Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 10
This is a continuation of the topic Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 9.
This topic was continued by Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 11.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2024
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1katiekrug
__________________________________________________
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
(Print) 
(Audio)BOOKS COMPLETED
Books Off My Shelf: 49
Books Off My Kindle: 26
Books from Audible/Chirp: 10
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 70
Friend Loan:
OCTOBER
155. Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase (4 stars)
154. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (part audio) (3.5 stars)
153. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4 stars)
152. Dear Committee Members by Julia Schuman (3.5 stars)
151. The Butterfly House by Marcia Preston (3.5 stars)
150. C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton (audio) (3.5 stars)
149. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (4 stars)
148. The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (audio) (2.5 stars)
147. Love at First Psych by Cara Bastone (audio) (4 stars)
146. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner (4.25 stars)
145. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry (audio) (4 stars)
144. Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare (3.25 stars)
143. Trust by Hernan Diaz (3.75 stars)
142. A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon (audio) (3.25 stars)
141. The Weirdies Get Weirder by Michael Buckley (audio) (4 stars)
140. Seatmate by Cara Bastone (audio) (4 stars)
139. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (3.5 stars)
138. West with the Night by Beryl Markham (4.25 stars)
137. How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4.5 stars)
136. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (3.75 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
3katiekrug
Q3 COMPLETIONS
SEPTEMBER
Favorite:
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)
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)
SEPTEMBER
Favorite:
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)
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)
4katiekrug
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)
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)
5katiekrug
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)
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)
6katiekrug
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)
7katiekrug
September in Review
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)
Books Read: 18 (135)
(Puzzles Completed: 8 (53))
Mine: 13 (69)
Library: 5 (66)
Male authors: 5 (35)
Female authors: 14 (103)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)
New-to-me authors: 12 (87)
US/UK authors: 13 (116)
Other: 6 - Ireland, France, Nigeria, South Africa, Australiax2 (23 - Singapore, Algeria, Canada x3, China, Ireland x5, Italy, Japan, Latvia, India, Australia x3, Nigeria x2, Egypt, France, South Africa)
Print: 9 (48)
Ebook: 1 (34)
Audio: 8 (53)
General/Popular Fiction: 5 (23)
Literary Fiction: 5 (25)
Historical Fiction: 2 (14)
Romance: 2 (23)
Crime/Thriller: 1 (22)
Juvenile/YA: 0 (5)
Classics: 1 (6)
Speculative: 0 (0)
Nonfiction: 2 (17)
Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 1 (17)
2020-2022: 2 (31)
2020-2019: 10 (52)
2000-2009: 3 (16)
1980s-90s: 1 (11)
1950s-70s: 0 (2)
1900-1949: 0 (5)
19th c.: 1 (1)
Re-reads: 0 (2)
DNFs: 0 (12)
Best of the month (not counting re-reads): Wellness by Nathan Hill
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): The Melting Season by Jami Attenberg
18 books completed is my second highest total for the year and quite a change after last month saw my lowest total. I also did a bunch of puzzles, so that helps :)
My planned reads for October include Trust for my RL book group, Crossing to Safety for my Julia Memorial Read, and a couple of longtime TBRs - The Night Circus and West with the Night. I might also try to re-read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as it looks like James will be the November pick for my book group, and I want the story to be fresh in my mind.
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)
Books Read: 18 (135)
(Puzzles Completed: 8 (53))
Mine: 13 (69)
Library: 5 (66)
Male authors: 5 (35)
Female authors: 14 (103)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)
New-to-me authors: 12 (87)
US/UK authors: 13 (116)
Other: 6 - Ireland, France, Nigeria, South Africa, Australiax2 (23 - Singapore, Algeria, Canada x3, China, Ireland x5, Italy, Japan, Latvia, India, Australia x3, Nigeria x2, Egypt, France, South Africa)
Print: 9 (48)
Ebook: 1 (34)
Audio: 8 (53)
General/Popular Fiction: 5 (23)
Literary Fiction: 5 (25)
Historical Fiction: 2 (14)
Romance: 2 (23)
Crime/Thriller: 1 (22)
Juvenile/YA: 0 (5)
Classics: 1 (6)
Speculative: 0 (0)
Nonfiction: 2 (17)
Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 1 (17)
2020-2022: 2 (31)
2020-2019: 10 (52)
2000-2009: 3 (16)
1980s-90s: 1 (11)
1950s-70s: 0 (2)
1900-1949: 0 (5)
19th c.: 1 (1)
Re-reads: 0 (2)
DNFs: 0 (12)
Best of the month (not counting re-reads): Wellness by Nathan Hill
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): The Melting Season by Jami Attenberg
18 books completed is my second highest total for the year and quite a change after last month saw my lowest total. I also did a bunch of puzzles, so that helps :)
My planned reads for October include Trust for my RL book group, Crossing to Safety for my Julia Memorial Read, and a couple of longtime TBRs - The Night Circus and West with the Night. I might also try to re-read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as it looks like James will be the November pick for my book group, and I want the story to be fresh in my mind.
9laytonwoman3rd
Congratulations on the milestone!
12richardderus
>8 katiekrug: New-thread orisons, Katie! I'm glad the Barry was a good, if arcane, read. I'll pop that onto my list.
It seems to me the universe wants US publishing to get more into dialects. Ferdia Lennon and the glory of Glorious Exploits, Shuggie Bain, and today I got widgeted for We Pretty Pieces of Flesh from Henry Holt. It's written in Doncastrian or so I'm informed, apparently that's part of Yorkshire. Every thirty years, back it comes...Trainspotting, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, etc etc in the 90s...only now we've incorporated a lot more British in our American thanks to TV shows and podcasts.
It seems to me the universe wants US publishing to get more into dialects. Ferdia Lennon and the glory of Glorious Exploits, Shuggie Bain, and today I got widgeted for We Pretty Pieces of Flesh from Henry Holt. It's written in Doncastrian or so I'm informed, apparently that's part of Yorkshire. Every thirty years, back it comes...Trainspotting, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, etc etc in the 90s...only now we've incorporated a lot more British in our American thanks to TV shows and podcasts.
13RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread, Katie. That is a most impressive list of books read this year (and still 3 months to go!!)
15alcottacre
Checking in on you, Katie! Have a terrific Tuesday!
17figsfromthistle
Happy new thread,Katie!
18curioussquared
Happy new thread, Katie!
20vancouverdeb
Happy New Thread, Katie! I'm curious to see your latest completed puzzle . Will I see it here or on Facebook? I've already started another puzzle while listening to Huckleberry Finn on audio.
22Familyhistorian
I'm jumping in while this thread is still young. Happy new one, Katie!
23msf59
Happy Wednesday, Katie. Happy New Thread. Nearing the end of Wellness. Another very good recommendation. Not sure it will hit 5 stars but it is still pretty damn impressive.
25katiekrug
>20 vancouverdeb: - Here you go, Deborah!
It was 1000 pieces, with lots of small, oddly-shaped ones so a bit of a challenge...
It was 1000 pieces, with lots of small, oddly-shaped ones so a bit of a challenge...
26katiekrug
>21 bell7: and >22 Familyhistorian: - Nice to see you, Mary and Meg!
>23 msf59: - I'm glad that BB landed well for you, Mark.
>24 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!
>23 msf59: - I'm glad that BB landed well for you, Mark.
>24 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!
28katiekrug
>27 BLBera: - It was definitely a challenge, Beth, but a fun one.
29katiekrug
I finished my first book of the month (comments to follow) and have started West with the Night, which has been on my shelf since 2011...
The Wayne and I are hosting a game night for friends this evening, so I've got some errands to run and a few things to take care of for that. Tomorrow night, TW has whisky club and then he leaves Sunday morning for Boston, and I have 6 whole days to myself. I mean, I love him and all, but WOOT! Katie-time :)
The Wayne and I are hosting a game night for friends this evening, so I've got some errands to run and a few things to take care of for that. Tomorrow night, TW has whisky club and then he leaves Sunday morning for Boston, and I have 6 whole days to myself. I mean, I love him and all, but WOOT! Katie-time :)
30lauralkeet
Oooh 6 whole days?! I can't wait to see what you do with your Katie time.
31katiekrug
>30 lauralkeet: - Me too - ha!
32katiekrug
So, many of you know I used to be a (very moderate) Republican and that I worked at the White House in the early 2000s. Obviously, I grew older and wiser and my politics are pretty different now, but I still consider it an honor to have served.
In 2020 and then again this year, I signed on to statements of support for the Democratic presidential tickets from a group of "alumni" of various Republican administrations and campaigns. A few days ago, I was asked to contribute a testimonial about my support for VP Harris and Gov. Walz, and I was very proud to do so.
If you're interested, you can read it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/rbmralumni4harris/p/katie-krug-bush-43-alum?r=9qeb...
Trigger warning: there is a photo included of me with the 43rd President :-P
In 2020 and then again this year, I signed on to statements of support for the Democratic presidential tickets from a group of "alumni" of various Republican administrations and campaigns. A few days ago, I was asked to contribute a testimonial about my support for VP Harris and Gov. Walz, and I was very proud to do so.
If you're interested, you can read it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/rbmralumni4harris/p/katie-krug-bush-43-alum?r=9qeb...
Trigger warning: there is a photo included of me with the 43rd President :-P
33lauralkeet
>32 katiekrug: That's an excellent testimonial, Katie. Well done.
34japaul22
>32 katiekrug: Well said. Thanks for sharing that!
36alcottacre
>29 katiekrug: Have a great time with game night!
It goes without saying that I hope you enjoy Katie-time!
I hope you have a fantastic Friday!
It goes without saying that I hope you enjoy Katie-time!
I hope you have a fantastic Friday!
37richardderus
>32 katiekrug: "...I believe both in their vision for our country as a land of fairness, respect, and opportunity, and in their personal decency and commitment to the rule of law and democratic institutions." +1
Well said indeed.
I'm such a Katie-phile that I *voluntarily* subjected myself to an image of 43. I've had a lie-down with a cold compress on my eyes and a powerful dose of Imodium, as always when I see him. Did you GBBO yet? Iiiiiinteresting....
Well said indeed.
I'm such a Katie-phile that I *voluntarily* subjected myself to an image of 43. I've had a lie-down with a cold compress on my eyes and a powerful dose of Imodium, as always when I see him. Did you GBBO yet? Iiiiiinteresting....
40katiekrug
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
A clever premise and filled with humor, but this one ended up being a bit too clever for me. The plot was convoluted, needing, as it did, to serve Stevenson's sense of his own cleverness. I might read the sequel at some point, because I feel like if he could just rein himself in a bit, he'd write really fun mysteries.
3.75 stars
41RebaRelishesReading
>29 katiekrug: Ah...West with the Night is a good one. Game night sounds fun (as does a few days on your own) -- enjoy all of it!!
>32 katiekrug:. HOW COOL!! That is one beautifully written, excellent endorsement!
>32 katiekrug:. HOW COOL!! That is one beautifully written, excellent endorsement!
42richardderus
>39 katiekrug: That's the only reason I'm not in the ER for some IV fluids. That, and your eloquent assessment of the modern stakes.
44figsfromthistle
>32 katiekrug: Quite a wonderfully crafted testimonial. Nice!
45vancouverdeb
>25 katiekrug: Nice one, Katie! I did it a couple of years ago, surprise!;-) I've already done another 500 piece puzzle and started on another, as I am listening to Huck Finn on audio, and puzzling and audio books go well together.
47katiekrug
>44 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!
>45 vancouverdeb: - I agree about puzzles and audiobooks, Deborah.
>46 MickyFine: - I KNOW!!!
>45 vancouverdeb: - I agree about puzzles and audiobooks, Deborah.
>46 MickyFine: - I KNOW!!!
48katiekrug
Happy new week! I dropped The Wayne off at the train yesterday morning and then spent most of the day watching football and baseball and being generally useless. It was wonderful. I ordered Chinese delivery for dinner and got enough to feed me at least two more meals.
Today's plans involve boring stuff like laundry and tidying, and I actually have to leave the house (boo!) to get some cat food to tide Leonard over until the Chewy order arrives. I should also finish up my current audio and current print book, so big decisions ahead!
Last Friday, we hosted game night and it was a hoot. We played "Ransom Notes" which is sort of a cross between magnetic poetry composition and Cards Against Humanity. I wasn't sure how it would work, never having played it before, but it was a lot of fun.
Today's plans involve boring stuff like laundry and tidying, and I actually have to leave the house (boo!) to get some cat food to tide Leonard over until the Chewy order arrives. I should also finish up my current audio and current print book, so big decisions ahead!
Last Friday, we hosted game night and it was a hoot. We played "Ransom Notes" which is sort of a cross between magnetic poetry composition and Cards Against Humanity. I wasn't sure how it would work, never having played it before, but it was a lot of fun.
49richardderus
>48 katiekrug: Oh myyy, unsupervised Katie-time...I fear for the republic.
Enjoy it...we'll get a bail-money GoFundMe going. Hey everybody! gather round, trouble's brewin'
Enjoy it...we'll get a bail-money GoFundMe going. Hey everybody! gather round, trouble's brewin'
50laytonwoman3rd
>32 katiekrug: Excellent, Katie. I'm proud to know ya. AND, I'm encouraged that a group like Reagan, Bush, McCain & Romney Alumni for Harris exists. Also, there do still seem to be a handful of Republicans who haven't signed on to the TrumpTrain, and are willing to say so publicly. Maybe we aren't circling the drain quite yet.
51katiekrug
>49 richardderus: - I don't plan to leave the house much, so keep that bail money for yourself ;-)
>50 laytonwoman3rd: - Thank you, Linda! There are a lot of Republicans/former Republicans who are active and vocal, but it's probably more apparent on Twitter ( refuse to call it that other thing) and such-like social media.
I got an email today from the group I did the post for that the Harris campaign wants to have a group of us do some grassroots work in Pennsylvania in a couple of weeks, and I am hoping to be able to participate....
>50 laytonwoman3rd: - Thank you, Linda! There are a lot of Republicans/former Republicans who are active and vocal, but it's probably more apparent on Twitter ( refuse to call it that other thing) and such-like social media.
I got an email today from the group I did the post for that the Harris campaign wants to have a group of us do some grassroots work in Pennsylvania in a couple of weeks, and I am hoping to be able to participate....
52Copperskye
>32 katiekrug: That was lovely, Katie, thank you for sharing. Hope you don't mind me saying, your Mom would be proud of you.
53MickyFine
I'm sorry you had to leave house but I hope you get to indulge your hermit instincts as much as you like the rest of the week.
Did you make choices on your next reads?
Did you make choices on your next reads?
54katiekrug
>52 Copperskye: - Thank you, Joanne. That's a lovely thing to say.
>53 MickyFine: - Yesterday, I started Seatmate on audio and We Have Always Lived in the Castle in print :)
>53 MickyFine: - Yesterday, I started Seatmate on audio and We Have Always Lived in the Castle in print :)
55katiekrug
I have to go pick up my new eye glass lenses today and then I'm planning to treat myself to a pedicure. I'm still debating whether I want to play trivia tonight - I'd be playing solo, which is fine, just not sure I'll want to go out again. It'll be a game-time decision, I guess.
Last night was mostly taken up with watching the Yankees lose. The series is now tied, as are all the division series...
I finished two books yesterday and started two new ones: Seatmate on audio and We Have Always Lived in the Castle in print.
Last night was mostly taken up with watching the Yankees lose. The series is now tied, as are all the division series...
I finished two books yesterday and started two new ones: Seatmate on audio and We Have Always Lived in the Castle in print.
57RebaRelishesReading
>51 katiekrug: That would be great...because I think your voices may speak loudly to some who would otherwise not listen.
58Helenliz
Hope Katie week is going well.
I'm with you, much as I love him, I do like the place to myself occasionally. >:-)
I'm with you, much as I love him, I do like the place to myself occasionally. >:-)
59katiekrug
>56 BLBera: - Hi Beth! It's been a nice few days, but I'm ready for The Wayne to come home :)
>57 RebaRelishesReading: - I'm not sure I can make that day, as they don't yet know where it will be, and they are only providing transportation from DC, so I'd have to get there on my own... But, I just got an invite to a rally with Harris in Philly next Wednesday that has a "special guest" appearing and the campaign specifically asked for (former) Republican campaign/administration people to attend. I am wondering if Romney or even Bush (more doubtful) might be endorsing. I'd have to reschedule my mammo to go, and pay for the train and possibly a hotel, but I'm thinking about it...
>58 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen! All good here, but I'm getting a little lonely...
>57 RebaRelishesReading: - I'm not sure I can make that day, as they don't yet know where it will be, and they are only providing transportation from DC, so I'd have to get there on my own... But, I just got an invite to a rally with Harris in Philly next Wednesday that has a "special guest" appearing and the campaign specifically asked for (former) Republican campaign/administration people to attend. I am wondering if Romney or even Bush (more doubtful) might be endorsing. I'd have to reschedule my mammo to go, and pay for the train and possibly a hotel, but I'm thinking about it...
>58 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen! All good here, but I'm getting a little lonely...
60katiekrug
I seem to be five books behind in commenting - oops. I've been racing through some short audios which have padded the number... I'll try to get some comments down tomorrow, at the latest.
Tuesday night, I played trivia solo and came in 5th of 19 teams, so that was nice. TBH, though, some of the questions were repeats.. But whatever! Last night, I went on a "re-con" mission with my friend/owner of the entertainment company that puts on my regular trivia, and we played at a local place and had dinner. The trivia was terrible, and the food was mediocre and over-priced, so I shan't be returning.
Tonight, I am chilling at home with some sort of takeaway TBD and the Yankees game. If they win tonight, they are on to the ACLS, so fingers crossed!
Current reads:
Trust by Hernan Diaz in print (which I am puzzling over but being patient with), and I'll shortly be starting a new audio, A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon (contemporary romance novella).
Tuesday night, I played trivia solo and came in 5th of 19 teams, so that was nice. TBH, though, some of the questions were repeats.. But whatever! Last night, I went on a "re-con" mission with my friend/owner of the entertainment company that puts on my regular trivia, and we played at a local place and had dinner. The trivia was terrible, and the food was mediocre and over-priced, so I shan't be returning.
Tonight, I am chilling at home with some sort of takeaway TBD and the Yankees game. If they win tonight, they are on to the ACLS, so fingers crossed!
Current reads:
Trust by Hernan Diaz in print (which I am puzzling over but being patient with), and I'll shortly be starting a new audio, A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon (contemporary romance novella).
61lauralkeet
>59 katiekrug: The NYT recently reported that Romney will not endorse Kamala. *smh*
Romney Won’t Endorse Harris, Saying He Wants to Keep His Voice in the Party
Maybe Liz?
>60 katiekrug: I "puzzled over" Trust, too.
Romney Won’t Endorse Harris, Saying He Wants to Keep His Voice in the Party
Maybe Liz?
>60 katiekrug: I "puzzled over" Trust, too.
62RebaRelishesReading
>59 katiekrug: That sounds seriously cool. I would go if I were you.
5th out of 19 all on your own -- well done!!
Trust sort of left me scratching my head too -- mostly about "why did this win a Pulitzer???"
5th out of 19 all on your own -- well done!!
Trust sort of left me scratching my head too -- mostly about "why did this win a Pulitzer???"
63katiekrug
>61 lauralkeet: - Oh, I hadn't seen that (obvs).
I think since Cheney's already endorsed her and campaigned with her, that wouldn't be kept secret? Dunno.
Despite the puzzling, I'm enjoying Trust, which sort of surprises me. I'm into the second part now.
>62 RebaRelishesReading: - I want to go, but we'll see...
So you weren't a fan of Trust, I take it?
I think since Cheney's already endorsed her and campaigned with her, that wouldn't be kept secret? Dunno.
Despite the puzzling, I'm enjoying Trust, which sort of surprises me. I'm into the second part now.
>62 RebaRelishesReading: - I want to go, but we'll see...
So you weren't a fan of Trust, I take it?
64richardderus
Overpriced dinch, mediocre trivia...oh heck no. I'm so picky now about food I pay for, that would get me into a longlasting pet.
When's The Wayne coming home?
Lovely Thursday remaining, dear lady.
When's The Wayne coming home?
Lovely Thursday remaining, dear lady.
65Helenliz
Excellent solo trivia-ing. Shame the other place wasn't very good. At least you friend got to eye up the competition and know it isn't serious.
We won our pub quiz last night. >:-)
We won our pub quiz last night. >:-)
66katiekrug
>64 richardderus: - The Wayne comes home tonight! He gets the Acela around 5pm.
>65 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen. And congrats on your win!
>65 Helenliz: - Thanks, Helen. And congrats on your win!
67DeltaQueen50
Hi Katie, I just wanted to add my admiration for your endorsement. As Trump continues with his hate campaign and multiple slurs, it is so good to be reminded of decency and politeness. You go, girl!
68katiekrug
>67 DeltaQueen50: - Thanks so much, Judy!
69katiekrug
West with the Night by Beryl Markham
After a bit of a slow start, I ended up really enjoying this love letter to Africa and episodic account of parts of Markham's remarkable life. The writing is gorgeous.
4.25 stars
70katiekrug
How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran
This is a semi-autobiographical novel about a lower class girl in the Midlands dreaming of something more. It features Moran's characteristic humor and frankness, and the story is laugh out loud funny in parts and cringingly painful to read in others. The audio narration by Louise Brealey is very good.
4.5 stars
71katiekrug
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
I enjoyed this one but didn't love it like so many others seem to. It was much less creepy than I expected and the "twist" wasn't really much of one.
3.5 stars
72katiekrug
Seatmate by Cara Bastone
I really enjoyed this rom-com tale of two strangers meeting on a bus and the connection they forge. It's very funny in parts, and the audio treatment - more of an audio play - was well done with additional narrators and sound effects. It was originally written for Audible but I see you can buy it in (e-)book form, but I don't think it would be as enjoyable in that format.
4 stars
73katiekrug
The Weirdies Get Weirder by Michael Buckley
Just as twisted and fun as the first, with absolutely perfect narration by Kate Winslet. The bit about the drowning couple and the door/raft, as read by Ms. Winslet, is worth the listen in itself (Titanic, anyone?). Just delightful.
I docked half a star because it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger and it made me mad :)
4 stars
74katiekrug
A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon
The audio equivalent of a novella, this one is about two strangers who agree to co-parent a dog and find themselves falling in love. The dog is the best part of the story, but I did appreciate the representation in this one (people of color, body positivity...).
3.25 stars
75katiekrug
And I'm caught up!
I've been listening to the Audible Originals because I am probably canceling my subscription soon, and while most of the books in my Audible library will remain accessible, some of these were freebies and will no longer be available to me when I cancel. What is frustrating is that there is no way to easily tell which were free and which I used a credit on or paid for...
I've been listening to the Audible Originals because I am probably canceling my subscription soon, and while most of the books in my Audible library will remain accessible, some of these were freebies and will no longer be available to me when I cancel. What is frustrating is that there is no way to easily tell which were free and which I used a credit on or paid for...
76lauralkeet
I also enjoyed West With the Night and was underwhelmed by We Have Always Lived in the Castle. I wonder if it was just of its time and doesn't quite work when compared to modern mystery/suspense/horror.
77RebaRelishesReading
>63 katiekrug: So I checked back and found I gave Trust 5 stars. I remember being somewhat puzzled by it but not disliking it -- guess I liked it better than I remembered :)
re Trump -- interesting article in The Times today by TONY SCHWARTZ
"I Was Trump’s Ghostwriter. A New Biopic Gets the Most Important Thing Right."
re Trump -- interesting article in The Times today by TONY SCHWARTZ
"I Was Trump’s Ghostwriter. A New Biopic Gets the Most Important Thing Right."
78BLBera
Wow, some great reading here, Katie. West with the Night is calling to me. So, is there a banner welcoming The Wayne home?
80katiekrug
>76 lauralkeet: - Sounds like we are in sync on those two :)
>77 RebaRelishesReading: - Five stars? Wow...
I'll have to check out the Times article, though honestly, I don't even like reading about him.
>78 BLBera: - I think you'd like the Markham, Beth.
No banner, but a very happy dog (and wife) :D
>79 figsfromthistle: - Hope you like it, Anita!
Have a great weekend.
>77 RebaRelishesReading: - Five stars? Wow...
I'll have to check out the Times article, though honestly, I don't even like reading about him.
>78 BLBera: - I think you'd like the Markham, Beth.
No banner, but a very happy dog (and wife) :D
>79 figsfromthistle: - Hope you like it, Anita!
Have a great weekend.
81katiekrug
Trust by Hernan Diaz
This is one of those books I ended up appreciating more than enjoying. I admire the form and prose but never warmed up to the story - I think that was part of the point but still...
While it wasn't exactly a slog to read, I never looked forward to picking it up. I look forward to my RL book group discussion of it on Thursday.
3.75 stars
82richardderus
>80 katiekrug: Weekend orisons, Katie! Gonna bake some bread to celebrate bread week?
83katiekrug
>81 katiekrug: - Happy weekend, RD!
No baking for me, but I am looking forward to watching the episode, probably tonight :)
No baking for me, but I am looking forward to watching the episode, probably tonight :)
84RebaRelishesReading
>80 katiekrug: I definitely agree -- even reading about him turn my stomach and, generally, makes me angry. Somehow the book seemed worthy to me (at the time anyway).
85katiekrug
>84 RebaRelishesReading: - The book was very clever, I think, but too clever for me :)
86katiekrug
We had a very nice day yesterday celebrating our anniversary, though it's not until the 24th. We did a little restaurant crawl up 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, stopping here and there for a drink and to have a small plate/appetizer/nosh. Then we went to a concert of Hoagy Carmichael music at Lincoln Center Jazz. I love Hell's Kitchen - it doesn't get over-run with tourists and it's got an amazing array of restaurants and cuisines available. And it's not uber-gentrified or pretentious and still a little gritty. My favorite stop yesterday was Taco Mahal, which is an Indian-taco fusion place. I got a chicken curry naan taco that was delicious, despite falling apart almost immediately :)
This week, we are back to our routine. My agenda today includes laundry and grocery shopping. I also need to make an appointment to get my COVID booster. For dinner, I'm making salsa verde chicken soup.
My current reads are Crossing to Safety (my October Julia Memorial Read) and Wishes and Wellingtons (on audio).
This week, we are back to our routine. My agenda today includes laundry and grocery shopping. I also need to make an appointment to get my COVID booster. For dinner, I'm making salsa verde chicken soup.
My current reads are Crossing to Safety (my October Julia Memorial Read) and Wishes and Wellingtons (on audio).
87laytonwoman3rd
I'll just leave this here, in case it hasn't come to your attention yet https://www.librarything.com/trivia
88katiekrug
>87 laytonwoman3rd: - Aw, thanks for thinking of me :)
I saw it last week and gave it a whirl. I found it pretty lame, to be honest.
*ducks*
I saw it last week and gave it a whirl. I found it pretty lame, to be honest.
*ducks*
89laytonwoman3rd
>88 katiekrug: It's not the time sink I expected it to be, so I won't be throwing anything at you. I just wanted to be sure you didn't miss out.
90richardderus
>86 katiekrug: "Taco Mahal" gets my vote for the best name I've heard in ages! Wonder if they'd make Dylan's gochujang buns and fill 'em with Nadiya's korma?
Today and tomorrow are election-shouting reviews...maybe come by on Wednesday.
Today and tomorrow are election-shouting reviews...maybe come by on Wednesday.
92katiekrug
I'm enjoying Crossing to Safety and the audio of Wishes and Wellingtons. I'll probably finish the latter today.
We played trivia with four friends last night and won. We would have won by more if my team hadn't down-voted me on two answers that turned out to be correct *humph*
I got up on the early side (for me) this morning so I'd be fully awake and caffeinated for a call with our financial advisor. That's done and now I need to plan the rest of my day, which will involve a grocery run for dinner stuff (Asian-glazed meatballs with roasted green beans and jasmine rice) and tidying things up for Maribel.
The Yankees are up 2-0 in the ALCS and I'm a happy girl.
And in other happy news, Nuala celebrated her 5th birthday yesterday! She continues to be The Very Best Girl.
We played trivia with four friends last night and won. We would have won by more if my team hadn't down-voted me on two answers that turned out to be correct *humph*
I got up on the early side (for me) this morning so I'd be fully awake and caffeinated for a call with our financial advisor. That's done and now I need to plan the rest of my day, which will involve a grocery run for dinner stuff (Asian-glazed meatballs with roasted green beans and jasmine rice) and tidying things up for Maribel.
The Yankees are up 2-0 in the ALCS and I'm a happy girl.
And in other happy news, Nuala celebrated her 5th birthday yesterday! She continues to be The Very Best Girl.
93richardderus
>92 katiekrug: *baaawww* look at the punkin pweshus being a Good Girl! She needs a long-distance ear schmoozle!
94norabelle414
>92 katiekrug: So sorry to hear you won trivia but not by as much as you wanted to. Thoughts and prayers.
95bell7
>92 katiekrug: We would have won by more if my team hadn't down-voted me on two answers that turned out to be correct *humph* I resemble that remark... I'm still annoyed by a question I missed on a test even though it was scaled to 100.
Anyway, congrats on at least having baseball to cheer for, since football season is over :P
Anyway, congrats on at least having baseball to cheer for, since football season is over :P
96RebaRelishesReading
Congrats on your trivia win and happy birthday to The Very Best Girl!!
97BLBera
Happy birthday to Nuala. I've heard good things about Crossing to Safety. Maybe this year?
98katiekrug
>93 richardderus: - Schmoozle dispensed :)
>94 norabelle414: - Are you.... mocking me, Nora?!?!?! LOL
>95 bell7: - Football stoopid, as my husband likes to say this season :D
>96 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!
>97 BLBera: - I think you'd like it, Beth.
>94 norabelle414: - Are you.... mocking me, Nora?!?!?! LOL
>95 bell7: - Football stoopid, as my husband likes to say this season :D
>96 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!
>97 BLBera: - I think you'd like it, Beth.
99lauralkeet
Happy birthday Nuala!
We had a meeting with our financial advisor today too, but at the more civilized time of 2pm.
We had a meeting with our financial advisor today too, but at the more civilized time of 2pm.
100Helenliz
>92 katiekrug: We would have won by more if my team hadn't down-voted me on two answers that turned out to be correct *humph* Don't you both hate it (that they down voted you) and love it (that you were right) when that happens?!
Happy birthday Nuala.
Happy birthday Nuala.
101katiekrug
>99 lauralkeet: - Much more civilized!
>100 Helenliz: - I do take a bit of smug satisfaction when it happens ;-)
>100 Helenliz: - I do take a bit of smug satisfaction when it happens ;-)
102katiekrug
I didn't go to book group last night because I felt like poop. I'm sort of bummed because I wanted to hear what people had to say about Trust, but on the other hand, I enjoyed my Chinese takeaway and vegging on the couch. Sadly, the Yankees lost, as did the Mets (I've been hoping for a subway series...).
I'm getting my COVID booster this afternoon and that's about all that is on the agenda. Just going to pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner, I think. More baseball tonight.
I finished Crossing to Safety yesterday (enjoyed it!) and started The Night Circus, which I bought when it was published in 2011 and which has languished on my shelves ever since. So far, I like it, though I don't usually have a lot of patience for magic... On audio, I'm listening to a contemporary romance.
This weekend should be relatively quiet - the only thing on the calendar is dinner in the wilds of Staten Island for my BFF's birthday Saturday night. TW is getting his flu and COVID shots tomorrow, so hopefully they don't knock him out or I'll have to go by myself, and I hate driving unfamiliar places at night...
I'm getting my COVID booster this afternoon and that's about all that is on the agenda. Just going to pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner, I think. More baseball tonight.
I finished Crossing to Safety yesterday (enjoyed it!) and started The Night Circus, which I bought when it was published in 2011 and which has languished on my shelves ever since. So far, I like it, though I don't usually have a lot of patience for magic... On audio, I'm listening to a contemporary romance.
This weekend should be relatively quiet - the only thing on the calendar is dinner in the wilds of Staten Island for my BFF's birthday Saturday night. TW is getting his flu and COVID shots tomorrow, so hopefully they don't knock him out or I'll have to go by myself, and I hate driving unfamiliar places at night...
103RebaRelishesReading
Sorry you aren't feeling well. Hope it clears up soon.
104katiekrug
>103 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba! I seem to be fine today, so don't know what was wrong with me yesterday...
105richardderus
>102 katiekrug: Knocking on wood for easy vaccine responses and a good time in the scary wilds of Staten Island for y'all.
106katiekrug
>105 richardderus: - Thank you, sir.
107katiekrug
Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare
A novella in the Spindle Cove series, this was okay for what it was but wasn't nearly as good as the full-length works of Dare's that I've read. It mostly missed her signature humor and well-crafted banter between the leads.
3.25 stars
108katiekrug
Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry
A fun adventure story about an English girl at boarding school who discovers a genie in a sardine can. Non-preachy lessons about friendship and selflessness ensue. Beautifully narrated by Jayne Entwhistle.
4 stars
109katiekrug
Love at First Psych by Cara Bastone
Another Audible Original audio play by Cara Bastone that I really enjoyed. Humor, banter, believable characters, all the things I like best about these short works.
4 stars
110katiekrug
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
A wonderful novel about a friendship between two couples that spans 40 years. Larry and Sally and Charity and Sid first meet when the two men are both new instructors at the University of Wisconsin in Madison at the height of the Depression. The story is bookended by Larry and Sally's return to their friends' summer compound in Vermont in 1972, after a bit of an absence. In between, Stegner tells their story through several pivotal moments - job loss, illness, travel abroad - that illustrate both the connections between the couples and the differences between them.
This is a quiet novel featuring very real and fully developed characters. Interestingly, Stegner seems more interested in the two women and unlike a lot of male writers, he does an excellent job in bringing them to the page as fully realized individuals. My only real complaint about the book is that I wanted more - more of these fascinating characters and more of their relationship.
4.25 stars
111lauralkeet
>110 katiekrug: I liked that one too, Katie.
Hope you've had a great Friday!
Hope you've had a great Friday!
112richardderus
>110 katiekrug: It is, I'll just say it out loud, his very best book. I'm so glad you found his women well-drawn. I agree with you.
113RebaRelishesReading
>110 katiekrug: I just love Stegner. Just checked my list and find I have 5 of his books, have read 4 and gave them each 4 1/2 or 5 stars. Now I want to go find that fifth book and start reading...and get a copy of Crossing to Safety :)
114katiekrug
>111 lauralkeet: - Thanks, Laura! Have you read any other Stegner?
>112 richardderus: - I have two others on my shelves that I'll probably get around to... sometime...
>113 RebaRelishesReading: - Wow! You are a fan, Reba. What's your favorite?
>112 richardderus: - I have two others on my shelves that I'll probably get around to... sometime...
>113 RebaRelishesReading: - Wow! You are a fan, Reba. What's your favorite?
115lauralkeet
>114 katiekrug: Indeed I have, Katie. Sorry I didn't elaborate up there; I was on my phone and didn't want to bother with touchstones. I "discovered" Stegner through Angle of Repose, which won the Pulitzer. I gave that one 5 stars and of course had to read more of his stuff. I've also read Big Rock Candy Mountain, Crossing to Safety, and The Spectator Bird.
116katiekrug
Happy Monday!
Facebook tells me it's the 3rd anniversary of leaving my job. Man, time flies when you're doing absolutely nothing ;-)
We had a nice weekend, though we both got hit a bit by our booster jabs - nothing terrible. I was just really tired, and The Wayne was tired and felt a little achy. All's well now, and it wasn't bad enough to keep us from celebrating my BFF's birthday with her family Saturday night. Or celebrating the Yankees winning and going to the World Series for the first time in 15 years!
I was up and out early this morning for my annual mammogram, after which I went grocery shopping. By the time I got home, my mammo results were available and they were fine. Now for that colonoscopy.... *shudder*
The rest of the day should be pretty quiet. I might try to focus on finishing The Night Circus - I have about 100 pages left, I think. Dinner otnight is cilantro-lime marinated chicken breasts and seasoned black beans on the side.
Current reads:
The Night Circus
C is for Corpse (audio)
Facebook tells me it's the 3rd anniversary of leaving my job. Man, time flies when you're doing absolutely nothing ;-)
We had a nice weekend, though we both got hit a bit by our booster jabs - nothing terrible. I was just really tired, and The Wayne was tired and felt a little achy. All's well now, and it wasn't bad enough to keep us from celebrating my BFF's birthday with her family Saturday night. Or celebrating the Yankees winning and going to the World Series for the first time in 15 years!
I was up and out early this morning for my annual mammogram, after which I went grocery shopping. By the time I got home, my mammo results were available and they were fine. Now for that colonoscopy.... *shudder*
The rest of the day should be pretty quiet. I might try to focus on finishing The Night Circus - I have about 100 pages left, I think. Dinner otnight is cilantro-lime marinated chicken breasts and seasoned black beans on the side.
Current reads:
The Night Circus
C is for Corpse (audio)
117katiekrug
>115 lauralkeet: - Good to know! I have A of R and BRCM on my shelves...
118lauralkeet
>116 katiekrug: looks like we were cross-posting, Katie. We had covid+flu jabs a couple weeks ago. No side effects other than a sore arm, and it was pretty sore but only for like a day. Congratulations on 3 years as a lady of leisure. Seems to me like you're doing just fine.
119vivians
>115 lauralkeet: I should just copy Laura's message. I've read the same Stegner 4, twice for Crossing to Safety. Angle of repose is another all-time favorite.
120RebaRelishesReading
>114 katiekrug: I've read:
Angle of Repose *****,
The Big Rock Candy Mountain ****1/2,
The Spectator Bird *****and
Crossing to Safety ****1/2
I don't think you would go wrong with any of them.
Angle of Repose *****,
The Big Rock Candy Mountain ****1/2,
The Spectator Bird *****and
Crossing to Safety ****1/2
I don't think you would go wrong with any of them.
121japaul22
I've read Angle of Repose and Crossing to Safety. Loved them both, but I would give the edge to Angle of Repose.
122msf59
Hi, Katie. Hooray for your 3 year anniversary. I am four years in. Glad you enjoyed Crossing to Safety. How is The Night Circus coming along? I remember really enjoying it, when I read it in 2011, when it first came out.
>120 RebaRelishesReading: I NEED to get to The Spectator Bird. I loved the others you listed.
>120 RebaRelishesReading: I NEED to get to The Spectator Bird. I loved the others you listed.
123katiekrug
>118 lauralkeet: - My flu jab did nothing to me but give me a sore arm the next day for a couple of hours. The COVID booster made me tired. TW got both at the same time and expected to be knocked out a bit, as he was last year. He's smart, though, and plans it for a Friday or Saturday so he can take it easy if need be.
I enjoy being a lady of leisure, though sometimes I feel a bit do-less and think I should be more productive...
>119 vivians: - Thanks for the input, Vivian!
>120 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!
>121 japaul22: - I think Angle of Repose will probably be the next one I read, when I want more Stegner. Thanks, Jennifer!
>122 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! I finished The Night Circus yesterday. I liked it okay but didn't love it. I'll probably type up some thoughts later today while it's fresh in my mind.
I enjoy being a lady of leisure, though sometimes I feel a bit do-less and think I should be more productive...
>119 vivians: - Thanks for the input, Vivian!
>120 RebaRelishesReading: - Thanks, Reba!
>121 japaul22: - I think Angle of Repose will probably be the next one I read, when I want more Stegner. Thanks, Jennifer!
>122 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! I finished The Night Circus yesterday. I liked it okay but didn't love it. I'll probably type up some thoughts later today while it's fresh in my mind.
124norabelle414
>123 katiekrug: I enjoy being a lady of leisure, though sometimes I feel a bit do-less and think I should be more productive...
More puzzles!!
More puzzles!!
125katiekrug
>124 norabelle414: - I'm not sure I could fit any more in!
126katiekrug
The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
A barely-there fake dating Christmas story that lacked any kind of humor, believable chemistry, or really anything to keep my interest. Luckily, it was just under 3 hours and listened to at 1.40x speed...
2.5 stars
127alcottacre
90 posts behind again, Katie, so I am not even trying to catch up! I hope all is well there.
128katiekrug
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I know there is great love for this one on LT and in the world, and I am very late coming to it, though I bought a copy the year it was published... For me, it was more style over substance. The world-building of the circus is incredibly vivid and wondrous, and I could just picture Morgenstern brainstorming parts of it and having lots of fun with it. But the plot and characters seemed to exist solely to populate the setting because a book describing a cool carnival wouldn't be much of a book. I thought the "battle" between the two magicians was under-explained; the interactions and conflicts between some of the characters didn't seem to make a lot of sense; and Celia and Marco were just kind of boring.
I struggled with a rating for this one because taking all that into account, a 3.5 would be border-line generous. But the read was so very immersive in a way I don't often experience, and the pages kept turning quickly, I have to rate it a good read despite the (many) flaws.
4 stars
129katiekrug
>127 alcottacre: - Well, you haven't missed anything, Stasia, so don't worry about it :)
All good here.
All good here.
130alcottacre
>129 katiekrug: Glad to hear that all is good there :)
131laytonwoman3rd
"the plot and characters seemed to exist solely to populate the setting" Yeah...I think we reacted very similarly to The Night Circus, Katie. I gave it 3 1/2 stars, and thought I was being generous.
132vancouverdeb
I got my invitation for my next covid booster today, Katie. I'll book it later today. I usually have a sore arm and feel tired, so I'll pick a day where I have nothing on the next day. I'm a little frustrated. My current read is very good, Shy Creatures, but the audio is not out until November 12 of this year. I usually read just print books, but I want to get a puzzle done , so I can start on a Halloween themed puzzles. Life is so rough!
My husband retired in late March of this year, and now we both have no idea how he managed to work. He's so busy all the time. Except for one rainy day last week. But he went and browsed hardware stores . Men . Hardware store browsing ?
My husband retired in late March of this year, and now we both have no idea how he managed to work. He's so busy all the time. Except for one rainy day last week. But he went and browsed hardware stores . Men . Hardware store browsing ?
133katiekrug
>130 alcottacre: - :)
>131 laytonwoman3rd: - Glad to be in such good company, Linda!
>132 vancouverdeb: - Deborah, my friend, this is why one must always have a print book AND an audio book on the go!
As for hardware browsing, I think Dave and The Wayne could be good friends :)
>131 laytonwoman3rd: - Glad to be in such good company, Linda!
>132 vancouverdeb: - Deborah, my friend, this is why one must always have a print book AND an audio book on the go!
As for hardware browsing, I think Dave and The Wayne could be good friends :)
134norabelle414
>128 katiekrug: The Night Circus is 97% vibes, some people like that and some people don't (I mostly don't, but it makes a fantastic audiobook)
135klobrien2
>128 katiekrug: When I read The Night Circus back when it first came out, I gave it a full 5 stars. I love the magical sense of it. I would definitely consider a reread. Hmm…thanks for the poke!
Karen O
Karen O
136katiekrug
>134 norabelle414: - I was wondering what it would be like on audio. If I ever feel like revisiting it, I might go that route.
>135 klobrien2: - You're welcome...? :)
>135 klobrien2: - You're welcome...? :)
137katiekrug
Speaking of puzzles, I finished this one today (started it yesterday!).
1000 piece "Greatest American Novels." Seemed appropriate to share with my bookish friends...
(Stupid inset photo issue... :-/)
1000 piece "Greatest American Novels." Seemed appropriate to share with my bookish friends...
(Stupid inset photo issue... :-/)
138lauralkeet
Hi Katie! I finished Count the Ways yesterday and just read your review. You wrote, "I had a small quibble with the ending that lost the book a quarter of a star."
You've seen my quibble about editing over on Reba's thread. What was your quibble?
You've seen my quibble about editing over on Reba's thread. What was your quibble?
139katiekrug
>138 lauralkeet: - Oh, gosh, I can't even remember now *embarrassed face* And I had it from the library, so I can't pick it up to refresh my memory. It might have been her easy proposal to take care of the dipshit husband with cancer? I really didn't like him... But I think there was something more specific... Grrrr - garbage memory.
140figsfromthistle
>137 katiekrug: Love that puzzle!
141BLBera
>137 katiekrug: Love the puzzle
Good to know that your flu shot didn't have adverse side effects. You also remind me that I need to get mine.
It sounds like I need to get going on some Stegner; I have several of his on my shelves.
Good to know that your flu shot didn't have adverse side effects. You also remind me that I need to get mine.
It sounds like I need to get going on some Stegner; I have several of his on my shelves.
142lauralkeet
>139 katiekrug: LOL Katie! I kind of agree with your point, but also feel like Eleanor was beginning to consider what life might have been like if she and Cam had taken the time to work through their issues , so maybe it was her way of making amends. For my part, the ending wasn't rushed exactly but there was a clear effort to tie up every single loose end. And this bit wasn't at the ending but still felt too coincidental: Coco and Timmy .
Normally these issues plus the editing thing would have had a larger impact on my rating. But despite the flaws, I still really liked it!
Normally these issues plus the editing thing would have had a larger impact on my rating. But despite the flaws, I still really liked it!
143RebaRelishesReading
>139 katiekrug:, >142 lauralkeet:. I definitely agree with the Coco and Timmy issue. On the other hand, I don't really think there was any solution to Eleanor and Cam's issues though. They were just too different and, in a way, I think maybe the message was "too different to be together but equally valid". . Really enjoyable books though!!
144lauralkeet
I just posted a review on my thread. Reba, I like the way you put it: "too different to be together but equally valid" .
145curioussquared
>137 katiekrug: Nice puzzle! Our dining room table has been covered with stuff ever since we started our kitchen remodel in July, and I just haven't uncovered it since we're moving soon now. I'm excited to get back to puzzling in the new place!
146katiekrug
>140 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita! It was a fun one.
>141 BLBera: - I'm glad I could remind you about the flu jab and the Stegner, Beth :)
>142 lauralkeet: and >143 RebaRelishesReading: - It just seemed too nice to me, but lots of people in the world are nicer than me, LOL. I agree there was no solution to their issues - I just thinkshe should have kept her distance from the doofus. Of course, the sequel helped in elucidating some of this for me... Better get on that one, Laura!
>145 curioussquared: - From the pics you posted, it looks like you'll have lots of natural light in the new house, Natalie, which will be great for puzzling!
>141 BLBera: - I'm glad I could remind you about the flu jab and the Stegner, Beth :)
>142 lauralkeet: and >143 RebaRelishesReading: - It just seemed too nice to me, but lots of people in the world are nicer than me, LOL. I agree there was no solution to their issues - I just think
>145 curioussquared: - From the pics you posted, it looks like you'll have lots of natural light in the new house, Natalie, which will be great for puzzling!
147katiekrug
Nuala went to the groomer today, and the weather was so gorgeous, I decided to kill time at the big park near our house. I took lots of pictures, but here's one...
148vancouverdeb
>137 katiekrug: I love the puzzle, Katie! Thanks for sharing it with us. Love the autumn picture. I am heading out on a walk soon. Sunny day here, so that is great.
149richardderus
>132 vancouverdeb: Hilarious coincidence: Valerie took me to Lowe's so I could get some lumber and very patiently tagged along as I browsed the tools and stuff!
150richardderus
>137 katiekrug: Purty!
151richardderus
>147 katiekrug: We drove up the Meadowbrook today and saw all the foliage changing. It was a perfect day for being out in the sunshine here by the sea!
153katiekrug
>148 vancouverdeb: - Hope you had a nice walk, Deborah!
>150 richardderus: - Thanks!
>151 richardderus: - Where is Meadowbrook?
>152 klobrien2: - Hi Karen :)
>150 richardderus: - Thanks!
>151 richardderus: - Where is Meadowbrook?
>152 klobrien2: - Hi Karen :)
154katiekrug
Another beautiful day here, with the temps trending downward to the more seasonal range. We played trivia on Tuesday with one of our friends and came in 6th of 17 teams.
Nuala's at day care today and TW is currently at PT, so I'm enjoying a quiet morning. It's our 15th wedding anniversary today - we'll be going out to dinner but haven't decided where. Maybe here because we can walk there, and my favorite dessert bar is next door :)
I'm planning on a pretty relaxed day with books and puzzles. My current audio is Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, a memoir in essays. She wrote Ghosts, a novel that I enjoyed earlier this year. In (e-)print, I'm chortling along to Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher.
Nuala's at day care today and TW is currently at PT, so I'm enjoying a quiet morning. It's our 15th wedding anniversary today - we'll be going out to dinner but haven't decided where. Maybe here because we can walk there, and my favorite dessert bar is next door :)
I'm planning on a pretty relaxed day with books and puzzles. My current audio is Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, a memoir in essays. She wrote Ghosts, a novel that I enjoyed earlier this year. In (e-)print, I'm chortling along to Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher.
155katiekrug
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton
Another enjoyable mystery in this series - Kinsey is hired by a young man who feels his life is in danger. He's right. I listened to this one on audio, and Kinsey's deadpan humor really shone through. The denouement was a bit silly, but I'll keep going with the alphabet.
3.5 stars
156katiekrug
The Butterfly House by Marcia Preston
This one dealt with a lot of big themes - alcoholism, coming of age, homosexuality, abortion, mental illness - and it was probably too much. Preston doesn't have the chops to handle them all without swerving into the melodramatic, and her writing rarely rose above the pedestrian. That said, I kept reading because the story at the heart was intriguing enough.
3.5 stars
157lauralkeet
>155 katiekrug: I should get back to to that series. I picked up "A" at a used book sale and liked it enough to continue. My library has them all, I think mostly for Kindle, which is so easy I really have no excuse. Well, except for all the other books you keep recommending to me. Adrian McKinty *cough cough* Joyce Maynard *ahem* Steward O'Nan ...
158katiekrug
>157 lauralkeet: - They are good "filler" books - kind of like the In Death series. Not that I needed more...
Also, you're welcome?
:)
Also, you're welcome?
:)
159RebaRelishesReading
>154 katiekrug: Happy anniversary Katie and Wayne!!
>155 katiekrug: Glad you're enjoying the alphabet. I listened to them all over the course of a year or so and thought they were fun and perfect for audio. (They're great to knit to, Laura)
>155 katiekrug: Glad you're enjoying the alphabet. I listened to them all over the course of a year or so and thought they were fun and perfect for audio. (They're great to knit to, Laura)
160laytonwoman3rd
>157 lauralkeet: Oh DO get to know Kinsey .. and Henry and his cinnamon buns (and his siblings)....like Katie said, they are easy to speed through when you want something light and breezy, and I expect Reba is right about the knitting. I never listened to any of them on audio. Hmmmm...I wonder...
163katiekrug
>159 RebaRelishesReading: - Thank you for the anniversary wishes, Reba!
>160 laytonwoman3rd: - I haven't yet met Henry's siblings...
>161 alcottacre: - You're welcome, Stasia.
>162 lauralkeet: - Our work here is done.
>160 laytonwoman3rd: - I haven't yet met Henry's siblings...
>161 alcottacre: - You're welcome, Stasia.
>162 lauralkeet: - Our work here is done.
164katiekrug
We had a lovely anniversary dinner at Fanny's (the place I linked to in >154 katiekrug:). I started off with a delicious cocktail of Empress gin, elderflower liqueur, strawberry and lime. We shared the wagyu meatballs and polenta to start, and then I had the grilled swordfish, which was perfection. And a nice pinot noir to go with it. We stopped in at the bakery on our way out and got a pecan crunch donut to share. Delicious!
Today, I need to make a grocery run (tacos for dinner) and stop at the wine store. Tonight, we'll watch the first game of the World Series - go Yankees!
This weekend will be a bit busy with a bunch of errands to run. I expect there will also be some downtime, though.
On audio, I am currently enjoying Everything I Know About Love, and in print, I've started a re-read of Huck Finn. My RL book group will be reading James for our November meeting. I first read Huck Finn the summer after 5th grade - I received a lovely copy of it as a school prize (I still have it, but I'm reading a different edition because my old one is a bit frail). I think I re-read it once as a teenager, and then I listened to it several years ago.
Today, I need to make a grocery run (tacos for dinner) and stop at the wine store. Tonight, we'll watch the first game of the World Series - go Yankees!
This weekend will be a bit busy with a bunch of errands to run. I expect there will also be some downtime, though.
On audio, I am currently enjoying Everything I Know About Love, and in print, I've started a re-read of Huck Finn. My RL book group will be reading James for our November meeting. I first read Huck Finn the summer after 5th grade - I received a lovely copy of it as a school prize (I still have it, but I'm reading a different edition because my old one is a bit frail). I think I re-read it once as a teenager, and then I listened to it several years ago.
165richardderus
>153 katiekrug: "Meadowbrook" is a north-south parkway from Jones Beach on Long Island's South Shore to the North Shore town of Carle Place. It's one of the Robert Moses roadways, and so has a lot of tree cover on both sides and down the middle of the divided highway, which gets a gorgeous overcoat of fall color that thrills me every year. (Valerie, living in Frisco, never sees fall color except for a few crape myrtles...she is always delighted.)
I'm recovering from days riding around in a horrid little Nissan Rogue. I've almost regained the use of my legs.
I'm recovering from days riding around in a horrid little Nissan Rogue. I've almost regained the use of my legs.
166charl08
>164 katiekrug: I've just had breakfast but your anniversary dinner menu makes me want to have it all over again. Love the puzzle too.
Way back there you were commenting on the Dare novella about Diana (>107 katiekrug:). I felt she'd kind of written herself (or rather the character) into a corner with the original trilogy. She'd already done the plot with the long lost ex rocking up in Once Upon a Winters Eve.
I was so relieved by the energy of Charlotte's book, despite the bonkers spy plot and that even the awful mother gets a bit of redemption. But that definitely felt like it benefitted from the whole "several years later" opening to give her a bit more room to manoeuvre. I am hoping her new one comes out soon, the release date seems to keep getting pushed back.
Way back there you were commenting on the Dare novella about Diana (>107 katiekrug:). I felt she'd kind of written herself (or rather the character) into a corner with the original trilogy. She'd already done the plot with the long lost ex rocking up in Once Upon a Winters Eve.
I was so relieved by the energy of Charlotte's book,
167BLBera
It sounds like you had a great anniversary, Katie.
I have been listening to the Grafton books and I have found them to be good audio. "J" is up next for me.
I did get my flu shot and my COVID booster, so that's done.
I have been listening to the Grafton books and I have found them to be good audio. "J" is up next for me.
I did get my flu shot and my COVID booster, so that's done.
168vancouverdeb
Happy Belated Anniversary wishes, Katie and Wayne. Sounds like you had a fabulous time!
169Familyhistorian
Sounds like you had a wonderful anniversary meal, Katie. Nice pics of the fall foliage.
170katiekrug
>165 richardderus: - I'm glad you had a nice time with your friend, despite the uncomfortable car!
>166 charl08: - I still have a few Spindle Cove novels and novellas to read. I try to space them out, especially since I'm also waiting on her new one to come out!
>167 BLBera: - I have a lot of the alphabet series in print and a few on my Kindle. I think I'll probably go the audio route for the ones I don't currently own.
I hope any reaction you had to the shots was mild!
>168 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deborah - we did!
>169 Familyhistorian: - Thank you, Meg!
>166 charl08: - I still have a few Spindle Cove novels and novellas to read. I try to space them out, especially since I'm also waiting on her new one to come out!
>167 BLBera: - I have a lot of the alphabet series in print and a few on my Kindle. I think I'll probably go the audio route for the ones I don't currently own.
I hope any reaction you had to the shots was mild!
>168 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deborah - we did!
>169 Familyhistorian: - Thank you, Meg!
171katiekrug
We had a nice weekend and now it's Monday again... This week looks to be pretty quiet with very few things on the calendar. I have some work to do to start reorganizing my office, so it can be a comfortable guest room when my MIL comes in a few weeks...
In books, I finished Everything I Know About Love on audio yesterday and will start listening to Huck Finn today. I decided to switch to audio as the reading was going too slowly. In print, I'm reading Ten Things I Hate About the Duke, a historical romance. I've had a bunch of Libby/Overdrive holds come in, and thank goodness for the "Deliver Later" feature! Best. Invention. Ever. :)
Recent and upcoming menu items:
Tacos
Peposo (made this last night for the first time and it was fantastic - https://www.sipandfeast.com/peposo/)
Skillet chicken with bacon and green beans
Creamy tortellini soup
Asian marinated chicken with ginger-garlic noodles
In books, I finished Everything I Know About Love on audio yesterday and will start listening to Huck Finn today. I decided to switch to audio as the reading was going too slowly. In print, I'm reading Ten Things I Hate About the Duke, a historical romance. I've had a bunch of Libby/Overdrive holds come in, and thank goodness for the "Deliver Later" feature! Best. Invention. Ever. :)
Recent and upcoming menu items:
Tacos
Peposo (made this last night for the first time and it was fantastic - https://www.sipandfeast.com/peposo/)
Skillet chicken with bacon and green beans
Creamy tortellini soup
Asian marinated chicken with ginger-garlic noodles
172katiekrug
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
Both a funny send-up of academia and a paean to writing and creativity, this slim volume is made up of letters of recommendation and other communications from an English professor at a midwestern university. It's laugh out loud funny in parts, and painfully accurate in its portrayal of the denigration of the humanities in favor of the "harder" disciplines. It did get a bit repetitive, but I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
173katiekrug
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
A memoir primarily of Alderton's life after university and before turning 30, it's both funny and very introspective. A people-pleaser and someone overly concerned with having everyone like her, Alderton details disastrous affairs, meaningless sex, and the toll it all took on her mental health. I loved her depiction of her female friendships, and the interludes consisting of fictional emails about a hen party, a wedding, and a baby shower were hilarious. The audio is very well narrated by the author.
4 stars
174lauralkeet
Peposo looks fabulous, Katie. And easy!
175richardderus
>173 katiekrug: Sound really relatable. I'm not likely to pick it up unless it swims by in a sale-offer email, TBH.
Peposo! Yummers! Your quiet week before The Visit sounds like just what the therapist ordered.
Peposo! Yummers! Your quiet week before The Visit sounds like just what the therapist ordered.
176Helenliz
Catching up now I'm back on the lappie. Hate LT posting on my phone.
>128 katiekrug: I went with 3 stars and a general "not my thing". I found The Starless Sea far more up my street.
>137 katiekrug: and how many have you read?
>154 katiekrug: Happy anniversary.
>128 katiekrug: I went with 3 stars and a general "not my thing". I found The Starless Sea far more up my street.
>137 katiekrug: and how many have you read?
>154 katiekrug: Happy anniversary.
177msf59
Hi, Katie. Looks like you are enjoying the weather, the fall colors and those current reads. Sweet.
>137 katiekrug: I do not do puzzles but that is a very cool one. Wow!
>137 katiekrug: I do not do puzzles but that is a very cool one. Wow!
178katiekrug
>174 lauralkeet: - It's also very good the next day (I had it for lunch yesterday) :)
>175 richardderus: - Yeah, I'm not sure it would really be your thing...
I have a couple of weeks before The Visit, but it is looming.
>176 Helenliz: - Posting on one's phone is awful.
I'm not sure I want to have another go with Morgenstern, but never say never.
I've read 26 1/2 (couldn't get through The Haunting of Hill House).
>177 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! Yep, it's been a nice start (?) to fall.
I love doing book cover puzzles. I have a nice little hoard of them.
>175 richardderus: - Yeah, I'm not sure it would really be your thing...
I have a couple of weeks before The Visit, but it is looming.
>176 Helenliz: - Posting on one's phone is awful.
I'm not sure I want to have another go with Morgenstern, but never say never.
I've read 26 1/2 (couldn't get through The Haunting of Hill House).
>177 msf59: - Hiya, Mark! Yep, it's been a nice start (?) to fall.
I love doing book cover puzzles. I have a nice little hoard of them.
179richardderus
>178 katiekrug: How interesting! Erin Morgenstern does it for me, yet not for you or >176 Helenliz:. I love her lushness and ornamentation.
We are all as Heaven made us, to quote Judge Dee.
We are all as Heaven made us, to quote Judge Dee.
180curioussquared
>171 katiekrug: I have Loretta Chase's Dukes Prefer Blondes checked out from the library on my friend's recommendation. It will be my first form her.
181Helenliz
>179 richardderus: I liked The Starless Sea much better than The Night Circus. It was the magic and the use of it that was my major bugbear in The Night Circus rather than her writing itself.
182figsfromthistle
>155 katiekrug: I read the first two of this series and enjoyed them. Good reminder to get back to this series.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
Enjoy the rest of the week!
183alcottacre
Just checking in on you. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
184richardderus
>181 Helenliz: OIC
I liked that magical weirdness tinge, but both are very good stories indeed IMO.
Happy Wednesday, Katie!
I liked that magical weirdness tinge, but both are very good stories indeed IMO.
Happy Wednesday, Katie!
185katiekrug
>179 richardderus: - You know what they say - no two people read the same book.
>180 curioussquared: - I liked the Chase I read (just finished it this morning!). I think the one you have might be the first in the same series. Hope you like it! (ETA: never mind, not part of the same series!)
>181 Helenliz: - I think Nora hit the nail on the head for me about TNC - that it was basically all vibes, and if that works for the reader, it's a great book, but otherwise, not so much.
>182 figsfromthistle: - And they have the benefit of being quick reads!
>183 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia. Hope yourWEdnesday Thursday is a good one :)
>184 richardderus: - Happy Thursday, RD!
>180 curioussquared: - I liked the Chase I read (just finished it this morning!). I think the one you have might be the first in the same series. Hope you like it! (ETA: never mind, not part of the same series!)
>181 Helenliz: - I think Nora hit the nail on the head for me about TNC - that it was basically all vibes, and if that works for the reader, it's a great book, but otherwise, not so much.
>182 figsfromthistle: - And they have the benefit of being quick reads!
>183 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia. Hope your
>184 richardderus: - Happy Thursday, RD!
186katiekrug
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This was at least my third reading of this American classic, but I found I had forgotten some key parts of it. Others, though, were very clear in my memory. Funny how that works... Anyway, I still enjoyed the read and think it's a worthwhile one, but parts of it were a bit of a slog. I don't remember feeling that way previously so maybe it was my familiarity with it. I wouldn't nominate it as The Great American Novel, but there is certainly plenty to chew over in it.
My RL book group is reading James in November, and I am looking forward to how that will complement my read.
3.5 stars
187katiekrug
Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase
A fun, well-written historical romance with two likeable main characters. I really enjoyed Ashmont's transformation from hedonistic rakehell to a man committed to winning the respect of the woman he loved. And all the shout-outs to A Vindication of the Rights of Woman were a nice touch.
4 stars
188katiekrug
I absolutely love this ad. Watch and share!
https://youtu.be/f5WdvB3rVPc
I've deleted a rant about "soft" misogyny that I've witnessed here on LT. You're welcome ;-)
https://youtu.be/f5WdvB3rVPc
I've deleted a rant about "soft" misogyny that I've witnessed here on LT. You're welcome ;-)
189richardderus
>188 katiekrug: I really like that ad. Here's hoping she gets inaugurated without violence.
190lauralkeet
>188 katiekrug: I love that. Thank you for sharing!
191Helenliz
>188 katiekrug: Here's hoping...
192laytonwoman3rd
>188 katiekrug: Absolutely beautiful. (I'm not crying ---YOU'RE crying...)
194katiekrug
Richard, Laura, Helen, Linda, and Natalie - Glad you all liked the ad! I found it very moving and inspiring.
____________________
It's a bit earlier than I normally start a new thread, but since it's the first of the month, I think I'll close out the year with a clean slate...
____________________
It's a bit earlier than I normally start a new thread, but since it's the first of the month, I think I'll close out the year with a clean slate...
196PaulCranswick
>188 katiekrug: Loved that, Katie. Thank you for sharing it.
Great song too.
We don't always agree on everything, but in a binary choice in a few days one of the two candidates should be disbarred by previous actions from standing for reelection and the other will hopefully be making history in the coming week.
Good luck America!
Great song too.
We don't always agree on everything, but in a binary choice in a few days one of the two candidates should be disbarred by previous actions from standing for reelection and the other will hopefully be making history in the coming week.
Good luck America!
This topic was continued by Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 11.
