2026 Thread Whisper1 (Linda)

Happy New Year To All:

Each year I am so happy to see old and new friends in this wonderful group as share the love of books, and our thoughts about what we read.

I am Linda, 73 year old retired publications advisor in the Department of Journalism at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Each Christmas I rejoice in the cards received from previous students, many of whom have their own children!

I am the mother of two lovely girls who have blessed me with four grandchildren. Daughter Amy lives in Ohio and is the mother of twin sons and a delightful girl born just 13 months after the twins arrived.

Daughter Breanna lives in Pennsylvania and is the mother of my first granddaughter. And, as my family moves forward into the New Year, we celebrate an impending birth at the end of April of a bitty baby boy who will bless us. And, my daughter will become a Grandmother, and I will become a Great Grandmother!

Welcome back, Linda!

Lovely to see you set up with such a profound and beautiful opening thread.

>2 drneutron: Thank you for all you do for the 75 challenge groups! You have helped me many times, and I deeply appreciate that!

>3 PaulCranswick: Dear Paul. I look forward to seeing the books you read in 2026. I hope it is a good year for you!!

Beautiful topper, Linda. Wishing you a very happy new year too and look forward to following your reading.

>5 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba. My 2026 plan is to visit threads more often. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi Linda!! I hope I get to see more of you in 2026 and how is it possible you are old enough to be a great-grandmother?!? How fun!! Love your topper. : )

Happy new year, Linda! Looking forward to the new addition to your family along with you :)

Here's hoping that you have a wonderful 2026 Linda!

From your opening post, it sounds like 2026 will be an exciting year for you, Linda. How wonderful to anticipate being a great grandmother!

>10 Familyhistorian: Meg, Interestingly, while I was posting on your thread, you were sending a message on mine! Thank you!

>7 Berly: Kim, my thoughts exactly! It seems like yesterday when Breanna, then two years old came into my life via adoption process. That decision has blessed so many people throughout the years! When grand daughter Kayla and her lovely soul mate Christian, visited on Christmas Eve it was amazed that in a week's time, her belly has expanded. At first she only had a little bump. A recent ultrasound showed a beautiful baby boy.

It was such a beautiful night. After they left, I shed some tears because Will would have loved being a Great Grand Father! He loved Kayla from the first time he held her. He helped shape the beautiful person she is.

>8 bell7: Mary. I recently posted a message on your thread. Congratulations to you on becoming a foster mother. May joys abound!

>9 SandDune: Thanks for stopping by Rhian. I hope 2026 is a wonderful year of reading for you!

>12 Whisper1: You know that I think that adoption is a wonderful thing, since two of my three are. : ) I am just hoping that one day I get to be a grandmother!! Out of my hands. LOL. I think Will will enjoy Kayla's growing family from where he is. ; )

>14 Berly: Adoption/fostering/caring/reaching out in this world to help the innocent are all a part of what makes the world special. Your comment regarding Will brought a smile and warm feelings. You are an amazing person -- no doubt about it!

Happy New Year! I hope it's filled with good books and family joys.

Hi Carrie. Many thanks for visiting. I hope 2026 provides time to read the books you enjoy. I look forward to following your threads in 2026!

Hey Linda! Just jumping in to say that the one great-grandparent I knew was one of the loveliest people in my childhood, and I think of her fondly to this day. What a special relationship you'll have with the new baby...

Happy reading in 2026! Have you starred :)

Happy new thread and new year, Linda. Dropping my star and look forward to following you into the new year!

Hello Linda! What exciting news to become a great grandmother! Happy New Thread and a beautiful new year to you with lots of beautiful reads.

>18 Chatterbox: Suzanne! How good it is to hear from you. When I last checked your thread you were employed in a job you liked. Happy New Year. Do you still suffer from nasty headaches?

>19 figsfromthistle: Anita, yes I am reading a book about Jesus and the political climate in which he lived. How about you? Did you begin to read anything?

>20 jessibud2: Shelley, Happy New Year! I've started to visit some threads for 2026. I'll head over to yours in a bit. Thanks for your message!

>21 elorin: Hi Robyn. Thanks for stopping by. I'm very close to my grand daughter. She was born during an unusual 24 inch snow storm. I stayed with her mother throughout the night as the snow pelted the windows. The sound of the babies heart beat was a wonder to hear! After eleven hours of birthing, she as born via large tongs pulling her in the world.

>22 Whisper1: I am just finishing up the last book for 2025 and have yet to pick the first read for 2026.

Hello! It sounds like a big year for you, wishing you and your family all the best.

Happy new year to you Lynda. Good news to look forward to!

>22 Whisper1: I have "graduated" from migraines (hurray for the CGRP antagonist meds that actually WORK) to lumbar/spinal stenosis. Have been thinking about you, as the orthopedists have been telling me I will need surgery sooner rather than later...

Still at Reuters, and in spite of being burned out this year, still enjoying it, thankfully!

Happy New Year, Linda. Congratulations on the upcoming great-grandmotherhood! I hope 2026 is a good year for you and yours.

I love the Wells quote at the top.

>1 Whisper1: Your post reminds me of the card one of my former student workers sent me this year. She included a photocopy of a clipping from her local paper that talked about the lasting legacy she had created in 15 years of being children's librarian for their regional library. In it she talked about her work in the university and how it confirmed her calling to children's librarianship. I was advisor for a club she started to do children's storytimes in our library for faculty children and students' children. I actually was sad to see the club end after she wasn't around to drive the interest in it, but that's the way a lot of clubs on campus are--there is one person who is passionate--and when they graduate, it struggles for a couple of years before ceasing to exist.

New Year greetings from Kuala Lumpur. My project is at least physically completed and an addition to the city scape.

Look forward to keeping up with you in 2026, dear Linda

Happy New Year, Linda! What an exciting year it will be for you and your family!

Happy new year, my friend!

Karen O

>26 Chatterbox: Suzanne, while each person is different, I often wonder if it was wise to have so many surgeries. In particular, I was very upset when waking from surgery to find C1-2 were fused. I no longer had movement of my head. It was fused forward. I've learned to accommodate it, but still think, I should have been included it that decision.

I advise you to research each and every surgery they propose, asking questions before you go under the knife. While I was in a great deal of pain before the surgeries, I now have comparable pain.

>27 BLBera: Thanks for stopping by Beth.

>28 thornton37814:, Thanks for sending that information regarding your university work. I felt older when I no longer had the students with drive to complete a task, especially a yearbook that takes a year to finish, and the need to stay on top of everything. The last student Editor I had was a disaster. It wasn't how I wanted to end my career, but it was what pushed me to retirement.

>29 PaulCranswick: Paul, I am truly amazed at the work you do, and your artist challenges! WOW!!

>30 Carmenere: Lynda, Interestingly, I know know how my Grand mother felt when I was carrying my biological child. When Amy was born, she gave me the prettiest, special dress. I think I saved it.

I imagine you are looking forward to Will's weeding to a girl you like very much! Please keep us apprised of the progress and how you feel about this wonderful happening. I wish you the very best. And, tears are allowed at a wedding -- and expected.
Much Love!

>31 klobrien2: Karen, I Lost Evangeline (the Norendy Tales) by Kate DiCamillo. What a wonderful, magical book. The author is one of my favorites. This most recent goes on the top of the list, though I like all of her books, this one truly shines! I look forward to visiting your thread regularly and adding some of your recommendations.

>32 Berly: Hi Friend. Your image didn't come through. I am sure it was special.

BOOK#1 READ IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


Eventide by Kent Haruf

This is a writer who takes the reader's breath away with his sparse text of incredible character portrayal and the difficulty of putting one foot in front of the other. Holt, Colorado is a small town with a lot of people who are struggling. Haruf does not shy away from in-depth portrayals of ordinary people living against the odds of finding material satisfaction, and few skills and limited opportunities to make a living.

The characters are sharply drawn, and while it may be the readers first reaction to blame those who live in poverty and cannot find a way out, the author has a wonderful way of telling the stories of those trying to overcome the odds, while helping others in worse condition than they are.

There is redemption in some of the strong, caring people of Holt who care, and help when they can. This is a book that will stay with me a long time.

My first read of 2026 definitely deserves Five Stars.

BOOK #2 READ IN MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


Lost Evangeline by Kate DiCamillo with lovely illustrations by Sophie Blackall

The is a magical, small book that left me smiling at the creativity of the story of a brave tiny give tucked away in a shoe, and found by an elderly shoe maker. He becomes instantly enthralled with the teeny, tiny young girl who happily provides company with a beautiful singing voice and a brave soul.

Alas, as in all fairytale-type stories, there is a bad person. In this case it is the shoemaker's nasty wife who is jealous of teeny Evangeline and sells for for gold coins at the first opportunity she has. When she does not return the shoemaker's calling, he is bereft at knowing she is gone.

Very brave little Evangeline solicits the help of a multicolored cat who has an attitude. She is begrudgedly taken to the sea where she longs for her father, the shoemaker. The cat eventually finds a life on the sea, but soon Evangeline is captured by a mean man who collects and shows curiosities.

Soon she escapes by using her beautiful voice to solicit help from a young boy Timothy. Later, she spends her life on the sea searching for her shoemaker father who misses her terribly.

The illustrations capture the tale very well.

Happy new Year, Linda - may your year be full of happines health and joy - and of course - books.

Happy New Year, Linda. Have a healthy and book-filled 2026. Hooray for Eventide. Haruf was a wonder. We sure miss him.

Hi Linda, and Happy New Year! I wish all good things for you.

>1 Whisper1: Wow. Great grandmother? Congrats to Kayla and Christian and their baby boy. Fantastic news for you and the family.

>14 Berly: Ah, Kim, that’s my wish, too. Daughter Jenna and DiL Hwan have made a few we-might-have-children noises, but nothing is on the horizon given that they just moved to WA last year and are still settling in. It would be Hwan carrying a baby or a surrogacy. Good luck on your grandmotherly aspirations.

Congrats on two books already under your belt this year.

Happy New Year and happy new books!

Happy New Year, Linda!

>35 Whisper1: I loved that book when I read it.

>38 SirThomas: Tom, How good to see a post from you. I am going to try to visit threads more often this year. I was slack in 2025. All good wishes for a bright, happy New Year to you and yours.

>39 msf59: Hi Mark, Oh, no! Kent Haruf died? I'm pretty sure you were the one who directed me to his readings. I readd Plainsong awhile back, and wish I would have followed it soon after with Eventide.

>40 karenmarie: HI Karen. As noted above, I really plan to visit threads more often this year. Thanks for stopping by!

>41 foggidawn: Hi! Thanks for visiting here Karen. Thus far, two days into the new year and I purchased four books today, not counting the ones ordered from Thriftbooks.com that haven't arrived et.

>42 quondame: Hi Susan. 2026 is off to a good start. I look forward to noting what you are reading as I usually add some to my pile...not "some," but a lot!

>43 thornton37814: Hi Lori. Eventide began in a gloomy way, and then as I read more about the lives of the characters, I realized their difficulty in getting ahead with incredible odds stacked against them. And, all the characters were so very rich in detail.

Four books purchased today:



In keeping with my resolution, I will take four books from my shelves and give them to the library tomorrow.

BOOK #THREE IN JANAUARY OF 2026


Jesus Journey: Shattering the Stained Glass Superhero and Discovering the Humanity of God by Trent Sheppard

This is a fascinating look at the life of Jesus, his parents, the political atmosphere under which he was raised and grew into, the way in which the disciples were drawn to him, his journeys, parables and down-to-earth way of reaching people.

All in all, a very interesting book.

BOOK #FOUR READ IN JANUARY 2026


The Mightiest Heart by Lynn Cullen Illustrated by Laurel Long

While posting on Sand Dune (Rhian's) thread, I remembered that we share a Welsh heritage. Then, I went to the pile of illustrated books long overdue to be read because I remembered there was one having to do with a 13th Century Welsh legend honoring Gelert, a very faithful hound who loved his master so much that he gave his life for Prince Llwelyn.

The illustrations of Laurel Long are fascinatingly beautiful, and the story is captivating. From his first awakening as a pup, Gelert was dedicated and devoted to his master. Where ever Prince Lllwelyn went, so went Gelert. Sadly, when he married, his new princess did not want Gelert near them. She complained he made her gown stink, and Llwelyn was led to put aside Gelert.

When a son was born, Gelert wanted to lick the baby's fact, and that certainly was not allowed. All this time, Gelert sadly waited for his master whom he remembered as being so loving.

When blood was thought to be found on the child, Gelert was blamed, only to be discovered that Gelhert saved the baby from a wolf. Too late, saddened Gelhert was gone. Further in the story, we learn that a wolf attacked the prince. Falling to the bank, the Prince felt Gelhert licking his cheek. Later, again, Gelert was gone.

Llwelyn built a stone mound where Gelhert was last seen.

A happy ending occurs when the son of the prince found a baby pup the exact characteristics a Gelhert. This loving story was set in Snowdonia, Wales. This story prompts me to search to see if there is indeed a Snowdonia, Wales.



Five stars for the very stunning illustrations that bring the tale to life!

BOOK #FIVE READ IN JANUARY 2026


Abe Lincoln The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay winters and Nancy Carpenter

This is yet another book that has long been in the closet of illustrated books. Because I have books throughout the house, I forgot that I had a large pile of illustrated books waiting for me to discover!

As the Kirkus Review of this book notes "A moving tribute to the power of books and words."
Born in a log cabin, when he was two years old, he, his little sister, father and mother moved with only a few belongings to a cabin near what was known as the Cumberland Trail. Listening to the stories of the travelers that passed their cabin, Abe had a keen sense that the world was a lot larger than he knew. Thus, at a young age he longed to travel when he grew older.

He learned Bible stories from his mother and listened to jokes his father told. Moving once again, this time to Indiana via crossing the Ohio River, in the wilderness he and his father chopped down he trees in the forest and then claimed a strip of land. As the book notes, there was no cabin and they counted on people in the surrounding areas to help building a liveable dwelling.

Sadly, Abe's mother died in the bitter cold winter. Within a year, his father remarried a widow with three children. This is the first time history shows Abe reading books that his stepmother brought with her. It was here he went to school, adding arithmetic and spelling bees to his knowledge base.

Abe grew weary of the wilderness, and at nineteen, he managed to take a flat boat that carried logs down the river. It was in this traveling experience that Abe saw people of color being sold via an auction block. Intuitively, he knew this just was not right. One person should not be owned by another.

Abbe continued to read and study. In particular, he was interested in law and became a lawyer in the courts. He knew words had the power to change the minds of people, and he grew into politics. Gradually, he ran for President, and because of his love of reading, he was able to win this position via the power of words.

This is a delightful book that can inspire young people to read, and to grow in respect for the beauty of words.

Happy New Year, Linda! What exciting news, with a new great grandson on the way.

Happy New Year, Linda. Wow, you have had a flying start on your reading year. Impressive. I love the drawing and the quote in your topper. So true. If we could just stay in the moment and enjoy each day as a miracle and a gift from God.

I read the Haruf-trilogy some years ago - and loved his writing - so sparse, yet so deep. We had good discussions on his writings here on LT, I remember - good times.

Thanks for recommending "Jesus Journey" - I found out I actually have it on my Kindle - so on to the TBR it goes.

Happy New Year, Linda! What a lovely illustration and spot-on sentiment up top.

I was very happy to see your first featured book be Kent Haruf’s Eventide. I’m a big fan of his books, and this is such a good one. . “This is a writer who takes the reader's breath away with his sparse text of incredible character portrayal and the difficulty of putting one foot in front of the other.” Yes!

I’m also a Sophie Blackall fan. She, as you know, has written and illustrated many of her own books. I was pleasantly surprised to see in your review that she had illustrated a book by the well-known children’s author Kate Dimillo, Brave Evangeline. I’m sure there’s an interesting story behind their joining forces for this one. I shall request it from the library forthwith. i’ll also request Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books. It’s going to be fun to follow along again with your journey through illustrated books. How great that you have a slightly forgotten closet full of them! Someone should write an illustrated book about that.😀

>36 Whisper1: I’m glad you liked Lost Evangeline! I do love DiCamillo’s books.

By the by, you might want want to correct your touchstone—you call it “Brave Evangeline.”

Karen O

>49 vancouverdeb: Not only is there a Snowdonia (Eryri in Welsh) but also a village called Beddgelert (grave of Gelert)!

Five books already!! WOW. And such nice write-ups. Great start to the new year. : )

Linda - Thank you for all the hard work to enter illustrations!

Please check your email...

You're off to a great start in your reading, Linda!

>49 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb, Many thanks for posting on my first thread of 2026. I'll be sure to visit you more often this year.

>50 ctpress: HI Carsten. I'll search for your thread. Thanks for stopping by! I liked the book regarding Jesus because it wasn't preachy. There were a lot of interesting facts that I did not know.

>51 jnwelch: Joe, many thanks for the notation about a new book regarding the history of the atomic bomb. I immediately requested it from my library, and it arrived yesterday. I started reading it today. Wow! This is so very well written and informative. I very much like his thinking and clear way of putting the words on paper in and understandable way.

>52 klobrien2: Thanks Karen. I most likely was tired when I typed the title for Lost Evangeline. I've been busy putting away Christmas decorations. Every year, I tell myself to keep it simple the next year. I made that promise again as I've spent two days taking things down, putting them away in their plastic containers, and lugging them down to the basement.

>53 SandDune: Rhian, many thanks for the information! I am amazed at the knowledge gained from illustrated books.

>54 Berly: Thanks Kim! I'm trying to read more and do less house work.

>55 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne. I'll check my email in a bit. Thanks!

>56 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg.

BOOK NUMBER SIX READ IN JANUARY 2026


Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

This is an excellent young adult book by this Newbery Honor award-winning author. Laura's parents are addicted to drugs. When she is afraid and calls 911, it changes her life dramatically. She is placed in the care of her aunt. Providing stability and love, Laura does not know how to adjust.

Longing for her parents to complete rehab, she finds stability with her aunt difficult. When she makes a friend at her new school, and her aunt allows a puppy in the house, she gradually finds that her life now is very different. When she is told that her parents dropped out of rehab, and placement in her new home may be permanent, she finds life challenging and doesn't know how to adjust and still love her parents.

This is a very poignant look at the difficulties faced when the previous home holds memories, and a new, stable environment become difficult to accept.

Three Stars

Very dear Linda, I'm late to the party, but as usual, your thread is a good one!!! Happy New Year with all the joy of Kayla's baby in April! I'm thrilled for everybody, especially Great-grandmother. You are going to be a great one!

As usual too, I think of you much more often than you know. I can't promise to be around the threads more than I was last year. The older I get, the slower I am. Keep reading and commenting and letting us see those gorgeous illustrations!!!!!

I finally found your thread for the new year. May it be a happy one! It looks like it should be, with the news of a new great-grandbaby. I'm wishing for lots and lots of good for you in this year, since you had such a tough 2025.

You have really started the new year off well, with 6 books read already, and all good ones. The illustrations in The Mightiest Heart are stunning!

>59 LizzieD: Dear Sweet Peggy. Thanks for stopping by. I do understand the limits that are not self imposed as we get older. I vow this year to read more, and visit threads as much as I can. Increasingly, I wonder how much longer I can keep this house. There's more room than I need, and the cost of everything goes higher and higher. But, I will stay here for a few more years at least. As long as energy allows. I really do not know how you did all that you did when you took such good care of your mother. I always marveled at your ability to do as much as you did.

>60 atozgrl: Hi Irene, thanks for stopping by. And, thanks for reviewing my thread. I plan to rest more this year and hopefully that equates to reading more. All good wishes to you for a wonderful 2026!

Happy New Year, Linda!

Hi Linda my dear, i have starred you again and hope to be a more regular visitor this year.

>62 norabelle414: Nora, Thank you for stopping by. I am trying to visit threads more often in 2026.

>63 johnsimpson: Hi John. I will check your thread to see news regarding your health. In the meantime, Happy New Year!

BOOK #SEVEN READ JANUARY 2026


Elly: My True Story of the Holocaust by Elly Berkovits Gross

Dedicated to sharing her story regarding the atrocities of the Holocaust, and in particular experiences at Auschwitz-II Birkenau concentration camp, this well- written book shares experiences sustained by imprisoned.

At age fifteen, her life dramatically changed when the Hungarians and Germans took her to be deported to a terrible series of events. Like others who experienced the brutality of the Holocaust, while outlining her experiences, she also wanted to touch on the positive and the miracles that kept her alive.

Unlike other Jews, she was born with blonde hair and blue eyes. Because she looked like the ayran race, when standing in line, others were taken to the left hand side, and she escaped to the right. By another miracle, she held a knife which she hid by holding it tight against her.

Originally, she was assigned Block 20, with people standing in knee-high rainwater. She miraculously was transferred by Block 18 and there she found her cousins. When Dr. Mengele, called the butcher of Auschwitz; selected children for his experiments, she she taken with other children who were not chosen.

Assigned with three others to peal potatoes, she was able to steal potato skins, thus she became stronger than others. Another miracle occurred when her gums were bleeding profusely from a lack of vitamins, a guard risked his status and life by bring salt to stop the bleeding.

During the Holocaust anyone with a deficiency was immediately taken to the gas chambers. Again and again, the color of her hair saved her life. She was sick and not taken away, in another instance, a soldier tried to take her away and she escaped and hid under the legs of others.

Sadly, though her luck ran out when her parents and brother did not survive. Thus, she was totally alone when freed from the camp. When rescued from camp by Americans on April 14, 1945, she learned her father was beaten to death. Her mother and brother most likely died in the gas chambers of their confinement.

In this descriptive book, she outlines the miracles that saved her, and the terrible atrocities others had to endure. She lived knowing her father was killed while in forced labor. Unlike her miracles, her mother and brother also did not survive While it was a miracle she was part of the group who survived, she had no home, no food and no assets. Sadly, the only living relatives in South America, never replied to her plea for shelter.

When reading, I am always aware of the facts learned that previously were not known. For example, The Oppressed were to run the gas chambers, knowing that in a few weeks, they were replaced, and, it mean sudden death. While she was taught that no Jews revolted, she learned that there was an uprising in the crematorium. I never knew that many who worked in the crematorium took sleeping pills to die. Brave men blew up the structure when dynamite was smuggled inside.

Elly eventually married and she and her husband came to America where her husband's cousins greeted them at the airport, gave them money and something to eat. fed them, and arranged a place to sleep.

Again, Elly counted her blessings of miracles.

Four Stars

BOOK NUMBER EIGHT READ IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb.

This is so well written that I can almost see the bomb exploding over Hiroshima, smell the burning flesh and see the piles of bodies stacked in every accessible place of water. The author is one of the best I've read in a long time. He describes the race to build the bomb amid Hitler's take over of countries as day by day more Jews are killed in the ovens of the crowded internment camps.

It's been awhile since I've been so engrossed in a well-written book that makes science understandable. As many of the German and surrounding countries scientists were Jews, they knew full well that they had to escape immediately. Thankfully, they brought their wealth of knowledge to the United States. They knew without a doubt that their race to build the bomb had to come to fruition before it was in the wrong hands.

One could only surmise what would occur when the bomb landed on Hiroshima. Still, thinking what would happen, and the actuality of the radioactive fall out was unknown, UNTIL, there was no hope for those exposed to lethal radiation. There was nothing that could be done for these unfortunates.

And, left was the horror of people screaming for water, as they no longer had eyes in their sockets. There was no way to save those so badly harmed as scorched earth buried many. There was a strong belief that the bombs had to be used because too many people had died trying to fight and end this bloody war.

In particular, the author spent many chapters listing the scientists involved, the sites where each minute, picky detail had to all come together to create a weapon far more lethal than ever imagined.

Amid the ruble and the screaming, moaning people, there were very few edifices remaining, and as the wind blew, the teetering buildings crumbled into ash.

Col. Paul Tibbets and his twelve men climbed into the B-29, knowing they were about to make history. As the bomb was dropped and the plane shook, not once, but three-four times, there was a huge spectrum of all colors as radioactive chemicals spewed into the atmosphere. In fact, some of the colors were never seen before. And, there was heat, terrible, awful heat. Afterward, there would be rain, rain that was black.

Should the bomb have been dropped? It was a miracle that the secret was kept all the while thousands upon thousands worked tediously to have a part in the final project.

If the end goal was to dismantle the Japanese leader from his lofty place of maniacal killing of too many to be counted, too many countries overtaken, a cruel Batten Death March that needed to have retribution, and, there had to be an accounting for those men who died on US soil innocently at Pearl Harbor, then yes, the bomber called "Little Boy, had to carry a weapon never before used, and then still the Japanese leader didn't give up, so, in a few days, yet another bomb called "Fat Man" had to drop on another target, this one Nagasaki. This World War had to end!!

Yet, Heaven Help Us if the nuclear weapons ever are used again.

I end with a quote form Hirokuni Dazai, chief of police: "The city was afire and the mountains were in flames. Everything was scorched to the ground. Every living thing was blackened and dead -- or waiting to die.

>66 Whisper1: Oddly, just like I am in these troubled times. we both are reading books on pretty heavy subjects! The book I just finished was Coming Up Short by Robert B. Reich.

>66 Whisper1: >67 SqueakyChu: And I have both of those books already on my wishlist. Definitely not easy books for troubled times.

>1 Whisper1: I love that topper3 Congratulations on impending great-grandmotherhood!

>35 Whisper1: I will be reading that one this year too. I am so glad to see you thought it worthy of 5 stars!

>36 Whisper1: I have read several Kate DiCamillo books, but not that one. I will have to see if I can get hold of it.

>45 Whisper1: I love that 'one in, one out' policy. I am trying to do it too - 'trying' being the operative word, lol.

>46 Whisper1: I can get that one through Hoopla. Thanks for the recommendation, lovey!

>47 Whisper1: Those illustrations are beautiful. Thanks for sharing them!

>58 Whisper1: Supposedly my local library has that one, but since it was due last July, I think not.

>65 Whisper1: >66 Whisper1: Adding both of those to the BlackHole!

Sorry it took me so long to get to your thread, lovey.

>68 atozgrl: I actually found Reich's book comforting. Despite the horrors of our times, it was nice to read the principled and moral views of this intelligent man against the unfettered and despicable chaos in our federal government. Now I'm reading Giving Up is Unforgivable by Joyce Vance. This book, too, is comforting in that it is educating me more deeply into American history and shares my own values. I never liked reading books about politics before and find it weird that I am actually seeking them out now. By authors whom I admire, of course.

>70 SqueakyChu: Another book added to the tbr soon pile. Giving Up is Unforgivable is quite a title, and your description compels me to get a copy of this.

>68 atozgrl: Yes, I will read Coming Up Short. I'm heading to the library tomorrow. If it isn't there, I'll ask for interlibrary loan. Thanks for your recommendations Madeline.

Irene, I'm anxious to learn what your impressions are when you read these books.

Hello Whisper. Happy New Year! I'm back this year and hoping to read more be more active on LT. I hope all is well with you. You're the second person I've seen that you read that books on the making of the atomic bomb.

>72 brodiew2: Hi Brodie. Many thanks for stopping by. I'll be sure to visit your thread and drop a star. Happy New Year, and welcome back!

>70 SqueakyChu: Thanks, Madeline, that's really good, and encouraging, to know.

>71 Whisper1: I'm not sure how soon I'll get to either book, as I don't have them yet, and I'm already booked up for the start of the year. But I'll definitely write them up whenever I get to them.

>73 Whisper1:, Irene, books wait for us. They'll be there when you have time. Already, in the month of the new year, I've added more than 100 books to read. I have a very good library, and I usually can find books at a reasonable cost on Thriftbooks.com.

>65 Whisper1: >66 Whisper1: Wow! You are reading some intense books. They both sound good. Not sure I am up for them right now, but will add them to my WL. Happy weekend!

>65 Whisper1: Sounds like a devastating reading, but so important to keep the memory of this atrocity. I wrote an article a few days ago on another Auschwitz survivor - Anne Franks stepsister who died in the beginning of the year - Eva Schloss - 96 years old. How they coped and lived on after the war is also another part of the drama. It took Schloss many years to recover and come to some sort of acceptance of it.

I never forget reading Primo Levis If this is a Man some years ago. The inhumanity of it all.

Looks like you have made a great reading start to the year, dear lady.

Have a great weekend, Linda.

>77 ctpress: Carsten. You are a good writer. I imagine your article was in-depth and important! If This is Man is still on my TBR list since 2012. I own this book - now where to find it is the challenge.

>76 Berly: Yes, I think I'll take a break for a bit and read a novel.

>78 PaulCranswick: HI Paul. Thanks for posting on my thread.

>79 Whisper1: One of my favourite places to be, Linda. You'll always be on my rounds, dear lady.

I'm way behind on your thread, Linda. The beginning of a new year---it's so hard to keep up with everyone! I have Kate Camillo's Louisiana's Way Home on my TBR...hoping to get to it soon. I've enjoyed a couple of her other books.

Linda - check email!

>80 PaulCranswick: BIG Thanks Paul
>81 laytonwoman3rd: Linda. Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors.
>82 m.belljackson: I checked. Thanks for the update!

BOOK #NINE READ MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

When reading this I wondered why I never read it before. Life in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky is hard. Poverty is rampant. The way to learn is passed down in a slow, uneven manner. Women die in childbirth and food is difficult to find. Therefore, when FDR began a Pack Horse Library Project, young, determined Cussy Mary joins the group of women who are willing to follow difficult, or non-existent trails to bring books to those who crave learning to read, and those who can read long for her weekly pick up and drop off of books.

Cussy's mother died, leaving her in the care of her father who works in the dangerous coal mines. Added to the hard life is the fact that Cussy was born with her skin color a shade of blue. "Blues" are seen as beneath others simply because of the color of their skin.

AS the description on the cover notes, "This is a story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman's belief that books can carry us anywhere.

This is a book that I want to tell everyone to read. From the first to the last page, it was packed with information never knew.

Troublesome Creek does exist. There are people who have a rare hereditary condition wherein their blood is blue, leaving the skin to be a shade of light-dark blue.

>47 Whisper1: I love illustrations depicting the medieval era! Thanks for sharing!

>84 Whisper1: I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Looking forward to your thoughts.

>86 Carmenere: Lynda, I could not put it down. I read it in two sittings. I have the next book. I hope to l start that one soon.

BOOK #10 READ IN JANUARY 2026


The Only Plane In The Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 written by Garrett M. Graff

Read it and weep! This is a meticulous, in- depth accounting of horror and bravery of those both on the ground running to escape twin towers who imploded and left balls of fire with near unescapable power, those who were trapped in the World Trade Center, and those who were in the hijacked planes heading toward other specific targets in United States.

This is a oral history written meticulously, containing the voices of those who were trapped and were able to escape, those who were not able to get out, and also those who lost a loved one in the hellish nightmare of non escape in the World Trade Twin Towers in New York City. The author tells the story of four planes highjacked using a plethora of data culled from many sources, including phone calls sent to and from the planes to loved ones who knew they were doomed, firefighters who lived to tell their stories, those whose supreme kindness compelled them to stop and help others who most-likely would not have made it out, but did because of them.

While the major focus was on the occurrences in NYC, the author also includes an excellent, incredibly detailed story of plane three which hit the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and plane #four which, through incredible bravery never made it to the hijackers intended target because some members on that plane were able to thwart the plan of the hijackers and thus the plane hit the ground at Shanksville, PA.

This author is an incredible writer. I felt like I was in the towers, or in the pentagon, or on the plane where a smaller number of people were on board, and faced incredible odds, but were able to stop the hijackers from their destination.

Told from the viewpoint of the families of the brave fire fighters who climbed the stairs up through the smoky, fuel oil incarcerated towers, while others were making their very tired, smoky, treacherous way down the steps.

In a short period of time, air-traffic controllers were able to re-route every plane in the sky, and every plane on the ground that would be carrying other people, but were grounded. They allowed one lone plane containing then President Bush to reach his destination.

I've read many books, and watched documentaries, but have not read a book so very detailed and that included so many people and their stories.

Excellent. Highly recommended.

BOOK NUMBER ELEVEN READ IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


Hiroshima written by Laurence Yep

I own a lot of Young Adult books. I began reading this Young Adult books because of a wonderful former member of the 75 Challenge Group of Library Thing.com. Sadly, now deceased Anita Famultsee's thread reflected a lot of this unknown to me genre.
She shared with me her love of books that taught her a lot and were excellently written.

Since that time in 2008 when the group began, I've collected man books that Anita recommended. Then, through book sales and libraries, I purchased entire bookcases of YA. When Barnes and Noble devoted an entire section to YA, I knew it was a genre containing many exciting, subject-drive books.

Hiroshima is a small book containing many facts about the horror that occurred to people living in Hiroshima, Japan the morning of August 6, 1945. As pilot Colonel Tibbets flew the B-29 heavily- laden plane carrying 4000 to 16,00O pounds of a specially developed bomb, he found a whole in the clouds wherein he could unleash a never-before detonated load of an atomic bomb. The target of land contained a heavily concentrated population.

Inside the bomb, one uranium atom hit another, and as the particles smash into more atoms, more continue to split. Never before was there an occurrence like this.

While other areas in Japan were previously bombed, this area was saved so scientists had a clear place to gauge the damage that would occur. However, they knew very little of the black rain that would fall like oil from the sky, and the power of nuclear fall out that burnt the skin off those exposed. There were approximately 320,000 people in Hiroshima that fatal morning.

In a flash, the buildings of wood and paper were immediately incinerated. The blinding light is stronger than the sun, with this is the sound of huge banging, a horrific wind as buildings, windows are leveled with the ground.

Told in simple terms, this is a book for young and older adults.

3.5 Stars

>87 Whisper1: looking forward to your thoughts on his one. I have not read it. I fear sequels not being as good.

>87 Whisper1: Hi Lynda, thanks for stopping by. I hope to read The Bookwoman's Daughter soon.

>89 Whisper1: Hope you can find If this is a Man in your book stacks :) you sure have begun the year with some heavy traumas and stories, Hiroshima, Holocaust, 9/11 - very interesting reviews, Linda - especially The Only Plane In The Sky - it's on the book streaming service I subscribe to so I might give it a try.

>35 Whisper1: I will have to see if the library has a copy. Your wonderful review convinced me!

Happy weekend!

>92 ctpress: Hi Carsten, Thanks for stopping by. I've been looking for If This is Man throughout some of my stack. Thus far, no luck. I am sure my library has it, so I'll check there.

>35 Whisper1: This is a good book, written by a wonderful author. I believe Mark is the one who set me on the path of this writings.

BOOK NUMBER 12 READ IN JANUARY 2026


A Marriage At Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst

Maurice and Maralyn decided to sell their house and all possessions to build a boat, and then set sail for a trip in the Pacific ocean. Things are going well until a huge, bloodied whale put a hole in their boat. Fortunately, they were able to grab navigational instruments and call goods before changing into a life raft.

Packed full of adventure and uncertainty if they would survive, I read most in one sitting. Adrift for 117 days, alone with very little chance of rescue, at times, they are able to catch fish and kill them to eat, other than that, all is lost.

Malnourished, skin that was eaten away by infection, suppurating sores on Maurice's skin, lead to little hope of survival. Still, these two tenacious people hung on for hope of rescure.

Highly recommended!

BOOK #13 READ JANUARY 2026


Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Doreen Rappaport with illustrations of Kadir Nelson

This is my second book regarding Abraham Lincoln read this month. Both writing and illustrations are a winning team. This is a tremendous eye-catching book accompanied by an award-wining author. As the illustrator notes, Lincoln is placed high on a historical pedestal.

The power of Abe's life was manifold. He was born poor, impacted by many life-changing experiences. His beloved mother died when he was nine. His father was a caring man who married a woman who was a tremendous mentor to Abe and encouraged his love of reading and learning.

Born in the slave state of Kentucky, in the wilderness, he learned to hunt and plant seeds to grow. Later, the family moved too the free state of Indiana where deep in the wilderness he heard the sound of bears and panthers. Then, another move to New Salem, IL. where he heard lawyers use words to gain justice of plain folks. Their voices meshed with his and spoke to him, thus this began the seed of becoming a lawyer.

Traveling along the Mississippi River on a raft, and using a pole for navigation, it was in New Orleans where Abe saw twelve negroes chained together. He immediately knew in his heart that this was very wrong. He became a lawmaker and ran for Illinois state legislature, While he didn't win, people had the opportunity to hear, and like what he said.

Running again, he won known as "Honest old Abe." His writing and oral speaking contained wit and sense:

Resolve to be honest in all events
and if you cannot be an honest lawyer,
resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.
Choose some other occupation!"

Again, at this time he continued to feel very strongly that slavery was very wrong. There were almost four million men, women, and children enslaved in southern states. Wherever he spoke, it was against slavery, calling it a great evil.

When he ran for President, slavery grew , causing tension between the North and South. He had no choice but to know something had to happen. And, now the North had to fight the South in the hope of bringing back one Union. In his third year of presidency, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed freed three million slaves. Again, he strongly proclaimed:

I Never, in my life
felt more certain that I was doing right
that I do in signing this paper.
My whole soul is in it!

As the war continued, and war broke apart the nation, he went to Gettysburg battlefield and wrote why men sacrificed their lives"

Four score and seven years ago
our fathers brought forth his continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty,
and dedicated to the proposition
that all men are created equal

Years later, the South finally surrendered.

On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot; he died the next morning.

>84 Whisper1: I enjoyed that one when I read it a few years ago.

>96 Whisper1: - Ooo, I might request this from the library just for Kadir Nelson's art!

>97 thornton37814: Lori, I also liked it a lot, and found the facts included in the book were very interesting.
>98 jessibud2: Shelley, you are right! Kadir Nelson is an incredible artist.

>96 Whisper1: Wow, that is amazing art.

Happy Sunday, Linda. You have been busy with the books. Some fine and heavy reading there. I also really enjoyed The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek & A Marriage At Sea.

>98 jessibud2: >99 Whisper1:
Saw recently that Kadir Nelson has a new book out on Basketball!

Also, the AARP magazine has a one column feature on EASTON!
If you don't subscribe, I can send it.

>100 ursula: Here is a representation of some of his books:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=7XN%2F63u4&id=3489...

>101 msf59: Hi Mark. I am happy in my reading. We've had three solid days of snow. Fortunately, my neighbors are shoveling my walks and driveway. After two years of relatively calm winters, this year we are hit hard. It is pretty, but, naturally, I am concerned about my grand daughter driving to work tomorrow. She teaches at a child care center and needs to be there.

>102 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne,

Thanks for letting me know about the AARP magazine. I believe I have a copy. I'll look through it tonight. I'm glad you have the opportunity to see the area where I live. A lot of work is being done to update the downtown area. There also are a lot of artists who have space in some of the buildings. There's a used bookstore and coffee house, a high-end furniture store, a sewing center that repairs machines and sells them, there is a building dedicated to Carola crayons that contains a lot of activities for children to do, with an attached store where kids can hit their parents up to buy lots and lots and lots of stuff.

There are two libraries as well. One is downtown, the other that I visit often is in the area of Palmer Township, which is the area where I live.

There is also a diverse population, and a good school system.

Here is the cover of Kadir Nelson's book on The Black League of Baseball. A friend of mine told me about her father's experiences when he was a player in that prestigious league.

Here are some of Kadir Nelson's incredible works:

>105 Whisper1: - I own that book and that is the one that got me started following this incredibly talented artist

BOOK #14 READ IN JANUARY 2026



Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

This award-winning book is for any young adult who is experiencing dramatic change in their life and trying their best to fit in a new environment.

Jude moved from Syria to America with her mother. Leaving behind a father and older brother, so many things feel out of place and too new. In addition, Jude's mother is pregnant. As they adjust to live in Cincinnati with relatives, everything seems exceedingly different.

Leaving behind her brother who is fighting against the volatility in Syria, Jude and her mother worry about him, and the events occurring in their country. Naturally, adjustment in school is difficult. And, Jude's mother also must adjust to child birth without her husband, and a whole new way of living with her brother and his wife and child.

While overall, I liked the writing style, I felt the character of Jude was a little too perfect. In addition, while there was a great deal of writing regarding Jude and her mother's adjustment, there was far too little character development regarding the feelings of a family who has to adjust to new people in their house.

3 Stars

BOOK #15 READ IN JANUARY 2026


Terrible Things by Eve Bunting with illustrations of Stephen Gammell

I've read many books by this author, and she never fails to disappoint. A story for children using animals to exhibit an allegory regarding the holocaust and what occurred there when there was a lack of standing up for others until it was too late. Using an adaptation of the poem by Martin Niemoller, a German, Lutheran pastor who in 1946 wrote about this very thing.

In this book, animals are used regarding forest creatures who do not speak up until it is too late.

Highly creative, and well worth reading to a young person who would understand the meaning of the story.

BOOK #16 READ IN JANUARY 2026


The Beatitudes From Slavery to Civil Rights by Carole Boston Weatherford with beautiful artistry of Tim Ladwig

Bringing the subject of the journey of blacks, as the title states, from slavery to civil rights, this book with incredibly, artistically rendered images follows the words of the biblical Beatitudes to point the way to the tragedies that were suffered as a result of racial oppression.

Reminding all who read these examples of when God was with people in need, portraying both in image and text, this is a beautiful book.

Examples from the Beatitudes include:

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God

Examples used artistically to accompany some of the Beatitudes include:

BOOK #17 READ IN MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


The Lion and the Unicorn by Shirley Hughes

Last month, I found a pile of illustrated books in a closet. This one was included. It is a beautiful story with excellent illustrations. When WWII begins, Levi's father must go off to fight. Telling his son to be brave, he gives him a brass medal of a lion and a unicorn. He tries to be brave when he and his mother experience bombs dropped on their street. Levi's mother moves him to a large house in the countryside.

He tries to be brave when he moves and does not know anyone, when he is picked on and bullied, and when the house appears too large. He finds solace in a walled in garden that contains a unicorn high on a pedestal. The lion looks like him, lonely and afraid. One day, he sees a man who uses crutches because of part of his leg is missing.

They become friends and the man helps him to feel better. In addition, one of the maids watches over Levi and befriends him. She doesn't make fun of him, neither do his friend in the garden where the unicorn resides. Still, when alone at night, he sees black shadows of a growling animal. At times he wets the bed. He is made fun of for this, which adds to his loneliness.

He decides to run away and find his mother and home. While walking with his suitcase in the dark, he images many dark things that could harm him. When he found the door to the walled garden, he pushed it and felt better when he saw a unicorn that was moving gently. He fell asleep with the unicorn for protection.

In the morning, the unicorn was back on the pedestal. When he walked out and down the path, he saw his mother coming to pick him up and take him to Wales where his father could visit when on leave.

>111 Whisper1: That looks lovely, Linda.

>Paul, At times, it is easy to forget all that Europe went through during WWII. Many years ago, I found a book dealing with the subject of the Kindertransport, Wherein many throughout England, I even though they were suffering from nightly bombing attacks, brought children from other countries where the war was very brutal. Tigers in the Attic is a good book regarding this subject.

I liked The Lion and the Unicorn. The descriptions of walled in gardens where everything sounded and felt quiet, and a space where a lonely little boy could find solace.

>113 Whisper1: There is some tremendous fiction based on the experiences of evacuees, Linda. Nina Bawden's Carrie's War stands out for me in this regard.

>106 Whisper1: That art is stunning, Linda. What a run of good books! Thanks for sharing the art in the picture books.

>111 Whisper1: this book has beautiful artwork, Linda. The fantasy element is well displayed in the colors, and the historical time frame feels lived in through the style.

I loved reading picture books to my children when they were young. Over the years I've always considered staying up on picture books, but have never done it. This is part of why I love your page. I think I may make a visit to the library and get a few.

>111 Whisper1: Hi Paul, I've added Carrie's War to the TBR pile. I'll check if my library has it, if not, I'll purchase a copy.

>115 BLBera: Beth, Like you, we are having some very cold days and nights. I spent serious time reading. The house work suffered, but I'd rather read books.

>116 brodiew2: Brodie, Thanks for stopping by. I remember reading to my oldest daughter Amy. I remember her laughter. I can close my eyes and still her the beautiful sound of her soft giggle. Thanks for your kind comment about my page.

BOOK #18 READ IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


A Blessing of Peace by Welleran Poltarnees

This is the second book I've read by this author. This book contains images that reflect upon the title. Using various images taking from books, paintings, and poetic renderings, he shows incredibly beautiful full-page images.

I have a specific book case containing my favorite illustrated books. This will have a prominent place on the beginning shelf.
Here are some of the images reflected in the book, following by a listing of the source where he found them.

I posted but a few from the book, I highly recommend you find the book, take time to slowly reflect on the beautiful images inside.
The author has many other books regarding various subjects. I'll be sure to obtain them. To date, I only have two books.



1) Dust Jacket "Above the Clouds at Sunrise", Frederick Edwin Church
2) "Church at Labaside", Henri-Jean-Guilaume, Martin
3) "Moonlight 1913," Carlsen, Emil
4) "Under the Birches, Evening, 1842," Rousseau, Theodore
5) "Morning in the Mountains 1822," Friedrich, Caspar David
6) "An October Day, 1889," Homer, Winslow

BOOK #19 READ IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


God's Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams with illustration of LeUyen Pham

Lovely illustrations lead the way through this special book. Beginning with the question what do we personally dream about in our loveliest of dreams, then asking what we believe what God dreams for us.

The answer in the book is the God dreams about people caring, that we reach out and hold one another's hands and laugh with one another's hearts.

There is no forcefulness in God's dream. Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams believe each of us carries a piece of God's heart within us, and hen we love one another the pieces of God's hear are made whole. Our difference in color, height, and all the other differences there are should bring us together rather than tearing us apart.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had the honor of meeting Bishop Tutu and his lovely wife, Leah, a week before he received word of winning the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize. At that time, I was employed at a non-denominational retreat center that led programs that were way ahead of time. When the church was slamming the doors on men and women who were gay, divorced or separated, we held uplifting programs where people could share their stories, and perhaps find some peace in what felt open to be who they were.

We were fortunate to have Bishop Tutu and his wife, Leah, leading, a group focusing on world peace. And, unlike the time of hatred we seem to be living in, he radiated a sense of calm and peace. I know it may sound too righteous for some, but honestly, when he held my hands to say hello, it felt radiant. I still remember that interaction and his laugh that was spirit filled.

>118 Whisper1: That looks beautiful. And just what we need in these troubled days. Adding it to Mt. TBR.

>120 atozgrl: Irene, I found this book on thriftbooks.com for a very reasonable price. It arrived pristine. A Blessing of Peace is stunningly beautiful.

Lots of tempting looking and sounding books on here, Linda, but I'm trying to get through my own stacks of books in spite of all the library books I bring home.

>121 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda. I had checked Thriftbooks, but it was out of stock there. I'll have to wait until it is back in.

>84 Whisper1: Dodging that BB as I have already read that one :)

>88 Whisper1: >95 Whisper1: Already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again.

>118 Whisper1: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, lovey!

Have a wonderful weekend!

BOOK #20 READ IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026


The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff

Long on my book shelf, I decided to read this one because I own many of her other book. Marta Nederman nearly died during and after her time in a Nazi concentration camp. Imprisoned because she worked with the Polish resistance, she finds Paul, who is an American soldier.

She was scheduled to meet Paul after an airplane trip that unfortunately never made its destination. Pregnant and alone , she must find a way to go forward. When she meets a kind British diplomat, she knows he isn't the love of her life as Paul was, but he seems nice and he is helpful.

I liked the book because it focused on life after WWII when so very much of Europe was trying to rebuild and pull the pieces of an upside down life together. I like the focus on Marta's strength and determination to go on with life even though it didn't seem to be an easy path to a new life after loss.

I didn't like the book because it was too rambling, and at times felt over dramatized and trite. Though, I liked it enough to read more of the author's books sitting on my book shelf.

Linda -

RADIANT CHILD,
One of the Best Illustrated Books Ever created,
was sent to daughter's father for Birthday =

Save your spare change for this one!!!

Hi Marianne. I am snow bound. It began last night and hasn't stopped. Once again, I am ever so glad that I am a reader, and of course, have plenty to read. I read Radiant Child awhile ago. I never heard of this artist, and I was amazed at his life and works. Once again, we are on the same reading track.

I hope you are warm. They haven't plowed the street where I live. The main roads are where the help is needed the most.

Linda - Love to see your Review of Radiant Child =

for now, I'm reading GOOD TALK by Mira Jacob, which is amazing in a different way.
and looking for her first book, The Sleepwalkers Guide to Dancing on Thrift.;

meanwhile in love with her two main male real life characters, son Z and husband JED Rothstein!

>118 Whisper1: Oh wow! How breathtaking!

Happy rest of the week.

Linda - check email for PA and Sun Prairie Groundhog celebrations!

LINDA - one more!

In Honor of both of us nearly completing LIVING JUDAISM,
my daughter gave me a copy of Hanukkah Bear,
a wildly illustrated one you may already have...?

Sure hope you are feeling a lot better, with family and friends to
keep you and pets warm and happy.

BOOKS READ THUS FAR IN FEBRUARY 2026

BOOK #TWO READ IN FEBRUARY OF 2026



An honest look at the social work system, those who are in the case loads, and those who work in very difficult, up-hill-battles to keep a sense of normalcy in under under privileged lives.

Told from the perspective of thirteen year old Genesis, this is an accurate portrayal of a system that tries against all odds to remove a child from a terrible home life and provide some sense of normalcy of people who care.

3.0 Stars

Snow, snow, snow packed in the yards, in the driveways, along the highways and more to come this weekend.
While it is difficult to see so much of, it is good reading weather.

Today, it wasn't as bitter cold as other days, the sun was out, and I was able to get some groceries, go to the bank, and take books back to the library.

Once again, my wonderful neighbors pitched in and helped each other. Just when I told a neighbor that unlike when I was a child, we went out and earned money by shoveling sidewalks, and that doesn't seem the case these days, two young men knocked on my door, shovels in hands and asked if they could help me. They said I could pay them however much I think they earned, after they were finished. Wow! what a great way for me to change my perception. They worked very hard at clearing the driveway and sidewalks.

Later, friends/neighbors Bill and Andres used their snow blowers to get my car out of the huge pile of snow in the parking space in front of my house.

And, more is forecasted for this coming weekend. Neighbor Andres works on the grounds crew of a local college. He is outside most of the day in the wind and freezing cold. My mind is on him a lot during these nasty days when the wind is blowing and temps are in the low teens. Tonight, it is 12 degrees. With colder weather for tomorrow.

I am very fortunate to have such wonderful, caring neighbors.

Hi, Linda. I’m kicking myself for how far I’ve fallen behind.

What an eexcellent review of Elly: My True Story of the Holocaust. Adding it to my TBR. Imagine working the nightmare crematorium, knowing your turn is soon.🙁. I wonder whether the lacknof fighting back, as futile as it might have been, contributed to the persistent aggressiveness of Israel. I imagine it did.

I’m so glad you loved Book Woman of Troublesome Creek! Great book. I found it shocking (and probably shouldn’t have) that hatred of a different color would carry over to blue. How absurd is that? Sounds like something cooked up in a Star Trek episode.

Like you, I love the art of Kadir Nelson. Thank goodness for the New Yorker highlighting the work of artists like him.

I remember the moving Terrible Things well. My wife Debbi used to include it in her storytelling. IMO, it should be taught in every school.

I hope the winter is treating you all right. We’re getting a welcome warmup here this weekend, and travel to a warmer climate, Costa Rica, for fun in a week.

>135 jnwelch: Hi Joe, please do not kick yourself for falling behind. It happens to many of us. Real life occurs and there are needs to address.

Once again, you and I are on the same page regarding books read, and artists we enjoy. I'm reading more non-illustrated books this year. Every room in the house has books, and it is time to reach for more of them. I took two bags of books to the library yesterday. Moist of them were books purchased spur of the moment at book sales years ago. Now, my reading choices have changed, and I'm happy to give away books to others who may enjoy them.

All good wishes for a wonderful time in Costa Rica. How I envy you. As I write it is one degree outside. It is difficult to remember a previous year of snow and bitter cold similar to this year.

BOOK #THREE READ IN MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026


The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman

I was hooked on the books of Alice Hoffman years ago when I first read Second Nature. In my opinion, no one does magic realism as well as this author.

Ivy is a rebellious teen with parents who do not understand her. When she becomes pregnant by a boy who wants nothing to do with her, or the baby, she runs away with a friend to a community in Western Massachusetts. All, seems well, especially when Joel Davis, the leader of the group notices her and claims her for his after his wife died.

Ivy has the baby she carried when she found the community. Now, Mia isn't "her" baby, but is claimed by Joel to be a child of the entire group. The rules are incredibly strict, and set forth by Joel. Ivy learns that all is not well when she tries to have more interaction with her baby, Mia. While working in the fields of apples, Ivy finds
a lovely library. Forbidden by Joel, reading soon is added to the list of non acceptable.

This is the area historically filled with the excellent American writers, in particular Nathaniel Hawthorne. Mia visits the Manse, the house where he and his wife Sophie Peabody lived years ago. Filled with romance and the beauty of works, Mia cannot help but crave more and more.

When her mother suspiciously dies, Mia carefully slips away. Throughout her life, Joel seeks Mia, hunting her in a scary manner, though she remains carefully protected by the town's librarian. Ivy is enthralled with Hawthorne's well-known book, The Scarlet Letter finds her as Hawthorne becomes a magical, living, breathing mentor.

I very much liked this book as I first learned of Hawthorne and the other well-known American Literature writers when I attended a class in college. When an adult, I often visited the area, filled with the lure of literature, magic and the nearby area of Salem, Massachusetts known for the famous witch hunts. The House of the Seven Gables is located in this area as well.

Hawthorne's well-known book The Scarlet Letter plays a large part in this book. While I've read most of Alice Hoffman's books, this one is near the top of the list.

4.0 Stars

>134 Whisper1: I must say that I wish I had such caring neighbors. It took me 5 excursions outside to clear my driveway. I was fortunate it was the light fluffy variety with no ice underneath. I just don't have the stamina I used to have. (At one time I could have done the entire drive in one time.) This time I'd do 20-30 minutes and then go inside to warm up and rest. The cats would all three pile on top of me. Then I'd have to removed them so I could go back outside. I repeated this process until I was done. At least the cats realized I needed to be warmed up!

Linda - Check your email for Shohola, Pennsylvania!

>138 thornton37814: Lori, I am very fortunate to have some great neighbors. Though, I've learned the very hard way, which people to avoid. The good apples by far out weigh the one bad one.

I like to bake. I cannot possibly eat all I bake, so I give a lot away. One night, as I was leaving the house to make deliveries, I heard Will laugh and, on the phone, tell his cousin "Linda cannot talk right now, she is out making the neighbors fat."

I know full well that I would not be able to live here without my wonderful friends. They provided tremendous emotional support when Will was so very ill, and I was not alone, my neighbors were with me throughout the day and night when Will was passing.

They helped move our furniture when a hospital bed and breathing machine were delivered. Every one was incredibly sensitive. Andres and his wife, Jessie, were in and out as one watched their son, and the other was here. Simultaneously, a wonderful neighbor and friend knew when I knew the moment Will was passing. It was so very beautiful to feel the love they gave to him as he made his journey home.

>139 m.belljackson: Hi Marianne, so good to see a message from you. I'll check my email account.

>140 Whisper1: You are fortunate. Everyone out where I live seems to keep to themselves.

>142 thornton37814: Lori, certain sections of the development are very friendly, but in talking to some people they say that they also wish their section of the development was as friendly and mine. It's been a bitter cold winter. When it is spring and summer, some of us get together for a glass of wine and a meal we all contribute to.

I am well aware of how blessed I am. Today, I ventured out to get some groceries. Before, leaving, I called some that I know are staying inside to ask if they needed anything. That netted one request for a six pack of beer, and another for a large bag of oranges. I also distributed some muffins shaped in hearts that I baked yesterday. I wish you did live in an area where there is help with shoveling. I understand how difficult that is.

BOOK #FOUR READ IN FEBRUARY 2026


Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

The author wrote text based on a real-life cleansing of Jews. Although the names used in the pages of the book are fictional, the story was inspired by actual events that took place during WWII.

By 1939, Hitler took over Czechoslovakia. Reinhard Heydrick was one of Hitler's top favorites and he was deemed to be the "protector of Czechoslovakia." He was known to be one of the most brutal of Hitler's henchmen. Heydrick was a developer of the "Final Solution" to rid all Jews throughout Europe.

When resistance fighters made a plan to assassinate Heydrick, their attempt failed. Though he incurred wounds, he did not die in this attempt to kill him. Hitler was in a fit of rage that resisters would even attempt such a thing. Seeking revenge, he believed there was a tie between the resisters, and a tiny town of Lidice was targeted to pay. Women and men were separated as men were led to Kladno (a small town nearby,) where 173 men and teenaged boys were brutally killed.

The women and children were sent to camps except for a small group of children whose features were measured, and deemed to have Aryan standards. Eva, the main character in this book, had silky blonde hair and blue eyes. Her nose was measured as well as all other features. She and a smaller group were kept separate from their mothers, and sent to an area where they were groomed to be perfect German children.

Titled "Lebensborn centers, young girls were given German names and strictly taught how to be a perfect German child. There were programs with this title throughout the war. Of the total of 105 Lidice young girls, only 17 survived. Very little is written about this program wherein the children were kidnapped and trained to know the Nazi philosophy regarding the perfect race.

The women, were sent to a particularly savage woman's center named Ravensbruck. Those who were too weak to work were cremated at the Furestenberg crematorium

To add to the brutality, Eighty-eight children from Licide who were not deemed fit for the teaching to be German children, were taken to Poland. After six children were selected as fit for the program, all others were all taken by van and killed with poisonous gas.

Of the total of 500 citizens of the original town of Lidice, 340 innocent people were killed.

Like many, when reading about the Holocaust and learning of the utter barbarity and various means taken to rid Jews, I feel sick. How can we even attempt to know what occurred. The mind cannot think of such utter terror.

The book mentions a site to visit for obtaining more information:

www.licide-memorial.cz

Click on the British flag icon for the English version of the website.

I'm taking a break from reading about the Holocaust and will continue with my large project of making some semblance of order to the books throughout the house.

I left the house today to go to the library and to obtain some groceries. While it was cold, it wasn't as cold as previous days.

BOOK #FIVE READ IN FEBRUARY 2026


Words With Wings by Nikki Grimes

A Coretta Scott King Award winning book. Gabby has a learning disability that is very creative, but happens to get in the way of her focusing. She sees images and her mind follows along wherever it leads taking her through landscapes of colors. varying shapes and always beginning and ending in daydreams.

Highly intelligent, because she cannot stay rooted in one image, she does poorly in school and is bullied and made fun of. She is poetic and writes her thoughts, especially when a new teacher understands how bright she is and works with her, and the class to follow their daydreaming thoughts for one subject each day.

This exercise empowers Gabby to feel special, learning her creativity when it is prescribed in a specific way helps her focus.

The poems in this book are beautiful, inspiring and helps both Gabby and others understand her impediment is not bad, it simply needs to be channeled in a specific way.

3.5 Stars

>146 Whisper1: That sounds like a book for Every 4th grade classroom!

Message sent back to you on the Nonfiction thread.

And - check your email!

And, one more, can a photo be sent to your email to post on your thread?
(Not sure how this works...and sure hope you are well enough to handle this day!)

BOOK #SIX READ IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026



The-Heaven-Earth-Grocery-Store By James McBride

This is my first book read by James McBride. He is talented, and a very good writer, however, I think this book was too rambling. While the descriptions are good, again, they go on and on and on.

It is a good book regarding the amalgamation of different colors and beliefs coming together to try to meld.

Set in the small town of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, which truly does exist.

>148 Whisper1: I think I liked it a bit more than you did.

>19 figsfromthistle: Lori, I tried to like it, but I thought it was repetitive.

Stopping by to bring a good friend Valentines wishes. xx

I hope you had an enjoyable Valentines, Linda.

Hi Linda, my first book by McBride was and remains The Color of Water. It was his memoir and was exceptional, in my opinion. I have tried to read several of his other titles and none have grabbed me, unfortunately.

>148 Whisper1: I'm sorry you didn't like this one more. It was one of my top reads in 2024.

>151 PaulCranswick: Hello good friend. I had a wonderful day with my grand daughter, now seven months pregnant. She is a small peanut. She weighed 103 when she became pregnant, she now gained 50 pounds.

We bought baby clothes, some clothes for Kayla, and had lunch. Her birthday is tomorrow. How I love her!!

>152 vancouverdeb: Thanks for stopping by Deb!

>153 jessibud2: Yes, I agree that The Color of Water was his best to date.

154 Irene, I tried to continue reading this book three times, it simply did gel with me. I'm glad you liked it!

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