Lynda's Tome Home (aka Carmenere)

Welcome to 2025! I am Lynda from the far eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. I will celebrate my 17th Thingaversary in October and truly appreciate the super nice and well read group of 75ers I've come to know.

I'm pictured here with my son, Will, 25 and I'm also mom to two furkids, kitties Lev and Lia, both are 4. (not pictured)

I wish I could tell you that as I retired person I have tons of time to read. Somehow, it doesn't work out that way. Yard work, Mah Jongg and traveling are just a few of the temptations which pull me away from my beloved books.

My New Years Resolution is to carry my Kindle with me wherever I go and read whenever I'm stuck somewhere with a few minutes to spare.



So, I hope you join me on my reading journey 2025!

My top 10 books of 2024.

This is my criteria when choosing from the 75 books I read this year. I can recommend all of them.

Did I learn something?
Did I feel something/moved me?
Was it fun?
Some books overlap.

1. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing I was both moved by his story and I learned that he performed almost every episode of Friends high. I listened to it on audio with Perry narrating. Incredibly sad.

2. The Women The nurses serving in Viet Nam suffer/suffered from PTSD just like their male counterparts either working in pop up hospitals or fighting on the battlefield. When they sought help, they were poo poo'd and told 'Women weren't in Viet Nam! You're not a veteran!'

3. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store - I loved this book because the characters were so well drawn. I choked up throughout this novel . It contained humor, love, hatred and community.

4. James An extraordinary novel. This one really puts you into the shoes of the other man. James, aka Jim of Huckleberry Finn raft fame, is so much more than Huck's traveling partner. He was first and foremost a slave who knew how to identify as an illiterate fool when he was around white people but an educated and well spoken soul when he was away from is owners. Another emotional ride for me.

5. Nuclear War: A scenario - This one took me by surprise because there was not a lot of buzz about it. The author surmises what would happen if North Korea shot a nuclear warhead in the direction of Washington DC. She describes what would happen hour by hour, how would the United States respond. It all happens rather fast and not only is the President central to the decision making process, but if he/she is incapacitated, the chain of command follows and it is so very important that we have extremely capable people in these positions in case they get the call. Eye opening.

Breaking for a bite to eat. I'll finish after dinner.

6. We the Animals - Oh! this one wrecked me. Familial bonds are strong with this one and though you may not approve of the discipline Paps administers, he and his wife love their three boys. When their hearts are crushed, when they are shocked beyond their wildest dreams, the parents continue to love regardless.

7. Orbital - A Booker Prize nominee for 2024. An international group of astronauts experience a day in the life of being suspended above Earth. With each orbit the see the impending destruction of a growing cyclone. In addition to sunrises and sunsets they experience their personal issues as well which are also suspended in time and space until they return to earth
Thought provoking, quiet in its solitude, the reader, herself, almost feels adrift.

8. The Wager - a seafaring story like only author David Grann can tell. Murder, cannibalism, mutiny, this book has it all.

9. Paris and The Woman in Me - I'm combining these two reads because both memoirs were rather shocking. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears both suffered at the hands of their parents. It is a credit to their strength and diligence that they made it through some very difficult years.

10. Starter Villain and Assistant to the Villain - I combined both of these books because they were so out of my usual comfort zone. They were fantasy - sci-fi, romantacy and just plan fun. In fact, I already purchased the follow up to Assistant to the Villain, Apprentice to the Villain. Time will tell if it appears on my best of 2025.

2025 reads

R = Root from my bookshelves
L = Library
PL = Public Library book group
N = Neighborhood book club
M = Maria’s book club
CMF = Carolyn Marie’s book club on Fable
——————-
A = Audio
K = Kindle
B = Physical book

JANUARY
1. Hamnet R K
2. Inside the O'Briens L B
3. The Salt Path L N B
4. The Terror B (Will's GF)
5. What You Are Looking For is in the Library R B

It is so good to see a thread for the 2025 group. It would not be the same around here without you.

>4 Whisper1: As always I find myself in full agreement with our dear mutual friend, Linda.

I will as ever be trying to keep up with you in 2025, Lynda. xx

>4 Whisper1: >5 PaulCranswick: Thank you, both! I'm a fixture albeit a quiet one but I hope to be more of a participant this time around!

Lynda, I was remiss in visiting threads on a regular basis. I hope to amend that in 2025! Including visiting your thread more often.

>7 Whisper1: I too, was often absent from the threads and I hope to make time to be a more active participant.

I've got you starred!



Also, I didn't know you liked Mah Jongg! That is a family favorite. I have given a set to each of my children and I probably have about 15 sets of yearly cards, although I am due for a new one. : )

Welcome back, Lynda!

>9 Berly: I do not like Mah Jongg, Kim....I LOVE it! I am addicted. A friend from my neighborhood and I are teaching other people in the development on Tuesdays at 2. It's a fun group and everyone is picking it up nicely. I've been playing for almost two years. I'm excited to see it's time to order the 2025 card.

>10 drneutron: Thank you, Jim!

>11 Carmenere: Awesome!! I am glad you are enjoying Mah Jongg so much. I have been playing it since I was a kid. My mom used to play it regularly in a group, somewhat competitively. I never got to that level; just like to play it with family and occasionally with friends. And, yes, I need to order the 2025 cards!

>13 Berly: Wow! So you were raised on mah jongg! I bet you play a good game. It is a game of both strategy and luck, isn’t it?

Happy New Year! I hope it is filled with good books!

Hi Lynda! Happy new thread and happy new year!
I’m hoping that I’ll be better at visiting threads in 2025 and I look forward to seeing what you do and read.

Happy New Year, and happy reading in 2025!

>15 cbl_tn: Thanks, Carrie! I hope the same for you!!

>16 PawsforThought: Thank you, Paws! haha I'm hoping the same for myself also. I haven't been a good 75er but I'm determined to be better! Happy New Year!!

>17 mstrust: Thank you, Jennifer! It's always nice to start with a clean slate!

Happy new year, and happy reading, Lynda.

>21 EllaTim: Thank you! I'm striving to reach 75 once again. Fingers crossed!

Hello, Lynda! Love the topper photo of you and Will. Looking forward to following your reading adventures in 2025.

>23 Crazymamie: Yay!

Happy New Thread, Lynda. Happy New Year. I will be along for the ride into another bookish 2025.

Happy 2025, Lynda

Happy and Healthy New Year, Lynda!

I sincerely wish you a happy, healthy and fulfilling new year. May all your wishes come true. Happy reading 2025.

>25 msf59: Thank you, Mark! I wish you a fulfilling year of awesome books!

>26 PaulCranswick: Happy 2025, Paul! This is such a wonderful place to share books and whatever! Have a wonderful year of books galore!

>27 Matke: Thank you! Best wishes for a very happy and fulfilling New Year, Matke!

>28 Ameise1: Thank you so much, Barbara! It is a pleasure to know you on LT and look forward to your books and travels! Happy New Year!

We had a great New Year's Eve! We were going to watch the popcorn ball drop in a neighboring village but too cold and weather was iffy. Instead, we played Muppet Monopoly and watched Muppet movies. What a happy way to ring in the new year! Last night, Will broiled lobsters and today I'll make breaded pork/ dumplings and saurkraut.
We're choosing a day of relaxing and reading. I've started Hamnet and so far, I love O'Farrell's writing style. I feel like I'm right there. Ugh but with a mask on. :0/

Bappy New Year, Lynda!

This’ll be my 17th year on LT, too, can it really be that many?

I share some of your favorites from last year, James and Heaven and Earth Grocery Store among them. I’m looking forward to reading Orbital. I’m glad you’re liking Hamnet. That certainly was a favorite of mine whenI read it.

Here's to a new and better year -- let's go 2025!!

And skill and luck in Mah Jongg!! Okay, and some books, too. : )

>34 jnwelch: Happy New Year, Joe! I joined LT a year before I retired, which is now 16 years! Sheesh!) because it would give me something to do. Well, I haven't found it difficult to keep busy but LT is one of my most enjoyable daily activities. The years go by soooo fast.

>35 Berly: haha Yes, books, of course!

Happy New Year, Lynda.

Happy new year! Hope you have a year of amazing reads!

Happy New Year, Lynda!

Happy New Year, Lynda! Lots of great reads ahead!

>41 vancouverdeb: Thank you, Beth, Lori, Stasia and Deborah!

Dear Lynda, thank you for stopping by! Happy New Reading Year - here's to many great reads in 2025!

>33 Carmenere: Sounds like a wonderful new years eve. I hope you are enjoying Hamnet. I quite enjoyed the read. So far everything I have read by this author has worked for me.

Happy reading in 2025!

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>43 PersephonesLibrary: Thanks Kathy! Cheers to that!!

>44 figsfromthistle: I am enjoying the read, Anita! I haven't read this author before Hamnet and I'm happy to know I've got The Marriage Project on my bookshelf.

Thank you!

>45 Carmenere: Well done! I saw a few people who got yesterday's on the first guess. I think they'll all need a new starter word!

>48 thornton37814: True enough, Lori! I haven't done Wordle for quite some time so when I saw others posting their results I figured I'd go back to it.

>49 Carmenere: I still do it most days. I don't use a specific starter word, but I have fun asking my cats what I should type. Sometimes they answer me. Sometimes they are silent.

I was reading back over some of my old threads- and wow- what a diary all that is! Your name popped up lots, and it has reminded me to get back in contact :) My 15th Thingaversary is up this year!
I have been Wordling for ages, and feel a little *too* attached to it sometimes. It has become a compulsion. I really wanted to get a 200 streak and then quit, but got to 196 and bummed out! I do like some of the other puzzles though and enjoy them with my morning coffee before the day kicks off.
Happy New year!

>50 thornton37814: So Cute!! I wonder what mine will say when I ask them tomorrow ;0)

>51 LovingLit: Hi Megan! Thanks for reconnecting! Congrats on your 15th thingaversary year! It's crazy how quickly time passes.
Oh my gosh! you were so close to a 200 streak!
I do have a starter word but today I didn't use it. It was totally random and the word just happened to be very fortuitous.

Half way through Hamnet and really liking this novel. I hope to finish it today as it's a snowy one but at the same time want to enjoy having Will and GF here before they head home tomorrow.

Hamnet is still on my reading list. Maybe they can take a nap while you finish the book and then you do something together. :)

My neighbor gifted me this banner for Christmas. She said it reminds her of me. I'm flattered but I'm still striving to be a tree.

I'm going to have to steam it a bit

>55 PersephonesLibrary: I see it's rec'd mixed reviews but I'm finding I can't put it down.
Haha, Not necessary, son is reading too and GF is working remotely. We're all just hanging out. :0)

The birds were very active at my birdfeeder yesterday. The must have anticipated the blizzard like conditions we have today.

>58 Carmenere: beautiful 😍

>58 Carmenere: oh, love the birds. A major drawback of living on the 6th floor is the lack of contact with/sightings of birds.

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>59 Ameise1: They put on quite a show!

>60 Matke: I can understand that!! I certainly appreciate having them so close. Ty hose pesky squirrels and racoons are another story.

>58 Carmenere: A cardinal!

>64 mstrust: Cardinal's are my favorite and the state bird of Ohio. They're very common around here.

I miss snow! Happy Friday, Lynda.

>66 Crazymamie: Happy Friday, Mamie! Bless your heart. Given the opportunity, I believe I would not miss snow because along with snow comes cold temps and I am very thin skinned and prefer them above 55f.

I was just checking in to see if you had finished Hamnet. It was one of my 'excellent reads' from 2023, I think?

Have a fantastic Friday, Lynda!

>68 alcottacre: I'm 40% into Hamnet, Stasia. I'm feeling very positive about it.

Hope you're having a fantastic Friday, too!!

>65 Carmenere: I don't believe I've ever seen one in person. I've seen a blue jay, maybe twice when on a vacation. I have to say that our Ladderbacked Woodpecker is very handsome.

I love the birds, Lynda! I'm am not so keen on snow, and luckily we rarely get any. We do get a lot of rain though. It's seems endless right now. I loved Hamnet, it was a 5 star read for me. I hope it works well for you too.

Loved Hamnet! Hope you continue to enjoy it. : ) I stopped doing Wordle due to lack of time. I am busy with Solitaire, Wordscapes, Number Sums and Duolingo -- there is only so much time in the day! LOL

>72 Berly: "there is only so much time in the day! LOL" Ain't it the truth!
Wordle will not become a common occurrence for me like it was a year ago but a once in a while thing.

The kids and their kitties left yesterday before the ice storm hits the DC area. I miss them already. We had a great time, playing games, making sour dough, reading, dining out, dining in. It was just so nice.

So today, I'm cleaning, reading, cleaning, reading, cleaning some more, LTing and then I'll return to cleaning before I end the day reading.

First book finished. Review in a sec

#1 Hamnet
Maggie O'Farrell
Reason: Wellread book club on Fable
Kindle (ROOT)
5 out of 5!

I couldn’t put this book down. Everything about it captured my attention. The family relationships, the setting and the struggle of attempting to live with grief kept me enthralled and somewhat teary eyed. I found the chapter pertaining to how the disease was spread, so tragic.
I now what to reread Hamlet!
I would highly recommend Hamnet.

>74 Carmenere: I'm glad you loved it as much as I did. That was the book of the year for me the year I read it, and I think it was the first book of the year--or close to it.

>75 thornton37814: Lori, I'm thinking it will be very difficult to top this one. Oh my gosh! The last line just made me sigh. I tear up thinking about it. The whole novel was pitch perfect and left me teary eyed several times.

>74 Carmenere: Well, that's setting the bar high for this year!! Glad you enjoyed Hamnet so much -- I did too. : ) And now I am following your lead and it's back to cleaning and laundry...

>77 Berly: haha, yup me too. I'd like to accomplish one more cleaning task today and then back to the books :0)

Knowing how much I love Las Vegas, Will gifted me with a Vegas puzzle. It's completed but my pic wouldn't download "too large" so I took a pic of the insert.

This is my new reading journal for 2025. I thought this makes my reading a little more personal. Maybe, someday, grandkids might enjoy it.

>33 Carmenere: Lynda, it sounds like you and Will had a terrific New Year's Eve. Muppet Monopoly sounds hilarious, especially when followed by Muppet movies. My kind of fun.

Oh, and congratulations on your first book being a Full Five Stars! You certainly can't go wrong with Maggie O'Farrell's books. I've read six of them so far and have enjoyed all of them.

>58 Carmenere: Birds are quite the accurate weather predictors. Every time I see birds in a frenzy feeding, I know that bad weather is on it's way.

>80 Carmenere: Nice drawing there!

>70 mstrust: sorry, I think I missed responding to your post.
The Ladderbacked is a handsome bird. He gets extra points for walking on and pecking at a prickly cactus! Shudders!

>71 vancouverdeb: sorry, I missed responding to your post, Deborah.
I guess with rain comes a higher temperature, which I like, driving in rain especially at night, I don’t like.
Hamlet most definitely worked for me. :o)

>81 Donna828: Donna! Hi, it’s so good to see you.
Muppets are awesome. It was great fun.
I own The Marriage Portrait by O’Farrell and I can’t wait to get to it.

>82 figsfromthistle: And that’s exactly what happened the next day!

>83 Berly: Thank you!

Your Muppet New Year sounded like fun, Lynda. I've dropped my star to follow along and hope to keep up better this year!

>89 Familyhistorian: Yay! for following along! It is so difficult to be an active poster and I give kudos to those who can do it, work, read and live life in general.

The world needs more Muppets! Now!

My sourdough is getting its second rise. I've been playing around with the recipes and discovered I wasn't having success because the water to get the starter started wasn't warm enough. I can not just eyeball it, a thermometer is a necessity!

Putting more Christmas away today so my house looks decent for mah jongg tomorrow.

Gonna book a cruise too. The Med Cruise doesn't fit into fellow travelers schedules so it's gonna be the Caribbean.

Afternoon, Lynda! I also loved Hamnet and gave it five stars. Sorry you have lost your company - sounds like such a lovely visit.

>79 Carmenere: Very fun looking puzzle.

>80 Carmenere: Awesome. The Girls and I are also keeping reading journals.

We really need to put Christmas away.

>79 Carmenere: My mom is a constant puzzler and I know she's done that one too. If you ever want one that will drive you mad, Costco put out a jigsaw of their store with hundreds of customers in it.
>84 Carmenere: They are fearless, which means the little bastards will drill right into your house to build a nest.

Happy Monday, Lynda. Hooray for Hamnet! It was also a 5 star read for me as well. She sure nailed that one. Getting any snow?

Lovely puzzle, Lynda! I have been so busy with our new Muffin that I have not have time to puzzle. I hope to get back to it soon. I am in the midst of one , and my sister gifted me a Dog Walking puzzle for Christmas, so I can't wait to finish the first puzzle and get to the new one. I'm really glad you Loved Hamnet too.

Yes, our mild climate means a lot of rain, especially in the winter months. Once a year of so we get a few days of snow, sometimes not at all.

>79 Carmenere: Love this puzzle!

>80 Carmenere: You get to draw the covers yourself? That is pretty cool-I feel like taking the tome to complete that would cement the books in your mind, cool idea.

>92 Crazymamie: It's a bummer, Mamie, but we all have to get back to reality. We've booked a cruise so it's something to be excited about and to look forward to. I'm also planning on visiting them for cherry blossom festival though I haven't set a date for that.

>93 mstrust: Oh my, I think I'd be checked in to a sanatorium with that puzzle. Still, I'm intrigued.

I guess they'd need to be, living in the desert and all. I wonder what dinosaur he was back in the day? Hmmm

>94 msf59: Hiya Mark! I own The Marriage Portrait by O'Farrell and hope to get to that one soon.

I'd estimate we have about 5 inches on the ground and it's in the 20f's so it'll be around for awhile.

>95 vancouverdeb: Of course! Muffin needs a lot of attention at this stage. I'm about to start Notre Dame Cathedral (also gift for Will) but I'll wait till the Christmas things are put a way and the house properly cleaned.
Over the past few years it seemed like our snowfall was lessening but this year mother nature is reminding me the globe is not shifting southward, I am are still in the snow belt.

>96 LovingLit: Yup, I'm drawing the covers freehand and you are so right, it did cement the book in my mind. In fact, I didn't realize the rabbit and owl were in the cover until I studied it and drew it.

Sigh, I have to go out into the frozen tundra to make a return to Kohl's department store. I might as well stop at Aldi's while I'm out to get a few things. Shiver Shiver Shiver :/

Will and GF were early risers and made the trek to DC. Here are a couple of pics he took and texted to me this morning. Yup, call me jealous.
There were only 50 people in line in front of them and made it through to the rotunda quickly.

It's a brrrrteful day here and with nowhere to go, It'll be reading, puzzling, cleaning and a little Shutterflying.

Almost finished with my Library discussion's group read of Inside the O'Briens. Anyone reaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiu (Lev just jumped on my laptop. sigh) Anyone read it? Basically, she writes the same sort of book with a different disease, imo.

Sweet Thursday, Lynda. Glad to hear Will & GF made it to DC for today's service. That is awesome. That reminds me- no mail delivery today. That is one thing we didn't mind, is enjoying a day off when a past president dies.

Enjoy your lazy day. I am birding with friends.

>103 Carmenere: SO great that they got to go to the rotunda in person.

>106 msf59: Actually, they were at the Capital yesterday for JC lying in state. Very moving experience.
haha funny how we recall things like that about our former selves.

Enjoy the birding expedition, Mark and yes I'm keeping warm at home but still work around the house to do before I can laze in the recliner with my books.

>107 Crazymamie: I know, right?! They were duly impressed yet surprised that the Rotunda seemed smaller than they expected.

>74 Carmenere: I am so glad to see that your enjoyed Hamnet so much!

>79 Carmenere: Wow! That looks like too much work for me :)

>80 Carmenere: I was terrible at keeping up the reading journal I started a couple of years ago. I hope you do much better at it than I did!

Congratulations to Will for being able to make it to DC to honor President Carter.

>110 alcottacre: Drawing the covers is quite relaxing. I’m not great at it, I’m particularly bad at drawing humans but everything else is subjective hehehe. So far the journal is helping me delve further into my thoughts and reactions to a book.

Will loves history and feels living so close to DC affords him the opportunity to take part in it.

#2 Inside the O’Briens
Lisa Genova
Library book - Library group discussion
3/5

I had to read this for book discussion but I’ve read Genova before and it’s quite similar, only the disease has changed…..that said…..

Similar to Genova’s previous novel, Still Alice, which explores early stage dementia, Inside the O’Briens considers the ramifications to patient and family when a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease is received. Huntington’s, an inherited neurodegenerative disease, normally manifests between the ages of 35 - 45 and with no known cure, is normally fatal within 20 years. There is a 50\50 chance it will be passed to the next generation.
Boston police officer, Joe O’Brien, is the patient, his family of 5 contends with not only the diminishing health of husband and father but also the prospect that they, the children, are carriers and are looking into their future when they observe their father. A few tests can detect which are carriers but the question is to know or not to know.
I certainly sympathize with the family even though I found them somewhat unlikeable.
Genova very clearly explains the disease and all it’s affects on loved ones, work and lifestyle, it is what Genova does best however, from what I’ve read so far, her novels are similar in range and quite depressing. At the conclusion, Lisa’s Call to Action informs readers, now that they are aware of this disease, where they can become a part of the research in finding a cure.

With my errands run, I'm in for the remainder of the day. The tip of storm Cora will deliver snow to my area 2-4 inches. I'll be inside, puzzleing, watching Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, listening to The Terror and beginning The Salt Path for neighborhood book club.

I loved both The Terror and The Salt Path, Lynda. Your Friday sounds full of fabulous - snow and a puzzle and football.

It's great that Will and GF made it to Carter's service. Looks chilly out there. I think I enjoyed Inside the O'Briens more than than you. I gave it 4 star but no review.

What a special day for Will and his friend. To see The Carter service must have been awe inspiring. I watched the very special service for him. What a man of integrity. How out of place to see Mr. Orange and his wife in attendance.

It was so very different to eulogize a man of honor while watching a man of hate, narcissism, and everything that Jimmy Carter was not.

Happy Monday everyone! Saturday, I went to Columbus for my grandnieces 1st birthday. Traveling there and back + party= an all day affair.
Sunday, I spent most of the day reading The Salt Path and listening to The Terror
Today, Library book discussion group Inside the O'Briens
then on to Church Library duty.

>114 Crazymamie: Yup, good day for me as well as Ohio State! Can't wait till the Jan 20th match-up with Notre Dame.

>115 vancouverdeb: Yes, a little chilly in DC but not as bad as Cleveland. (shiver)
If I had not already read, Still Alice, I might have enjoyed it more. The novelty sort of wore off for me.

>116 Whisper1: I had to wonder as I watched the service. What did Obama and Trump talk about?! I tend to think Mrs. Obama didn't attend because she knew she'd be given the seat beside Trump.

>116 Whisper1: Linda - I early wrote to The Carter Center to ask them please not to invite him...

>121 m.belljackson: Nice try!

I'm cautiously excited! I was pleased to see my cranraisin sourdough rose beautifully. It is 'now in the loaf pan for its second rise. oooooo I hope this turns out. R (that's Will's GF) made a beautiful loaf yesterday. From her pics, I was determined to make one too.

Mah Jongg at my house today at 2. They're real mah jongg lovers to come out in these frigid temps. brrr

So, the library book group had very positive reviews of Inside the O'Briens.
For me, January reads were all about sadness, disease and disaster. I'm really looking forward to making a more light-hearted February TBR.

Happy Monday, Lynda. Yep, having a dandy time with The Count. I am so glad I finally got to this one.

Mah Jongg? I am not sure I have ever met anyone that actually played it. Very cool.

>123 Carmenere: I read Inside the O'Briens and read my review. I very much liked the story.

>124 msf59: Hey Mark! From my experience there seems to be a number of closet Mah Jongg players. (You never know, there may be one in your midst.)

>125 Whisper1: Hey Linda! No question, Genova is an excellent author and she does have the credentials to talk things neuro related but for me, her books are rather repetitive. But, I will say, her novels are very informative and create empathy for people who suffer these dreadful diseases.

Breakfast consisted of 2 slices of cranraisin sourdough toast. It is the first loaf, I made, that actually came out perfectly. Yes, sourdough is a science and different every time but I'm loving my sourdough journey.

Cold and so very frigid here. With no where to go, it is a reading day for me and the kitties. I hope to finish up The Salt Path today and start to ROOTS I want to read in January. Wintering and What you are looking for is in the library.

Hello, Lynda! Hooray for your loaf coming out perfectly. I love sourdough.

Enjoy your stay at home day - those are my favorite kinds of days.

Hi Lynda. I'm finally making it to your thread. I'm off to a slow start this year.

I laughed out loud at your comment about retirement not giving you more time to read. Same with me! I have sketching and painting, hiking, bike riding, and house renovations to blame for what feels like less reading time. But I'm also determined to pick up my pace in 2025.

>128 Carmenere: Nice!

I only have read Inside The O'Briens so I think that helped my enjoyment of the book, Lynda. I hope you find some bright, cheerful reads for February or sooner. I do read my share of sad sort of books and I too need relief from those . Not currently, but yes indeed it happens.

Hi Lynda. I'm stopping by to say hello. It is true that retirement does not allow for reading time, especially since I live alone, and like you I am responsible for a house and all the issues that present themselves. Tomorrow, I am having lunch with two previous co-workers. I'm hoping the conversation isn't all about the evils of the journalism department. That place was so very dysfunctional, and I've put it behind me.

>129 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Yup, I've had my share of sourdough failures but I think I've got the knack now. Haha you're only as good as you last loaf so, my fingers are crossed my science experiment keeps working.

Stay at home days are great.....unless the forecast tricks you. Yesterday, 4.9 (yes, that specific) was forecast yesterday. It started of fine slippy snow so I didn't attend The Chosen class I attend on Thursdays. Well, there was no 4.9 inches of snow, maybe .9 is more like it. So, Thursday was a needless stay at home day. Poo!

>130 EBT1002: I'm glad you found me, Ellen! It is so true, isn't it?! I am very grateful for the fact we can do so many activities but it seems when you're retired all the things you need to address are in your face, ALL the time. Haha I almost feel guilty when I do read.

>131 vancouverdeb: Yup, yup, yup I feel jaded having read Still Alice before Inside The O'Briens. It's like, been there, done that. Now, one reader in my book discussion group has read all of Genova's novels. She loves them. To each their own.

>132 Whisper1: Hi there, Linda! I can never understand people who say they don't want to retire because they'd be bored. Ha! what nonsense! I think that's just their excuse for avoiding all the work that faces them after retirement.

How lovely! The 2 co-workers I still keep in touch with try to get together for b-days and Christmas. We used to talk about work, mainly the funny things that helped get us through the misery but we haven't worked together for 15 years so now we talk mostly about our families and the stuff we're going through, good and not so good. We've been friends for 35 years and never ever had an argument. I love them like sisters.
Enjoy your luncheon!!

If the forecast is correct, Saturday is supposed to be rain,ice, snow, not necessarily in that order. Just a mess!
That said, I'll do the grocery shopping today. Specifically I need ingredients for apps. I'm hosting the neighborhood book group at my house on Sunday and readers like to munch and drink wine. Hehehe, my kinda people.

Happy Friday, Lynda! Good thinking with doing the grocery shopping today.

Such a great story about the two co-workers you still keep in touch with.

Hi Lynda, finally checking in, wishing you a happy new reading year!

Scrolling through your thread I saw the sourdough mention which reminds me I’m meaning to start a new one. I miss mine. It died when I was away for a couple of days in summer and my landlord switched off a fuse in my appt for 2 days for some repairs without realizing the fridge was connected to it. Nice surprise when I returned.. Mine was a gift from a friend, but hers has died as well in the meantime, so I’ll have to experiment with making a fresh one. Did you make yours from scratch?

>137 Carmenere: I hope it turns out a bit better than the forecast, Lynda. Have a great weekend.

>139 Deern: Thanks for stopping in, Nathalie! Oh No! Sounds like a case of Involuntary Starterslaughter? , Negligent doughacide? Too many police procedurals? In any case, it's no laughing matter, a good starter is hard to find and a bit tricky to make on your own. Though I know you can do it!!
I rec'd Fiona from my son's GF and she's been going strong since Thanksgiving and I've shared her offspring numerous times.
Good luck!

>140 PaulCranswick: I hope so too, Paul, but so far the forecast seems to be accurate. Currently snowing and to be followed by the Polar Vortex Sunday night till sometime Wednesday. I can honestly say the winter blues hit me hard this morning. I yearn for sunny skies, flowers and green grass. Sigh :0/

Hi, Lynda. Here I was feeling abused because the weather is in the 50’s—Florida’s winter! I do remember with horror the days of temps well below freezing, the frozen ears, the constantly watering eyes, the oh-so-careful navigation of the frozen streets…yeah. I’m sorry that it’s like that for you.

On the other hand, a beautiful book journal page up in >80 Carmenere:. And some excellent reading and baking going on for you. It’s always great to have those bright spots to get one through the winter.

>143 Matke: Hi Gail! I'm glad you were able to escape the icy claws of winter in Florida ;0). It's miserable because the weather here, at least for me, dictates my life. I'd much rather be working in the yard, reading in the park etc etc etc.

and yes, the bright spots (and thank you) do overshadow winter doldrums.

#3 The Salt Path
Raynor Winn
Neighborhood book club
3.5/5

For adventure, I'd give this book a 4 because Raynor and her husband, Moth, recently diagnosed with a terminal illness have also just lost their home and livelihood due to a bad investment. So what's a couple to do when you've lost everything? Why walk the South West Coast Path in England, of course. Their memoir, told be Raynor tends to become a little repetitive (thus style gives it a 3.5) however what began as a struggle for Moth turns into a therapeutic balm. Exersize and fresh air are more beneficial to him than prescribed drugs. It is certainly suspenseful to see if Moth completes the entire circuit.

>145 Carmenere: Although that one has been on my radar, I've not gotten around to reading it yet.

>146 thornton37814: Definitely a worthy read, Lori. I hope you get the chance to read it soon.

>145 Carmenere: I think that that is a very fair review of the book, Lynda, and coincides with my own view of it.

Happy Monday, Lynda. Damn cold here for the next couple of days. I think we rebound later in the week. I am sure glad I am not working at the P.O. anymore. I will keep my eyes out for those closeted Mah Jongg players. 😜

>148 PaulCranswick: Ah! That is good to hear, Paul. My book club, which met last night, also expressed their dislike for the repetitive nature of this memoir.
------------------
As stated above book club met last night. Ya gotta love book lovers! It was snowy, frigid and dark but 9 brave souls ventured to my house to discuss The Salt Path.
Next months selection is Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Haha I just bought this book as it was recommended to me by another friend. Good timing.

5 degrees but sunny. Go Bucks! OSU plays Notre Dame in the championship game tonight. I'll be curled up in my recliner with kitties and my warm and cozy knitted afghan, made and gifted to me by Will's GF. She's also a reader and understands the wants of another reader :0)

It is currently -13f
It's been a very long time since I recall a morning as cold as today.
I have opened my taps to let a steady stream of water through the pipes so I don't have a frozen pipe issue. Which I have very vivid memories, non of them good.

I made a huge pot of coffee to sip on as I puzzle (Cathedral of Notre Dame) finish an audiobook (The Terror) and finish a pulp book What You Are Looking for is in the Library. I'd like to start another book for January, Wintering. So appropriate.

YIKES to that temp! We are currently at 20F. Good thinking with the taps - I remember those days.

Craig and I are also sipping on the coffee this morning. And admiring our snow - we got 6 inches!

Hoping that your Wednesday is full of fabulous, Lynda!

Yikes! 6 inches of snow in Georgia?! I bet everyone is hunkered down. Hope you get the chance to make snow angels and snow people.

>153 Carmenere: Right?! It is awesome.

I've been busy, this morning, setting up my February TIOLI's.
I think this might be the month I finally read A Little Life for Challenge #3: Read a book with a title word that starts with the same letter as your first or last name.

I need to go to UPS store today, so I've decided to see A Complete Unknown which is showing next door. It rec'd a lot of nominations and it's been on my to do list so a must see before it moves out.

Gonna exercise and get this show on the road....later :0)

A Complete Unknown did not disappoint. I know absolutely nothing about Dylan's career but I've got to say I do now. The film covers 1961-1964 (my crib years) and brings the era to life, so much so, it will be very nostalgic for many.
Acting was spot on. Chalamet was awesome.

I'm just finishing up The Terror and What you are looking for. I know I said that back on the 22nd but ya know, stuff happens.

More coffee, exercise and then read and tidy up the house a bit, just a bit.

Happy Saturday, Lynda. Glad you liked "A Complete Unknown". I am a big Dylan fan and I know much about these early years. I want to see it. Chalamet is an excellent young actor and I heard Edward Norton is terrific too.

Looking forward to a warm-up that arrives on Monday. Yah!

>157 msf59: Yes! Ed Norton as Pete Seeger was amazing. I felt as if I really understood the man.

#4 The Terror
Dan Simmons
Borrowed from Will's GF
4.75/5

Has there ever been such an aptly named ship as the HMS Terror? In its quest to find the Northwest Passage, along with her sister ship Erebus, Captain Francis Crozier and Captain Sir John Franklin face tremendous obstacles. The summer season of White Nights, when the ice that holds the ships in its clutch should thaw is not warm enough. For two summers the crews are immobilized. Their food rations are nearly depleted, scurvy is commonplace, frostbitten men face gangrene and amputations. Then there is this pesky creature that appears to pull itself out of the ice to grotesquely kill unsuspecting sailors as they search for food or a flowing river. What kind of monster is this?
Simmons does an interesting job melding folklore and superstition with little known facts into his historical fiction. No pun intended, he breaths life into these unfortunate men, fleshing them out, giving them thoughts and suspected actions they might have taken.
Dan Simmons is quite the story teller!

>159 Carmenere: I read The Terror in the middle of summer and never felt so cold in my life as when I read it. 😀

Happy Sunday Lynda
I noticed yesterday that the Dylan movie is currently shown in our local theater (we finally have one!), but decided this is one I’ll want to watch undubbed, so I’ll have to wait for the streaming offers.

Maybe my sourdough committed suicide in that fridge because I never could decide on a name for it. I’ll do better next time!

>160 drneutron: Haha, I totally understand how you would feel that way, Jim!
Then you can imagine how reading, The Terror, in the dead of winter was extremely oppressive. I had to come up for air, sometimes. I felt the weight of their situation every time I looked out my window or went outside. Brrrr!

>161 Deern: Thanks, Nathalie, Happy Sunday to you too!

Good idea! I think it is worth the wait.
I'm glad you have a theater again. In a span of a few months in 2020 3 local theaters closed. 2 have been repurposed and thankfully the 1 closest to me reopened in 2024.

Haha, I'm not sure if that might have been the only reason, but it is fun to give your starter an identity. Live and learn, right?

Happy Sunday, Lynda! So glad you loved The Terror - I want to re-listen to that one at some point. One of my very favorites.

Happy Sunday, Mamie! I listened to it when I didn't have the book handy. Very well narrated with great depth in voices.

Have a lovely day!

Hi Lynda - I just wanted to pop by and say hello! I was looking at your favorite books from last year, and I absolutely agree about The Wager - David Grann writes great stuff. I'll be reading The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store next month, so I'm glad to know that you liked it so much.

Enjoy your day!

#5 What You Are Looking for is in the Library
Michiko Aoyama
A newer ROOT
4.75/5

What a sweet book. Five short, interconnected, stories concerning people young and not so young. People with a dream, an interest, a question or just dissatisfied with their lives are directed to the Hatori Community House where life skill classes are offered and also houses the local library.
Ms. Komachi in reference, finds the books they are looking for but she has a knack for "seeing" them and what they don't know they need so they have a book on their list that they hadn't asked for but intrigues them just the same. Ms. Komachi also gives each patron a "bonus gift" which foreshadows their future.
So quotable, I'll put a few here:
" 'One Day' keeps the dream alive''
"If you can survive the ordeal of being born, you can get thru anything"
"The moment you say "don't" you're done for. You have to turn that "don't" into a goal"

Uplifting and reassuring. It's probably a book you didn't know you needed.

Yay, the sun is shining! Ugh, I guess that provides no excuse not to do some jobs around the house.
I've got to weatherstrip the masterbath window. This past cold spell reminded me, it's a must do job.
I should set up the dehumidifer
I should work on my Shutterfly album for 2023! and yes 2024 would be nice too.
Maybe writing it here will motivate me.

I read Murder on the Orient Express a couple of years ago. Thankfully, like the clothes I wore yesterday, I don't recall the murderer and tonight's performance of the play at a local theatre will still be a surprise to me.
To celebrate Lunar New Year and a tip of the hat to the train, we will eat dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

I'm currently reading Flatshare for the libraray book group. I don't like romance. That's all I'll say now. I also started The Reluctant Fundamentalist for February TIOLI. Seems so familiar to me. Shrugs and pads off for another cup of coffee.

ETA: And I started listening to Raven Black this morning.

>169 Carmenere:

Good day, Lynda! I saw a local production of Murder on the Orient Express afew years ago, and it's not a bad script. I had friends in the show, so I blush to admit that what I remember most was the truly glorious set!

I hope you enjoy the show, whatever you do or don't remember. :)

>170 Dejah_Thoris: Happy Friday! Haha at least you remember it!
I am sure I will enjoy it. The little theatre is so little that their sets are usually pretty minimal and the audience is quite close to the stage so maybe I’ll catch any slight of hand the murderer might use.