Social Distancing Readathon #306 - January 30 - February 1
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2026
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1SilverWolf28
Welcome to another readathon!
We generally run from Friday at 5 p.m. to Sunday at midnight in whatever time zone you choose, but feel free to start earlier on Friday and wrap up overnight Sunday/Monday, if that's what you want to do.
Here are some things to track throughout the weekend, if you choose:
Books read from:
Books finished:
Time reading:
Time posting:
Snacks:
Thoughts:
Non-book activities:
Total books finished:
Total read from:
Total time reading:
Who is participating -
1. SilverWolf (SilverWolf28) -- Tennessee, USA
We generally run from Friday at 5 p.m. to Sunday at midnight in whatever time zone you choose, but feel free to start earlier on Friday and wrap up overnight Sunday/Monday, if that's what you want to do.
Here are some things to track throughout the weekend, if you choose:
Books read from:
Books finished:
Time reading:
Time posting:
Snacks:
Thoughts:
Non-book activities:
Total books finished:
Total read from:
Total time reading:
Who is participating -
1. SilverWolf (SilverWolf28) -- Tennessee, USA
3SilverWolf28
>2 cbl_tn: We didn't have power or internet for most of the week! I really hope it doesn't go out again!
4alcottacre
I am in again. Trying to finish up January TIOLI books!
5JayneCM
Same. I have two spots left in TIOLI - hoping to finish the whole thing for my first time in the group.
6kac522
It's been a very long time since I've participated, but will try this weekend. Since a major "lake effect" snow is supposed to hit my area (Chicago) tomorrow during the day, I may start a bit early.
>3 SilverWolf28: No power is MUCH worse than snow--crossing fingers that it stays on for you through this next storm.
>3 SilverWolf28: No power is MUCH worse than snow--crossing fingers that it stays on for you through this next storm.
7JayneCM
It is 5pm Friday here in Australia and it is HOT! Making some dinner and then settle down to reading. Starting The Gates by Jennifer Johnston, for TIOLI #16 - book by an author who died in 2025.
8benitastrnad
>7 JayneCM:
NPR (National Public Radio) had a short spot on the morning news here in Kansas USA about the heat wave in Australia and how bad the fires were. The spot said that the plume of smoke was detected in South America. I work for the Post Office here in the US and this morning they sent out another bulletin to employees about the new winter storm coming today. In this bulletin it said that in the 1980s the US Post Office averaged 1 severe weather event every 80 days. In the 2020s it has been one every 19 days. But according to the Orange Gasbag climate change is a hoax.
NPR (National Public Radio) had a short spot on the morning news here in Kansas USA about the heat wave in Australia and how bad the fires were. The spot said that the plume of smoke was detected in South America. I work for the Post Office here in the US and this morning they sent out another bulletin to employees about the new winter storm coming today. In this bulletin it said that in the 1980s the US Post Office averaged 1 severe weather event every 80 days. In the 2020s it has been one every 19 days. But according to the Orange Gasbag climate change is a hoax.
9benitastrnad
I'm for the weekend.
Friday startup report
Weather: Another winter storm with low temperatures is predicted for this weekend, so I plan on staying indoors.
Books read from: Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeannie Cummins.
Book Thoughts: All the Colors of the Dark was my first 5 star read for the year. I started out the year with a big book (595 pages) and it was a very good way to start the year. I finished listening to American Dirt. This novel was intense. I thought it was very good and the recorded version of it was very well done. It was a very appropriate novel at this time. It was such a controversial book when it was published but I never thought I would read it. A friend gave me a copy of it, and I can say that it was time well spent. I didn't think it was quite a 5 star read, but it was close. I have added it to my Best Reads of the year list anyway because I think it is an important novel for all of us to read given the recent events in our country regarding immigrants and their treatment. The author's note at the end of the book was also very well done. I can only commend the Oprah Book Club, the publisher, and the author for writing and promoting this novel. It is an important one.
Activities: Went to work this morning and hope to spend the rest of the day knitting and cooking.
Reading Time Today: 1 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: I bought beef bones yesterday and hope to get a vegetable beef soup made today. My sister has been sick with pneumonia, and I am sure that she will like a nice hot soup.
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 563
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1731 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 2020.
Friday startup report
Weather: Another winter storm with low temperatures is predicted for this weekend, so I plan on staying indoors.
Books read from: Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeannie Cummins.
Book Thoughts: All the Colors of the Dark was my first 5 star read for the year. I started out the year with a big book (595 pages) and it was a very good way to start the year. I finished listening to American Dirt. This novel was intense. I thought it was very good and the recorded version of it was very well done. It was a very appropriate novel at this time. It was such a controversial book when it was published but I never thought I would read it. A friend gave me a copy of it, and I can say that it was time well spent. I didn't think it was quite a 5 star read, but it was close. I have added it to my Best Reads of the year list anyway because I think it is an important novel for all of us to read given the recent events in our country regarding immigrants and their treatment. The author's note at the end of the book was also very well done. I can only commend the Oprah Book Club, the publisher, and the author for writing and promoting this novel. It is an important one.
Activities: Went to work this morning and hope to spend the rest of the day knitting and cooking.
Reading Time Today: 1 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: I bought beef bones yesterday and hope to get a vegetable beef soup made today. My sister has been sick with pneumonia, and I am sure that she will like a nice hot soup.
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 563
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1731 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 2020.
10PocheFamily
I'm in, too, but I'm relatively free of dramatic weather this weekend (hope I didn't just jinx myself). Although I am SO done with the super cold. I have a husky who definitely falls into the "Get your coat, we're walking 5 miles* today or I'm eating the couch" attitude ... (*not 5 miles right now, more like half that, ~4km) -- at least when she has company!
I'm not entirely sure which books I'll be reading to get off my Many Lists this weekend, although for certain I'll be chipping away at the last section of The Magic Mountain and A Time to Be Born by Dawn Powell for bookgroups.
@benitastrnad - I'm familiar with the American Dirt controversy, and would like to read it (it's been wishlisted for a couple of years - again, too many lists!). Nice to see your thoughts on that one, thank you.
I'm not entirely sure which books I'll be reading to get off my Many Lists this weekend, although for certain I'll be chipping away at the last section of The Magic Mountain and A Time to Be Born by Dawn Powell for bookgroups.
@benitastrnad - I'm familiar with the American Dirt controversy, and would like to read it (it's been wishlisted for a couple of years - again, too many lists!). Nice to see your thoughts on that one, thank you.
11ChrisG1
I'm in. It will probably be a lighter reading weekend, with company visiting and a cribbage tournament, but I always get some reading in. Just finished a book this morning & will be starting 2 books: Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat, which is February's entry in the Roads Less Traveled challenge, and SPQR by Mary Beard, which I'll be spreading out in 1 chapter per day (or two) fashion over the next couple of weeks.
12nrmay
I’m in. On our way to Florida. We left early, ahead of a big snowstorm expected tomorrow. State of emergency has been declared for my county. We’re in South Carolina heading for Savannah.
Books:
Nearly finished with ABSOLUTE POWER by D Baldacci. Good thriller. I usually see Baldacci at the Amelia Island Book Festival coming up in Feb.
Brought along one other print book - THE BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER, A Tan. And l have several ebooks on my phone.
Stopping for lunch in Dillon, South Carolina, where it’s sunny and 46F.
Winter storm warning posted here too, for tomorrow.
Books:
Nearly finished with ABSOLUTE POWER by D Baldacci. Good thriller. I usually see Baldacci at the Amelia Island Book Festival coming up in Feb.
Brought along one other print book - THE BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER, A Tan. And l have several ebooks on my phone.
Stopping for lunch in Dillon, South Carolina, where it’s sunny and 46F.
Winter storm warning posted here too, for tomorrow.
13JayneCM
>8 benitastrnad: We are definitely getting more bushfire events and extreme weather days than in the past. Your figures definitely show it. Hope you stay safe and warm.
I have All The Colors of the Dark on my TBR - I may need to move it up the list as I have heard lots about it.
I have All The Colors of the Dark on my TBR - I may need to move it up the list as I have heard lots about it.
15nrmay
>9 benitastrnad:
>10 PocheFamily:
I have AMERICAN DIRT on my shelf and mean to finally start it once l get home again.
Fri evening.
Arrived in Savannah about 6p
Book:
ABSOLUTE POWER. Hope to finish this up tonight.
Dinner at a pub in the hotel. It was only fair to middlin’ but we were too tired to venture out.
Weather:
cloudy, 47F/8C; about 20 degrees warmer than at home.
>10 PocheFamily:
I have AMERICAN DIRT on my shelf and mean to finally start it once l get home again.
Fri evening.
Arrived in Savannah about 6p
Book:
ABSOLUTE POWER. Hope to finish this up tonight.
Dinner at a pub in the hotel. It was only fair to middlin’ but we were too tired to venture out.
Weather:
cloudy, 47F/8C; about 20 degrees warmer than at home.
16alcottacre
Friday Night Update:
Books read from: Playground by Richard Powers (audiobook), The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen, The City & The City by China Mieville, and Mysteries of the Middle Ages by Thomas Cahill
Books finished: 1, The Magdalen Martyrs
Time reading: 2.4 hours + listening to audiobook
Total books finished: 1
Total read from: 4
Total time reading: 2.4 hours + listening to audiobook
Not a lot of reading time today, but I did get the last two books I am going to read for January TIOLI within striking distance of being complete, so that is something!
Books read from: Playground by Richard Powers (audiobook), The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen, The City & The City by China Mieville, and Mysteries of the Middle Ages by Thomas Cahill
Books finished: 1, The Magdalen Martyrs
Time reading: 2.4 hours + listening to audiobook
Total books finished: 1
Total read from: 4
Total time reading: 2.4 hours + listening to audiobook
Not a lot of reading time today, but I did get the last two books I am going to read for January TIOLI within striking distance of being complete, so that is something!
17benitastrnad
>15 nrmay:
I went into reading American Dirt with an opinion formed by all that publicity. However, I found the book profoundly thought provoking. I also think it was very thoughtfully written. I realize that the characters are amalgams, but that doesn't change the fact that these things happen to people who are trying to get to the US. The author's note at the end of the book was also thought provoking. It seems that she knew the novel would be controversial. I don't think she anticipated the backlash because of her ethnic background. From that author's note it seems to me that she thought the controversy would be more on the political side. I was also surprised by how intense and suspenseful it was. I did not expect that at all. All-in-all, it was a good piece of writing - and listening.
I went into reading American Dirt with an opinion formed by all that publicity. However, I found the book profoundly thought provoking. I also think it was very thoughtfully written. I realize that the characters are amalgams, but that doesn't change the fact that these things happen to people who are trying to get to the US. The author's note at the end of the book was also thought provoking. It seems that she knew the novel would be controversial. I don't think she anticipated the backlash because of her ethnic background. From that author's note it seems to me that she thought the controversy would be more on the political side. I was also surprised by how intense and suspenseful it was. I did not expect that at all. All-in-all, it was a good piece of writing - and listening.
18alcottacre
>17 benitastrnad: I own a copy of that one, I just need to get it read. Thanks for your insight into the book, Benita.
19kac522
Friday's reading:
Books read from:
--A Year's Turning, Michael Viney (2022); memoir of his "return to the land" year of farming in Ireland; 42 pages read
--Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays, George Orwell; essays from 1931-death; 108 pages read; most interesting so far--his diary entries from 1940 amidst London bombing
--The Notting Hill Mystery, Charles Felix aka Charles Warren Adams (1863); 130 pages read; considered the first English-language detective novel; quite the page-turner--had to force myself to close it and go to bed!
Books finished: 0
Time reading: 7.75 hours
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 3
Total time reading: 7.75 hours
Weather report: Friday had about 2 inches of light snow; high 18F
Right now (Saturday morning) looks mostly very light or blowing snow; currently 21F to a high of 23F--I may attempt to go to the grocery store and get some audiobook listening in.
Saturday's possible reading, as time permits:
--Listen to Our Mutual Friend; a re-read; currently at the last quarter of the book
--Finish The Notting Hill Mystery
--Read a few more Orwell essays
Books read from:
--A Year's Turning, Michael Viney (2022); memoir of his "return to the land" year of farming in Ireland; 42 pages read
--Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays, George Orwell; essays from 1931-death; 108 pages read; most interesting so far--his diary entries from 1940 amidst London bombing
--The Notting Hill Mystery, Charles Felix aka Charles Warren Adams (1863); 130 pages read; considered the first English-language detective novel; quite the page-turner--had to force myself to close it and go to bed!
Books finished: 0
Time reading: 7.75 hours
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 3
Total time reading: 7.75 hours
Weather report: Friday had about 2 inches of light snow; high 18F
Right now (Saturday morning) looks mostly very light or blowing snow; currently 21F to a high of 23F--I may attempt to go to the grocery store and get some audiobook listening in.
Saturday's possible reading, as time permits:
--Listen to Our Mutual Friend; a re-read; currently at the last quarter of the book
--Finish The Notting Hill Mystery
--Read a few more Orwell essays
20cbl_tn
We have about 7 inches of snow so far and it hasn't stopped. I am thankful that I still have power. Yesterday I finished the audio of Recitatif, the only short story that Toni Morrison ever published. It included an introduction written and read by Zadie Smith. This one is worth seeking out.
I also finished an ebook last night, The Tiger in the Attic. No reading yet today. I am hopeful that the snow will keep me indoors long enough to make decent progress on Agent Josephine since I need to finish it for a book club meeting next Sunday and it's a chunkster.
I also finished an ebook last night, The Tiger in the Attic. No reading yet today. I am hopeful that the snow will keep me indoors long enough to make decent progress on Agent Josephine since I need to finish it for a book club meeting next Sunday and it's a chunkster.
21weird_O
I'm gonna try this.
Book roster: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
Snacks: Unique Splits, joe, cheesecake, Ben 'n' Jerry, sparkling water, joe, leftovers. Did I mention coffee?
Thoughts: Uh, whaaa?
Non-book activities: KP; personal hygiene; nap(s)
ETA: I read a couple of chapters of Orbital Friday evening. Between bouts of doomscrolling. Also spent abt an hour looking for my Thucydides book from college.
Book roster: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
Snacks: Unique Splits, joe, cheesecake, Ben 'n' Jerry, sparkling water, joe, leftovers. Did I mention coffee?
Thoughts: Uh, whaaa?
Non-book activities: KP; personal hygiene; nap(s)
ETA: I read a couple of chapters of Orbital Friday evening. Between bouts of doomscrolling. Also spent abt an hour looking for my Thucydides book from college.
22nrmay
>17 benitastrnad:
>18 alcottacre:
Now I’m eager to read this based on your comments. I’ve read a few about the immigrant/refugee experience; recent one was NORTH: A NOVEL by Brad Kessler.
Also
EXIT WEST
THE BOAT PEOPLE
REFUGEE by Allen Gratz
SANTIAGO’S ROAD HOME
>18 alcottacre:
Now I’m eager to read this based on your comments. I’ve read a few about the immigrant/refugee experience; recent one was NORTH: A NOVEL by Brad Kessler.
Also
EXIT WEST
THE BOAT PEOPLE
REFUGEE by Allen Gratz
SANTIAGO’S ROAD HOME
23alcottacre
>22 nrmay: I started reading nonfiction about the Jewish immigrant experience when I was much younger so reading about the immigrant experience is one of those things that has always been of interest to me, Nancy. Thank you for the list of books. I have not read any of them so I will have to see what I can find!
24PocheFamily
>22 nrmay: Ooh, I loved Exit West. Also can recommend Solito, a child's memoir perspective (told by the now grown adult).
Saturday progress: slacker that I am, I've decided to hibernate and started to listen to Black Wind by Clive Cussler last night. I'll finish within the next hour. But I promised myself I would look at the tax paperwork newly arrived ... so I'm looking at it from across the room while typing this note. Does that count?
Books read from: Black Wind and A Time to Be Born
Time reading: 6h? very rough estimate
Snacks: salt bagel
Thoughts: Glad I bought the tipless Alpaca gloves for indoor use last fall!
Cuisine: Last night we ate a Pollo Guisado and this morning I made Beef Stew for supper. Definitely into the solid meals at the moment!
Saturday progress: slacker that I am, I've decided to hibernate and started to listen to Black Wind by Clive Cussler last night. I'll finish within the next hour. But I promised myself I would look at the tax paperwork newly arrived ... so I'm looking at it from across the room while typing this note. Does that count?
Books read from: Black Wind and A Time to Be Born
Time reading: 6h? very rough estimate
Snacks: salt bagel
Thoughts: Glad I bought the tipless Alpaca gloves for indoor use last fall!
Cuisine: Last night we ate a Pollo Guisado and this morning I made Beef Stew for supper. Definitely into the solid meals at the moment!
25benitastrnad
>22 nrmay:
I loved Boat People by Sharon Bala. It was one of my Zoom book club's selections back in 2021 and it was also one of my personal Best Books in that same year.
You also got me with 2 BB's off of your list.
I loved Boat People by Sharon Bala. It was one of my Zoom book club's selections back in 2021 and it was also one of my personal Best Books in that same year.
You also got me with 2 BB's off of your list.
26benitastrnad
>23 alcottacre:
I have read lots of immigrant memoirs, but few novels written about the current immigrant experience. It was very interesting to see what Jeanine Cummins did with the story. By that I mean the plot and characterization. With a memoir there are the facts of a person's life and the author tells the story with the slant that they want to emphasize. With a novel the author gets to build a story and this author built a fine story.
I also think the narrator did a great job in reading the book. I have no problem recommending the recorded version of this novel.
I have read lots of immigrant memoirs, but few novels written about the current immigrant experience. It was very interesting to see what Jeanine Cummins did with the story. By that I mean the plot and characterization. With a memoir there are the facts of a person's life and the author tells the story with the slant that they want to emphasize. With a novel the author gets to build a story and this author built a fine story.
I also think the narrator did a great job in reading the book. I have no problem recommending the recorded version of this novel.
27alcottacre
>26 benitastrnad: I will have to see if I can get hold of the audiobook any time soon, Benita, since I have no idea where my hard copy of the book is, lol. Thanks for letting me know how good the recorded version is.
28benitastrnad
Saturday report
Weather: Car said it was -3 when I started it to go to work this morning. It is cold today, but not overly so.
Books read from: Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeannie Cummins.
Book Thoughts: I made significant progress on Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. I like the parts of the book where the Sephardic Jewish traditions are discussed, but I can't say that I am liking the author any better than I did in the first volume of her memoirs.
Activities: Reading. Watched my Saturday cooking shows until I was interrupted by a phone call. Did some dishes and cleaned up from the soup making of yesterday.
Reading Time Today: 2 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: The Beef, Barley, and Vegetable soup was excellent. I roasted the bones and the vegetables to make the broth, then cooked the soup. It was great. Better than the version my mother made with the purchased beef broth. I will most definitely do this again.
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 563
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1733 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 2020.
Weather: Car said it was -3 when I started it to go to work this morning. It is cold today, but not overly so.
Books read from: Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeannie Cummins.
Book Thoughts: I made significant progress on Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. I like the parts of the book where the Sephardic Jewish traditions are discussed, but I can't say that I am liking the author any better than I did in the first volume of her memoirs.
Activities: Reading. Watched my Saturday cooking shows until I was interrupted by a phone call. Did some dishes and cleaned up from the soup making of yesterday.
Reading Time Today: 2 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: The Beef, Barley, and Vegetable soup was excellent. I roasted the bones and the vegetables to make the broth, then cooked the soup. It was great. Better than the version my mother made with the purchased beef broth. I will most definitely do this again.
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 563
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1733 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 2020.
29JayneCM
Sunday morning here in Oz.
I finished two books and one short story - The Gates by Jennifer Johnston, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne and Xingu by Edith Wharton.
So finished all the TIOLI reads - don't know if I will be able to do that every month!
Now starting February reading with The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
I finished two books and one short story - The Gates by Jennifer Johnston, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne and Xingu by Edith Wharton.
So finished all the TIOLI reads - don't know if I will be able to do that every month!
Now starting February reading with The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
30alcottacre
>29 JayneCM: So finished all the TIOLI reads Congratulations! Do not pressure yourself to finish all your TIOLI reads every month. It is supposed to be fun, not work!
31cbl_tn
I finished a collection of Agatha Christie plays this afternoon, The Rule of Three.
The last time I measured snow we had 7 inches and it was still snowing. We may have ended up with closer to 8 inches. I am very thankful to have power since it is also bitterly cold. We won't be above freezing again until Tuesday.
The last time I measured snow we had 7 inches and it was still snowing. We may have ended up with closer to 8 inches. I am very thankful to have power since it is also bitterly cold. We won't be above freezing again until Tuesday.
32lottpoet
Friday:
Books read from: Kith and Kin by Kris Ripper, A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason, Long Past Midnight by Jonathan Maberry, Fires Which Burned Brightly by Sebastian Faulks
Books finished: 0
Snacks: Bobo's PB&J round, Annie's gummies, gf potstickers, Sumo mandarin
Thoughts: This is my second Kris Ripper book. The first had been a later book in a series (usually doesn't matter much for romance). I thought reading the first book in a series, would make it easier to keep track of all the characters and how they relate to each other, but I'm still struggling. Maybe all their series are interconnected. I spent the last couple of years working on a novel manuscript where I often got the critique that there were too many characters. I've shrunk the cast down by about a third and am trying to do a better job of distinguishing them (and showing their importance to the story) and spending more quality time with different groupings of characters. We'll see if I've been more successful.
Non-book activities: watched the last of the Four Continents figure skating Championships (youtube cottoned to our VPN use so we switched it to Canada to watch the final group on CBC), played Knitten on my phone
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 4
Books read from: Kith and Kin by Kris Ripper, A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason, Long Past Midnight by Jonathan Maberry, Fires Which Burned Brightly by Sebastian Faulks
Books finished: 0
Snacks: Bobo's PB&J round, Annie's gummies, gf potstickers, Sumo mandarin
Thoughts: This is my second Kris Ripper book. The first had been a later book in a series (usually doesn't matter much for romance). I thought reading the first book in a series, would make it easier to keep track of all the characters and how they relate to each other, but I'm still struggling. Maybe all their series are interconnected. I spent the last couple of years working on a novel manuscript where I often got the critique that there were too many characters. I've shrunk the cast down by about a third and am trying to do a better job of distinguishing them (and showing their importance to the story) and spending more quality time with different groupings of characters. We'll see if I've been more successful.
Non-book activities: watched the last of the Four Continents figure skating Championships (youtube cottoned to our VPN use so we switched it to Canada to watch the final group on CBC), played Knitten on my phone
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 4
33JayneCM
>30 alcottacre: I generally read over 200 books a year, so no pressure! And at the moment I am currently at home with a wrist injury (surgery next week), so I cannot do too much with one hand anyway. The challenge is giving me something to focus on.
34alcottacre
>31 cbl_tn: We are going from one extreme to the other here, Carrie. With the wind chill this morning, it was -5. Friday it is supposed to be 70.
35alcottacre
>33 JayneCM: I am glad to hear that you are not going to pressure yourself! Sorry to hear about the wrist injury - I hope all goes well with the surgery.
36JayneCM
>35 alcottacre: Thank you! I have been in a splint since November so will be glad to have this behind me. Can be up to 12 weeks rehab but hopefully I will respond faster to the therapy.
37alcottacre
>36 JayneCM: I bet you will be glad when it is all behind you. Months in a splint is no fun at all!
38alcottacre
Saturday Night Summary:
Books read from: Playground by Richard Powers (audiobook), The City & the City by China Mieville, Mysteries of the Middle Ages by Thomas Cahill, and Red Comet by Heather Clark
Books finished: 2, The City & the City and Mysteries of the Middle Ages
Time reading: 3 hours + listening to audiobook
Total books finished: 3
Total read from: 5
Total time reading: 5.4 hours + listening to audiobook
I managed to complete both of the books I wanted to finish for January's TIOLI reading and start on my first book for February. Since it is about 1000 pages long, I figure it will take me all of February to finish it!
Books read from: Playground by Richard Powers (audiobook), The City & the City by China Mieville, Mysteries of the Middle Ages by Thomas Cahill, and Red Comet by Heather Clark
Books finished: 2, The City & the City and Mysteries of the Middle Ages
Time reading: 3 hours + listening to audiobook
Total books finished: 3
Total read from: 5
Total time reading: 5.4 hours + listening to audiobook
I managed to complete both of the books I wanted to finish for January's TIOLI reading and start on my first book for February. Since it is about 1000 pages long, I figure it will take me all of February to finish it!
39lottpoet
Saturday:
Books read from: Kith and Kin by Kris Ripper, A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason
Books finished: 0
Snacks: Bobo's PB&J round, Cara Cara orange, turkey sandwich with lactose-free A2 cheese, 'soda' made with homemade cherry vanilla syrup, Sweet Loren's christmas gingerbread cookies
Non-book activities: watched Jeopardy (Tournament of Champions), played Knitten on my phone, looked through magazines for stuff for my vision board book (in the past we've made a new vision board every year, but a few years ago we decided to make books we could carry around with us--I've decided I need a new book), made cherry vanilla drink syrup
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 4
Books read from: Kith and Kin by Kris Ripper, A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason
Books finished: 0
Snacks: Bobo's PB&J round, Cara Cara orange, turkey sandwich with lactose-free A2 cheese, 'soda' made with homemade cherry vanilla syrup, Sweet Loren's christmas gingerbread cookies
Non-book activities: watched Jeopardy (Tournament of Champions), played Knitten on my phone, looked through magazines for stuff for my vision board book (in the past we've made a new vision board every year, but a few years ago we decided to make books we could carry around with us--I've decided I need a new book), made cherry vanilla drink syrup
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 4
40nrmay
>33 JayneCM:
Wishing you success with the surgery and a speedy recovery.
>24 PocheFamily:
I have a copy of SOLITO I’ve been meaning to get to. The author was a compelling speaker when l saw him at a library event.
Another award-winning non-fiction account l liked is The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the Border by Juan Pablo Villalobos.
Sunday morning
Books:
Finished ABSOLUTE POWER. I do love a good thriller.
Now reading
ISOLA by Allegra Goodman. Terrific so far.
Saturday night dinner at a good restaurant nearby - shrimp and grits.
Other activity:
Went to see the HAMNET movie. Great!
Weather:
We did not fully escape the winter storm. Savannah got snow and sleet last night and all is frozen this morning with wind chill temp of 25F.
We plan to head out for Fernandina Beach at noon.
Wishing you success with the surgery and a speedy recovery.
>24 PocheFamily:
I have a copy of SOLITO I’ve been meaning to get to. The author was a compelling speaker when l saw him at a library event.
Another award-winning non-fiction account l liked is The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the Border by Juan Pablo Villalobos.
Sunday morning
Books:
Finished ABSOLUTE POWER. I do love a good thriller.
Now reading
ISOLA by Allegra Goodman. Terrific so far.
Saturday night dinner at a good restaurant nearby - shrimp and grits.
Other activity:
Went to see the HAMNET movie. Great!
Weather:
We did not fully escape the winter storm. Savannah got snow and sleet last night and all is frozen this morning with wind chill temp of 25F.
We plan to head out for Fernandina Beach at noon.
41kac522
Saturday's reading:
Books read from:
--Our Mutual Friend, Charles Dickens; a re-read on audiobook; listened for 2 hours (50 pages); nearing the end: about 100 pages remaining
--Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays, George Orwell; essays from 1931-death; 42 pages read;
--The Notting Hill Mystery, Charles Felix aka Charles Warren Adams (1863); Completed
In the end, the investigator presents his case, but I'm not sure the murders are actually "solved." Interestingly presented through a series of documents (including an English death certificate) and notable as the first full-length detective novel in English, so worth the read historically. Pre-dates Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone (1868).
Saturday's summary:
Books finished: 1
Books read from: 3, including 1 audiobook
Time reading + listening: 4 hours; total 138 pages
Weekend summary:
Weekend Total: books finished: 1
Weekend Total: books listened/read from: 4
Weekend Total: time listening/reading: 11.75 hours
Weather report: Saturday the light snow cleared by noon and by late afternoon the sun was peeping out; ran errands; roads were clear
Right now (Sunday morning) clear blue skies and temps in the 20s (F); a typical winter day here; some melting going on, including the snow on the solar panels on the neighbor's roof.
Sunday's possible reading, as time permits:
--Finish A Year's Turning, Michael Viney--60 pages left (October, November, December).
--Finish the Orwell essays, about 120 pages left--I've been skipping around, so not exactly sure
--Read several chapters from Les Miserables. This is a months-long reading project. It's my first read of the novel. I'm also listening to podcasts that summarize and analyze the book, several chapters at a time. I may try to listen to a couple of episodes today while working a new jigsaw puzzle.
TV--looking forward to tonight's episode of All Creatures Great & Small.
The first football-free weekend since August...
Books read from:
--Our Mutual Friend, Charles Dickens; a re-read on audiobook; listened for 2 hours (50 pages); nearing the end: about 100 pages remaining
--Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays, George Orwell; essays from 1931-death; 42 pages read;
--The Notting Hill Mystery, Charles Felix aka Charles Warren Adams (1863); Completed
In the end, the investigator presents his case, but I'm not sure the murders are actually "solved." Interestingly presented through a series of documents (including an English death certificate) and notable as the first full-length detective novel in English, so worth the read historically. Pre-dates Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone (1868).
Saturday's summary:
Books finished: 1
Books read from: 3, including 1 audiobook
Time reading + listening: 4 hours; total 138 pages
Weekend summary:
Weekend Total: books finished: 1
Weekend Total: books listened/read from: 4
Weekend Total: time listening/reading: 11.75 hours
Weather report: Saturday the light snow cleared by noon and by late afternoon the sun was peeping out; ran errands; roads were clear
Right now (Sunday morning) clear blue skies and temps in the 20s (F); a typical winter day here; some melting going on, including the snow on the solar panels on the neighbor's roof.
Sunday's possible reading, as time permits:
--Finish A Year's Turning, Michael Viney--60 pages left (October, November, December).
--Finish the Orwell essays, about 120 pages left--I've been skipping around, so not exactly sure
--Read several chapters from Les Miserables. This is a months-long reading project. It's my first read of the novel. I'm also listening to podcasts that summarize and analyze the book, several chapters at a time. I may try to listen to a couple of episodes today while working a new jigsaw puzzle.
TV--looking forward to tonight's episode of All Creatures Great & Small.
The first football-free weekend since August...
42JayneCM
>40 nrmay: Thank you!
43benitastrnad
Sunday report
Weather: the weather see-saw continues. Today it was 45 degrees F. The snow rapidly melted. Tomorrow it will be 50 degrees.
Books read from: Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: Arrogant Years: One Girl's Search for Her Lost Youth, from Cairo to Brooklyn by Lucette Lagnado. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Book Thoughts: I finished Arrogant Years. This is the second of two memoirs written by Lucette Lagnado and it has the same tone as does the first one. The first memoir Man in the White Sharkskin Suit was about the author's father. This second memoir centers on her mother and the life she lived in Cairo and in New York City. The contrast is great. Her mother was a school teacher and librarian in Cairo and then in NYC was a housewife for years. Finally, she got a job at the Brooklyn Public Library and had a chance to be herself again after years of being the wife of the Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. I did not enjoy either of these memoirs, but this second one was much more in-depth about the Levantine Jewish community, its religious practices, and its history. That is what I was really looking for. I did not expect a screed about how mistreated these Jewish immigrants were when they came to the US. I was determined to finish this memoir and I did.
Activities: Church and then spent 2 hours reading and finishing up this book.
Reading Time Today: 2 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: leftovers for lunch
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 564
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1735 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 2020.
Weather: the weather see-saw continues. Today it was 45 degrees F. The snow rapidly melted. Tomorrow it will be 50 degrees.
Books read from: Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado. Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: Arrogant Years: One Girl's Search for Her Lost Youth, from Cairo to Brooklyn by Lucette Lagnado. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Book Thoughts: I finished Arrogant Years. This is the second of two memoirs written by Lucette Lagnado and it has the same tone as does the first one. The first memoir Man in the White Sharkskin Suit was about the author's father. This second memoir centers on her mother and the life she lived in Cairo and in New York City. The contrast is great. Her mother was a school teacher and librarian in Cairo and then in NYC was a housewife for years. Finally, she got a job at the Brooklyn Public Library and had a chance to be herself again after years of being the wife of the Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. I did not enjoy either of these memoirs, but this second one was much more in-depth about the Levantine Jewish community, its religious practices, and its history. That is what I was really looking for. I did not expect a screed about how mistreated these Jewish immigrants were when they came to the US. I was determined to finish this memoir and I did.
Activities: Church and then spent 2 hours reading and finishing up this book.
Reading Time Today: 2 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: leftovers for lunch
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 564
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1735 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 2020.
44cbl_tn
Since my last report, I've listened to a bit of A Body in the Bathhouse and I've read several chapters of Agent Josephine. I was still snowed in today so I made applesauce and banana bread. I have enough bananas left to make banana muffins tomorrow.
45ChrisG1
Weekend summary:
Books read from: Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat, SPQR:A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard.
Books finished: Breath, Eyes, Memory
Pages read: 290-ish
I competed in a cribbage tournament on Saturday, doing just well enough to miss getting master points by one point, lol. While most of the country is in deep freeze, we're in "fake spring" mode in the Portland area & it looks to remain that way through the week.
Books read from: Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat, SPQR:A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard.
Books finished: Breath, Eyes, Memory
Pages read: 290-ish
I competed in a cribbage tournament on Saturday, doing just well enough to miss getting master points by one point, lol. While most of the country is in deep freeze, we're in "fake spring" mode in the Portland area & it looks to remain that way through the week.
46alcottacre
Sunday Night Synopsis:
Books read from: Playground by Richard Powers (audiobook), Red Comet by Heather Clark, Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson, and The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
Books finished: 1, Everyone on This Train is a Suspect
Time reading: 3.25 hours + listening to audiobook
Total books finished: 4
Total read from: 7
Total time reading: 8.65 hours + listening to audiobook
So, yesterday morning we woke up to a temperature of 13F with a windchill of -5F. We are now being told by the weather people that we will be up to 70F by Friday. What? Texas weather, that is all I can say.
Books read from: Playground by Richard Powers (audiobook), Red Comet by Heather Clark, Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson, and The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
Books finished: 1, Everyone on This Train is a Suspect
Time reading: 3.25 hours + listening to audiobook
Total books finished: 4
Total read from: 7
Total time reading: 8.65 hours + listening to audiobook
So, yesterday morning we woke up to a temperature of 13F with a windchill of -5F. We are now being told by the weather people that we will be up to 70F by Friday. What? Texas weather, that is all I can say.
47lottpoet
Sunday:
Books read from: Kith and Kin by Kris Ripper, A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason
Books finished: 0
Snacks: Bobo's PB&J round, Annie's gummies, Bob's peanut butter bar, squeezie apple sauce, caffeine-free Coke, homemade carnitas tacos, Siete bunuelos, potato chips
Non-book activities: two events at the Great Northern Festival (documentary film; short show on an ice rink with Black figure skater-dancers followed by a free skate with instruction from the skater-performers), long public transit travel to the festival and between the venues
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 4
Books read from: Kith and Kin by Kris Ripper, A Life Impossible by Steve Gleason
Books finished: 0
Snacks: Bobo's PB&J round, Annie's gummies, Bob's peanut butter bar, squeezie apple sauce, caffeine-free Coke, homemade carnitas tacos, Siete bunuelos, potato chips
Non-book activities: two events at the Great Northern Festival (documentary film; short show on an ice rink with Black figure skater-dancers followed by a free skate with instruction from the skater-performers), long public transit travel to the festival and between the venues
Total books finished: 0
Total read from: 4
48PocheFamily
Weekend summary: short on time today, so very brief.
Books read from: The Magic Mountain, Black Wind, A Time to be Born
Books finished: 2 - The Magic Mountain - yay! - and Black Wind
Non-book activities: Spousal unit made a Pasta Genovese the traditional way, simmering the onions and beef for 6h+. Delish!
Total books finished: 2
Total read from: 3
Total time reading: more than 10h
And Texas, you'all a bit crazy ... we're almost reaching 0C/32F twice this week, then plummet back into the negatives for next weekend. So I'll say it now: I'm IN next weekend!
Books read from: The Magic Mountain, Black Wind, A Time to be Born
Books finished: 2 - The Magic Mountain - yay! - and Black Wind
Non-book activities: Spousal unit made a Pasta Genovese the traditional way, simmering the onions and beef for 6h+. Delish!
Total books finished: 2
Total read from: 3
Total time reading: more than 10h
And Texas, you'all a bit crazy ... we're almost reaching 0C/32F twice this week, then plummet back into the negatives for next weekend. So I'll say it now: I'm IN next weekend!
49benitastrnad
Weekend wrapup
Weather: weather is normal so I am not going to report on it anymore. Its climate change folks and winters were much colder in the past. On the average they are warmer now than they were in the 1980s.
Books read from: Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: Arrogant Years: One Girl's Search for Her Lost Youth, from Cairo to Brooklyn by Lucette Lagnado. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Book Thoughts: I finished Arrogant Years and simply don't know what to write about it. I am glad that I can now move on to other books. I am looking forward to reading Bending the Law. This one is all about the legal maneuvering done to protect the company that owned and manufactured the Dalkon shield. The company declared bankruptcy and then sold itself so that they didn't have to pay any of the damages. It was the first company to do this and this practice has now become common among large companies. It is what the manufactures of OxyContin did recently. I wanted to learn more about this process so found this book. I had to place an ILL request for it. My main book right now is Voyage Home for my real life book club.
Activities: work. I will also need to bake cookies today.
Reading Time Today: 2 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: leftovers for lunch
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 564
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1732 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 202
Weather: weather is normal so I am not going to report on it anymore. Its climate change folks and winters were much colder in the past. On the average they are warmer now than they were in the 1980s.
Books read from: Bending the Law: The Story of the Dalkon Shield Bankruptcy by Richard B. Sobol. Voyage Home by Pat Barker. My continuous reading book is Katharine Graham's Washington by Katharine Graham. My computer book is Walking It Off by Doug Peacock. I am listening to The Rocks by Peter Nichols.
Books finished: Arrogant Years: One Girl's Search for Her Lost Youth, from Cairo to Brooklyn by Lucette Lagnado. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Book Thoughts: I finished Arrogant Years and simply don't know what to write about it. I am glad that I can now move on to other books. I am looking forward to reading Bending the Law. This one is all about the legal maneuvering done to protect the company that owned and manufactured the Dalkon shield. The company declared bankruptcy and then sold itself so that they didn't have to pay any of the damages. It was the first company to do this and this practice has now become common among large companies. It is what the manufactures of OxyContin did recently. I wanted to learn more about this process so found this book. I had to place an ILL request for it. My main book right now is Voyage Home for my real life book club.
Activities: work. I will also need to bake cookies today.
Reading Time Today: 2 hours
Time listening:
Time posting:
Food: leftovers for lunch
Total books finished since the Read-A-Thon Began: 564
Total Time Reading since the Social Distancing read-a-thon began: 1732 hours since I started doing the weekend Read-A-Thon starting in April of 202
51kac522
Sunday's reading:
Books read from:
--Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays, George Orwell; essays from 1931-death; 43 pages read;
--A Year's Turning, Michael Viney (1996) Completed
--Les Miserables, Victor Hugo; 25 pages read
Sunday's summary:
Books finished: 1
Books read from: 3
Time reading: 4 hours; total 125 pages
Weekend summary:
Weekend Total: books finished: 2
Weekend Total: books listened/read from: 5
Weekend Total: time listening/reading: 15.75 hours
I wanted to finish the Orwell essays, but that didn't happen. I am enjoying Les Miserables even though I am reading it very slowly. I'm behind on the schedule I'm following, so hope to use a few days in February to catch up.
Overall I'm glad I participated this weekend, and plan to do so in the future, especially the last weekends of each month. I think it will give me a little extra incentive to finish up books before the new month begins.
Books read from:
--Facing Unpleasant Facts: Narrative Essays, George Orwell; essays from 1931-death; 43 pages read;
--A Year's Turning, Michael Viney (1996) Completed
--Les Miserables, Victor Hugo; 25 pages read
Sunday's summary:
Books finished: 1
Books read from: 3
Time reading: 4 hours; total 125 pages
Weekend summary:
Weekend Total: books finished: 2
Weekend Total: books listened/read from: 5
Weekend Total: time listening/reading: 15.75 hours
I wanted to finish the Orwell essays, but that didn't happen. I am enjoying Les Miserables even though I am reading it very slowly. I'm behind on the schedule I'm following, so hope to use a few days in February to catch up.
Overall I'm glad I participated this weekend, and plan to do so in the future, especially the last weekends of each month. I think it will give me a little extra incentive to finish up books before the new month begins.
52weird_O
>21 weird_O: I ventured, but did I gain? Not much. As in, I got my hands on the ropes (or a couple of 'em, anyway) and know how far from mastery I am.
1st Day Book roster: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
First day I read a couple of chapters in Orbital. Not the progress I expected. Too easily distracted. Didn't glance at the other three books. Second day I read a couple of more chapters in Orbital but not nearly enough. Now on page 150. Expect to finish tonight. Among the distractions: two books I had previously started but didn't include in the weekend. But I did read a bit of both.
Snacks: Unique Splits, joe, cheesecake, Ben 'n' Jerry, sparkling water, joe, leftovers. Did I mention coffee?
Thoughts: Uh, whaaa?
Non-book activities: KP; personal hygiene; nap(s)
1st Day Book roster: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
First day I read a couple of chapters in Orbital. Not the progress I expected. Too easily distracted. Didn't glance at the other three books. Second day I read a couple of more chapters in Orbital but not nearly enough. Now on page 150. Expect to finish tonight. Among the distractions: two books I had previously started but didn't include in the weekend. But I did read a bit of both.
Snacks: Unique Splits, joe, cheesecake, Ben 'n' Jerry, sparkling water, joe, leftovers. Did I mention coffee?
Thoughts: Uh, whaaa?
Non-book activities: KP; personal hygiene; nap(s)
53nrmay
Weekend wrap
Book:
ISOLA by Allegra Goodman.
Historical fiction based on a true story.
Dinner: my sis-in-law arrived from Georgia and made crawfish étouffée. Delicious.
Other: settled into our condo. It was cold for Florida but after today, should warm up and be nice for at least the next 10 days.
Book:
ISOLA by Allegra Goodman.
Historical fiction based on a true story.
Dinner: my sis-in-law arrived from Georgia and made crawfish étouffée. Delicious.
Other: settled into our condo. It was cold for Florida but after today, should warm up and be nice for at least the next 10 days.
