Alcott Acre's Home, Room 6
This is a continuation of the topic Alcott Acre's Home, Room 5.
This topic was continued by Alcott Acre's Home, Room 7.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2026
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1alcottacre
Let's get the introduction out of the way. My name is Stasia and I have been happily married to the recently retired Kerry for 37 years in June. We have 6 children, 4 of whom are my stepchildren and 2 of whom are ours together. We also have 8 grandchildren. We lost our daughter Nichole in 2023.
We are now the parents of 3 furbabies: Mallory and Chalfont, who are littermates, and newly adopted Ilan, who was an outside cat until Kerry let him into the house. Mallory and Chalfont turned 5 years old in March. Ilan was a year old April 17th.
I am a Christian, but I am not one of the evangelicals responsible for the current President of the U.S. I tell everyone that I would not have voted for him if he was the only one running!
I love to read it goes without saying and Kerry is very good about all of the books strewn throughout our house. Since Kerry retired in late 2023, we have spent a lot of time over the course of the past couple of years playing board games (my other hobby) and despite that, my reading has continued apace. I am hoping to slow my reading pace down in 2026 as I have a lot of projects around my house that I would like to get done. I am shooting for 240 books this year as opposed to the 350+ I normally read!
I suffer from both insomnia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (known to me familiarly as 'stupid CFS') so to say my sleeping is haphazard may be an understatement, lol. Generally speaking, if I get 4 hours of sleep a night I am happy. Unfortunately when my CFS hits, I get about 14. Ugh.
We traveled quite a bit in 2025 - for us anyway - but 2026 is shaping up to be quite different. Currently we have one family vacation planned and that is it. I still hope to get to the Pacific Northwest at some point, but it does not look like it is going to be this year.
That's about it, I think, so come on in and grab a cuppa!
We are now the parents of 3 furbabies: Mallory and Chalfont, who are littermates, and newly adopted Ilan, who was an outside cat until Kerry let him into the house. Mallory and Chalfont turned 5 years old in March. Ilan was a year old April 17th.
I am a Christian, but I am not one of the evangelicals responsible for the current President of the U.S. I tell everyone that I would not have voted for him if he was the only one running!
I love to read it goes without saying and Kerry is very good about all of the books strewn throughout our house. Since Kerry retired in late 2023, we have spent a lot of time over the course of the past couple of years playing board games (my other hobby) and despite that, my reading has continued apace. I am hoping to slow my reading pace down in 2026 as I have a lot of projects around my house that I would like to get done. I am shooting for 240 books this year as opposed to the 350+ I normally read!
I suffer from both insomnia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (known to me familiarly as 'stupid CFS') so to say my sleeping is haphazard may be an understatement, lol. Generally speaking, if I get 4 hours of sleep a night I am happy. Unfortunately when my CFS hits, I get about 14. Ugh.
We traveled quite a bit in 2025 - for us anyway - but 2026 is shaping up to be quite different. Currently we have one family vacation planned and that is it. I still hope to get to the Pacific Northwest at some point, but it does not look like it is going to be this year.
That's about it, I think, so come on in and grab a cuppa!
2alcottacre
Excellent Reads from 2026, Part I - Books Rated 5 stars
Birth, Sex and Abuse: Women’s Voices Under Nazi Rule by Beverley Chalmers
The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark
On the Beach by Nevil Shute
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson
The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard
Birth, Sex and Abuse: Women’s Voices Under Nazi Rule by Beverley Chalmers
The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark
On the Beach by Nevil Shute
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson
The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard
3alcottacre
Excellent Reads from 2026, Part II - Books Rated 4.5 stars
Alone: Reflections on Solitary Living by Daniel Schreiber
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Plan for the Worst by Jodi Taylor
The Most Wonderful Books edited by Michael Dorris and Emilie Buchwald
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of America by Robert Reich
Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
Love-in-a-Mist by Victoria Goddard
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
Stolen in Death by J. D. Robb
A House for Mr. Biswas by V. S. Naipaul
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham
My Antonia by Willa Cather
Tea with Mr. Rochester by Frances Towers
A Catalogue of Catastrophe by Jodi Taylor
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
The Bone Harp by Victoria Goddard
Platform Decay by Martha Wells
I, Claudius by Robert Graves
The Violence: My Family's Colombian War by Adriana E. Ramirez
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea
Jubilee by Margaret Walker
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
This Is Happiness by Niall Williams
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Seven Brides-To-Be of Generalissimo Vlad by Victoria Goddard
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang
Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz
Alone: Reflections on Solitary Living by Daniel Schreiber
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Plan for the Worst by Jodi Taylor
The Most Wonderful Books edited by Michael Dorris and Emilie Buchwald
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Coming Up Short: A Memoir of America by Robert Reich
Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
Love-in-a-Mist by Victoria Goddard
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
Stolen in Death by J. D. Robb
A House for Mr. Biswas by V. S. Naipaul
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham
My Antonia by Willa Cather
Tea with Mr. Rochester by Frances Towers
A Catalogue of Catastrophe by Jodi Taylor
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
The Bone Harp by Victoria Goddard
Platform Decay by Martha Wells
I, Claudius by Robert Graves
The Violence: My Family's Colombian War by Adriana E. Ramirez
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea
Jubilee by Margaret Walker
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
This Is Happiness by Niall Williams
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Seven Brides-To-Be of Generalissimo Vlad by Victoria Goddard
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang
Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz
4alcottacre
Excellent Reads from 2026, Part III - Books Rated 4.25 stars
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher
Playground by Richard Powers
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute
The Auschwitz Photographer by Luca Crippa & Maurizio Onnis
Another Time, Another Place by Jodi Taylor
Thelonius Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D. G. Kelley
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
Middlemarch and the Imperfect Life by Pamela Erens
Song Yet Sung by James McBride
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Mythos by Stephen Fry
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Feather Wars by James McCommons
Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
Knock Three Times by Cressida Cowell
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado
Out of the Flames by Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone
The Good, The Bad, and The History by Jodi Taylor
Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky
The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Petra Molnar
Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Paris Was A Woman by Andrea Weiss
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher
Playground by Richard Powers
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute
The Auschwitz Photographer by Luca Crippa & Maurizio Onnis
Another Time, Another Place by Jodi Taylor
Thelonius Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D. G. Kelley
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
Middlemarch and the Imperfect Life by Pamela Erens
Song Yet Sung by James McBride
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Mythos by Stephen Fry
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
The Feather Wars by James McCommons
Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
Knock Three Times by Cressida Cowell
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado
Out of the Flames by Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone
The Good, The Bad, and The History by Jodi Taylor
Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky
The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Petra Molnar
Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Paris Was A Woman by Andrea Weiss
5alcottacre
June TIOLI Challenges:
Challenge #1: Read a book by an author whose published name has three parts
Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Completed June 16, 2026
Challenge #2: Read a book with a mountain on the cover, and/or ‘mountain’, the name of a mountain, or the name of a mountain range in the title
Annapurna by Maurice Herzog - Completed June 26, 2026
Challenge #3: Read a NF memoir where the main theme is based on the author’s involvement with some kind of animal/s
How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery - Completed June 2, 2026
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen - Completed June 24, 2026
Challenge #4: The Fill in the Blank Challenge: Books whose title must be in the format ____ ____ of _____
The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch - Completed June 22, 2026
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson - Completed June 16, 2026
The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz - Completed June 29, 2026
Challenge #5: Read a book with a rainbow or the word "rainbow" on the cover. The word or the rainbow may appear anywhere on the cover, and the rainbow need not be in the shape of a bow.
Far Rainbow/The Second Invasion from Mars by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky - Completed June 27, 2026
Challenge #6: Read a book with a number in the title. The number can be spelled out or a numeral. You can also use fractions, decimals and ordinals (first, second, third...). The number can be a part of an address, but not a date.
Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz - Completed June 27, 2026
The Seven Brides-to-Be of Generalissimo Vlad by Victoria Goddard - Completed June 21, 2026
Zone One by Colson Whitehead - Completed June 3, 2026
Challenge #7: Read a book by an author you've read at least three times before
Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves - Completed June 22, 2026
The Connoisseur: A Short Story by Victoria Goddard - Completed June 21, 2026
Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb - Completed June 26, 2026
Challenge #8: Read a book with a word from a Marvel Cinematic Universe work in the title
One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard - Completed June 5, 2026
Challenge #9: Read a book that has a 3.5+ rating and 15 or less reviews here on LibraryThing
A Flat Place by Noreen Masud - Completed June 30, 2026
Challenge #10: Read a book with a title that refers to the founding of the United States
Rough Crossings by Simon Schama - Completed June 5, 2026
Challenge #11: Read that book you feel ashamed not to have read yet
Letters to Alice by Fay Weldon - Completed June 28, 2026
Challenge #12 - Read a book by an author featured in the 2019 American Authors challenge
The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok Completed June 11, 2026
Challenge #13: Read a book that matches a category on the 2026 Seattle Public Library Summer Book Bingo Card
Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King - Completed June 24, 2026
The Last Sweet Bite by Michael Shaikh - Completed June 15, 2026
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker - Completed June 7, 2026
The Walls Have Eyes by Petra Molnar - Completed June 21, 2026
Challenge #14: Read a book set entirely in Paris, with the word Paris in the title, or in French.
City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker - Completed June 30, 2026
Paris Was a Woman by Andrea Weiss - Completed June 29, 2026
Challenge #15: Read a book about an alternative to religion in general or to a specific religion or religious tenet
Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds by John Fugelsang - Completed June 25, 2026
Challenge #16: Read a book that mentions flowers in the first sentence
Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott - Completed June 24, 2026
Challenge #17: Read a book with all the letters in WATER in the title (in any order)
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris - Completed June 22, 2026
Challenge #18: Read a book of Non-Fiction about The Americas
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Completed June 28, 2026
Challenge #1: Read a book by an author whose published name has three parts
Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Completed June 16, 2026
Challenge #2: Read a book with a mountain on the cover, and/or ‘mountain’, the name of a mountain, or the name of a mountain range in the title
Annapurna by Maurice Herzog - Completed June 26, 2026
Challenge #3: Read a NF memoir where the main theme is based on the author’s involvement with some kind of animal/s
How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery - Completed June 2, 2026
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen - Completed June 24, 2026
Challenge #4: The Fill in the Blank Challenge: Books whose title must be in the format ____ ____ of _____
The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch - Completed June 22, 2026
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson - Completed June 16, 2026
The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz - Completed June 29, 2026
Challenge #5: Read a book with a rainbow or the word "rainbow" on the cover. The word or the rainbow may appear anywhere on the cover, and the rainbow need not be in the shape of a bow.
Far Rainbow/The Second Invasion from Mars by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky - Completed June 27, 2026
Challenge #6: Read a book with a number in the title. The number can be spelled out or a numeral. You can also use fractions, decimals and ordinals (first, second, third...). The number can be a part of an address, but not a date.
Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz - Completed June 27, 2026
The Seven Brides-to-Be of Generalissimo Vlad by Victoria Goddard - Completed June 21, 2026
Zone One by Colson Whitehead - Completed June 3, 2026
Challenge #7: Read a book by an author you've read at least three times before
Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves - Completed June 22, 2026
The Connoisseur: A Short Story by Victoria Goddard - Completed June 21, 2026
Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb - Completed June 26, 2026
Challenge #8: Read a book with a word from a Marvel Cinematic Universe work in the title
One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard - Completed June 5, 2026
Challenge #9: Read a book that has a 3.5+ rating and 15 or less reviews here on LibraryThing
A Flat Place by Noreen Masud - Completed June 30, 2026
Challenge #10: Read a book with a title that refers to the founding of the United States
Rough Crossings by Simon Schama - Completed June 5, 2026
Challenge #11: Read that book you feel ashamed not to have read yet
Letters to Alice by Fay Weldon - Completed June 28, 2026
Challenge #12 - Read a book by an author featured in the 2019 American Authors challenge
The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok Completed June 11, 2026
Challenge #13: Read a book that matches a category on the 2026 Seattle Public Library Summer Book Bingo Card
Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King - Completed June 24, 2026
The Last Sweet Bite by Michael Shaikh - Completed June 15, 2026
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker - Completed June 7, 2026
The Walls Have Eyes by Petra Molnar - Completed June 21, 2026
Challenge #14: Read a book set entirely in Paris, with the word Paris in the title, or in French.
City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker - Completed June 30, 2026
Paris Was a Woman by Andrea Weiss - Completed June 29, 2026
Challenge #15: Read a book about an alternative to religion in general or to a specific religion or religious tenet
Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds by John Fugelsang - Completed June 25, 2026
Challenge #16: Read a book that mentions flowers in the first sentence
Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott - Completed June 24, 2026
Challenge #17: Read a book with all the letters in WATER in the title (in any order)
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris - Completed June 22, 2026
Challenge #18: Read a book of Non-Fiction about The Americas
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Completed June 28, 2026
6alcottacre
Shared reads:
Place of Tides by James Rebanks - Completed January 1, 2026
Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - Completed January 2, 2026
Love in a Mist by Victoria Goddard - Completed January 25, 2026
Plum Duff by Victoria Goddard - Completed February 6, 2026
Balancing Stone by Victoria Goddard - Completed March 1, 2026
The Saint of the Bookstore by Victoria Goddard - Completed March 7, 2026
Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley - Completed April 8, 2026
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker - Completed April 10, 2026
I, Claudius by Robert Graves - Shared read with Paul in May - Completed May 6, 2026
Sabriel by Garth Nix - Shared read with daughter Beth in July
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman - Shared read with Anne in August?
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin - Shared read with Mary in November?
Place of Tides by James Rebanks - Completed January 1, 2026
Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - Completed January 2, 2026
Love in a Mist by Victoria Goddard - Completed January 25, 2026
Plum Duff by Victoria Goddard - Completed February 6, 2026
Balancing Stone by Victoria Goddard - Completed March 1, 2026
The Saint of the Bookstore by Victoria Goddard - Completed March 7, 2026
Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley - Completed April 8, 2026
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker - Completed April 10, 2026
I, Claudius by Robert Graves - Shared read with Paul in May - Completed May 6, 2026
Sabriel by Garth Nix - Shared read with daughter Beth in July
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman - Shared read with Anne in August?
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin - Shared read with Mary in November?
7alcottacre
Black Studies Reading
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison - Completed January 6, 2026
2. The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson - Completed February 5, 2026
3. Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson - Completed April 9, 2026
4. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Completed April 15, 2026
5. Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin - Completed April 27, 2026
6. Jubilee by Margaret Walker - Completed May 21, 2026
7. Rough Crossing by Simon Schama - Completed June 5, 2026
8. Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Completed June 16, 2026
Jewish Studies Reading
1. Birth, Sex and Abuse: Women’s Voices Under Nazi Rule by Beverley Chalmers - Completed January 25, 2026
2. The Auschwitz Photographer by Luca Crippa & Maurizio Onnis - Completed February 11, 2026
3. The Forbidden Daughter by Zipora Klein Jakob - Completed March 23, 2026
4. Harry Haft by Alan Haft - Completed April 30, 2026
6. The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok - Completed June 11, 2026
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison - Completed January 6, 2026
2. The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson - Completed February 5, 2026
3. Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson - Completed April 9, 2026
4. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Completed April 15, 2026
5. Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin - Completed April 27, 2026
6. Jubilee by Margaret Walker - Completed May 21, 2026
7. Rough Crossing by Simon Schama - Completed June 5, 2026
8. Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Completed June 16, 2026
Jewish Studies Reading
1. Birth, Sex and Abuse: Women’s Voices Under Nazi Rule by Beverley Chalmers - Completed January 25, 2026
2. The Auschwitz Photographer by Luca Crippa & Maurizio Onnis - Completed February 11, 2026
3. The Forbidden Daughter by Zipora Klein Jakob - Completed March 23, 2026
4. Harry Haft by Alan Haft - Completed April 30, 2026
6. The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok - Completed June 11, 2026
8alcottacre
The British Authors Challenge - This is one that I dip into and out of as the case may be
January - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - Completed January 26, 2026
February - Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute - Completed February 8, 2026
February - The Far Country by Nevil Shute - Completed February 20, 2026
March - Tea with Mr. Rochester by Frances Towers - Completed March 20, 2026
April - Mythos by Stephen Fry - Completed April 17, 2026
May - Death in Berlin by M. M. Kaye - Completed May 4, 2026
Kent Haruf Challenge:
The Tie That Binds - Completed January 22, 2026
Where You Once Belonged - Completed February 1, 2026
Plainsong - Completed May 23, 2026
Eventide
Benediction
Our Souls at Night
Granta 109 essay
In Memory of Caroline:
Alone: Reflections on Solitary Living by Daniel Schreiber - Completed January 2, 2026
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark - Completed February 27, 2026
Middlemarch and the Imperfect Life by Pamela Erens - Completed March 26, 2026
Writing in the Dark by Will Loxley - Completed April 28, 2026
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea - Completed May 15, 2026
This is Happiness by Niall Williams - Completed May 20, 2026
A Flat Place by Noreen Masud - Completed June 30, 2026
January - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - Completed January 26, 2026
February - Trustee from the Toolroom by Nevil Shute - Completed February 8, 2026
February - The Far Country by Nevil Shute - Completed February 20, 2026
March - Tea with Mr. Rochester by Frances Towers - Completed March 20, 2026
April - Mythos by Stephen Fry - Completed April 17, 2026
May - Death in Berlin by M. M. Kaye - Completed May 4, 2026
Kent Haruf Challenge:
The Tie That Binds - Completed January 22, 2026
Where You Once Belonged - Completed February 1, 2026
Plainsong - Completed May 23, 2026
Eventide
Benediction
Our Souls at Night
Granta 109 essay
In Memory of Caroline:
Alone: Reflections on Solitary Living by Daniel Schreiber - Completed January 2, 2026
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark - Completed February 27, 2026
Middlemarch and the Imperfect Life by Pamela Erens - Completed March 26, 2026
Writing in the Dark by Will Loxley - Completed April 28, 2026
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea - Completed May 15, 2026
This is Happiness by Niall Williams - Completed May 20, 2026
A Flat Place by Noreen Masud - Completed June 30, 2026
9alcottacre
The “Read More Sci-Fi” Challenge - using the Esquire list found here (https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g39358054/best-sci-fi-books/) - which has now been expanded - and the book Science Fiction, The 101 Best Novels, 1985-2010 by Damien Broderick and Paul di Filippo as guides. Also adding in Hugo & Nebula Award winners and nominees.
1. The City & the City by China Mieville - Completed January 31, 2026 (#34 on the Esquire list)
2. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein - Completed February 11, 2026 (#51 on the Esquire list)
3. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer - Completed April 30, 2026 (#24 on the Esquire list)
4. Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky - Completed May 29, 2026 (Current Hugo finalist)
5. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - Completed June 3, 2026 (#39 on the Esquire list)
6. The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz - Completed June 29, 2026 (Hugo Award Nominee, 1967)
Monthly Nonfiction Challenges - I try to read at least 100 nonfiction books a year and this challenge is instrumental in helping me achieve that goal. In 2025, I was able to read 124 nonfiction books.
January The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood by James Gleick - Completed January 19, 2026
January Birth, Sex and Abuse: Women’s Voices Under Nazi Rule by Beverley Chalmers - Completed January 25, 2026
February Thelonius Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D. G. Kelley - Completed February 18, 2026
March The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill - Completed March 31, 2026
April Replaceable You by Mary Roach - Completed April 9, 2026
June Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King - Completed June 24, 2026
1. The City & the City by China Mieville - Completed January 31, 2026 (#34 on the Esquire list)
2. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein - Completed February 11, 2026 (#51 on the Esquire list)
3. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer - Completed April 30, 2026 (#24 on the Esquire list)
4. Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky - Completed May 29, 2026 (Current Hugo finalist)
5. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - Completed June 3, 2026 (#39 on the Esquire list)
6. The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz - Completed June 29, 2026 (Hugo Award Nominee, 1967)
Monthly Nonfiction Challenges - I try to read at least 100 nonfiction books a year and this challenge is instrumental in helping me achieve that goal. In 2025, I was able to read 124 nonfiction books.
January The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood by James Gleick - Completed January 19, 2026
January Birth, Sex and Abuse: Women’s Voices Under Nazi Rule by Beverley Chalmers - Completed January 25, 2026
February Thelonius Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D. G. Kelley - Completed February 18, 2026
March The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill - Completed March 31, 2026
April Replaceable You by Mary Roach - Completed April 9, 2026
June Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King - Completed June 24, 2026
10alcottacre
Series Reading - I will post these as I read them:
The In Death series by J.D. Robb
Vendetta in Death - Completed January 1, 2026
Stolen in Death - Completed February 6, 2026
Golden in Death - Completed March 5, 2026
Shadows in Death - Completed April 11, 2026
Faithless in Death - May 9, 2026
Forgotten in Death - Completed June 22, 2026
Abandoned in Death
The Decker/Lazarus series by Faye Kellerman
Serpent's Tooth - Completed March 25, 2026
Jupiter's Bones -
The Three Pines series by Louise Penny
The Long Way Home - Completed March 27, 2026
The Nature of the Beast -
The Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear
A Dangerous Place - Completed May 14, 2026
Journey to Munich
The Shetland Series by Ann Cleeves
Cold Earth - June 22, 2026
Wild Fire
The Rivers of London Series by Ben Aaronovitch
Whispers Under Ground - Completed February 28, 2026
Broken Homes -
The Brighton Mystery Series by Elly Griffiths
Now You See Them - Completed March 31, 2026
The Midnight Hour -
Trader's Tales From The Golden Age of The Solar Clipper Series by Nathan Lowell
Full Share - Completed April 29, 2026
Double Share -
The Sean Duffy Series by Adrian McKinty
I Hear the Sirens in the Street -
The Maggie Hope Series by Susan Elia MacNeal
Princess Elizabeth's Spy -
The In Death series by J.D. Robb
Vendetta in Death - Completed January 1, 2026
Stolen in Death - Completed February 6, 2026
Golden in Death - Completed March 5, 2026
Shadows in Death - Completed April 11, 2026
Faithless in Death - May 9, 2026
Forgotten in Death - Completed June 22, 2026
Abandoned in Death
The Decker/Lazarus series by Faye Kellerman
Serpent's Tooth - Completed March 25, 2026
Jupiter's Bones -
The Three Pines series by Louise Penny
The Long Way Home - Completed March 27, 2026
The Nature of the Beast -
The Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear
A Dangerous Place - Completed May 14, 2026
Journey to Munich
The Shetland Series by Ann Cleeves
Cold Earth - June 22, 2026
Wild Fire
The Rivers of London Series by Ben Aaronovitch
Whispers Under Ground - Completed February 28, 2026
Broken Homes -
The Brighton Mystery Series by Elly Griffiths
Now You See Them - Completed March 31, 2026
The Midnight Hour -
Trader's Tales From The Golden Age of The Solar Clipper Series by Nathan Lowell
Full Share - Completed April 29, 2026
Double Share -
The Sean Duffy Series by Adrian McKinty
I Hear the Sirens in the Street -
The Maggie Hope Series by Susan Elia MacNeal
Princess Elizabeth's Spy -
11alcottacre
The “Lists” Challenges: Reading from the lists, nonfiction and fiction, that are growing rapidly at my local library
Nonfiction:
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson - Completed February 12, 2026
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham - Completed March 9, 2026
Eleanor and Franklin by Joseph P. Lash - Completed March 15, 2026
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Completed April 15, 2026
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin - Completed April 27, 2026
Fiction:
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green - Completed February 5, 2026
Song Yet Sung by James McBride - Completed April 5, 2026
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - Completed April 6, 2026
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell - Completed May 8, 2026
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado - Completed May 9, 2026
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris - Completed June 22, 2026
Nonfiction:
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson - Completed February 12, 2026
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham - Completed March 9, 2026
Eleanor and Franklin by Joseph P. Lash - Completed March 15, 2026
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Completed April 15, 2026
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin - Completed April 27, 2026
Fiction:
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green - Completed February 5, 2026
Song Yet Sung by James McBride - Completed April 5, 2026
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon - Completed April 6, 2026
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell - Completed May 8, 2026
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado - Completed May 9, 2026
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris - Completed June 22, 2026
12alcottacre
Building Bridges Challenge: Using American Ethnic Writers, Volumes 1 & 2 as well as Bibliophile: Diverse Spines and 500 Great Books by Women as Guides
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison - Completed January 6, 2026
2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie - Completed February 23, 2026
3. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez - Completed March 16, 2026
4. Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin - Completed April 27, 2026
5. Yoruba Girl Dancing by Simi Bedford - Completed May 31, 2026
6. Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Completed June 16, 2026
1. Beloved by Toni Morrison - Completed January 6, 2026
2. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie - Completed February 23, 2026
3. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez - Completed March 16, 2026
4. Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin - Completed April 27, 2026
5. Yoruba Girl Dancing by Simi Bedford - Completed May 31, 2026
6. Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Completed June 16, 2026
13alcottacre
Roads Less Traveled Challenge:
January - Chilean Authors:
House of Spirits by Isabel Allende - Completed January 11, 2026
February - Anglo Caribbean Authors:
A House for Mr. Biswas by V. S. Naipaul - Completed February 24, 2026
March - Mexican Authors:
Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli - Completed March 21, 2026
April - Hispanic North American Authors:
The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea - Completed April 30, 2026
May - Brazlian Authors:
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado - Completed May 9, 2026
June - Nonfiction:
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Completed June 28, 2026
January - Chilean Authors:
House of Spirits by Isabel Allende - Completed January 11, 2026
February - Anglo Caribbean Authors:
A House for Mr. Biswas by V. S. Naipaul - Completed February 24, 2026
March - Mexican Authors:
Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli - Completed March 21, 2026
April - Hispanic North American Authors:
The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea - Completed April 30, 2026
May - Brazlian Authors:
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado - Completed May 9, 2026
June - Nonfiction:
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Completed June 28, 2026
14alcottacre
Touchstone loading time. . .
15vancouverdeb
Happy New Thread, Stasia!
18PaulCranswick
Enjoy your sleep!
Happy new thread, Juana.
Happy new thread, Juana.
19figsfromthistle
Happy new thread!
21msf59
Happy Friday, Stasia. Happy New Thread. Looking forward to a book update. I hope all is well, my friend.
23alcottacre
>18 PaulCranswick: I wish I could say that I did, Paul. Thanks!
>19 figsfromthistle: >20 BLBera: Thank you, Anita and Beth.
>21 msf59: Yeah, I forgot to post my list of books read. I will get to it at some point today, Mark. Thanks for the reminder!
>22 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley!
>19 figsfromthistle: >20 BLBera: Thank you, Anita and Beth.
>21 msf59: Yeah, I forgot to post my list of books read. I will get to it at some point today, Mark. Thanks for the reminder!
>22 jessibud2: Thank you, Shelley!
24alcottacre
Today is our monthly gaming marathon day so lots of board gaming going on here in about 30 minutes. I am going to try and check in on threads and sneak some reading in today at some point too!
We are having our traditional Subway for lunch today, so no cooking for me. Groceries, which are definitely needed here, will arrive later this afternoon. Yippee!
I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!
We are having our traditional Subway for lunch today, so no cooking for me. Groceries, which are definitely needed here, will arrive later this afternoon. Yippee!
I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!
25rhondak101book
I am glad you had a good trip and have a low stress day planned. Good Gaming and Happy Reading to you.
26klobrien2
Happy new thread, Stasia! You were really missed when you were gone, and it’s great to have you back!
Karen O
Karen O
27weird_O
You don't never stop, do ya, Stasia? I've run off the rails this year. Haven't focused on reading enough.
28alcottacre
>25 rhondak101book: Thanks, Rhonda! We are having a good gaming day - lunch break now :)
>26 klobrien2: Thank you, Karen! It is nice of you to say!
>27 weird_O: I figure I can stop when I am dead, Bill :) I am sure you have an awful lot going on that is keeping you away from the books. Maybe next year?
>26 klobrien2: Thank you, Karen! It is nice of you to say!
>27 weird_O: I figure I can stop when I am dead, Bill :) I am sure you have an awful lot going on that is keeping you away from the books. Maybe next year?
29alcottacre
As Mark reminded me, I need to post the books read on my recent hiatus. No reviews here, just a list on account of I am lazy and tired. Or tired and lazy, take your pick.
159 - Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky - One of the current Hugo Award finalists and a dandy book; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine - Kindle
160 - The God of Vengeance by Sholem Asch - A play by Asch that must have caused quite a stir when it was put on back in the early 1900s; Recommended (4 stars) Mine - Kindle
161 - At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald - A classic child's fantasy novel which was much loved by C.S. Lewis, which is how I first heard of it; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
162 - Yoruba Girl Dancing by Simi Bedford - I first heard of this one in 500 Great Books by Women and I enjoyed it for the most part; Recommended (3.75 stars) Mine
163 - How To Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery - Nonfiction, a reread for me; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
164 - Zone One by Colson Whitehead - Not quite horror; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine
165 - Rough Crossing by Simon Schama - Nonfiction; I learned quite a lot about the state of slaves and slavery during the American Revolution from this one; Recommended (4 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
166 - One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard - Nonfiction; Small town ball, small town politics; Recommended (4 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
167 - The Thief of Always by Clive Barker - About the amount of horror/creepiness that I can handle; Recommended (4 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
168 - The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok - I really wish Potok had written a third Asher Lev book!; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
That is it. . .
159 - Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky - One of the current Hugo Award finalists and a dandy book; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine - Kindle
160 - The God of Vengeance by Sholem Asch - A play by Asch that must have caused quite a stir when it was put on back in the early 1900s; Recommended (4 stars) Mine - Kindle
161 - At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald - A classic child's fantasy novel which was much loved by C.S. Lewis, which is how I first heard of it; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
162 - Yoruba Girl Dancing by Simi Bedford - I first heard of this one in 500 Great Books by Women and I enjoyed it for the most part; Recommended (3.75 stars) Mine
163 - How To Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery - Nonfiction, a reread for me; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
164 - Zone One by Colson Whitehead - Not quite horror; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine
165 - Rough Crossing by Simon Schama - Nonfiction; I learned quite a lot about the state of slaves and slavery during the American Revolution from this one; Recommended (4 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
166 - One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard - Nonfiction; Small town ball, small town politics; Recommended (4 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
167 - The Thief of Always by Clive Barker - About the amount of horror/creepiness that I can handle; Recommended (4 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
168 - The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok - I really wish Potok had written a third Asher Lev book!; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
That is it. . .
30RebaRelishesReading
Happy new one Stasia! You take on an impressive number of challenges...and complete them too!! Congratulations.
31curioussquared
Happy new thread, Stasia! Looks like you got some good reading done while you were away.
33SilverWolf28
Happy New Thread!
34Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Stasia! Enjoy your gaming!
37alcottacre
>30 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba. I try to keep my reading diverse enough that I do not get bored, lol.
>31 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie. I did - far more reading on my Kindle than I am used to on my Kindle :)
>32 foggidawn: >33 SilverWolf28: Thanks, Misti and Silver!
>34 Familyhistorian: Thank you, Meg. We had a good time gaming yesterday with more to come today.
>35 Kristelh: Thank you, Kristel. I hope to 'see' you again soon!
>36 atozgrl: Thanks, Irene. 'Restful' is not in my vocabulary right now. . .
>31 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie. I did - far more reading on my Kindle than I am used to on my Kindle :)
>32 foggidawn: >33 SilverWolf28: Thanks, Misti and Silver!
>34 Familyhistorian: Thank you, Meg. We had a good time gaming yesterday with more to come today.
>35 Kristelh: Thank you, Kristel. I hope to 'see' you again soon!
>36 atozgrl: Thanks, Irene. 'Restful' is not in my vocabulary right now. . .
38alcottacre
Kerry and I did not get done with our monthly gaming marathon yesterday, so it is continuing on into today. We were both struggling with fatigue yesterday, which is not good for gaming - or reading for that matter. I went to bed early last night hoping to get a bit of sleep in and only managed 2.5 hours. *sigh*
On the reading front, I am listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and since the book is over 1000 pages long, I will be listening to it for a while. I am currently reading The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch, which is a bit over 700 pages long, so I will be reading this one for a while too. I started Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston last night but did not get very far into the book proper. The introductory material was 30 pages long in and of itself and I was tired when I picked this up. I am hoping to make more progress on it today in between games. The only other book I am reading right now is The Last Sweet Bite by Michael Shaikh, which manages to make me hungry every time I read it. I am hoping to start on The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris today, my lone library book at the moment.
I hope everyone has a super Saturday!
On the reading front, I am listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and since the book is over 1000 pages long, I will be listening to it for a while. I am currently reading The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch, which is a bit over 700 pages long, so I will be reading this one for a while too. I started Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston last night but did not get very far into the book proper. The introductory material was 30 pages long in and of itself and I was tired when I picked this up. I am hoping to make more progress on it today in between games. The only other book I am reading right now is The Last Sweet Bite by Michael Shaikh, which manages to make me hungry every time I read it. I am hoping to start on The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris today, my lone library book at the moment.
I hope everyone has a super Saturday!
39foggidawn
>38 alcottacre: I tried to binge The Way of Kings for a readathon, back when it first came out. I remember nothing about the book, but remember that the experience of trying to read the whole thing in a weekend was miserable! I rarely do readathons any more, but if I do, I try to have a good variety of books on hand, including some short ones! I usually like Sanderson's writing, but I've never continued with that series.
40Kristelh
I usually like Sanderson's writings too, but I wish they were not so long. I would read him more often.
41msf59
Thanks for the book update, Stasia. Sorry about the fatigue. I did manage to dodge the BBs this time around, although I have wanted to read The Sweetness of Water for some time now. I did read Zone One, years ago.
Happy Saturday, my friend. Just try to get some rest.
Happy Saturday, my friend. Just try to get some rest.
42alcottacre
>39 foggidawn: I would never try to binge such a book as lengthy as it is. I can no longer hold books so big in any case so audiobooks help me out greatly! I love doing the readathons and try to make as many as I can. I love to see what everyone is reading :)
>40 Kristelh: I wish they were not so long too, Kristel!
>41 msf59: Yeah, the fatigue is continuing and I sure hope this is not a sign that my CFS is going to attack. I will let you know how I find The Sweetness of Water. Trying to get some rest has not been a problem today - staying awake has.
>40 Kristelh: I wish they were not so long too, Kristel!
>41 msf59: Yeah, the fatigue is continuing and I sure hope this is not a sign that my CFS is going to attack. I will let you know how I find The Sweetness of Water. Trying to get some rest has not been a problem today - staying awake has.
43lauralkeet
Hi Stasia, I'm back from vacation and it's taken me a while to catch up on threads. I finally made it to this new one. I hope you enjoy your tech-free Sunday.
46alcottacre
>43 lauralkeet: Thanks for stopping by, Laura!
>44 bell7: Thank you, Mary. I wish the same for you!
>45 msf59: Happy Sunday to you too, Mark! Not feeling better just yet despite being in bed early last night. Hopefully soon though!
>44 bell7: Thank you, Mary. I wish the same for you!
>45 msf59: Happy Sunday to you too, Mark! Not feeling better just yet despite being in bed early last night. Hopefully soon though!
47alcottacre
Today is my meet up day with Beth and Catey. Other than that it is my tech free day. Kerry and I are planning on playing some games and I am hoping to read a bit more today than I have the past couple of days.
I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!
I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!
48LizzieD
You have a busy Sunday coming up for a woman who is still tired and sleepy from a busy week+ away from home! Enjoy, but take care of yourself!
49alcottacre
>48 LizzieD: I spent most of yesterday taking care of myself, Peggy, but I still feel like I have been run over by a truck, lol. Hopefully this week will see me in better shape!
50alcottacre
A lot of chores on the agenda for today. Laundry is already running, I have taken care of cats both inside and outside, I still need to balance the bank statement and pay the bills.
Lunch today is Chick Peas Italiano over Farro, tossed salad, and steamed cauliflower. After lunch, hopefully Kerry and I can get a game in before we head out to run some errands.
My current reading has not changed at all. The two long books, The Way of Kings on audio and The Discovery of Heaven in print are going to take a while. I am hoping to make good progress in Every Tongue Got to Confess today and finish up The Last Sweet Bite. I need to start The Sweetness of Water yet. Hopefully today or tomorrow.
I hope everyone has a marvelous Monday!
Lunch today is Chick Peas Italiano over Farro, tossed salad, and steamed cauliflower. After lunch, hopefully Kerry and I can get a game in before we head out to run some errands.
My current reading has not changed at all. The two long books, The Way of Kings on audio and The Discovery of Heaven in print are going to take a while. I am hoping to make good progress in Every Tongue Got to Confess today and finish up The Last Sweet Bite. I need to start The Sweetness of Water yet. Hopefully today or tomorrow.
I hope everyone has a marvelous Monday!
51RebaRelishesReading
>50 alcottacre: Sounds like our day is starting off the same anyway. First load of laundry is ready to take out (at least it sounds that way through the wall)
For the rest though ... I have no idea what we'll have for lunch and we never play games with just the two of us (sometimes when the grandkids are visiting but that's rare).
I join you in wishing everyone a marvelous Monday...including you Stasia!!
For the rest though ... I have no idea what we'll have for lunch and we never play games with just the two of us (sometimes when the grandkids are visiting but that's rare).
I join you in wishing everyone a marvelous Monday...including you Stasia!!
53alcottacre
Finished tonight:
169 - The Last Sweet Bite by Michael Shaikh - Nonfiction; I picked this book up to read for the Seattle Public Library Summer Bingo challenge. The category is 'Eye Opening' and I really did not understand why. In this case, the subtitle really says it all: "Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found." In the book Shaikh details the way numerous cultures have lost and are losing their cultures, including access to foods and cuisine traditional to the peoples. He covers the globe ranging from Europe (the Czech Republic), to the East (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China), to South America (Bolivia), to the United States (the Pueblo Nations). There are peoples within each of these regions who are suffering from or have suffered from violence that has upended their 'treasured food cultures' and I find it overwhelmingly sad. 'Eye Opening' indeed; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
"There are, unfortunately, countless examples, old and new, of violence wreaking havoc on our food cultures."
169 - The Last Sweet Bite by Michael Shaikh - Nonfiction; I picked this book up to read for the Seattle Public Library Summer Bingo challenge. The category is 'Eye Opening' and I really did not understand why. In this case, the subtitle really says it all: "Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found." In the book Shaikh details the way numerous cultures have lost and are losing their cultures, including access to foods and cuisine traditional to the peoples. He covers the globe ranging from Europe (the Czech Republic), to the East (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China), to South America (Bolivia), to the United States (the Pueblo Nations). There are peoples within each of these regions who are suffering from or have suffered from violence that has upended their 'treasured food cultures' and I find it overwhelmingly sad. 'Eye Opening' indeed; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
"There are, unfortunately, countless examples, old and new, of violence wreaking havoc on our food cultures."
55PaulCranswick
>29 alcottacre: I see that you forgot to take any books with you then, Juana!
56alcottacre
>54 AMQS: Me too, Anne. Unfortunately, the insomnia persists. Thanks!
>55 PaulCranswick: Yep, silly me! Lol
>55 PaulCranswick: Yep, silly me! Lol
57alcottacre
I will be honest, I am very tired today. I slept a little over 3 hours last night, but I think this is more all the traveling and not sleeping well catching up to me. I have already been up and doing today and may be taking an afternoon nap, lol.
Lunch today was Almost Hungarian Goulash, Eggless Noodles, and Steamed Broccoli. Since I ate breakfast late, Kerry lunched by himself today and I will eat lunch later when I am hungry.
Later this afternoon, Kerry and I will be playing Endeavor Deep Sea, one of my favorite 'new to us' games. I like games like this one that can be played cooperatively (my favorite way to play), competitively, or solo.
I am still listening to The Way of Kings and reading The Discovery of Heaven. I am hoping to finish Every Tongue Got to Confess today. I am also hopeful of finally starting The Sweetness of Water. It just depends on how tired I am. . .
I am heading out of town for a turn around trip tomorrow afternoon, so I will be out of pocket pretty much all day long. Catey will be here Thursday and much of Friday, when I need to take her back home. I will be spending Friday night at my mother's and return on Saturday.
I hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday!
Lunch today was Almost Hungarian Goulash, Eggless Noodles, and Steamed Broccoli. Since I ate breakfast late, Kerry lunched by himself today and I will eat lunch later when I am hungry.
Later this afternoon, Kerry and I will be playing Endeavor Deep Sea, one of my favorite 'new to us' games. I like games like this one that can be played cooperatively (my favorite way to play), competitively, or solo.
I am still listening to The Way of Kings and reading The Discovery of Heaven. I am hoping to finish Every Tongue Got to Confess today. I am also hopeful of finally starting The Sweetness of Water. It just depends on how tired I am. . .
I am heading out of town for a turn around trip tomorrow afternoon, so I will be out of pocket pretty much all day long. Catey will be here Thursday and much of Friday, when I need to take her back home. I will be spending Friday night at my mother's and return on Saturday.
I hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday!
58rhondak101book
>57 alcottacre: Busy week! Enjoy and get some rest when you can.
59msf59
Happy Tuesday, Stasia. Sorry about the fatigue. I hope you catch up on some rest. Safe travels tomorrow. We are heading out on our next camping adventure on Thursday.
61alcottacre
Finished this afternoon:
170 - Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Hurston, who majored in anthropology in college, started collecting folk tales from various parts of the country. This volume recounts tales from the Gulf States. Some of the tales in this book are mere paragraphs, others are one or two pages in length, and in each case Hurston gives credit where credit is due, acknowledging who actually told the tale to her. Some of the tales are laugh out loud funny, some I liked better than others. Once I got used to the dialect, the book read pretty quickly!; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
Told by Eugene Oliver: "Whut is de tallest man you ever seen? De tallest man I ever seen could stand knee deep in hell an' shake hands wid Gabriel."
170 - Every Tongue Got to Confess by Zora Neale Hurston - Hurston, who majored in anthropology in college, started collecting folk tales from various parts of the country. This volume recounts tales from the Gulf States. Some of the tales in this book are mere paragraphs, others are one or two pages in length, and in each case Hurston gives credit where credit is due, acknowledging who actually told the tale to her. Some of the tales are laugh out loud funny, some I liked better than others. Once I got used to the dialect, the book read pretty quickly!; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
Told by Eugene Oliver: "Whut is de tallest man you ever seen? De tallest man I ever seen could stand knee deep in hell an' shake hands wid Gabriel."
62alcottacre
Finished tonight:
171 - The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson - Audiobook; I started listening to this audiobook June 1st. I do not regret listening to all 45+ hours at all because in the end, I loved this first book of Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. I love the world building, I love the way that Sanderson portrays his characters both good and bad, and I am very glad that the book is character driven. I really liked the character of Kaladin especially and the glimpses into his past so that we see the man he became were very well handled IMHO. The book is long, but I thought it well worth the time; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine
171 - The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson - Audiobook; I started listening to this audiobook June 1st. I do not regret listening to all 45+ hours at all because in the end, I loved this first book of Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. I love the world building, I love the way that Sanderson portrays his characters both good and bad, and I am very glad that the book is character driven. I really liked the character of Kaladin especially and the glimpses into his past so that we see the man he became were very well handled IMHO. The book is long, but I thought it well worth the time; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine
63vancouverdeb
Sorry to read about your fatigue, Stasia. Enjoy your time out of town.
64alcottacre
>63 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah!
65alcottacre
Lunch will be on the table shortly, Oriental Brown Rice Pilaf with Snow Peas, Kerry and I are going to play a game, and then I will be off to Longview for a turn around trip. I will be back home later tonight.
I will be listening to Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves while driving. After that, who knows if I will get any reading done?
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
I will be listening to Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves while driving. After that, who knows if I will get any reading done?
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
66mdoris
Hi Stasia, Whew! Just caught up! Is it too late to wishing you a happy new thread! Love your ratings and book reviews!
67Familyhistorian
>62 alcottacre: I really appreciated the character development of Kaladin in The Way of Kings too. I started flipping through the pages when the focus was on other characters to see how long it would be until it got back to his part of the story. Harder to do that in audio, I guess.
68SilverWolf28
Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/385027
69bell7
Hope all is well, Stasia. It's unusual not to hear from you for this long unless you're traveling.
70alcottacre
>66 mdoris: Thank you, Mary!
>67 Familyhistorian: Yeah, I was really wishing that Sanderson would write about Kaladin more frequently, lol, so I completely understand, Meg.
>68 SilverWolf28: I am afraid I am out this weekend, Silver.
>69 bell7: I was traveling, Mary.
>67 Familyhistorian: Yeah, I was really wishing that Sanderson would write about Kaladin more frequently, lol, so I completely understand, Meg.
>68 SilverWolf28: I am afraid I am out this weekend, Silver.
>69 bell7: I was traveling, Mary.
71alcottacre
Well, it has been an interesting few days here. Catey got off work late Wednesday, 7pm, and then she and I drove home to Sherman for her to visit a couple of days and we did not get here until about 11pm. Thursday, the three of us played games literally all day long. Friday, our electricity was out for 4+ hours, so by the time it came back on, Catey and I were headed back to Longview as she has to work today. I did get to visit with my mother for a few hours last night and she, Catey, and I got some more games played :) I left Longview this morning to head home, Kerry and I went out for his Father's Day lunch, and now I am going to collapse from exhaustion. . .
Hopefully the rest of my June will be back to 'normal!'
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
Hopefully the rest of my June will be back to 'normal!'
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
72RebaRelishesReading
>71 alcottacre: Thank you -- sounds like you're having a wonderful one of your own:)
73vancouverdeb
>71 alcottacre: You have a busy life, Stasia. Sorry your electricity was out for 4 plus hours.
74alcottacre
>72 RebaRelishesReading: I have been, Reba, thanks!
>73 vancouverdeb: It has been a busy June for sure, Deborah!
>73 vancouverdeb: It has been a busy June for sure, Deborah!
75alcottacre
Today is my traditional 'day off' technology. I will be meeting up with Beth and Catey later this evening, but up until then, the day is all about Kerry since it is Father's Day. He has told me that he wants to play Tales of the Arthurian Knights, which will take us a couple of hours.
I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday and to all the dads out there:
I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday and to all the dads out there:
76LizzieD
Enjoy your mostly-day-off, Stasia while you enjoy your family! You don't say, but I hope you got some good sleep last night!
77alcottacre
>76 LizzieD: Thanks, Peggy. It was a great day with the family! I got almost 5 hours and 41 minutes of sleep last night. Do you consider that good?
78alcottacre
Finished at various times today:
172 - The Connoisseur by Victoria Goddard - This short story was written in 2020 and does not feature the Nine Worlds as near as I could tell. In this 13 page story, Goddard relates the tale of Arthur MacEachern, who was a noted novelist until he lost his writing mojo - his Muse. In an attempt to overcome this loss (of multiple years), Arthur begins writing as he is sitting in the waiting room of his dentist's office and suddenly his Muse is back. Convinced that writing in waiting rooms is the key, as it indeed seems to be after writing several more hit novels, Arthur is stalking waiting rooms everywhere in order to write. A slight story, but enjoyable for what it is; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine - Kindle
173 - The Seven Brides-To-Be of Generalissimo Vlad by Victoria Goddard - This novella is also not in the Nine Worlds universe. It is also a bit more on the sci fi end of things rather than the fantasy side. Portia MacArthur, a space courier, made a promise to a childhood friend and she intends to keep it. Portia does her best to keep all of her promises and her promise to Vlad to be at his wedding is especially important to her. However, someone contacts her reps and they inform her that someone is willing to pay thrice her going rate for a courier run. Portia bets she can make both the run and the wedding. Will she succeed? Good fun and I really enjoyed the character of Portia!; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine - Kindle
172 - The Connoisseur by Victoria Goddard - This short story was written in 2020 and does not feature the Nine Worlds as near as I could tell. In this 13 page story, Goddard relates the tale of Arthur MacEachern, who was a noted novelist until he lost his writing mojo - his Muse. In an attempt to overcome this loss (of multiple years), Arthur begins writing as he is sitting in the waiting room of his dentist's office and suddenly his Muse is back. Convinced that writing in waiting rooms is the key, as it indeed seems to be after writing several more hit novels, Arthur is stalking waiting rooms everywhere in order to write. A slight story, but enjoyable for what it is; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine - Kindle
173 - The Seven Brides-To-Be of Generalissimo Vlad by Victoria Goddard - This novella is also not in the Nine Worlds universe. It is also a bit more on the sci fi end of things rather than the fantasy side. Portia MacArthur, a space courier, made a promise to a childhood friend and she intends to keep it. Portia does her best to keep all of her promises and her promise to Vlad to be at his wedding is especially important to her. However, someone contacts her reps and they inform her that someone is willing to pay thrice her going rate for a courier run. Portia bets she can make both the run and the wedding. Will she succeed? Good fun and I really enjoyed the character of Portia!; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine - Kindle
79bell7
>78 alcottacre: I swapped the order, but once again we have similar thoughts :) Glad to see you enjoyed them.
81alcottacre
>79 bell7: Thanks, Mary. I am glad we got to them this month!
>80 quondame: Thanks for the heads up, Susan!
>80 quondame: Thanks for the heads up, Susan!
82alcottacre
Finished tonight:
174 - The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Petra Molnar - Nonfiction; I am not sure if I am glad I read this one or not. I think I was happy in my ignorance of how migrants are treated by the countries that they are trying to immigrate to - the use of technology in stopping them is unreal to me. I grew up with stories of my grandfather, who immigrated to the U.S. from Belgium between the world wars - he and his family never had to face what many migrants are facing these days as more countries are using technology to protect their borders - I think it is positively scary how this technology, much of which is not regulated, is being used on people who want nothing more than to live a life in which violence is not the main item on the agenda; Recommended (4.25 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
174 - The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Petra Molnar - Nonfiction; I am not sure if I am glad I read this one or not. I think I was happy in my ignorance of how migrants are treated by the countries that they are trying to immigrate to - the use of technology in stopping them is unreal to me. I grew up with stories of my grandfather, who immigrated to the U.S. from Belgium between the world wars - he and his family never had to face what many migrants are facing these days as more countries are using technology to protect their borders - I think it is positively scary how this technology, much of which is not regulated, is being used on people who want nothing more than to live a life in which violence is not the main item on the agenda; Recommended (4.25 stars) Hoopla - Kindle
83alcottacre
We have adopted a new kitten, Domino, and hope to get her to the vet today. We also have groceries arriving today. Laundry is already running so the day has officially begun, right?
Lunch today will be baked potatoes with Mexican Vegetable Sauce. Kerry and I will be playing ERA Medieval Age, which we have never played before, so this is a new one for both of us.
I will be finishing my current audiobook, Cold Earth, today. I should also be finishing The Sweetness of Water. I am continuing on with The Discovery of Heaven and should be finishing that one in the next few days. I am hoping to start Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King and Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott today, but we will be see.
I hope that everyone has a marvelous Monday!
Lunch today will be baked potatoes with Mexican Vegetable Sauce. Kerry and I will be playing ERA Medieval Age, which we have never played before, so this is a new one for both of us.
I will be finishing my current audiobook, Cold Earth, today. I should also be finishing The Sweetness of Water. I am continuing on with The Discovery of Heaven and should be finishing that one in the next few days. I am hoping to start Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King and Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott today, but we will be see.
I hope that everyone has a marvelous Monday!
84msf59
Happy Monday, Stasia. I hope you had a good weekend. I am home and slowly catching up on LT. I am really enjoying Stroud's latest. She does not disappoint.
85alcottacre
>84 msf59: I already have Stroud's book in the BlackHole so you will not get me with that BB, lol.
I am glad you are home safely!
I am glad you are home safely!
86rhondak101book
>83 alcottacre: Yay! I want to see kitten photos in the near future!
87alcottacre
>86 rhondak101book: Hopefully soon, Rhonda! I want to take her to the vet and make sure everything is OK with her first.
88alcottacre
Finished this morning:
175 - Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves - Audiobook; This is book number 7 in the series and I was really hoping the books would improve in quality for me as the series went on, but they have not IMHO. In this book, a landslide on Shetland reveals the body of a woman who was not killed by the landslide itself as originally supposed, but turns out to be a murder victim. Perez is right on hand and calls in his 'boss,' Willow Reeves to help with the investigation. Sandy, of course, is there to help as well and I have to say that I am liking the way that Sandy is developing as a character. I thought the identity of the murderer was a bit too easy to guess in this one, but overall I did enjoy the book; Recommended (3.75 stars) Mine
175 - Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves - Audiobook; This is book number 7 in the series and I was really hoping the books would improve in quality for me as the series went on, but they have not IMHO. In this book, a landslide on Shetland reveals the body of a woman who was not killed by the landslide itself as originally supposed, but turns out to be a murder victim. Perez is right on hand and calls in his 'boss,' Willow Reeves to help with the investigation. Sandy, of course, is there to help as well and I have to say that I am liking the way that Sandy is developing as a character. I thought the identity of the murderer was a bit too easy to guess in this one, but overall I did enjoy the book; Recommended (3.75 stars) Mine
89LizzieD
We're in agreement about Shetland, Stasia. I think I have one more in the series before Jimmy moves on... not entirely sure. I like them, like him and Sandy, but the quality has been pretty static since the third one.
I do resent paying what becomes a small fortune to read Goddard's short stories and novellas, so I mostly don't do it. Same is true for Penric and Desdemona. *sigh*
Take it easy with all you have to do today. I hope Miss Domino is 100% healthy and that maybe Chalfont or Mallory adopts her.
I do resent paying what becomes a small fortune to read Goddard's short stories and novellas, so I mostly don't do it. Same is true for Penric and Desdemona. *sigh*
Take it easy with all you have to do today. I hope Miss Domino is 100% healthy and that maybe Chalfont or Mallory adopts her.
90alcottacre
>89 LizzieD: Yeah, I was really hoping the books would improve over time for me, but that does not seem to be the case. As near as I can tell, there is only one more book in this series. I have already sent my hard copies to Catey's store as I have the books on audio.
I understand not wanting to pay for Goddard's short stuff but completionist that I am, I do. *sigh*
We could not get Domino into the vet today, but I have an appointment for her at 3 tomorrow afternoon. Chalfont will certainly not adopt her. Chalfont is my diva and believes that every other cat is below her. I am actually hoping that Domino and Ilan will get along. . .
I understand not wanting to pay for Goddard's short stuff but completionist that I am, I do. *sigh*
We could not get Domino into the vet today, but I have an appointment for her at 3 tomorrow afternoon. Chalfont will certainly not adopt her. Chalfont is my diva and believes that every other cat is below her. I am actually hoping that Domino and Ilan will get along. . .
91alcottacre
Finished this afternoon:
176 - The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch - I started this book on June 3 and it has taken me this long to get through the 730 pages of small print and, in the end, I am not at all sure that it was worth the effort. This book seems to be one of those that is divisive - people either love it or hate it. I am kind of in the middle ground on this one. I very much enjoyed the first half of the book, which details the friendship of Onno and Max. Ada is also introduced in this part of the book. Even in that part of the book though, there were things I did not care for, the biggest one being the 'angels,' a conceit that just did not work for me in this book. The second half of the book was up and down, mostly down for me, especially as my favorite character in the book, Max,is killed off in a somewhat ridiculous manner. Obviously there is quite a bit to take in with this one, but for me, it was just a middle-of-the-road read; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine
176 - The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch - I started this book on June 3 and it has taken me this long to get through the 730 pages of small print and, in the end, I am not at all sure that it was worth the effort. This book seems to be one of those that is divisive - people either love it or hate it. I am kind of in the middle ground on this one. I very much enjoyed the first half of the book, which details the friendship of Onno and Max. Ada is also introduced in this part of the book. Even in that part of the book though, there were things I did not care for, the biggest one being the 'angels,' a conceit that just did not work for me in this book. The second half of the book was up and down, mostly down for me, especially as my favorite character in the book, Max,
92vancouverdeb
>83 alcottacre: Congratulations on your new kitten , Domino, Stasia. I hope she settles in well. I'd love to see a picture of her too.
93alcottacre
>92 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah! I promise to post pictures soon. Hopefully all goes well at the vet tomorrow.
94alcottacre
Finished this afternoon:
177 - The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris - I am a fan of good historical fiction and this one fits right into that category. This is Harris' debut novel and it is a very good read. I believed in these characters and their actions. The book is set in the time period at the end of the Civil War. We are introduced to the characters of Prentiss and Landry, ex-slaves who go to work for George Walker on his farm. George is suffering from the loss of his son in the war, fighting for the Confederacy. George's wife, Isabelle, is suffering as well and it seems as if she and George cannot meet halfway. However, Caleb, their son shows up leading to tragedy; Recommended (4 stars) Library Book
177 - The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris - I am a fan of good historical fiction and this one fits right into that category. This is Harris' debut novel and it is a very good read. I believed in these characters and their actions. The book is set in the time period at the end of the Civil War. We are introduced to the characters of Prentiss and Landry, ex-slaves who go to work for George Walker on his farm. George is suffering from the loss of his son in the war, fighting for the Confederacy. George's wife, Isabelle, is suffering as well and it seems as if she and George cannot meet halfway. However, Caleb, their son shows up leading to tragedy; Recommended (4 stars) Library Book
95Familyhistorian
I hope Domino does well at the vet tomorrow. I’m looking forward to pictures too!
96alcottacre
>95 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! I hope to post pictures soon.
97alcottacre
Today is Kerry's and my 38th wedding anniversary. Still, the laundry must be run. . .
We are heading out for a lunch date and I will not be online pretty much until later today as we are going to spend the bulk of the day together.
I am currently listening to Forgotten in Death. I am reading The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King, and Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott, which I am hoping to finish today. If I have the time, I will be starting Annapurna by Maurice Herzog.
I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!
We are heading out for a lunch date and I will not be online pretty much until later today as we are going to spend the bulk of the day together.
I am currently listening to Forgotten in Death. I am reading The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King, and Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott, which I am hoping to finish today. If I have the time, I will be starting Annapurna by Maurice Herzog.
I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!
98lauralkeet
Happy anniversary Stasia and Kerry! I hope you enjoy your celebratory lunch date.
99LizzieD
Happy, Happy Anniversary #38, Stasia and Kerry!!!! I do believe that it's going to work out for the two of you!!!!! (That's what I say about my DH and myself.) If I were my mother, I'd admonish you that year 39 is a crucial one. She said that to me annually, enough for me to grasp the fact that every year is crucial in a marriage. *smile*
Oooooo! *Snow Leopard* AND *Annapurna* - good stuff!!!!
Oooooo! *Snow Leopard* AND *Annapurna* - good stuff!!!!
102rhondak101book
>97 alcottacre: Happy Anniversary !
106msf59
Happy Anniversary, Stasia. Hooray for 38 years. You got us beat by a year. I hope you had a lovely lunch.
107alcottacre
Thank you for all the anniversary wishes, everyone! I appreciate it!
I have uploaded a copy of Domino's photo after her vet visit this afternoon. She had her first set of shots today and is not happy at all in this picture.
I have uploaded a copy of Domino's photo after her vet visit this afternoon. She had her first set of shots today and is not happy at all in this picture.
108jessibud2
She is adorable, Stasia. Did you adopt her from a rescue shelter? How old is she? (hope I didn't miss this info somewhere)
109alcottacre
>108 jessibud2: The vet's office estimated that she is about 8 weeks old, Shelley. We did not adopt her from a rescue shelter. She just showed up at our house about 10 days ago, coming and going until last Friday and Saturday when she stayed at our house. There has been no sign of a mother or other littermates. Saturday is when we decided to adopt her.
Since it was Father's Day weekend, Domino's initials spell out Dad. Her official name is Domino Amari Doster.
Since it was Father's Day weekend, Domino's initials spell out Dad. Her official name is Domino Amari Doster.
110vancouverdeb
Happy Anniversary, Stasia and Kerry! Domino is adorable.
111alcottacre
>110 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah! We think she is adorable too!
112alcottacre
I finished 2 books in the wee hours tonight - I did not get started reading for today until late because of anniversary and other doings - and am just too tired to type up proper reviews:
178 - Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King - Nonfiction; I learned quite a lot not only about architecture, but Florence and its history; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
179 - Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott - Tui (tiffin) recommended this book a mere 3 years ago and I am finally getting to what she called "Another tour de force from this man's imagination"; Recommended (4 stars) Mine - Kindle
178 - Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King - Nonfiction; I learned quite a lot not only about architecture, but Florence and its history; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
179 - Momenticon by Andrew Caldecott - Tui (tiffin) recommended this book a mere 3 years ago and I am finally getting to what she called "Another tour de force from this man's imagination"; Recommended (4 stars) Mine - Kindle
113lauralkeet
>109 alcottacre: Stasia, I'm so glad you adopted Domino! Poor little thing all on her own, now living her best life. Well done. I love that your kitty has a full name too.
114rhondak101book
>107 alcottacre: She is very pretty. I happiness and (sibling) acceptance are in her future.
115msf59
Happy Wednesday, Stasia. Yep, Domino is adorable. Have you read Hench? I am enjoying the sequel Villain: A Novel.
116m.belljackson
>112 alcottacre: Domino is a beauty! Bet she is a lot happier now that she knows shots are in the past.
Brunelleschi's Dome was an inspiring 5 star book - would love to read it again for the many challenges overcome.
Brunelleschi's Dome was an inspiring 5 star book - would love to read it again for the many challenges overcome.
117LizzieD
Love Domino!!!!
You also reminded me of how much I enjoyed Rotherweird. I took advantage of Ammy's triple Kindle rewards today to get the rest of the *Rw* trilogy AND Momentum. Thank you, I think!!!
I'm looking at *B's D* too, doggone it.
You also reminded me of how much I enjoyed Rotherweird. I took advantage of Ammy's triple Kindle rewards today to get the rest of the *Rw* trilogy AND Momentum. Thank you, I think!!!
I'm looking at *B's D* too, doggone it.
118alcottacre
>113 lauralkeet: I give all my cats full names, Laura. After all, aren't cats people too? The full line up: Mallory Dennis, Chalfont Jayne, Ilan Ivor, and now Domino Amari.
>114 rhondak101book: Thanks, Rhonda!
>115 msf59: I have read Hench, Mark, but I have not gotten to the sequel yet. I look forward to your thoughts on it.
>116 m.belljackson: Unfortunately for Domino, she goes back in 4 weeks for her second round of shots.
I am glad that you enjoyed Brunelleschi's Dome so much, Marianne! Yeah, how they overcame what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles was just awesome.
>117 LizzieD: I picked up the sequel to Momenticon the minute I finished it, Peggy. I still need to get to the Rotherweird series.
>114 rhondak101book: Thanks, Rhonda!
>115 msf59: I have read Hench, Mark, but I have not gotten to the sequel yet. I look forward to your thoughts on it.
>116 m.belljackson: Unfortunately for Domino, she goes back in 4 weeks for her second round of shots.
I am glad that you enjoyed Brunelleschi's Dome so much, Marianne! Yeah, how they overcame what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles was just awesome.
>117 LizzieD: I picked up the sequel to Momenticon the minute I finished it, Peggy. I still need to get to the Rotherweird series.
119alcottacre
I got off to a late start today and have been running around ever since. I have sat down long enough to scarf down some lunch - leftovers today - before I am off and doing again.
Kerry and I are going to try and learn how to play Merchants of the Dark Road this afternoon. It is a big game and likely to take a while to learn and play. We shall see.
On the reading front, I am listening to Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb currently. I am hoping to finish The Snow Leopard today and make good progress on Annapurna. I am hoping to start Far Rainbow at the very least and hopefully Three Minutes in Poland as well.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
Kerry and I are going to try and learn how to play Merchants of the Dark Road this afternoon. It is a big game and likely to take a while to learn and play. We shall see.
On the reading front, I am listening to Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb currently. I am hoping to finish The Snow Leopard today and make good progress on Annapurna. I am hoping to start Far Rainbow at the very least and hopefully Three Minutes in Poland as well.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
120atozgrl
Belated happy anniversary, Stasia! I hope Domino's mood has improved and that she has recovered from the shots. It sounds like she adopted you.
121alcottacre
>120 atozgrl: Thank you, Irene! Yes, Domino is feeling much better today. I think she adopted us too :)
122Kristelh
Domino is very cute and looks like she is settling in to her new home. Is she liking the others and them her? Or will it take some time?
123alcottacre
Finished tonight:
180 - The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen - Nonfiction; This was a re-read for me and I remember liking the book better before than I did on this read. I am not quite sure why. Matthiessen can certainly write - this book won the National Book Award in 1979 (and he won another for his book Shadow Country) so that is not the issue here. In fact, some of the descriptive passages are positively wonderful - but there are not enough of them. Matthiessen had lost his wife to cancer when he decided to take this trip to Nepal, so there are passages about his wife and the grief he feels, yet he left his 8-year-old son, who had lost his mother, promising to be back to him by Thanksgiving, and failing to keep that promise. There is a lot about Matthiessen pursuing his Buddhist beliefs, and I can understand why climbing mountains in Nepal would seem to be a spiritual enterprise, but I felt there was too much concentration on this and not the real purpose of the expedition. Sorry and maybe I am being too nitpicky, but not recommending this one this time around; Not Recommended (3 stars) Mine
180 - The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen - Nonfiction; This was a re-read for me and I remember liking the book better before than I did on this read. I am not quite sure why. Matthiessen can certainly write - this book won the National Book Award in 1979 (and he won another for his book Shadow Country) so that is not the issue here. In fact, some of the descriptive passages are positively wonderful - but there are not enough of them. Matthiessen had lost his wife to cancer when he decided to take this trip to Nepal, so there are passages about his wife and the grief he feels, yet he left his 8-year-old son, who had lost his mother, promising to be back to him by Thanksgiving, and failing to keep that promise. There is a lot about Matthiessen pursuing his Buddhist beliefs, and I can understand why climbing mountains in Nepal would seem to be a spiritual enterprise, but I felt there was too much concentration on this and not the real purpose of the expedition. Sorry and maybe I am being too nitpicky, but not recommending this one this time around; Not Recommended (3 stars) Mine
124alcottacre
>122 Kristelh: Kristel, we have not yet introduced Domino to her big brothers and sister yet. She is still in quarantine until we get her test results from the vet's office. I know it will take some time at any rate once we get the OK.
125laytonwoman3rd
Oh, Domino is a real cutie! Of course, as my Molly O'Del is a mostly white kitty with black markings too, I might be slightly prejudiced. We give our furry companions full names as well. Molly's is reflective of the fact that she came from the barn on our family homestead near the Delaware River.
126quondame
>107 alcottacre: Oh, you have a small ball of big attitude there, yes!
127msf59
Sweet Thursday, Stasia. The Snow Leopard has been on and off my TBR for years. It looks like it will stay off for the time being.
128alcottacre
>125 laytonwoman3rd: Only slightly prejudiced, Linda? Lol. I am happy to know that I am not the only one to give her fur babies full names. My husband thinks it is slightly weird but then, he did not grow up having any pets. Cool beans about Molly's name!
>126 quondame: Oh, believe me she is all attitude - with a voice to match. Ilan, on the other hand, has a squeak for a voice - and he is huge! Lol
>127 msf59: There are a lot of people who like The Snow Leopard more than I do, Mark, so you might enjoy it. Do not let me put you off!
>126 quondame: Oh, believe me she is all attitude - with a voice to match. Ilan, on the other hand, has a squeak for a voice - and he is huge! Lol
>127 msf59: There are a lot of people who like The Snow Leopard more than I do, Mark, so you might enjoy it. Do not let me put you off!
129alcottacre
Well, at least I managed to get myself up earlier today than yesterday, so that is good, right? I have gotten a little over 4 hours of sleep the past 3 nights in a row, so that is even better. We will not talk about Sunday night. . .
Kerry and I are tackling a new-to-us game again today, Rats of Wistar. The video tutorial for this one is almost 40 minutes long, which is a bit intimidating, I must say!
I am still listening to Forgotten in Death. I should finish Annapurna tonight. On further reflection, I think that my opinion of The Snow Leopard was colored by my reading of Annapurna, which I am finding very good reading. I started Three Minutes in Poland last night, but only got about 60 pages in, as the text is tiny. I am hoping to start both The Far Rainbow and Letters to Alice tonight. We shall see.
I hope you all have a thoughtful Thursday!
Kerry and I are tackling a new-to-us game again today, Rats of Wistar. The video tutorial for this one is almost 40 minutes long, which is a bit intimidating, I must say!
I am still listening to Forgotten in Death. I should finish Annapurna tonight. On further reflection, I think that my opinion of The Snow Leopard was colored by my reading of Annapurna, which I am finding very good reading. I started Three Minutes in Poland last night, but only got about 60 pages in, as the text is tiny. I am hoping to start both The Far Rainbow and Letters to Alice tonight. We shall see.
I hope you all have a thoughtful Thursday!
130RebaRelishesReading
>97 alcottacre: Congratulations on your 38th!! Hope you have a lovely day of celebration.
(Ours is in August. Amazing how the time has flown, right?)
Domino is adorable -- lucky little kitty (and smart, too -- to hang around until she got adopted)
(Ours is in August. Amazing how the time has flown, right?)
Domino is adorable -- lucky little kitty (and smart, too -- to hang around until she got adopted)
131PaulCranswick
Congratulations to you and Kerry. We are behind you at a mere 30 years married but I am proud of the fact that we have come through tough times together as strong as ever. I think soulmates are so necessary in life and we are lucky when we find them!
>123 alcottacre: I don't quite know why but that book is one that has never sufficiently called to me - maybe my intuition was right!
>123 alcottacre: I don't quite know why but that book is one that has never sufficiently called to me - maybe my intuition was right!
132SilverWolf28
Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/385137
133MickyFine
A belated congratulations on your anniversary, Stasia.
And Domino looks adorable. I hope she settles in well.
And Domino looks adorable. I hope she settles in well.
134mdoris
Hi Stasia, Domino is a beautiful kitten. What fun that she adopted you and Kerry and you in turn returned the favour! Happy 38th Anniversary!
135alcottacre
>130 RebaRelishesReading: We did have a lovely day of celebration. Thanks, Reba!
(I completely agree about how swiftly the time has flown. Like I told Kerry, I never imagined I would be married for 38 minutes, let alone 38 years!)
Domino is adorable - and she knows it.
>131 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. We have come through some tough times too and come out the better for it.
There are plenty of people who love The Snow Leopard, just not me.
>132 SilverWolf28: Thanks, Silver!
>133 MickyFine: Thank you, Micky! Domino is just fine, although still in quarantine - for at least 2 more weeks. I spoke to the vet late today and she recommended a couple more weeks in quarantine because Domino has parasites. *sigh*
>134 mdoris: Thanks all around, Mary!
(I completely agree about how swiftly the time has flown. Like I told Kerry, I never imagined I would be married for 38 minutes, let alone 38 years!)
Domino is adorable - and she knows it.
>131 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. We have come through some tough times too and come out the better for it.
There are plenty of people who love The Snow Leopard, just not me.
>132 SilverWolf28: Thanks, Silver!
>133 MickyFine: Thank you, Micky! Domino is just fine, although still in quarantine - for at least 2 more weeks. I spoke to the vet late today and she recommended a couple more weeks in quarantine because Domino has parasites. *sigh*
>134 mdoris: Thanks all around, Mary!
136alcottacre
Finished tonight:
181 - Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang - Nonfiction; Oh, what a good book. I came out of a fundamentalist Baptist church - I still consider myself a Baptist BTW, just not a 'fundamentalist' one although still on the conservative side. In his book, Fugelsang details many of the reasons that I am not a fundamentalist any longer and have not been for 40+ years at this point. I am not, at this point in my life, anti-gay, anti-feminist, anti-illegals, anti-poor, pro death penalty, and many of the other things that Fugelsang talks about. To say that I related to this book is an understatement. Fugelsang, in the introduction, states "This is a book about what Christianity started out as, what it became, and why it's still worth fighting for." I truly believe that Christianity is worth fighting for, but I am talking about the Christianity of Jesus Christ, not the Christianity that has been so distorted by today's fundamentalists that it would be unrecognizable by Christ Himself; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Library Book
" 'Love your neighbor as yourself' is a commandment, not an option. It's an order that transcends social boundaries, identities, and comfort levels. Jesus goes out of his way to preach compassion for any outsiders a society has decided it's allowed to hate."
181 - Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang - Nonfiction; Oh, what a good book. I came out of a fundamentalist Baptist church - I still consider myself a Baptist BTW, just not a 'fundamentalist' one although still on the conservative side. In his book, Fugelsang details many of the reasons that I am not a fundamentalist any longer and have not been for 40+ years at this point. I am not, at this point in my life, anti-gay, anti-feminist, anti-illegals, anti-poor, pro death penalty, and many of the other things that Fugelsang talks about. To say that I related to this book is an understatement. Fugelsang, in the introduction, states "This is a book about what Christianity started out as, what it became, and why it's still worth fighting for." I truly believe that Christianity is worth fighting for, but I am talking about the Christianity of Jesus Christ, not the Christianity that has been so distorted by today's fundamentalists that it would be unrecognizable by Christ Himself; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Library Book
" 'Love your neighbor as yourself' is a commandment, not an option. It's an order that transcends social boundaries, identities, and comfort levels. Jesus goes out of his way to preach compassion for any outsiders a society has decided it's allowed to hate."
137alcottacre
Finished tonight:
182 - Annapurna by Maurice Herzog - Nonfiction; This is the story of how the first 8000 meter peak came to be climbed. The book I have has a blurb on the front saying that it is "the epic account," but I would not go that far. It is a well-told, readable story, but I do not think it is quite "epic." Herzog does a good job of making the reader feel as though they were actually on the mountain. It was a harrowing trip - there were no existing routes up Annapurna, so the team had to reconnoiter to discover the best way to approach climbing the mountain. When two of the party do summit, there joy is short-lived as both suffered frostbite; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
182 - Annapurna by Maurice Herzog - Nonfiction; This is the story of how the first 8000 meter peak came to be climbed. The book I have has a blurb on the front saying that it is "the epic account," but I would not go that far. It is a well-told, readable story, but I do not think it is quite "epic." Herzog does a good job of making the reader feel as though they were actually on the mountain. It was a harrowing trip - there were no existing routes up Annapurna, so the team had to reconnoiter to discover the best way to approach climbing the mountain. When two of the party do summit, there joy is short-lived as both suffered frostbite; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
138msf59
" 'Love your neighbor as yourself' is a commandment, not an option." Amen, my friend. They seem to skip over that one. So glad you loved Church and Hate. I also thought it was excellent.
Happy Friday, Stasia. Go Cubbies! Great Sweep in New York.
Happy Friday, Stasia. Go Cubbies! Great Sweep in New York.
139alcottacre
>138 msf59: That quote stuck out to me, Mark, because so many of the fundamentalists think that picking and choosing what to believe in the Bible is their right - and if they do not like whatever the Bible says, they dismiss it out of hand. Grrr.
Yay for the Cubbies! That was a great series for them! Maybe Dansby is finally going to break out of his season long slump?
Yay for the Cubbies! That was a great series for them! Maybe Dansby is finally going to break out of his season long slump?
140alcottacre
I have already been out and about this morning. I got a call from the vet at 5pm yesterday. Poor Domino has parasites, which we expected since she was living outside, but her bloodwork was clean - big hooray for that one! Anyhow I had to go get the meds for the parasites and have to give them to her for the next couple of weeks.
The game that Kerry and I were supposed to play yesterday, Rats of Wistar, was postponed until today. We spent a couple of hours yesterday just running through the rules and figuring out how to play and it got late so. . .
I am still listening to Forgotten in Death. I started Letters to Alice by Fay Weldon last night, but only got a couple of pages read before I was just to tired to read any more. I am continuing to read Three Minutes in Poland with its tiny text. I am hopeful of starting River of Doubt today. Beyond that, who knows?
I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!
The game that Kerry and I were supposed to play yesterday, Rats of Wistar, was postponed until today. We spent a couple of hours yesterday just running through the rules and figuring out how to play and it got late so. . .
I am still listening to Forgotten in Death. I started Letters to Alice by Fay Weldon last night, but only got a couple of pages read before I was just to tired to read any more. I am continuing to read Three Minutes in Poland with its tiny text. I am hopeful of starting River of Doubt today. Beyond that, who knows?
I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!
141LizzieD
Oh, poor little Domino. I'm delighted that she doesn't have any of the really, really bad stuff, and hope she's adopted you well enough for you to get her meds in her. You at least have had practice. Keeping a kitten in isolation is likely good for everybody involved except maybe you and Kerry.
I wish you 4+ hours of consecutive sleep tonight - 5 if you can manage it!!!
I wish you 4+ hours of consecutive sleep tonight - 5 if you can manage it!!!
142vancouverdeb
>140 alcottacre: Oh too bad about Domino. At least you have medication for her now and I hope she is free of parasites soon. I'm the blood work was fine, Stasia.
143alcottacre
Finished tonight:
183 - Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb - Audiobook; I very much enjoyed this one as Dallas got to take down a lot of bad guys, including a 105-year-old miserable creature. At the beginning of the book, Dallas is called to a construction site where a homeless woman has been discovered beaten to death. While she is still there, she is called to yet another construction site, this one owned by Roarke, where human remains have been found. Then yet another body is found, which is connected to the first body located. There is a whole lot of sad in this book as there were multiple victims, including the fetus located with his mother's remains, and I think Eve's righteous anger holds her in good stead; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine
183 - Forgotten in Death by J. D. Robb - Audiobook; I very much enjoyed this one as Dallas got to take down a lot of bad guys, including a 105-year-old miserable creature. At the beginning of the book, Dallas is called to a construction site where a homeless woman has been discovered beaten to death. While she is still there, she is called to yet another construction site, this one owned by Roarke, where human remains have been found. Then yet another body is found, which is connected to the first body located. There is a whole lot of sad in this book as there were multiple victims, including the fetus located with his mother's remains, and I think Eve's righteous anger holds her in good stead; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine
144alcottacre
Finished tonight:
184 - Far Rainbow by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky - This read to me almost like 'old school' science fiction. The edition that I have was published in 1979, but I have no idea when it was published in the original Russian. The book is set on the planet Rainbow and a disaster is on the horizon, although the book is almost at the halfway point before we discover this. The first part of the book is rather slow in developing as we are introduced to the characters and to the technology that makes Rainbow run. The book seems to be more psychological than true science fiction, I think, as everyone is trying to decide what they can do with the limited time that they have left. I realize that my thoughts make it sound as if I did not enjoy the book, but I actually did like it, especially the character of Gorbovsky who makes decisions when others cannot seem to; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
184 - Far Rainbow by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky - This read to me almost like 'old school' science fiction. The edition that I have was published in 1979, but I have no idea when it was published in the original Russian. The book is set on the planet Rainbow and a disaster is on the horizon, although the book is almost at the halfway point before we discover this. The first part of the book is rather slow in developing as we are introduced to the characters and to the technology that makes Rainbow run. The book seems to be more psychological than true science fiction, I think, as everyone is trying to decide what they can do with the limited time that they have left. I realize that my thoughts make it sound as if I did not enjoy the book, but I actually did like it, especially the character of Gorbovsky who makes decisions when others cannot seem to; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
145richardderus
>143 alcottacre: Author Robberts deffo does not shy away from dealing out the suffering, does she.
146alcottacre
>145 richardderus: No she definitely does not, RD. Seems like things are going to be just as bad in the future as they are now :)
147alcottacre
Taking a break for a minute to check in here. We just had lunch - I made my Fluffy Vegan Blueberry Pancakes - and are taking a rest for a bit.
We will be trying to squeeze in a game today. We will see how it goes. We ran into technical difficulties the other day with Rats of Wistar, so I think we are going to attempt to play the physical version of the game today.
On the reading front, I started City of Light, City of Poison on audio this morning. I am going to finish Three Minutes in Poland at some point today, I hope. I am continuing on with Letters to Alice and The River of Doubt, which I started last night. I have a couple of other books on my stack to start either today or tomorrow, A Flat Place and Paris Was a Woman. I doubt I will get started on either of them today, but you never can tell.
I hope everyone has a super Saturday!
We will be trying to squeeze in a game today. We will see how it goes. We ran into technical difficulties the other day with Rats of Wistar, so I think we are going to attempt to play the physical version of the game today.
On the reading front, I started City of Light, City of Poison on audio this morning. I am going to finish Three Minutes in Poland at some point today, I hope. I am continuing on with Letters to Alice and The River of Doubt, which I started last night. I have a couple of other books on my stack to start either today or tomorrow, A Flat Place and Paris Was a Woman. I doubt I will get started on either of them today, but you never can tell.
I hope everyone has a super Saturday!
148richardderus
>146 alcottacre: The latest one, Fury in Death, is up for me next month. I expect to be...put through it.
149alcottacre
>148 richardderus: I am sure you will survive, RD.
150alcottacre
Finished tonight:
185 - Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz - Nonfiction; In some ways, this book reminded me of the excellent There Once Was a World by Yaffa Eliach in which she views a shtetl in Poland - all 900 years of its history, until the shtetl is gone with the arrival of the Nazis. In Kurtz's book, he has a mere 3 minutes of film that his grandfather shot on a trip to Europe from the U.S. in 1938. David Kurtz, Glenn Kurtz's grandfather, takes those moments of film in a place, Nasielsk, Poland, where virtually every Jew was killed during the course of WWII, so a moment in time is captured. Glenn Kurtz spends about 4 years of his life tracking down what he can about those few minutes of film and the people in it. He has some remarkable luck and he acknowledges how meeting one person lead to meeting another and so on. I have to admire Kurtz for having the curiosity to investigate the film in the first place - it was part of his family history and he wanted to know more - and then sticking with the investigation into the film and meeting with the people that he could find that could shed some light on the story of Nasielsk and its Jewish community; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine
"Three minutes of film impose a harsh limit on the visible traces of Jewish Nasielsk. . .And yet this single artifact, this slender fact, offered a unique opening onto the life of this town."
185 - Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz - Nonfiction; In some ways, this book reminded me of the excellent There Once Was a World by Yaffa Eliach in which she views a shtetl in Poland - all 900 years of its history, until the shtetl is gone with the arrival of the Nazis. In Kurtz's book, he has a mere 3 minutes of film that his grandfather shot on a trip to Europe from the U.S. in 1938. David Kurtz, Glenn Kurtz's grandfather, takes those moments of film in a place, Nasielsk, Poland, where virtually every Jew was killed during the course of WWII, so a moment in time is captured. Glenn Kurtz spends about 4 years of his life tracking down what he can about those few minutes of film and the people in it. He has some remarkable luck and he acknowledges how meeting one person lead to meeting another and so on. I have to admire Kurtz for having the curiosity to investigate the film in the first place - it was part of his family history and he wanted to know more - and then sticking with the investigation into the film and meeting with the people that he could find that could shed some light on the story of Nasielsk and its Jewish community; Highly Recommended (4.5 stars) Mine
"Three minutes of film impose a harsh limit on the visible traces of Jewish Nasielsk. . .And yet this single artifact, this slender fact, offered a unique opening onto the life of this town."
151jessibud2
>150 alcottacre: - I know I have mentioned it before, Stasia, when you first mentioned reading this, but there is a documentary film of this book (not sure which came first, the book or the doc). I saw the doc and was fascinated and I think I will seek out the book.
152Familyhistorian
>150 alcottacre: Investigating that film sounds like a daunting but worthwhile project. It must have been hard in more ways than one though.
153alcottacre
>151 jessibud2: I really think that you will enjoy the book, Shelley, as Kurtz details what went on as he began and continued his investigation into the 3 minute piece of film.
>152 Familyhistorian: It must have been hard in more ways than one though. Definitely, Meg!
>152 Familyhistorian: It must have been hard in more ways than one though. Definitely, Meg!
154alcottacre
Today is my 'day off' technology. Domino has escaped from her quarantine room and is currently gamboling around on my bed, so I still have entertainment :)
I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!
I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!
155jessibud2
I will definitely seek out the book, Stasia. But see if you can somehow find the doc as well. I am definitely interested in back stories but in the doc, you get to see the actual film footage and he uses that throughout to advance the stories of what he finds. Riveting stuff, honestly.
156LizzieD
>150 alcottacre: That sounds interesting to me too, but I'll skip it for now.
Thinking about Himalayas, as I am, makes me want to ask (again?) whether you read my book of the decade, Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest. It's top of the line for all 3 stated subjects and geography, geology, biology, and human culture.
I step off my soapbox and hope you're having a good day of rest!
Thinking about Himalayas, as I am, makes me want to ask (again?) whether you read my book of the decade, Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest. It's top of the line for all 3 stated subjects and geography, geology, biology, and human culture.
I step off my soapbox and hope you're having a good day of rest!
157alcottacre
>155 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley, I will see if I can track down a copy of the complete documentary. I did see snippets of something on YouTube but it was certainly not the entire doc.
>156 LizzieD: I have read Davis' book, Peggy, and I very much enjoyed it!
I am having a good day of rest - and reading :)
>156 LizzieD: I have read Davis' book, Peggy, and I very much enjoyed it!
I am having a good day of rest - and reading :)
158alcottacre
Finished this afternoon:
186 - Letters to Alice by Fay Weldon - I bought this book back in 2023 when Weldon passed away because I had never read any of her stuff and since I had just finished my read through of Austen in 2022, this seemed like a good pick - and then I never got around to reading it until now. I really wish I had read the book back when I had originally purchased it because I think reading it in closer proximity to my Austen reads would have been of benefit. That being said, I really did not struggle through the book at all. I absolutely loved the first letter in the book, "The City of Invention," in which Weldon describes Literature (yes, with a capital L). Unfortunately for me, the rest of the book went downhill from there - not as in a precipitously downhill slide, just not nearly as good for me as the first chapter was. BTW - there is no Alice. The letters are to a nonexistent niece. This was an enjoyable read overall and I look forward at some point in future to read it hand-in-hand with Austen; Recommended (3.75 stars) Mine
186 - Letters to Alice by Fay Weldon - I bought this book back in 2023 when Weldon passed away because I had never read any of her stuff and since I had just finished my read through of Austen in 2022, this seemed like a good pick - and then I never got around to reading it until now. I really wish I had read the book back when I had originally purchased it because I think reading it in closer proximity to my Austen reads would have been of benefit. That being said, I really did not struggle through the book at all. I absolutely loved the first letter in the book, "The City of Invention," in which Weldon describes Literature (yes, with a capital L). Unfortunately for me, the rest of the book went downhill from there - not as in a precipitously downhill slide, just not nearly as good for me as the first chapter was. BTW - there is no Alice. The letters are to a nonexistent niece. This was an enjoyable read overall and I look forward at some point in future to read it hand-in-hand with Austen; Recommended (3.75 stars) Mine
159alcottacre
Finished tonight:
187 - The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Nonfiction; This was a reread for me - I originally read the book about 20 years ago, so it has been a while - and I was very glad to revisit this one as it is an excellent debut book. Millard takes the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s unexpected trip into the heart of Brazil to navigate a river called The River of Doubt, which had been previously unexplored. The adventure turns out to be more than anyone expected as men (including Roosevelt's son, Kermit) fall ill, die, and end up in circumstances no one expected. Even Roosevelt (my second favorite President since childhood) and his well known hearty physique fail as he himself almost died on the expedition. A thumping good tale! My one reservation on the book is that at points Millard goes on a bit, as if showing everything she knows rather than sticking to the story itself, but that is a very small quibble; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine
"Roosevelt was about to become an explorer in the truest, and most unforgiving, sense of the word. It was an opportunity he had dreamed of from his earliest childhood. Now, however, he realized that he would be called on to pay the full cost of his ambitions - and he found himself gravely unprepared for what might lie ahead."
187 - The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - Nonfiction; This was a reread for me - I originally read the book about 20 years ago, so it has been a while - and I was very glad to revisit this one as it is an excellent debut book. Millard takes the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s unexpected trip into the heart of Brazil to navigate a river called The River of Doubt, which had been previously unexplored. The adventure turns out to be more than anyone expected as men (including Roosevelt's son, Kermit) fall ill, die, and end up in circumstances no one expected. Even Roosevelt (my second favorite President since childhood) and his well known hearty physique fail as he himself almost died on the expedition. A thumping good tale! My one reservation on the book is that at points Millard goes on a bit, as if showing everything she knows rather than sticking to the story itself, but that is a very small quibble; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine
"Roosevelt was about to become an explorer in the truest, and most unforgiving, sense of the word. It was an opportunity he had dreamed of from his earliest childhood. Now, however, he realized that he would be called on to pay the full cost of his ambitions - and he found himself gravely unprepared for what might lie ahead."
160Kristelh
>159 alcottacre:. This is one I really liked and it has stayed with me. She's a great researcher, I think.
161msf59
Happy Monday, Stasia. Hooray for River of Doubt. I am a big fan of Millard and I love T.R. stories.
BIG series win against the Brewers yesterday. Just what the team needed. Not let's keep it going on this homestand. I am going to the Cubs/Cards game on Friday.
BIG series win against the Brewers yesterday. Just what the team needed. Not let's keep it going on this homestand. I am going to the Cubs/Cards game on Friday.
162alcottacre
>160 Kristelh: I have read a couple of Millard's books, Kristel, and I agree - she is a great researcher.
>161 msf59: Ah, I wish I was going to the game too, Mark! I am jealous. Yes, it was a great series win against the Brewers. It seems like the team is heating up again. Let's hope they stay hot!
>161 msf59: Ah, I wish I was going to the game too, Mark! I am jealous. Yes, it was a great series win against the Brewers. It seems like the team is heating up again. Let's hope they stay hot!
163alcottacre
We have already been out and about today running errands and then came back to work on chores. Lunch is now done too and I am currently waiting for Catey to call.
Kerry and I will be playing The Order of the Gilded Compass today, a fast playing, dice rolling game. Up until we brought it to the table last week, it had been years since we played the game so we are going to play it over the next few weeks to determine if we want to keep it in the collection.
I am still listening to City of Light, City of Poison, which I am hoping to finish by tomorrow since it is one of my June TIOLI challenges. I am also hoping to finish The Witches of Karres and Paris Was a Woman today for the same reason. I should be able to finish A Flat Place, which I started yesterday, by tomorrow.
I hope you all have a marvelous Monday!
Kerry and I will be playing The Order of the Gilded Compass today, a fast playing, dice rolling game. Up until we brought it to the table last week, it had been years since we played the game so we are going to play it over the next few weeks to determine if we want to keep it in the collection.
I am still listening to City of Light, City of Poison, which I am hoping to finish by tomorrow since it is one of my June TIOLI challenges. I am also hoping to finish The Witches of Karres and Paris Was a Woman today for the same reason. I should be able to finish A Flat Place, which I started yesterday, by tomorrow.
I hope you all have a marvelous Monday!
164alcottacre
Finished this evening:
188 - Paris Was A Woman by Andrea Weiss - Nonfiction; Although she does not go in depth into all of the women she discusses in this book, Weiss does give wonderful word pictures of them, the women 'literati' of the West Bank prior to WWII. She gives the reader wonderful visuals as well - which I love because I like to see the people being written of - including not only pictures, but paintings as well. Despite reading a bit on this period in time in Paris and knowing that Hemingway, Joyce, Fitzgerald, etc were there, I knew very little of the women who were there. Weiss fills in a lot of those blank spaces for me; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine
188 - Paris Was A Woman by Andrea Weiss - Nonfiction; Although she does not go in depth into all of the women she discusses in this book, Weiss does give wonderful word pictures of them, the women 'literati' of the West Bank prior to WWII. She gives the reader wonderful visuals as well - which I love because I like to see the people being written of - including not only pictures, but paintings as well. Despite reading a bit on this period in time in Paris and knowing that Hemingway, Joyce, Fitzgerald, etc were there, I knew very little of the women who were there. Weiss fills in a lot of those blank spaces for me; Recommended (4.25 stars) Mine
165alcottacre
Finished tonight:
189 - The Witches of Karres by James Schmitz - This is one of those books that is just plain fun. It is an old-fashioned space opera (originally published in 1966) about a space captain who soon finds himself down on his luck and with the custody of 3 witches, the oldest of whom is 14, who need to be returned home. Needless to say, a lot of stuff happens in the course of the book as the captain struggles with the witches themselves, legal issues, Worm World, etc on his way to making good. Thanks again, Susan, for the recommendation of this one!; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
Now to track down more books in the series. . .
189 - The Witches of Karres by James Schmitz - This is one of those books that is just plain fun. It is an old-fashioned space opera (originally published in 1966) about a space captain who soon finds himself down on his luck and with the custody of 3 witches, the oldest of whom is 14, who need to be returned home. Needless to say, a lot of stuff happens in the course of the book as the captain struggles with the witches themselves, legal issues, Worm World, etc on his way to making good. Thanks again, Susan, for the recommendation of this one!; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
Now to track down more books in the series. . .
166vancouverdeb
Wow! 189 books , Stasia. I have read 42 books, and think I am doing well so far this year. Glad you enjoyed old fashioned space opera. I don't read Sci -Fi much at all, but I glad it was good fun. Just what most of us want in a book.
167alcottacre
>166 vancouverdeb: It is funny, Deborah, because when I was a teenager, I was really into sci fi but then I got more into mysteries and romances. When I started on LT, my friend Carolyn (MusicMom) and I started reading science fiction together. When I went back to school, I did not read a lot at all, so sci fi went by the wayside again. A couple of years ago, I decided to get back into science fiction - again.
168alcottacre
Laundry is on and going this morning and I will be starting lunch shortly - Kidney Bean Casserole - but my priority for today is finishing my June books. I have a lot of stuff that I will be doing later tonight to wrap the month up too.
Kerry and I will be playing Merchants of the Dark Road today, which is a big game and will take us a while to play. We tried it for the first time last week and still have a lot to learn!
I am still listening to City of Poison, City of Light which I will be finishing today - I have less than an hour to go. I will also be finishing A Flat Place as my last June read. I started on one of my July reads last night, Pandora's Jar for the monthly British Authors challenge and I am liking it thus far. I am hoping to start on The Rector of Justin and America on Fire tonight. We will see as it is a busy day here!
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
Kerry and I will be playing Merchants of the Dark Road today, which is a big game and will take us a while to play. We tried it for the first time last week and still have a lot to learn!
I am still listening to City of Poison, City of Light which I will be finishing today - I have less than an hour to go. I will also be finishing A Flat Place as my last June read. I started on one of my July reads last night, Pandora's Jar for the monthly British Authors challenge and I am liking it thus far. I am hoping to start on The Rector of Justin and America on Fire tonight. We will see as it is a busy day here!
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
169alcottacre
My first miracle baby, Beth, turns 37 years old today. It is so hard for me to believe!
170richardderus
>168 alcottacre: The Rector of Justin! I never cease to be amazed that Auchincloss survives in the US 21st century. He's almost relentlessly a midcentury-modern sensibility. I'll be eager to see how it hits you.
Wednesday *smooch*
Wednesday *smooch*
171LizzieD
Happy Birthday to Beth!!!! (38? AMAZING!!!) Happy Beth's Birthday to you and Kerry!!!! You did a great job!
I'm surprised that I still have Auchincloss's books on my shelves too. I have him and Fay Weldon and Muriel Spark and William Maxwell on my read-soon list, and I never get to them. You know.
I'm surprised that I still have Auchincloss's books on my shelves too. I have him and Fay Weldon and Muriel Spark and William Maxwell on my read-soon list, and I never get to them. You know.
172quondame
>169 alcottacre: Happy Birthday to Beth! It is always a wonder and a puzzle.
173atozgrl
>169 alcottacre: Happy birthday to Beth! Time flies, doesn't it?
174alcottacre
>170 richardderus: I have owned the book for years, Richard, and am finally going to get it read, thanks to Jonathan Yardley's mention of it in his Second Reading. We will see how it goes!
>171 LizzieD: No, she is only 37, Peggy. Don't make me feel any older than I already do! Lol
Yes, I do know.
>172 quondame: Yes, it is, isn't it, Susan?
>173 atozgrl: Wow, it sure does, Irene!
>171 LizzieD: No, she is only 37, Peggy. Don't make me feel any older than I already do! Lol
Yes, I do know.
>172 quondame: Yes, it is, isn't it, Susan?
>173 atozgrl: Wow, it sure does, Irene!
175alcottacre
Finished this evening:
190 - City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker - Audiobook; This is one of those books that I have had on my shelf forever and I finally got around to reading the audio version. I wish that I could say that I liked it more than I did. However, there was one really big disappointment for me in the book and that is wrapped up in the subtitle "and the First Police Chief of Paris." For being so named, there is relatively little about La Reynie in the book. He is there, just not as prominent as I had hoped. And, oh my goodness, the number of people talked about! I had a hard time, especially in audio format, of keeping track of who was whom. That being said, it is obvious the amount of research that Tucker put into the book, although I could definitely have lived with less descriptions of the torture, which happens repeatedly. It certainly is an interesting bit of French history; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine
190 - City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker - Audiobook; This is one of those books that I have had on my shelf forever and I finally got around to reading the audio version. I wish that I could say that I liked it more than I did. However, there was one really big disappointment for me in the book and that is wrapped up in the subtitle "and the First Police Chief of Paris." For being so named, there is relatively little about La Reynie in the book. He is there, just not as prominent as I had hoped. And, oh my goodness, the number of people talked about! I had a hard time, especially in audio format, of keeping track of who was whom. That being said, it is obvious the amount of research that Tucker put into the book, although I could definitely have lived with less descriptions of the torture, which happens repeatedly. It certainly is an interesting bit of French history; Guardedly Recommended (3.5 stars) Mine
176alcottacre
My last book for June:
191 - A Flat Place by Noreen Masud - Nonfiction; This book first came to my attention when it was on the inaugural 2024 Women's Prize for Nonfiction Longlist and then when I saw Caroline's excellent review of the book (https://www.librarything.com/work/28955970/reviews/278790639), I knew I needed to get a copy. I am glad that I did as I could relate to the author and her struggle with cPTSD. Masud was raised in Pakistan until she was 15 years old and moved to Scotland. She had a Pakistani father and a British mother. She suffered abuse from her father and her mother was ineffectual at stopping it - I know exactly how this feels - and so, from an early age, Masud developed cPTSD. The book is not only an autobiography though, but one of nature writing as Masud relates her love of flat places (primarily in Britain) to how she deals with the trauma she suffered in her childhood. I did not love this book like Caroline did - she gave it 4.5 stars to my 4 - and I suspect part of that is just because the book became uncomfortable to me in parts as Masud details the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
191 - A Flat Place by Noreen Masud - Nonfiction; This book first came to my attention when it was on the inaugural 2024 Women's Prize for Nonfiction Longlist and then when I saw Caroline's excellent review of the book (https://www.librarything.com/work/28955970/reviews/278790639), I knew I needed to get a copy. I am glad that I did as I could relate to the author and her struggle with cPTSD. Masud was raised in Pakistan until she was 15 years old and moved to Scotland. She had a Pakistani father and a British mother. She suffered abuse from her father and her mother was ineffectual at stopping it - I know exactly how this feels - and so, from an early age, Masud developed cPTSD. The book is not only an autobiography though, but one of nature writing as Masud relates her love of flat places (primarily in Britain) to how she deals with the trauma she suffered in her childhood. I did not love this book like Caroline did - she gave it 4.5 stars to my 4 - and I suspect part of that is just because the book became uncomfortable to me in parts as Masud details the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father; Recommended (4 stars) Mine
177LizzieD
>174 alcottacre: Ooops! Typo, Stasia, you young thing you!
178vancouverdeb
>136 alcottacre: Happy Birthday to Beth,Stasia! My youngest turned 36 this year.
This topic was continued by Alcott Acre's Home, Room 7.
