Deedledee continues to read in middle age (2026)
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2026
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1Deedledee
Hi folks,
I'm Dee, a librarian in rural Nova Scotia. I live with two cute kitty cats in a house that looks like it might be a craft store.
You can also follow more of my reading at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mytwofavouritelibrarians
I'm Dee, a librarian in rural Nova Scotia. I live with two cute kitty cats in a house that looks like it might be a craft store.
You can also follow more of my reading at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mytwofavouritelibrarians
2Deedledee
Book Challenge for 2026
I want to read through my public library in both fiction and non-fiction, based on how items are shelved.
*1. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with A - Zorro by Isabel Allende (June 11)
*2. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with B - Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden (Apr 20)
*3. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with C - Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini (Jan 24)
4. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with D
5. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with E
*6. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with F - His & Hers by Alice Feeney (Feb 7)
*7. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with G - Isola by Allegra Goodman (Feb 7)
*8. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with H - The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland (May 18)
*9. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with I - To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey (Jun 8)
10. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with J
*11. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with K - 'salem's Lot by Stephen King (Feb 28)
*12. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with L - The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee (June 19)
13. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with M
14. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with N
*15. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with O -Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Apr 30)
*16. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with P- Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult (Mar 19)
17. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with Q
*18. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with R -Foe by Iain Reid (May 23)
*19. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with S - The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera (Jan 5)
*20. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with T - Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (Feb 23)
21. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with U
22. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with V
23. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with W
24. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with X
25. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with Y
26. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with Z
*27. Non-fiction in the 001-099 Dewey range - Infographica by Martin & Simon Toseland (Jan 6)
*28. Non-fiction in the 100-199 Dewey range - The Witch of Lime Street by David Jaher (Apr 26)
29. Non-fiction in the 200-299 Dewey range
30. Non-fiction in the 300-399 Dewey range
31. Non-fiction in the 400-499 Dewey range
32. Non-fiction in the 500-599 Dewey range
*33. Non-fiction in the 600-699 Dewey range - Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo (May 18)
*34. Non-fiction in the 700-799 Dewey range Answers in the Form of Questions by Claire McNear (June 2)
*35. Non-fiction in the 800-899 Dewey range - NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes from the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt (Jan 27)
*36. Non-fiction in the 900-999 Dewey range -The Road Years by Rick Mercer (Jan 10)
20/36
I want to read through my public library in both fiction and non-fiction, based on how items are shelved.
*1. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with A - Zorro by Isabel Allende (June 11)
*2. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with B - Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden (Apr 20)
*3. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with C - Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini (Jan 24)
4. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with D
5. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with E
*6. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with F - His & Hers by Alice Feeney (Feb 7)
*7. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with G - Isola by Allegra Goodman (Feb 7)
*8. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with H - The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland (May 18)
*9. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with I - To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey (Jun 8)
10. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with J
*11. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with K - 'salem's Lot by Stephen King (Feb 28)
*12. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with L - The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee (June 19)
13. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with M
14. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with N
*15. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with O -Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Apr 30)
*16. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with P- Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult (Mar 19)
17. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with Q
*18. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with R -Foe by Iain Reid (May 23)
*19. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with S - The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera (Jan 5)
*20. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with T - Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (Feb 23)
21. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with U
22. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with V
23. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with W
24. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with X
25. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with Y
26. Fiction by an author whose last name starts with Z
*27. Non-fiction in the 001-099 Dewey range - Infographica by Martin & Simon Toseland (Jan 6)
*28. Non-fiction in the 100-199 Dewey range - The Witch of Lime Street by David Jaher (Apr 26)
29. Non-fiction in the 200-299 Dewey range
30. Non-fiction in the 300-399 Dewey range
31. Non-fiction in the 400-499 Dewey range
32. Non-fiction in the 500-599 Dewey range
*33. Non-fiction in the 600-699 Dewey range - Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo (May 18)
*34. Non-fiction in the 700-799 Dewey range Answers in the Form of Questions by Claire McNear (June 2)
*35. Non-fiction in the 800-899 Dewey range - NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes from the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt (Jan 27)
*36. Non-fiction in the 900-999 Dewey range -The Road Years by Rick Mercer (Jan 10)
20/36
3Deedledee
January
1. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
2. The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
3. Infographica: The World as You Have Never Seen It Before by Martin & Simon Toseland
4. The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work by Simone Stolzoff
5. The Road Years by Rick Mercer
6. The Test by Sylvain Neuvel
7. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
8. Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
9. Game Changer by Rachel Reid
10. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
11. NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes from the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt
February
12. Isola by Allegra Goodman
13. His & Hers by Alice Feeney
14. We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall
15. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
16. 'salem's Lot by Stephen King
March
17. The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J. Walker
18. Common Goal by Rachel Reid
19. A Well-behaved Woman: a Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Fowler
20. House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias
21. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
22. The Stand (Complete and Uncut) by Stephen King
April
23. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
24. How to Survive A Bear Attack: A Memoir by Claire Cameron
25. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
26. The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World by David Jaher
27. Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion by Tyler LeBlanc
28. Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
May
29. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
30. The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland
31. Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo
32. Foe by Iain Reid
33. Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces by Mary Walsh
June
34. Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! by Claire McNear
35. A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt
36. To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
37. Zorro by Isabel Allende
38. The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee
1. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
2. The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
3. Infographica: The World as You Have Never Seen It Before by Martin & Simon Toseland
4. The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work by Simone Stolzoff
5. The Road Years by Rick Mercer
6. The Test by Sylvain Neuvel
7. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
8. Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
9. Game Changer by Rachel Reid
10. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
11. NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes from the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt
February
12. Isola by Allegra Goodman
13. His & Hers by Alice Feeney
14. We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall
15. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
16. 'salem's Lot by Stephen King
March
17. The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J. Walker
18. Common Goal by Rachel Reid
19. A Well-behaved Woman: a Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Fowler
20. House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias
21. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
22. The Stand (Complete and Uncut) by Stephen King
April
23. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
24. How to Survive A Bear Attack: A Memoir by Claire Cameron
25. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
26. The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World by David Jaher
27. Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion by Tyler LeBlanc
28. Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
May
29. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
30. The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland
31. Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo
32. Foe by Iain Reid
33. Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces by Mary Walsh
June
34. Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! by Claire McNear
35. A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt
36. To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
37. Zorro by Isabel Allende
38. The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee
5PaulCranswick
Welcome back Dee
6scvlad
Hi Dee.
I grew up in Ottawa. I don’t know how you read CanLit. Depressing indeed. (Except for Atwood. She’s hilarious.)
My wife and I have recently been fantasizing about moving to NS.
I grew up in Ottawa. I don’t know how you read CanLit. Depressing indeed. (Except for Atwood. She’s hilarious.)
My wife and I have recently been fantasizing about moving to NS.
7Deedledee
>6 scvlad:
Feel free to send me a message if there's anything I can tell you about NS.
As my friend says, "if I wanted depressing Canadian stories I can just call my mom and listen to the local gossip".
Feel free to send me a message if there's anything I can tell you about NS.
As my friend says, "if I wanted depressing Canadian stories I can just call my mom and listen to the local gossip".
9Deedledee
Book 1.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
What does it say that the first book I read for the year was a graphic novel about a small town with two serial killers?
Samantha knows everyone in her small town but she has a secret, every so often she travels to the city and makes someone disappear. But when dead people start to show up in her town she needs to figure out who the killer is in case she gets blamed.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
What does it say that the first book I read for the year was a graphic novel about a small town with two serial killers?
Samantha knows everyone in her small town but she has a secret, every so often she travels to the city and makes someone disappear. But when dead people start to show up in her town she needs to figure out who the killer is in case she gets blamed.
10Deedledee
Book 2.
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
A prequel to They Both Die at the End, in this novel Valentino moves to New York to start his life. On his first night there he meets Orion and sparks fly. But then Valentino gets the dreaded call - the very first call - from Death-Cast. Now he has just one day to live his whole life.
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
A prequel to They Both Die at the End, in this novel Valentino moves to New York to start his life. On his first night there he meets Orion and sparks fly. But then Valentino gets the dreaded call - the very first call - from Death-Cast. Now he has just one day to live his whole life.
11Deedledee
Book 3.
Infographica: The World as You Have Never Seen It Before by Martin & Simon Toseland
Some interesting infographs about information as varied as number of Scoville units in a pepper, to length of Oscar winning movies, to cost of the most expensive paintings sold. This book is from 2012 so I'm sure much of the information has changed but still an interesting way to see facts and figures.
Infographica: The World as You Have Never Seen It Before by Martin & Simon Toseland
Some interesting infographs about information as varied as number of Scoville units in a pepper, to length of Oscar winning movies, to cost of the most expensive paintings sold. This book is from 2012 so I'm sure much of the information has changed but still an interesting way to see facts and figures.
12Deedledee
Book 4.
The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work by Simone Stolzoff
I'm trying to be better about my work life balance and so am looking for some books that will help.
There were some interesting things in this book about work being transactional and how in modern times we've made work into something that defines our lives. However, the people used as examples didn't really resonate because they were pretty much all folks with 6 figure salaries who could take indeterminate time off to figure out their lives.
The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work by Simone Stolzoff
I'm trying to be better about my work life balance and so am looking for some books that will help.
There were some interesting things in this book about work being transactional and how in modern times we've made work into something that defines our lives. However, the people used as examples didn't really resonate because they were pretty much all folks with 6 figure salaries who could take indeterminate time off to figure out their lives.
13Deedledee
Book 5.
The Road Years by Rick Mercer
I, surprisingly, haven't read Mercer's other books. This one starts just as he begins working on the Rick Mercer Report and talks about his many adventures crossing Canada and meeting everyone from amateur bobsledders in BC to the Prime Minister of Canada. A great book that made me miss having him on tv.
The Road Years by Rick Mercer
I, surprisingly, haven't read Mercer's other books. This one starts just as he begins working on the Rick Mercer Report and talks about his many adventures crossing Canada and meeting everyone from amateur bobsledders in BC to the Prime Minister of Canada. A great book that made me miss having him on tv.
14Deedledee
Book 6.
The Test by Sylvain Neuvel
In the not too distant future, Idir is taking his British Citizenship Test. While in the midst of this test something terrible happens that pulls Idir into a nightmare scenario.
This short book provides a lot of food for thought.
The Test by Sylvain Neuvel
In the not too distant future, Idir is taking his British Citizenship Test. While in the midst of this test something terrible happens that pulls Idir into a nightmare scenario.
This short book provides a lot of food for thought.
15Deedledee
Book 7.
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
Like the majority of Gen X, I read this book at an inappropriate age, around the same time I was dipping into Stephen King. Last year I read The Woman Beyond the Attic and it made me want to pick this up again to see if I remembered it accurately.
It is pretty icky. I also think it's fantastic that Andrews dedicated this book to her mother.
Chris, Cathy, Cory, and Carrie are the beautiful children of the newly widowed Corrine. As she has no skills, she decides to take the children to her parents home. Only one problem, she's been disowned and her father doesn't know about her children. She decides the best idea would be to hide them away in the attic until her father dies and she inherits. And then continues to hide them for 3 YEARS.
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
Like the majority of Gen X, I read this book at an inappropriate age, around the same time I was dipping into Stephen King. Last year I read The Woman Beyond the Attic and it made me want to pick this up again to see if I remembered it accurately.
It is pretty icky. I also think it's fantastic that Andrews dedicated this book to her mother.
Chris, Cathy, Cory, and Carrie are the beautiful children of the newly widowed Corrine. As she has no skills, she decides to take the children to her parents home. Only one problem, she's been disowned and her father doesn't know about her children. She decides the best idea would be to hide them away in the attic until her father dies and she inherits. And then continues to hide them for 3 YEARS.
16PaulCranswick
>15 Deedledee: My wife, Hani, was a huge fan of the Andrews' books in the early days of our marriage but they are a mystery I am not overly interested to explore. The premise does sound harrowing. Reading your synopsis, thank God I don't have an attic!
17Deedledee
Book 8.
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
Historical fiction is one of my favourite ways to learn about history. I don't think I had ever considered how messages got to the soldiers and the use of the telephone in WWI.
This novel is obviously very well researched but there are too many characters to track.
And the note at the end about how the women had been told they were military but then weren't recognized when they got home. With no discharge papers they weren't eligible for any military benefits. Pretty low of the American government.
Switchboard Soldiers by Jennifer Chiaverini
Historical fiction is one of my favourite ways to learn about history. I don't think I had ever considered how messages got to the soldiers and the use of the telephone in WWI.
This novel is obviously very well researched but there are too many characters to track.
And the note at the end about how the women had been told they were military but then weren't recognized when they got home. With no discharge papers they weren't eligible for any military benefits. Pretty low of the American government.
18Deedledee
Book 9.
Game Changer by Rachel Reid
Okay, I am absolutely OBSESSED with Heated Rivalry. I've watched the show about 5 times now and decided to dip my toe into the book series. I'm not normally a person who reads romance but I devoured this book.
Scott Hunter is a star hockey player but he's not very happy with his life. He is deeply closeted and doesn't really have much beyond his team. He stops in a smoothie shop one day and meets Kip.
Kip has a great family, and great friends but his life has kind of stalled. He's graduated from university but is working at a smoothie shop and cater-waiter. He still lives with his parents.
It was an insta-love story but I'm still not mad at it. Very cute.
Also, Reid is a Nova Scotian and alumnus of Mt. Allison so you know she's good people!
Game Changer by Rachel Reid
Okay, I am absolutely OBSESSED with Heated Rivalry. I've watched the show about 5 times now and decided to dip my toe into the book series. I'm not normally a person who reads romance but I devoured this book.
Scott Hunter is a star hockey player but he's not very happy with his life. He is deeply closeted and doesn't really have much beyond his team. He stops in a smoothie shop one day and meets Kip.
Kip has a great family, and great friends but his life has kind of stalled. He's graduated from university but is working at a smoothie shop and cater-waiter. He still lives with his parents.
It was an insta-love story but I'm still not mad at it. Very cute.
Also, Reid is a Nova Scotian and alumnus of Mt. Allison so you know she's good people!
19Deedledee
Book 10.
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Immediately after I finished Game Changer I downloaded Heated Rivalry. And I love it! If you've watched the show you will too because it goes into more details about Shane and Ilya's relationship.
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Immediately after I finished Game Changer I downloaded Heated Rivalry. And I love it! If you've watched the show you will too because it goes into more details about Shane and Ilya's relationship.
20Deedledee
Book 11.
NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes from the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt
After Belcourt's book, A Minor Chorus was announced as part of the Canada Reads shortlist for 2026, I decided to see what else my library owned by him. And I came across this collection of poetry and prose.
Belcourt explores what it is to be Indigenous and what it is to be queer in modern Canada. A very interesting collection.
NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes from the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt
After Belcourt's book, A Minor Chorus was announced as part of the Canada Reads shortlist for 2026, I decided to see what else my library owned by him. And I came across this collection of poetry and prose.
Belcourt explores what it is to be Indigenous and what it is to be queer in modern Canada. A very interesting collection.
21Deedledee
Book 12.
Isola by Allegra Goodman
Young Marguerite's parents die and she is left under the care of her nurse, Damienne and under the guardianship of Roberval. Roberval is an explorer and uses Marguerite's money to help fund his expeditions. He takes her to sea to travel to New France and then deserts her on an island!
I had never heard of Marguerite de la Rocque but she was a real figure in history who survived on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean in the mid 1500s. Amazing!
Isola by Allegra Goodman
Young Marguerite's parents die and she is left under the care of her nurse, Damienne and under the guardianship of Roberval. Roberval is an explorer and uses Marguerite's money to help fund his expeditions. He takes her to sea to travel to New France and then deserts her on an island!
I had never heard of Marguerite de la Rocque but she was a real figure in history who survived on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean in the mid 1500s. Amazing!
22Deedledee
Book 13.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
So many plot holes.
Anna Andrews has been anchoring the news for well over a year when the original anchor returns. She's then sent to do correspondence work covering a murder in the small town of Blackdown. Worse than the demotion is having to go back to Blackdown, a place she never wanted to return to.
DCI Jack Harper heads up the Major Crimes Team in Blackdown and is investigating the murder. What he doesn't want anyone to know is that he knows the victim, intimately.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
So many plot holes.
Anna Andrews has been anchoring the news for well over a year when the original anchor returns. She's then sent to do correspondence work covering a murder in the small town of Blackdown. Worse than the demotion is having to go back to Blackdown, a place she never wanted to return to.
DCI Jack Harper heads up the Major Crimes Team in Blackdown and is investigating the murder. What he doesn't want anyone to know is that he knows the victim, intimately.
23Deedledee
Book 14.
We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall
While not the best written book out there it did keep me interested the whole time.
Mercy is broke. Medical bills from a mall shooting ate up all their family's savings, including her little sister's college fund. To make some money she tries out for a reality show titled "Who Will Survive?".
The person who created the show, and is putting up the prize money, is very rich and obsessed with survivalism. And he's not above putting people in danger.
She along with six others fight for their lives in the middle of nowhere.
We Won't All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall
While not the best written book out there it did keep me interested the whole time.
Mercy is broke. Medical bills from a mall shooting ate up all their family's savings, including her little sister's college fund. To make some money she tries out for a reality show titled "Who Will Survive?".
The person who created the show, and is putting up the prize money, is very rich and obsessed with survivalism. And he's not above putting people in danger.
She along with six others fight for their lives in the middle of nowhere.
24Deedledee
Book 15.
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Margo's got more than money troubles. In her first year of university, Margo is preyed on by her English professor, Mark, a married man in his thirties with kids. When she becomes pregnant during this relationship she decides to keep her baby. Mark is quite unhappy about this turn of events.
Margo's roommates don't like the loud newborn keeping them up at night and two of them move out. She loses her job because she doesn't have childcare. And she drops out of school.
After her father, an ex-professional wrestler, gets divorced from his wife he moves in as one of her roommates.
Trying to find a way to support herself and her child she starts creating content for OnlyFans. And then her life becomes even more difficult.
An interesting look at the double standards that women have to put up with told through a modern lens.
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Margo's got more than money troubles. In her first year of university, Margo is preyed on by her English professor, Mark, a married man in his thirties with kids. When she becomes pregnant during this relationship she decides to keep her baby. Mark is quite unhappy about this turn of events.
Margo's roommates don't like the loud newborn keeping them up at night and two of them move out. She loses her job because she doesn't have childcare. And she drops out of school.
After her father, an ex-professional wrestler, gets divorced from his wife he moves in as one of her roommates.
Trying to find a way to support herself and her child she starts creating content for OnlyFans. And then her life becomes even more difficult.
An interesting look at the double standards that women have to put up with told through a modern lens.
25Deedledee
Book 16.
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
I have to wonder how a vampire takeover of a tiny town would work now in the age of constant connectivity?
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
I have to wonder how a vampire takeover of a tiny town would work now in the age of constant connectivity?
26Deedledee
Book 17.
The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J. Walker
Edgar isn't the most devoted of parents or attentive of spouses but when the unthinkable happens he tries to step up for his family.
When the UK is hit by massive meteors, Edgar and his family find safety at an army barracks, but supplies are running low. While scouting for food in the nearby community his family and others are taken to safety of a ship and a trip across the ocean. The promise is that helicopters will come back for the others but then the helicopters don't come.
Now, Edgar and a ragtag group of survivors must make it thousands of miles to the ships before his family disappears forever. The world is in shambles. There's no gas. There's barely any road. There are dangerous people everywhere. And they're just going to run.
The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J. Walker
Edgar isn't the most devoted of parents or attentive of spouses but when the unthinkable happens he tries to step up for his family.
When the UK is hit by massive meteors, Edgar and his family find safety at an army barracks, but supplies are running low. While scouting for food in the nearby community his family and others are taken to safety of a ship and a trip across the ocean. The promise is that helicopters will come back for the others but then the helicopters don't come.
Now, Edgar and a ragtag group of survivors must make it thousands of miles to the ships before his family disappears forever. The world is in shambles. There's no gas. There's barely any road. There are dangerous people everywhere. And they're just going to run.
27Deedledee
Book 18.
Common Goal by Rachel Reid
I'm continuing my Heated Rivalry obsession by reading more books in the Game Changers series.
In this installment, Eric Bennett, the goaltender for the New York Admirals, is contemplating retirement. He's 41 years old and his body can't take the punishment of being hit by pucks anymore. He's also incredibly lonely as his 16 year marriage has just ended.
To support his friend and teammate, Scott (from Game Changer), he goes with him to his favourite gay bar and there he meets Kyle.
Kyle is a bartender at the Kingfisher and a grad student studying ancient art. He's immediately attracted to Eric, but the 15 year age difference is a problem.
When Eric confesses to Kyle that he's bisexual they begin a heated friendship, but can they be more?
Common Goal by Rachel Reid
I'm continuing my Heated Rivalry obsession by reading more books in the Game Changers series.
In this installment, Eric Bennett, the goaltender for the New York Admirals, is contemplating retirement. He's 41 years old and his body can't take the punishment of being hit by pucks anymore. He's also incredibly lonely as his 16 year marriage has just ended.
To support his friend and teammate, Scott (from Game Changer), he goes with him to his favourite gay bar and there he meets Kyle.
Kyle is a bartender at the Kingfisher and a grad student studying ancient art. He's immediately attracted to Eric, but the 15 year age difference is a problem.
When Eric confesses to Kyle that he's bisexual they begin a heated friendship, but can they be more?
28Deedledee
Book 19.
A Well-behaved Woman: a Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Fowler
I know I'm supposed to be rooting for Alva in this novel but I found it hard to feel bad for her when she's living in the lap of luxury. Yes, she invested money in good causes, and yes she was restricted by the social mores of the time but come on.
Alva Smith had social standing but her family was destitute. William Vanderbilt had money, lots and lots of money, but his family sought entre into New York society. They married for convenience.
There are some other plot points but that pretty much sums it up.
A Well-behaved Woman: a Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Fowler
I know I'm supposed to be rooting for Alva in this novel but I found it hard to feel bad for her when she's living in the lap of luxury. Yes, she invested money in good causes, and yes she was restricted by the social mores of the time but come on.
Alva Smith had social standing but her family was destitute. William Vanderbilt had money, lots and lots of money, but his family sought entre into New York society. They married for convenience.
There are some other plot points but that pretty much sums it up.
29Deedledee
Book 20.
House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias
After Bimbo's mother is gunned down, he vows to get vengeance. With his friends Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, and Paul by his side he goes on a quest into the dark underbelly of crime. Along the way they also find out that the darkness extends into the supernatural. This all takes place just prior to and in the wake of Hurricane Maria, one of the most destructive in Puerto Rican history.
House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias
After Bimbo's mother is gunned down, he vows to get vengeance. With his friends Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, and Paul by his side he goes on a quest into the dark underbelly of crime. Along the way they also find out that the darkness extends into the supernatural. This all takes place just prior to and in the wake of Hurricane Maria, one of the most destructive in Puerto Rican history.
30Deedledee
Book 21.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
This book took a turn about 2/3 into the story that I was totally not expecting!
Written during the height of the COVID pandemic, I think this novel was a way that Picoult could wrap her head around what was happening in the world.
Diana is a woman with a life plan. She knows the next step she wants to take on the career ladder, she knows when she'd like to get married, and have kids. She has a boyfriend who is likeminded, Finn, a surgical resident.
Just before the world shuts down due to the pandemic she and her boyfriend are supposed to leave on a vacation to the Galapagos. But the hospital Finn works at cancels all leave, it is all hands on deck to deal with the sick of New York City. He convinces her she should still go.
After arriving on Isabela Island, Diana finds herself stranded. The island is shut down due to COVID. Her hotel is closed. Her luggage was lost. There is no wi-fi. Luckily a local takes her in and gives her a place to stay.
Diana becomes involved in the lives of local businessman, Gabriel, and his daughter, Beatriz. Through these new friendships and interactions, she begins to question what she had thought she wanted from her life, to question the path she is on and whether it is the right one.
Then the big twist takes place that I won't ruin.
I know some people still can't read COVID stories but I thought this was a very interesting take on the pandemic and how it affected people's lives.
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
This book took a turn about 2/3 into the story that I was totally not expecting!
Written during the height of the COVID pandemic, I think this novel was a way that Picoult could wrap her head around what was happening in the world.
Diana is a woman with a life plan. She knows the next step she wants to take on the career ladder, she knows when she'd like to get married, and have kids. She has a boyfriend who is likeminded, Finn, a surgical resident.
Just before the world shuts down due to the pandemic she and her boyfriend are supposed to leave on a vacation to the Galapagos. But the hospital Finn works at cancels all leave, it is all hands on deck to deal with the sick of New York City. He convinces her she should still go.
After arriving on Isabela Island, Diana finds herself stranded. The island is shut down due to COVID. Her hotel is closed. Her luggage was lost. There is no wi-fi. Luckily a local takes her in and gives her a place to stay.
Diana becomes involved in the lives of local businessman, Gabriel, and his daughter, Beatriz. Through these new friendships and interactions, she begins to question what she had thought she wanted from her life, to question the path she is on and whether it is the right one.
Then the big twist takes place that I won't ruin.
I know some people still can't read COVID stories but I thought this was a very interesting take on the pandemic and how it affected people's lives.
31Deedledee
Book 22.
The Stand (Complete and Uncut) by Stephen King
Thanks to a group on here I've been reading the books in the Dark Tower Universe.
An accident at a secret military lab leads to the release of a deadly flu. A flu so deadly that it has a 99% mortality rate. Those who do survive Captain Trips start having vibrant and frightening dreams. Some are pulled to an old Christian woman who encourages them them to create a peaceful community. The others are pulled to the "Dark Man", someone who is not fully human and revels in violence. Now those who are left determine the future of humanity.
The Stand (Complete and Uncut) by Stephen King
Thanks to a group on here I've been reading the books in the Dark Tower Universe.
An accident at a secret military lab leads to the release of a deadly flu. A flu so deadly that it has a 99% mortality rate. Those who do survive Captain Trips start having vibrant and frightening dreams. Some are pulled to an old Christian woman who encourages them them to create a peaceful community. The others are pulled to the "Dark Man", someone who is not fully human and revels in violence. Now those who are left determine the future of humanity.
32Deedledee
Book 23.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Lauren gets home from her friend's hen do a little worse for wear. Her husband Michael meets her at the door. One problem, Lauren doesn't have a husband. Except she does. There are pictures of him on her phone going back for years. Including wedding pictures.
When Michael heads up to the attic to change the lightbulb a different husband emerges. Each time the husband goes up into the attic a new one appears.
Now Lauren has to decide if there is infinite choice, what does it take to make a relationship work.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Lauren gets home from her friend's hen do a little worse for wear. Her husband Michael meets her at the door. One problem, Lauren doesn't have a husband. Except she does. There are pictures of him on her phone going back for years. Including wedding pictures.
When Michael heads up to the attic to change the lightbulb a different husband emerges. Each time the husband goes up into the attic a new one appears.
Now Lauren has to decide if there is infinite choice, what does it take to make a relationship work.
33Deedledee
Book 24.
How to Survive A Bear Attack: A Memoir by Claire Cameron
This book somehow melds the story of the author's cancer diagnosis with really interesting information about black bears and their habits.
In 1991, a couple were killed in a bear attack in Algonquin park. The story provided a creative spark for Cameron to write The Bear, about two children surviving in the wilderness after their parents deadly encounter with a black bear.
When Cameron is diagnosed with cancer, the same type of cancer that killed her father when she was a child, she becomes obsessed with the story the fateful couple. This book is a story of survival in many senses, survival in a purely physical sense like fighting off a bear and the fight against cancer, and the mental survival of grief of those lost or a type of life lost.
Cameron's story of her life is both compelling and vulnerable.
How to Survive A Bear Attack: A Memoir by Claire Cameron
This book somehow melds the story of the author's cancer diagnosis with really interesting information about black bears and their habits.
In 1991, a couple were killed in a bear attack in Algonquin park. The story provided a creative spark for Cameron to write The Bear, about two children surviving in the wilderness after their parents deadly encounter with a black bear.
When Cameron is diagnosed with cancer, the same type of cancer that killed her father when she was a child, she becomes obsessed with the story the fateful couple. This book is a story of survival in many senses, survival in a purely physical sense like fighting off a bear and the fight against cancer, and the mental survival of grief of those lost or a type of life lost.
Cameron's story of her life is both compelling and vulnerable.
34Deedledee
Book 25.
Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
The three day road both refers to dying and the length of time it takes to get back to camp.
Niska goes into town to find one of the young men she sent off to war, expecting her nephew's best friend she finds her nephew, Xavier Bird. He has been destroyed by what he's seen, done, and been through. A hero and also an addict. On their trip back to the wilderness he relives his time in the trenches and she relives her life in the bush.
A Canada Reads contender in 2006.
Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
The three day road both refers to dying and the length of time it takes to get back to camp.
Niska goes into town to find one of the young men she sent off to war, expecting her nephew's best friend she finds her nephew, Xavier Bird. He has been destroyed by what he's seen, done, and been through. A hero and also an addict. On their trip back to the wilderness he relives his time in the trenches and she relives her life in the bush.
A Canada Reads contender in 2006.
35Deedledee
Book 26.
The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World by David Jaher
It took me a reallllllly long time to read this book, mainly because the author had to put in every bit of research on the topic.
Just after World War I there was a huge interest in Spiritualism, which makes sense due to the loss of so many lives in the war and the flu pandemic.
In this book we learn about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's dedication to spiritualism, he even went on European and North American tours to talk about the new religion. Houdini's belief that all mediums were hoaxes and debunking all their tricks (also going on tour to show this). And about Margery Crandon was the "witch of Lime street", she was so talented that she was investigated by Scientific American and Harvard for her mediumship. But was she really a medium channeling her dead brother or was she a fake?
The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World by David Jaher
It took me a reallllllly long time to read this book, mainly because the author had to put in every bit of research on the topic.
Just after World War I there was a huge interest in Spiritualism, which makes sense due to the loss of so many lives in the war and the flu pandemic.
In this book we learn about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's dedication to spiritualism, he even went on European and North American tours to talk about the new religion. Houdini's belief that all mediums were hoaxes and debunking all their tricks (also going on tour to show this). And about Margery Crandon was the "witch of Lime street", she was so talented that she was investigated by Scientific American and Harvard for her mediumship. But was she really a medium channeling her dead brother or was she a fake?
36Deedledee
Book 27.
Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion by Tyler LeBlanc
A fascinating history of the expulsion of the Acadian people and where they landed (or didn't).
LeBlanc is able to trace his roots back to the first LeBlanc family in Acadia and follows his ancestors paths as they are sent to different colonies and countries.
As a person who grew up in New Brunswick, I learned about the Expulsion but it's so much more impactful when you can connect the regular people, not just the generals and politicians.
Acadian Driftwood: One Family and the Great Expulsion by Tyler LeBlanc
A fascinating history of the expulsion of the Acadian people and where they landed (or didn't).
LeBlanc is able to trace his roots back to the first LeBlanc family in Acadia and follows his ancestors paths as they are sent to different colonies and countries.
As a person who grew up in New Brunswick, I learned about the Expulsion but it's so much more impactful when you can connect the regular people, not just the generals and politicians.
37Deedledee
Book 28.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
I was not expecting that ending, that is not how I thought the story was going to go. But what an ending! An unexpected twist that I'm still puzzling through days later.
Zelu is at her sister’s wedding when she finds out that she’s been fired from her adjunct professor job teaching writing AND that her book has been rejected by yet another publisher.
That same night she starts writing a new novel, just for her. Not a literary piece as she has been writing but a sci fi novel about robots.
Rusted Robots becomes a big hit. Really big. This opens all kinds of doors for Zelu for experiences she wouldn't otherwise have. But it also causes chaos in her life and with her family.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
I was not expecting that ending, that is not how I thought the story was going to go. But what an ending! An unexpected twist that I'm still puzzling through days later.
Zelu is at her sister’s wedding when she finds out that she’s been fired from her adjunct professor job teaching writing AND that her book has been rejected by yet another publisher.
That same night she starts writing a new novel, just for her. Not a literary piece as she has been writing but a sci fi novel about robots.
Rusted Robots becomes a big hit. Really big. This opens all kinds of doors for Zelu for experiences she wouldn't otherwise have. But it also causes chaos in her life and with her family.
38Deedledee
Book 29.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This is the story of a failed bank robber. Or the story of a group of disparate people brought together by a hostage situation. Or the story of a father and son. Or the story of how Stockholmers ruin everything. Maybe it's all of those things.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This is the story of a failed bank robber. Or the story of a group of disparate people brought together by a hostage situation. Or the story of a father and son. Or the story of how Stockholmers ruin everything. Maybe it's all of those things.
39Deedledee
Book 30.
The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland
Collette LeSange's current life is running a small, prestigious primary school where her students learn french, art, dance, and more. But she's had many careers in her more than 150 years of life.
Unlike many vampire novels, this one doesn't revel in gore and the supernatural, it's more about the different eras of Collette's life, finding and losing love, finding and losing family, and how to move on.
Throughout the novel there is the looming presence of Czernobog, the Slavic god of endings. Is Collette's time at an end or is it a time of new beginning?
The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland
Collette LeSange's current life is running a small, prestigious primary school where her students learn french, art, dance, and more. But she's had many careers in her more than 150 years of life.
Unlike many vampire novels, this one doesn't revel in gore and the supernatural, it's more about the different eras of Collette's life, finding and losing love, finding and losing family, and how to move on.
Throughout the novel there is the looming presence of Czernobog, the Slavic god of endings. Is Collette's time at an end or is it a time of new beginning?
40Deedledee
Book 31.
Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo
Somewhat tongue in cheek, it's also a good reminder that if you don't deal with all your stuff now someone will have to deal with it after your death.
Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die by Messie Condo
Somewhat tongue in cheek, it's also a good reminder that if you don't deal with all your stuff now someone will have to deal with it after your death.
41Deedledee
Book 32.
Foe by Iain Reid
One of the contenders for this year's Canada Reads, Foe is a dark novel set in a dystopian future.
Junior and Henrietta have been married for years. They know everything about each other, or do they? One day a man arrives and says Junior has been selected by a "sort of" government agency to go into space for a few years. This company is investigating how people can live in space or other planets. While Junior is gone his wife will be with a companion to ensure she won't be alone.
I did figure out where the book was headed but still a good, atmospheric read.
Foe by Iain Reid
One of the contenders for this year's Canada Reads, Foe is a dark novel set in a dystopian future.
Junior and Henrietta have been married for years. They know everything about each other, or do they? One day a man arrives and says Junior has been selected by a "sort of" government agency to go into space for a few years. This company is investigating how people can live in space or other planets. While Junior is gone his wife will be with a companion to ensure she won't be alone.
I did figure out where the book was headed but still a good, atmospheric read.
42Deedledee
Book 33.
Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces by Mary Walsh
I saw Mary Walsh do a reading a few weeks ago and I immediately bought a copy of her book. I loved This Hour Has 22 Minutes when I was growing up and have enjoyed Walsh in other acting roles.
Her writing is very tongue in cheek, even when she's talking about really serious things like substance use issues and feeling that she was abandoned by her family.
A short, punchy memoir.
Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet: A Memoir in Pieces by Mary Walsh
I saw Mary Walsh do a reading a few weeks ago and I immediately bought a copy of her book. I loved This Hour Has 22 Minutes when I was growing up and have enjoyed Walsh in other acting roles.
Her writing is very tongue in cheek, even when she's talking about really serious things like substance use issues and feeling that she was abandoned by her family.
A short, punchy memoir.
43Deedledee
Book 34.
Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! by Claire McNear
I was very entertained by this book, but I think you have to be a real Jeopardy! fan to get into it. McNear explores betting strategies, talks about the best way to ring in on the buzzer, biggest winners in the show's history, and gives a lot of detail about Alex Trebek.
Published in 2020, this book is just prior to Trebek's death, although McNear speculates who would take over as he was about to turn 80.
Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! by Claire McNear
I was very entertained by this book, but I think you have to be a real Jeopardy! fan to get into it. McNear explores betting strategies, talks about the best way to ring in on the buzzer, biggest winners in the show's history, and gives a lot of detail about Alex Trebek.
Published in 2020, this book is just prior to Trebek's death, although McNear speculates who would take over as he was about to turn 80.
44Deedledee
Book 35.
A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt
One of the contenders for this year's Canada Reads.
How to describe this book? The unnamed protagonist is a queer, Indigenous person working on their PhD dissertation when they decide to take a break from it and write a novel instead. What is that novel going to be about? The Indigenous experience, the queer experience, intersectionality.
To be honest, I found it a bit pretentious.
A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt
One of the contenders for this year's Canada Reads.
How to describe this book? The unnamed protagonist is a queer, Indigenous person working on their PhD dissertation when they decide to take a break from it and write a novel instead. What is that novel going to be about? The Indigenous experience, the queer experience, intersectionality.
To be honest, I found it a bit pretentious.
45Deedledee
Book 36.
To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
It's 1885 and Lieutenant Colonel Allen Forester is being sent on an expedition up the Wolverine River in Alaska, uncharted territory at the time. His wife, Sophie, is left behind in the army base in Washington state. They both write diaries so they can share what their time apart was like.
Col. Forester's encounters with the indigenous population of the region shows how ill prepared he and his party are. They do not listen to the information that the Midnooski people provide, although they have lived on that land for generations. There is also a supernatural, mythical aspect to the story.
Meanwhile, Sophie is breaking her own barriers. She decides to not follow the custom of the women in the army base and instead decides to learn photography.
This whole book is framed within a device that the Colonel's great nephew is donating the diaries, letters, etc to a museum in Alaska and has correspondence back and forth with the young museum curator.
To The Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey
It's 1885 and Lieutenant Colonel Allen Forester is being sent on an expedition up the Wolverine River in Alaska, uncharted territory at the time. His wife, Sophie, is left behind in the army base in Washington state. They both write diaries so they can share what their time apart was like.
Col. Forester's encounters with the indigenous population of the region shows how ill prepared he and his party are. They do not listen to the information that the Midnooski people provide, although they have lived on that land for generations. There is also a supernatural, mythical aspect to the story.
Meanwhile, Sophie is breaking her own barriers. She decides to not follow the custom of the women in the army base and instead decides to learn photography.
This whole book is framed within a device that the Colonel's great nephew is donating the diaries, letters, etc to a museum in Alaska and has correspondence back and forth with the young museum curator.
46Deedledee
Book 37. Zorro by Isabel Allende
The origin story of Zorro. From his birth in California, to his education in Spain, learning to be an acrobat, to swordfight, joining a secret society.
Admittedly, I only know a little about the legend of Zorro that I've picked up from pop culture so most of this was new to me.
38. The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee
Jessica is helping her dad clean out the house after her mom's death due to cancer when they make a gruesome discovery. The dead bodies of two teenage girls are in the bottom of the chest freezers in the basement. Jessica suspects they are two foster kids that lived with them in the late 80s that everyone has assumed ran away. How did they get in the freezer? Was her mother to blame?
This leads her on a path to learn more about her mother and the Cheng sisters.
The origin story of Zorro. From his birth in California, to his education in Spain, learning to be an acrobat, to swordfight, joining a secret society.
Admittedly, I only know a little about the legend of Zorro that I've picked up from pop culture so most of this was new to me.
38. The Conjoined by Jen Sookfong Lee
Jessica is helping her dad clean out the house after her mom's death due to cancer when they make a gruesome discovery. The dead bodies of two teenage girls are in the bottom of the chest freezers in the basement. Jessica suspects they are two foster kids that lived with them in the late 80s that everyone has assumed ran away. How did they get in the freezer? Was her mother to blame?
This leads her on a path to learn more about her mother and the Cheng sisters.
