Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Happy Thursday!!

We are getting lots of rain and my grass is growing so fast. This mild winter we had means my struggling little dogwood tree (which is on the edge of its winter hardiness here) is in full glory, I've never seen so many blossoms on it!!

Today is the day I go get my college kid and bring her home for the summer! I can't believe next year is her final year - it seems like she just started there.



Admin stuff

The July group read will be Crying in H Mart.

Nomination poll for August (for book about dragons) is open:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

Let us know if you'd like to lead discussion for July, July, August (or future months).



This week I finished 1 book, not for any Challenge category.

Funny Story by Emily Henry - I LOVED this book, it was easily my favorite of all of Henry's adult novels, but I see a lot of reviews saying "yeah this was ok but I liked [her other book] more" which is just so odd to me. I guess I'm NOT aligned with the masses.



Popsugar 74% 37 /50
Must Reads 60% 6 /10
AtY 63% 33 /52
Year 35%





Question of the Week
Is there a book you think would make a great movie?



So many books are being made into movies (and series) these days!! Is there a book that you are hoping to see on the (big or small) screen?


I think we need more great rom-coms, and we need Ryan Gosling to star in them, so I'd love to see a movie version of Funny Story made with him as Miles.

I've really lost my reading mojo. Just feeling a bit mentally blah and having trouble focusing on anything.

We did go for afternoon tea at the Bournemouth Hilton's Sky Bar. Tiny cakes were top notch, and it's a pretty good view of the town. Though I did get a bit dizzy when I went outside to look (probably all the blood was busy working through the food I was full of!).

I did finish Dying with Her Cheer Pants On by Seanan McGuire for a book about women athletes and ATY (on my TBR for more than a year). This was a fun set of interconnected stories about a cheerleading squad who continually save their town from supernatural evil. Most the fighting of evil happens off page. Had a lot of Buffy vibes to it.

Currently reading Elusive and listening to A Power Unbound. I don't want to look how far behind I am on challenges!

QOTW:
I'd like to see Sylvain Neuvel's Take Them to the Stars series turned into a TV show.

I don't think a lot of the books I read would make good adaptations though. I do remember thinking Leave the World Behind might work better as a film, and I was right. I much preferred the film to the book!

Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week I’ve had a rather forceful reminder of how important it is to take care of your mental health. I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD back in 2017, and it has been a roller coaster of an experience ever since the diagnosis. Some days I do great managing my symptoms, and other days the OCD pretty much manages me.

Over the past few months, I’ve really been struggling to deal with my symptoms, but things got really bad this week. I am feeling almost completely out of control when it comes to resisting compulsions (especially hand washing), and my executive functioning is almost nonexistent. I’m doing a lot of sleeping, mostly to avoid dealing with the OCD, but also because I’ve just been feeling really down.

I did make an appointment for this coming Wednesday with a psychiatrist that my therapist recommended, to talk about medication options. I know that medication won’t take away the OCD, but the right one could at least make the symptoms more manageable, so I am really looking forward to the appointment.

If you wouldn’t mind, I’d really appreciate good vibes and prayers as I finish out this week. Thanks!

On the plus side, it has been a great reading week! I’ve had a chance to read several fantastic books, and even finished a book that I’ve been reading since the beginning of the year.

The biggest challenge that I’m facing reading-wise is that all of my library holds came in at the same time. I now have a stack of 8 books to get through before June 4th. Oops!

Here are my current challenge and TBR totals…

Goodreads Challenge: 193/200
Mount TBR Challenge: 83/150

📚Physical TBR: 50
📱Ebook TBR: 33
🎧Audiobook TBR: 0
TBR Checklist Total: 83

I did not buy any new books this week!

“New” Books Bought in 2024: 128
“New” Books Read in 2024: 104

Finished Reading (Fiction):
~The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1001 Nights, Volume 1 — It’s taken me a little over four months, but I have finally finished this book! The first volume of The Arabian Nights was interesting, and considerably more adult than I was anticipating after watching Hallmark’s mini-series adaptation. I did enjoy many of the stories included in this volume, but I was not impressed with the way women were depicted throughout the narrative. I currently have two volumes remaining, but I think I will save them for a later date. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book includes misogyny, rape, underage sex, torture/beatings, mutilation (including castration), slavery, incest, depictions of war, and references to suicide. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
~A Closed and Common Orbit — This is the second book in the Wayfarer’s series. I’m so glad I decided to continue reading this series, because I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and loved the characters. Content Alert: (view spoiler)[ This book does include depictions of child abuse/slavery, as well as multiple animal deaths (Feral dogs are killed for food, and out of self-defense.). Some of the characters in this book are also dealing with anxiety and grief, and one character experiences a panic attack while in a public place. (hide spoiler)] 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Nonfiction):
None

Finished Reading (Manga, Comic Books, & Graphic Novels):
This week I continued reading the Garfield comic series. I am having so much fun reading this series! The books I finished this week include…
~Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack #4 — This book includes volumes 10-12 (Garfield Makes it Big, Garfield Rolls On, and Garfield Out to Lunch). 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack Vol 5. — This book includes volumes 13-15 (Garfield Food for Thought, Garfield Swallows His Pride, and Garfield Worldwide). 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack, vol. 6 — This book includes volumes 16-18 (Garfield Rounds Out, Garfield Chews the Fat, and Garfield Goes to Waist). 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Garfield Fat-Cat 3-Pack, Volume 7 — This book includes volumes 19-21 (Garfield Hangs Out, Garfield Takes Up Space, and Garfield Says A Mouthful). 📚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Reading (Poetry and Drama):
None

DNFed:
None

Currently On A Break:
I am no longer taking a break from any books! Yay!

Currently Reading:
~The Complete Works of William Shakespeare — I am currently a few acts into King Richard II. My plan moving forward is to try and read one play per week. 📚
~Record of a Spaceborn Few — This is the third book in the Wayfarers series. I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m really enjoying the story. 📚
~Zodiac — This true crime book about the Zodiac killer has been fascinating so far. I'm currently about a third of the way through, and should finish it over the weekend. 📚

QOTW:
I would really enjoy seeing a movie adaptation of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

I also think The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise would make a great movie.

Happy Thursday!

This week marks the end of another semester at college. Whoo, I have a summer off! Just two more years to go...

I should use the summer to work on writing or whittle down my To-Read list. I'll probably spend it writing fanfic and re-watching Jojo's Bizarre Adventure though, haha...

Books read this week:

The Truth About Martians -- a middle-grade novel about the UFO crash at Roswell. Fun mix of science fiction and historical fiction, with a poignant message about grief and hope as well.

Road of Bones -- one of the blandest horror novels I’ve ever read. Not even any real scares to be had. The Siberian mythology was interesting, but the book should have leaned harder into it.

The Tao of Pooh -- a playful look at Taoism through the original Winnie the Pooh stories. Even if you don’t agree with all the tenants of Taoism, this was cute and thoughtful.

Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma -- surprisingly nuanced look at cancel culture, and what we do with the creations of artists who turn out to be awful people.

PopSugar Challenge -- FINISHED

Robot Librarian Challenge -- 32/32
Robot Librarian Advanced Challenge -- 10/10
Robot Librarian Non-Fiction Challenge -- 5/10

Extreme Book Nerd Challenge -- 38/50
Extreme Book Nerd Advanced Challenge -- 9/10
Extreme Book Nerd Non-Fiction Challenge -- 6/10

DNF:

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation -- maybe this was funny when it was first published, or if you like British humor… but it just didn’t click with me.

Currently reading:

The Library Book
Babel
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
Every Rising Sun

QOTW:

Neal Shusterman's Scythe books would make a pretty good trilogy, maybe something in the vein of The Hunger Games or Divergent. It probably won't happen, though -- I think Hollywood burned itself out on "YA dystopian books turned into movie franchises" after some of its attempts to copy Hunger Games' success crashed and burned.

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week I’ve had a rather forceful reminder of how important it is to take care of your mental health. I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD back in 2017, and it has bee..."



Best wishes finding some better solutions wiht your dr!

Happy Thursday! I officially opened 'garden season' today. Cleaned our lounge set. And now I'm enjoying the great weather outside by reading in our garden.

K.L.: all the best from over here. Glad you find some comfort in books. Books always are a good medicine.

PS: 12/50
FNL: 19/40
Total: 26/52

Finished
The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America by Timothy Snyder ⭐⭐⭐
Difficult but necessary read. And still very actual.

The Lost History of Stars by Dave Boling ⭐⭐⭐
FNL #24
A teenage girl describes her life in a concentration camp in South Africa during the Boer War.

Kruiden, kokkels en kippen by Louise O. Fresco ⭐
FNL #3
Essay written for ‘History Month’ 2023 in the Netherlands. About science as a journey. It lacked urgency.

Currently reading
The Rooster House: My Ukrainian Family Story by Victoria Belim

QOTW
Uhm... everything by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Nadine in NY wrote: "Funny Story by Emily Henry - I LOVED this book, it was easily my favorite of all of Henry's adult novels, but I see a lot of reviews saying "yeah this was ok but I liked [her other book] more" which is just so odd to me. I guess I'm NOT aligned with the masses."

I agree with you. I'm almost done (about 30 pages to go), and I'm loving it! "Happy Place" was awful. I also agree that we need more rom-coms. Emily Henry's books could be easily adapted to the screen.

Could we put Simu Liu in a rom-com? I'm just a little bit obsessed with him.

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week I’ve had a rather forceful reminder of how important it is to take care of your mental health. I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD back in 2017, and it has bee..."

It sounds like you are taking all the right steps. I really hope you get the help you need.

Nadine in NY wrote: "Happy Thursday!!

We are getting lots of rain and my grass is growing so fast. This mild winter we had means my struggling little dogwood tree (which is on the edge of its winter hardiness here) is..."

I have not read Funny Story yet. My favorite Emily Henry so far is Book Lovers. Curious to see if Funny Story will replace it.

Happy Thursday!

2024 Reading Challenges: I’ve read 175 books so far this year with an average length of 329 pages and an average rating of 3.77.

52 Book Club: 40/52 (May Mini-Challenge: 0/3)
ATY: 33/52 (Spring Challenge: 10/12 + Bonus 5/5)
Booklist Queen: 38/52
Diverse Baseline: 13/36
Popsugar: 33/50
Robot Librarian: 38/52
ICYMI Backlist: 4/12

Recently Completed:

Little Fires Everywhere: Reasonable Doubt Book Club. This is a re-read, but it still holds up. There are so many layers to this story! (52 Books #9 – a character-driven novel/Booklist Queen #27 – favorite genre) ★★★★★

The Refrigerator Monologues: A series of linked stories from the points of view of the wives and girlfriends of superheroes, female heroes, and anyone who’s ever been “refrigerated”: comic book women who are killed, raped, brainwashed, driven mad, disabled, or had their powers taken so that a male superhero’s storyline will progress. (Booklist Queen #17 – multiple points of view) ★★★★

Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs: Part travelogue, part culinary history, part capitalist critique. Not as funny as it wants to be. NPR 2023 Books We Love. ★★★

How to End a Love Story (Booklist Queen #36 – a quick read/Diverse Baseline #13 – API author) ★★★★

The Husbands: Lauren returns home and, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. But there’s a problem—she’s not married. She’s never seen this man before in her life. But according to her friends, her much-improved decor, and the photos on her phone, they’ve been together for years. As she tries to puzzle out how she could be married to someone she can’t remember meeting, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb and abruptly disappears. In his place, a new man emerges, and a new, slightly altered life re-forms around her. Realizing that her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, Lauren confronts the question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’ve taken the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and actually start living? (ATY Spring Challenge – 5+ colors on the cover) ★★★★★

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir NPR 2023 Books We Love (52 Books #50 – musical instrument on the cover) ★★★★

Seasonal Work: Stories (ATY Spring Challenge – gray cover) ★★★★

The Clementine Complex: Supposedly humorous caper. I don’t think this is my genre. (ATY #24 – secondary color on cover/Robot Librarian #29 - a car, plane, train, motorcycle, or bicycle on the cover or in the title) ★★★

Small Mercies: Brutal but brilliant. Don’t f*ck with Mary Pat. NPR 2023 Books We Love. (52 Books #26 – hybrid genre: historical/crime/mystery/thriller) ★★★★★

Girl in a Band (Popsugar #44 – autobiography by a woman in rock and roll) ★★★



Currently Reading: I’m getting to the point where many of my choices don’t count for a prompt in any of my challenges.

Divine Rivals (52 Books #15 – part of a duology)
Come and Get It (ATY Spring Challenge – green cover)
The Paris Novel (Robot Librarian #12 – set in France)
Loot (Diverse Baseline #14 – Desi or South Asian author)
Shubeik Lubeik: NPR 2023 Books We Love (ATY Spring Challenge – purple cover)
On Stranger Tides (Popsugar #6 – about pirates)
The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World
The House of Doors NPR 2023 Books We Love (52 Books #15 – nominated for the Booker Prize)
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute (Diverse Baseline #15 – teenage main character written by a BIPOC author)
Funny Story
The Finishing School (52 Books #34 – set in a landlocked country: Switzerland)

It's gorgeous out today. There is such a nice breeze. I hope to sit outside and read later.

Finished:
The House of Doors I loved this book. Although not as much as The Gift of Rain. I wish Goodreads allowed 1/2 stars.
The Berlin Stories for made into a musical. I loved both short stories included in this. The fact that he chose to end Goodbye to Berlin on a chapter about a Jewish family at that time and all that was going on in Germany just made me so happy.
Bright Young Women
This was an excellent reading week with two 5 star and one 4 star book.

Currently reading:
The Night Circus
The Idea of You on audio

QOTW:
Reading The Idea of You right now and can see why someone thought that would make a good movie. The thing is once I have read it I will probably not see the movie. Lately, I have no interest of seeing anything if I have already read the book. Or just no interest in seeing anything, really. I read, watch baseball and Jeopardy. My husband and I are finishing up season 2 of The Bear. Other than that, I just rewatch shows I have seen over and over again. It's so comforting.

Happy Thursday!

Hope you all are doing well. Same old on my end so not much to say.

I have been loving the Hulu series "Under The Bridge".
I'm reading the book too. Godfrey writes in a way that is hauntingly poetic. She doesn't treat the kids like monsters, even though they clearly are, but she treats them with a sort of tragedy and sadness to them because of the lives they lead and what they did.

The show is literally killing me from a shipper standpoint. Lily Gladstone (Cam) and Riley Keough (Rebecca) have such incredible chemistry. I will go down with that ship! I've even started to write fanfic for them.

I do want to finish the book by the end of the month so I have that goal.

*****

Currently Reading (May TBR):

Under the Bridge

Made in Asian America: A History for Young People

Strong Female Character

*****

QOTW:

I'm unsure on this question.

I read a lot of nonfiction and lately there has been some good nonfiction books being turned into movies and shows (Killers of the Flower Moon, Under The Bridge, Origin, Masters of the Air).

I think one book that would be good would be Girl in Pieces . It's triggering as heck, but if done the right way and with respect I can see it helping a lot of people.

I would certainly want more NF books turned into movies or tv shows though.

+++++++😅+++++
My students take their AP test in 3 hours. A bunch of them are here chilling in my class room.

I don't know why this stresses me out so much but it does. Every single year. I guess because we work so hard for 9 months. AP tests are a strange thing, I spend 9 months preparing them for a test that I haven't even seen and they can may or may not get college credit for...

But I did get to finish books this week!

Daisy Jones and the Six:

PS: Unreliable narrators: some characters have differing accounts of the same event
52: N/A
ATY: Book with a number in the title
Robot Librarian: Book adapted into a series


The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh (for a book club)

PS: N/A
52: N/A
ATY: N/A
RL: N/A


QOTW: I have no opinion on this. I agree with Milena above, I really only watch baseball. A lot of book to movie adaptations are disappointing. Though the recent movie American Fiction was a good adaptation of the book Erasure

Happy Thursday!

I am finally replacing my terrible 10-year-old, slow laptop that I use for traveling. I got another older model, but it's much more recent and has an SSD, so it should be faster.

Finished:
Blood Justice by Terry J. Benton-Walker - 4 stars - not for a challenge. This got a lot darker than the first book.

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller - 4 stars - for PopSugar's book recommended by a librarian/Robot Librarian's Newbery Medal winner. I went into this blind and was not expecting it, but this made me cry.

I am currently at 34/50 prompts for PopSugar (30/45 and 4/5).

Currently reading:
The Marquis Who Mustn't by Courtney Milan - for PopSugar's book by a self-published author. I hadn't planned on reading this right now, but I needed a break from the heavy emotions after the end of When You Trap a Tiger before tackling another potentially sad book, so I went with some romance. Milan is pretty reliable for me in the romance department.

Upcoming/Planned:
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi - for PopSugar's book set in a travel destination on your bucket list

All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson - Robot Librarian's essay collection

The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo - Robot Librarian's book from your favorite genre written by a BIPOC author

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean - not currently for a prompt

QOTW:
I think I'd rather see books adapted into a TV series or miniseries, where they have more room to breathe.

I agree about A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, would love to see that adapted as a streaming series or something similar.

Laura, I agree with you, would love to see Simu Liu in a romcom!

Popsugar: 50/50
Robot Librarian: 52/52!
Ultimate: 14/25

I've gotten so many books in the past month, that I've decided it's time for another book fast. Five days into it, I'm already grumpy. It's hard to avoid libraries since I work there, but I should avoid bookstores all together while I'm fasting. It's no fun to go to a bookstore if you won't let yourself get anything!

Finished: Imagination and Meaning in Calvin and Hobbes For RL prompt 700's and that finishes off the challenge for me! This was a difficult prompt for me to find something I was interested in, so I was happy when the stars alligned for this book. So good! Five stars!!!

The Creative Act: A Way of Being read for U prompt picked for cover. I don't know what all the hype is. I've read much better books on creativity...

The Wild Robot Escapes this is a precursor to an Ultimate prompt, stand before favorite section and pick a book blindly. I picked The Wild Robot Protects but hadn't read the second one, so wanted to do so, so that there weren't gaps in the story. (BTW, our local library seems to be so bad at keeping full series in the YA section together...)

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal I actually found this really helpful even though it was based largely on work with athletes. Its focus was on needed rest to rejuvenate you for being productive.

Started: The Covenant of Water for Ultimate prompt longer than you usually read. A 700-page clunker, I'm surprised it's as popular as it is. (On the NY Times Bestseller list for something like 36 weeks...) Also reading this for a book club. When I first picked this up, I was not into at all, but now I'm getting involved with the characters. So glad it appears to alternate between two sets of characters rather than 10 different ones!

Architectures of Possibility: After Innovative Writing

Growing Wings on the Way: Systems Thinking for Messy Situations This is a re-read, one of my all-time favorite books using systems thinking for dealing with people. I got too emotionally involved this time analyzing my situation, so had to give it a rest.

QotW: I've always thought it would be fun to make a live-action movie of The Selfish Giant with Liam Neeson as the Giant!

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week I’ve had a rather forceful reminder of how important it is to take care of your mental health. I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD back in 2017, and it has bee..."

Good luck at your appointment! Just remember that what you're dealing with is real and be patient with yourself. Sometimes just getting out of bed is a huge accomplishment! And also staying in bed when you need to is not going to hurt anyone else.

Happy Thursday!

I finally remembered that it was check-in.

Only three weeks left to prep SRP. (Yes, Nadine, I did find Funny Story to let you know about the librarian parts.) I'm still waiting for my pool noodles. I need to cut them down. I have to test my glow-in-the-dark paint. I need to make excavation sand and try it out. I need a clone.

Winter has decided to keep chugging this last week. There have been a couple of nights below 32 degrees and windy cool days. But this weekend the temps will blaze into the 80s.

I haven't been reading much lately. I've fallen behind on the NetGalley books. Sigh.

Goodreads Challenge 307/400
Finished:

Story Hour:
There's Nothing to Do!

Manga:
The Lion and the Bride Vol. 1
The Lion and the Bride, Vol. 2
The Lion and the Bride, Vol. 3
The Maid at my House, Vol. 1
The Maid at my House, Vol. 2
The Maid at my House, Vol. 3
Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke, Volume 1
Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke, Volume 2
Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke, Volume 3

Light Novel:
Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke: Volume 1
Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke: Volume 2
The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power: Forget My Sister! Turns Out I Was the Real Saint All Along! Volume 1
The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power: Forget My Sister! Turns Out I Was the Real Saint All Along! Volume 2

Reading:
Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke: Volume 3

QOTW:

I think that The Apothecary Diaries 01 (Light Novel) (The Apothecary Diaries would be a good movie or tv show. Since it's not fantasy, the historical/murder mystery would be cool to see.

Happy Thursday!

Yesterday was so crazy that I almost missed that today's check-in day. We had thunderstorms, hail, and the potential for tornadoes (I don't know if any have been confirmed) yesterday, with the worst of it right around dismissal time at the school I work at. I love our administration, and they worked hard to be communicative yesterday afternoon as the weather developed, but there was still some confusion at dismissal time about which dismissal procedure we were following. Six kids (that I know of) missed their buses (they were picked up when the buses came back for the "B" group). So, a full day of teaching which is always exhausting, plus a bit of chaos at dismissal time, mixed with my regular weekly tabletop gaming group night (and I'm running an RPG right now for that) and I'm still feeling drained over 12 hours later! Thankfully, though, the sky is clear and the sun is out today and the weather forecast for the rest of the week is looking good.

Despite the craziness of the end of a school year, I've been able to keep steady with my reading.

Completed
Thread and Gone
The Mark on the Door
Honor
The Bluest Eye
The Hidden Harbor Mystery

Not a single one of those was for the Popsugar challenge. This time of year I have to read books I know I can fit into the craziness. Thankfully summer will be here soon!

Currently Reading
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Over Sea, Under Stone
Playing for Freedom: The Journey of a Young Afghan Girl
Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond
The Sinister Signpost

Hopefully that list will thin out soon!

Greetings from a rainy NYC. Actually, I'm happy it's a rainy cold front settling in as the last few days when temps hit 84 and humidity rose were miserable -- and I still have not replaced my window a/c units.

PS - 32/50 ATY - 46/52 I'm actually making a point to read books to knock of prompts in both of these rather than just checking for a prompt after I read a book. I'm down to the very specific prompts - in both those are primarily ones requiring a NF read or one dealing with the number 24 in some way.

Finished:
Murder at Queen's Landing - not used for PS but ATY prompt book #1 similar cover

Murder by Degrees - No PS prompt but ATY prompt book #2 similar cover

Han Solo at Stars' End - my first Star Wars read, for a May the Fourth Buddy Read -- loved it! No prompts
Bookshops & Bonedust - No ATY but used for PS LGBTQ romance

Currently reading:
Dumb Witness - for PS prompt - 24th book published by Agatha Christie and features Poirot
The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper - Not for PS or ATY prompt
Murder in Postscript

QOTW: Any Georgette Heyer book. I long wondered why they have not been, especially given the love of period dramas. Ditto her Golden Age Detective Fiction set in the 1930s. She also has historical fiction. They are crying out to be adapted - have humor, wit, great characters, adventure, many have a rom com feeling. They are better than the Bridgertons. I have to assume that the Heyer estate have them tied up because can't give permission or won't give permission. Heyer famously did not want her books adapted from what I read when I researched this once. I believe there was an adaptation or two while she was still alive (she died in the 2nd half of the 20th Century) and she hated them. We'll have to wait for the copyright to expire and for them to enter the public domain. She started being published in the 1920s though her early ones are not necessarily the ones most beloved and that readers want to see. Most of her most popular beloved ones were not written until the 1960s/70s. Alas, it looks like I will not live long enough to see Frederica or Venetia, my 2 faves, adapted. US Publication release to public domain for literature is anything published in US before January 1, 1929. On January 1, 2025, that date moves ahead one year to January 1, 1930. However, UK has a different public domain date - it's based on 70 years after creator death -- Heyer died in 1974, so not one of Heyer's works will enter the public domain in the UK until 2044. It will be interesting to see if the BBC partners with Hollywood to adapt Heyer works as they become available in the US Public Domain.

J.D. Salinger is another who famously left instructions in his estate about not allowing adaptation of The Catcher in the Rye. Have you ever wondered why this classic beloved teen angst novel has never ever been adapted? That's why. It was first published in serial form in 1945/46, but as a book in 1951. Personally, I hate the book and would never watch an adaptation. I'm in the minority.

Theresa wrote: "Greetings from a rainy NYC. Actually, I'm happy it's a rainy cold front settling in as the last few days when temps hit 84 and humidity rose were miserable -- and I still have not replaced my windo..."

I hated The Catcher in the Rye also. I will happily sit here in the minority with you.

Good afternoon from Columbus! I forgot to update last week so here’s two weeks worth of stuff lol.
My oldest turned 18 on the 4th, what a wildly bittersweet milestone to celebrate as a mom. We have graduation coming up next week. Otherwise I’ve just been really busy because I had to double stuff my schedule to accommodate my clients who would have been due in during my vacation.
My kitten’s broken tail is healing up nicely and has been such a great companion for my other cat. They play all day and love to cuddle. I’m really happy I decided to get a second cat.

Finished:
Weiland; Or the Transformation This was for my classics challenge. This book was sufficiently creepy and weird but also as with most books written in the 1700s, the language makes it hard to stay engaged in the story and it was a bit too long for my liking. But overall I liked that this was the first American gothic novel, and bonus points for Weiland being how most people pronounce my last name lol

Leap of Faith for a book with leap in the title. This was my first Danielle Steel! I’ve grown up with seeing her books on the shelf of every grocery stores small book section, in every library and on the shelf of most of my friend’s mom’s bookshelves. This was something crazy like her 53rd book and it was written in the 90s? Wild. I can see how she puts out so much work, this was a really straightforward story with little flair in the writing style. I enjoyed the story but it’s not something you’re going to have to mull over to understand the complexities, what’s on the page is about as deep as it gets lol. I will probably read more of her books if I’m in need of a palate cleanser.

Eileen for a book about a 24 year old. I know anytime I pick up a book by Ottessa Moshfegh I’m going to be in for an absolutely wild ride while also being made incredibly uncomfortable. And this book hit that mark for sure. The house, her job, her inner thoughts, her relationship with her dad; everything about Eileen was so grimy that I constantly felt the need to take a shower while reading this.

The Reptile Room still working through the series of unfortunate events books with my son at bed time. Nothing to add here other than it was a good book that I enjoyed. My son really got a kick out of the incredibly deadly viper.

Silver Alert: A Novel this was a quick one day read not for a challenge. I saw this at Barnes & Noble, thought the cover was cute and purchased it because the blurb on the back mentioned one of the characters is a manicurist (I do nails too). This was short and sweet, funny and heartwarming but also touches on some heavier topics.

Inherent Vice I guess I’m loosely using this as a pick for a read harder prompt. I decided to give Thomas Pynchon a second chance, my boyfriend really loves his work, I’ve heard good things about the movie adaptation; so despite considering Gravity’s Rainbow as one of the worst things that’s ever happened to me I picked up Inherent Vice. I’m happy to say this book didn’t make me gag a single time, and I actually quite enjoyed the trippy, meandering multiple storylines that wove in and out of each other. I’m hesitant to read another Pynchon but I’m not ruling it out.

Currently Reading:
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible
The Wide Window
Rules of Civility

QOTW:
There are so many books I think deserve a mini series or full blown GoT series treatment. I always end up enjoying that more than movie adaptations. I’d really love to see Sabriel explored as a series, a remake of Neverending Story that’s more faithful to Ende’s vision, Ninth House. Honestly so many lol.

Challenges:
Popsugar - 12/45; 1/5
Read Harder - 11/24
Classics - 4/12
European Tour - 5/10
12 Friends - 12/12
Yearly Goal - 70/150

Milena wrote: "Finished:
The House of Doors I loved this book. Although not as much as The Gift of Rain. I wish Goodreads allowed 1/2 stars. ..."



I JUST started The Gift of Rain!!! It's my second book by him I read Evening Mists last year and LOVED it. I'll get to House of Doors eventually ...

Happy Thursday! This weekend I went with a friend to a local thrift store, and apparently someone in our area has a connection to the book industry, cause we found a bunch of ARCs for $1 each. I know you're not supposed to sell ARCs, but I think charity thrift store get a pass. I picked up I Hope This Finds You Well, Grown Women and Midnight Rooms. My friend got a lot more. I always go to this place when I'm unhauling books, but I don't usually shop while I'm there. I'll have to start looking around more!

Finished:
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety- I really liked this memoir. I didn't really know much about Carter's presidency, and was really surprised by how progressive he was. This was a really calming memoir
-no prompt

The Emperor and the Endless Palace- I don't know how to describe this book, multiple timelines and historical-fiction with fantasy elements, and exploration of queerness. I liked this, but it made me sad- it's like watching a friend screw up their life and you want to grab them and say "why are you doing this??"
-no prompt

A Fate Inked in Blood- I loved this, can't wait for the sequel
-no prompt

Xeni- I liked this more than the first book in the series Rafe- a better balance of character to sexy times. A fun time!
-50 A book that starts with the letter "X"

Currently Reading:
A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy- I heard about this when it came out, and now that it's won the pulitzer I'm finally getting to it. Not an easy read

Funny Story- and then to counterbalance that, I started this. I loved Beach Read, was meh about People We Meet on Vacation, but I"ve heard a lot of great things, and already love Miles, so I'm hopeful!

QotW:
Definitely Counterfeit- it would make such a fun, flashy caper, and I think the twists and turns of the story would fit a movie really well.

Also, a short story from Ted Chaing's collection Exhalation called "Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom." I really loved that story, and the mix of sci-fi with the character study would be great to see on film.

I don't think I checked in last week, so not sure where I left off.

But, basically
I read Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace ... One School at a Time. I so did NOT like it.

Now I'm reading World Without End. I love epics like this.

QOTW: A lot of times I'll watch a movie and think that would make a great book. I don't usually think of it the other way, unless I think a friend of mine who doesn't like to read (I know, definitely psychotic behavior) would like it. And, I remember thinking that for On the Street Where You Live.

I think maybe The Thirteenth Tale would make a pretty cool movie.

Now I have to look at others' answers.

Hi all! My daughter was part of a elementary school concert, so we went to that and now I'm drained, so I figured sitting here checking in is about all I'm up to doing! If this post turns out to be gibberish, someone let me know and I'll fix it!
I got a notice in the mail yesterday that DSS wants me to work 30 hours a week to keep my food stamps. Hello, if I *could* work 30 hours a week I would, and furthermore, if I *did* work that much, I'd make too much to qualify for food stamps!! I called my worker, she hasn't called me back yet. I'm highly irritated, but it's also making me depressed for some reason. Usually, I roll with the punches. Que sera, sera... or at least it will be when I get an answer!!
Supposed to be a yucky weekend weatherwise here. Any US moms in the group have Mother's Day plans? We're staying in and cooking for my MIL.

I've been making some good progress in The Drop, although I'm not even halfway through the book and I think we have both killers identified, so either they're going to be very tricky to catch or there's still some twists lurking!
Also getting through The Woman in the White Kimono. I love these kinds of books. A family secret 50 years in the making is suddenly revealed and totally upends our MC's life, yes please!
Under 11 hours left to listen in Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution! Too many people! But if I try not to keep track of everyone and just let it ride, it's a pretty interesting book. It still takes a lot of brain power even then, so I look forward to my next audiobook being a little less intense.

QOTW: Ugh, Mush Brain can't think right now... I was maybe thinking The Gift of Rain, but I don't remember enough details to know if that would make a good show or movie. Burntown that I just read would probably make a good one, lots of quirky characters. I don't watch much scripted TV either. Lol, I'd probably suggest something that's already been made! Baseball, cooking shows, weather (hope our members are safe from tornadoes and floods!), and I listen to documentaries to fall asleep, those are pretty much my viewing habits.

K.L. wrote: "Happy Thursday, everyone!

This week I’ve had a rather forceful reminder of how important it is to take care of your mental health. I was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD back in 2017, and it has bee..."

Take care, use your coping skills and I hope the new doctor is a good match. A therapist once told me that being depressed or anxious is like being in a basement with no lights on. Medicine can help turn on a light (maybe a small one), but *you* still have to decide and put in the effort to *get out of* the basement. I've always liked the analogy. I hope you can find some medicine that turns on a light for you! ❤️

Erin wrote: "Definitely Counterfeit- it would make such a fun, flashy caper, and I think the twists and turns of the story would fit a movie really well..."




I didn't love that book but I think it would be a fun movie! If they made the protagonist a little bit older, Lucy Liu would be perfect!!

Jennifer W wrote: "Any US moms in the group have Mother's Day plans?..."



I keep forgetting it's Mothers Day this weekend!! My daughters and I go visit a local private garden as part of a fund raiser, have a picnic lunch:
https://www.sycamorehillgardens.com/g...
We've been visiting this garden for at least ten years now (more than that, I think), on Mothers Day, and today I just discovered they've posted a brief history of their land online. It's hard to believe that garden is less than thirty years old!! It seems MUCH more mature. I have definitely noticed changes over the years, and the changes make more sense now that I know how new it all is.


... and then home where they make me dinner & dessert. This year I think I am getting orange cake!

The weather has been kind of up and down this week, with warm temps but also plenty of rain. Fortunately the rain for today got pushed to tonight, and I was able to take advantage of some decent weather to get some spring cleaning done.

Finished:
Cat on the Run in Cat of Death! - Mostly read this because I like the author's picture books. Kids will definitely like it, but it was a little too silly for me.
Always Human - The artstyle is really cute, but the overall story didn't do it for me. It's very clear this started as a webcomic.
Sunny Makes Her Case - I've followed this series since the beginning, and it continues to be good. I like the insights into a 70's childhood, being an 80's kid myself.
Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 1 - After hearing good things about this series for years, I decided to finally check it out. I'm enjoying it so far, and I already have the second volume checked out.
Newbie Fairy - Another one that was a little too silly for my taste, but then I'm not the demographic. But once again, the worldbuilding is a little too little, despite all the footnotes.

Currently Reading:
Ribbon Dance
He Must Go Walk the Woods So Wild
Orbital
In a Not So Perfect World
Fairy Mom and Me

QOTW: I'd love to see American Mermaid turned into a movie or series, just for the meta-ness of it all.

Hello. I'm finally making it on a Thursday!

It's been an interesting week. Now that I got the kid back in school I have developed a sickness. It's weird though because he had a runny nose and a sometimes cough. His doctor prescribed him a nebulizer for asthma, and it is a nightmare trying to get this strong-willed child to do it. As for me, all I got is this weird tickle in my throat (it's not sore) that makes me cough at times and has altered my voice. My voice will crack at times and I'll either whisper out the word or just make this like squeaky noise. I couldn't even sing along to the radio in the car yesterday.

Someone at my job decided that she was going to retire, retire this time so now I am covering three of her stores and next week I may or may not have to cover another persons store since they are also leaving. My boss hired someone new but training can take a while. He said I'll have to cover them for about three weeks. That isn't too bad except that this weekend is Mother's Day (one of our busiest holidays) and all the stores have calls to go in. I have to go in to the Safeway three times this week! I live 20 miles away from that Safeway.

But anyway on to books. I went from an awesome book week last week to a crap week this week. I finished exactly one book and that was last Friday. I have been trying my hardest to read, mostly because I have this book that is due today. I am about halfway thru it now and am going to try renew it at the library later. The last few nights I've been working on a puzzle, instead of reading, after I get my nephew to sleep. That hasn't really helped me get thru this book. But my puzzle's looking good.

2024 Challenges:
Popsugar: 29/50
ATY: 43/52
Robot Librarian: 34/52
A to Z: 22/26
Physical TBR: 0/93
Kindle TBR: 1/118

Goodreads: 55/75

Book Clubs:
PS Monthly: 21/55
Reese: 30/94
Oprah: 11/101
Jenna: 7/65
OSS: 6/39

Finished:
1 finished, 0 Completed Popsugar

Song of the Sea: The Graphic Novel
ATY#42
This was great. Apparently this is an adaptation of a movie. I had never heard of it.

-------
Currently Reading
The Quarter Storm
Family Lore
The Luminous Dead
SPF 40
**Reading with my nephew**
The Fledgling
Growing Feelings: A Kids' Guide to Dealing with Emotions about Friends and Other Kids

DNF
I don't like to do this but, I just can not get into this book.
Zazen
Now, I'll have to find another one word title I have to look up book.

On the Backburner
Libby
Love Warrior

Physical Library Rentals
**Most of these should get read next week in the ATY Mini Read-A-Thon**
The Fox Maidens
The Great Divide
Misfit Mansion
ASAP
A-Okay
Crumbs
Fly by Night
Frizzy
Girl on Fire
Incredible Doom
Lost Time
Silverwing: The Graphic Novel
Speak: The Graphic Novel
Two Tribes
Little Monarchs
A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel

Magazines: (10/143)
Read since last check-in: 0

Question of the Week:
I'm sure there are some but, I can't think of it right now.

Jennifer W wrote: "I got a notice in the mail yesterday that DSS wants me to work 30 hours a week to keep my food stamps. Hello, if I *could* work 30 hours a week I would, and furthermore, if I *did* work that much, I'd make too much to qualify for food stamps!! I called my worker, she hasn't called me back yet...."

Over here if you are single with no dependents you have to work 20 hours a week minimum. It's different if you have kids. I'm guessing that since your disability stuff is up in the air you can't get a waiver/compensation for that? I have friends who are disabled who don't work and get food stamps.

I really wish they would give people more credit for wanting to work and at least trying to still work. Just help them out with some food cause you know they don't make enough to pay bills and buy food.

I had this problem even when I was in college full-time. I had to still work at least 20 hours. So, I had a part-time, and two work-study jobs while going to school full-time.

I too had a notice from DSS on Tuesday in my mail for my 6-month renewal....and it was due THAT DAY!!! So I had to scramble to fill it out and print out my paystubs and go turn it in.
A little more heads up would be nice.

Happy Thursday!

I finished another PS prompt by reading another kids' book. No apologies. I said I'd finish 30 prompts this year, so I need 15 by the end of June. I'm reading 2 that will work and I'm about to start another.

I started another book with my kid - but I told her that I'd like to read Legends and Lattes this month, not have it drag into one chapter a week.

Finished:
The X-Files: Earth Children are Weird
ATY prompt: A science or science fiction book
Popsugar prompt: A book that starts with the letter "X"

Series - 3/12
Nobel laureates - 1/5
Mysteries/Thrillers - 5/13

ATY - 15/45
PS - 11/30

Currently reading:
The Inheritors - 65% done
Henderson the Rain King - 85% done
The Darkest Road- 30% done

Buddy Reads:
Legends & Lattes - 15% done
This Present Darkness - 50% done
Hollow City - 20% done

QOTW: Given how disappointing I find most movies based on books, I can't really think of one.

JessicaMHR wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "I got a notice in the mail yesterday that DSS wants me to work 30 hours a week to keep my food stamps. Hello, if I *could* work 30 hours a week I would, and furthermore, if I *di..."

I also have to do the recertification, I was given a week's notice. I'm going to rage work on that tonight while watching baseball!! The notice about work said that if you have physical health issues that prevent you from working you may be excused and call your worker immediately. Which I did, still haven't heard from her. whomp whomp

To pile on, I just got today's mail and Social Security has again denied my disability claim. I'm going to go beat my head against a deserving wall.

Jennifer W wrote: "To pile on, I just got today's mail and Social Security has again denied my disability claim. I'm going to go beat my head against a deserving wall.."

Social Security is such a pain-in-the-butt. It took my Mom a whole year to get hers approved and by then she was in the hospital dying. So she got paid once before she passed.

I've also heard that they deny everyone at least once. I think it's a power trip.

Milena wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Greetings from a rainy NYC. Actually, I'm happy it's a rainy cold front settling in as the last few days when temps hit 84 and humidity rose were miserable -- and I still have not r..."


Glad to know I'm not only not alone, but it's someone local so we can actually maybe sit and have tea together in our minority if need be!

OMG! Just went to my library to return and renew some books and my hold of Funny Story was in! UGH, now I gotta jump some books because it is only a 7 day loan.

JessicaMHR wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "To pile on, I just got today's mail and Social Security has again denied my disability claim. I'm going to go beat my head against a deserving wall.."

Social Security is such a ..."

OMG, that's awful! I had a training with someone from SS years ago and they admitted that they deny people and make it tedious in the hopes that people give up! Unfortunately for them, none of these disability people that I'm fighting have any idea how tenacious I can be once I set my mind to something!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "Any US moms in the group have Mother's Day plans?..."



I keep forgetting it's Mothers Day this weekend!! My daughters and I go visit a local private garden as part of a fund raiser, have a picnic lunch

... and then home where they make me dinner & dessert. This year I think I am getting orange cake!"

That sounds awesome! Enjoy!!

Happy check-in! I'm looking forward to the ATY read-a-thon but I don't want to start anything that could be used for a vote.
I loved Funny Story but not as much as Book Lovers. I reread it this week to make sure.

Finished Reading:

The Black God's Drums ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY air)
Good characters and interesting magic in this novella.

Book Lovers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Favourite Emily Henry.

A Crime in the Family ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ATY travel)
Battyany is a journalist and looked into to his own family history. His colleague set an article in front of him entitled "Hostess from Hell." His great aunt, a countess in Hungary, hosted a party and 180 Jewish people were murdered. That was his starting point to look into his family's past in Hungary during WWII and afterword. The history was really interesting but the author's therapy sessions were a bit weird. Totally reread Book Lovers alongside this to counteract the sadness.

Spy x Family: Family Portrait ⭐⭐⭐ (ATY less than 2024 ratings)
The author used the character I really dislike in a short story and it was so good.

House of Slaughter, Vol. 4: Alabaster ⭐⭐
I discovered that this series switches off co-authors and the even numbered ones have not been enjoyable but the odd numbered ones have been good.

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 24 ⭐⭐⭐ (PS author's 24th)
Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So close to being done. The last volume is long enough to use in the read-a-thon.

PS 33/50
ATY 34/52
119/200

QOTW:
I too would love Sabriel to be put to screen. Although it probably can't live up to my expectations.

Discovered two new (to me) Lily Gladstone movies!!!!

One of them is called "Certain Women". This one was done in 2016. It stars Lily, Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, and Michelle Williams so I'm literally going to die with such an amazing cast!

Also discovered a 2023 project of Lily's called "The Unknown Country." Don't know what this one is about.

Ever since I saw Lily Gladstone in 'Killers of the Flower Moon' I have become a fan of hers for life. She was absolutely incredible in KOTFM. She does a lot of independent films so her work is kind of hard to find, but slowly and surely I'm starting to find her projects.

I'm currently watching a show with her and Riley Keough called "Under The Bridge" which has been absolutely insane. The chemistry those two women have is fierce and the kid actors are downright terrifying.

Lily Gladstone also has a new independent film coming out this June called "Fancy Dance". I've watched the trailer like 5 times now. It's such a tragic family drama, but from what it looks like, Lily nails it with each scene she's in.

JessicaMHR wrote: "OMG! Just went to my library to return and renew some books and my hold of Funny Story was in! UGH, now I gotta jump some books because it is only a 7 day loan."

I am feeling your pain! I picked up a huge stack of books from my local library on Monday (all holds that came in at the same time), and started reading the first book in the stack yesterday afternoon. Then this morning I got an email from the library...and five more books have come in!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Best wishes finding some better solutions wiht your dr!"

Thanks so much, Nadine! I really appreciate it!

Harmke wrote: "K.L.: all the best from over here. Glad you find some comfort in books. Books always are a good medicine.

Thanks, Harmke! Reading has definitely been a big help this week.

Milena wrote: "It sounds like you are taking all the right steps. I really hope you get the help you need."

Thank you, Milena! I do too!

Doni wrote: "Good luck at your appointment! Just remember that what you're dealing with is real and be patient with yourself. Sometimes just getting out of bed is a huge accomplishment! And also staying in bed when you need to is not going to hurt anyone else."

Thanks, Doni! I'm not always as patient with myself as I need to be, so I definitely appreciate the reminder.

Jennifer W wrote: "Take care, use your coping skills and I hope the new doctor is a good match. A therapist once told me that being depressed or anxious is like being in a basement with no lights on. Medicine can help turn on a light (maybe a small one), but *you* still have to decide and put in the effort to *get out of* the basement. I've always liked the analogy. I hope you can find some medicine that turns on a light for you! ❤️"

Thanks, Jennifer! That's such a great analogy!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Milena wrote: "Finished:
The House of Doors I loved this book. Although not as much as The Gift of Rain. I wish Goodreads allowed 1/2 stars. ..."



I JUST started The Gift of Rain!!! It's my secon..."

Yes, I remember being surprised, as I would have guessed this author is not for you.

Some work schedules have changed recently, which means the afternoons are brutally busy. I’m trying not to complain, because at least the schedule changes were all voluntary and I still have normal hours, but I’m so tired of my workday ending in a mad dash every single day. I’ve been watching more TV lately because reading takes too much energy. I’m binge watching Suits and it’s amazing. But since I am so close to finishing the challenge, I’m trying to make more time on the weekends for reading.

Finished
P is for Peril (a book published 24 years ago). I feel like I missed something very important at the end. I don’t actually know who the killer is! I’m not sure if my attention wandered away from the audiobook or if that was a seriously bizarre ending.

Two Roads (a book about pirates). I wondered how this was going to stay canon because SG-1 and Vala aren’t supposed to meet during the time the book is set. The dual plotlines and near misses were delightful, though.

Reading
The Club (2023 - a book about or set in Hollywood)

A Pocket Full of Rye (a book with “leap” in the title)

QOTW
I’ve stopped wishing my favorites would be made into movies or TV series. It’s always a nice surprise when an adaptation turns out well, but I’ve stopped wishing to see anything on screen because the letdown can be brutal.

Happy Friday! As usual, I am a day late lol. This week I started my container garden: oregano, two kinds of basil, dill, three kinds of pepper, three kinds of tomato. Here's hoping they all survive because we have had so many storms this week.

Finished
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery: really good astronaut memoir; I think I prefer Chris Hadfield's book, but still good

Premeditated Myrtle: very cute middle grade historical mystery! will continue with the series

DNF
Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia: at 20% in I wasn't really feeling it and other people's reviews confirmed for me that it wasn't going to turn around for me

Currently reading
Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool: the part I'm at now I'm learning about commercial yarn dyeing

QOTW
Looking back over my reads from this year, I can't say any stand out as one's that would make a good movie. The Myrtle Hardcastle books might make a good series, like a Murder She Wrote for kids.

Milena wrote: "Yes, I remember being surprised, as I would have guessed this author is not for you. ..."


My theory is that some authors are just SO GOOD that absolutely everyone likes their books, or at least some of their books.