richardderus's third 2026 thread

It coulda been a lot worse....

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗞𝗢, Untitled, 1968
Oil on paper mounted on canvas
Pace Gallery, London
Photo by Chris Weekes

I'll keep up this image of a Rothko that evokes my sense of peaceful hope, optimism, and faith in humanity. I wish all of those things to every living one of us. No matter who; no matter where; no matter what.

THIS THREAD'S REVIEWS
023 Tom Paine's war : the words that rallied a nation and the founder for our time in post #16.
024 Valcour : the 1776 campaign that saved the cause of liberty in post #51.
025 God save Benedict Arnold : the true story of America's most hated man in post #52.
026 The Midnight Carousel: A Novel in post #78.
027 Missing Sam : a novel in post #81.
028 Fear and Fury: The Reagan Eighties, the Bernie Goetz Shootings, and the Rebirth of White Rage in post #86.
029 The great shadow : a history of how sickness shapes what we do, think, believe, and buy in post #90.
030 Fixing fairness : 4 tenets to transform diversity backlash into progress for all in post #92.
031 A DOMESTIC ANIMAL in post #102.
032 Island at the edge of the world : the forgotten history of Easter Island in post #105.
033 The bookbinder's secret in post #117.
034 The jaguar's roar : a novel in post #119.
035 One True Word in post #128.
036 The Secret of Snow in post #132.
037 The man who spoke Snakish in post #141.
038 The Cut Line in post #156.
039 The Unfinished Business of 1776: Why the American Revolution Never Ended in post #163.
040 Smitten: romantic obsession, the neuroscience of limerence, and how to make love last in post #165.
041 Clutch in post #185.
042 The Family Snitch: A Daughter’s Memoir of Truth and Lies in post #186.
043 Wolf Moon (Pushkin Press Classics) in post #210.
044 Lion Cross Point in post #212.
045 The midnight taxi in post #218.
046 Every Moment Is a Life: Gaza in the Time of Genocide in post #221.
047 The cure for everything: The Epic Struggle for Public Health and a Radical Vision for Human Thriving in post #236.
048 I hope you find what you're looking for in post #240.
049 The last of Earth : a novel in post #245.
050 The final problem : a novel in post #259.
051 Mother of Capital: How Rent Gave Birth to Modernity in post #261.
052 The luminous fairies and Mothra in post #266.
053 Is this a cry for help? in post #270.
054 Curious men : lost in the Congo in post #282.
055 Detour: A Novel in post #284.

All my threads in the 75ers linked somewhere here

2026 threads
Reviews 001 to 010 back here.
Reviews 011 to 022 back here.

Previous years
My Last Thread of 2009 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2010 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2011 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2012 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2013 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2014 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2015 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2016 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2017 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2018 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2019 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2020 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2021 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2022 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2023 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2024 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.
My Last Thread of 2025 Is Here:
Reviews are back-linked there.

All previous Burgoine reviews linked here.

THIS THREAD:
#008 The Storm in post #246.
#009 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them in post #249.

All previous Pearl Rule reviews linked here.

THIS THREAD:
#003

Seriously...not a great venue for normies here.
My 2025 in review.

2026 GOALS
I won't be focusing attention on the number of books I've read, or any of the rest of the numbers game, because it feels like bragging. I have none of the pressures on me that normal people have. I've got my datastick of notes from reads as much as thirteen years old, never written into reviews for any number of reasons. I have a huge hoard of rage at the kakistocracy fueling a desire to do something, a disability that doesn't allow that something to be kinetic, and so I write.

It's what I can do, so it's what I will keep doing until ICEstapo starts coming for domestic enemies of the kakistocracy. Emptying that data stick of the backlog of more-or-less coherent notes taken might last me the year, if I get even close to 2025's levels of success in writing away my emotional pain. My reviewing schedule for 2026 will begin on the second...there will be hashtag events during the year that I'll announce the weekend before they begin...I still won't post reviews on Tuesdays (traditional book-release day in the US) until publishing slows down the new-books firehose in December as #Booksgiving hots up. The most exciting books of 2025's reading were translations so I'm definitely continuing my focus on reading translated literature in 2026.

Since the entirety of 2026 is looking politically unstable, I'm making a point to review books that treat that instability as a chance to reflect on how we got here, so we can get out...and stay out. I'm not a bit sure anyone will enjoy it. It is urgent not to lose sight of the reality that our right to read and think and behave like, about, and what we think is best is very much under attack. 6870 times in the 2024-2025 school year alone. Guess whose identities were targeted most often. "Books by authors of color, by LGBTQ+ authors, by women. Books about racism, sexuality, gender, history. PEN America pushes back against censorship and the intolerance and exclusion that undergird it." I recommend joining PEN America to support a key player in the fight to oppose and reverse the school bans.

☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂

1Q26 coming 31 March 2026.

GBBO and other special hashtaggie projects will be linked here.

2026 #ShortStoryMonth
☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂
2026 #PrideMonth
#PrideMonth wrap-up
☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂
#WITMonth explainer is here.
#WITMonth wrap-up
***
☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂☀☁☂
GBBO THOUGHTS
Season 16 back-links here.

All my six-stars-of-five reads since I first said I wanted to give a book six stars of five for being a perfect read in 1994. I've started the list with 2013 to coincide with the launch of my blog. All the links take you to the reviews I posted for those titles on the blog.

1994. MONTANA 1948...the original; the perfect read!

1. THE SONG OF ACHILLES


2. MATTERHORN


3. EUROPE IN AUTUMN


4. MARGARET THE FIRST


5. MISSIONARY


6. CIRCE


7. BLACK LIGHT


8. YOU EXIST TOO MUCH


9. COVE


10. KIBOGO


11. THE WORDS THAT REMAIN


12. GLORIOUS EXPLOITS


13. THE REMEMBERED SOLDIER

See >6 richardderus: for 2025 achievements & 2026 goals, and quarterly wrap-ups. Special hashtag events in >7 richardderus: .
Monthly wrap-up posts to be linked below. 2025's wrap-ups are back-linked here.

January 2026 here.

Okay, the all-clear is now sounded.

Yippee, new thread day. And wonder of wonders, it looks like I'm first ;)

Ach, just missed it! *smooch*

>11 mahsdad: Yeah, you've never been first before...but I burned out on crowns by December so rather than give out retreads I stopped in thread one!

>12 ronincats: Might be glad, Roni, since the crowns are gone now.

Happy New Thread, Richard! As for my offer made on your last thread, it'll be on the table if you need it.

023 Tom Paine's war : the words that rallied a nation and the founder for our time by Jack Kelly

>15 Storeetllr: That is so sweet, dear one, I'm so grateful for your generosity. *smoochiesmoochsmooch*

Happy new one, Richard!

>13 richardderus: I might have eked out a first sometime, but if I have its been years ago. But I'll definitely take the "W" this time.

No crown, no worries, heavy's the head that wears the crown. The recognition from you is enough. LOL.

Stay Warm!

Happy New Thread, Richard. I love that snowy topper. It looks like you still got a healthy amount of snow. Glad to hear you are keeping warm & snug.

Happy new one, Richard.

Salutations on a chilly third thread, RD.

>18 drneutron: Thank you, Doc!

Hey, it snowed where I live. Here. C O L D. Single digital lows every morning. On into February, Ugh. I see you are clicking along, reading and posting, posting and read. Cheers!

Happy new thread, Richard! >1 richardderus: Not bad at all. We've had worse dumps of snow out here in the warmer west.

>19 mahsdad: Most years I've never noted who came first, so we'll just never know. "W" it is.

>20 msf59: Thanks, Mark! It was our parking area that the plows shoved stuff into, so it looks like more than we actually got. It's cold because the wind's picked up. I'm wearing an old cardie to bed tonight.

>21 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley!

>22 PaulCranswick: Chillerino indeed, PC. You ready to go back to snows and frosts, you tropical blossom you?

>1 richardderus: Glad the storm was not as bad as predicted!

Happy new thread.

>29 richardderus: To be honest I am having my doubts!

>24 weird_O: Cheers, Weirdski...it's winter's depth so we expect some colder days but wow did we get a big shift!

>25 Familyhistorian: It wasn't awful, Meg, when it could easily have been. I'm not required to go out so I'm happy to smile seraphically at it, close the blinds, and click the Kindle on.

>30 figsfromthistle: Me three, Anita! Thanks.

>31 PaulCranswick: ...why am I not surprised...

Happy new thread, Richard! Wintery *smoich* and hope you're hooked up with a bunch of good books.

Checking in and checking right out as usual. Also as usual, I wish you good reading and good time to think and write and an occasional good meal and warmth!!! *smooch* (I'm not sure how you could possibly warm with that going on outside!)

Well you certainly got snow!
I can scarcely imagine what a winter with regular snow would be like...we do get to freezing temps here, but the snow is elusive each winter.
Happy third thread anyway :)

>36 bell7: Thanks, Mary...I'm discombobulated so I've restarted Heated Rivalry.

>37 LizzieD: I'm happy with not freezing or needing to get slush in my shoes or on my coat. I'm *living* in my LLBean robe!

>38 LovingLit: What a shame, snow's really the little icing on the crumby cake of winter. Thanks, Megan!

Happy new thread, Richard! That’s very much snow for my eyes, but I’m spoiled here. Living surrounded by moutains, but in the valley, in most years we just get a couple of flakes. Had some snow on Sunday and there will be more this week, I still hope it will come down somewhere else where it’s more welcome.

I’m now crossing things for the best possible outcome. The book thing is really annoying, especially when you can bring clothes and presumably blankets and stuff(?) without “quarantine” or pre-treatment. I didn’t even now bedbugs can live in books. Can’t the books be put in sealed bags and checked again after x months?

I now go through most of my things twice a year (just this last Saturday), always hoping to clear out lots and ending with maybe a couple of books for book crossing and a small bag of clothes. Even the question “do I still need it or is it an object that brings me joy, otherwise out with it” doesn’t really help. There are always things from person x or y I just can’t throw out.

Sending {{{hugs}}}

Happy new thread, Richard! It looks like you got quite a bit of snow. I would rather have had snow here than sleet, but am very grateful that it was sleet instead of the predicted freezing rain.

>42 Deern: I am also sorry to hear that you can't bring your books. And to follow up on what Nathalie said, would it be possible to put the books in a freezer for a few days to treat for any bugs they might harbor? It seems extreme to say you can't bring any, without allowing for possible preventive treatments.

Happy New Thread, Richard. The snow looks good, but I am not fond of it at all.

>42 Deern: Thanks, Nathalie. I have no more influence than I've already exerted.

>43 atozgrl: It snew a bunch, but really it could have been so much worse. I'm still freezing but it is, honestly, not as bad as 1993's winter.

Happy Tuesday!

>44 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah, I'm more snow-friendly than y'all out west in the temperate zone.

Happy new one, RD!

>48 katiekrug: Thank you most kindly, Katie!

‘Morning, RDear! Happy new thread, and happy Tuesday to you.

>1 richardderus: Thanks for taking and sharing the pic of your snow.

>16 richardderus: I just found and downloaded the Kindle version of Common Sense I acquired God-Knows-When but updated to my Kindle in the great Kindle-catch-up effort of a year ago. It has 66 pages, so I just might read it. And, of course, I’m still, still, trying to get through The Federalist Papers.

*stay warm and smooch*

024 Valcour : the 1776 campaign that saved the cause of liberty by Jack Kelly

025 God save Benedict Arnold : the true story of America's most hated man by Jack Kelly

>51 richardderus: >52 richardderus: Adding those to the BlackHole. Thanks for the reviews and recommendations, Richard.

Happy new thread! ((Hugs)) and **smooches** for today!

>50 karenmarie: Morning, loveycuddles! Thanks for the kind words.

There is much to enjoy in reading the foundational documents of the country, even though a lot of the time it's more in the nostalgic "remember when this mattered?" way. Common Sense would be reviled by today's "conservatives" were it promulgated online.

Giving in to despair is easy but so so counterproductive. *smooch*

>53 alcottacre: I hope they'll add to your sense of how far we've come, Stasia. *smooch*

>55 richardderus: Thank you, Richard. I am sure they will. Unfortunately it appears we are rapidly going backwards these days. . .

>56 alcottacre: Backwards always means downwards, so the pull of gravity is aiding the awfulness.

I was pleasantly surprised with Ken Burn's series on the American Revolution and his unsparing praise of Benedict Arnold. He told about the fight at Valcour and about Arnold's heroic efforts to take a portion of Quebec in order to take pressure off of Washington in New York. It has been one of the failures of our history teaching methods that we don't tell students of all ages why the about face of Arnold was so shocking to the citizens of what would be the US. If we knew of his accomplishments, we might be better able to understand the extent of his traitorousness. Instead, we get this incomplete story or some insipid explanation of his traitorous conduct that leaves the more discerning among us asking why? What happened? I am glad that you found some books that go far into explaining Arnold to us. Like Stasia, these just added two more books to the endless TBR list.

>51 richardderus: richardderus: >52 richardderus: richardderus: Yes, count me among Benita and Stasia. I've added these two to my TBR list for when I'm better able to focus.

>58 benitastrnad: The mealymouthing I got about him was that his true character came out when he was offered a bribe...which, while true, was really obscenely reductive and repulsively moralistic.

>59 Storeetllr: No rush, Mary! They'll be there long after the present-day stressors are in the rear-view mirror.

I too added the two Kelly-authored books about Bennie Arnold to My WANT!! List™. Said list is neither endless nor an astrological "black hole". Thanks for those.

>62 weird_O: Oh cool! I hope you can find them at reasonable price.

>51 richardderus: >52 richardderus: Those books look interesting. I have been quite aware of Arnold's complicated character, the fact that he was an early hero of the war, and how badly the politicians treated him since reading a biography of Washington many years ago. It's truly a shame that the history we've been taught in school doesn't really include all of that and most Americans just think of him as a traitor.

After visiting Ticonderoga and Saratoga on our trip in August, I'm more aware of the importance of what happened in these places to the war overall. And Benita is right, Burns' documentary did a great job of showing Arnold's contributions and the significance of the battle at Valcour. As for British stupidity, my eyes were opened to a lot of that when I read The First Salute last year. There was a lot that they could have done better which could have made an enormous difference to the outcome.

>64 atozgrl: Seeing the world through only your own lens is fatal to defusing conflict. Modern insights put into a worldview that just did not exist back in those times...but what a different world it would've been if Arnold had been in therapy, and there was a culture that rewarded empathy!

Kelly's books about Arnold look interesting but I probably should read more general books about the conflict first. It is of interest in my family history as I have men who fought on the side of the patriots (much to my initial surprise).

Morning, Richard. Not much to report. Stuck in the deep freeze. It looks like we may not get above the freeze mark for 2 more weeks. WTH? Off to the gym...

>66 Familyhistorian: I'd recommend that course, Meg, or a lot of history will just be jumbled garbled stodge to slow you down.

>67 msf59: Morning, Mark! We're still freezyfrosty cold, too. It's wintertime, yes, but it could be a tidge above freezing without making the world spin off its axis.

I'm not ready for spring but I hate ice (ironic, that) enough to want a good melt now.

‘Morning, RD! Happy Wednesday.

>51 richardderus: and >52 richardderus: Onto the wish list they go.

>64 atozgrl: Down the rabbit hole of The First Salute, Irene, I found a Blackstone Audio version narrated by Wanda McFaddon, ‘included with my Audible subscription’, therefore I paid $0 for it.

*smooch*

>70 karenmarie: Free Tuchman = win! It's an excellent overview of the subject. I'm glad Jack Kelly's books appealed to you; I think they'll make a favorable impression when you get there.

I'm more and more concerned that nuance, despite All the polling suggesting it is what everyone across the spectrum of opinion claims to want, is rendered nugatory when today's delivery methods are used. Things move faster and faster, nuance is not a survivor in that world; so we'd need to force the algorithm owners to redesign the purpose of them to make real and lasting change.

Capitalist tech scum are not going to do that easily and they, if forced to do it, will backdoor in some vitiating thing to defeat the spirit of the forced change. Their greed is sacred, you know, cannot be questioned or challenged or Trammeled in any way.

Hi Richard, dear friend, Happy New Thread mate.

I posted my thoughts, such as they were - and basically an amalgamation of other people's thoughts since I feel inadequate to the task - to my thread about One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, Richard.

((Hugs)) and **smooches** and hopes that you have a wonderful Wednesday!

>72 johnsimpson: Hi, John. Thanks!

>73 alcottacre: It's a good idea, Stasia, to quote from reviews you agree with when there is no clarity in your mind despite reading the book. It's just not going to happen in this case so trust people who were engaging in a different way to show you your own way.

‘Morning, RDear! Happy Thursday to you.

>71 richardderus: You’re right, and it’s damned depressing thinking about it.

*smooch*

Thursday morning *smooches* and hope you're staying warm in this weather. It was -4F when we got up this morning and still below zero when the bus game. I had NO argument about wearing the heavy winter coat today, kiddo had it on and zipped in the porch while we waited for the bus.

026 The Midnight Carousel: A Novel by Fiza Saeed McLynn

>76 karenmarie: Sadly, not thinking about it accomplishes nothing but storing up painful smacks from Reality for later.

Thursday orisons, sweetiedarling!

>77 bell7: Morning, Mary! It's not that cold here thank the goddesses for their unusual inattention to immiserating me. 12° is pretty awful, but it's not -4°! At least it's not very windy to drive wind chill into Canada range. I'm glad kiddo has survival instincts!

027 Missing Sam : a novel by Thrity N. Umrigar

>78 richardderus: Sweet Thursday, Rdear. I've put that one on my never ending library wish list 😃.

>82 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! Thursday orisons. I hope >78 richardderus: shows up in your library holds and you end up enjoying it.

I won't call what I did catching up, Richard, but *Valcour* is downloading to my Kindle right this moment. I can certainly afford the $2.99 for Kindle if not the time to read it soon. I'll check your Umrigar later and wait to see what McLynn does next. So you're still having your normal impact on me! *smooch*

Be as warm as you can. The prediction is now with 100% certainty that we will be getting 4-6 inches of snow this weekend. My prediction with a hopeful 99% certainty is that I will be staying in the house!

>84 LizzieD: ...and a good prediction it is, Peggy me lurve. I'm an indoor pup as well. If I need anything, well...I don't need it enough to go out into that walk-in freezer to get it. I'm wrapped in my fleecy binky and have a cardigan on so I'm as prepared as I can be to stay warm.

I think you'll like Valcour when its time does come, but don't rush. Nothing in the read is *urgent* because history so seldom can be. *smooch*

028 Fear and Fury: The Reagan Eighties, the Bernie Goetz Shootings, and the Rebirth of White Rage by Heather Ann Thompson

...I think I wet myself...

>81 richardderus: Good review, Richard. I just got that out from the library, and plan to read it next, as long as I like it.

Morning, Richard. We will get up to a balmy 20F today. Woo hoo! Both Missing Sam and Fear and Fury sound very good. On to the fat list they go. Your job is done, sir.

029 The great shadow : a history of how sickness shapes what we do, think, believe, and buy by Susan Wise Bauer

>88 vancouverdeb: Oh good, Deborah, I'm hopeful you'll enjoy it All the way through. Happy weekend-ahead's reads.

030 Fixing fairness : 4 tenets to transform diversity backlash into progress for all by Lily Zheng

>89 msf59: Morning, Birddude! It's 11° now, so I feel whiny and put-upon. It must feel positively balmy compared to -7 though. I'm glad I got you with those two because I think you'll really enjoy 'em both. And goodness knows you'll be burning through the reads while it's so bitter outside, so more list items = reading security against Stasia's long-prognosticated worldwide book famine.

>1 richardderus: That is an impressive amount of snow Richard! Well to me anyway, it’s pretty unusual for it to snow at all here and never more than a couple of inches. And it only snowed three times that I can remember when I lived with my parents, so I’ve never really got accustomed to the whole idea of snow.

‘Morning, RD! Happy Friday to you.

>78 richardderus: I read The Night Circus and gave it to somebody here on LT, not needing it on my shelves for any reason. I loved Water for Elephants but just decided to cull it and the 2 books by her I haven’t read.

>86 richardderus: I am still furious with Ronnie Raygun and can’t bear to read anything about that era’s politics right now.

>87 richardderus: *smirk*

>90 richardderus: Onto the wishlist it goes. Since it only got published 3 days ago, it’s definitely current.

*smooch*

>94 SandDune: I grew up in the Sun Belt; I saw snow maybe ten times before I was twenty-five and moved to NYC. Seen it some since, of course, but what I love about it is it has to be a sweet spot of col-but-not-too-cold to snow instead of sleet. That sweet spot happens to match my preferences, so it's happiness for me when it snows.

>95 karenmarie: Morning, Horrible. I'm so cold I could scream...it's 17° right now, and the insulation in my 120-yr-old building is dodgy, so I feel it keenly.

My hatred of Reagan led me to wear a button all of 1980 saying "We'd be better off with Bonzo" until my boss told me to take it off while I was at work or get fired.

The next place I worked was in retail so it wasn't a viable option.

I'm very pleased you're looking for >90 richardderus: to come to you. I expect with great confidence you'll like the read. It's not up there with Rachel Reid's books in smutty delight, but it's got tons of good stuff in it. (Here's a CBC interview with her about the astounding changes in her life that I enjoyed a lot: https://www.cbc.ca/arts/q/how-the-life-of-heated-rivalry-author-rachel-reid-chan...

Stay warm, sweetiedarling.

>75 richardderus: I normally do not look at reviews before I type up my thoughts on a book but I just did not know what to say about this one.

>78 richardderus: I am definitely going to have to read that one as I liked both The Night Circus and Water for Elephants. Thanks for the review, Richard.

>81 richardderus: >86 richardderus: >90 richardderus: Adding those to the BlackHole too! Why do I keep adding books that I am unlikely to ever get hold of? *sigh*

((Hugs)) and **smooches** and hopes that you have a fantastic Friday!

>98 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! I'd suspect your local library has you as an annual line-item on their budget with how much you use their services. Don't be shy...ask 'em to buy you a few things they might not buy otherwise.

*smooch* for a happy weekend's reads.

>81 richardderus: Magic always demands a price, a sacrifice of treasure. It works like all the other balancing systems in nature. Benefit given, cost exacted...it is the universal law...

Profound that. And at the moment, most apt. BENEFIT GIVEN!

ETA: not 81! >78 richardderus:

>100 DebiCates: I'm very glad you liked the review! If you read the book, please let me know what you thought of it.

031 A DOMESTIC ANIMAL by FRANCIS KING

Morning, Richard. Somehow I missed or maybe I just skipped over your glowing review of The Wayfinder since I had plans to read it in February. While adding it to Good Reads I saw your review and my little heart soared. If you would have hated it, it could have made these 700 pages a bit more painful to get through. It sure is off to a good start. What a fascinating writer he is.

>103 msf59: Morning, Mark, from freezyfrosty cold Long Beach. I'm really glad my review hit you right. I really enjoyed the read, so I hope it keeps you rolling along as well as I did.

Don't freeze...turning to ice is a lot worse now than ever.

032 Island at the edge of the world : the forgotten history of Easter Island by Mike Pitts

JANUARY IN REVIEW

I wrote forty-three reviews in total. New for this month is tracking the current-month pub date reviews...I've been very very lax over the years about getting books reviewed in their pub months, it's part of being a mood reader I guess, but the publishers and DRC aggregators are much more selective in granting access to the best stuff so I'm trying out the new-to-me trait of behaving as others want me to.

Not *too* awful and painful just yet but it's early days...anyway, same-month reviews totaled 32 of the 35 January DRCs I received. It feels amazing that I managed to do that in a very emotionally volatile month for me. I don't know if I'll continue to make these inroads into each month's titles. There are 40 February DRCs to be reviewed, nine already written and scheduled, one posted (An Astronomer in Love), so permaybehaps this will work out.

My favorite read of January was The Great Shadow: A History of How Sickness Shapes What We Do, Think, Believe, and Buy because it changed my mind by using evidence and rational explanation. I admired more than loved Your Name Here by Helen DeWitt, honestly it bewilders me why this book got so.much.luuuv. It's good, not great, at least to me. I was disappointed by The Last American President: A Broken Man, a Corrupt Party, and a World on the Brink because there's really no need to do this again...no MAGAt is going to read a book by Thom Hartmann and I'm not interested in merely rehearsing my loathing for felonious yam again. If he'd had anything *new* to say, now...but no. I detested Joyride: A Memoir for its mean-spiritedness and fame-fucking. It's tarnished my previously strong admiration for Orlean's excellent writing chops.

Allons-y, as the Tenth Doctor said. Into the February fray.

Happy weekend and Happy Last-day-of-one-of-the-worst-Januarys-ever. Here's hoping February is better and the obit I am most looking forward to is published.

>90 richardderus: *Shadow* is firmly on my wish list with thanks. I'd probably love *Easter Island* too, but I can't just keep adding books and books and books when I have thousands unread, can I? Never mind.
We have a little snow on the ground and are moving down from our high of 27°. Holy Moly. The big blast is predicted for later today and overnight. Believe that I will be in the house. I hope to be reading! *smooch*

>107 Storeetllr: It was a sucky month indeed. I'll join you in that eager awaiting!

>108 LizzieD: You can't? I can, and do, and have no intention of changing. Stay indoors! I can't think of anyone I'm less willing to see get harmed by that damned blast. *smooch*

>86 richardderus:
You got me with 2 BB's. This book is one of them.

I find it interesting that it wasn't until a gun-toting white man was killed by ICE that the tone of some of the people in charge, including the Orange Gasbag, went down for a few days. Talk about what privilege can do. White + man = privilege. It was the gun toting part that caused the Republicans to quiet the talk and forced the Orange One to place a few condescending phone calls. When a gay white woman was murdered she was called names, accused of being a terrorist, and treated like she was on a blacklist somewhere. There would have been no phone calls to the governor or the mayor if it had been another woman murdered by ICE.

>111 benitastrnad: ...not to mention the Black and Brown folk murdered abused disappeared by ICEstapo, the children Terrorized and damaged..."it's All about keeping Us safe" like a six-year-old is a threat...but a gun-ownin' white man is murdered and it's suddenly a problem.

Hypocritical jackasses.

The BB's are flying around here. I'm with Peggy >108 LizzieD:; where am I going to find time to read them all? >90 richardderus:, >92 richardderus:, and >105 richardderus: all look interesting. (And I thought I had heard/seen enough about Easter Island already.)

>78 richardderus: Okay, okay. A book bullet for me. : )

We have the opoosite problem here. No snow or rain so our monthly levels are way below normal. Hoping February brings some dampness. In the meantime, I am enjoying the beautiful, sunny skies and warm degrees -- we are supposed to hit 60 this week! Crazy.

Good luck deciding what's best for YOU with the big move ahead. I know you'll figure it out.

Smooches.

>113 atozgrl: There can never be enough book-bullets for the curious mind...like the Rapa Nui book that recontextualizes the whole history of the place. I love how people look at something well-known and think, "is all that actually true/untrue? what if I poke it with this new stick, will it look/behave different?"

I hope I never run out of book bullets.

>114 Berly: Morning, Berly-boo! It's all about balance innit. We're sloshing, you're panting...yu're sloshing, we're blowing away. I'm glad you could drag your parched self here to visit!

Oh, I'll move. I can not tolerate the blaring TV the reeking roomie the intrusive togetherness anymore. I'm adjusting myself to the idea of doing without my precious things but I NEED peace. I don't really need stuff. I want it. I don't need it.

*smooch*

033 The bookbinder's secret by A. D. Bell

>117 richardderus: Hmmmm this was on my list due to said bookbinding bits, but your description of the rest of it sounds like... not my cup of tea after all. I'll sit on this a bit instead of rushing out to read it, I think.

034 The jaguar's roar : a novel by Micheliny Verunschk (tr. Juliana Barbassa)

>118 bell7: Honestly, Mary, if you wait until the second one comes out you won't be missing much. It's really not what I think of as a "Mary book". Enjoyable enough; slight; ornamented with books not enmeshed with The Book, so in a weird way it's misleading to call it what they did.

Happy Sunday, Richard. Still COLD but enjoying bountiful AM sunshine. A few chores today and mucho book time. Enjoy your day.

‘Morning, RDear. Happy Sunday to you. I blame Arsenal and the snow for my not posting yesterday.

>97 richardderus: Sorry you couldn’t wear your anti-Raygun button at your jobs. Oooh, thanks for the link. I’ve read the first four books and watched the series, and once I get over sticker shock, will read the next two books. They’re both $9.99 on Kindle.

>102 richardderus: Absolutely stunning review. Your best reviews, of course, review the book, discuss the times, and share personal information. A 6* review. Having said that, I’m going to pass because I’m obsessed with … you thought I was going to say smut, but I’m obsessed with happy ever after endings. Too much going on politically and personally for me to read about despair that stays unrequited.

>105 richardderus: Another excellent review, one which caught me. I just used a precious Audible credit and downloaded it.

>106 richardderus: I always try to find out when a book was published – it’s pretty easy on Amazon – and so saw that Island at the Edge of the World was published only 5 days ago. Thanks for changing your methodology for which books to review when.

I dodged BBs/wish list on all other reviews.

*smooch*

>121 msf59: Sunday orisons, Mark, from your weather twin. I'm astounded and delighted there will be some days above freezing coming soon. I'm surprised how happy this makes me. A lot of book time is of course a joy. (If they're good, of course.)

>122 karenmarie: I got your wallet more often than I thought I would! I had to go back and reread >102 richardderus: because your deeply flattering assessment of it doesn't match my vague sense of incompleteness, lack of *something*, I have about it. I hope you're right and I'm wrong.

I don't know if >106 richardderus: is a harbinger or not, Horrible, but I've got to make my list of unread-current DRCs shorter somehow and I seem to be incapable of saying no...and All the yay for getting >105 richardderus:. I think you'll really enjoy its middle third the most.

*smooch*

>110 richardderus: Thank you, my WBL. Same to you! Also a *smooch* for the rest of your weekend.

>111 benitastrnad:, 112 I was longing to report to somebody one line from an NPR interview with some Republican office-holder whose name I didn't get about ICE in Minneapolis. He said - and this is almost a direct quote with only a word or two wrong - "I think they may have gone a little too far." My NC girl Ayesha Rascoe did not then ask the obvious question: "How many killings would it take for you to say without equivocation, 'They have gone too far.'?"
That out of my system, I agree with you both.

>125 LizzieD: Hey there Peggy! I'm pretty cold..it's 18° right now...but I'm reliably informed there is above-freezing weather coming very soon. I hope it will last when it comes.

I think political waffling is just not good enough when discussing murder by "law enforcement." It won't change unless we demand that it change...the murder and the waffling, but that does not appear to be where we are right now.

Happy February, Richard! I came to say thank you for recommendng My Sweet-Orange Tree which I "discovered" on Mary's thread - ordering today for Marina who heads to Rio next weekend. But this thread got me with Fixing Fairness. Thanks for your review.

035 One True Word by Snæbjorn Arngrimsson (tr. Larissa Kyzer)

>127 AMQS: February orisons, Anne! I'm delighted My Sweet-Orange Tree made it into the Rio-visiting Marina's carry ons. I know it was published before you were born, but it's still in print there. It could tell her about the place...I hope....

Fixing Fairness is a solid read indeed. I hope that it will inform and exhilarate you with the possibilities it contains.

Good to see you!

'Morning, RDear! Happy Monday to you.

We're hunkered down for another day. Spreadsheets, Lightning Round, and stats are in the plan.

*smooch*

>130 karenmarie: Morning, Horrible! I'm not as cold, thank goodness, so I'll be delighting in my Kindle's contents in comfort.

*smooch*

036 The Secret of Snow by Tina Harnesk (tr. Alice Menzies)

>132 richardderus: Great review, Rdear. I've added it to my never-ending library list.
I wish you a good start to the new week.

>115 richardderus: I hope I never run out of book bullets. I hope you never run of book bullets either, RD, even though I keep getting hit by them!

>117 richardderus: *sigh* Adding that one to the BlackHole and hoping that the bookbinding bits can overcome the forbidden love bits.

>119 richardderus: *even bigger sigh* Adding that one too. . .

>132 richardderus: Yep, adding that one as well. . .

((Hugs)) and **smooches** and wishes that you have a marvelous Monday, Richard!

>133 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! I hope you enjoy >132 richardderus: when your library gets it. Have a great week of reading!

>128 richardderus: One True Word looks intriguing—I’m going to go look for a copy. Thanks!

Karen O

P.s. 3 copies are on irder at my “big city” library—I’m first in line!

>134 alcottacre: I'm clear that only losing my sight will stop my reading...I'm bettin' my life on the fact that writers need to write as much as I need to read, and that both sides need to make it as good as possible.

If/when you move to Longview I predict your county's library will have its budget slashed for lack of circulation. *smooch*

>136 klobrien2: Oh YAY Karen O.! >128 richardderus: is a really interesting story that kept me reading when sleep was what I needed. I'll look forward to your thoughts when its turn comes.

*sigh* I wish I could keep reading when sleep is what I need. I guess I could slap myself around or do an ice bucket; otherwise, when I need to sleep, off I go - except at night when my back and legs are hurting and I have to keep moving. And I'm in great shape for my age!!!!!

I wish you warm and reading something else wonderful with the promise of a better than normal meal tonight. *smooch*

>139 LizzieD: *dingdingding* It was meatloaf and mixed veggies, a good meal. It's at least fifteen degrees warmer in here because it's so sunny, because I face west by southwest, and it's sundown. I finally wrote a review of a book my sister sent me ten years ago, see below.

I generally just go with it when I'm sleepy unless there's something really grabbing me in my current read. And I'm not in great shape for my age. *smooch*

037 The man who spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirähk (tr. Christopher Moseley )

"We're home, li'l bunny."

Ooh Richard, you got me three times (>132 richardderus:, >141 richardderus:, and >142 richardderus: ❤️‍🩹) ! Fortunately only two were books. re >132 richardderus::It's built to make you feel the warm glow of goodness yes, please.

Hey, RD. It has been a fine Monday. PB in the AM. The Wayfinder in the PM. I did get Juno out for a walk too. We have been neglecting her with these frigid temps. I hope you had a good one too.

>142 richardderus: I LOVE THIS!

>143 AMQS: Oh yay, Anne! I think more people should have found >141 richardderus: before now but, well, better now than not at all. Isn't >142 richardderus: wonderful?

>144 msf59: It's so warm I don't need my big flannel bathrobe! I'm sure the cold is coming back but not tomorrow so I'll just enjoy it.

Did you know that *Snakish* is a Kindle deal for $2.99 "for a short time," Richard? It's going on my Kindle now.

>142 richardderus: *smile*

Enjoy the less cold weather , Richard, while you can.

>147 LizzieD: Great news on both counts, Peggy! I hope you'll give it a whirl sometime soon.Such an odd story. Isn't >142 richardderus: a lovely moment of justice?

>148 vancouverdeb: I'm thrilled by it, Deborah, so much that I even thought about going outside into it...until I saw the puddles lapping against the foundation with tides and icebergs.

'Morning, RD! Happy Tuesday.

BBs dodged. The plumbers are here. That's all I've got.

*smooch*

>152 karenmarie: Plumb well, Horrible, and enjoy the results...endless coffee, long showers, clean dishes....

*smooch*

Hi, Richard! You got me with The Man Who Spoke Snakish. Not sure I'll read it, because mY eYeS, but I borrowed the ebook from the library.

>142 richardderus: Conejito. *meltmeltmelt*

My daughter's dad (my ex, and for a reason) who lives in Southern California sent me a text yesterday telling me to enjoy our warm spell. I wasn't amused. (Actually, we are friends; he just has a weird sense of humor that works only some of the time.)

>154 Storeetllr: Greetings from the semi-tropical beachside resort I'm abandoning, where it's presently 25°! I need tanning lotion....

It's not warm, per se, but it's better than the recent single digits. >142 richardderus: must be in shock, returning to Mpls from Texas! *smooch*

038 The Cut Line by Carolina Pihelgas (tr. Darcy Hurford)

"It's so warm I don't need my big flannel bathrobe! " I hope that has continued. We are trending toward warmer weather, which is great news. We will be in the 40s next week. Of course I will be in FL then. Nice timing, right?

Happy Wednesday, Richard.

>157 msf59: Boo hiss, weather goddesses! Making it forty just when Mark is escaping to Fort Misery, I mean Meyers of course I do. It's warmer that during the blast, so I'm contented in my cotton cardie. I have a really old one with a detaching buttonhole strip that I use as a jammy top that, after this winter, I'm retiring to a life as a glass-polishing rag.

‘Morning, RDear! Happy Wednesday to you.

>156 richardderus: It is tangential, but the description of this book reminded me of The Wall by Marlen Haushofer. I read it in 2000 for my RL Book Club and gave it 4.5 *.

*smooch*

>159 karenmarie: The link goes to John Hersey's book, sweetiedarling. I don't recall ever hearing of that title before so I'll go look it up.

Wednesday orisons! *smooch*

>78 richardderus: For decades I've had a recurring dream of a night carnival. Every time I first see the lights my heart breaks. It represents victory and loss and hope, and in the dream I'm always there because I've fallen from some safe and hard-won place. I love the dream but it always affects me deeply.

You continue to astonish, RD. Moochas smoochas!

>161 SomeGuyInVirginia: LARRY! I am delighted to see you around here. I think your vision of night carnival/night circus is one lots of people share the outlines of. It never really comes into focus, this shared image/illusion, until fiction enters the chat. It's so intensely evocative of the odd space where reality, love, and materially indistinct...stuff...conjoin. Stay well and happy!

*smooch*

039 The Unfinished Business of 1776: Why the American Revolution Never Ended by Thomas Richards

>163 richardderus: Ow, you got me again! The mountain keeps getting bigger.

040 Smitten: romantic obsession, the neuroscience of limerence, and how to make love last by Tom Bellamy

>164 atozgrl: ::gleeful hand-rub::

Anytime, Irene, happy to be of service.

‘Morning, RD! Happy Thursday to you.

>160 richardderus: Link fixed. Sorry about that.

>163 richardderus: Added to the wish list. Thanks for the quote that brought your rating up.

>165 richardderus: I’ll pass. I’m amused about the subject, because it’s an MM romance title by Scarlett Drake. I’ve passed on this entry but just read the third in the series and have the first in the series borrowed with Kindle Unlimited.

*smooch*

>167 karenmarie: I think >163 richardderus: saved itself with that clear-eyed, concise distillation of how the gulf between the founders and the vandals is enacted.

I doubt you're missing anything by skipping >165 richardderus: TBH. I hope Scarlett Drake's stories delight you! *smooch*

>137 richardderus: Audiobooks will help if and when you lose your sight - which I hope never happens!

Well, at least I will increase the Longview library's circulation, right?

>141 richardderus: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, RD!

Oops, off until later. Kerry just got home. . .

((Hugs)) and **smooches** for today!

As usual, I'm just getting Miss Piggy quoted on my thread, and now it's time to go do RL stuff.

I wish you a productive day, WBL! *smooch*

>86 richardderus: Thanks for bringing Fear and Fury to my attention. I haven't thought about the Goetz shootings for a very long time, but I'm very interested in thinking of the case as an ugly symptom of a national chronic illness. I've put a copy on hold at the PL.

The Man Who Spoke Snakish and The Unfinished Business of 1776 are appealing too, but they're going into the Swamp for now. THanks!

>169 alcottacre: I doubt it...I still fall asleep when I'm being read to but let's cross that bridge when I come to it. Meantime I've got tons to do.

>170 LizzieD: It's been very productive, Peggy, but it needs to get more productive still. *sigh*

>171 swynn: Oh yay, Steve! I'm glad you got smacked by those BBs.

Stay warm!

>128 richardderus: I’m definitely intrigued by One True Word. Your thread is a dangerous place, Richard, as a couple more have also caught my eye…

Hope all is well in your world today.

>175 Copperskye: I'm very pleased Snæbjorn's story is exerting its appeal, Joanne. Maybe one day?

I've had a full day...I'm sure all y'all know I can't take my books, so I've been in the storage cave where they've been for a while sorting. I was distressed because some are useless due to water damage. But they're getting handled, getting put into the library upstairs for everyone to use, and the casualties...well, that's life. Some I'll take to the long Beach Library for them to put in their sale, I'd chuck some into the Little Free Library if it was still up in wintertime but they know how to triage better than I do.

I'm going to have to cadge a ride (can't do it in cabs, they won't take big awkward things like paintings) to the UPS pack-and-ship on Park Avenue. I need them to send my sister her portrait painted by our deeply beloved family friend Irene 57 years ago. I've had it forever so it needs to be in her family now.

So, well, I guess that's all being well...?

>163 richardderus: Okay, you intrigued me with The Unfinished Business of 1776. Luckily, my library has it on order. You really got me when I saw that Joseph Smith was included.

>176 richardderus: So sad, but it has to be done if you want to retain your sanity, Richard.

>176 richardderus: Moving is always difficult, even when it's leading to a desired change. Sad about your books but at least there are some that can go to a good home. Be strong -- it will end :)

I just put 2 boxes of books into various book crossings and another one is waiting. Now in winter without tourists it takes them a while to clear.
In some cases it was painful and I hope they’ll find readers, but I’ll never reread them anyway.
What’s now left on my shelves are still 100s of “essentials”. But should I be gone tomorrow, they’ll all be mercilessly thrown into a recycling container. The thought hurts, and writing this I guess I should pack more give away boxes.. sigh

Have a lovely weekend :)

>1 richardderus: hellur

>177 Familyhistorian: It's true, Meg. I'm hopeful it will be satisfying at the end. Reading about Smith was...interesting, so I hope you like it.

>178 RebaRelishesReading: Exactly, Reba! I plug away at the tasks to get there.

>179 Deern: Very practical Nathalie. I know it's for the best. I still don't love it, but I'm coming to terms with it.

That thought makes me cringe but that's exactly what will happen. Might as well get ahead of the inevitable.

>180 jaec3000: hellur back

041 Clutch by Emily Nemens

042 The Family Snitch: A Daughter’s Memoir of Truth and Lies by Francesca Fontana

Happy Friday, Richard. All good here. Getting ready to head out to play PB. We get up into the upper 30s later today. The first time it has been above the freezing mark in 3 1/2 weeks. Nearing the end of my voyage in The Wayfinder. I am going to miss these characters and the relaxing calm that the narrative offers.

‘Morning, RDear. Happy Friday. It’s 19.8F here.

>176 richardderus: Ah, going through books is so emotional, especially when the only choices are donate or toss. I’m sooooo sorry. I’m glad the portrait will go to your sister.

>179 Deern: I’ve said this several times, but I really need to identify books Jenna might either want – few as it would be – and those that need to be appraised. Sigh.

Book sort and Virlie’s today. We rescheduled from Tuesday because of the weather.

*smooch*

>187 msf59: I am so glad you're enjoying it! That sense of relaxation came, for me, from the sheer scope and immersiveness of the story...I knew there was room for good outcomes.

>188 karenmarie: It's warmer here! Currently 22° on the way to a balmy 31° for the high.

Shelves, sweetness...physical shelves preferably in a room not otherwise booked up. Your codicil can state "All books in {room} should be appraised before being disposed of; I recommend {person} be entrusted with valuation and their recommendations executed as my own instructions." Precision is All with estate matters. (for once I agree with the jumped-up spell checker on "All" being capitalized)

*smooch*

That's too bad about the Nemens book. I loved her baseball novel, The Cactus League.

>191 katiekrug: I did, too, which is why I wanted this one to be as *chef's kiss* in its characterizations.

>176 richardderus: I'm so sorry you are having to go through your books like that. I also really hate to see damaged books, but maybe that just makes it easier to move on from them? I am glad that at least you have some good places to donate the others to. I'm also glad you can send the portrait to your sister, so it will have a good home. But I know the whole process is painful. You have my empathy.

Terrifyingly behind over her so just dropping off smooches before I get buried under a deluge of posts. I hope you're keeping well and warm.

>176 richardderus: That's a tough day, Richard, going through your books. What hard process. Are you able to have new books in your new place ? I hope so.

Rules are rules, but those are tough ones, for sure, Richard. I’m sorry you need to rehome your books. I can’t imagine a full clearing out but I know, especially as I get older, that I’m not doing anyone any favors by holding on to all my books. I need to start de-cluttering my own shelves. We all need to face it eventually, but damn…I’m sorry. But I’m sure your new living space will make it all worth it.

You can have books though, right? Do they have to be new or can you buy used books? Can you mail a box of some of your own books to someone and then have them “gift” them to you? Just spitballing here…

Anyway, hope your weather warms up eventually and you have a good weekend!

>193 atozgrl: It's probably for the best, really. I don't need tree-books anymore because they're really hard for me to hold and use; the ways that exist to help with that process are not effective for me unless they're the expensive ones, which...not possible.

Thanks for understanding!

>194 MickyFine: I'm not dying any faster than I was before; I'm not warm at all but it's February, so I wasn't expecting to be; and honestly, moving is always torture so I'm not worse off than millions doing the same thing.

*smooch*

>195 vancouverdeb: New books are going to be on my Kindle because I can hold it, but I'll bring a few precious books with good memories. *sigh* I do love my books but really they're just not practical for me anymore.

>196 Copperskye: I think they're going to be watching what I do, Joanne, but acquiring more books won't really matter to me because the truth is I can't read the tree-books anymore.

It's so windy here today! That makes it feel colder than the 22° it actually is. I'm freezing right now but as I get busy I'll warm up. Weekend reading joys to you!

Morning, Richard. Hopefully not being able to read tree-books anymore makes it a bit easier to depart with them. Have you been scoping out options where to donate them?

Sorry about your current chill. Brrrrrr...It is only 12F here at the moment but the good news it will be 40F on Monday and it this warming trend should be coming your way.

>201 msf59: I'll give most of them to the facility's library because it's easy. Some I'll wag up to the book sale at our library because it'll do them more good. Most will be ruined by the people here but honestly, whatever...they ain't mine no more, so it's not my problem.

I couldn't be more delighted about the warm-up on the way!! May it get here soon. I'm *freezing* in this wind.

>200 richardderus: Then once finished, it should feel oddly freeing. Thank goodness for Kindles!! I see it’s 9° (feels like -9°) in my NJ hometown this morning. Stay safe and warm, my friend!

>203 Copperskye: It's really around that "real-feel" number with the wind, Joanne. I'm done sorting; now I need to talk to the in-charge person at the library sale, who is on a cruise this week. I'll hit them up next week.

>204 richardderus: The physical work now that the heart work is done. And a perfect day to stay inside. Brrr.

‘Afternoon, RDear! Happy Sunday to you.

>190 richardderus: Thank you - I’ve saved in the appropriate place for a codicil.

*smooch*

>205 Copperskye: Luckily I thought of saving back some tree-books I want to write reviews of before they go so I've got quite a pile and a firm end-date!

>206 karenmarie: Morning, sweetiedarling, I'm glad you found >190 richardderus: useful. Mommerie, Valerie's Mom, did something very similar with some stuff and I saw first hand how very much stress that eliminated from a stressful time. *smooch*

>172 richardderus: I hope we never have to cross that bridge, Richard. Fingers crossed!

>186 richardderus: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, RD.

Have a wonderful weekend!

043 Wolf Moon (Pushkin Press Classics) by Julio Llamazares (tr. Simon Deefholts & Kathryn Phillips-Miles)

>209 alcottacre: Oh my heck, Stasia, yesyesyes on >186 richardderus:! I think you'll really love it. I'm hoping not to go blind...I've got macular degeneration, but that isn't necessarily the thing that'll move fast since it's the "good" one. (Always forget if wet or dry is the good one, but I've got the good one.) I'll have my cataracts done this year if I can. gotta keep the peepers in good nick.

*smooch*

044 Lion Cross Point by Masatsugu Ono (tr. Angus Turvill)

>202 richardderus: "it's not my problem" is a very healthy attitude in these circumstances, Richard. Moving isn't fun but sounds like it will be worth the effort for you. Be strong and focus on happier days ahead.

As always, truth told in comic form hits better.

I love whoever thought this sign up!

‘Morning, RD! Happy Sunday to you.

>210 richardderus: Get one soonest, because this story will play out again in our lifetimes. It’s still hard to believe that we’re witnessing this here in the US.

>211 richardderus: I had to look it up, but dry is the ‘good one’. Yes! Keeping the peepers in good nick.

>214 richardderus: and >215 richardderus: Oh so true, both of them.

*smooch*

>216 karenmarie: The best possible given the reality of the condition. I'll never take vision for granted because, when my mother was finally threatened into getting me glasses when I was nine, it literally changed my life.

As long as >215 richardderus: comes true I'll be happy.

045 The midnight taxi by Yosha Gunasekera

>210 richardderus: Adding that one to the BlackHole. It looks like I can get it through Hoopla, although I was very surprised by how many books have the title Wolf Moon!

>211 richardderus: gotta keep the peepers in good nick. Definitely!

>212 richardderus: Adding that one to the BlackHole too!

>214 richardderus: I love Tom Gauld!

>218 richardderus: Another addition to the BlackHole. Good thing it can handle a lot.

Have a marvelous Monday, Richard! I am off for some board gaming with Kerry. . .

>219 alcottacre: Have a wonderful time, Stasia! *smooch*

046 Every Moment Is a Life: Gaza in the Time of Genocide by Susan Abulhawa

‘Morning, RDear! Happy Monday to you.

>218 richardderus: Quite a few of your reviews are of books already published. I got all excited about this one then find out it won’t be out ‘til tomorrow. Sigh. Would I have automatically gotten it today? Not necessarily, but this is definitely a BB.

*smooch*

Oh my goodness, you're on an EXCELLENT reading/reviewing roll at the moment. May you keep it going through this stressful time, WBL!
I want them all, but I can't do it now. *sigh* *smooch* anyway

>223 LizzieD: I have to burn off the anxiety somehow, and this gets me positive results for the effort.

It's clear I'll never stop the reading and writing habit. Might as well get some good out of it! *smooch*

Both Wolf Moon & The Midnight Taxi are added to the list. You sure can pick 'em.

Happy Monday, Richard. All packed- camera, binoculars, books, T-shirts, shorts and pickleball paddle. Ready to roll my friend. 😎

>225 msf59: Well, my aim is true at last...I think you'll enjoy those reads. I'm glad you're getting to go birdwatching in Florida while All the migrators are in place! Enjoy the warmth, too.

'Morning, RDear! Happy Tuesday.

Missed me at >222 karenmarie:. Nothing else going on here.

*smooch*

>214 richardderus: A fantastic comic! I would fall under the "antisocial" scientist!

>218 richardderus: I managed to dodge BB's until this one. Thanks!

>221 richardderus: And this one as well.

Happy Tuesday :)

>227 karenmarie: I'm sorry, Horrible! I just can't win...not out until tomorrow, out so long I can't find that edition...I've heard 'em all. By and large Mondays have been my "review against release on Tuesday" days for the last year because I don't publish reviews on Tuesdays. It's rare, and when it happens it's usually for books long since released. It feels fairer that way.

I've got my ride to the UPS Store arranged for today, shipping the paintings to my sisters...the precious ones...I have time to mull over the rest.

*smooch*

>228 figsfromthistle: Tom Gauld's a dream artist, one whose vision I share and whose style I like. YAY for >218 richardderus: finding its mark! Oh, >221 richardderus: as well!

Happy to see you here, Anita.

Good that you've managed to get out today. I am beginning to see some comfort in passing on family items to younger family who will love them as I have. (I'm preparing to send a necklace and earrings set to my closest cousin's child who is getting married. It belonged to his father's mother, but he gave it to me for high school graduation, and I've cherished it these many decades. Now it's good to see it go.)

Hope you enjoy being out and come out energized rather than exhausted! *smooch*

Tuesday *smooch*
Looks like you've had some great books and reviews lately! May it continue.

>231 LizzieD: It cost an *eye-watering* amount even knowing most of it will come back to me. I feel...right...about it, though. It was good to get outside in the bracing but over freezing, lovely air. I'm glad to get so much done but...there's always more.

I know exactly the necklace feeling now. It hurt to let go of the books at first but why keep what I can't use? I need to be more accepting of the requirement to shed *stuff* for its own sake.

*smooch*

>232 bell7: Thanks, Mary, may your keyboard deliver to the goddesses' inbox.

>233 richardderus: I totally understand your feelings, Richard. I really am too attached to much of my "stuff" -- but passing some of it on to my kids/grandkids/other family members would make it much easier. Keep your eye on the prize I guess (and be tough).

047 The cure for everything: The Epic Struggle for Public Health and a Radical Vision for Human Thriving by Michelle A. Williams with Linda Marsa

>235 RebaRelishesReading: Morning, Reba...I'm doing the right thing for myself by letting go of stuff to get what I need. I don't use the tree-books, I've figured out a way to get the truly important artworks back, and random clutter is best surrendered to the winds of fate anyway. I needed this adjustment period to fully integrate the whole huge leap of mental-health guardianship. I'm gettin' there.

‘Morning, RDear! Happy Wednesday to you.

>229 richardderus: I hope the trip to the UPS store was successful and the precious paintings are winging their way sistersward.

>237 richardderus: A+ for attitude, effort, and followthrough.

*smooch*

>238 karenmarie: It was successful, but HUGELY expensive. Like, wipe out my savings expensive. But it accomplished a crucial goal so that's what the savings were for; I'm content with the results.

Thank you, sweetiedarling, for that validation. I'm never fully confident in my growth as a person until it meets a real, serious, painful challenge. I feel confident in my mental health to a greater degree than ever now. *smooch*

040 I hope you find what you're looking for by Bsrat Mezghebe

>240 richardderus: Ooh this looks fantastic. I would love to read more about the Ethiopian/Eritrean community here in DC.

>241 norabelle414: It is a really good read, Nora, so I'm hopeful you can get it and enjoy it soon. It came out yesterday so it could be awhile before it hits your library's shelves. You're really at the US epicenter of that Diaspora...I can definitely imagine the library will be getting multiple copies.

>242 richardderus: Yes, my library has 2 on order and I'm now #6 on the waitlist. There was a large Ethiopian/Eritrean (the two had a combined affinity group) population at my high school but I never thought much about it until I left the area and realized that's not typical.

>243 norabelle414: I'll be interested to learn if you agree or disagree with my assessment of the read!

049 The last of Earth : a novel by Deepa Anappara

'Morning, RDear! Happy Thursday to you.

BBs avoided.

I'm having fun with my new book case and all the re-tagging and etc.

*smooch*

>246 karenmarie: How shocking. You managed to make it through my field of fire unscathed. Gasp.

I'm glad Thing Three's integration is going so very well, and of course All the data keeping tasks are too. It's a terrific, productive way to keep up the sense of control, innit.

Thursday well, sweetiedarling!

BURGOINE #008

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

Rating: 3.25* of five

The Publisher Says: St. Medard's Bay, Alabama is famous for three things: the deadly hurricanes that regularly sweep into town, the Rosalie Inn, a century-old hotel that's survived every one of those storms, and Lo Bailey, the local girl infamously accused of the murder of her lover, political scion Landon Fitzroy, during Hurricane Marie in 1984.

When Geneva Corliss, the current owner of the Rosalie Inn, hears a writer is coming to town to research the crime that put St. Medard's Bay on the map, she's less interested in solving a whodunnit than in how a successful true crime book might help the struggling inn's bottom line. But to her surprise, August Fletcher doesn't come to St. Medard's Bay alone. With him is none other than Lo Bailey herself. Lo says she's returned to her hometown to clear her name once and for all, but the closer Geneva gets to both Lo and August, the more she wonders if Lo is actually back to settle old scores.

As the summer heats up and another monster storm begins twisting its way towards St. Medard's Bay, Geneva learns that some people can be just as destructive—and as deadly—as any hurricane, and that the truth of what happened to Landon Fitzroy may not be the only secret Lo is keeping...

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: Locked-room historical mystery being revisited by one of the participants in the events in the present. The expected beats are all hit; the pace isn't consistently maintained, but the storm plot spine makes up for it delivering excitement; the characters are pretty much who the genre demands they be.

You know Hawkins by now, so you'll make your decision based on her reputation, and this book is a solid, fun-to-read iteration of a Rachel Hawkins novel.

St. Martin's Press charges $14.99 for an ebook. Perfect if you're in the target audience.

BURGOINE #009

99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them by Ashely Alker

Rating: 3.5* of five, for absence of footnotes and endnotes and a bibliography

The Publisher Says: An illuminating, hilarious, and practical guide to 99 of the most terrifying ways to die and how to avoid them from an emergency medicine doctor.

Dr. Ashely Alker is a self-described death-escapologist—or, in more familiar terms, an emergency medicine doctor. She has seen it all, from flesh-eating bacteria to the work of a serial killer to the more mundane but no less deadly, and her work keeping people from dying (or being unable to) has uniquely prepared her to write this book.

99 Ways to Die And How to Avoid Them is an illuminating, darkly funny, and practical guide to 99 of the most terrifying ways to die and how to avoid them. Dr. Alker manages to scare listeners while making them laugh, preparing them for a wide range of deadly situations and conditions. Each chapter includes stories of her patients pertaining to the chapter’s subject, as well as her related experiences in life and medicine. Sections include categories on sex, poison, drugs, biological warfare, disease, animals, crime, the elements and much more.

An Anthony Bourdain-style greatest hits tour of death, 99 Ways is entertaining while it informs. Quirky yet commercial, it will appeal to fans of everything from The Vagina Bible to Stiff to What If?, as well as the large audience of listeners of bestselling medical books like How Not to Die.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: A book of disasters that befall us in our millions, with predictable risks of being involved in each; yet we continue to behave as though they're rare, freakish happenings. Dr. Alker disabuses the reader of this fallacy with facts and humor, gallows/dark of tone a lot of the time, fun and wry all the time.

If you're not inspired to take some commonsensical risk mitigation steps after reading Dr, Alker's book, it's on you when your family gathers at your dirtnap resting place before you're 80.

St. Martin's Press asks for $15.99 to get the ebook onto your reading device.

>221 richardderus: I definitely need to get to that one. Thank you for the review and recommendation, Richard!

>236 richardderus: Into the BlackHole that one goes too, RD!

>237 richardderus: I'm gettin' there. I am very glad to hear that!

>240 richardderus: Adding that one to the BlackHole too.

>245 richardderus: That one too. . .

>250 alcottacre: Wow! You're going to resemble biblio-swiss cheese! I'm glad they're all good reads.

*smooch*

>240 richardderus: I was just adding this to my list earlier today, so I'm extra happy to see your positive review of it. Not sure when I'll get to it, exactly, but I live in hope...

>252 bell7: I really hope you'll enjoy the read as much as I did. I'm empathetic on the scheduling issue!

So many great books in the last couple of days. As I can’t read them all, I might go for the Gaza one first. And >249 richardderus: speaks to me, although I know it might cause some extra anxiety. I’ll check the Kindle price here.
I love Tom Gauld. If I remember well, I first saw him on one of your threads years ago. Now following him on the UK Guardian.

I have a weekend of decluttering and house cleaning ahead of me, almost looking forward to it.

Have a lovely Friday

Edit: the Gaza book is not (yet?) available here end the 99 ways to die costs 18.40 Euro, so both go onto the watch list for now

>254 Deern: Hi Nathalie! I think the Gaza book should become available sooner or later...it's a Simon & Schuster title, but given the UK's freakouts over Israel = Judaism therefore criticizing Israel = antisemitism, it likely won't be from their UK imprints.

€18.40! Is it bound in calfskin and illuminated by monks?!? That's outrageous! I hope you can find one used somewhere, or that it gets translated (pretty unlikely, but one never knows).

Friday orisons!

‘Morning, RD! Happy Friday to you.

>247 richardderus: Unscathed and being in control – two of my favorite things.

>248 richardderus: Interesting that you call it a historical mystery – not being critical just curious. What's your criteria? 40 years ago is more recent than my before 1950. Some of my book tags don’t reflect that, but oh well, I’ll get to them eventually.

Monster storms twisting towards land lead to some crazy tensions in RL, so I hope Author Hawkins is able to bring that sense of dread/preparation/sick fascination out.

>249 richardderus: Onto the wish list! In an odd way, this reminds me of a book I picked up from the Friends: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Expert Advice for Extreme Situations by David Borgenicht and Joshua Piven.

Errands starting at 9, Trevor at 10:30.

*smooch*

>256 karenmarie: I find those sorts of books oddly comforting. I can catastrophize with the best of 'em, but if I've got logical factual information about what one can *do* in the catastrophe, I can shut my apocalypse-now-maker up and get some sleep.

I call >248 richardderus: "historical" because the crime takes place in the past...now we deal with its aftermath, therefore it's historical. Honestly...I think 1950 is a decent cutoff but that's because I have siblings born then (and before) but the World℠ might best be divided at Reagan because the enshittification process got its feet under it at that point. Pre-1980 is my real definition of events occurring in History.

Hope your shopping/adjustment trip is productive. *smooch*

050 The final problem : a novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte (tr. Frances Riddle)

>258 richardderus: Well, you got me with that one!

>259 drneutron: Hooray! I *can* still hit difficult targets like you!

051 Mother of Capital: How Rent Gave Birth to Modernity by Matthew Costa

>258 richardderus: I’m in for “The Final Problem”—looks good!

Karen O

>262 klobrien2: Terrific! Given his popularity I expect >258 richardderus: will be available through your library sooner or later. Good weekend-ahead's reads, Karen O.!

>263 richardderus: It’s already there, and I have a copy reserved!

Karen O

>264 klobrien2: Yippee! Enjoy the read.

052 The luminous fairies and Mothra by Shinʾichirō Nakamura, Takehiko Fukunaga, Yoshie Hotta (tr. Jeffrey Angles)

Dropping off weekend smooches and pondering whether to add 99 Ways to The List. I ordered it for work and avoided the BB then but your review does make it sound pretty appealing.

>267 MickyFine: Morning, Micky! Check 99 Ways out, it is a pleasant read but not worth paying retail for...but worth supporting the library for paying their short-discounted price for.

That wasn't convoluted at all, conceptually, was it? It was a good but fairly insubstantial read. *smoochings*

Good morning Richard! Where do things stand with the new move and new life's chapter? Have you been accepted and when is the big day?

I recently picked up two of your *six star* recommendations. I don't know when I'll be reading them, but they are ready right here the very minute I am ready for them. I'm stoked: Montana 1948 and Margaret the First: A Novel.

053 Is this a cry for help? by Emily Austin

>269 DebiCates: Unless something awful happens I'll be moving on the 27th. It can always go belly-up, but nothing suggests to me that it will.

Two excellent choices, Debi! I hope they won't disappoint.

>271 richardderus: Keeping my fingers crossed for you that all goes as planned and your big move indeed happens on the 27th! Moving is a pain but often very much worth it I find.

>251 richardderus: You're going to resemble biblio-swiss cheese! You give me pause. I have no idea if this is a good thing or not, lol.

>258 richardderus: I have read a few of Arturo Pérez-Reverte's books in the past and enjoyed them, so I will have to see if I can get my hands on a copy of that one.

>266 richardderus: The Luminous Fairies and Mothra sounds interesting. Into the BlackHole it goes!

((Hugs)) and **smooches** and hopes that you have a wonderful weekend!

>272 RebaRelishesReading: It's much needed, Reba, so I'm eager...but until I'm there receiving a key I have to acknowledge they can still say no.

>273 alcottacre: What does biblio-swiss plug its holes with? Books, of course! How awful, such torture.

*smooch*

‘Afternoon, RDear! Happy Saturday to you.

>257 richardderus: Thanks for your thoughts on historical. Thanks also re the adjustment and the shopping. All 3 were successful.

Wish List: The Final Problem and Mother of Capital

Pass: The Luminous Fairies and Mothra. If it were not more than I want to pay, I’d have a paper copy simply for the cover.
Is This a Cry for Help pass - too close to the bone

*smooch*

>276 karenmarie: Saturday orisons, Horrible! I'm glad my book-bullets grazed you at least. I think The Final Problem's a better library borrow than purchase. I know what you mean about that cover. If they ever make a poster of it I'll buy one!

Saturday *smooch*

Not long now until the big move, Richard! I think you will be very happy in your new place.

Your thread is dangerous, Richard, especially when you're reviewing mysteries! You got me with Is This a Cry for Help?, The Storm and The Midnight Taxi all of which my wonderful libraries have on order.

>278 vancouverdeb: ...or so I hope...until the day I can still get a firm no...

>279 Familyhistorian: Well, I'm fond of mysteries so I try to get a good cross-section of them. I'm glad you're finding a few to explore, Meg!

054 Curious men : lost in the Congo by Bob Kunzinger

'Morning, RDear! Happy Sunday to you.

All's quiet here at our house.

*smooch*

055 Detour: A Novel by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

>283 karenmarie: Morning, Horrible! It's a warm-enough day that I'm planning to walk to the library to give most of my treasured hardcover SF away. I'm not thrilled but they're going to make money off them because the book sale earns them discretionary funds.

Sunday well, sweetiedarling.

Too much going on here for me to take in!!!! I'll try to get back. I will also be checking out a few of your sterling recommendations above - especially the Anaparra.

I'm counting the time down with you but not helping otherwise. You are glad that I'm not there "helping." Aside from the fact that I'm a clutz, we would be looking at books and talking about books and not getting anything done. *smooch*

>286 LizzieD: I've dropped off the good, salable books...I'm back home. It was the perfect just-warm-enough day to get it done.

Sending *smooches*

I've started my new thread:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/378672