I’m back! I had a wonderful visit with my Mom and sisters, as well as a few other family members. I’ve always referred to my mother’s house as “home”, and one day we talked about that. She has a quilt she made for my grandmother. On one corner, it says, “Home is where the heart is at peace.” That’s definitely my Mom’s house.
It’s also my blog, for me. As my friend, Kaye Wilkinson Barley says, today is Thursday at Lesa’s. Welcome to one of my favorite spots, where we’re all free to talk about books, with some personal stories thrown in.
When I wrote the first two paragraphs, I wasn’t even thinking about the book I’m reading, but those paragraphs are the perfect introduction to Stanley Tucci’s memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food. As I’m writing this, I’ve only read fifty pages, but it’s a delightful combination of memoir, recipes, and stories of food, beginning with his Italian-American family who loved to eat and talk about food. Tucci is an actor, writer, director, and producer. I can tell you the book will produce hunger pangs no matter when you read it, so be careful. It’s a charming account so far.
What about you? I hope you’re at peace. And, I hope you want to share what you’ve been reading this week. We’re all looking for more books to add to our TBR piles. Let’s share!
Still dry and dusty here, but I got some books read.
In The Land Of Dead Horses by Bruce McCandless III; an aging Texas Ranger, in The Wild Bunch era of the west pursues some Mayans, who somehow found a Mayan god-thing in a cave in the desert. The Mayans keep feeding the thing blood. Ironically, The Mayans only lose because they foolishly flee from people, instead of feeding them to the thing. If they wentto a city, Nobody would even notice!
The Rock Hole by Reavis Z. Wortham; My auto-correct hates the author’s name. In 1964 North Texas, you can almost hear Ken Burns tell you that things are changing when somebody is torturing animals to death, and seems to have it in for the family of the local constable. It read almost like To Kill A Mockingbird without a trial but with a more threatening Boo Radley.
Jack Rabbit Smile by Joe Lansdale; It’s pretty much what you’d expect Lansdale to write in 2018 after watching too much news. The second you read there’s a hog farm, you know where everything is going. Lansdale is something of a cult writer, but I’m not in that cult.
Double Wide by Leo W. Banks; It won some awards, but it’s really just another Cartel novel, but it talks about baseball a lot since the protagonist is a former pitcher.
The OC by DP Lyle features another pitcher as a, well, I hesitate to call him a protagonist, so maybe narrator is the best word for Jake Longley. He and his gf visit Orange County, CA and hang out with a female reporter who is being stalked. He spends most of the book watching everyone else work.
Bombshell by Barbara Allan; When Soviet Premier Kruschev takes his ill fated tour, one of the things he wants to do is meet Marilyn Monroe. She overhears a plot to assassinate him, and takes him to Disneyland! The historical details are great, but there’s just not enough story for 281 pages.
You did get some books read, and, as usual, I find your summaries entertaining. Thank you, Glen!
Lesa, I’m tempted by the Stanley Tucci book as well–it’s on my list. Here’s what I finished this week:
Thank you for recommending LIZZIE and DANTE by Mary Bly, about a young woman whose stage 3 cancer diagnosis had left her reluctant to keep fighting the disease. Lizzie is in a remission period, so she allows Grey, her long-time best friend and fellow foster child, to entice her to spend a summer on the Italian island of Elba, along with Grey’s movie-star lover, Rohan. There she gradually becomes transformed by Dante, a much-lauded chef, and his precocious 12-year-old daughter, Etta, neither of whom know about her illness. The lush island, food, music, and the power of passion are everywhere in this beautiful narrative. I adored the sweet love story between LIzzie and Dante, which plays out naturally, along with the unique personalities of Etta, Grey, Rohan, and other characters. Emotions of all kinds run high, but I found the book to be ultimately uplifting and heart-warming.
In Beth Duke’s IT ALL COMES BACK TO YOU, Ronni, a nurse at a senior living facility, has grown to love Violet, a popular resident. Upon Violet’s death, Ronnie learns that Violet has left her a hefty sum of money, on the condition that Ronni will write a book about Violet’s life within one year of her death. The story follows Ronnie as she writes the book and finds a new love, a local police officer. Alternating chapters cover Violet’s life experiences. I read this for a book club, and I found it quite disappointing. Duke’s writing has little to no nuance or depth, there is no character development, and I could find no real reason why “everybody loves Violet.” This was a big miss for me, and most of my fellow book club members agreed.
Having thoroughly enjoyed The Henna Artist, I was happy to pick up its worthy sequel, THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR, the second in a trilogy. It is 1969, and street urchin Malik is now an educated 20-year-old, apprenticed to the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace, and in love with widowed mother Nimmi, who comes from a nomadic tribe. Lakshmi, the protagonist of the previous book, is married to a doctor and is the proprietor of the hospital and clinic’s Healing Garden. When the balcony of a luxurious movie theater collapses on its opening night, causing two deaths and multiple injuries, Malik becomes suspicious of the cause of the collapse and the potential guilty parties. At the same time, there is a gold smuggling operation that threatens the safety of Nimmi and her children, and Lakshmi assists her in a dangerous mission. I was totally engaged by the principal characters and fascinated by the Indian culture and the intriguing plot. I’m looking forward to the third in the series.
If you are a fan (as I am) of Betty White, who is approaching her century birthday in January, BETTY WHITE:100 REMARKABLE MOMENTS IN AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE by Ray Richmond is the book for you. Not a memoir or biography–after all, Betty herself has written three of those–this book showcases the highlights (as selected by the author) of a 70+-year career in show business, accompanied by an abundance of beautiful photographs. Betty started her TV career in 1949 and never looked back. She originated and developed the beloved characters of Sue Ann Nivens on the Mary Tyler Moore show and Rose Nylund on Golden Girls, had her own show(s), and played guest roles on a plethora of others over the years. An abiding animal lover and activist, she interacted with many animals at the LA Zoo and even with Koko the gorilla, and these are some of my favorite vignettes in the book. Other favorites include behind-the scenes descriptions of specific TV episodes in which she appeared, her romance and marriage with Allen Ludden, interviews with her coworkers and celebrity friends, and testimonials to her unsurpassed work ethic and kindness. This book is a celebration of someone who is deservedly hailed a true “national treasure.” (Nov.)
Margie! I’m so glad you loved Lizzie and Dante. It’s just such a special story. I loved it so much, I bought a copy.
The Betty White book looks really interesting. Yes, I love her. My mother loves her. And, she even won a set of luggage on a game show once for one of my aunts. I agree. She is a “national treasure”.
I missed checking in last week. Thursday was…challenging at work, and it slipped my mind to stop by here. Sorry. (Frankly, this whole last week has been challenging, but that’s another matter.)
As I type this, I am currently between books. A few hours ago, I finished MURDER IN AN ENGLISH GLADE by Jessica Ellicott. This is the fifth in a series set in an English village in the 1920’s. Enjoyable, although one plot point/red herring was never fully explained. I think I can work out what was going on, but it would have been nice if it had been wrapped up.
In just a few minutes, I’ll read the first chapter in IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE MURDER by Maria DiRicco, aka Ellen Byron. Looking forward to it very much.
I read the first Ellicott book, Mark, but they never excited me enough to make me pick up any of the other ones. And, I’m behind in reading the Maria DiRicco mysteries. You’ll have to let us know what you thought next week.
Hi Lesa and all Thursday People!
I just didnāt get a chance to post here last week, but I did go back and read everyoneās posts ā this led me to look up Troubled Daughters. Twisted Wives. Needless to say our library system does not have it, but I did find it on Amazon for less than Ā£2 so I might indulge.
Unfortunately my shelf space for books in this house ran out long ago ā I have them stacked up all over the floor, and now, with the advent of the four legged fiend, those stacks are quickly becoming avalanchesā¦.
For yes, we collected our kitten last Saturday. He is a lilac point Siamese and is 4 months old (not 6 months, as I had previously thought.) We have changed his name from Oliver to Charlie Parker ā though our daughters were not without suggestions that ranged from Costello to Rum & Eigg (the latter being two small Scottish islands, though why Anna thought we could call one cat two names is indeed a question.)
Although Gracie, our last Siamese, only died 5 months ago, she was of course very old ā itās a long time since we had a kitten, and my goodness, you do forget what little powerhouses they are! Charlie is either flying round the house and up and down the stairs at 100mph, eating (he has a huge appetite), sleeping (occasionally..) or putting his nose into things that are none of his business. He is hilarious and very cute. He has also achieved something that I had singularly failed with, ie persuaded my husband to order a bracket to put our TV onto the wall. Iād been asking for this for months, but when David saw Charlie climbing up the screen and swinging from the top, he at last decided the time had come. Bracket arrived last night and I presume will go up at the weekend (if not before…)
So what with that and running up and down to Edinburgh yet again (and also making a side visit from Edinburgh to Glasgow to deliver all my avocado plants to our younger daughter before Charlie demolished themā¦) reading has been thin on the ground this week.
I am working my way through Paula Flynnās new biography of Barbara Pym – THE ADVENTURES OF MISS BARBARA PYM – which I had put off for a while as I really wasnāt sure that Pym would have wanted anyone to dig as deep as this has ā but a friend pointed out that Pym did, after all, donate all of her papers and diaries to the Bodleian Library at Oxford, knowing that they could therefore be seen by anyone who asked, so I felt less concerned after that.
So far I am up to Pymās last term at Oxford and her visits to 1930s Germany. Her previous biographer, her friend and literary executor Hazel Holt, skimmed over Pymās sexual exploits as a student, but Flynn shows us that this writer, who was later to come to be seen as the epitome of upper middle class spinsterdom, had a pretty wild time, with many lovers ā sometimes several at the same time ā and as much time spent daydreaming about them (especially Henry Harvey, who never really returned her affections and used her mercilessly, and on whom she based the ridiculous Archdeacon in Some Tame Gazelle) as reading the Elizabethan poets.
Her visits to Germany are also eye-opening; Flynn draws parallels between Pym and Unity Mitford, in that both were bowled over by pre-war Nazi Germany, and both greatly admired Hitler. Pym even had a minor affair with an SS officer. Flynn concludes, probably correctly, that she was in fact extremely naĆÆve and just did not see what was going on right under her nose in Germany.
And thatās as far as Iāve got. Itās a very easy read and really does shed new light on the author I thought I knew so well.
I probably already mentioned that I was re- reading Amanda Crossās THE QUESTION OF MAX for my friend Simonās 1976 Club. I enjoyed it ā I always seem to find something new if I re-read an Amanda Cross, and I wonder if that is not so much that I didnāt notice whatever it is the first time, or that it just didnāt resonate with me at that particular period of my life. This time what stood out was Kate Fanslerās growing ennui with the lack of morals in public life (what would she think now?). Watergate is in the background. As Anna said, how tame that seems today.
When I was going through my bookshelves in Edinburgh I came across one of my old Doreen Tovey books CATS IN THE BELFRY. I havenāt read any of these books for many years and wondered if Iād now find them twee, but I started flipping the pages and straight away wanted to read more about Doreen, her husband Charles (real name Rene), her eccentric Aunt Louisa, their assorted neighbours, and of course her Siamese cats (also her donkey, a tortoise, and a resident squirrel named Blondin.) Theyāre very funny, charming books, mainly about Doreen and Charlesās life in their Somerset cottage. Doreen eventually became president of the Siamese Cat Club, a role she kept until her death in 2008.
On television we are enjoying the new Great British Bake Off series, though the challenges just get more and more difficult. This week it was a multi-layered bavarois encased in a ?joconde case (this is apparently some kind of sponge) ā and the case had to have some sort of interesting pattern stencilled onto it prior to baking (eg one contestant did the Liverpool skylineā¦) I get thatās itās a competition, but really, if I wanted a cake like that Iād get myself to Maison Valerie. I could never make one, and even if I could, I wouldnāt ā all that effort just for something to disappear down peopleās throats.
We also finished the second and last series of Fleabag, which we loved ā but please donāt watch it if you are easily offended, as it is full of swearing and sex ā though I rush to add that this was not its attraction for us! The story is excellent, the actors are all first class, much of it is very funny, and yet underneath it all there is real tragedy.
Phoebe Waller Bridges really is a such a good writer (she also takes the lead role.) She had a lot of input into the new James Bond film, which Anna and her partner went to see last week ā they pronounced it 5*. From what I have read Waller Bridges was brought in to bring in far more nuance and far less sexism, and Anna says it worked. It is the last time Daniel Craig will play Bond.
A new adaptation of The Darling Buds of May has just started. There is a lot of predictable resistance to it, as the old series with David Jason, Pam Ferris and Catherine Zeta Jones is still so well-loved. I couldnāt make my mind up about the first episode. Bradley Welsh and Joanna Scanlon are very good as Pop and Ma Larkin (indeed Scanlan could almost be Pam Ferris), but I wasnāt too sure about the new Mariette. I get annoyed when people write off a new adaptation just because itās not exactly the same as the old one (what would be the point of that?) ā as happened, for example, with Vanity Fair and Picnic at Hanging Rock ā but Iāll reserve judgement on whether this one was worth doing until Iāve seen a few more episodes.
Last night we watched an old adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Stripjack. I was surprised to find that I had never actually seen it (the book was written almost 30 years ago.) It was enjoyable, but left one big plot hole that neither of us could explain. I need to re-read the book, as I am almost sure Ian Rankin would not have left this unresolved and it was most probably down to editing for TV.
And on the radio I am so enjoying Miss Bessamer Saves the Train, a very low key and entertaining story set in 1958, when the government decides to close the passenger services on a Sussex branch line. Miss Bessamer (played by Penelope Keith) doesnāt even like trains, but she does object to the digging up of the adjacent Bluebell Walk, on which she and her fiancĆ© walked before he went off to the war, never to return. The plan is ā as it always is ā to sell the land off for expensive housing and allow the ministerās friends to make a fat profit. Miss B, two of her girl guides, two trainspotting youths, and the pigeon fancier father of one of the girls (who joins in because homing pigeons are transported by train – I remember seeing them in baskets on station platforms, though I don’t know if this practice still continues), form an action group. Brilliant, and such a good antidote to yet another episode of Jane Eyre, which I am determined to finish now that I have devoted all this time to it, but really, does she ever stop moaning and playing the martyr?
I also listened to The Body in the Library, an Agatha Christie in which the late lamented June Whitfield played Miss Marple. I think she was very good in the part, though I didnāt rate the story too highly.
Iām still walking every day, and our weather has been mostly beautiful. Yesterday I met a friend and her dog at Crathes Castle, and on Monday Nancy and I walked at Garlogie, where there is an old pumping station, and, further up the river, Victorian sluice gates and a weir. Many of the waterworks – dams, sluices, reservoirs, mill lades – in the Highlands are beautiful old buildings. We came across some fabulous country houses, and also a very run down but inhabited croft that was so creepy it made me think of Cold Comfort Farm. There was even a (very healthy looking I must say) black pig rooting about among the cabbages.
Iām going to stop now, before the Boy Wonder currently sitting on my head decides to add some typing of his own. His specialities are Xs, Zs and assorted mathematical symbolsā¦.
Have a good week all!
And Lesa, I almost forgot to say, I most definitely want to read that Stanley Tucci book. I still resent Emily Blunt’s sister for getting to him first š But seriously, he’s such a great actor and seems also to be a really good person. And he can cook – and even make cocktails! What more could you want?
I’m sorry, Rosemary. You should have tried harder with Stanley Tucci.
Oh, I read Cats in the Belfry! Such an entertaining book. Maybe not as entertaining as Charlie is. I love your account of his adventures, including the fact that the TV will be mounted soon. Go, Charlie!
That’s just fascinating about Barbara Pym. I hate to admit that I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything by your favorite author. I’m going to have to see what we have here in the library.
Not easy to do that typing with a cat on your head, I’m sure. It’s hard enough when Josh wants to drape himself over my arms as I type.
Oh Lesa, I’m so glad to find someone else who has read a Doreen Tovey book! I think this is now the only one I have – I probably borrowed the rest from my then local library. I looked on Amazon and some of the second hand hardback copies are unbelievably expensive now. I should’ve bought them at the time, but in those days you paid full price in WH Smith, there were no charity shops and no Amazon or ebay – my pocket money only stretched so far!
I’m not sure if you’d like Barbara Pym or not Lesa. She has a devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic (there are Barbara Pym societies in the UK and the US) but not everyone likes her. My daughters both think she’s boring. My late mother-in-law (a Terry Pratchett devotee – I can’t read his books) was scathing about her. But if you love her, you really do love her. Some of her books are definitely better than others. My favourites are Excellent Women, Jane & Prudence, A Glass of Blessings, No Fond Return of Love, and of course Some Tame Gazelle. Some of the others are less good, and although Quartet in Autumn was Booker-nominated, I find it far too depressing.
Persephone refused to republish them (they are publishers who revive old novels, mostly by female authors) because Nicola Beauman (Persephone’s founder) said the characters did not develop and were the same at the end as they had been at the beginning. Of course I think this is immensely unfair! I was glad when Virago republished some.
Actually, Rosemary, I read that Doreen Tovey book twice, once years ago, and once last year when I happened to pick up the book again. So, I do really like the stories of the cats and all the other animals.
We’ll see. I’m sure it will be a while until I even get around to trying one of Barbara Pym’s. At least I work at the library where it’s easy to pick them up!
Since we spent last week in PA, we listened to the audio book of DEAD CENTER by David Rosenfelt on our way home. Defense Lawyer Andy Carpenter travels to the Midwest to defend a young man accused of murder at the request of the arresting officer.
HOOKED ON A FELINE by Sofia Kelly. The latest in her magical cats series has a musician turn up dead after a reunion concert. I always enjoy these.
I also read two novella length ARC. A SUPERāS DEMISE by Scarlett Moss. A retired K-9 helps solve a murder. And STITCH X FOR MURDER by ACF Bookens. A body turns up when an old barn is being demolished.
Iām currently reading an ARC of SHADOWS OF ETERNITY by Gregory Benford which is going to be a DNF for me. I donāt mind hard sci-fi but two dimensional characters, a jumpy storyline and a sexual assault that no one including the victim seems concerned about totally turned me off.
Sandy, I’m happy to hear you liked Hooked on a Feline. I have it checked out from the library, and hope to get to it next week.
I think you’re right about Shadows of Eternity. It sounds like a turn off.
Lesa, so glad you had a good time with your family! Love the quilt saying! I want you to know that I do appreciate the fact that you continue to offer this particular post weekly. I rarely share here, but I read the comments and know that your ‘regulars’ have a great time. And they have wonderful insights and suggestions for new books. I would miss this if it went away. Take care and happy fall! I am settling down into my new town and enjoying volunteering at the library, with the ‘Friends of the Library’ group and also attending author events and such. Still am sad to leave my ‘old’ location behind a bit, but it’s nice to be in a smaller town, less traffic, and friendly people.
Kay, First, I’m glad you found a town with friendly people. It’s not always easy to make new friends at our age, but it sounds as if the library made that a little easier for you.
And, thank you. Unless people quit on me, the Thursday posts will remain a staple. Jeff originally suggested them as a place where readers could talk about books. I agree. They do have such wonderful insights. Everyone brings their own personalities to their writing. I love Thursdays here.
Good morning, all. I really enjoyed all your comments about your week outside of books as much as the latter. Rosemary, congratulations on the kitten. He sounds adorable. I know what you mean about new versions of old favorites, but if the previous version was pretty nearly perfect, I for the most part will skip the remake. I did not watch the last version of Lord Peter Wimsey, nor have I enjoyed later version of Miss Marple after Joan Hickson (though I like Julia McKenzie otherwise). We are watching the new ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, but far prefer the original. This is by way of saying I have no interest in a new DARLING BUDS OF MAY, which I assume will turn up on these shores at some point. Oh, one more. Loved the 1980 LOVE IN A COLD CLIMATE, based on two Nancy Mitford books. Even though I am a big fan of Emily Mortimer, I could not get through her new adaptation, THE PURSUIT OF LOVE.
OK, books then. It’s been a mostly cooler (but still milder than average), cloudy and humid week here. We’re seeing the sun for the first time in several days this morning, and they are predicting near 80 for three days before a big drop off. Nothing exciting this week other than us getting our 65+ flu shots on Tuesday, which was a relief. Jackie finished the Margaret Mizushima and is reading the new J. D> Robb book, which she is enjoying, but she seems (to me) to be reading more slowly than usual lately.
After getting through a lot of books quickly, this week slowed me down because Stephen Graham Jones’s MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW was a long, complicated book. It is classified as “horror” and is certainly bloody. The narrator and central character is Jennifer (Jade) Daniels, half-Blackfeet 17 year old living in eastern Idaho with an abusive father. Jade is absolutely obsessed with ’80s slasher movies of the HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY THE 13TH type, and believe me she (and the author, clearly) knows them all. She is convinced a (possibly supernatural) serial killer is coming to Proofrock and she is definitely ready to help some people survive. Jones is a good writer, though I wish his books were shorter.
The only other book I finished was the anthology edited by Martin Edwards, BEST EATEN COLD, a collection by “Northern” writers Edwards, Ann Cleeves (a couple of very good stories), Cath Staincliffe, Margaret Murphy, and Stuart Pawson.
Currently reading Freeman Wills Crofts’ THE 9.50 EXPRESS and Other Stories, mostly about Insp. French, which I am enjoying. Most stories are about a man who needs money desperately, plans a “cunning” murder to solve his financial problems, carries it out, only to have Insp. French see through his efforts in short order. There is a nice 10 page introduction to Crofts by Tony Medawar.
The other collection I am reading was mentioned by Rosemary (I believe), TROUBLED DAUGHTERS, TWISTED WIVES edited by Sarah Weinman. Again, I am enjoying this one quite a bit. So far I’ve read stories by Patricia Highsmith (a creepy tale), Dorothy Salisbury Davis, Dorothy B. Hughes, Nedra Tyre and Helen Nielsen, and I had previously read the stories by Shirley Jackson and Margaret Millar. My library didn’t have it but I got a secondhand paperback for about $5.
Lastly, when you were away last week, Kevin reviewed and recommended A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE by Darynda Jones, first in a new series about Sunshine (called Sun or Sunny) Vikram, who returns to her home town near Santa Fe, New Mexico as the newly elected Sheriff, a job she didn’t even know she was running for, along with her 14 year old daughter Auri (Aurora). I’m past the halfway point and Kevin was right, this is absolutely delightful. One thing I particularly like is that unlike so many series where the protagonist is at odds with her awful teenage daughter, in this one Sun and Auri could not be closer. They live in a newly built house behind her parents’ home, her mother has a “crew” of book club ladies who probably got Sun elected, there are possible romances for both mother and daughter, and there are many other things to like about it, not least the fun sense of humor throughout. There is a second book out and the third will be out next year. And Jackie is interested in trying her 13 book paranormal series about a PI who can see and talk to dead people.
Jeff, I hope you caught Kay’s comment about Thursdays. We owe all of these conversations to you because you suggested them. Thank you. Thursdays have become my favorite day of the week.
I find it interesting that Ann Cleeves’ stories in both anthologies clearly are the standouts.
I hope Kevin catches this. I’ll point it out to him, Jeff. Thank you!
Thank you, Jeff. I enjoyed the heck out of it as well as book two. That review is on my blog.
How interesting Jeff. I loved the old All Creatures Great and Small, but I am also enjoying the new one. I think Samuel West is good as Seigfreid.
And like you I still love the old adaptation of The Pursuit of Love, but although I initially didn’t take to Emily Mortimer’s remake, it grew on me and in the end I mostly enjoyed it, though I did object to her interpretation of Fanny’s character. In the new version Fanny was bitter and shrewish, and I really don’t think that’s how Nancy M wrote her. I also felt Mortimer made the Bolter (whom she of course played) far more central to the story than she was in the books. That was annoying. I suppose what made it for me was Andrew Scott as Lord Merlin (he’s also the priest – a central character – in Fleabag). I could watch him in anything. That dance. I often rewatch it on Youtube.
As I said, the jury is still very much out on the new Larkins series. I’ll report back.
Yes, I thought she gave The Bolter too big a role.
All Creatures definitely grew on me, with the last episode (of the first series) by far the best, I thought. I kept seeing Callum Woodhouse as Leslie Durrell rather than Tristan Farnon. Also, for most of the series I wanted to shake him and yell, “Grow up!” We’ll definitely watch the second series.
Good morning!
Lesa, I’m so glad you had a good visit with your family! It sounds like many of us were absent last week. My husband and I were on a 9 day road trip from Wisconsin to Utah to see our son. We spent a couple of days in Colorado on the trip out. We had perfect driving weather both ways. In Colorado we were able to take a hike at a small mountain. It was gorgeous! The weather was not the best in Utah. It rained all three days we were there. They have had a very dry summer without much rain so it was needed, but I wish it could have waited until we left.
I read all of about 10 pages during the entire time we were traveling. After returning home I finished the last few pages of The Gentlewoman’s Choice by George MacDonald. This is a Victorian novel about a young woman who feels called to serve the poor. It involves the difficulties she has because of attitudes, circumstances and illness. George MacDonald always causes me to stop and consider, this book was no exception.
I am almost finished with Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty – recommended by Rosemary. Written by 14 year old autistic Dara, it chronicles a year in his life through the lens of nature. It is beautifully written. I am thoroughly enjoying hearing about his family life, natural life outside his door and learning about the way he perceives the world. Thanks Rosemary!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Well, just because I wasn’t here doesn’t mean you all were supposed to slack off! Gretchen, I’m sorry the weather was lousy in Utah, but I know the purpose of the trip was really to visit your son. I’m sure that part was great.
I love it when readers pick up books that others recommended. We all have different taste, so what I’m reading might not appeal to someone else. But, it’s nice to find the book that strikes a chord.
āMost of usā didnāt.
I know you didn’t, Rick!
Gretchen, I’m so glad you enjoyed Dara’s book – you’ve done better than me, as although I have a copy, it’s still sitting in a TBR stack. As I probably mentioned, I did hear Dara read extracts on Radio 4, which was great – but I really need to read the whole thing.
This week I finished A LADY’S FORMULA FOR LOVE by Elizabeth Everett. Nothing new plot wise and a little racier than expected but I enjoyed it. Widowed Lady Violet has founded a secret science society for women to pursue their scientific endeavors. She is working on her own experiments on a secret mission for the crown during the Victorian Era. Enter Arthur Kneland hired by her stepson to protect her. Their attraction is immediate which causes trouble for Arthur in trying to keep Violet safe. I figured out who the “villain” was fairly early but it didn’t matter. I look forward to the second in the series next year.
I am glad you had a great visit with your family in Columbus, Lesa. We are still trying to put the last pieces together of our move in times of COVID and supply issues. We finally got the window treatments for every room in our house except our bedroom. Hunter-Douglas is now saying November. I will be glad when we see the last of the paper shades we are currently using. Interesting times for sure.
We spent my birthday yesterday walking the Ohio River at Fernbank Park. It was perfect.
Happy Reading!
Happy belated birthday, Sharon! I’m glad you had a good day for it.
My friend, Donna, had the same supply issues you did after her move. They waited months for the special chair they wanted, and finally just canceled the order for the ottoman.
I have A Lady’s Formula for Love on a list somewhere. Actually, I like them a little racy, so I’d probably like this one.
Hi Lesa- I will definitely read the Stanley Tucci book – I watched his cable show A Taste of Italy last year and it was wonderful. I finished reading the book I won – A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins and it was very good. Thanks again. Today library called and I’m picking up the newest Shari Lapena book which I have been wait listed for about 2 months so hope it is worth the wait. Loved hearing about Rosemary’s kitten – in fact I’m jealous! I’m also waiting for the newest J. D. Robb so look forward to hearing what Jeff’s wife thinks when she finishes it.
I wish I had seen his show, Donna. It would go perfectly with this book, I’m sure.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed A Slow Fire Burning.
And, you’re right. I don’t need any more cats, but it’s entertaining to read about Charlie’s escapades.
I’ll be finishing Striking Range by Margaret Mizushima today and found it a good novel in the series arc. I didn’t have a problem with the continuing backstory developments. I like Mattie and like knowing her past and present personal story. My favorite part of the novels is when Mattie and Stella are working together. They make a great team.
I agree, Patricia! Mattie and Stella do make a good team, and I like that about the series. I like to see the team together.
I would love to read the Betty White book. Going for labs today and I hope they don’t have to have me go for another blood transfusion. Tired but not breathless.
I finished five book reviews last week, Just finished Crying in H Mart by Michele Zauner. It is a very intense book, The author had a Korean mother and American father. Most of the book is about her relationship with her mother. Her mother expressed her love through food. I am only familiar with kimchi, which I love, but the book refers to many Korean foods. It may made think of my favorite vegetarian Chinese foods that I love. Her father was called by her mother “a broken plate”.
He lost his mother early one and his father deserted the family, His older brothers didn’t give him emotional support, so he had trouble relating to everyone. I enjoyed the book very much, but it is not a relaxing book. lots of drama.
Just starting another memoir, The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris. I wanted to know more about her.
Will need start PT next week, three times a week. Will have to telll them that I have to go slow because I am not up to with energy.
Carol Lee, I’m always impressed with what you manage to read or handle during a week because you have so many health issues and doctor appointments. Good for you for continuing on with everything! Good luck with the PT!
Last week I was reading THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield and enjoying it a lot. It is the second gothic story I have read recently and all of a sudden I am enjoying that kind of writing. It is the story of a younger woman, Margaret Lea, who is invited to write the biography of an elderly author, Vida Winter. Vida Winter is dying and she wants someone to write the true story of her life before she dies. The book had been on my shelf for years and something had held me back from reading it. I finished the book this week and I loved it. I liked the way the story was developed, and the interesting characters. The ending was very emotional.
After that I read A LITTLE LOCAL MURDER by Robert Barnard. Barnard was an author in the UK who wrote mysteries from 1974 through 2010 (roughly). He wrote a lot of books and I have read many of them. I read this for the 1976 Club that Rosemary mentioned. It is one of his earliest books and I have several that he wrote after 2000. I wanted to compare the two periods of his writing. Initially I found this one somewhat disappointing. It did not seem to have the special characteristics I like about his writing, the depth in the characters and unusual twists. The characters all seemed like those on Midsomer Murders, gossipy or dotty or snarky. (I do love Midsomer Murders; we are rewatching the entire series for the third time. And this book was written well before the original books or the TV show.) But in the end it came through with a fantastic ending, very unexpected and chilling.
My husband eyes are not doing as well as he had hoped after his cataract surgery last week; the cataract was large and there is still swelling of the cornea. Less blurriness of vision now but he has double vision. The swelling has to go down before he can get glasses. But he is adjusting to the changes and we are staying positive. His doctor is good.
We still have work going on in our driveway to change to pavers rather than asphalt (a long condominium complex driveway) and it looks like the work will extend beyond the four weeks that they anticipated. It impedes getting in and out and getting out for groceries and doctor’s visits (and taking the trash out). I alternate between acceptance and remembering how lucky we are and getting upset about our lack of control over the situation. I guess that is like a lot of life now.
Tracy, I think that’s the perfect definition of life right now – alternating “between acceptance and remembering how lucky we are and getting upset about our lack of control over the situation.” COVID has not made life easier for any of us.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s problems with his eyes. There’s nothing that would bother me more. I hope things get better for him soon.
I’m so glad The Thirteenth Tale finally made it to the top of your TBR pile! It sounds like it was worth it.
Tracy, I’m a big fan of Robert Barnard’s, especially non series books like OUT OF THE BLACKOUT and SKELETON IN THE GRASS and A CITY OF STRANGERS, as well as some excellent short stories. He also wrote an “appreciation” of Agatha Christie called A TALENT TO DECEIVE.
Jeff, OUT OF THE BLACKOUT and SKELETON IN THE GRASS are two of my favorites also. I haven’t read A CITY OF STRANGERS, but I do have a copy buried somewhere in my boxes of unread books. I have a copy of A TALENT TO DECEIVE I have used it as a reference, but since I have read nearly all the Poirot books, I could read some of it without risking spoilers.
Oh, Lesa, the quilt. That’s a story that epitomizes “home.”. š
And here we all are. At Lesa’s on a Thursday. That speaks of “home” as well. As does having a new kitten to entertain us; congratulations, Rosemary!
I have had a very good few days of reading.
An advance copy of, The Fashion Orphans, co-written by M.j. Rose and Randy Susan Meyers. Was great fun.
From NetGalley:
“Two estranged sisters find that forgiveness never goes out of style when they inherit their motherās vintage jackets, pursesā¦ and pearls of wisdom.
Half-sisters Gabrielle (55) and Lulu (48) have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward, their controlling recently deceased mother.
The sisters arrive for the reading of their motherās will and instead of a sizable inheritance discover all they have been left is their motherās secret closet jammed with high-end designer clothes and accessoriesāmost from Chanel.
Contemplating their motherās self-indulgence, the sisters canāt help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they explore the collection, meet and fall in love with her warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasuresāit seems their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyondāhelping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other. “Are
I loved it.
Another book (thanks to NetGalley), I read recently and loved is Lost and Found in Paris by Lian Dolan.
From NetGalley:
“The ultimate escapist adventure in Paris, told with wit, style, and a touch of intrigue, by the popular and dynamic author of The Sweeney Sisters.
Joan Blakely had an unconventional childhood: the daughter of a globe-trotting supermodel and a world-famous artist. Her artist father died on 9/11, and Joanāan art historian by trainingāhas spent more than a decade maintaining his legacy. Life in the art world is beginning to wear on herāand then one fateful afternoon her husband drops a bombshell: heās fathered twins with another woman.
Furious but secretly pleased to have a reason to blow up her life, Joan impulsively decides to get out of town, booking a last-minute trip to Paris as an art courier: the person museums hire to fly valuable works of art to potential clients, discreetly stowed in their carry-on luggage. Sipping her champagne in business-class, she chats up her seatmate, Nate, a good-looking tech nerd who invites her to dinner in Paris. He doesnāt know sheās carrying drawings worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But after a romantic dinner and an even more romantic night together, Joan wakes up next to her new lover to discover the drawings gone. Even more shocking is whatās been left in their place: a sketch from her fatherās journals, which she thought had been lost when he died on 9/11, and a poem that reads like a treasure hunt.
With Nate as a sidekick, Joan will follow the clues all over Parisāfrom its grand cathedrals to the romantic bistros to the twisty side streets of Montmarteāhoping to recover the lost art, and her own sense of adventure. What she finds is even better than sheād expected. ”
This book was written for me. š
The one book i read that I wasn’t too sure about ended up being a big surprise and will be on my list of favorites for 2021.
State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny.
Political Thrillers are not in my “go to” zone. Not since those wonderful cold war spy novels back in the day; I still love those.
State of Terror may make a few heads explode. It is, of course, timely and leans exactly as you expect it to lean. It also reminds me of exactly why I fell in love with Louise Penny’s work in the first place. It’s all there. Heart. Soul. Her ability to see into the heart of what’s evil and deliver in perfect phrasing the terror. And, to ultimately find the decency that fights to keep the civilized separated from the monsters.
Ms. Penny and Secretary Clinton give us characters to love, to cheer for.
Woe be to the fools who underestimate smart, strong women.
There ‘s the signature/classic subtle Penny humor that might surprise you into a snicker, a giggle, or a guffaw spraying coffee into your book. There are scenes to make you cry. And there are visits to Three Pines to restore our souls.
Instead of being out off by the hype, I suggest giving it a try.
And don’t be surprised if we are a State of Terror #2.
Happy Thursday!
Kaye, I have a copy of State of Terror sitting on my table, and your review makes me eager to get to it when I finish reviews this weekend. Thank you for your review. Did you see Ron Charles’ comments about it in The Washington Post? I just love his reviews, and his goes hand-in-hand with your review.
I’m going to have to read Lost and Found in Paris. It just reminds me of you!
Hugs & Happy Thursday, my friend!
Lesa, that was a terrific review in the Post. It certainly made Jackie want to read it. I tried Bill’s first book with James Patterson but it wasn’t for me.
That review, along with Kaye’s, makes me want to read it, too, Jeff.
TYPO or autocorrect, UGH. That line should read ” . . . If we SEE a State of Terror #2″ ( the authors have hinted that it could happen)
Don’t you just hate that, Kaye?
You know I do, Lesa! And I love Ron Charles’ review! Female Friendship; he got that right. It is so strong in this book. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
My current read is MONUMENT: A WILLIE BLACK MYSTERY by Howard Owen. Love this series and the publisher sent me a eBook ARC for this new book which comes out in November.
I knew that sounded familiar, Kevin. I just ordered it for the library earlier this week.
I am almost half way. Solidly good read so far. Set in the late Spring of 2019 so Covid and the BLM protests are very much front and center along with a current day murder case.
The weather turned rainy over last weekend and we sure needed it! Itās cool and wet again today. My reading has been interrupted by the Dodgers but today May end the season for them. Weāll see.
I finished the book by Paul Malmude Iād been reading for over a week, and read both a short story anthology, and a novel. The anthology was the one Jeff also read, BEST EATEN COLD. His comment describes it perfectly, the Cleeve stories were the best. The novel was TAINTED by Ross Pennie, first in series. A medical mystery about mad cow disease in a medium sized Canadian city. Barbara liked it, itās full of medical stuff, but I found the writing dull and the plot drawn out.
I gave up on library books, returning several unread and putting a āpauseā on some others. I planned to read something on hand, probably a short story collection. Instead, the neighboring county, with which I also have a library card, produced two books Iād forgotten Iād even asked for, so Iāll pick one of those to start today. The choice is between MERCY CREEK – which I think was in one of your ātreasuresā posts, and Josephine Teyās DAUGHTER OF TIME which Iāve never read.
I’ll be curious, Rick, to see what you think of DAUGHTER OF TIME if you get around to it. I read it twice, and loved it, but it has been years and years. I don’t know what I’d think if I was reading it now.
I’m glad you got that much-needed rain!
Hello all. I am a little late to today’s party. I have finished You Can Run by Karen Cleveland. I mentioned this one last week. It started off tense and stayed that way until the very end. And the end……..well the end (I say no more). I needed a short, easy read and picked Miss Julie Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross. This has been mentioned many times on the Friends and Fiction group on Facebook . I enjoyed it very much. There were some laugh out loud moments. I am now reading A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones. This one is as good as the first one, A Bad Day for Sunshine. I highly recommend both books.
I am near the end of the audio book I have been listening to. One that I also mentioned last week, A Mortal Terrror by James R. Benn. I am really enjoying this one as well. The narrator is wonderful. You can really get a sense of the terror of war. Starting this one, I was little concerned because I read the first two books in the series but I had to skip ahead to the sixth one because the audio for books 3-5 was not available on Libby or Hoopla. I was afraid that I would have lost some parts of the story line. Thankfully. it did not end up being a problem at all.
All of my holds on Libby are coming in at the same time. I hate when this happens because I feel like I have to rush through reading so I can get to the next one. Such problems!
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Not too late, Kathleen. Still checking to see who’s coming “to the party”. It sounds as if Darynda Jones’ new series is a hit with several of you. I do have to get around to A Bad Day for Sunshine. The third book might be out before I get there!
I hate when all the holds come in at once, too, Kathleen. I returned from vacation to find eight holds sitting on my desk. I have some catching up to do.
Just wanted to send a huge thank you to Lesa for organizing the Thursday chat and to all of the regulars who post and, in so doing, enrich my day with new authors and books to try. I honestly feel as if I know many of you and look forward to seeing what you are up to. I am sure most of us do not need one more book suggestion, as we have TBR piles threatening to topple and stacks of holds from the library, but this shared joy of reading and friendship is such a balm in these crazy times. So keep those comments coming and I’ll continue to look forward to Thursday.
Susan, What a wonderful comment. Thank you!
That comment about the shared joy of reading and friendship being such a balm in these crazy times just brought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy you’ve found it a peaceful place, and feel as if you know many of us. Thank you for your beautiful words.
Glad you had a great visit with your mom, Lesa! I listened to the Stanley Tucci on audiobook. He does the narrating and I absolutely loved it! I’m currently listening to Foul Play by Stuart Woods and in print it’s Friends Like These by Kimberly McCreight.
Thank you, Katherine. I wondered whether he would narrate the audiobook. That is fantastic!
Lesa, I just want to say that I am right there with ākaysreding lifeā and Susan M,sā comments about the Thursdayās What are you reading. I rarely comment or review a book I am reading but so many of those are ones you review Lesa and ones that so many of the commenters who talk about what they have read and like or dislike. I would really miss your Thursdays, and so glad to hear that it will be around for a long time. Thanks.
Pat, Thank you so much! As long as people continue to comment and share books, I hope to continue “What Are You Reading?” It’s so wonderful to know people enjoy it! Thank you!
I want to read Taste. Love Stanley Tucci. Iām reading When the Apricots Bloom by Gina Wilkinson. Itās been on my shelf for a while and I picked it up when I got bored with Harlem Shuffle. So far Iām enjoying itā
Melanie, Katherine just said Stanley Tucci reads the audiobook. That sounds wonderful.
I think it’s interesting you got bored with Harlem Shuffle. I put it down, and haven’t picked it up again. I don’t think it had the same impact Whitehead’s earlier books did.