Deborah ( vancouverdeb) Thread 2

Muffin cuddled up in my old arm chair.

West Dyke in summer.

I'm Deborah, married for 42 years and counting. I have two adult sons and one is married and they have two young children. This will be my 16 th year in the 75's. Both Dave and I are retired and we have a dog named Muffin who just turned 2 at the end of December 2025.

January

1) The Wake by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, F, mine, Iceland, 4 stars
2) Ripeness by Sarah Moss, F, library, UK, 3 stars
3) Benbecula by Graeme MacCrae Burnet,M, library, Scotland, 3.5 stars
4)Murder by Invitation Only by Colleen Cambridge, F, library, UK, 4 stars
5) The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold, F , library, F, UK, 4 stars
6)Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan, F, mine, Ireland, 3.5 stars
7) Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, F, library, UK, 4 stars

February

8) Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsely, F, mine, UK, 4 stars
9) Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar, F, library, India/ USA, 3.5 stars
10)A Christian Case Against Donald Trump by by Patrick Kahnke, M, mine, kindle, USA, 5 stars
11)Two Truths and a Murder by Colleen CambridgeUSA, library, M, 4 stars
12) ‎Jesus Calling, with Scripture References: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (A 365-Day Devotional) by Sarah Young , F, mine, USA, 5 stars
13) This Is Not About Us: Fiction by Allegra Goodman, USA, library, F, 3.5 stars
14)The Fourth Princess: A Gothic Novel of Old Shanghai by Janie Chang, Canada, library, F, 4.5 stars
15) The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church by Sarah McCammon, USA, library, F, 4 stars
16)The Midnight Taxi by Yosha Gunasekera USA, mine, F, 3.5 stars

March

17) The Barbecue at No. 9 by Jenny Godfrey,UK, mine, F, 4 stars
18)When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen,Sweden, library F, 5 stars
19 )Dominion by Addie E. Citchens, USA, F, library, 4.5 stars
20) A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing: A Novel byAlice Evelyn Yang, USA,F, mine, 4.5 stars
21) A Family Matter by Claire Lynch, UK, F, library,4.25 stars
22) Audition by Katie Kitamura, USA, library, F,2.5 stars,
23)Flashlight by Susan Choi, USA,mine,F , 3 stars
24) The Murder at World's End by Ross Montgomery, UK, mine, 4 stars

April

25) The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine, Ireland, mine, F, 4 stars

Prize Winners and Nominees
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, 1001 books to read before you die
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen , Årets bok (2024)
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist , 2026
A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing: A Novel byAlice Evelyn Yang. Women's Prize For Fiction Longlist,2026
A Family Matter by Claire Lynch, Nero Prize Winner 2026,
Audition by Katie Kitamura, Booker Short List 2025, Women's Prize Long-list 2026,
Flashlight by Susan Choi, Booker List 2025, Women's Prize Longlist 2026
Benefactors by Wendy Erskine Women's Prize Longlist 2026

Currently Reading

The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine

Welcome to my new thread. Please drop a star, lurk, delurk, all welcome!

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young 5 stars

Each morning for the past year, I have enjoyed reading a daily devotional from this volume. Encouraging, and comforting.

Highly Recommended.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

Two Truths and a Murder (A Phyllida Bright Mystery Book 5) by Colleen Cambridge 4 stars

Whenever I want an engaging but fun,lighter book , I turn to the Phyllida Bright murder mystery series.

While Agatha Christie is at home at Malloween Hall, Phyllida ( the housekeeper ) is busy solving her next murder mystery. This time, she attends a dinner party to observe Vera Rollingbroke's husband. Vera suspects that her husband is having an affair. I enjoy the snobby, difficult butler, Mr Dobble, the relationship between Phyllida and the chauffeur, Brandon. Mrs Puffley, is the cook , another amusing character.

Highly recommended.

>11 quondame: Thanks, Susan! Wonderful to have you stop by.

Happy new one, Deb. That topper is precious!

>1 vancouverdeb: Aww how adorable

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Deborah. I love the photo of Muffin.

>1 vancouverdeb: *baaawww* such a punkin-pweshus boop snoot!

New thread orisons, Deborah.

>12 vancouverdeb: I love the cook being named "Puffley" immoderately...I want her to make me napoleons!

>1 vancouverdeb: What an adorable photo of Muffin! Nice new thread, Deborah. I'll be interested to see what you think of This is Not About Us. It caught my eye in an email newsletter just the other day.

Sweet photo of Muffin.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

Happy new thread Deborah. Muffin looks so sweet and I like the picture of your walking place! Have a great weekend.

Happy new thread! Adorable picture of Muffin.

>2 vancouverdeb: Beautiful view of your landscape.

>12 vancouverdeb: I added the series to my TBR. I like having a few got to cozies when I need a break from the world.

>12 vancouverdeb: Happy new thread!

You hooked me on Phyllida Bright, and I’ve got the first book in the series (Murder at Mallowan Hall) requested. Looks really good.

Karen O

>1 vancouverdeb: Oh my goodness, that Muffin is one major cutie pie!

Happy new thread, Deborah!!

>1 vancouverdeb: Oh that's just too cute!!! I want to hug her!

>10 vancouverdeb: looks most interesting. I have never had the habit of reading devotionals but I imagine it would be a delightful way to start (or end) the day. hmmmm.

>10 vancouverdeb: I am going to see if I can find a copy of that one. Thank you for the recommendation, Deborah!

>12 vancouverdeb: I need to see if I can find that series. It sounds like one I would enjoy!

Happy new thread! Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy new thread, Deborah. Such a cute picture of Muffin! Is the book you're reading the second one in the Phyllida Bright series? I read the first one and would like to continue with the series.

>1 vancouverdeb: Aw, sweet photo of sweet Muffin!

>14 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley! I think Muffin is very cute.

>15 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita. Yes, Muffin is adorable.

>16 BLBera: Thanks Beth!

>17 richardderus: You think of the best words, Richard!

>18 richardderus: I don't doubt that Mrs. Puffley would make very good napoleons. I have not read of her making any so far, but I am sure she does.

>19 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura! I have mixed feelings so far about
This Is Not About Us: Fiction so far. I definitely preferred Isola, but I am listening to part of it on an audio book and part of it I am reading . I think the narrator may be off putting for me.

>20 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! I'm glad you are feeling better.

>21 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel. Muffin is sweet, and we were just walking along that dyke today. Lot of people out walking as it was a sunny day , and relatively warm weather. Dogs too, of course and bikers and joggers.

>22 witchyrichy: Thanks Karen. The Phyllida Bright series is a great one and a great escape when you want one.

>23 klobrien2: I think you will enjoy Murder At Mallowan Hall a lot , Karen. It's a fun series.

>24 mdoris: She is, Mary, but I bet Loki is very handsome. She is mischief maker, but then most dogs are.

>25 RebaRelishesReading: Muffin is very affectionate, Reba. We all get a lot of licking, even the vet . She is a snuggler, though not much of a lap dog. I think she finds it too hot. I did really like reading the devotional each morning, and it's the first one I have kept up with for a year. I hope I can find one I like as much.

>26 alcottacre: Jesus Calling was great devotional, Stasia. I think it is quite popular, so you should be able to find a copy. And yes , the Phyllida Bright series is a good/ great one.

>27 Familyhistorian: Two Truths and a Murder is actually the 5th and the last so far in the series, Meg . I had to skip the 4th in the series as it was out from my library. They seem to be a popular series as my library seems to either have them on holds or out. I hope you can find the second in the series. They are cheering books, I find.

>28 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne. Finley is a darling fellow too.

>29 Whisper1: Happy Valentines, Linda! I actually got some chocolate from Dave today.

Happy new thread, Deb. This one is rattling along.

>31 vancouverdeb: I use "boop snoot" for All the adorable dogs I see, so I don't see it anymore. I'm glad you enjoy it!

Well, Murder at Mallowan Hall is now in my TBR list!

Happy new thread! Muffin is just the cutest!

Happy new thread!

>35 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.

>36 richardderus: Interesting information, Richard. I may start using that myself.

>37 CDVicarage: I think you will enjoy Murder at Mallowan Hall , Kerry.

>38 foggidawn: Thanks Foggi. I think she is very cute too.

>39 drneutron: Thanks , Jim .

Hi Deb my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

>34 vancouverdeb: Looks like you're going through the Phyllida Bright series quickly, Deborah. Will you go back and read the one you skipped?

Happy new thread, Deborah! >1 vancouverdeb: Muffin looks so cute.

>42 johnsimpson: Thanks John! I hope things are well with you.

>43 Familyhistorian: I have enjoyed a Phyllida Bright book each month since I started the series, Meg, and yes, I will go back and read the one I skipped. I think some relationships developed that I don't want to miss . It was out of the library, so that is why I skipped ahead to the 5th book.

>44 atozgrl: Thanks Irene! I think Muffin is very cute too.

Happy new thread!

>1 vancouverdeb: So cute!

I enjoyed the first Phyllida Bright book and will get back to the series soon. Thanks for the turning me onto it!

Happy Wednesday, Deborah. I LOVE the Muffin topper. I also like the dyke topper. Good job. What did you think of This Is Not About Us?

This Is Not About Us: Fiction by Allegra Goodman 3.5 stars

I really loved Isola by this author, but I was not as keen on this book. Rather than a novel, I would describe this as linked short stories about the Rubinstein family. They are a large, Jewish family, with feuds, love, divorce, bat mitvahs, dating etc. I listened to part of this on audio and read the physical book as well. The narrator of the audio book was off putting for me, and perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I had not listened to the audio format. At times I felt there was too much drama about petty matters.

The Fourth Princess: A Gothic Novel of Old Shanghai by Janie Chang 4.5 stars

This is a novel I loved. I've read almost all of Janie Chang's previous books, so I was keen to get my hands on this.

It's historical fiction, but a gothic novel, a departure for the author as all of her previous books have been historical fiction, sometimes with a supernatural element. This was a gripping read. In 1911 Shanghai, Lisan Liu is an orphan , raised by a kind benefactor. She is hired by a wealthy American woman, Caroline Stanton, as a private secretary.

Caroline is a new comer to Shanghai, and a newlywed. However, she lives in Lennox Manor, a somewhat remote house , and believed to be cursed by many due to the recent suicide of a previous owner. Lisan struggles with nightmares after moving to Lennox Manor, and believes she is glimpses a mysterious woman in red at night.

Both women have secrets in their past, some known to them, some not . When a Japanese Princess attends a party at the manor, she upsets Lisan with questions she cannot answer. An unwelcome guest , Andrew Grey, attends the same party, and has knowledge of Caroline that is deeply troubling to her.

Highly recommended.

>46 Storeetllr: I am so glad you are enjoying the Phyllida Bright series, Mary. It was a lucky find at the library on my part. They are interesting but overall cheering novels, I find.

>47 msf59: Thanks Mark! I think Muffin is very cute! I did not like This is Not About Us as much as Isola unfortunately. My review is above.

Galison Main Street Book Puzzle, 1000 pieces. How could I resist this?

Sweet Thursday, Deborah. I liked This Is Not About Us a bit more than you but I agree it was no Isola. I do like her writing though.

>49 vancouverdeb: A gothic novel set in Shanghai! That alone piques my interest. Good clue, Deborah, I'll go look for Janie Chang's work. TYVM

>48 vancouverdeb: Too bad this one didn't work for you. It is a reminder that I still haven't read Isola.

>51 vancouverdeb: I LOVE the puzzle.

Love the puzzle and will keep an eye out for the The Fourth Princess but not the Goodman.

>52 msf59: Sweet Friday, Mark. Yes, I did love Isola but not so much This is Not About Us.

>53 richardderus: I hope you enjoy The Fourth Princess if you decide to read it, Richard. I really loved it. Her other books are very good too.

>54 BLBera: Isola I would really recommend , Beth. I loved the puzzle too, and it was not too hard to do, which is nice.

>55 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel! Do keep an eye out of The Fourth Princess, I think you would like it.

>34 vancouverdeb: I have ordered a copy of Jesus Calling for myself, Deborah, and hope to have a copy of it soon.

>49 vancouverdeb: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation!

>51 vancouverdeb: I love it! I cannot blame you for not resisting.

Have a wonderful weekend, Deborah!

>51 vancouverdeb: I would definitely not been able to resist that puzzle. I may try to get it to keep for next time my granddaughter comes to visit (since that's really the only time I do puzzles).

(edited to say I just ordered it 😄

>51 vancouverdeb: I love that one, Deb!

I might go and try a puzzle this Ramadan and certainly if I could find one as striking as that one.

>51 vancouverdeb: Such a lively puzzle, Deborah. I really have to get back to puzzling.

>58 alcottacre: I am quite certain you will enjoy Jesus Calling, Stasia and The Fourth Princess. I have had a good weekend so far, thanks!

>59 RebaRelishesReading: Oh! I am so pleased you ordered the puzzle , Reba! I hope you and your granddaughter enjoy it very much.

>60 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. I'd love to see you do a puzzle! There a large variety of great images, depending on where you shop, I imagine.

>61 Familyhistorian: Well, Meg, you sure are reading to beat the band. When you get a chance, puzzles will wait.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

I've been interested in reading The Exvangelicals and will be curious to know your take on it.

>62 vancouverdeb: I sent her a picture of it and she thinks it's great too (maybe that will help motivate her to plan a trip again soon...although she's in grad school and so doesn't have a lot of free time to share around)

>64 bell7: Hi Mary! I finished The Exvangelicals and will create a review tomorrow, I hope. I did find it very interesting and would recommend it to anyone who better wants to understand why Trump got into power , and people who are interested in why some Americans and other evangelicals are leaving evangelical church. I belong to an evangelical church, but this made glad I was not brought up by parents who believed the same, and why some are leaving for more liberal churches, or leaving altogether.

>65 RebaRelishesReading: Grad school is busy, but I hope your grand daughter will book a trip to see you very soon, Reba.

Happy Monday, Deborah. Glad The Exvangelicals worked for you. I had a good time with Jack this weekend. We got some quality playtime in. He is bossy as ever and I am happy to be his lowly subordinate. 😜

>51 vancouverdeb: Oh, that’s a great looking puzzle, Deborah! I should keep an eye out for it.

>67 msf59: Thanks Mark! Yes, The Exvangelicals did work for me. Enjoy being Jack's lowly subordinate, Mark.

>68 Copperskye: Glad you like the puzzle, Joanne. I had a lot of fun putting it together.

The Exvangelicals by Sarah McCammon 4 stars

I found this to be a very interesting read. I've long been puzzled as to why Americans voted Trump in and this gives some explanation of that. It also helped me understand why Americans and other are leaving evangelical churches. I attend an evangelical church myself,but I've not run across any discussion of politics in my church, and many of the beliefs of some of the in the American evangelical churches are not held in the churches I have attended, though some are. This book made me grateful that my dad was a rabid atheist, and my mom more or less agnostic, so I was better able to develop critical thinking skills.

Some quotes that captured me :

P 75 " the rejection of of science, combined with apocalyptic beliefs about the future of the world has real consequences... when you are taught that science is basically a fairy tale, and you are not taught to trust scientists, then why would you worry if the world is burning around us... so the world around us doesn't matter, because it is all going to burn like in Revelations anyway. "

P 82 " If you tell people that scientists are evil, they are going to believe that scientists are evil... and that kind of opens the door to to say that all authorities are misleading"

This particular quote helps to explain why some evangelicals are willing to believe information from the White House, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

P 84 " This cognitive training ( of the evangelical church members) to reject expert knowledge and to seek alternative , more amenable explanations helped disarm the capacity for critical thinking and analysis."

P 86 " researchers found a strong correlation between expressing Christian nationalistic views and a failure to affirm factually correct answers about the history of religion n the United States."

P 87 " There is mounting evidence that white evangelicals are particularly susceptible to conspiracy theories and misinformation about a wide range of issues,including vaccine safety and the validity of the 2020 election."

Sarah McCammon is an exevangelical , and a former correspondent for NPR. Her reporting focus is the intersection of politics and religion, reproductive rights and the conservative movement .

Highly recommended.

Hi Deb. Oh my, that picture of Muffin up in >1 vancouverdeb: is too darn cute!

>70 vancouverdeb: That looks very interesting. One of the most confounding things about the recent history of this country, "my" country, is the willingness of Christians, especially evangelical Christians, to embrace a "leader" who so blatantly and persistently does NOT exemplify their stated values. I've read a few essays about this conundrum; one from The Atlantic (I think) talked about the disconnect between Sunday commitment and Wednesday actuality. We humans are so profoundly good at managing cognitive dissonance and the dissonance between the lessons of Sunday and the hatefulness of the rest of the week apparently just don't bother some folks. Some of the quotes you provide here also help with "understanding."

I try to remain optimistic but sometimes I think we are well and truly sunk.

>71 EBT1002: I think that Muffin is very cute too, Ellen. If you are so inclined, do read The Exvangelicals, it was very interesting and has made me think about my own beliefs. It has a good bibliography, called " notes." I'm sure the book helps with understanding why some Americans voted for Trump much better that my review. I am hopeful that once Trump is gone, America can recover. One person I know just online told me that she voted for Trump because she believes he will end the war in Ukraine and " it's the end times." I'm not sure it's the end times, but even if it is, why vote for Trump?

>70 vancouverdeb: Dodging that BB as I have already read it. For someone like me, who grew up in an evangelical Baptist church, I could relate on so many levels it is not even funny.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Deborah!

>70 vancouverdeb: That sounds like an insightful but scary read, Deborah. I've run into people with that kind of skewed thinking and find there is no reasoning with them.

>70 vancouverdeb: I'm glad you found this book to be helpful, Deborah. I definitely did. Even though I have attended evangelical churches for years, I was not raised in an evangelical home, so a lot of what McCammon wrote about was eye-opening for me. It also helped me understand why so many evangelicals voted for Trump, even though he seems the opposite of Christian to me.

>48 vancouverdeb: Well, I am glad you really like Isola as I'll be reading that later this year for my RL bookclub. : ) And The Exvangelicals sounds really interesting -- I need a clone so I can fit in more reading time, LOL.

>70 vancouverdeb: Good review of Exvangelicals and interesting discussions about it. Over my lifetime, I've run the gamut from cradle Catholic to born again evangelical back to Catholic to agnostic to what I am now, an unapologetic atheist. It's hard to read about the amazing discoveries of modern science - especially in physics, astrophysics, quantum physics - and watch what is happening in the world today - white christian nationalism and "christians" supporting a pedophile, supporting fascism, supporting the tearing apart of families and cheering the abuses against immigrant children - while continuing to believe in the christian god. Exvangelicals is on my TBR list.

Good review of The Exvangelicals and I thought all of the quotes were perfect. I really enjoyed the book, as well.

Sweet Thursday, Deborah!

I won a free copy of The Fourth Princess from early reviewers so I should be able to read it when it arrives.

>77 Storeetllr: Just to be clear, the book we're discussing is The Exvangelicals. The touchstone for the book in your post goes to a different book. I didn't want you to get the wrong one and be confused.

>80 atozgrl: Oops! Thanks. I'll fix it.

>70 vancouverdeb: such an infuriating read, even the little bits you quoted. Genetically Modified Skeptic on YT keeps me current on the insane world of the evangelical nutballs. It's all I can do to listen, honestly.

Hope your weekend ahead is full of joy and good reading.

>73 alcottacre: I recognized many names of many prominent authors and Christians mentioned in The Exvangelicals, Stasia. I know people who have left the church, and this book helped me better understand why, too. I'm glad you can dodge a BB. I know about that big black hole of yours.

>74 Familyhistorian: I agree, I have run across people with very skewed thinking, but as you say , reasoning with them is just about impossible. I have pretty much given that up, Meg.

>75 atozgrl: Interesting, Irene. I think I was surprised by a lot of what I read, but I recognized many of the prominent Christians and ideas mentioned in the book. But yes, it was an eye opener.

>78 msf59: I'm glad you enjoyed The Exvangelicals , Mark. Interesting book and thoughts.

>79 Kristelh: That is was fortunate, Kristel! I really loved The Fourth Princess and I hope you will too. I think you will.

>82 richardderus: Sorry about that Richard. I'll have to check out Genetically Modified Skeptic on YT. I think I will enjoy the weekend - I have two good books on the go.

>49 vancouverdeb: I was not familiar with Chang and will be checking out the books.

>51 vancouverdeb: Very cool puzzle!

>70 vancouverdeb: This is definitely a sooner-rather-than later read. I was fortunate to grow up in a liberal religious home where questions were encouraged. I find myself thinking that moderate Christians (I think there are some out there) really need to reclaim Jesus and the message.

>77 Storeetllr: What I find very interesting is the similarities between the evangelicals and the Hare Krishnas I brushed up against in LA in the 1980s: devotion to a leader, subjugation of women, limited access to the outside world.

>82 richardderus: >84 vancouverdeb: I have the Genetically Modified Skeptic queued up in another window. Thanks for the tip!

>70 vancouverdeb: Thanks for this review Deborah, so interesting. I’ve wondered too how people call themselves Christians and act like they do.
Family members have taken part in a semi-religious sect, yoga, guru-like. Girls were supposed to wear long skirts. Beating kids in school was accepted. And somehow they went pro-Trump, anti-vaccine. I found it very hard to understand. But people will do a lot to belong somewhere, I guess.

>85 witchyrichy: Oh yay! I really appreciate his inside-baseball PoV.

>85 witchyrichy: devotion to a leader, subjugation of women, limited access to the outside world.
That actually does not describe most evangelicals that I know. Fundamentalists, maybe. I haven't attended their churches, so I can't say.

>85 witchyrichy: Janie Chang has a number of good books, I think I have read all but one . I hope you are able to find them. She is a Canadian author, so her books are easily available here. I did enjoy doing that puzzle. My dad used to ask me -" do you believe in those fairy tales" when it comes to Christianity and often argued with his Christian friends about their beliefs. He told my beliefs were just " fire insurance". It did not bother me then and it makes me laugh now and glad I was able to a critical thinker. I hope you enjoy The Exvangelicals when you get a chance to read it.

>86 EllaTim: I'm so glad if that review is useful to you, Ella. I know it was other people here on LT and their reviews the got me to discover and read the book. I recall the days when corporal punishment was considered okay in schools, though not beating , just a whack with a strap by the principal. I still find it hard to understand why people are pro Trump and anti vaccine, but reading the book helped.

>88 atozgrl: I've got to watch the Genetically Modified Skeptic as well, Richard.

>89 vancouverdeb: Irene, what churches are fundamentalist vs evangelical. I'm not sure that I know. I'll maybe google it.

Some one here in the 75’s asked me post a picture of the cherry blooms around here. I took a picture this morning while I walked the dog . It’s a beautiful day here today.

I’ll post it later in the afternoon, the picture of the cherry tree blooms . I realized I need to go downstairs to do it , and I am too lazy to that right now .

Happy March reading Deborah. Hard to believe, sitting here in Minnesota, that you have cherry blossoms to post. I am looking forward to your picture.

I did get Last Rituals from the library so now to see where I can show horn it into my March reading.

>89 vancouverdeb: Get your GMS on y'all! Such a great guy. I found out about the redoubtable James Talarico on his channel a year ago.

Happy new thread, Deborah!

>92 Kristelh: I'll post my picture in a minute, Kristel. I hope you enjoy Last Rituals.

>93 richardderus: I've yet to listen to his podcast, but it will happen, Richard.

>94 banjo123: Thanks, Rhonda!

A cherry tree in bloom this morning.

>96 vancouverdeb:, green grass and blossoms. Now that is spring. Will be awhile yet here in Minnesota.

Happy Monday, Deborah. Hooray for the cherry blossoms. Sue will be going out to see Jack this morning. She sure misses him. I will get my day tomorrow. How are those current reads?

>96 vancouverdeb: I enjoy the beauty of cherry trees in bloom. It's satisfying!

>90 vancouverdeb:, >96 vancouverdeb: You have cherry blossoms already?!? We're south of you so one might think we'd be a tiny bit closer to spring here but...nope....I haven't seen a single tree even thinking about blooming yet. I have three camellias outside my kitchen window and the one that always blooms first is seriously thinking about it but trees? not yet!

>96 vancouverdeb: Pretty!

Have a marvelous Monday, Deborah!

Just today I bought a book of new stamps, of cherry blossoms!

>96 vancouverdeb: So beautiful! Wish I were there. :)

>96 vancouverdeb: Beautiful! We have a young crabapple tree in the front yard and the leaves are opening already. It’s very early but it’s been a weird winter.

>96 vancouverdeb: That is so pretty. Spring is coming!

>97 Kristelh: It's quite mild here on the West Coast for the most part , Kristel, but we do get a lot of rain. It's green here year round , except for the week or so we get snow - none this year!

>98 msf59: I am loving my current reads, Mark! I hope Sue had a good day with Jackson . We had a beautiful sunny day, but rain for the next 4 - 5 days according to the forecast.

>99 richardderus: Later in the month, there is a cherry festival in various areas around Vancouver, including near me. Maybe I will try to get some more pictures, but it gets really crowded with people taking photos.

>100 RebaRelishesReading: Since we are on the coast, we get warmer weather in winter than inland, Reba. It sure seems like spring, it was 14C today which is 57 F. I just wore a fleece top rather than a jacket today and quite a few people in shorts . I hope spring arrives for you soon.

>101 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia! Muffin and I had a lesuirely walk this afternoon and then a quick trip to vet for her nails trimmed. She's lost a 2 pounds in 6 weeks, so the vet said we will do blood tests in 6 weeks if she has lost more weight. I worry a little, but Muffin is a very picky eater and sometimes won't eat a meal, despite us hand feeding her a lot , and adding all sorts of goodies , like chicken breast, cheese, egg etc. I think and hope it is just that she is a fussy eater.

>102 jessibud2: I had to look up those stamps online, Shelley. They are pretty!

>103 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary! I do think it is beautiful here, but often rainy n winter and year round.

>104 Copperskye: The crab apple tree in bloom sounds lovely, Joanne. The weather has been warmer than usual this winter for us too.

>105 BLBera: Spring is here, for the most part, Beth, but yes it is coming to rest of North America soon.

>106 vancouverdeb: I can see why it gets crowded, the season is so short and the beauty so piercing. The moment is poignant. Better to experience it than to fuss over taking pictures. Though I admit I'm curious!

>88 atozgrl: Thanks for the insight. I think those terms get mixed up or conflated in our shorthand world. You are right to distinguish. My evangelical friends would not agree with those sentiments. Fundamentalists is a better word, I think.

>96 vancouverdeb: The cherry tree is beautiful. We are still in winter here although my early daffodils are blooming and a few of the iris fronds are poking up.

>104 Copperskye: >107 vancouverdeb: It was spectacular here yesterday -- sunny and warm. I haven't seen any trees in bloom yet though although one of my Camillas is definitely ready to go (There are three outside my kitchen window and they always bloom in a very orderly sequence lol)

Hope Muffin is OK.

>96 vancouverdeb: I've been away for a week (and before that, lots of rain) so was really surprised to see one of these here today, too. So beautiful.

>107 vancouverdeb: I'll try to take a picture during the Cherry Festival this year, Richard. It is two weeks long, end of March until April, but yes it is crowded. I tend to like to stay in the moment. Let's hope it's not raining for the entire Cherry Festival this year.

>111 witchyrichy: Thanks Karen. I think I might take it for granted, the cherry trees and other flowers in bloom this time of year.

>112 RebaRelishesReading: It was lovely here yesterday, Reba. Sunny, warm at about 57 Fahrenheit , but today we are back to rain. The Camilla's sound lovely. I also hope Muffin is fine, that is just her picky eating that has caused her weight loss.

>113 charl08: I hope you had a enjoyable time away, Charlotte . Yes, we are getting lots of rain here now! Glad you have trees in bloom in your part of the world too.

Hello Deborah, I am over for a visit! 🌷

>116 mdoris: Lovely to see you, Mary! Thanks for the flower - such a rainy day I needed that.

The Barbecue At No.9 by Jennie Godfrey 4 stars

I loved Jennie Godfrey's previous book, The List of Suspicious Things, so I pre-ordered this book from Blackwell's Books in the UK as soon I became aware of it. I was not disappointed. It's 1985 in the UK, and the Live Aid Concert will be performed. On the same day in a new subdivision , residents are getting ready for a barbecue at No 9 Delmont Close. Many of the residents have secrets , and all are new to the neighbourhood. House proud Lydia Gordon and her husband and their two children are hosting the barbecue.

Rita, a neighbour from Australia, keeps a devastating secret from her past. Steve, a Falkland veteran, struggles with PTSD and seldom leaves home. Single mother Davinia has three children, each from a different father. And is Lydia's family hiding secrets of their own ?

A gripping , touching novel with an element of suspense.

Recommended.

My latest puzzle, Sorcerer's Den, eeboo , 1000 pieces

>118 vancouverdeb: that's gone on to my wishlist as I, too, loved A List of Suspicious Things.

>119 vancouverdeb: Lovely and colourful, Deborah.

I had missed that Jennie Godfrey had a new book out - her first book made for a good book club discussion.

I can't wait for spring and the cherry blossoms here in Portland!! Loving the warm weather and the sunshine, although we are in for some rain I think. The Barbecue sounds fun and your puzzle looks great! : )

>119 vancouverdeb: What a fun puzzle!

I wasn't familiar with Jennie Godfrey so both books are on the list!

I love the puzzle...with the dog and cat on chairs, it could be my house.

>119 vancouverdeb: What a delightful den! I feel that the sorcerer in question must be the benevolent sort.

The Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2026

Gloria Don't Speak by Lucy Apps
Paradiso 17 by Hannah Lillith Assadi
Moderation by Elaine Castillo
Flashlight by Susan Choi
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens
The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson
The Others by Sheena Kalayil
Kingfisher by by Rozie Kelly
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Audition by Katie Kitamura
A Guardian and A Thief by Megha Majumdar
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
The Best of Everything by Kit de Waal
A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang

I'll be back later in the day to reply to my visitors, much appreciated! Just wanted to get The Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2026 posted. I have read The Correspondent, Wild Dark Shore and The Best Of Everything . I gave all of those 4 stars, and reviewed them. I have ordered A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing and am checking my library for others on the list.

I’ve read 4’ The Correspondent, Wild Dark Shore, Audition, and Flashlight. I could request Heart the Lover, Moderation, Dominion, and A Guardian and A Thief.

>126 vancouverdeb: What do you think of the list, Deborah? I've read Heart the Lover, Wild Dark Shore and Audition. Not crazy about the last one. My library has quite a few, so I will start with those.

Exciting day with the release of the prize list!

>96 vancouverdeb: Wow! Those cherry blooms are early! Lovely picture.

>120 CDVicarage: I am sure you will enjoy The Barbecue at No. 9, Kerry.

>121 charl08: Thanks Charlotte re the puzzle. I am a big fan of Jennie Godfrey

>122 Berly: Thanks Kim! We were supposed to have rain today, but it was a nice sunny day today. Only some of the cherry trees are in bloom, depending on the variety. I did notice that my neighbour's magnolia tree is set to bloom- the blossoms are ready to go.

>123 BLBera: I did enjoy doing the puzzle, Beth.

>124 witchyrichy: I hope you can find the Jennie Godfrey books, Karen. I have seen The List of Suspicious Things in softcover in the bookstores.

>125 foggidawn: I think you are correct, Foggi, the Sorcerer in the puzzle must be a benevolent sort, kind even.

>128 Kristelh: It's great that you have read 4 books from the list already , Kristel. I could also request Heart the Lover, Dominion, Flashlight, A Guardian and A Thief from my library. In fact I put a hold on Dominion earlier today and picked it up after dinner. They have Audition too. The rest they don't have ,at least not yet. The library here I think will get the whole longlist in - though maybe it's the shortlist. I'm not sure.

>129 BLBera: It is an interesting list, Beth. There are a lot of books I had never heard of . I spent part of the day looking into some of the titles. I might order a couple from Blackwell Books in the UK, but I am not sure which yet. They are some books that sound like they would be very interesting.

>130 mdoris: It has been an exciting day with the Prize released today, though as Dave said to me " get a life" :-) I don't mind his comments though.

>131 figsfromthistle: We have had a mild winter, but then we always do. But we haven't had any snow, and we usually get a week or so, Anita . But yes, it has been milder this winter. I've only had to wear my " big parka" twice this winter - my parka for 0 C and below. I hope you soon have good weather.

I saw several cherry trees starting to bloom today and thought of you :)

>136 RebaRelishesReading: I am glad that you saw several cherry trees in bloom and how lovely that you thought of me, Reba.

I love the Women's Prize list. This year I've read Heart the Lover, Wild Dark Shore, and The Correspondent. The last two were 5 star reads for me. I also have Flashlight coming up in my library cue very soon.
I'm never a completist with any prize list, but I also find a few I hadn't heard of to enjoy. Thanks for posting it!

Sweet Thursday, Deborah. The Barbecue At No.9 sounds like a good one. I like your puzzle. Thanks for posting The Women's Prize for Fiction. I really want to get to the Lily King since I am such a fan.

>135 vancouverdeb: How very dare Dave be rude about your enthusiasm for the prize, Deborah?(!!!)

I am trying to be good and wait for the library reservations to come in...

>126 vancouverdeb: Thanks for sharing the list. I copied it over to my thread so I can keep track. My book group and I thoroughly enjoyed The Correspondent. I am looking forward to exploring more of these writers.

I was happy to see that my library has multiple copies of The List of Suspicious Things as well as audio through Libby. I am trying hard to use the library this year.

>138 japaul22: I'm glad you love the Women's Prize list, Jennifer. Sounds like you have made a good start on the books. I won't read all the books either, but I will read what I can. That I like within reason. I'm reading Dominion right now and got A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing from amazon today. My library has a copy of A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing, but it appears it is lost and another is on order. Let me know what you think of your reads.

>139 msf59: The Barbecue At No.9 was good one and I think The List of Suspicious Things even better. Sweet Friday to you,Mark. Let me know what you read from the Women's Prize list.

>140 charl08: Husbands, Charlotte, at least mine! I hope your library reservations come in quickly , Charlotte. You are such a good reader of prize lists.

>141 witchyrichy:The Correspondent was a good read, and would be a great choice for discussion in book group, Karen. I'm also trying hard to mainly use the library, but I am not entirely successful. The List of Suspicious Things was a 5 star read for me.

Nice picture of the cherry tree in bloom up thread, Deborah. I'm starting to see more and more of them in bloom. It was nice to have some days of sun, hard to get back to the rain again.

>144 Familyhistorian: I agree, Meg, it's hard to get used to the rain again. I'm glad you are seeing cherry trees in bloom. I hope Sam gent's out on the weekend.

I just want to say that I am loving Dominion from the Women's Prize Longlist . Initially I thought it might be a DNF , but once I got about 30 pages in, I can hardly put it down. I should finish it later today. It does have some sex and violence in it, but a gripping and thoughtful read, I think. I'm going to order The Benefactors and The Others from Blackwell books .

When The Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen 5 stars

This was a very touching, lovely read. Bo is an elderly man of 89. He lives home by himself in rural Sweden. His wife is in a facility as she has dementia. Bo is in the final months of his life as he is suffering with congestive heart failure. Each day he has visits from his home care team. What really keeps Bo going is his elk hound,Sixten. However , his only child, adult son Hans, believes Bo is too old and unwell to look after Sixten. When Hans insists that Bo give up Sixten to another home, Bo feels many emotions, not many that are happy. He looks over his past life, his relationships and what is to come. Though sad, this is a beautifully told novel.

Highly recommended.

Dominion by Addie E. Citchens 4.5 stars

I picked this up from the library, not knowing what to expect, but it is on the Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2026. During the first 20 pages or so, I thought this was going to be a DNF, but then I was totally gripped by the story. The story takes place in the year 2000, in a rural town in Mississippi, Dominion. Reverend Sabre Winfrey is a pastor at a Baptist Church, and also owns a barber shop and radio station. The family is well off and the Rev. is married to Priscilla, and has four sons, one of whom is named Emanuel, nicknamed Wonderboy.

The Rev. rules his wife and much of life with an iron fist.

Priscilla says of her husband : P.25 "my husband explained to me that because Eve ate the apple, I would have to 'eat the snake'. The act shocked and appalled me,but I was submissive to my husband like I was supposed to be."

The Rev is sometimes violent towards his wife and family dog. Priscilla copes with with him and his philandering ways with alcohol and pills. Meantime, a seventeen year old girl, Diamond falls in love with Wonderboy and it appears that Wonderboy feels the same way. But Wonderboy is not the righteous , superhuman male that he appears to be. A chance encounter with another person reveals who Wonderboy really is. Both Diamond and Priscilla love their men, though Priscilla is not keen about Diamond.

This is a fascinating and dark look at patriarchy, the damage secrets cause, and damaged people. It's fairly short at just over 200 pages, but packs an enormous punch.

Recommended.

>146 vancouverdeb: Looks like you've had some really good reads recently.

>149 RebaRelishesReading: I have had some great reads lately, Reba and that is good news. I really did not know what to expect with Dominion. Now to navigate my way through more of the Long list and try to pick ones that grab me.

>148 vancouverdeb: This sounds good, but at the same time I have a hard time reading about substance abuse. I've put it on hold at my library and I'll see if I feel up to it when it becomes available.

>147 vancouverdeb:, >148 vancouverdeb: Both of those books are coming up soon for me, Deborah. It's good to hear such positive comments for them.

Happy Saturday, Deborah. Hooray for When The Cranes Fly South. I loved it too. You also got me with Dominion. Good crisp review. Nice job.

>147 vancouverdeb: I have that one home from the library and with your and Mark's enthusiasm I will start it today. Have a great day Deborah!

I requested Dominion because of you review. Though I do try to avoid books with sexual content. Glad you appreciated When the Cranes Fly South. It is a sad story and probably especially because you are a dog owner so can relate to how hard this would be.

>96 vancouverdeb: Deb, thanks for posting the lovely image of the tree! What a beautiful time of year!

Dominion sounds like a challenging read. Probably good that it was a short one, seems that it would be intense.

>151 japaul22: Best to get it out of the library and see if Dominion is for you, Jennifer. It treally did not focus on substance abuse, I don't think , though that is present.

>152 BLBera: I'm glad to hear it, Beth. I think you will enjoy both books. I was happy to get both from my library.

>153 msf59: Happy Sunday, Mark. Thanks for the BB of The Cranes Fly South , it was excellent. I'm quite sure you like Dominion too.

>154 mdoris: Thanks Mary! Muffin and I had a nice day walking on the dyke this afternoon, no rain! We heard quite a few coyotes yipping on the marsh and saw one. Lots of other dogs for Muffin to visit with as well. I think you will enjoy When the Cranes Fly South. A lot of people here in the 75's seen to have enjoyed it.

>155 Kristelh: I also try to avoid books with sexual content, Kristel. This was not too graphic for the most part and not too much of it. I think you will like it. Yes, I honestly can't imagine one of my sons trying to convince me to rehome our dog. Perhaps if I was 89, but even then.

>156 Whisper1: I'm glad you like the tree in blossom , Linda. It is a pretty time year, about to improve as more trees and flowers come into bloom.

>157 Familyhistorian:Dominion was not too intense, perhaps somewhat so, Meg, but it really gripped me. I'm so glad to read that your son is in nearby Eagle Ridge Hospital and coming home soon, I hope.

>89 vancouverdeb: Sorry for the belated reply, Deborah. It's been a week since I was able to get over here. My husband and I both got hit with a nasty stomach flu, so I fell behind on the threads and I'm still trying to catch up.

Before I say anything about the difference between fundamentalist and evangelical, I will first say that I have heard there are now quite a few people who have begun calling themselves "evangelical" for political reasons, without really being evangelical or knowing what it means. They call themselves evangelical because they've heard that evangelicals supported Trump, and they think of it in a political sense now. The word gaining a more political sense in the popular mind rather than the original religious meaning is part of why I don't like to use it any more.

Fundamentalists are more the group that gets skewered in a lot of popular media. Think of movies like Footloose. Very strict about what people are allowed to do. The evangelical churches that I have attended don't think that way. They are much more reasoned in their approach; they don't look at everything in black and white terms. On a quick search, I found this article that explains a lot of the difference better than I can: https://mattayars.com/not-the-same-thing-fundamentalism-vs-evangelicalism/ And here's one more: https://thisvsthat.io/evangelical-vs-fundamentalist

The trees here are bursting into full bloom. Quite a few different varieties of trees are blooming now after the warm week we had. Allergy season has arrived.

Hello Deborah. When The Cranes Fly South was a tough (moving) and wonderful book! Hope you have a very good week!

We had a couple of blasts of a snow/hail mix at different times here today, Deborah. Did you get any of that?

>161 atozgrl: Thanks for the explanation and links to evangelicals vs fundamentalist's , Irene. The trees here are also mainly in bloom. My favourite tree, the tulip magnolia is just about fully in bloom. Lucky for me, I don't suffer from any allergies. My husband does though, all year round.

>162 mdoris: Hi Mary! When the Cranes Fly South was indeed a tough but moving book. And wonderful too. Have a great week! I have a new " job" . Convincing Muffin to eat! We go to the vet every 6 weeks and last time she had lost just over 2 lbs in 6 weeks. The vet says if she loses more weight, they will need to blood tests. So Dave and I ( we have been doing this for quite a while ) add all sorts of goodies to her food and chase her around with her bowl. I'm not sure why she doesn't eat up like " normal dogs. "

>163 Familyhistorian: We had a short blast of sleet /snow on Sunday around 6 pm and perhaps one other day - last Thursday, Meg. Supposedly there is chance of snow tomorrow, but I sure hope not!Apparently 2 cm is possibly forecast. It was beautiful here today though.

Enjoy your brief visit with M & M. I hope the family has a safe and enjoyable trip to Hong Kong. I will be off to see Jackson a bit later this morning.

I’ve never had a dog that didn’t like to eat but I know they exist. My grandmother’s dog wanted to make eating a game. Grandmother had to pretend to feed grandpa the dog’s food before he would eat.

Enjoy your visit with the grands. I hope they have a good trip to Hong Kong. How long will they be gone?

>96 vancouverdeb: I'm visiting my brother in Mississippi, and the stinky Bradford pears are in bloom.

>167 thornton37814: Those things are in bloom here too. It wasn't pleasant smelling that while I was working in the yard yesterday. (Our neighbor has one, right against the fence. The previous owner planted it.)

Funny thing, our local news ran a story today about the smell and that some communities in NC have a bounty out to encourage people to remove them.

Hello Deborah., I am sorry to hear about Muffin and losing weight challenges. Sure hope the vet figures it out soon!

>165 msf59: I did have a brief visit with Melissa and Miles , Mark. It turns out they are going first to Japan and then to Hong Kong. The kids are not even very excited. But they travel quite a bit. I'm sure they will have fun. I am sure you had a fun morning with Jackson.

>166 Kristelh: Muffin is the first dog that I have known that is not keen to eat, so it is unusual, Kristel. I think she is just a fussy eater, but I guess we will see over time. It is a chore to get her to eat. Melissa and Miles and family leave tomorrow and return on the 28th , so about 2 weeks.

>167 thornton37814: Sounds lovely, Lori. I am going to have to look about Bradford pears to see what they look like. And they stink ?

>169 mdoris: Hi Mary. We are just now trying to get her to eat dinner. She is late eater, but chasing her around and trying to get her to eat is not much fun. Our other dogs dashed to their dishes as soon as the heard the kibble drop. Not Muffin. I think it started as we have to give her two pills a day for her separation anxiety. We crush it and put into her wet food. So then we began to have to hand feed her the wet food just to start her eating. Then we had to change the food, as she was not that keen on. The kibble is very difficult to get her too eat. Dave and I put chicken breast, cheese, etc in the kibble to try to entice her. As I said to Kristel, I think it is just pickiness, but I am not sure. Just now we are trying to get her to have her soft food, off our hands etc and she is running away from the dish and our hands with the food.

>148 vancouverdeb: Enjoyed your review immensely, Deb, and will definitely get to it before the shortlist is announced.

>172 PaulCranswick: I am always glad when a review proves useful, Paul. I will be interested in your take on the book and whatever else you read, especially from the Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist

The Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 2026 update

Gloria Don't Speak by Lucy Apps
Paradiso 17 by Hannah Lillith Assadi
Moderation by Elaine Castillo
Flashlight by Susan Choi my library has it.
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens READ
The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine ordered from Blackwell Books , UK
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans READ
The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson
The Others by Sheena Kalayil ordered from Blackwell Books UK
Kingfisher by by Rozie Kelly
Heart the Lover by Lily King library has it.
Audition by Katie Kitamura library has it.
A Guardian and A Thief by Megha Majumdar library has it.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy READ
The Best of Everything by Kit de Waal READ
A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang READING

>174 vancouverdeb: So what would be your ranking thus far, Deb?

I now have ten of the books on my shelves but have only read the Kitamura and I liked it but not overly so.

Thanks Deborah for reposting the Women’s list. I will have to see what else is available. I am currently reading Children of the Bamboo Grove which I think is from the NF list. Very good!

I read that you have permanent day light savings time. Interesting. How long have you had it? I can see you liking that as you are not a morning person. Why waste that sunlight!

I wish Ontario would have one single time and not have to change twice a year. Smart, BC!

For the first time in...well, at least a long time...I haven't read any of this year's Women's list. Do you have any recommendations of where to start?

Good luck with getting Muffin to eat. I've never had a dog that wasn't thrilled by food but I can imagine that would be quite a challenge.

>175 PaulCranswick: My ranking of the Womens Prize for Fiction that I have read is this

1Dominion
2The Best of Everything
3The Correspondent
4 Wild Dark Shore

possibly 2 and 3 are tied.

I am about 3/4 of the way through A Beast Slinks To Beijing and it is proving to be very good.

>176 Kristelh: I had a look her on LT about Children of Bamboo Grove, Kristel, and it looks very good. We just started with permanent Daylight Savings Time this past time change, so only a few days ago.

>177 jessibud2: Maybe one day Ontario will follow suit, Shelley? The government in my province has been promising us permanent daylight savings time for quite a few years and finally this Premiere made good on the promise.

>178 RebaRelishesReading: The Correspondent has had a lot of love here on LT, so that might be a good place to start, Reba. I bought yet another type of food for Muffin to try today. It's a dehydrated fresh food . Fingers crossed, but they guarantee is so, if she does not like it, I can take it back. It's unusual, yet

>176 Kristelh:. That is interesting Deborah. I will need to check in with you in winter to see how your permanent time change is feeling. Our daylight gets quite short in Minnesota. What is your latitude in Vancouver? Or how far from the equator are you? And then I’ve always wondered, can people just arbitrarily choose Daylight over Standard. How is time set? All curiosities.

If you get to the Daughters of the Bamboo Grove. I will look forward to your thoughts.

I hope Muffin is OK, Deborah. I got Dominion from the library and have started that. I really like it so far. Otherwise I've read Wild Dark Shore, which is my top read so far, and Heart the Lover and Audition, which was meh for me.

Hello Deborah. Loki can be a picky eater or a demanding one or just plain spoiled rotten! While we were having lunch yesterday she did her thing by staring at her bowl. We call it a clank dish from the most wonderful book read years ago by Leon Rooke, Shakespear's Dog. Anyway she goes close to the bowl (just kibble) and stares at it with a dejected look until I hop to it and sprinkle enticement. The enticement is freeze dried chicken flakes and then she is off to the races, completing breakfast at lunch time in record breaking time! Best of luck with Muffin. Loki says hi to Muffin!

I've never had a dog that was a picky eater. Best of luck with the new food, Deborah. I was at a group meeting that had a discussion about the permanent time change and one of the women there is a boater. Apparently marine charts are in standard time so the new time change will make a difference in that area. Something I was not aware of until she mentioned it.

>180 vancouverdeb: I'll make a note of The Correspondent. Thanks for the recommendation.

Good luck with Muffin's food. I can imagine you worry about her a lot.

>181 Kristelh: I like the time change to permanent daylight time just fine, Kristel. Our latitude here in Vancouver is 49.2 , so we are very close to the USA / Canada Border, maybe a 40 minute drive without traffic. Like you, we get some quite short days in winter. Here is BC, apparently the government asked the people in the province what they would like, timewise ( no official referendum and 93 % of British Columbian's wanted permanent daylight savings time, since 2017, and finally the government has gone ahead with it. Another province, Saskatchewan , has been on permanent daylight Standard time since 1972. Yukon is also on permanent daylight saving time, I'm sure not since when . I think it is up to the people and the government to decide, at least here.

>182 BLBera: I think Muffin is just picky, but it is weird that we have to push her to eat her food. I spent quite a while this afternoon trying to hand feed her wet food and it was easy. She declined to eat her kibble though , even with chicken breast and cheese and cooked egg yolk added. Dave is just trying now to get her to eat. I hope you enjoy Dominion, Beth. Let me know your thoughts on the book when you get a chance.

>183 mdoris: Muffin says hi to Loki too. I sure wish something would entice Muffin to eat. We are sure trying. Just now Dave said he wondered if she can taste / smell the pill we crush up for separation anxiety into her wet food and that is turning her off her food. I don't know quite what to do.

>184 Familyhistorian: I've not known a picky eater like Muffin either, Meg. Our three previous dogs - the food dropped into the bowl and they gulped it down. She's like a cat- or at least a picky cat. That is interesting that Marine Charts are on permanent standard time, something I would not have thought about.

>185 RebaRelishesReading: I hope you enjoy The Correspondent, Reba. it's gotten so much love her on LT, I think you will . Oh good, Muffin is eating! I think I feel most frustrated that anything, but a day or so after the vet mentioned that if she loses more weight over the next 6 weeks, I woke up in the morning to see where she was , worried that she had passed away! I even got up a second time. She usually comes into our bedroom , and she didn't , so that got me worrying.

I finished A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing: A Novel and I think I like it best of all from the The Women's Prize for Fiction Long-list.
I'll try to get a review for tomorrow.

>189 vancouverdeb:, Good to know. That one is not yet in our library system so will keep an eye out for it.

>189 vancouverdeb: I've been wondering about that one. I haven't read many of the titles but absolutely adored The Correspondent. I suspect it was right book, right time at work...it destressed me while I was trying to get into the Kingsbridge apartment. I bought it for myself so no review but it was Sybil all the way for me for a week or so.

Cheers!

Sorry Muffin is worrying you! Lottie is the least food-motivated dog I've ever had, and often leaves her kibble sitting in her bowl for half the day until she gets around to eating it -- but she's enthusiastic about treats and people food. With my last dog, I had to give her several pills toward the end of her life, and I would use peanut butter on saltine crackers to give them to her. (Peanut butter is okay for dogs as long as it does not contain artificial sweeteners.) I used the crunchy peanut butter to disguise the texture of the pills, and she never seemed to mind them. Maybe try something like that instead of her wet food for the pills? I know pet stores also sell a kid of spray cheese for dogs (presumably with less salt than the kind for humans), which might also work. If she's associating the wet food with the pills, I can see how that would make her hesitate about eating it.

>190 Kristelh: It is a worthwhile read, Kristel, so I hope your library gets it soon.

>191 richardderus: I still have not yet finished a review for A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing, so I hope to have that done for tomorrow , Richard, but I think you would like it. I'm glad that The Correspondent helped you destress as you waited for the a decision on your new place. Not too long now. *smooch * Richard.

>192 foggidawn: Foggi, thanks for the brilliant idea of crushing her pill up in peanut butter and giving it to Muffin that way. That worked tonight! I was up most of the night worrying and researching how to feed a picky dog. So it turns out that the peanut butter worked and she ate her food with no problem today. Dave took her to the vet's this morning just to put her on the scale and she is back to just a 1/2 lb below her previous weight , so they noted that , and that is a relief to me and Dave too. Indeed , it was the taste of the pill that made her not want to eat. Thanks again.

>186 vancouverdeb: I imagine that more daylight savings time is a fairly popular alternative but personally I would vote for permanent standard time. I like long cozy evenings and I hate being awakened by light streaming in through the solar tube over our bed (whatever where the previous owners of this house thinking!?!?)

>193 vancouverdeb: Muffin eating again, that’s great, Deborah. You must be so relieved.

You’ve been reading lots of good books. I’ve started When the cranes fly south, and like it. Thanks for all the recommendations.

I've been lurking here Deborah. I'm happy to see you found the reason Muffin was put off her food, and that all is well again.

>193 vancouverdeb: Hooray for peanut butter and Dave!! So glad to hear Muffin is back on her food.

Good to see the peanut butter trick worked for Muffin!

Glad Muffin is both able to get her pills and also eat her meals. I have found peanut butter to be the very best options for giving pills to dogs.

I'm glad you solved Muffin's lack of appetite.

>194 RebaRelishesReading: Personally I like permanent daylight savings time as a night owl. I love the idea of longer days in later in the day and not having it get dark at 4-4:30 pm, in the winter, Reba. But I know not everyone feels that way. I imagine it will be challenging for families with young children going to school in the dark in the winter months. A solar tube over your bed ? Like a sky light ? That would be tough early in the morning with the light streaming in.

>195 EllaTim: Thanks Ella, yes I am relived to have Muffin eating again.She still is fussy, but with the peanut butter and the pill crushed into that , a large part of the problem is solved. I have been lucky with my reads lately, yes.

>196 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. It is a relief as you know as a pet parent. We do worry about them.

>197 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba!

>198 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg. I am relieved that Muffin is eating again.

>199 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel. I am so relived that Foggi suggested the peanut butter and yes, it one of the best options for giving a dog a pill.

>200 BLBera: Me too, Beth. Very relieved.

A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang 4.5 stars

This was a very good read , and it's hard to believe that this is the writer's debut novel.

It deals with several generations of a family that originated in China. In the late 1920's, children Ming and Fei are betrothed to each other by their parents. However the invasion of Japanese troops in China and subsequent occupation severely disrupts their marriage. Weihung is the son of Ming and Fei. Weihung's childhood is punctuated by beatings by his father and his eventual joining of the brutal Red Guard. In 2017, in Manhattan, Weihung's daughter, Qianze lives, and is a university graduate. Her father left her and her mother eleven years prior and she has not seen him since. Suddenly he turns up on Qianze's doorstep. She discovers that he suffering with dementia and is not always lucid.

Weiihung slowly reveals his past. It is very dark , and Qianze finds herself troubled by strange visions and nightmares of fox spirits and a terrifying jackalope. The family suffers with inter-generational trauma and perhaps a curse. Highly recommended.

This book made me interested in reading Flashlight by Susan Choi and Pachinko by Min Min Lee in the hope that they are similar reads.

A Family Matter by Claire Lynch 4 stars

This was a very emotionally touching and compelling read.

In 1982, Dawn and Heron ( Henry) are husband and wife with a young child, Maggie. When Dawn meets another women, Hazel, everything in her life changes. Her husband, a kind man, has the law behind him and is convinced that he must cut ties with Dawn and also Dawn's contact with their daughter. Years later in 2022, when Maggie has a family of her own, Heron receives life altering news. He agonizes over how to tell his only child. When he does so, a buried family secret comes to light. Heartbreaking at times, but well worth the read.

Recommended.

You got me with A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing. My LT pals have really been landing the BBs lately. I am afraid to visit the threads. 😜

I am really enjoying A Far-Flung Life.

Wow, you've had a couple of good reads, Deborah. I look forward to A Beast Slinks towards Beijing, and I will add the Lynch novel to my WL.

>201 vancouverdeb: Yes, a solar tube is similar to a sky light and why anyone would have thought it was a good idea for a bedroom is beyond me!! We also have one in an interior hallway and an interior bathroom -- those make good sense imo but the bedroom?!?!?

>206 msf59: A Beast Slinks towards Beijing was an excellent read, Mark. Are you sure I can't get you with A Family Matter ? I think you would like it too. In for a penny, in for a pound.

>207 BLBera: I have been fortunate with my reads, Beth. I hope you enjoy both A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing and A Family Matter. I'm quite sure you will .

>208 RebaRelishesReading: I agree, Reba, who wants a skylight in their bedroom ? Not me, not you. A hallway and a bathroom, yes, but not a bedroom. Though I have a sister who does not close her curtains at night and likes to wake up to the morning light at 6 am or so. Not me!

>192 foggidawn: >193 vancouverdeb: So glad Muffin is back to eating! Peanut butter works for our cat, too, who has to take tiny thyroid pills.

>204 vancouverdeb: This was on my list as I want to read more Asian literature. I really enjoyed Pachinko.

My latest puzzle , The Dog Park, Gibson’s 1000 pieces . I hope the image posts

>211 vancouverdeb:, nice puzzle. That would be one I would buy if I saw it.

>211 vancouverdeb: That puzzle looks so busy and complicated Deborah. You must have a great deal of patience! Well done!

>204 vancouverdeb: Oh cool! I can recommend from my own reading experience Pachinko.

>211 vancouverdeb: That is a very full dog park! Nice puzzle, Deborah! I'm now on hold for Beast Slinks Towards Beijing which my library has on order.

>209 vancouverdeb: ya...I've heard there are such people Deborah ....

Wow -- you're really cranking out the puzzles lately. Another nice one.

>212 Kristelh: It was fun, Kristel. I had a bit of trouble with the big tree though, but got it done.

>213 mdoris: Thanks Mary. I enjoy my puzzles , though occasionally I get a bit frustrated with them.

>214 richardderus: I hope you like A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing if you get to it, Richard.

>215 Familyhistorian: I hope you also enjoy A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing, Meg. My library had it , but when I looked, it was quite overdue, and I thought maybe it was lost. Any excuse to buy a book, sometimes. I do take Muffin to dog parks not infrequently and she loves them. They do get surprisingly busy at times. I always keep a close eye on all the dogs when I am at one.

>216 RebaRelishesReading: I should not even tell you, Reba, but I just purchased 3 more puzzles. I do like - love them. I looked up solar tube online and now I understand what they are. I read that they are not that common in Canada, but more so in the US, so maybe that is why I did not understand quite what they were. These early risers!

I finished Audition by Katie Kitamura, and it's my least favourite of the books from the Women's Longlist for Fiction so far. I'll try to get a review of Audition ready for tomorrow.

My new ranking of those I have read is

1) A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing
2)Dominion
3) The Correspondent
4)The Best Of Everything
5) Wild Dark Shore
6) Audition

I think I might read Flashlight next, and I have ordered The Benefactors and The Others from Blackwell Books in the UK.

Okay, you got me with A Family Matter too. I love the Dog Park puzzle. I am switching Jackson Days to tomorrow.

Thanks for liking so many of my photos on Instagram. I have only been on there for a couple of months and slowly adding my photos. They aren't as spectacular as many others posted on there but I am proud of them.

>220 msf59: Enjoy your Jackson day, Mark. I'm quite sure you will enjoy A Family Matter, Mark. Liking your photos on Instagram is easy, such interesting pictures.

Audition by Katie Kitamura 2.5 stars

Initially I was taken by in by this novel. An unnamed narrator meets a younger man for lunch in a restaurant. Who is she to him ? Perhaps they are having an affair, or is he her son, as he suspects. This interested me. She explains to him that she has no children. But then in the second half, he is her son, moved into to her apartment with his girlfriend. I had trouble understanding that and really began to dislike the novel and was glad when it finished.

So what really happened in this novel ? I think possibly one of three things. I'll put most of the rest of my ideas in spoilers, in case you have not read this book and want to do so.

P.187 The narrator " what was a family if not a shared delusion, a mutual construction"
P.189 The narrator " It was as though I had been embraced by a passing madness".So, is the narrator having mental health problems?

Or is this just an Audition for part in play, as per the title. P. 189" We had been playing parts, and for a period - for as long as we understood our roles, for as long as we participated in the careful collusion that is a story, that is a family ."

Or maybe the author just wrote an alternate ending to her novel ?

I think the author is examining family. I can appreciate the occasional flashes of brilliance, but I did not enjoy this novel.

Not recommended.

>218 vancouverdeb: Solar tubes do take a little explaining. I knew about them from my working days but had never lived with one before -- we have 4 in this house -- 3 in appropriate places and the one in our bedroom that I have quieted down by placing a circle cut out of one of those silver quilt-like things people us in their car windows (at least they use them in sunny warm places like California where I used to live) on top of the plastic circle that is at the bottom of the tube. (wow, that was a complicated sentence which you can safely ignore but I thought you might appreciate since you took the trouble to look "solar tube" up 🙂)

I'm glad you enjoy your puzzles and hope you find many, many more fun ones to do. I'm not that crazy about doing them on my own but I love to do them with others -- especially my granddaughter.

Looks like you are doing well with the Women's Longlist, Deborah. When do they announce the short list?

>222 vancouverdeb: This novel is so good at creating discussion and conversation (but I didn't much like it either!). A while after I read it I had a conversation with one of the librarians about it at my local branch, and her theories were completely different to what I thought.I decided that the two didn't have to both work together: that perhaps she was experimenting with the same character (the narrator) having made different decisions around having children.

>223 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks for the further explanation about the solar tube,Reba. Great idea to have a circle/ blind like thing for the solar tube in your room. I'd want one too. I see those quiilt shade things here too. Thanks! I am always finding more puzzles to do and purchase - don't tell my husband!

>224 Familyhistorian: Well, I'm the mod for the Women's Prize for Fiction, Meg. But I also enjoy the books from the list- at least most of them. I won't read them all. They announce the short list on April 22, so I have lots of time to read more books. I hope things are okay in your corner. We had another not rainy day today, that was predicated to rain. I love those days. Just overcast.

>225 charl08: I agree with you there, Charlotte. It seems like Audition generates a lot of discussion. I'm bit relieved that you didn't like it either. As for your spoiler, why not.

>222 vancouverdeb: This is my least favorite Women's Prize book so far. It left me cold. I felt it was more a writer experimenting than anything else...

>225 charl08: It seemed like more of an intellectual exercise than a novel.

>226 vancouverdeb: It helps but doesn't solve the problem completely -- now enough on that topic :). (and I promise not to tell your husband if you don't tell mine about the number of books arriving here -- like he doesn't already know lol)

>222 vancouverdeb: Too bad about that one. It sounded like an interesting idea.

Happy weekend ahead!

>228 BLBera: I agree, Audition is my least favourite read from the Women's Prize Longlist so far , Beth.

>229 RebaRelishesReading: No problem, Reba, I won't say a word to your husband about the books you smuggle in. I do that too at times.

>230 figsfromthistle: Well, you win some, you lose some when you read books, Anita. Happy Weekend to you too!

Glad you solved Muffin’s dining issue! I know how stressful it can be when a pet won’t eat.

You’re really plowing through the Women’s list. I’ve only read The Correspondent, which I loved. I saw today that it’s been optioned to be a movie with Jane Fonda. Not sure how that’ll work.

And that’s another nice puzzle!

>232 Copperskye: It's still an effort to get Muffin to eat, but yes, we have solved the problem which is a relief for us. Well, yes, at times I do feel am plowing through what I can of the Women's Prize list, especially when I don't enjoy the book. I won't read them all, just try to make a dent. Thanks re the puzzle. You know me, I am now working on another.

I'm still plowing through Flashlight, and plowing is the word. I haven't decided how much I like or don't' like this book, but am on page 240 of 450 at the moment.

Flashlight is improving as I get further along,I am happy to report.

>234 vancouverdeb: >235 vancouverdeb: That seems like a lot of reading to get into the story, Deborah. Enjoy the rest of the sunny weekend!

>235 vancouverdeb: Glad it's improving for you. It's a lot of book if you're not enjoying it.

Happy Monday, Deborah. I was curious what you would think of Flashlight. I think the mixed response has held me back from getting to it.

I liked Flashlight and I rated it 4 stars.

>236 Familyhistorian: I know what you mean, Meg. I am enjoying our sunny weather very much! I hope you are too.

>237 charl08: Well, it's improved, Charlotte. I have not had as much time to read as I had hoped, so I am now on page 350 or so.

>238 msf59: The jury is still out on Flashlight ,though I am liking it. I have to finish it before I can decide on it's star value.

>239 Kristelh: I am glad, Kristel. I hope I also will give it 4 stars - probably I will, but I will wait until I finish the book.

>222 vancouverdeb: I have to say, Deb, that I agree with you on Audition. I stated elsewhere that I admired it but didn't like it much. I think that it was a case of the author simply trying to be too clever! I was doubly disappointed because I really liked the one she published before this one - Intimacies.

>242 PaulCranswick: Yes, Paul, Audition was no treat to read. Yes, an author trying to be too clever. I'm glad you are enjoying having your family in town.

I have finished Flashlight but have yet to review it. Maybe later tonight.

>244 vancouverdeb: Good for you, Deborah. I hope in the end you did enjoy reading this one.

A lot of comments about Flashlight say it is good but too long. I will get to it eventually.

>245 EllaTim: Thanks for the encouragement, Ella. I didn't enjoy Flashlight unfortunately, but I am glad I read it as I want to read as many books from the Women's Long list as I can, so I can have a basis for comparison.

>246 BLBera: I hope you enjoy Flashlight when you get to it, Beth.

Flashlight by Susan Choi 3 stars

While I was interested in the events in postwar Japan, and the Korea's, overall I did not enjoy this book.

Hiroshi/ Serk is an ethnic Korean, brought up in Japan. Most of his family are taken in by the promises of Pyongyang, and relocate to North Korea. Serk remains in Japan, and becomes severed from his family . Later he meets American born Anne, and the two marry. Their only child is Louisa. Years later, Serk's career moves the family to Japan. There, Louisa and her father take a walk on the shore, and Serk, who cannot swim, and Louisa are washed into the sea. Louisa is later found alive on the beach , but her father has disappeared. What has happened to him ?

The characters in the book were very unpleasant and spent most of their time arguing . I did not see what point this served. The book is overlong , and in need of a good editor. I am interested in learning more about the events in this time period, and have a couple of other books I plan to read.

The Murder At World"s End by Ross Montgomery 4 stars

This was an excellent , engaging and at times, humourous, cozy murder mystery

In 1910 Cornwall sits Tithe Hall, on a remote island. The owner, Viscount Conrad Stockingham-Welt, is very anxious about the passing of Halley's Comet. He insists the entire household to be sealed from top to bottom, concerned that the comet will bring poisonous gases. However , the next morning the Viscount is found dead in his room.

Suspicion falls on the new employee, Stephen Pike. He has recently been released from a juvenile prison, Borstal. But who really did it ? A member of the family,one of the many serpents, or a guest ? Elderly, cantankerous Miss Decima Stockingham proves to be Stephen's unlikely ally. The two of them attempt to solve this murder. It seems this is the start of a new series and I will be eager to read the next in the series.

Highly recommended.

>248 vancouverdeb: I think I can pass on this one, thanks for the review Deborah. I haven't read Choi's previous novel, Trust Exercise, either. I guess she just doesn't call to me.

How many Women's Prize nominees have you read so far?

Happy Monday, Deborah!

I think I can pass on >248 vancouverdeb:, but >249 vancouverdeb: sounds like fun! Especially since I'm elderly and have been known to be cantankerous at times.

>249 vancouverdeb: Yes, that does sound fun...but enough to put it near the top of Mt. TBR? Probably not.

>249 vancouverdeb: That mystery looks like one I'd like. On to the hold list it goes!

>248 vancouverdeb: Oh dear, another book full of unpleasant characters. Not what I am looking for right now.

Happy Tuesday, Deborah. It looks like I will keep Flashlight on the back-burner for now. I will see Jack on Thursday. Looking forward to it.

>250 lauralkeet: I have read 7 books from the Women's Long List so far, Laura, and am reading my eighth, The Benefactors, which is interesting so far - I am at about page 145 or so.

>251 Storeetllr: Murder at World's End was a fun read, Mary. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

>252 RebaRelishesReading: I did really enjoy Murder At World's End, Reba. I'll have to check out what you are reading

>253 Familyhistorian: I am sure you have fun when you read Murder at World's End when you hold comes in, Meg. It was tonic for me after reading Flashlight.

>254 PaulCranswick: They are unpleasant characters, Paul, so read it when you feel like it.

>255 msf59: Others have enjoyed Flashlight, but I cannot say that I did, Mark. Enjoy your Thursday with Jackson.

Happy spring Deborah. I hope your walks are filled with new discoveries. Have a blessed Easter.

>258 Kristelh: Thanks Kristel! The weather has been nice, though it rained today. Have a blessed Easter too, Kristel.

I'm about 90 pages from the end of The Benefactors and finding it very interesting . Tomorrow I must go to the dentist for a cleaning and check up, and our power will be out for 4 hours due to some equipment upgrade in the area. I hope to start a new thread later tomorrow.

>260 vancouverdeb: I am also going to the dentist tomorrow. Apparently they think I am a princess, because they say I need a crown.

>261 foggidawn: I hope your dentist appointment went okay, Foggi. A crown. Those can be quite expensive. I hope you have good insurance or are a princess like they say.

Please follow me to my next thread.

>262 vancouverdeb: I'm definitely not a princess, but my dental insurance helped a good bit! The appointment went okay, and I took it easy for the rest of the day.

See you on the new thread!