Mdoris (Mary) reads in 2026 #1

Welcome to my thread for 2026.

Hello, my name is Mary. I live in Comox, on Vancouver Island. I have been a member of LT since 2011 and I love it here. It is great to see what people are reading, to follow threads and to make new friends. I am a slow reader (it will be a miracle to reach 75!).

Almost all my books are from the library. I love cookbooks and do get lots of them too but do not list them in my grand total count. I do love non fiction, reading and trying to make sense of the crazy things happening in our world but can't resist a great novel too!

I have 4 daughters who have all flown the coop. They are all living far away and they now have little ones. Now I am Gramma to 9, 4 boys and 5 girls. I was passionate about kids' books when our kids were little and still read lots of the newly published ones too. I am a retired Speech/Language Pathologist and loving retirement.

WELCOME! Please come and visit!

2025 was a good reading year for me! Fingers crossed for 2026!

Best reads for 2025 in no particular order and it was a very difficult decision to make as I read lots of wonderful books!

The Sea Runners by Ivan Doig.
Ripeness by Sarah Moss
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton nf
The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clark nf
The Elements by John Boyne
A Truce that is not Peace by Miriam Toews nf

Welcome back, Mary!

>3 drneutron: Thank you Jim. You are THE BEST!

Great to see you back, Mary, and I agree that Jim is the best!

Thank you Paul!

Nice to see your thread, Mary. I'll be following along.

Glad you're taking another year with the 75'ers, Mary. Looking forward to another year of book-sharing.

>7 Familyhistorian:, >8 ctpress:, Hi Meg and Carsten. I signed up early for '26, 75 Book Challenge, as we are now on a road trip (a long one) to visit our daughter and family in Fernie. So it is a very full 2 days drive for us with dog and tonight we are half way there. Traffic was pretty good (although Vancouver is insane!) and we did the lower highway 3 route in the interior.. Gorgeous drive through the mountains covered in snow. Anyway I thought I might be out of commission for a bit as I have grand-daughters 7 and 5 to dote on after arrival.

Happy New Year to you both and wishing you wonderful reading and good health in 2026!

(It is unlikely that I will ever got to the magic #75 and I know you both have done so this year. Well done!)

Happy almost new year!

>10 figsfromthistle: Hello Anita. I will be following your reading in '26 and wish you a great year and wonderful year of reading. I love all your descriptions of growing and processing and upkeep to your amazing property. I think you have a lot of energy!

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

>12 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, what a stunning building that is! You must feel very proud. Wishing you and family all the best in 2026 and I look forward (very much) to keeping up with you too! xx

>13 mdoris: Thank you, dear Mary.

Enjoy your time with you grandchildren and family Mary and safe travels home! Happy New Year and New Thread.

It's a good idea to start the New Year with family - hope you'll a good travel home. Happy New Year, Mary.

>2 mdoris: I love seeing these lists! I will have to look into the ones that I have not already read.

Happy New Year, Mary!

Happy New Year, Mary. I love your "best of" list. I also loved Ripeness and The Elements. Raising Hare is on my WL.

>14 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, Wow you are such an amazing reader that you have probably polished off one or two already!

>15 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. It is so so cold here and gorgeous too. There are many dogs about. It is a very doggy place I am told. There is a river nearby that wanders through the city, quite wild for wonderful dog walks. There is even a scraping of the ice on the river so skaters can play. I am thinking that Loki is perplexed by her very cold paws when we are out for walks. I bundle up and P is skiing. He used to ski racer in France so am imagining his muscles are reminded about what to do! It is so fun to be with the grands. They are 7 and 5 and it is like watching bear cubs!

>16 ctpress: Hello Carsten. I think you are starting out the New Year with family too! Agree that is a good plan! It will be a long drive back home and just hoping the weather co-operates.

>17 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I love lists too and it is so great at this time of year to see what people identify as favourites on L.T.

Did you see this "list of lists" on my previous thread? It is an amazing one amd I look at it every year in December and January to help with my reading plans.

https://largeheartedboy.com/2025/11/17/essential-and-interesting-best-books-of-2...

>18 BLBera: Hello Beth. I have done a "favourite" on your list and will try to read many! I like following your thread with the Scout stories and your wonderful reading choices! I think you will love Raising Hare. We did a tour of downtown Fernie yesterday. It is a small place about 3 city blocks with very good stores and galleries. In one was a painting of about 5 hares and beccause I had read the book I knew it was hare and not a rabbit. I recommended the book to the gallery owner and hope she reads it. I would like to visit the library here before I leave. It is in a stunning old building!

Happy New Year, Mary. Wishing you a healthy, book-filled 2026. I love your top 6 reads. I also really enjoyed 4 of those titles. Sweet!

>21 msf59: Hi Mark. Yes it is sweet! I get lots of great reading ideas from your thread! All the best to you and family in '26. I look forward to your photos posted of Jackson. He sure is changing fast so fun to see!

>19 mdoris: Fernie sounds wonderful , Mary! I am glad you are enjoying yourself so much. I was marking the calendar this evening, I realized Melissa will be 8 and Miles 6 this year. It's hard to believe. Wow, P a former ski racer . Your family is so athletic.

Your time in Fernie sounds like fun, Mary. I hope the drive back goes smoothly.

>23 Berly: Hello Kim, and a very Happy New Year to you too!

>24 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, Fernie is a looooong drive away and the driving through Vancouver was insane, so busy, so fast and such tail gating. I am now a small town girl! Me too, I have been adding the birthdates on the calendar and amazing to see how the little ones are growing up!

>25 Familyhistorian: Hello Meg, We had a wonderful time in Fernie. It is a gorgeous place in a valley surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. We had such good weather too so could see the vistas. Hope you had a good holiday break too.

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves



This was another Ann Cleeves mystery completed. It took me to the Orkney Islands a place I visited years ago with daughter #2 who was studying in Edinburgh, so the historic places described were places I was familiar with so that was fun to re-visit! I never saw a dead body there though and in this mystery there are three! I remember eating very fresh delicious local scallops and they weren't mentioned in the book! We were there at the beginning of April and we had the place to ourselves. I think we were the first tourists of the season. I remember tasting scotch at Highland Park distillery too. Sweet memories!

>26 mdoris: I can imagine that the drive from Fernie is a long , long way, Mary. I'm glad you got home safely and enjoyed yourself. Great memories of your trip with daughter # 2.

>27 mdoris: I also have some sweet memories from Orkney Islands, I visited in the summer a few years ago. Beautiful place. I wouldn’t mind going back to Scotland. We visited some Islands but I should have liked to walk in the highlands. Haven’t read anything by Ann Cleeves yet.

>28 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah. Good to be back but way too far away when it comes to the grand kids! Now we are planning summer visits. Loki is getting her hair cut today, shorn like a sheep and probably not very happy with us. Hi to Muffin!

>29 ctpress: Hello Carsten. Just imagine all the travel you can do when you retire! I love reading stories about the outer islands in Scotland. Have your read the new James Rebanks book. I think you would like it! The Place of Tides. This is about the outer island in Norway. I do like reading about your walking/hiking adventures and of course the photos!

>27 mdoris: I haven't been to the Orkney Islands, Mary, but Highland Park is something I am unfortunately all too familiar with!

I am not a scotch drinker Paul but yes I'm told it is a very good one! The older the better....right?

How is Loki feeling about her new hair cut, Mary ?Muffin has hair that is not supposed to be groomed, just trimmed a bit with scissors . She is like a walking mop. It takes a lot of brushing each day, and she really feels the heat.

#2 A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst



I gobbled this one up and thank you to Mark as I picked up the idea of reading it from his thread. What a story it is and so beautifully told. A couple bitten by the sailing-the-world notion get their boat destroyed by a passing whale near Galapagos and then are left to drift on the ocean for 118 days. True story! Lots of details of daily existence, massive struggles and details of the dynamics of their relationship. Fascinating!

>33 vancouverdeb: Loki is kind of traumatized by the grooming but it must be done. i did the grooming of our previous standard poodles (4 of them) but when we got Loki I said "enough not doing that anymore"!. I can tell you they earn every penny they charge. Loki does look a bit silly for a while as she is shorn like a sheep and no doubt a bit cold but a day or two later and she is over it! Muffin takes lots of TLC with her walks and her grooming. She is one lucky doggie to have found you and Dave!

>35 mdoris: Poppy never liked being groomed, and Muffin is terrified of the bath, I don't know why. So I guess it is lucky she just needs a lot of brushing and some trimming. Good for you , doing the poodle grooming in the past. I imagine that is a lot of work! I think Loki is very lucky to live with you and P! I'll bet she gets lots of TLC and walks . Muffin is real love of a dog, very easy going and full of licks and love, like it or not. But we still cannot leave her home alone. Sometimes she is fine for 30 minutes or more, but it is very unpredictable.

>32 mdoris: 18 years is the best normally.

>34 mdoris: I have heard a lot of good reports about this one!

>30 mdoris: Yes, I'm beginning to make plans for some travels, Mary. I have not read James Rebanks, but I have taken note of The Places of Tides, thanks for the recommendation - I have one in my Kindle library that I have considered reading. Call the Nurse: True Stories of a Country Nurse on a Scottish Isle - you might have read it or heard about it. Otherwise, it could be right up your alley.

>34 mdoris: Also sounds like a fascinating true story.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Happy Saturday, Mary. Hooray for A Marriage at Sea. Glad you liked it.

Stopping by to drop a star!

Travellers seem fond of the Orkneys. Many mention them as a highlight of their trip. I've never been to that part of Scotland but I have been to Islay, a place with many distilleries.

>41 SqueakyChu: Oh good Madeline!

>42 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I guess the Highland Park is the most northern distillery in Scotland. They kind of want to brag about it. Islay would be a wonderful place to visit too. I think the best part of our visit was how early it was so very few tourists, just us!

What a day for rain, Mary. I mentioned on my thread that once again Muffin chewed through her harness while I was driving - she does it with Dave too . I think I pulled a muscle in my upper back carrying her back the car to get the back up harness, and it's painful now. Muffin is happy to wear her raincoat, unlike Loki, but the harness she has chewed through! Dogs! We love them though.

I am looking foward to these lists!

The 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist will be announced on 4 March 2026, and the shortlist on the 22 April 2026.

The 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction longlist will be announced on 11 February 2026, and the shortlist on 25 March 2026....

>44 vancouverdeb: And another one Deborah, lots and lots of rain. Muffin is a rascal chewing through her leash and hope you feel better today from the strained back. That is not fun!

>47 mdoris: I am sure that is what both Muffin and Loki are thinking! In Muffin's case she gives us a sharp bark to let us know it is time for a walk, food, or some sort of attention. She is quite a communicator.

#3 Dusk by Robbie Arnott



This was a wild ride taking me around the world to Tasmania. The book is part nature/part western/part survival. It is the story of twins on a mission to redeem their family reputation and try to make a living by killing a puma for bounty in the wild, who has been killing members of a community. The descriptions of the country were vivid, peat bogs and mountain territory, wild rivers with ancient bones emerging. The story is action packed. It is interesting that many stories written about Australia mention their beginnings as staffed by convicts from England. Also there is mention of the havoc that bringing non indigeneous animal species reeks. This story includes these themes.

from Wikipedia
Tasmania has been occupied by indigenous peoples for 35,000 years. Wow!

>48 vancouverdeb: Yes Deborah, they are clear communicators!

>43 mdoris: It would be nice to be there before all the tourists land, Mary. Islay has 9 distilleries and one of the things I found on my hunt for family info was a list of the people on the island fined for illegal stills in 1801. My ancestor was on there, of course.

>51 Familyhistorian: Kind of funny now Meg but not so funny at the time I am guessing. My family of long ago had a rumour swirling about them that they were horse thieves.

It's been dense fog here for the past several days , Mary and to continue. How is the weather in your neck of the woods?

Deborah, where we are it has been stunning, day after day of blue skies and full sunshine. I even hated to admit that as I know what it's like to be in endless fog. Hope the skies clear for you very soon.

>47 mdoris: Animal POV fiction is fascinating and I often wondered what my dogs were thinking as a boy when we always had one at home.

Happy Saturday, Mary. I am so glad you enjoyed Dusk. Arnott has quickly become a favorite. I also enjoyed Limberlost and I have a few more of his to read.

A belated happy new year, Mary!

>52 mdoris: Ooh, horse thieves. I don't know anything about my ancestors that involves horses, stolen or owned.

>52 mdoris: & >58 Familyhistorian:

Well I scotched any rumours of cattle thievery in my family line by telling the accusers to pull the udder one.

>52 mdoris: >58 Familyhistorian: Oooh, oooh, I'm related to horse thieves (actually they were counterfeiters and apparently quite terrifying - the Loomis gang in NY were distant cousins).

>55 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul One book I remember reading a very long time ago was Shakespeare's Dog which was fun and very doggy and told Shakespeare's life from a dog's POV.

>56 msf59: Mark I will have to keep my eyes peeled for Limberlost. Thank you!

>57 bell7: Hi Mary. Oh my goodness it is already February and I am wishing you a Happy New Year too! Hope it includes very wonderful reading!

>58 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg you are so good at tracing the family history. I guess we want to find good 'stuff". Possible horse thieves is not so good!

>59 PaulCranswick: Paul, very funny!

>60 bell7: Oh oh Mary your NY cousins sound very dangerous.

#4 Dead Wrong How Canada got the Residential School Story so Wrong



This is a courageous book It is one that every Canadian should read to get a better balance and understanding from what the media has led us to believe. It is a collection of essays written by academics and historians. There seems to be objective "truth' and then personal "truth" affected by post modern ideology. There was another essay collection Grave Error that came first that I have not read yet but intend to do so.

We have sunshine forecast for the next three days, Mary! I am looking forward to that. Today was not bad, just some drizzle and some actual rain late in the day. I hope you have some sunshine in store too.

>68 vancouverdeb: Deborah, a major "yeah" for ☀️!!! I sure have missed it. The sun is pouring in the house, very nice!

#5 Evensong by Stewart O'Nan



Not sure where on L.T. I got the idea to read this book but it did not work for me. It is story of a group of elderly women who support and befriend each other though church, choir, bridge play and kind acts in the community. We get a view of their lives, their marriages, their relationships with their children, their deep loneliness, their physical and mental fragility and of course their politics. There was also a sprinkle of COVID thrown in and its influence on their lives. I was close to doing a DNF but I persevered but sadly it never got better for me. I am 77 so perhaps it was just too close for comfort!

>70 mdoris: Sorry you did not enjoy Evensong, Mary. I read it and liked it, as did Beth and maybe Joanne , maybe Mark as well. I can understand how it could be not the most cheerful of books. I just got in from walking Muffin and it's a beautiful and sunny ,warm day. Spring is here , until it rains again tomorrow.

>70 mdoris: I've just started that one, and I'm not loving it either. In fact I nearly quit in the first chapter where I felt the author was trying to cram way too much backstory for all the characters into a few paragraphs, creating a total muddle. I'll give it just a little longer to see if it engages me.

>71 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah. I guess you can't win 'em all! I have such a stack home from the library that I can easilly pick up the next one.

>72 laytonwoman3rd: Hello Linda. Very nice to see you visit. i will come over to your thread and have a visit too! It will be interesting to see what you think. It just got to be more of the same and I agree about the muddle of characters and keeping all the lives separate. Now who was the one with the cat(s)?
Who had the dog?!

Inspired by Meg (Familyhistorian) i took this picture Jan. 17th of things happening in my garden.

>73 mdoris: I read a bit more yesterday, and decided to Pearl Rule Evensong. I felt like I was sitting with a bunch of people (admittedly people of about my own age) who couldn't talk about anything but their afflictions, losses and doctors' appointments. When I read I want to be diverted from all that!

Thank you Linda. You are wiser than me for Pearl Ruling the book!

>70 mdoris: I got through Evensong but found it a bit of a slog. The last line of my review was: "It was depressingly realistic a lot of the time which made it difficult to read."

>74 mdoris: That's pretty, Mary, and so early too. Is it in a sheltered area?

>77 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I guess we both had higher hopes for Evensong!

It has to be tough in my world. So yes a semi-shaded and protected from the wind place that gets little water but lots of appreciation. It is still putting out new buds.

#6 Hostage by Eli Sharabi



This was a very well written book, gripping and horrific. It is the story of a man kidnapped Oct 7th, 2023 on a kibbutz in Israel and kept as a hostage for 491 days, 8 months in tunnels under very terrible circumstances. During this time he never knew if his family a wife and 2 teenaged daughters were alive. They were not. They were murdered when he was captured. His conditions in the tunnel were terrible..... filthy, with close starvation and subject to continual physical and mental abuse. Whether we are pro Palestine or pro Israel it doesn't seem to matter because this conflict robs us completely of our humanity. This was a 5 star read, a rarity for me!

>79 mdoris: From your review," Whether we are pro Palestine or pro Israel it doesn't seem to matter because this conflict robs us completely of our humanity" , Isn't that true, Mary. I am glad you had a 5 star read.

>80 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah!

>74 mdoris: wow! How exciting 😀 is it a rose that smells nice as well?

>82 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, yes it is a rose that looks pinkish but when it opens it is white. No fragrance. Can you believe that it is blooming in winter? I'll soon take a picture of my hellebore when they are in full bloom. They are a darker pink and will be gorgeous!

I have seen snowdrops and crocuses on my walks, Mary. Our geraniums overwintered outside fine too. They are close to the house.

Hi Deborah, I have seen the grass full of purple and white crocus on our dog walks. And the sun felt so warm today. I had to take off my hat/scarf and gloves. So great! 😎

#7 These Daysby Lucy Caldwell



This good historical novel gave me knowledge about the endless bomb terror endured by the citizens of Belfast April 1941. I knew nothing about the Belfast Blitz so the read was very worthwhile. The destruction, loss of life and devastation were horrible.

>86 mdoris: I enjoyed These Days by Lucy Caldwell last year, I think it was, Mary. I knew nothing about the Belfast Blitz either. Continued good weather - but it rained a lot on Monday. Today was good enough though.

#8 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans



Well I certainly gobbled this one up and greatly enjoyed it. The author deftly tells the stories of an elderly woman's life through her own written correspondence. She is wife, mother, grandmother, colleague, friend, neighbour, sister and more and seems to value and encourage the relationships with many. In her letters we see all the complications that life provides, the tragedies, the love, the communication failures, the joys. She loves the written word and her correspondence with her valued friend lets us see their reading choices. There are some books mentioned that I must read! She was a wonderful character far from perfect but aren't we ALL! Living is complicated.

>87 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. It might have been from your thread that I got the idea to read These Days. If so, thank you! It was brrrr cold here today, chilly breeze off the water. Some (horrible) possible news of snow coming. Get out your woolies!

>89 mdoris: As I mentioned on Meg's thread, though I found the temps fine this afternoon while walking Muffin, we then went to an off-leash dog park for about 1/2 hour at about 4:30 pm and that was chilly, standing around in the shade. We had a skiff of snow this morning but it was gone by the time Dave and I got up. I loved The Correspondent too, Mary. I think Mark and some others here on LT take credit for me finding that book. I shall have my big warm jacket and my thick jogging pants on tomorrow for the morning walk, Mary. No snow, please!

>88 mdoris: I enjoyed The Correspondent when I read it too. I heard an ad on the radio that mentioned cherry blossoms - I can't wait!

>91 Familyhistorian: Cherry blossoms. I can't wait either Meg.. It sure chilly out there today!

#9 Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy



This was a bit of climate concerns (seed vault), family dynamics, romance, secrets, lies, grief and madness with a splash of thriller, mystery and intrigue thrown in. For my taste it was a little over the top! The setting was gorgeous though very similar to a real island between Tasmania and Antarctic. The fictional Shearwater Island was based on Macquarie Island a stunning place full of penguins and seals but with an awful history of whaling, seal and penquin slaughter and now a World Heritage site (1997).



Macquarie Island (1911)

I am hopelessly behind and not even trying to catch up, Mary. It looks like your reading year is going well! I already have your last 4 reads in the BlackHole or I would be adding them again.

Have a marvelous Monday!

>93 mdoris: I gave The Wild Dark Shore 4 stars, Mary, but I did not enjoy reading it. I think climate fiction is not my cuppa. I agree, it was a bit over the top.

>94 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I am hopelessly behind too. That's what happens around here! Hope you have a very good weekend!

>95 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. I think when there is enthusiasm about a book here on L.T. you get you hopes up. Oh well!

#10 Exogenesis by Peco Gaskovski



Dystopian novels are not my normal choice. I find our present decidedly scary enough but dystopian novels seem to paint an even scarier scenario. A wonderful friend really wanted me to read this book and this wonderful friend died two days ago after a very difficult two years dealing with cancer. I am so sad about this loss of a wonderful person in her mid 50's. The book was the battle of government control in the absence of spiritual presence so (of course) the eventual demise of the society. It was a riveting read but still a hard one because of my friend.

>97 mdoris: Dystopian novels are not my thing either, or very infrequently, Mary. I am very sorry to learn of the the death of your wonderful friend.

Happy Saturday, Mary. Hooray for The Correspondent & Wild Dark Shore. I am also a big fan of both. Was this your first McConaghy?

>97 mdoris: & >98 vancouverdeb: Make it three of us not loving dystopian fiction probably because we seem to living in a dystopian world already.
So sorry to hear about your dear friend, Mary. xxx

>98 vancouverdeb:, >99 msf59:,>100 PaulCranswick: Thank you Deborah, Mark and Paul. Your kind words mean lots to me!

>99 msf59: I have read three of her novels also Migrations and Once There Were Wolves. Her books seem to be packed full!

Hi Mary. I have gotten a little behind on threads.

>27 mdoris: I was in the Orkneys last spring, so I am looking forward to this Ann Cleeves.

I thought the setting of Wild Dark Shore was fabulous as well. I would like to read her other novels.

#11 The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds



My first treat about this book was to read an excellent review by Caroline_McElwee. Oh my how she is missed here on L.T.! At university while it was not the main area of study for me, it ended up being the one I loved the most and that was Art History. So this book took me back to the many paintings I loved in the impressionist period post WW1 and it took me back to travel I did in Provence, France that stunning part of the world bathed in sun and warmth and luscious food. I really enjoyed this book the traps of family, devotion, expectation and responsibility and all the discussion about what art is, and who can make it and where women have been denied an entry and how to discover your potential and also how to have a life at the same time. There is a lot to think about from this book! And the writing was captivating with each chapter telling an alternative character's point of view.

>103 BLBera: Hi Beth, Agree the setting of Wild Dark Shore was amazing. I guess I like books about the sea!

Lovely review of The Artist and the Feast , you are tempting me, Mary. If it's on the Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist, as is rumoured, I'll have to get to it for certain. Your travel in Provence sounds lovely.

>106 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah. I have been wondering if it will make the Women's Prize Longlist. I guess we all can hardly wait and just a few more days. Let me know which ones you will be interested in!

Women's Prize for Fiction longlist. (some work to get alll the touchstones correct!!!) Short list to be annoounced April 22nd., winner June 11, 2026.

Gloria Don’t Speak by Lucy Apps (Weatherglass Books)
Paradiso 17 by Hannah Lillith Assadi (4th Estate, HarperCollins Publishers UK)
Moderation by Elaine Castillo (Atlantic Books)
Flashlight by Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK)
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (Europa Editions UK)
The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine (Sceptre, Hodder & Stoughton, Hachette UK)
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House UK) READ
The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson (Cassava Republic Press)
The Others by Sheena Kalayil (Fly on the Wall Press)
Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly (Saraband)
Heart the Lover by Lily King (Canongate)
Audition by Katie Kitamura (Fern Press, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK)
A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar (Scribner, Simon & Schuster UK) READ
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (Canongate) READ
The Best of Everything by Kit de Waal (Tinder Press, Headline Publishing Group, Hachette UK)
A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang (Dead Ink)

>106 vancouverdeb: Deborah I think The Artist and the Feast was on the long list for last year's Women's Prize.

#12 A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisele Pelicot



This book is not for the faint of heart. Based on a true story it is a look at depravity, evil, cruelty and extreme narcissism. It is the story of a woman whose husband for years drugged her and sexually assaulted her along with many other men under her husband's supervision. So yes it is looking at a train wreck that such circumstances could happen at all, that there is any hope for recovery and how it had the most dreadful impact on her extended family. But it is so much more because Madame Pelicot bravely pushed for an open court where all the perpetrators were exposed and all convicted and gave courage to others. This happened in France recently and court proceedings lasted over 4 months. What extreme personal courage and fortitude was needed. She has since been given many awards. February 23, 2026 The Queen met with Gisele Pelicot in London at Clarence House .
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e4ng18nv3o

How did she survive? It was with a great deal of solitary time in nature, outdoors and with self determination of being positive and the need to find love and support where ever she could find it. Where did she find the resilience?

.

This is the longlist of the Women's Prize for Non Fiction. Short list to be announced March 25 and winner on June 11, 2026.

Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: China’s Stolen Children and a Story of Separated Twins by Barbara Demick
The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan by Lyse Doucet
Don’t Let It Break You, Honey: A Memoir About Saving Yourself by Jenny Evans
Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health by Daisy Fancourt
With the Law on Our Side: How the Law Works for Everyone and How We Can Make It Work Better by Lady Hale
To Be Young, Gifted and Black:Creativity and Race in the 21st Century by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason (no touchstone seems available)
Artists, Siblings, Visionaries: The Lives and Loves of Gwen and Augustus John by Judith Mackrell
Ask Me How It Works: Love in an Open Marriage by Deepa Paul
Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry
The Genius of Trees: How Trees Mastered the Elements and Shaped the World by Harriet Rix
Hotel Exile: Paris in the Shadow of War by Jane Rogoyska
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
Finding Albion: Myth, Folklore and the Quest for a Hidden Britain by Zakia Sewell
To Exist As I Am: A Doctor’s Notes on Recovery and Radical Acceptance by Grace Spence Green
Nation of Strangers: Rebuilding Home in the 21st Century by Ece Temelkuran
Indignity: A Life Reimagined by Lea Ypi (published by Allen Lane

>110 mdoris: That sounds like a tough read, Mary. I'm just checking out the Longlist of the Women's Prize for non - fiction. Some titles I am familiar with. It has been an exciting day with the announcement of the Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist.

>112 vancouverdeb: Yes it was a VERY tough read.
I am pleased to have the touchstones for the non fiction prize and look forward to the short list. Looks like some very good ones! I loved the books I read on last year's short list!

>97 mdoris: Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Mary.

I have actually seen cherry blossoms myself lately. The weather is heading in the right direction, it seems.

Thank you Meg. And yes the days have been fabuous, really loving the sunshine and warmer days. i have yet to see cherry blossoms but I have lots blooming in my garden.

I am looking forward to The Artist and to reading more from the Women's Prize longlist.

Happy Friday, Mary. Glad to hear you also loved Migrations and Once There Were Wolves.

Bravo to Gisele Pelicot. What a courageous woman.

>116 BLBera: Me too Beth, I will be following the Women's prizes closely! I will be very interested to see what you think of The Artist and the Feast!

>117 msf59: Happy Monday Mark! Hope you have a very wonderful week. Perhaps some picketball and visits with Jackson and of course books!

#13 When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén



This was a tough and wonderful read all the same time. It is the story of a 89 year old man on his own but with his beloved companion, a dog as he nears the very end of life. It was translated from Swedish and it definitely pulls at the heart strings. i am thinking that it is hard to maintain grace when life is collapsing. The author does a very good job at describing the physical and mental fragility and dependence and the world of past memories.and relationships. Thanks L.T. pals who were enthusiastic about this book!

>119 mdoris: It was a tough but beautiful read, Mary, I agree. We have possible 2 cm of snow in the forecast tomorrow! I hope they are wrong.

A very late visit from me. So sorry to read about your friend's death.

I followed the Pelicot story on the news, so shocking. As you say, her courage in going public is amazing.

>119 mdoris: I have yet to see a negative review of this one.

>120 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah, I sure hope they are wrong too about the snow. It is cold out there!

>121 charl08: Hi Charlotte. Lovely to see you visit!

#14 Departure(s) by Julian Barnes



For some reason or as a matter of coincidence the last two books I have read have been wonderful and beauties about men nearly at the end of their lives. Departure(s) is Barnes 27th book F and NF!. Wow! And it is to be his last.. This book is called a "novel" but is it? It is in 5 chapters or sections. The first section is about memory and its quirks. One section is about his early life and friendships at university. One is about the blood cancer that he has managed but will probably not kill him. One is about the early romance of his university pals and a later section is about them "rekindling" their relationship 40 years later. The last chapter is many of Barnes thoughts, ideas and memories, studies/readings about love, writing, death and more. I found these wonderful. He is at times funny, smart, thoughtful, insightful, chatty and a very able writer. This is the seventh book of his that I have read and now if I want to read more I will have to go backwards in time. I had to read the book with a dictionary at my side which is always good!

The Sense of an Ending (2011) (publication date)
Arthur and George (2005)
The Noise of Time (2016)
Levels of Life(2013)
The Only Story (2018)
Elizabeth Finch (2022)

p.s. Gulp I am the same age of Julian Barnes!

>119 mdoris:, >123 mdoris: Both sounds like good reads, Mary.

Hello Beth, Yes they really were fantastic reads. Today i started on a mystery, for a big change in direction. Hope you have a very good weekend! Has spring happened yet?

Enjoy your mystery, Mary. I read a lot of them. If only life could wrap up it's episodes so neatly.

I'll look forward to hearing about the mystery you have found, Mary.

>126 Familyhistorian:, >127 vancouverdeb: Hello Meg and Deborah. What a day so windy and rainy, It' s a perfect day for reading! You are right Meg if only life could wrap things up as nicely as mysteries do! Deborah I have had a (book) trip to Iceland on your recoommendation!

#15 The Quiet Mother by Arnaldur Indridason



There were many characters and time lines and to keep track of as well as plot lines but it is always enjoyable to do a mystery (book) trip to Iceland. This time it was a retired policeman who relentlessly pursued leads and solved the one case but left perplexed by another one, a more personal one! I have Deborah to thank for this recommendation!

>79 mdoris: I'm so glad you got to read Hostage by Eli Sharabi. Despite its grim subject, it was an inspiring book.

>129 mdoris: I'm glad you enjoyed The Quiet Mother, Mary. I was visiting my sister a couple of days ago and she was reading it too. And, we didn't get rain in my area until this evening, which was so nice!

Hooray for When the Cranes Fly South. Glad you got to it. I am also glad you read Barnes latest and final novel. I am a big fan of his and this one is one the TBR.

>130 SqueakyChu: Hi Madeline. So nice to see you visit. Yes, it was a very difficult but informative read!

>131 vancouverdeb: Deborah, I would love to visit Iceland one day but it sure helps reading a mystery from there in the meantime. Fun that your sister is reading it right now. Do you two exchange books and book ideas?

>132 msf59:. Hello Mark. Yes I loved those two books. Julian Barnes is a fabulous writer and I am so sorry that this will be his last book published. It is one I could definitely read again and get more out of it!

>133 mdoris: Yes, Mary, we do exchange books and book ideas and even jigsaw puzzles. But my sister mainly reads mysteries , so I can only recommend so many books to her and vice versa .

I Pearl-ruled this one (DNF). Just not for me at this time. The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller, got to page 39.

>129 mdoris: That looks like a good one, Mary. I like Icelandic crime.

>136 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I hope you like it when you get to it! I know you are a BIG mystery fan!

>135 mdoris: I actually like The Land in Winter, but you know, your mileage may vary, Mary. I didn't like Wild Dark Shore, and I think you did.

>138 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah, I think I just wasn't in the mood for The Land in Winter. i could appreciate that it was excellent writing but the characters didn't inspire me I guess, kind of droopy. I am bad about giving stars to books unless I love them. I didn't love Wild Dark Shore. I finished it but I thought it was pretty soap opera-ish!

>139 mdoris: I agree, Mary, Wild Dark Shore was quite soap opera - ish. But Climate Fiction is not my thing either. Better reads ahead.

>140 vancouverdeb: That is a good point Deborah I'm not a fan either of climate fiction. Hope you have a good weekend. I think some good weather is coming. ☀️

>123 mdoris: sounds like a great read!

Happy weekend reading

>142 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita. Yes I thought that book was wonderful. Hope your weekend is very good too!

I hope you are seeing sun out your way, Mary. It's nice to have a break in the rain for a while. Enjoy your weekend and your reads!

>144 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg I am "playing" with the new add image feature. More playing will be required! Yes the wonderful sun is shining but still pretty cold out there. You are doing so much amazing reading. We can be very grateful for books!

>119 mdoris: I am slated to read that one this month. I am glad to see that you enjoyed the read, Mary.

>123 mdoris: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Mary. I have read the first two books on your list of Barnes' works. I really need to rectify that!

Happy Easter, Mary. I hope you are enjoying our beautiful weather.

>147 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah. I have been out of commission with a nasty virus. No reading, sleeping only but I think I am on the mend. Glad that you got to see M&M for a visit! Today is P's birthday so we are have quiet celebrations. Enjoy your family dinner!

>146 alcottacre: Hello Stasia, Happy Easter to you and family!

I hope you had a nice Easter, Mary. Sorry to hear about the virus. I hope you are feeling better today. 🙏

>150 msf59: Thank you Mark! Hope you and family had a wonderful Easter together. I bet Jackson loved an Easter egg hunt! Yesterday was Peter's birthday so it was a double celebration for us. Still not enough energy for reading but I know it will come.

The Womens Prize for Non Fiction shortlist 2026 was recently announced.

The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan by Lyse Doucet
Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health by Daisy Fancourt
Artists, Siblings, Visionaries: The lives and loves of Gwen and Augustus John by Judith Mackrell
Hotel Exile: Paris in the Shadow of War by Jane Rogoyska
Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy (published by Hamish Hamilton
Nation of Strangers: Rebuilding Home in the 21st Century by Ece Temelkuran

>148 mdoris: I am sorry to hear about the nasty virus, and am glad you are slowly recovering,Mary. I hope P enjoyed a great birthday.

I am so caught up in the Women's LongList reading , I have not really looked at the non fiction list. The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People's History of Afghanistan and Mother Mary Comes to Me sound like interesting reads.

I hope you are feeling better and have been able to get back to the books, Mary.

>153 vancouverdeb:, >154 Familyhistorian: Thanks Deborah and Meg. i am entering week 4 and still not back to my normal self. It has been a stinker and energy sucker. I am back to a bit of reading but not full steam ahead as yet. We have daughter #3 visiting from Denver soon with the new man in her life so hope I am all better by then. I can hardly wait!

>155 mdoris: I am sorry to read that you are still recovering from the virus. I hope you are soon feeling 100 %. Enjoy your visit with daughter number 3 and her new fellow! Will your grandchildren come along ?

>156 vancouverdeb: Thank you Deborah! The energy is coming slowly back and that is what I miss the most! I just need a bit more time. Sorry to say that the grandchildren will not be coming for a visit this time. Hoping they might in the summer. Hope you are having a very good weekend.

#16 The Best Dog in the World Alice Hoffman



There were 15 contributors, all professional writers for this edition edited by Alice Hoffman and the pieces were are about the the love of dogs. Many dogs were rescue dogs (who rescues whom?) and many were first time dog owners. They were all moving and personal. Being a dog person, I appreciated their stories! I have had 5 dogs as an adult and they have all stolen my heart and all have had different characters and personalities. Loki may be our last pup. She is now almost 7.

>157 mdoris: Maybe it's for the best if only your daughter and her new man are the only ones visiting if you are still regaining your strength, Mary. Hopefully you're back to normal soon.

>159 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg, I am taking it easy! But I am back to reading a little bit so that is good!

#17 A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majurndar



There is a lot to think about packed into this story. This is a climate change story and its impact on lives creating needs for migration, the impact of scarcity and poverty, of hunger, of the resulting moral decay and more. It shows our tribal feelings, the needs to protect our family the most under trying circumstances and that quickly compromise our moral standards. I will read her other book A Burning soon as I found this a very accomplished book!

>161 mdoris: I am about 1/2 way through A Guardian and a Thief, Mary. I loved her book A Burning. I think climate fiction is not so much my thing, but I am enjoying A Guardian and a Thief more than I thought. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

#18 Benbecula by Graeme Macrae Burnet



This book is presently shortlisted for the Walter Scott prize for historical fiction so yes based on a true story and researched with many historical references and records. The story takes place in the 1850's in the outer Scottish Hebrides islands where 3 murders take place within a family and intense views of this family trapped in poverty, remote location, physical drudgery and social isolation. It was not a laugh a minute but a picture of madness of the time and the limitations for management.

Annoounced today, the shortlist for the Womens Prize for Fiction!

The Correspondent
Heart the Lover
Dominion
The Mercy Step
Kingfisher
Flashlight

>163 mdoris: Benbecula was quite a read, Mary. Not necessarily the best, but interesting.

>163 mdoris: What a great cover, Mary. I do hope I can get hold of that one.

>164 mdoris: I'm a bit surprised that Majumdar and Kitamura were both overlooked for the shortlist. Must be that Virginia Evans is odds on favourite to win.

Sweet Thursday, Mary. I also thought A Guardian and a Thief was very good but A Burning is even better.

>165 vancouverdeb: Agee Deborah, about Benbecula! HOpe you are enjoying this fabulous weather!

>166 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. How many on the long list have you read? The selctions always seem to surprise many!

>167 msf59: Thank Mark. I am hoping to get to A Burning sometime soon. So many books......

#19 Pet by Catherine Chidgey


I think this might be the first book I have read by a New Zealand author and have Paul C to thank for his enthusiasm. It is a coming of age story fraught with a thriller aspects. It was good to read the review of Caroline_McElwee!

Good to see you have your reading mojo back, Mary!

>170 Familyhistorian: Thank you Meg. So many demands in real life though to fit the pages in! You amazie in the books you can finish. Very impressive!

>169 mdoris: I have The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey, but it's not called to me right now. I am glad you enjoyed Pet, Mary. Pet sounds interesting.

>168 mdoris: I have only read three of them so far, Mary.

>169 mdoris: I'm glad that I persuaded you that you'd like this one and that I was right!

>171 mdoris: Losing myself in a book helps a lot which results in more reads, I guess.

>169 mdoris: I already have that one in the BlackHole due to Caroline's review. I need to get to it soon. If you like Catherine Chidgey, I can highly recommend her Remote Sympathy.

Have a terrific Tuesday, Mary!

>172 vancouverdeb: Deborah I will keep my eyes peeled for your review of The Book of Guilt when you get to it!

>173 PaulCranswick: Paul I think we are all waiting for the final winner of the Women''s prize. Some of our fellow LT ers have read so many of the shortlist. Very impressive!

>174 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I see you are getting loads of books from the library. Hard to get to them all isn't it!

>175 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Thanks for the recommendation for Remote Sympathy. on to the list it goe!

#20 The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout



I must have put this book on reserve ages ago at the library as I was first in line for this newly published book. I cracked the cover! I gobbled it up. I have always been a BIG Strout fan but this was perhaps my least favourite so far. Of course I did have sympathy for the main character as so much was shared about his quiet and quite regular life and his struggles but on the other hand I found it quite self focused and perhps a bit too political for my taste. She is such a good writer though and paints an intimate picture of relationships of what we share and don't share and how that all affects us and our lives and families. But enough of the political posturing. It is tedious.

>177 mdoris: You were lucky to get The Things We Never Say so early. I don't think it is published until May 16th. I'l have to check my library. Sorry about the political posturing in the book, Mary.

It's nice to have pleasant weather back again. I hope you are enjoying it, Mary. It looks like the reads are keeping you busy too.

#21 John of John by Douglas Stuart



Another book about secrets and the complications of love! This novel is about a father-son relationship where both are coming to terms with their sexuality in a remote and insular Scottish community. It is very atmospheric contrasting new acceptances to former rigid beliefs. Stuart is a talented writer and this third book is gripping in its intense character development. Woven (pun intended) into the story is Stuart's real life artistic training and background. I particularly liked his focus on colour and texture. It is always good to read about the background behind every day objects we take for granted (cloth). Again I was very lucky to get this book hot off the presses!

>178 vancouverdeb: Hello Deborah. I am thinking of you and Dave. I know tomorrow is a big day!

>179 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, So much to do in the garden but I am making time for the books too! Hope you are enjoying this wonderful weather.

>176 mdoris: I hope you enjoy Remote Sympathy as much as I did, Mary, if and when you get to it.

>177 mdoris: I think that I will give that one a pass. I am sorry that it ended up being your least favorite of Strout's books for you.

>180 mdoris: Already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again. I am glad to see you enjoyed it.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

>180 mdoris: I was given this one, so I am happy to hear it's a good one.

Happy Wednesday, Mary. Bummer about the latest Strout. Since I am such a big fan of hers, I will still give it a go. Hooray for John of John. I also thought this complex novel was excellent. Stuart has quickly become a favorite of mine.

>184 msf59: HI Mark, don't get me wrong, it is Strout and of course a worthy book as her writing is so good but for me the political posturing was an unhelpful distraction. So it might just have been my very personal reaction.

>182 alcottacre: Hello Stasia. I hope you have had a very good Wednesday too! Happy reading.

>183 BLBera: Hi Beth, I will be interested to see what you think of it when you get to it! I will look for your review!

Mary, I really liked Douglas Stuart's Booker winning debut but it has given me pause as his reads pack quite a heavy emotional punch.

>187 PaulCranswick: Yes this recent one does the same.

>186 mdoris: Thanks, Mary. I hope you have a great reading day today!

>189 alcottacre: Thank you Stasia!

>180 mdoris: I've seen John of John in a few lists and wondered about it. Thanks for the review, Mary.

>191 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, Have you read his other books? There is a similar flavour to this one.

#22 Natural History by Andrea Barrett



These connected short stories over time tell the story of generations of women interested and excelling in science often with family connections and always with a story to tell. It is a continuation from another collection Ship Fever that I should have read first! Thank to Beth for expressing enthusiasm about this author! i will try and find more of her books!

#23 You Can Never Die by Harry Bliss



Please take your time to read and peruse this wonderful book. It is a graphic memoir by talented artist Harry Bliss telling very personal and honest stories of important things in his life, his memories, his family, his relationships, his friendships, his work but most importantly his love for his cherished dogs Penny and Junior. There are wonderful cartoons of course ( he is famous for that!) but also drawings and sketches and watercolours. I loved it but thought i might as I have been a long time fan! There is an edgyness to it though, be warned!

>193 mdoris: I am so happy to see that this collection is another winner for Barrett. I will try to get to it soon.

>192 mdoris: No I haven't read his other books, Mary. So maybe John of John isn't one for me either. You Can Never Die looks more my speed though.

>195 BLBera: Hi Beth. I will be interested to see what you think!

>196 Familyhistorian: Hello Meg., I think his books are amazing but maybe they are not for everyone!

# 24 A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman



This is another book about the power and impact of secrets. It is a big family story that takes place on a massive sheep station in Western Australia near Perth. It seems to be getting lots of press here on L.T.!

>198 mdoris: I read A Far- Flung Life just recently too , Mary. It's a sad story but very good. I didn't find time to review it , but things are getting back to normal here.

>199 vancouverdeb: So very pleased Deborah that things are getting back to normal for you. Whew!

>200 mdoris: Indeed, Mary! It's a big relief. I even watched some TV last night.

>201 vancouverdeb: Very well done Deborah! And so great that Dave is doing the evening Muffin walks.

# 25 Python's Kiss by Louise Erdrich



This is a collection of 13 short stories, most having been previously published in the New Yorker magazine. I am a fan of her writing and must get back to some of her novels I have missed. She has written a lot of books! There were two stories that seemed very experimental but still interesting. I think it must be a form where you can play and experiment more easily. Her wriitng seems direct and intense. I remember loving her book The Round House!.

Well done The Correspondent by Virginia Evans for winning today the Women's Prize for Fiction 2026. I loved the book! What an accomplishment. Here is her acceptance speech at 1 hour 6 minutes and she tells of her life long love of reading. Again well done!!!
https://womensprize.com/prizes/womens-prize-for-fiction/

The winner of the Women's Prize for Non Fiction is
The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet. Well done too. I have not read this one yet1

>204 mdoris: Unfortunately, the link doesn't lead to the acceptance speech but I went looking and The Women's Prize has a YouTube channel.

>205 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. If you scroll down on that link you will find the You Tube link (where there is an arrow to play the ceremony.)

>203 mdoris: Erdrich writes great stories. I haven't looked at this one yet because I own The Red Convertible, which I haven't finished. I wonder if I've already read some in Python's Kiss -- and 13 stories sounds manageable.

Hi Beth, I will have to check out The Red Convertible! Thanks for the tip.