking forward to.

Thanks for all those good wishes :)

On a Night Like This by Ellen Sussman

This was a bit soap opera-y, and I didn't like any of the characters. That said, I kept reading it, so it couldn't have been that bad, I guess? A dying woman with a traumatic past and a 16 year old daughter reconnects with a high school classmate, and they fall in love. There are obstacles (including her impending death, obvs.)

3 stars

Howards End by E.M. Forster

I started this in print and found it to be a bit of a slog. It improved when I switched to audio, and I could zone out a bit during the social and economic philosophy bits. My biggest issue, though, was I did not understand how Margaret could fall in love with Henry. This is no A Room with a View or even A Passage to India, both of which I prefer. Still, a middling Forster is better than millions of other books, and I'll keep reading his work.

3.5 stars

Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman

Lippman is a solidly reliable author of crime and suspense novels, often with a psychological slant. I picked this one up in anticipation of watching the AppleTV adaptation with Natalie Portman, which I'm looking forward to even more now.

The lady in the lake is a young Black woman who disappears and whose body isn't found for several months. When it is, no one seems to care all that much, except for Maddie, a Jewish woman recently separated from her husband and trying to break through as a reporter for one of Baltimore's daily newspapers. The novel is set in 1966, so the issues of women's rights, civil rights, and latent racism in Baltimore are all explored. I liked how Lippman focused the story on Maddie but included perspectives from a variety of minor characters she encounters, plus the voice of Cleo, the dead woman. I did find the ending a bit disappointing for some reason - I can't put my finger on why exactly... Overall, though, it was a very satisfying read.

4 stars

Lady in the Lake sounds like one I would like. I have read and liked Lippman in the past...

I've had A Thread of Grace on my shelf for a while. Maybe this is the year!

>67 BLBera: - It's one of the better Lippmans I've read, Beth.

And AToG would be a great choice when you want some historical fiction.

Had to share:

Wordle 1,149 2/6

🟨🟨⬜⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

COUPE, SCONE

>65 katiekrug: I've always wondered how this one ever pleased enough people to such a high degree that it got a film adaptation made. The adaptation is, IMO, significantly better, though, so a good thing it exists. Have you ever watched it? Recommended if not.

Staying unsticky has been the climate change challenge here by the sea. Not hugely warmer but more humid, sadly enough.

>70 richardderus: - I saw the movie ages ago but plan to re-watch it.

I'm sorry it's sticky there. Not too bad here, and it's overcast, so hasn't hit 80 yet, I don't think...

>69 katiekrug: Wow! Great solving! Isn’t the solution a happy word?! Makes me smile just to read it.

Karen O

>65 katiekrug: "a middling Forster is better than millions of other books" Truth.

>69 katiekrug: I was patting myself on the back because i did it in three!

Hi Katie, I've caught up with you and although I am a little late, I'm settling into your new thread. I am not a fan of squirrels either. When we lived in a house I had a plum tree and of course the squirrels wouldn't leave it alone. What really peeved me was that they would just take one bite out of the fruit and move on to the next one. Between the squirrels and the raccoons our plum crop was quite limited.

>69 katiekrug: A great day with Wordle, Katie. I just missed having Wordle in 2 that day , by guessing scene. Oh well. I becoming quite a fan of listening to an audio book while puzzling.

Hooray for Thread of Grace! It was a 5 star read for me. Damn it, I miss MDR. Have a good week, Katie.

>72 klobrien2: - It's definitely a yummy word :)

>73 laytonwoman3rd: - *smile*

>74 magicians_nephew: - Still impressive!

>75 DeltaQueen50: - Oh, that's sad, Judy. I would love to have a plum tree. There's nothing better than a perfectly ripe plum!

>76 vancouverdeb: - Hi Deborah! Glad you've discovered the joy of puzzling while listening to books. It's the only way I get any audios in...

>77 msf59: - Thanks, Mark! I'm enjoying it, though so far, at least, it's not 5 stars for me...

We thrashed the competition at trivia last night. There were only 4 teams and we won by over 20 points. It was a bit embarrassing. There were 7 people on our team.

Not much going on around here. I finished Counterfeit for my RL book group discussion tomorrow night. It was pretty mediocre, as I find most "Reese's Book Club" picks to be. I'm not sure there's much to talk about with it, so we'll see how it goes. I'm making tortellini salad to bring.

I'll be turning my attention back to A Thread of Grace and Southernmost now.

In the kitchen... I made a very easy and tasty chickpea curry (https://hostthetoast.com/easy-chickpea-curry/) for dinner Monday night. Other recent meals have been tacos, AF chicken and veg, and jambalaya. Nothing too exciting. I'm planning to try the NYT salsa verde chicken on Friday.

With the Olympics over, I haven't watched much TV, though I was happy to begin the new season of 'University Challenge.' We went to the movies on Sunday evening to see the new Deadpool movie which was ridiculous but fun. I liked it better than the second one, I think. We might go see 'Twisters' this weekend, as we watched the original last Friday. And Sunday we are going into the city for a concert, which I am looking forward to.

Thus ends my update :)

>79 katiekrug: Nice way to be embarrassed though, right? Sounds like you're having a pleasant, quiet time this week. Those are nice, aren't they?

>80 RebaRelishesReading: - Yes on both counts :)

>69 katiekrug: Nice! That word is one of my favorite starter words. Too bad I didn't use it on that day!

>79 katiekrug: Nice win!

>79 katiekrug: Thanks for the chickpea curry recipe, Katie. Can't get enough of chickpeas!

My stepdaughter saw Twisters a couple weeks ago and had a grand time. Of course, Glen Powell may have played a major role there.

What's the concert?

>82 EBT1002: - Thanks, Ellen! Nice to see you "out and about" :)

>83 Familyhistorian: - I love 'em, too!

>84 MickyFine: - We still haven't decided if we're going - need to decide soon so I can get tickets and good seats!

The concert is part of Jazz at Lincoln Center's "Songbook Sunday" series - this one will feature Duke Ellington. We went to the Johnny Mercer one when our nephew-ish was visiting, and really enjoyed the experience. It's a small venue, overlooking Columbus Circle and the southern end of Central Park, and the food and drinks are good (though I think we are going to get an early dinner somewhere else and just have drinks at the concert to meet the f&b minimum...)

>85 katiekrug: The concert and venue sound lovely. Wish we lived nearer (just for that one evening though, otherwise very happy in the NW)

Nice quizzing there.
Concert sounds good.
We were more excited about the return of Only Connect. We watched on catch up then turned over to catch the end of UC. I got the first question we saw correct, so sat on my laurels.

Hello, I have been absent for a couple of weeks and I'm trying to rejoin the living. I have scrolled through and I think caught up with the highs and lows, including the thrashing you gave everyone else at trivia. Seven people on your team?! You have been making/bringing in (smart) friends it sounds like - and you and TW used to do pretty great by yourselves.

>86 RebaRelishesReading: - I wish you lived closer too, Reba! At least I got to meet you once :)

>87 Helenliz: - I do love Only Connect, though I often forget about it. I'd probably forget about UC, too, but Laura's posts remind me. I should just make it a habit to follow-up UC with OC...

>88 ursula: - Hi Ursula! I hope things are better/calmer/etc for you.

We don't usually have 7 on the team. It's usually just me and TW or us and 2-3 other people. I actually prefer a smaller group (and playing just with TW is my favorite), but last week, two people invited friends of theirs. *shrug* This coming week, it'll just be the two of us.

>85 katiekrug: The concert sounds great, but we will be out on Long Island for the afternoon, and I doubt we can get back in time. Besides, if we do, we have a tentative dinner date. Have fun there. Sounds like something I would love.

>85 katiekrug: That sounds lovely!

>89 katiekrug: Was it harder to come to a consensus on answers? I know you and TW always agree. ;)

>90 ffortsa: - Hope you have a nice Sunday, Judy!

>91 MickyFine: - Well, the weather is going to be crap, but we can dash in and out of the subway :)

>92 ursula: - There is occasionally some disagreement, but it's usually down to two possible answers so we just go with majority rules.

>89 katiekrug: and a fun, memorable event that was too, Katie!! Why don't you come west some day -- it really is quite nice out here on the frontier :)

>94 RebaRelishesReading: - We would love to visit that area again, Reba. One day....

We had a (mostly) lovely evening out yesterday - train was on time, pre-show early dinner at an Irish pub, great concert, tasty drinks afterwards. Then we boarded our train to go home and it sat. And sat. And sat. Apparently, a bunch of lines had shut down across the river due to flooding. Yikes. Y'all know how I feel about flooding... With no information available on when things might get going again, we and three other people (new friends!) shared a Lyft back to Jersey. On the drive home, we saw several cars that appeared to have stalled out in high water, though the water had mostly receded by then. We approached our house fearing the worst, but the basement was dry! Hallelujah. The Wayne looked this morning and noticed a water line on our neighbor's white fence, that indicated half our back yard was probably under a couple of feet of water when the river crested over its bank. Just as well we weren't home, as watching that would have freaked me out :)

In books, I am about 4 reviews behind. My current reads are How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (the sequel to Count the Ways, which I read last month) and Nine, Ten... on audio.

Thank goodness all was well with your house by the time you got home -- sorry the trip home was difficult and stressful l:(

Glad to hear the concert was good and the flooding didn't affect your basement! Your photos from the evening look like it was a grand time. :)

So very glad you were spared the worst of the flooding Katie. Other than that stress, it sounds like a pretty great time!

Whew! Glad your basement stayed dry.

>97 RebaRelishesReading: - >100 BLBera: - Thank you, Reba, Micky, Laura, and Beth!

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

Read for my RL book group. Counterfeit luxury handbags, "model minorities," an unreliable narrator, and a failing marriage... This was fine as a summer beach read, but after finishing it, I was wondering what on earth our group would talk about for a couple of hours. I needn't have worried - 14 people will have 14 different opinions and points to raise :) This was not a favorite of the group (one member keeps track of our ratings for each book we read) but after our discussion, I recognized that there was a little more to it than I had initially given it credit for.

3.5 stars

A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell

My August Julia Memorial Read.

Russell tells the story of Italian efforts to protect Jews in Northwestern Italy during World War II, a topic I knew next to nothing about it. It's a fascinating tale of priests, nuns, profiteers, Communists, farmers, and storekeepers who established a complicated system for resisting Nazi demands. My only quibble is that Russell may have tried to do a little too much here - some of the threads of the story and various characters were difficult to keep track of. But her writing is wonderful, and she has created some engaging and memorable characters.

4.25 stars

Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken

I could have sworn I read this as a kid, but nothing about the story seemed familiar, with the exception of the character of Dido Twite. This was a fun adventure story, though not, to mind, quite as magical as The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and Black Hearts in Battersea.

3.5 stars

Southernmost by Silas House

The story of Asher, an Evangelical preacher in Tennessee who loses his church, and ultimately his son, due to his refusal to denounce a gay couple. Lots of questioning of the meaning of faith and judgment versus acceptance - all very heavy-handed. I am not a fan of God talk anyway, so I was probably not a good audience for this one. Also, the audio narrator was annoying with a very strong, seemingly fake, Southern twang.

3 stars

>105 katiekrug: Hmmmm...I have enjoyed other novels by Silas House, and this one is on my shelf. Maybe I'll just let it rest in peace there.

>106 laytonwoman3rd: - TBH, Linda, I might have liked it better in print... If you've enjoyed other books by him, I say give it a shot. It turns out I have another by him on my Kindle - Clay's Quilt. Have you read that one? Any good?

>107 katiekrug: I gave Clay's Quilt 4 stars, Katie. My review from 2018 is here. I agree, a phony accent from a reader is the kiss of death, and can turn an otherwise good book into a dud. I'll let your experience fade from memory, and probably will give Southernmost a try one day. I do see other reviewers had some issues with it, though.

Well, Katie, I will have to move A Thread of Grace up. It sounds like one I would love.

I've been trying to convince Scout to give The Wolves of Willoughby Chase a try but so far no luck.

This week's UC was another cracker, Katie. I enjoyed the literary questions, and did well with both contemporary fiction and Austen. Have you watched yet?

>108 laytonwoman3rd: - Sounds like a plan!

>109 BLBera: - When you're in the mood for some historical fiction, it would be a good choice.

Poor Scout doesn't know what she's missing....

>110 lauralkeet: - I haven't watched it yet but now I'm really looking forward to it :) I might try to watch tomorrow afternoon. Last night I was parked in front of the DNC.

I'm glad you enjoyed A Thread of Grace, Katie...she has some really interesting side-eye action on the world's wickedness in each of her stories.

Southernmost failed...oh darn.

Stay comfy, dry, and enjoy the triviation upcoming.

>103 katiekrug: I really liked that one too! Actually, I'm generally a fan of Mary Doria Russell.

>105 katiekrug:, >108 laytonwoman3rd: Some years ago, I spotted an audio version of The Known World, which I wanted to read. Moreover, it offered me an opportunity to try listening to a book. Cassettes, uh, but we were driving a car that had a cassette player. Pushed the first cassette in the player and headed for home. Within two blocks, the narrator had to tackle lines spoken by a woman. Awk! Remember Flip Wilson's Geraldine?

>114 weird_O: " Flip Wilson's Geraldine" NOW I do....I had forgotten about her for 30 years! (The devil made me do it, of course.)

>96 katiekrug: It looks like one of those ignorance is bliss situations with the flooding in that case, Katie. Good thing that you had a wonderful sounding concert to distract you!

I just loved Joan Aiken's books when I was young, Katie and I think I read all of them. Whether I would remember much is another question.

Back to >110 lauralkeet: - Finally watched it! It was a corker. I also did well on the book-ish questions, and was shocked at how badly the one team did on the Austen ones...

>112 richardderus: - You didn't read Southernmost, correct? I think you'd have a similar reaction as mine to all the Heebus Jeebus stuff ;-)

Thanks for the good wishes!

>113 RebaRelishesReading: - Yes, I've liked everything (3) I've read by her, too.

>114 weird_O: and >115 laytonwoman3rd: - I'm aging myself, but I have no idea what you're talking about :) I have heard of Flip Wilson, but that's it...

>116 Familyhistorian: - Exactly right, Meg!

>117 vancouverdeb: - I think I only read the first two in the "Wolves" series, Deborah, but they were among my favorites as a kid.

Happy almost-Friday! We've been having a spell of gorgeous weather - highs in the mid-70s, little to no humidity, breezes, lots of sunshine. If only it would last through next week when I'll be at the US Open, but alas, the temps are supposed to go back up - though not horrendously. Oh, well.

What's been going on? Uh.... ? A whole lot of nothing? TW and I played trivia on our own this week and came in 6th of 19 teams, so respectable. I've been watching a lot of the DNC convention and am feeling inspired and hopeful (or as much as my misanthropic self can...). We also started watching "Masters of the Air" on AppleTV+, which just seems like a rip-off of the movie Memphis Belle (a favorite of my youth) to me. But it's not terrible, and TW is enjoying it, so on we go. Wayne has whisky club Saturday night, and I'm looking forward to some Katie-time. And then Sunday, I go into the city for the US Open. I've got a hotel room Sunday to Wednesday and tickets for Monday and Tuesday. Depending on how things go, I might try to snag one for Wednesday, too, but I don't want to commit until I know for sure how hot it is and how tired I am. As usual, my best friend is also coming; TW has opted not to this year but he might come into the city for a night and work out of a co-working space, just to get a change of scenery...

Books:
I'm very much enjoying How the Light Gets In. I finished Nine, Ten on audio and started Sidelined, which is very much in my wheelhouse (cultural commentary! gender issues! SPORTS!) and a great listen so far.

I don't post every puzzle I finish, but this was a bit of a bear, and I was glad to get it done!



(Buffalo Puzzles, 1000 pieces, no title but image by Charles Wysocki)

>118 katiekrug: "I have heard of Flip Wilson, but that's it... " Hie thee to YouTube at once!

Yes, I remember Geraldine -- that would have lasted just about long enough for me to reach over and turn it off!!

Hubby isn't really "in to" politics so we aren't watching the convention except for tonight. I'm so sorry to have missed Michelle's speech. I love her and heard it was great.

Your weather sounds just like what we've had the last week or so -- heaven, isn't it? I hope it doesn't change too much next week when I'll be looking for you in the crowds at the Open. Have a great time and smile for the camera, OK?

>120 laytonwoman3rd: There you go. YouTube will save the day.

>119 katiekrug: Memphis Belle and Masters of the Air are based on the same true story. I think Masters of the Air has a lot more room to add nuance since it's 9 hour-long episodes instead of 1h45

>120 laytonwoman3rd: - Yes, ma'am!

>121 RebaRelishesReading: - I'm sorry you didn't see much of the convention. It was so well done, with great moments each night. I will, however, be glad to get back to my normal bedtime!

I will try to smile for the cameras next week :)

>122 weird_O: - YT is a great resource, isn't it?

>123 norabelle414: - OOOOH! I didn't realize that (obvs). Thanks, Nora!

>119 katiekrug: It might have been a bear but the finished puzzle is lovely!

Wishing you a lovely slide into the weekend!

>119 katiekrug: The Book of Masters of the Air is pretty good but it doesn't shy away from showing the appalling loss of life (with not a heck of a lot to show for it) of the early days of the air war over Europe in World War II.

Of course the air war was the only game in town at that point, so American AAF commanders felt they had to keep throwing metal into the sky, even with the brutal statistics.

The book was non-fiction.

>125 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky!

>126 magicians_nephew: - I wouldn't be surprised if The Wayne has the book around here somewhere...

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This middle-school age story follows 4 kids, mostly on September 10, 2001. There is a Muslim girl in Ohio, a Black boy in New York City, a Jewish girl in Los Angeles, and a white boy in Pennsylvania. There is a bit about 9/11 itself, and then an epilogue one year later.

I thought this was pretty well done, and I expect it would be a good introduction to the topic for children.

3.5 stars

Sidelined: Sports, Culture and Being a Woman in America by Julie DiCaro

As most of you know, I love sports. I can watch almost any sport, whether live or on television. I played sports all through middle and high school. Also, I am a woman. Also also, I live in a constant state of (at best) annoyance and (at worst) rage over the misogyny exhibited in almost every sphere of life. So this book was solidly in my wheelhouse.

DiCaro, a former lawyer, was a sports radio host in Chicago for several years and is now a freelance writer. This book is organized into 11 chapters, covering everything from the fight for female reporters to be allowed in locker rooms to the efforts of an NGO in Pakistan to provide safe spaces for girls to play soccer. My favorite chapters were "Revolutionary Anger: Emotion and Injustice On and Off the Court" about the Williams sisters and "#BelieveWomen: Exploring Sports' Broken Relationship with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault."

The whole book is infuriating but also inspiring. The audio is read by the author and her righteous indignation comes through loud and clear.

4 stars

>128 katiekrug: Interesting Katie. How the heck are we going to teach 9/11 to people who didn't experience it? This book might fill a real gap

Hi Katie! I'm very behind but it looks like you've been reading some great stuff. I have a soft spot for those Joan Aiken books.

>130 magicians_nephew: - I agree, Jim. I do wonder at what age/grade kids are being introduced to the topic....

>131 curioussquared: - Nice to see you, Natalie!

I'm back home after spending three nights in the city. My BFF and I had fun at the US Open on Monday, though it was a bit warm. Thank gawd for my nerdy sun hat! We were supposed to go on Tuesday, too, but we were both not feeling great and couldn't face another day sitting in the sun and dealing with crowds. She went home, and I had a quiet day in my hotel room. I was feeling better by the evening, and The Wayne and I went out to dinner. I'm still not feeling 100% so I expect I'll be taking it easy the next couple of days.

I did very little reading.

ETA: And I stubbed my pinky toe on the hotel bed frame, and it's now a lovely shade of purple and I'm limping around pathetically. Pretty sure I was being cursed by dozens of New Yorkers as we walked to the train station this morning because I was so slow :)

I'm glad you had a nice time, Katie. I don't blame you one bit for avoiding the heat and the crowds. Sorry about your pinky toe!

Checking in for the first time in a bit, Katie. Sorry to hear about your pinkie toe and hope it heals quickly! I hope you get back to feeling 100% soon too.

>133 katiekrug: I'm sorry about your pinky-toe woe, Katie, but glad you got some fun out of the Open before yuckiness hit.

I'm in recovery mode from COVID, so I really empathize.

>133 katiekrug: Sorry your mini-vacay didn't work out better :( Rest and take care of yourself. Put your feet up and watch the rest of the Open from your air conditioned home -- OK?

Katie, Julia was a little bummed that she and Noah didn't get tickets this year. I shared your experience and suggested she let it dispel any FOMO she might be feeling. So, um, thank you for your service. Ha.

Sorry about the toe and the heat. Hope you had a good time apart from that.

>133 katiekrug: Pinky toes! I've hit mine (possibly broken?) so many times; they're the bane of my existence. I hope yours heals soon!

Ow...I hope you put your foot in the ice bucket! Too bad about missing the second day of the Open, as well. It would have been hard to enjoy in the heat, sunhats notwithstanding. I like Reba's suggestion.

Sorry to read about your pinky toe, Katie. I noticed my husband had a black mark on his thumb today, and our beloved dog , Poppy had bit him on the thumb when he last had to bathe her after she was out in some mud. We know she is " mouthy " but I was surprised at the black mark on Dave's thumb. She means business! :-)

Love the puzzle!

Pinky cure soon!! Jealous you were at the US Open. Love the puzzle and nice job catching up on your book reviews. Happy Thursday!

Glad you had a good time at the Open! I talked my niece and nephew into watching a little, and told them to look for you in the stands at the Ruud match. I could tell it's been hot all week watching them take heat breaks and use ice packs, so I don't envy your dealing with the heat. And sorry about the pinky toe! I hope it heals up quickly for you.

Thank you for the sympathy, Laura, Stasia, Richard, Reba, Helen, Nora, Linda, Deborah, Kim, and Mary! (I hope I didn't miss anyone...) The toe is still purple and painful, but I can walk and drive, so there's that. I did ice it a bunch yesterday while enjoying tennis in the comfort of my a/c :)

I'm currently reading Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country, which is interesting. I haven't started a new audio yet, but when I do, it will be Meaty by Samantha Irby. My hold on The God of the Woods has come in, but I think I'll make use of the "Deliver Later" option on Libby, as I have a couple of other books I'd like to get to first.

Sorry the US Open experience wasn't better, Katie. I don't feel so bad for postponing it AGAIN. I hope your toe continues to improve.

I quite enjoyed the Erdrich.

Happy Friday, Katie. The Summer Guest is off to a very good start. Sadly, I won't be getting a heck of a lot of reading time in, for the next few days. Have a great weekend.

>146 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

The Erdrich was very interesting.

>147 msf59: - So glad you're enjoying it, Mark. Hope your trip goes well!

How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard

This is the follow-up to Count the Ways, which I read last month. It can probably stand on its own, but reading the first makes this one a richer experience.

I love books about complicated family dynamics, and this one has it in spades. But there is also a lot of acceptance and forgiveness, and while it strayed into the melodramatic occasionally, the quiet, reflective moments made for a lovely read.

4.5 stars

"She knows now what she did not before, that every family's history is made up of many stories - all probably possessing some element of truth, but none of them, individually, containing all of it."

>149 katiekrug: Lovely quote and tempting review, Katie. I do have a free book due from Thrift Books...hmmm. And then I thought to look at Audible and there sat one little credit just waiting to be spent so I'm going to finish up here and take myself off to knit and listen.

In the Bag by Kate Klise

I picked this up in a Kindle sale and figured the low price would make up for what was almost certain to be a mediocre book. I was surprised by the pretty good writing and the humor. It's the story of a mother and daughter and a father and son traveling to Europe whose paths intersect in surprising ways. I liked Klise's realistic portrayal of both the teenagers and the parents. Some of the plot points were kind of ridiculous, but overall, this was a surprisingly good, light read.

3.5 stars

Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country by Louise Erdrich

This slight volume follows Erdrich's journey, with her baby daughter, through Lake of the Woods, a large body of water dotted with islands that straddles the Northern Minnesota/Canada border. There is a lot of interesting detail on Ojibwe myth and lore, a bit of the history of interactions between the indigenous populations and white explorers and settlers, and some personal reflections on Erdrich's own life. I wish the book had been longer, as so much was only outlined rather than fully explored.

3.75 stars

>150 RebaRelishesReading: - Happy Saturday, Reba!

If possible, I do recommend starting with the first book.

>149 katiekrug: Oops, I didn't read that closely enough and started with How the Light Gets In - which I have nearly finished and am loving.

>153 katiekrug: and now I'm reading this post for the first time and...

>151 katiekrug: I've been surprised lately by what's been cheap and decent. Much of the 99¢ mystery/thriller/MM stuff's been pretty darn readable.

If you're not expecting a life-changer, of course; more the niche TV fills in non-readers' minds.

Happy new week, and Labor Day, fellow non-laborer.

>154 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it!

>155 richardderus: - There is still so much dreck out there, you just never know ;-)

Hope you're having the same gorgeous weather we are!

Holiday Mondays just hit differently, even if one doesn't work...

We've been having a nice weekend - Saturday we went to a new-to-us antique/vintage shop and then got an early dinner at a (mediocre) barbecue place. Yesterday, The Wayne decided he wanted to finally organize his books, so we spent much of the day working on that, and still have lots to do today. I've also been watching lots of tennis, and we've been enjoying 'Masters of the Air.' Our low-key weekend will conclude this evening with steaks on the grill, TW's famous potatoes, and my no-fail asparagus. Good stuff.

Book Report:
I'm almost finished with Five Bells and need to decide what's next. Still enjoying Meaty on audio.

My most recent puzzle completion:


Ceaco brand, 1000 pieces, "Paris Windows"

>156 katiekrug: It's the Labor Day miracle: Fall arrived, the heat isn't battering just warm, and the skies are that fabulously gorgeous blue that fall specializes in (when it can be arsed to give us blue skies).

I am more and more willing to expunge tedious reads even if I paid for 'em. I've been really surprised at this lucky streak. May La Irby keep making you smile.

Hi Katie, your weekend sounds pretty nice! Did you watch the Italian Grand Prix? This season is so much more interesting now that Max has competition.

August in Review
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)

Books Read: 12 (117)
(Puzzles Completed: 4 (45))

Mine: 7 (56)

Library: 5 (61)

Male authors: 2 (30)
Female authors: 10 (89)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)

New-to-me authors: 6 (75)
US/UK authors: 11 (103)
Other: 1 - Singapore (17 - Singapore, Algeria, Canada x3, China, Irelad x4, Italy, Japan, Latvia, India, Australia, Nigeria, Egypt)

Print: 5 (39)
Ebook: 4 (33)
Audio: 3 (45)

General/Popular Fiction: 3 (18)
Literary Fiction: 1 (20)
Historical Fiction: 1 (12)
Romance: 1 (21)
Crime/Thriller: 1 (21)
Juvenile/YA: 2 (5)
Classics: 1 (5)
Speculative: 0 (0)
Nonfiction: 2 (15)

Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 1 (16)
2020-2022: 2 (29)
2020-2019: 5 (42)
2000-2009: 2 (13)
1980s-90s: 0 (10)
1950s-70s: 1 (2)
1900-1949: 1 (5)
19th c.: 0 (0)

Re-reads: 0 (2)
DNFs: 0 (12)

Best of the month (not counting re-reads): How the Light Gets In
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): On a Night Like This

This is my lowest number of completions so far this year, but 12 isn't too shabby! Sadly, not many of them were great - there were a lot of books rated between 3 and 3.75 stars.

I have 17 prompts left in my reading challenge, and plan to read at least 5 this month. I also have a chunkster (Wellness by Nathan Hill) on tap for book club, which meets mid-month, and that could eat a chunk of my reading time. I'm told that it reads fairly quickly, but it's over 600 pages, so.....? I guess we'll see.

>158 richardderus: - I hope you've been anle to get out on the boardwalk to replenish your vitamin D stocks!

>159 lauralkeet: - We did watch it! You are so right about this season being so much more interesting. I like Leclerc a lot (though not as much as Hamilton), so I was happy to see him win. And those Ferrari fans at Manza are always fun :)

I love your puzzle, Katie. It sounds like you are having a great weekend. I've been watching some tennis as well. I think I am cheering for Tiafoe right now.

600 pages for a book club book is pretty hefty. Hope it goes by quickly.

Passing through, just to see what all you've been up to. It's a lot! Good on you. See you again. Ta-ta.

>164 weird_O: love the graphic, Bill.

Beautiful puzzle, Katie! I may have to look for that one.

>162 BLBera: - Hi Beth! On the men's side, I was anyone but Zverev, and now I am anyone but Sinner :) Ont he women's side, I am rooting for Pegula, though I also like Muchova and am warming up to Sabalenka. Navarro leaves me a little cold.

>163 Helenliz: - I know, right? Fingers crossed it's worth the time...

>164 weird_O: - Hi Bill!

>165 magicians_nephew: - Hi Jim!

>166 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deb. I don't think I've done that brand before, but the quality was excellent. Pretty sure I got it on Amazon.

I owe a couple of book comments, which I will get to in a bit. I am currently reading People of the Book and loving it. On audio, I just started The Ex Talk.

When The Wayne organized his books this past weekend, I kindly gave him additional shelf space at the expense of my books, so now I need to figure out where I'm going to put these homeless books. It may require some culling/deaccessioning...

In other news, we played trivia with our friends at the "easier" venue (same questions, but less competition) and came in first.

Last night for dinner we tried a new place in town - "Family Supper" bills itself as "a neightborhood kitchen" and provides oven-ready meals. You order online in the morning and pick-up in the evening and stick everything in the oven and voila - dinner. We had roast chicken with pesto carrots and smashed potatoes. It wasn't bad, and I'll try a couple of other things they offer. Right now the menu is kind of limited.

Dinner tonight is a new-to-me recipe that Laura (I think) recommended a while back - Nana's chicken and rice stew from Bon Appetit.

Tennis is wrapping up this weekend, but football is just getting started, so my sports itch will still be scratched. I don't have high hopes for the Giants but maybe I'll be surprised? In baseball, I have a feeling the Yankees will implode before the post-season and even if they make it, won't go far.

Thus ends my sports update. You're welcome.

Five Bells by Gail Jones

Four lives cross paths on a sunny Saturday in Sydney, each haunted/obsessed by episodes in their pasts. It's a beautifully written book, but I completely failed to engage with it until the very end. Up to that point, the ceaseless interiority was just boring to me, and I couldn't see the point of any of it. The end redeemed it a bit, but not enough for me to recommend the read.

3.25 stars

Meaty: Essays by Samantha Irby

This was Irby's first book, published in 2013 and revised and re-issued in 2018. I had previously listened to Wow, No Thank You. and enjoyed it, and this one is in much the same vein. It features Irby's signature frankness and willingness to "go there" - whether "there" be descriptions of the effects of her IBS or details of her sex life. It did feel like she was going more for shock value here than in her later essays. While I enjoyed this one - I don't mind bad language, gross descriptions, or nitty-gritty details - I do think it lacks the insightful humor of some of her later work.

3.5 stars

>168 katiekrug: Yes that was me recommending Nana's stew. I'd kinda forgotten about it over the summer and it's time I made it again so thanks for the reminder!

>171 lauralkeet: - LOL, happy to help! I'm leaving out the mushrooms, so hopefully that doesn't ruin it :)

>172 katiekrug: lol I think you can get away with it, Katie.

I haven't read anything by Irby, but I do enjoy essays, so I appreciate your comments. I will look for later collections.

I like Tiafoe but don't really have strong feelings. On the women's side, I do like Pegula. What is it about Navarro; I have the same problem with her.

>170 katiekrug: I like her sense of humor a lot. I'm glad it hit you right, too. Enjoy being first for a week!

>129 katiekrug: Looks interesting. I will add this to my list and see if the library has it.

>133 katiekrug: Hope the toe is healing and that the pain has subsided.

>168 katiekrug: Now that is truly a great sign of a strong marriage....giving up shelf space.

Happy weekending

Oof, bruised toes are rough. I hope yours is (almost) back to normal!

Wishing you good reads this weekend.

>173 lauralkeet: - It turned out pretty well, Laura, but it was more like a chicken and rice dish than a stew. There was almost no liquid left after cooking the rice. Also, next time I'd substitute some chicken stock for at least some of the water to add more flavor.

>174 BLBera: - Irby is fun but not if you are easily offended by very frank language...

Supposedly, Navarro is very funny but everytime I see her interviewed, she seems really boring and cold. *shrug*

Did you watch the finals? I was impressed how Pegula battled in the second set, though for naught. I don't really like Fritz, but I like Sinner even less so I was disappointed but not surprised by that result.

>175 richardderus: - Thanks, RD!

>176 figsfromthistle: - I hope you can get your hands on a copy, Anita.

The toes are much better, thanks!

To be honest, I have hogged most of the bookshelf space, so giving up a shelf or two seemed reasonable, though it was painful :)

>177 MickyFine: - I still have some soreness in my pinky toe, but the bruising is gone, and I was able to traipse through midtown Manhattan yesterday with no pain, so I'm calling it good!

We had a good weekend, though the Giants looked absolutely terrible and I was glad not to be watching it (I followed along on the ESPN gamecast online). The Wayne's football game (Dophins) was a nail biter, and they looked rough at times but managed to win. We watched at a bar in NYC with the Dolphins fan club, which is always fun.

There is not much on my agenda this week, which is nice. The weather is still gorgeous, so I'm hoping to get some nice walks in.

We finished 'Masters of the Air' on AppleTV+ and enjoyed it. Our next joint watch will be the new season of 'Only Murders in the Building.' I'm a contemplating a re-watch of 'The Diplomat' on my own before the second season drops in October.

Books
I have two books finished that I need to write up some comments about. My current ones are The False Friend in print and The Ex Talk on audio.

>178 katiekrug: Katie, maybe your chicken and rice would have been more like a stew if you used mushrooms. HA HA HA HA HA!!

Seriously though, I can't remember exactly how it turns out when I make it. It's definitely not liquid-y, but I think I usually end up with a little broth left. I wonder if your rice just cooked more quickly than the stated time, and absorbed all the liquid? I'll probably make it next week and will pay more attention to my method and the results.

>180 lauralkeet: - Somehow I knew you were going to blame the lack of mushrooms, Laura! LOL.

Do let me know how yours turns out the next time you make it. I didn't really mind it not being stew-y as chicken and rice is such a nice comfort food :)

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

This was terrific. I learned so much, and it was a very timely read in terms of book banning/burning, religious prejudice, multi-ethnic societies, etc. Brooks deftly handles multiple time periods, as she moves from the 20th century to the 15th to follow the journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Just a wonderful read all around.

4.5 stars

NB: This was my September pick for my Julia Memorial Read. She hasn't steered me wrong yet :)

Remember How I Told You I Loved You? by Gillian Linden

A very short collection of connected stories about college students and "new adults" trying to make their way in the world. It was fine. I liked the spare writing and occasional bits of humor, but there wasn't much "there" there.

3 stars

The False Friend by Myla Goldberg

A well-written but ultimately frustrating novel about childhood and the unreliability of memory. When she was 11, Celia's best friend disappeared but she is now - 21 years later - questioning the story she originally told about the incident. I found the ending a little frustrating and very rushed.

3.75 stars

The last couple reads have the same thing in common...the "...and?..." response I'm starting to think of it as. I'm experiencing a good bit of that in my own reading. Maybe it's just the inevitable result of being a very experienced reader, but I have a darker thought about modern writers....

Hope your next book is more satisfying :)

>182 katiekrug: I've liked a lot i've read by Geraldine Brooks = will have to move this one up the TBR pile

>182 katiekrug: I liked that one too, Katie. Julia's list is the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it.

I think The People of the Book is my favorite by Brooks. It doesn't surprise me that it was a favorite of Julia's.

I had a busy weekend, so I missed the women's final but wasn't surprised by the outcome. Sabalanka seemed unstoppable in the matches I saw.

I don't mind Sinner, but you're right, it wasn't a surprise. Oh well, now I can get back to reading. 🤪

>185 richardderus: and >186 RebaRelishesReading: - Hoping for a more satisfying read soonest!

>187 magicians_nephew: - I think you'd like it, Jim.

>188 lauralkeet: - It sure is :)

>189 BLBera: - I've only read Year of Wonders and Nine Parts of Desire by Brooks. I remember really liking the former, but it's been ages since I read it (well before I started on LT), so I should give it a re-read maybe. And I loved NPoD...

Sabalanka has really grown on me.

>191 katiekrug: haha brilliant!

>191 katiekrug: Hah!

>191 katiekrug: Awomen. The lunatic right AND left are now claiming she was coached in her ear because she was better than before...and somehow Obama is the one that did it.

ANYthing except a woman beat their geriatric diaper-wearing fascist f*cknozzle.

That is crazy, Richard, the idea that Kamala's earring ( Tiffany!) were actually ear buds or what ever they are called. I was surprised to read that today.

>194 richardderus: Right you are, Richards. Couldn't be that a woman is just smart, educated, and good at what she does. Must be some man whispering in her ear!!! I could scream loud enough for you to hear me all the way over there!!!!

A not insignificant fear I have is that Drumpf wins, collapses and dies, leaving JD Vance to run the country.

>191 katiekrug: Exactly.

>195 vancouverdeb:, >196 RebaRelishesReading: It's tediously predictable. So sick of knee-jerk dimwittedness.

>197 weird_O: Horripilation!

Hiya Katie, thanks for hosting!

>197 weird_O: Indeed!! I think he might actually be worse than just the orange idiot.

Glad you all liked the graphic :)

Re: the earrings, apparently we are supposed to be offended that she owns a pair of $800 earrings, never mind that she's a successful 60-year old woman in her own right, plus she is married to a successful entertainment lawyer, Let's conveniently ignore Trump's gold toilet... *eye roll*

___________________________

Let's see - what's been going on... We came in second at trivia, playing with two friends at the "harder" venue, so that was nice. I made tasty one-pot tacos the other night that turned out great. Tonight is chili-garlic marinated chicken with bell peppers. Or we might go out for a happy hour, as TW has taken most of the afternoon off to call-in for a mandatory hearing related to his arbitration case with the Musk Melon. If that ends early-ish, we might take advantage and start the weekend early :) Weekend plans mostly involve outdoor stuff - yard clean-up, deck clean-up, etc. I am also hoping to catch up with a friend who I just learned from a mutual friend had a mild-ish heart attack recently. It's shocking, because she is super fit and healthy, but apparently it was brought on by an infection. I'm not entirely clear, and it doesn't really matter, but I would like to touch base with her - but not be overbearing or intrusive, so I need to figure out how to walk that line.

Books
I've made it almost a third of the way through Wellness for book club next week, and it's just not my thing. I am going to switch to the audio to see if that makes it more bearable because I am mildly interested in the story, just not enough to use precious "eye-reading" time on it. I think I'll probably skip the meeting because I am pretty sure I will find the discussion annoying, as everyone seems to love it (according to our group WhatsApp chat), and one woman talked about it with some of her neighbors who are, in her words, "very literary" (a playwright, a professor, a NYT writer, and a NYT editor) and she can't wait to share their insights. Blerg. My contrarian side wants to not like the book even more now ;-)

In place of Wellness, I started on Hearts and Minds by Amanda Craig which pulled me in immediately.

I have two completed books to type up some comments about.

Sorry Wellness didn't work for you, Katie. I really liked it and enjoyed all the tangents. But it was very long. Have a good weekend!

>201 vivians: - We'll see how it goes on audio, Vivian. There have been glimmers in it that make me not want to give up entirely...

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

An entertaining enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance set in the world of public radio. Shay and Dominic are often in conflict until they are forced to co-host a program predicated on the lie that they once dated. As they get to know one another, they discover they may have more in common than they thought. A sometimes over-the-top breathy audio narration didn't ruin this well-written look at isolation, loneliness, and love.

3.5 stars

Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen

Another silly and fun entry in the series. This time, Georgie is tasked with helping the newly discovered heir to a dukedom learn the ropes of the aristocracy. But then he comes under suspicion for murder... Not my favorite in the series, but still a fun listen.

3.25 stars

Hi Katie, nice job at trivia. Hope TW's meeting proceeds in his favor. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I'm sure you can walk the fine line, and she will appreciate someone who cares checking in with her. Better than pretending it never happened, I'd say. Not that you'd do that.

Hi Katie! I just read my first Brooks (March) and will have to look into People of the Book. Sorry you're not into the book club pick. My IRL book club has been resurrected from the dead (COVID and a lot of people having babies at the same time killed it for a while) and our first pick is Braiding Sweetgrass, which I would be excited about if I hadn't already read it semi-recently. Oh well, I'll just refresh myself before the meeting.

>205 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura! The meeting ended up being 45 minutes and a waste of time, as the attorney predicted. *shrug* Sadly, it was so short, he just went back to work. Boo!

I'm not good at potentially awkward conversations, but I'll put my big girl panties on and do it :)

>206 curioussquared: - I have March on my shelf and will probably get to it sooner rather than later. I just listened to 2 hours of Wellness and it is *much* better on audio, IMO. The narrator is fantastic. So I will finish it. Not sure if I'll go to the meeting or not, though it turns out the woman who mentioned her "very literary" neighbors was referring to our October book, not this one, so maybe it's October I should avoid? Ha!

>203 katiekrug: I put this on a list I made for work of fake relationship romances. Glad to hear it's enjoyable!

Catching up a bit. I hope your talk with your friend went well. I'm sure she appreciated hearing from you. Also congrats on Trivia almost-win at harder venue. Sorry TW's meeting didn't go better -- why is it the jerks seem to do so well these days? Happy weekend!!

>182 katiekrug: I am not even trying to catch up, Katie, since I am so far behind on your thread, but I have to remark on that one: People of the Book is one of my all-time favorite books. I really need to give it a re-read soon. I am so glad to hear that your Julia Memorial Reads have been good ones!

Have a wonderful weekend!

>208 MickyFine: - I thought maybe you had read it and that's how it ended up on my library list, but I guess not!

>209 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you, Reba. We had a very nice chat, and she is in good spirits.

Thanks, too, re: trivia.

I didn't mean to infer that TW's meeting went badly for him or good for Musk Melon. It was just a session to confirm that the two sides were nowhere close to terms and the case needed to proceed.

>210 alcottacre: - I could see re-reading the Brooks in the future, Stasia. It's so rich in detail!

Hope you have a good weekend, too.

I have finished inputting my library wish lists into a spreadsheet (because nerd), and between my two Overdrive accounts and the books I can't access digitally but can access physical copies from my local library, I have 580 books on there. Not too bad - just under half a decade's worth of reading! LOL.

It was fun to go through the lists and be reminded of really interesting sounding books I want to get to.

TW and I are having a date night tonight - we eat out a lot but a "date night" means going to somewhere other than one of our usual places, and we don't sit at the bar :) Tonight's restaurant is a Japanese/Peruvian fusion place (https://7doorsdown.com/). I suspect we'll aslo stop at the bakery/cocktail bar on the way home...

ETA: I also meant to note that the audio of Wellness is fan-freaking-tastic, and I'm glad I decided to try it in that format rather than give up on it.

>207 katiekrug: What's the October book???

>213 norabelle414: - It's Trust by Hernan Diaz.

>214 katiekrug: Ooh that's got some scathing recent reviews

>182 katiekrug: I quite enjoyed that one when I read it a long time ago. So much so that I kept it after reading. Looks like a great one to re read.

Hiya Katie! I made the chicken and rice stew last night and am here to report back. My rice was done in 20 minutes (I vaguely remembered this from last time), so I didn't cook it the full 30 minutes. There was some liquid left and while it wasn't exactly a sauce the finished dish was still wet, not dry. The mushrooms were delicious. 😋

>215 norabelle414: - I am not wildly enthusiastic about reading it, though some people here have liked it a lot. I'd still rather read that then some of the nonsense the group has picked in the past :)

>216 figsfromthistle: - I can't believe it took me so long to get to it, Anita. I had a paperback copy for ages, and then got a Kindle edition on sale a few years ago...

>217 lauralkeet: - Thanks for reporting back, Laura! My rice also cooked quickly. I didn't mean to imply the dish turned out dry for me - it was moist (ugh - hate that word!) but there was literally no liquid left in the pot.

Also, mushrooms are never delicious ;-)

Your mushroom comment sounds just like Hubby -- which is nice for me because he always passes all of the mushrooms he finds in his restaurant meals directly to me. That's a special treat with his Hibachi Chicken at our favorite Japanese place :)

>218 katiekrug: Got it, Katie! Thanks.
I remain steadfastly Team Mushroom!

>212 katiekrug: You have far more gumption than I do, Katie! If I had to put the contents of the BlackHole into a spreadsheet, it might take a while - and then when would I read?

>214 katiekrug: I hope you enjoy that one. I certainly did, giving it 4.25 stars.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Hi, Katie. I am very slowly trying to catch up on LT but I wanted to let you know, that I absolutely loved The Summer Guest. 5 stars. I think I would include this one in the Great American Novel conversation. It was that good. I wish it could reach more readers.

>219 RebaRelishesReading: - *gag* But I'm happy for you ;-)

>220 lauralkeet: - Poor, deluded woman...

>221 alcottacre: - Well, I think your BH is basically any book you've ever wanted to read and my WL is what's available from my libraries, so it's a bit less daunting :)

>222 msf59: - Oh, I'm so glad you loved it, too, Mark! I agree - more people should read it.

>223 katiekrug: Hey! Why isn't Reba also in the Deluded Woman Club?!
#teammushroom #deludedwomen

>224 lauralkeet: - I figured it was obvious with my *gag* :D

>224 lauralkeet: nah, Katie's got it all wrong, *she* is deluded.
I mean lovely, apart from that, but clearly deluded.

>226 Helenliz: *spews coffee on screen*
I love it, Helen!

>224 lauralkeet: I'm starting a men's deluded-by-scrummy-mushrooms auxiliary.

Helen's got it clear...lovely person, but deluded, our Katie.

>226 Helenliz:, >227 lauralkeet:, >228 richardderus: - *hands over ears* LALALALALALALALALALALA! I can't hear you.....

Lovin' this -- wish I was awake enough to think of a snappy retort...

>228 richardderus: *fist bump*

>229 katiekrug: When you are done with your spreadsheet, would you do one for me? Even though I love mushrooms...

>230 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, come back if you think of one! :)

>231 lauralkeet: - Hmph.

>232 BLBera: - I would if you were right on the mushroom issue, Beth :D

>231 lauralkeet: Awomen, soul sibling.

>233 katiekrug: *hmph* back

Hi Katie, I finally got caught up with your thread. It seems all is right with your world and your books!

>223 katiekrug: Well, I think your BH is basically any book you've ever wanted to read Not quite. . . There are a lot more that I would like to read, I am sure!

Have a great day, Katie!

Hearts and Minds by Amanda Craig

This was a very compelling read. Though published in 2009, it has a lot to say about today's world, with themes of migration, assimilation, and human connection. There are several story lines following different characters in London, and how they intersect and weave together is both fun to follow and basically the whole point of the book. It's not subtle in its message, but it's an important message, and one that I wish more people would hear and take to heart.

4.5 stars

"But what she will not give up is the belief in what human beings owe to each other. She has done for Job what she could not do for all too many of her other clients, but the principle is the same. They are individuals who have turned to Britain for help just as one person turns to another. Do you kick them in the face, or pick them up?"

Wellness by Nathan Hill

Oh, boy. This book. It was my RL book group's pick for September, and if not for that, I probably never would have picked it up, as very "of the moment" and widely-haled-by-the-literati books are not usually my thing. I struggled with the first 200 pages or so on my Kindle and thought I'd give up on it, but the audio was available from the library, so I decided to give it one more try. And wow. It was a completely different experience. The narrator, Ari Fliakos, made the characters and story come alive in all their frustration, melancholy, and manic energy. This is essentially the story of a marriage on the brink of collapse, but Hill is more ambitious than that. It's also the story of contemporary American society, or at least a certain segment of it. And it's the story of childhood trauma and how we try to erase, or at least mask, the pain. It's funny and sad and manic and ambitious, and I loved it.

5 stars

>234 richardderus: - :-P

>235 DeltaQueen50: - Can't complain, Judy!

>236 alcottacre: - Have a good one yourself, Stasia :)

Wow, Katie, you got me with both Hearts and Minds and Wellness. It's funny how changing from print to audio changed your experience so much in Wellness. Have you had your book discussion yet? It would be an interesting point to bring up.

I was worried about suffering a book hangover after finishing two great books on Tuesday, but I've escaped. I'm currently listening to a piece of fluff, and in print, I am finally reading the very good She Said about the NYT investigation into Harvey Weinstein. I've had the book on my shelf since it came out in 2019, and I went to hear the two authors/journalists speak at a local event.

In other news, we played trivia with a friend at the "hard" venue and came in 2nd again. Woot! We were second to last (out of 18 teams) after the first round, so it was a hard-earned comeback. Last night, for dinner, we had the NYT "Chile Bean Bake," which was excellent, though next time I'll add garlic. It was stupid-easy - I actually made the beans on Monday and just heated them up last night, added the cheese, and popped it under the broiler for a minute or two. Some comments on the recipe noted it was much tastier if you let the flavors mush together for a day or two - I had actually intended to serve it Monday but TW ended up getting an MRI that evening (long story but short version is he's fine).

I have book group tonight, and I am very excited to discuss Wellness. Also to drink wine and nosh on some nibbles... Until then, it's a bit of a busy day, as Maribel is here cleaning so I'm getting some "desk work" done, and then I have errands to run this afternoon, I have to pick up Nuala from day care, need to shower at some point... you get the picture.

Hope everyone enjoys the slide into the weekend!

>240 BLBera: - They are both worthy reads, Beth! I have book group tonight and will definitely bring up my experience. I know at least a couple of other members also did the audio, though I don't know if they tried print first.

Wow, what a turnaround you had with Wellness! That's amazing. I can't wait to hear about the book club discussion.

Congrats on your continued trivia domination.

>241 katiekrug: *Really* glad to read the short version! Whatever it was it had to be scary as hell.

I thoroughly hate you for changing you mind about Wellness...I've been on the fence and here you come with your broomstick and shove me over. Bad Katie! Bad Katie!

*smooch*

>243 lauralkeet: - We had a really good discussion, and it seemed like those of us who listened to it, even just in part, liked it better than the others. It tied for highest rated book of the club so far. It was a lovely evening - our hostess has a lovely outdoor space and the temps were perfect for sitting outside. Good food and wine completed the fun meeting.

>244 richardderus: - It wasn't too scary. He's just having an issue with his lower leg/ankle/foot.

I'll be interested in what you make of Wellness....

ANOTHER gorgeous day here. We are really getting spoiled. The Wayne and I will be headed out for a walk soon. We're planning on a late lunch/early dinner, as he is going to see the restored version of Seven Samurai at our local artsy theater at 6pm. Not my thing, especially not 3+ hours of it, so I'll have a cozy Katie evening at home. I expect I'll watch something off my long list of shows I'm interested in that he's not :) We have been enjoying S4 of "Only Murders" together, and last night we started the final season of Jack Ryan.

Books
I finished She Said, which was good, and have started The Melting Season, which is just okay so far. On audio, I'm listening to The Dirty Book Club which is mildly entertaining.

>246 katiekrug: It truly is perfection outside. Fall at its finest. I am finishing the polishing job on my review of Queen Macbeth, which I urge on you as a solid, well-made thriller set in the weirdness of medieval Scotland; only partially in the spirit of revenge-seeking for the unfairly excellent Wellness that you so maliciously warbled about.

It says here.

Enjoy your lovely solo time. I *know* TW will love seeing Seven Samurai!

>247 richardderus: - I do wish it was a teensy bit cooler, but that's coming up soon enough. We had a lovely walk - 2 miles from our house, over to the park, big loop through the park, and back home. In walking through the neighborhood on the way to the park, I made a point of crossing the street when I didn't like a yard sign someone had (because I'm mature like that). Happy to say, it was only one Trump sign (far outnumbered by Harris ones in this area, including my own that came this week) and one sign for the Republican candidate for mayor.

Queen Macbeth sounds like something I might like, as I do love the play.

How are you getting on with Wellness?

>248 katiekrug: Happy Saturday, Katie. (I have to hold myself sternly in check when I get near political signs I don't like -- house near us has 7!! signs for a congressional candidate I can't stand -- I have to stay away or I might do a little trash removal :>)

>248 katiekrug: I'm about to start Elizabeth's account of The Unraveling, so around a quarter of the way through. She's got a LOT!

>246 katiekrug: I've added this to the wishlist, thanks for mentioning it.
I watched the film, but I'm sure the book will be better.

>237 katiekrug: That one is already in the BlackHole or I would add it again.

>238 katiekrug: My local library actually has that one although not in audio form. I will have to get to it soon.

Have a wonderful weekend, Katie!

Happy Saturday, Katie. I had a great time hanging out with Mary at the Cubs game yesterday. Lots of book chatter. I also wanted to let you know, that I started Wellness after hearing your warbling. You have been nailing it lately. 😎

Football fistbump 👊

>249 RebaRelishesReading: - Glad it's not just me, Reba!

>250 richardderus: - The whole book is A LOT!

>251 charl08: - Are you referring to She Said, Charlotte? I forgot there was a film of it. I'll have to look for it.

>252 alcottacre: - Hope you like both when/if you get to them, Stasia.

>253 msf59: - I'm not at all surprised you all had a good time. And yay for Wellness!

>254 bell7: - Finally! *fist bump*

She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey

Kantor and Twohey were the two New York Times investigative reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein story - the years of harassment and abuse, pay-offs, and intimidation. I struggled to keep some of the victims and specific stories straight in my head but that just speaks to the breadth of the activity and complexity of the story to be uncovered. Though a bit dry in parts, I thought this was a good read, and I found the details about how these unwieldy and shadowy stories are brought to light.

3.75 stars

The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison

This was a bit of a mixed bag for me - I enjoyed some parts of it, but the pacing seemed off and the writing never rose above the merely pedestrian. The "twist" revealed toward the end wasn't all that surprising, and while I appreciate that Harrison didn't try to tie up everything in a neat little bow, the ending seemed rush.

3 stars

The Melting Season by Jami Attenberg

Disappointing. I've read and really liked three of Attenberg's novels and one nonfiction work of hers, but this one did absolutely nothing for me. I thought it might have been her debut novel, but it looks like it was her third (I haven't yet read the first two). The characters and motivations didn't ring true for me, and I found the whole thing a bit of a slog.

If you're thinking of trying Attenberg (she has a new one coming out tomorrow!), please don't start here.

2.5 stars

>256 katiekrug: Kantor is a hero of mine - after the Weinstein story she's broken several more including a recent one about John Roberts. Her sources are amazing.
>258 katiekrug: Thanks for the heads up about Attenberg. I was eyeing her new one but maybe I'll wait to read the reviews. I don't remember reading any of her earlier ones.

>259 vivians: - I'll have to look for that Kantor article about Roberts.

Re: Attenberg, my first of hers was The Middlesteins, which I enjoyed a lot. Then I read Saint Mazie which is a fun historical novel set in NYC in the 1930s. And All Grown Up was another I really liked. Her memoir/writing book was good, too - I Came All This Way to Meet You. I'm thinking of suggesting All This Could Be Yours for my RL book group in January.

>256 katiekrug: Adding that one to the BlackHole. My local library actually has a copy of it.

Have a marvelous Monday, Katie!

>260 katiekrug: Hope this works: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/15/us/justice-roberts-trump-supreme-court.html?s...

>261 alcottacre: - Hope you enjoy it, Stasia!

Happy Thursday :)

>262 vivians: - Thanks, Vivian! Fascinating...

I've finished two more books and will type up some comments in a bit. Neither one knocked my socks off. I'm now reading On Chesil Beach and listening to Accidentally Amy.

Not much has been going on around here. The Wayne started PT for his leg/foot. He has a nerve impingement that's affecting his range of motion. Hopefully, the PT will "fix" it, and he won't need surgery. I had my annual eye exam yesterday and everything was fine, though my prescription changed a bit, so I had to shell out for new lenses. Boo.

I've not been cooking much, but I did make a tasty quinoa and black bean dish the other day. We had the leftovers with taco-seasoned ground turkey last night. We're trying to get back to eating a bit more healthily. That also means less wine for me *sob*

This weekend should be pretty quiet. The only firm thing on the agenda is going to a friend's album release party on Saturday night. He's one of our sometimes trivia partners that we met through other friends.

And that's my boring update!

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin

An interesting look into a polygamous marriage in contemporary Nigeria but no real sense of character or motivation beyond the surface. Not a bad read, just not one that will stay with me.

3 stars



Therese Raquin by Emile Zola

To be honest, I only finished this because of Kate Winslet's narration. Unlikeable characters doing nasty things about sums it up. Earthy, sensual, and very French.

3 stars

I felt much the same about Therese Raquin -- the "point" was made so often it became pointless.

>265 katiekrug:, >266 laytonwoman3rd: It's a grim little read, alrighty all right. Zola was hell-bent on pointing up the "petty" in les petites bourgeoises. He's one of those authors I wish I'd been able to meet. I'd love to know the real dirt on who among his circle he was dunking on.

Hope that TW does his exercises and that the PT does the trick.
Boo to new glasses. I have a habit of going for basically the same frames each time - saves making any decisions!

I am nearing the halfway point in Wellness. He is such a good and smart writer. What a dazzling mind he has. He reminds me of a more grounded David Foster Wallace. Have you read The Nix?

>266 laytonwoman3rd: and >267 richardderus: - Well, at least I can say I've now sampled Zola and don't feel the need to read any more...

>268 Helenliz: - TW is usually pretty conscientious, and he's really annoyed about walking funny, so he has good motivation :)

I usually get new frames every year, but our insurance only covered lenses this time. And that's fine, because I quite like my current frames.

>269 msf59: - I'm glad you're enjoying it, Mark. Remind me - are you listening to it or tackling it in print? I've not read The Nix, though I put it on my library list after finishing Wellness. One of the women in my book group read TN immediately after finishing and loving W, and she said it was good but even more all over the place :)

>264 katiekrug: I hope the PT works! Sounds painful.

>265 katiekrug: the last time I read Zola was in university and it was required reading for the french literature class I was taking. Perhaps i should revisit ( but not the book you read).

Happy weekend, Katie

>271 figsfromthistle: - It's not painful so much as annoying, I think. The only pain he has is when the PT does work on the soft tissue.

I think I am done with Zola myownself :)

Thank you -- I've never felt moved to read Zola and now I don't even feel bad about it :). Hope TW gets better quickly.

We're having a spell of cool and drizzly weather, which I kind of love. I've been to the store this morning and so have no reason to leave the house again. It'll be a cozy inside day. I'm making Salisbury steak meatballs (sans mushrooms because ew) over egg noodles for dinner. Good comfort food!

Yesterday was a bit busy - TW had an early appointment at the neurologist to have an electromyography test, and it was determined that he does indeed have nerve impingements in both legs. For now, he'll continue with the PT and see the neurologist again in a few months. He does think the PT is helping, so that's good.

Last night, we went out to dinner to a new-to-us place - an interesting mix of Italian and Latin flavors. It was very good. Then we went to our friend's record release party which was fun. We only stayed about 90 minutes, but we heard some good music.

Books
I'm about halfway through Mohawk, an early Richard Russo novel. I'm enjoying it very much. On audio, I've started The Temporary Gentleman by Sebastian Barry and it's also very good.

>273 RebaRelishesReading: - Happy to help, Reba!

And thanks re: TW.

>275 katiekrug: Russo is one of my favorite authors. I wish he would write something new.

>276 RebaRelishesReading: - Well, his last novel only came out last year, so give the man time! :D

We've hit autumn as well. Got friends for dinner tonight & my staple dinner party dish of beef in beer is on the menu.

Hi Katie! I read Therese Raquin ages ago, gave it 3.5 stars but I wasn't tempted to read any more of his work. I'm glad your subsequent reading has been more satisfying. I too am a Russo fan, but haven't read Mohawk. I await your take.

The Belly of Paris was the one Zola I liked.

But i didn't like it enough to suggest anybody should actually READ it.

>277 katiekrug: lol -- but it feels so long

>278 Helenliz: - Oooh, beef in beer sounds good! Tell me more...

>279 lauralkeet: - My take shall be forthcoming!

>280 magicians_nephew: - LOL, Jim!

>281 RebaRelishesReading: - I totally get that :)

Happy October! It's my favorite month :) I'm a little behind on commenting on books I've finished, so I'll do that this morning, and then start a new thread, I think. And I need to do my monthly stats. Anyone else already thinking about their reading for next year? I've got a few things in mind (loose goals, challenges, etc.).

I had my annual physical yesterday and got my flu shot, so my arm is a little sore. I could have also gotten my COVID booster, but I didn't want them togeher - I did that last year and my arm was sore for days... So I'll get the booster in a few days. I also need to get my annual mammo and schedule my first-ever colonoscopy - whee! Getting older sucks but it beats the alternative ;-)

I've had some pretty good but intense reads lately, so now I'm lightening things up a bit with Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone on my Kindle and the audio of How to Build a Girl.

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

A beautifully written, quiet and evocative novel about disconnection and lost opportunities. A young couple, a fraught wedding night, and a heartbreaking ending.

4.5 stars



Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

This rom-com started a bit slowly for me but I ended up really enjoying it, especially the banter between the two leads. I also liked that there wasn't the usual over-blown miscommunication or failure to communicate.

4 stars

The Temporary Gentleman by Sebastian Barry

Imbued with Irish pathos, this novel tells the story of Mai and Jack who marry in the 1920s and their turbulent marriage. The framing device and setting (post-colonial Ghana) was interesting but I don't think I fully understood what Barry was trying to do with it. Still, gorgeous prose and an excellent audio narrator made this a very satisfying listen.

4.25 stars



Mohawk by Richard Russo

This was Russo's first novel and while it's not as accomplished, obviously, as his later work, it covers some familiar ground - a down-at-the-heels town, ordinary people struggling through life, a snapshot of American life in a particular time and place. In this one, it's the late 1960s in a dying industrial town in upstate New York. I really enjoyed the first part of the novel, with its wide cast of characters and dry humor. The second part, set a few years later, was darker and the ending felt rushed.

4 stars

Beef in beer is a Delia recipe. Her complete cookery course is the only cook book that lives in the kitchen and is so well thumbed that it opens at certain pages. This is my second copy, the first one literally fell apart!

https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/casseroles-and-stews/beef-in-de...

I don't bother with the croutons thing, I tend to serve with jacket spuds & vege, making it a perfect dinner party dish as it needs so little attention, meaning you can be drinking wine with friends and not stuck in the kitchen.

The McEwan is on my list. Although I do feel he has a habit of undermining his own work at some point, which isn't a trait I particularly enjoy.

>286 Helenliz: - Thanks for that! It looks like something that would go over well here :)

Interesting what you think about McEwan. I've not had that experience, but I've only read a handful of his books so far...

Tottling off to make a new thread...

>286 Helenliz: I don't normally comment on "closed" threads but OMG Helen that recipe looks fantastic. The method is similar to Boeuf Bourguignon but of course the ingredients are quite different. I think I'd even make the croutons! I had to chuckle at the phrase "designer beer." I think I know what she means but haven't heard that phrase before.