Today is my last day of work in 2022. I’m lucky to be off then until Tuesday, January 3. I need that time off to put together my list of favorite books of 2022, and to compose the February Treasures in My Closet post. Even with time off, I don’t have enough reading time!
I don’t want to use the last “What Are You Reading?” of the year to complain, though. Instead, I want to thank you all for joining me whenever you could on a Thursday. Even when I couldn’t be here, you showed up. Thank you for sharing bits of your lives with all of us, and, of course, what you’ve been reading this year. Watch for lists of favorite books from me, and some of our Thursday regulars. It’s always fun to see how different our lists are. Thank you for sharing your comments about books. I know we all added to our TBR piles by seeing what others read.
I’m currently reading Constant Hearses and Other Revolutionary Mysteries by Edward D. Hoch. It’s a collection of short stories. I’m enjoying the first part of the book, all thirteen historical short stories featuring Alexander Swift, an aide and spy for George Washington during the American Revolution. All five of Hoch’s stories featuring Golden Age detective Gideon Parrot are also in the book, but I haven’t had a chance to get to those.
Again, thank you for sharing Thursdays with all of us! I’m looking forward to more books and more Thursday chats in 2023!
BORN IN DEATH by J. D. Robb. I should be writing a couple of reviews, but I am reading.
I know the feeling. I’m behind in my reviews because I’d rather be reading.
Writing a review right now seems to be akin to rolling a boulder up hill during a hurricane.
All the more reason that I’m grateful for the several you sent me. Thank you, Kevin!
I’m in the middle of a Terry Shames’ binge. I’ve read a few of her Samuel Craddock books previously, but yesterday, I got the first one, finished it and started the second.I enjoy her depiction of small-town Texas characters.
I do, too, Viccy. There was only one in the series, late in it, that I wasn’t crazy about. Otherwise, I love Samuel and the people of Jarrett Creek.
Like so many of you, I never miss reading the wonderful Thursday contributions. I have found so many terrific reading recommendations on your site. I have been reading Christmas books for the last few weeks, just finished “A Christmas Carol “ so In honor of Scrooge and the Cratchits, God Bless Us, Every One and Happy 2023 to all.
Thank you, Eileen! A beautiful wish for the new year.
Hello, all! It’s been a great week for my family. We had a lovely Christmas, enjoying each other, the new kitties, the gifts, the food, and the games. Yesterday was also my son Nick’s 43rd birthday, and we have had two nights in a row out for dinner to celebrate. He’s enjoying 10 days off from work, taking only three days of vacation (thanks, Google!). Looks like I might finish one or two more books by the end of 2022, and I’ll be working on my “favorites of the year” pretty soon. Here’s how it went this week:
Original, thought-provoking, beautiful, emotional, life-affirming–these are the adjectives that come to mind after just finishing Erica Bauermeister’s upcoming novel, NO TWO PERSONS. The theme is how one special book can mean so many different things to those who read it (hence the title). Alice Fein spends years writing “Theo,” inspired by her cherished brother, and more years getting it published and in the hands of readers. Along the way, we get to know the reclusive Alice as much as she will allow and are introduced to others who play a role in the book’s success: the young mother who finds the book in the slush pile at the literary agency where she works for a low salary, the high-profile literary agent who accepts “Theo” for publication, a bookshop clerk who promotes the book locally and makes a personal connection with the author, and the actor who narrates the audiobook. Beyond their career roles, they also find their personal lives forever changed by this book. And there are more characters who have nothing to do with the book’s publication but find that it touches their lives. Each of the ten wonderfully drawn characters is memorable, but my favorites are the homeless teenager secretly living in the garden shed on school property, the artist who finds a way to make her work soar after tiring of her two-dimensional sea glass jewelry, and the aforementioned movie action hero who desperately needs to change careers. Others influenced by the book include a daring free diver, a retiree taking on a job as caretaker of a ghost town, and a female fencing coach/intimacy coordinator for movies. It’s a book about sibling relationships, the effects parents have on their children–positive and negative–, how inspirational teachers can make all the difference, the difficulty of finding the right partner, discovering new ways to lead one’s best life and, of course, finding inspiration from books. I love the way these individuals’ stories can overlap–sometimes just a bit and sometimes much more. And I was moved by the author’s luminous prose and the way she chose not to tie things up in a bow at the end, but left the future open to possibilities, opportunities, and hope. (May)
In Michelle Obama’s second memoir, THE LIGHT WE CARRY, she writes about the tools she developed for herself–habits, practices, attitudes and beliefs–as she confronted life’s challenges and her own fears and anxieties, in the hope that such tools may be helpful for anyone, and in particular any woman. Her new essays about her own experiences, spanning her childhood, early career, family, White House years, and beyond are fascinating, and I enjoyed reading about what she learned and how we can learn from it. My favorite chapter was about her mother, who dealt with her family in a wise and matter-of-fact manner and was Mrs. Obama’s rock during the 8 years President Obama was in office. I appreciate Mrs. Obama’s writing style and would definitely read just about anything she might write in the future.
It took me a while to get THE CHOICE, the last book in the Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy from the library, but it was worth the wait. And I’m so glad I reread the first and waited until just recently to read the second, because it’s important to remember how the story began, as well as details about the characters and the magick-steeped land of Talamh, just adjacent to Ireland. Breen, the central character, has committed to using her heritage and newfound powers to help her newly adopted homeland survive in the face of a vengeful god determined to destroy everything that Talamh holds dear. Much of the story is about fighting off the frequent deadly threats from Odron and his minions, but fortunately there are enough weddings, engagements, festivals, family dinners, dragons, and personal touches to lighten up what might have otherwise been a relentlessly bleak story. In addition, we get to read more about Breen and her faithful friend Marco pursuing careers and relationships outside of Talamh. Speaking of Marco, he continues to be my favorite human character of all the books I have read recently, and Breen’s dog, Bollocks, my favorite non-human. Both bring humor, dedication, and joy to the proceedings.
Oh, I definitely want to read No Two Persons, Margie. And, The Choice is my favorite book of 2022. Like you, I love Marco.
I’m so glad you’re last week has been great! I hope it continues.
Our reading tastes are SO similar, Margie. I loved The Choice and I loved No Two Persons for all the reasons you said so perfectly. And can’t wait to read The Light we Carry (I adore Michelle Obama).
Kaye, you’re right–we do have similar tastes! On your recommendation, I’ve just “wished for” The Barbara Davis book on NetGalley. I’ve enjoyed some of her previous books and was wondering about this one. Thank you.
I’m completely messed up on what day of the week it is. It was out of the office Monday for the holiday and Tuesday to drive back from my family’s in Northern California, so Wednesday was my first day of work this week. Thursday will be crazy busy and month end starts, but Friday is a short day, which will be nice.
I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. Very busy, so I didn’t get a lot of reading in, but that’s okay. I can make up for lost time now.
And Wednesday night, I got to see Straight No Chaser in concert, which was a lot of fun.
As to my reading, after the concert, I finished GONE FOR GOUDA by Korina Moss. I enjoyed the first one, but I think this one was better. If the quality keeps going up, this is going to be a fantastic series.
So Thursday, I’ll be digging into DEATH BY SMOOTHIE by Laura Levine. This is the newest in her Jaine Austen series, which was always light and fun with an emphasis on the comedy. As long as you know that’s what you are getting, it’s wonderful.
Mark, Isn’t it nice to have such enjoyable time off that you forget what day it is? At least you showed up for “What Are You Reading?” Straight No Chaser originated at Indiana University, and they’re favorites here in Evansville. My sister saw them a couple years before I did, though.
I hope you have good reading over the New Year’s holiday!
Thanks for having us Lesa!
Edward D. Hoch is one of my favorite mystery short story writers.
With this week’s rain, I was able to get to one Christmas short, Kristen Hannah’s COMFORT & JOY and a few more 2022 releases.
Totally enjoyed Dana Stabenow’s third Eye of Isis novel, THEFT OF AN IDOL. The series is set in Alexandria and Memphis during Cleopatra’s reign (46 BC). Tetisheri is tasked with locating Alexandria’s most beloved actress, Herminia. Wonderful setting with lots of detail. Absorbing
Also Phillip Margolin’s MURDER AT BLACK OAKS. The sixth book in his Robin Lockwood series finds the Portland attorney called to an isolated estate in the Oregon mountains. Black Oaks comes with a history – originally built in 1628 in England. The author’s homage to the great writers from the Golden Age of Mysteries is a fun read with an impossible murder and an assorted cast of suspects.
I haven’t read any of the other many books by Margolin, but this one caught my eye in the Treasures in My Closet Nov releases.
Surprisingly WHEN SHE DREAMS from Jayne Ann Krentz (writing as Amanda Quick) jumped into my bag at the library. Set in the 1930’s in a Pacific playground featuring PI Sam Sage along with Maggie Lodge – lucid dreamer/advice columnist’s assistant. Blackmail & murder with an overlay of parapsychology with, of course, the requisite romance. Fun read!
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
MM,
Did you see that Dana Stabenow commented here last Thursday as to what she was reading? That was a pleasant surprise!
I’m enjoying Hoch’s writing.
Thank you! I hope 2023 treats you kindly!
I did see that! Thanks
One of the things I enjoy with her Kate Shugak series, is the character is an avid reader. Uses that to call attention to lesser known authors.
MM, my wife is a big Krentz/Quick/Castle fan and will undoubtedly be reading that book too.
I am halfway through Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. I will be sorry when it ends because I am just loving it.
Our snow is almost all melted but the rain is arriving tonight. I’ll take 50 plus degrees and rain over the frigid temperatures we had at Christmas!
Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
Oh, I’ll talk the 50s as well, Sharon. So much better. A little sniffly because of sinuses, but who cares? I’m not freezing.
Is this a reread for you for Winter Solstice, or a new read after Kaye Barley and a few others talked about it recently?
Happy New Year! And, I wish you a year of happy reading.
No, it is a new read. It came up on Kindle Unlimited and I have heard nothing but good things about it. I also read The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander. If a book could give you a hug, that book would be it.
Oh, you’re so right about The Littlest Library being a hug!
Good morning. We had a quiet weekend although a neighbor surprised us with cookies and a key for her house. She’s going to be doing a lot of traveling for work and wants us to be able to get in in case of an emergency.
I read Legends and Lattes by Travis Balder. I’ve never though about trying to explain things like coffee and chocolate to people who’ve never heard of them before.
Bed and Breakfast and Murder by Fiona Fleming. A cozy mystery with a main character who’s almost too stupid to live and a description of her pug farting every other page.
Thank you, Sandy. Now, I can pass on Bed and Breakfast and Murder. Not my kind of cozy at all.
I know! I never thought about that either with Legends and Lattes. Hard to open a cafe when no one has heard of the product.
Happy New Year! Stay safe.
Okay Sandy, my curiosity is piqued. How can you possibly describe your pug farting every other page in a non-repeating way?! Thanks for making me laugh this morning.
Sharon, that’s part of the problem – you can’t. I don’t really recommend the book.
I look forward to the days that we share what we are reading, I would miss it so much if we didn’t have it any more. Thank you, so much Lesa!
I am continuing to read The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy. On the island of Guernsey, the German occuping in June 1940 and at first the changes are not big except there they are next door. Later as time goes on hunger grows and the tension increases. A slow developing affair developes betwwen a Vivienne and one of the Germans, it begins with a gift of chocolate and ride in the rainstorm. Vivienne has two young daughters, her husband at war. Their marriage had become very distant soon after the second baby was born. She is taking care of his mother who never liked her and is sliding into dementia. There are people from concentration camps imported to the island to build a concrete wall around the island. They are gaunt and Vivienne saw a prisoner of war being to being to death. Then I read that Gunther told her that all the non-natives (including her) will be sent to German concentration camps. Who will take care of her children? It does not look like Gunther cab do anything.
Theothe book I that I am reading is It Goes So It Goes by Mary Louise Kelley, an NPR reporter. It is about lie going too fast, with her job, she misses important moments in her son’s growing up but it is the pulls between the joys of motherhood and having an important exciting career, traveling all over the world. There is a description of her interview with Pompeo that is riverting and the meeting after the interview when he was screaming at her with many obscenties.
Carolee, The Thursday sharing of books was originally Jeff Meyerson’s idea. Like you, though, I’d miss it if we didn’t do it. I always feel as if I’m catching up with friends.
I like the sound of It Goes So It Goes. The Soldier’s Wife sounds too depressing for me.
Happy New Year!
I would also miss this if it went away. I don’t always comment, but I always read everything. Especially this time of year, this is one of the very few things that brings a spark.
Oh, I have no intention of the blog or the Thursday chats disappearing, Kevin. Thank you for your kind comment about it bringing a spark!
No mysteries for me this week. I just completed an ARC reading of Edie Cay’s Regency Romance A VISCOUNT’S VENGENCE and really enjoyed it. I really needed something clever and positive this week. I’m also loving Paula Martinac’s CLIO RISING, which is taking me back to NYC in the mid-80’s. Next up will be Michelle Obama’s BECOMING…
And as we end the year, let me add my thanks for your reviews!
You’re welcome, Ana. But, most of all, I’m glad everyone stops by on Thursdays!
I agree. Sometimes, you just need something clever and positive, and Regency Romances often fit the bill.
Just started Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry and am immediately hooked. She is such a good person. Glad to see Margie’s review above and I also loved Becoming. Happy New Year to all and hope for many great books in 2023!
A great wish, Donna! Happy New Year!
Happy Thursday, everyone! ( it is Thursday, isn’t it? I only know that because you are all here at Lesa’s).
I enjoyed Stephen King’s Fairy Tale quite a lot.
And I enjoyed an ARC of Barbara Davis’ next book which drops in March – The Echo of Old Books. “A novel about the magical lure of books and summoning the courage to rewrite our stories by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings and The Last of the Moon Girls.
Rare-book dealer Ashlyn Greer’s affinity for books extends beyond the intoxicating scent of old paper, ink, and leather. She can feel the echoes of the books’ previous owners—an emotional fingerprint only she can read. When Ashlyn discovers a pair of beautifully bound volumes that appear to have never been published, her gift quickly becomes an obsession. Not only is each inscribed with a startling incrimination, but the authors, Hemi and Belle, tell conflicting sides of a tragic romance.
With no trace of how these mysterious books came into the world, Ashlyn is caught up in a decades-old literary mystery, beckoned by two hearts in ruins, whoever they were, wherever they are. Determined to learn the truth behind the doomed lovers’ tale, she reads on, following a trail of broken promises and seemingly unforgivable betrayals. The more Ashlyn learns about Hemi and Belle, the nearer she comes to bringing closure to their love story—and to the unfinished chapters of her own life.”
Oh, I think I’m on hold someplace for The Echo of Old Books, Kaye. If I’m not, I should be. Thank you for sharing that.
Eight months. Eight months until I can ask what day it is without having to go to work!
As always, Thursday is my favorite day of the week here (and not just because I suggested a “what are you reading” list). I always enjoy seeing all the different things we are all reading, especially two groups: the books I need to put on my list now, and the books I will never read that you all really enjoy.
Jackie read THE BULLET THAT MISSED by Richard Osman and is now into another Christine Feehan (who had six new books this year!), DARK WHISPER.
I’m over 850 short stories read and close to 60 volumes of stories read. This week was THE ANGEL OF ROME and Other Stories by Jess Walter, which I enjoyed quite a bit. If you haven’t read him, do check out his CITIZEN VINCE and OVER TUMBLED GRAVES. Also reading collections by Amy Hempel and Marisa Silver, both of which I hope to finish before New Year’s.
I’ve read a lot of Lawrence Block’s books over the years, including his non fiction as well as the short story collections, the Chip Harrison books and most of the Evan Tanner and Matthew Scudders, plus all the Keller and Bernie Rhodenbarr books and a lot of the non series stuff, probably about 70 in total. So there was never a chance I wouldn’t read his new Rhodenbarr book, THE BURGLAR WHO MET FREDRIC BROWN. This one even has a sort of science fiction twist as Bernie, a bookstore owner and (sort of retired) burglar is reading Brown’s WHAT MAD UNIVERSE, and then seems to be re-enacting the theme of that book in his own life. Fun stuff.
The days when we took bags of books with us to Florida are behind us, as now we can download books from our library to the Kindles, not to mention all the books we already own. Plus we can get books from the Palm Beach County Library when we’re down there. My problem is never a lack of books, but rather making enough time for reading the ones I do have.
Oh well, one more week until we leave, and as the weather is warming up it looks like (fingers crossed) we have pretty much dodged the snow this year.
Happy New Year everryone.
Jeff, I like your comment about the two types of books you enjoy seeing on the site.
Travel has changed, hasn’t it? I didn’t take one physical book with me the last time I went home. Not that I don’t continue to buy & read them, just that it’s easier to travel with a Kindle. You’re right. We all need more reading time.
I’m finishing up my list of books read in December, although I have time to read one or two more. Looks like I’ll be a few books over last year’s total despite the weeks when I didn’t read anything for three or four days. Those always seemed to happen after I met a deadline. I think I needed to decompress.
Happy New Year! If you leave before or on Thursday, safe travels!
Happy New Year, Lesa, and to all. I’m back to Linda Castillo for a couple of books. I just finished Shamed and am now reading Outsider. I don’t know how she manages to keep coming up with fresh plots, but Outsider is definitely new territory with a non-Amish cop on the run rescued by an Amish family.
I know, Patricia. Such interesting ideas!
Happy New Year!
We had a gray Christmas this year, with a lot of fog, but it was nice anyway. At least it didn’t rain. We have several storms coming, so this year should be wetter than last, thank goodness.
I really enjoy Thursdays here.
This week I read:
The Burglar Who Met Frederic Brown by Lawrence Bloch; A fitting last book for the series, although I’m not a big fan of deconstruction.
Sons of Valor II: Violence of Action by Brian Andrews; It felt like the author was cut short by the sudden withdrawal from Afghanistan, but still had to get a book out. A lot of focus on a terrorist’s wife, which was the interesting part of the novel.
Reflection by Aakanksha Jain; An affecting collection of micro fiction. Mostly about relationships, except when it isn’t. A short book I recommend.
Racing The Light by Robert Crais; The newest Elvis Cole novel is oneof the weakest books in the series, and not just because I don’t care for his recurring paramour. The Elvis here seems like the Elvis from Monkey’s Raincoat, smarting off for no good reason. There’s no real climax. And there’s no John Chen. I wonder if Crais got lost in the shifting viewpoints.
La Gringa by Chuck Dixon; a madcap heiress of the late 19 century goes to the American West to help her father fossil hunting. I felt sorry for her Gurkha servant.
You’ve needed that rain for quite some time, Glen. I hope you start the new year off on a rainy note, and that it helps a little there.
I like micro fiction. I may have to look for Reflection, and I know it’s on your list of favorites for the year.
Thank you for being an important part of Thursday’s book chats.
Yeah, Glen, I just finished the Block book and the end was a letdown, especially after I enjoyed most of it. Oh, well.
I have two collections of Edward D. Hoch’s short stories (not yet read) but not the one you are reading. I will have to try and find a copy.
We have been getting some rain in Santa Barbara. A full day of rain on Tuesday, just some sprinkles today. But expecting more on Saturday.
I finished up two short story collections in the last week. I just had a few stories left in each. I had been reading MISTLETOE MYSTERIES, edited by Charlotte MacLeod, since 2014. Loved all the stories I read this Christmas season. Also, finished the last four stories in THE MYSTERIOUS MR. QUIN by Agatha Christie. I started that book in January of this year.
Right now I am reading SNOW by John Banville. I am almost 50% done and I am liking it much more than I expected. I love both the setting in time and place. 1957 in Ireland. Lesa, I know you like books set in Ireland. Have you read any of Banville’s books?
I have not read Banville’s books, Tracy. Do you have a recommendation?
Yesterday, I downloaded some of Hoch’s Dr. Sam Hawthorne collections after someone here recommended them.
I have only read two books by Banville. I just finished SNOW last night. I liked it a lot, I woud almost pick it as a favorite for the year, except that there were some longish parts towards the end that could have been less graphic. However, it was beautifully written and I learned a lot that I did not know about Ireland at that time.
Years ago I read the first Quirke novel that Banville wrote as Benjamin Black. I have the second one in that series, and I plan to read more in both of those series. I am curious as to whether I would like any of his non-mystery fiction but not sure I will follow up on that.
Happy New Year, Lesa.
Lesa, I look forward each work to receiving your emails in my inbox. Enjoy your time off of work! I am current reading A Book Club to Die For by Dorothy St James, Authentically Izzy by Pepper Besham and My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Crosby. Have a great New Year!
Oh, I have My Darkest Prayer here, Katherine, but haven’t started it yet.
Happy New Year, and thank you!
Starting The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. We see a lot of books about the struggles of poor blacks in our society, but Michelle is from an educated middle class family and provides a different perspective. Yet she is black and has felt the weight of bigotry against her race. She’s a wonderful woman who raised two amazing daughters in the constant glare of publicity, while feeling the hatred of the far right. I admire her tremendously. I hope she will continue with a writing career.
I hope she does, too, Sandra. Michelle Obama does provide a different perspective.