OK, we don’t talk politics here, but it’s not even American politics. I just wanted Rosemary to know that I was stunned when Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s leader, resigned. That’s it. Rosemary probably saw it coming. But, I read a couple articles about her resignation because you mentioned her, Rosemary.
Anyways, we had sunny and 70 yesterday, and by Friday it’s going to be in the 30s again. There’s my weekly weather report. It did smell like April out there! What a tease!
I’m currently reading Will Schwalbe’s new book, We Should Not Be Friends, and loving it. Schwalbe is the author of the bestseller, The End of Your Life Book Club in which he talked about the books he and his dying mother read together. Before I mention the subject of We Should Not Be Friends, I’m asking a question. Do you have a friend in your life who is just the most unlikely friend for you? Maybe it changes as we get older, but when we’re young we tend to gravitate to people like us. My college roommate and I should not be friends. She played basketball in high school, was a cheerleader, in the musicals, and is a musician. We have nothing in common, EXCEPT our birthdays are the same day, and she’s only a few inches taller than me. We think the computer that matched up roommates saw our birthdays were April 1, and thought it would be a joke to put us together. We’re still friends forty-six years later. And, a friend once told me that he never saw two people glory in each others’ accomplishments as much as we did.
That’s what We Should Not Be Friends is about. I love Schwalbe’s opening. By the time Will Schwalbe was a junior at college, he had already met everyone he cared to know: the theater people, writers, visual artists and comp lit majors, and various other quirky characters including the handful of students who shared his own major, Latin and Greek. He also knew exactly who he wanted to avoid: the jocks. All this changed dramatically when Will collided with Chris Maxey, known to just about everyone as Maxey. Maxey was physically imposing, loud, and a star wrestler who was determined to become a Navy SEAL (where he would later serve for six years). Thanks to the strangely liberating circumstances of a little-known secret society at Yale, the two forged a bond that would become a mainstay of each other’s lives as they repeatedly lost and found each other and themselves in the years after graduation.
Will Schwalbe is a few years younger than me, so he hasn’t been friends with Chris Maxey as long as I have with my college roommate. But, there’s something special about friendships with those people who are not just like us. They open up a whole new world. I can’t even tell you how much I’ve learned from my college roommate. She’s a special woman who makes me laugh.
What about you? What are you reading? And, if you feel like it, “Do you have a friend in your life who is just the most unlikely friend for you?”
Well, it’s supposed to be 35 degrees here on Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m., so I guess I won’t be walking with my group–too cold! Last night I had to get up in the middle of the night and add a nice plush throw blanket to my bed. Hopefully I’ll be able to take a walk around the neighborhood in the afternoon, as Nick and I did today. Anyway, it’s nice to snuggle up in the evening with a book. Here are the three I finished this week:
If you enjoy reading about both fine food and Ruth Bader Ginsburg (what a combination!), you will love Leslie Karst’s delightful JUSTICE IS SERVED. When Leslie’s father told her that former colleague Ruth Bader Ginsburg had finally agreed to give a talk at the UCLA School of Law, where he was soon to retire as a constitutional law professor, her first thought was–could I cook dinner for her while she is in town? And when Ruth agreed to a dinner date, Leslie had nine months to plan what would be one of the most daunting and rewarding evenings of her life. Leslie herself was an attorney, but aside from writing briefs, she wasn’t enjoying her career. Unlike her father, the law wasn’t a calling for Leslie, and she was looking for something more satisfying. In her spare time, she enjoyed creating exquisite dinner parties for friends and even got a degree in the culinary arts, which she treasured as much as her law degree. In this memoir, you will pick up many delicious morsels of information about RBG’s legal journey to the U.S. Supreme Court, her quest to promote and legalize gender equality, her personality and her quirks, based on research by Leslie and vetted by Ruth’s husband, Marty, a prominent tax attorney. At the same time, you will empathize with, and root for, Leslie as she pursues her goal of creating the perfect dinner for Ruth and Marty. She is an expert at describing food in such a way that you can see it, smell it, almost taste it, and she provides all of the recipes at the end of the book. The final scenes are, of course, of the dinner itself. (releasing in April) Postscript: Leslie found her calling as a writer of mysteries where food is a prime component. Check out her engaging Sally Solari Mysteries series.
I read THE BAD MUSLIM DISCOUNT by Syed M. Masood for one of my book clubs, and I have to say that I don’t understand one of the blurbs that claim it is often “hysterically funny.” There are a few amusing lines here and there in the dialogue, but I found the story much more grim than amusing. It follows two Muslim families who emigrate from Pakistan and Iran to the United States for a better– hopefully safer–life. Safwa’s story is the saddest–beaten by her fundamentalist father, threatened with betrayal by the man who helped her and her father relocate, often fearing for her life. Anvar, his parents and older brother all assimilate into their new home in different ways. Anvar is a lawyer whose career and life are affected by some difficult cases and a lost romantic relationship. Nevertheless, he is the self-proclaimed Bad Muslim of the title, marching to his own drum despite his upbringing and negative comparisons to his older brother. Safwa’s and Anvar’s stories intersect and lead to dangerous situations for both, although the ending is life-affirming. Alternating chapters focus on each of the players smoothly. And while the characters are well written and the cultural details are interesting, the story–although seemingly authentic–fell flat for me.
I absolutely love everything about the magical THE WISHING GAME by Meg Shaffer. Lucy is a single teacher’s aide whose dearest wish is to adopt Christopher, a 7-year-old, traumatized orphan in the foster system, and the feeling is mutual. But Lucy knows that it will take at least two years to earn enough money to reach the first step– a better apartment and a car to meet fostering requirements. So when she snags a coveted invitation to participate in a lucrative contest at Clock Island, the site of her favorite childhood book series, she sees a glimmer of hope. Lucy yearns for a real family, having been ignored by both her parents and her chronically ill older sister, and she has a history with Jack Masterson, the books’ author. But many puzzles and trials await her and three other contestants–all with ties to Masterson–and the island, though fantastical, is not easy to navigate. Along the way, she will have to face her worst fears. There is so much to enjoy about this book, including: Jack Masterson himself (is he actually the Mastermind in his books, and why hasn’t he written the 67th in the series?); the much-tattooed, handsome artist who paints the book covers and keeps a watchful eye on the author; the lure of the beautifully imagined island; Lucy’s deeply-felt relationship with Christopher; and so much more. At the beginning of the book, I had the same glorious feeling I had when I read this type of fantasy/adventure series as a child, but as the plot progresses, there are more mature themes to ponder. The story evokes real emotion, bringing me to tears more than once. This is another book already heading for my favorite reads of the year list, and the impressive debut author is definitely one to watch. (May)
The Wishing Game sounds amazing, thank you for telling us about it!
I agree with Trisha. I’d read about this, but the summary didn’t mention Christopher, and Lucy’s reasons for going to Clock Island. Thank you, Margie!
JUSTICE IS SERVED is sounding better and better! Thanks,Margie
Margie, I remember reading about Leslie Karst’s preparing dinner for Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and I was so amazed. Leslie must have lots of confidence in her cooking. But, oh what a story it is to tell. I will have to read Justice Served.
I have a lot of crazy friends, but I can’t say I have any unlikely friends.
The weather here has been nice, though cold at night, and windy.
This week I read:
Murder in School by Bruce Beckham; a teacher in one of England’s posh public schools is found drowned, but was it an accident, suicide, or murder. The school is run by…wizards? So much for verisimilitude.
The Weir Wulf by Alma Katsu; In the waning days of WWII, German villagers try to resist occupation by becoming werewolves. The best part was the return of the Medieval way of becoming a werewolf: the magical belt.
Slay The Dragon by William McGinnis; After a BLM riot ends in the death of a police officer, Adam Weldon tries to run down the miscreants responsible, only to find that the Chi-Coms are a lot more active than he thought.
River of Fallen Angels by Laura Joh Rowland; Just after the Jack the Ripper killings are over, a torso killer starts in. It’s all the usual stuff about how terrible the Victorian era was. I read so much of that in college that my eyes start to glaze when I see it now.
The Mystery of the Pirate’s Treasure by Penny Warner; The Code Buster’s Club comes to the rescue when they learn that there is a treasure to be found while on a field trip to a mission. Do kids still get to go on field trips? It felt like two of the members of the club were given short shrift. If it were a TV series, there’d be fodder for behind the scenes documentaries for years.
Wizards, werewolves, kids to the rescue. You read for verisimilitude, Glen?
Skelgill is supposed to be a more or less straight police procedural, then to have some guy wearing wizard robes show up in the middle of an investigation was jarring. I think Beckham must have read some Harry Potter for “research” into British public schools.
I have had several unlikely friends over the years. They are definitely people I treasure. And I treasure the friends who are like me, too. Each friendship brings something different into our lives, doesn’t it?
It’s Wednesday night, so I must be between books, right? That’s true once again. I just finished up SECRETS & SCENTS by Lyn Perry. It started a little slowly, but turned out to be fun. It’s more a novella than a full length novel, but I enjoyed it.
So I’ll be starting in on March books on Thursday with TILL DEATH DO US PORT by Kate Lansing. This is the fourth Colorado Wine Mystery. I’ve enjoyed the first three, so I’m expecting to enjoy this one as well.
I forgot the weather report. It’s supposed to be near freezing tonight and hopefully actually hit 60 tomorrow. We’ve definitely been in a cold snap for us. It’s like it’s winter or something.
Mark, I find it really funny that people provide a weather report here. I think it only started when weather was bad someplace and I wanted friends to check in. Or, maybe it was when I just wanted to complain about our weather.
You’re right, Mark. All those friends add something to our lives.
Morning Lesa – I don’t have much time today, but I wanted to thank you for your words about Nicola.
None of us saw this coming. We were all totally shocked by the announcement and david and I are absolutely dismayed.
There is no one like NS and no obvious successor. (Mhairi Black is the only person I’d suggest, but she’s young and outspoken and won’t be the ‘safe’ choice even if she stands.)
Scotland will be so much the poorer for Nicola Sturgeon’s departure.
I’ll try to get back here later today – in the meantime I hope everyone’s having a good week.
I thought of you immediately, Rosemary, when I saw the news about Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation. I’m sorry.
Good morning. It was in the upper 60s here yesterday and should be again today. I want to get a walk in before the showers move in later.
I read two mysteries this week and I wasn’t thrilled with either of them. I never connected with the characters in the first, and the second was more about the zany antics in a senior community than about the mystery.
A Taste of the Nightlife by Sarah Zettel
An ARC of Florida Retirement is Murder by Kris Courtney
Sandy, It doesn’t sound as if that senior community was written by someone as clever as Richard Osman & his Thursday Murder Club.
Death By Coffee by Alex Erickson
Thank you, Heather!
Your description of the book and my reaction made me laugh, because I thought to myself that one of my deepest experiences of making friends outside my regular circle was when I was in a senior society at Yale! My society is not secret, since I am here talking about it, but it sounds much more dramatic to say secret. (There is still plenty of drama, though, since it has a cool building and was mentioned in Ninth House.)
Anyway, I’m really here to join the conversation about what we read this week. My still fairly-new half time remote job takes up too much of my life but I’ve noticed I have more time for reading. This week I read Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin about the deep and ordinary joys and sorrows of creative work and friendship across a lifetime. It was as good as everyone says. I also read The Bangalore Detectives Club and especially enjoyed the social and political setting. On the edges I read the third Pentecost and Parker, Secrets Typed in Blood. I found the style easier to take, either because the author wasn’t trying so hard to be hard boiled or I just got used to it by the third one.
Trisha, Now, I’m really intrigued that you, like Schwalbe, was in a senior society at Yale. It’s an interesting way to mix people up.
I think it’s great that you have a new job, and more time for reading! I like your quick summary of Gabrielle Zevin’s book. Thank you.
That’s a very interesting question, Lesa. I don’t think I have “unlikely” friends the way you describe them. I did have a very good friend (who, sadly, died at 52) who was superficially very different – he was a preacher’s son from Kentucky. But we did have books (particularly) and movies as common interests. In those pre-internet days we wrote long letters back and forth, he came to Brooklyn twice and we visited him in Kentucky once. It made a big hole when he died.
Books. I talked about Andrew Mayne’s THE GIRL BENEATH THE SEA last week, and now Jackie is racing through it. I would say she likes it even more than I did. I did enjoy it and it was a fast read. I have another on the Kindle that I had picked up cheap (or free) some time ago.
I also finished the two short story collections: Agatha Christie’s “supernatural” stories in THE LAST SEANCE and Edith Pearlman’s HONEYDEW.
Currently reading three more collections of stories: Pearlman’s BINOCULAR VISION: New and Collected Stories, Christie’s MIDWINTER MURDER (this one is more series characters – Poirot, Miss Marple, Harley Quin, Tommy & Tuppence, and has more the feel of one of Martin Edwards’ British Library-edited collections), and Claire Keegan’s ANTARCTICA. The Keegan was her first published book, from 1999, when she was just 30. She writes beautifully.
What else am I reading? (Of course, there are always other books.) A friend recommended a book I would never have thought of reading otherwise: D.E. Stevenson’s 1936 MISS BUNCLE’S BOOK, a choice of The Comfort Book Club. It has been reprinted by Persephone Books, which does such interesting books (several of which I’ve read). I just started this so we’ll see how I get on with it.
Also started was Darynda Jones’s third book about Sheriff Sunshine Vicram, A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER. Definitely start with the first in the series, A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE. They are set in Del Sol, New Mexico and they are fun reading,
Jeff, My college roommate & I don’t even have books in common. Occasionally, she’ll read a self-help book, but that’s it. I will say, she made me a faster reader. I took a speed reading course with her. I don’t use the techniques, and I tested out at 98 percentile before taking the course, but I’m sure it upped my speed somewhat. Unlikely friends. I like that phrase.
I’ll have to look for Antarctica. Keegan does write beautifully. You’re right.
I’ll be curious to see your summary of Miss Buncle’s Book.
Hi! We just got back from NC after 3.5 weeks of caring for my mother after knee replacement surgery. I am glad to say she is doing better, less pain finally. It was sunny and 60’s and 70’s there. Today in Michigan, we are expecting ice and snow. I didn’t read much in NC. Since returning, I have read My Unforgettable Years Growing up in WW2 France. This was a quick, but interesting read about a young girl and her memories of living in France during the Occupation. I have just started reading (for the third time) Orchestrated Death by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I needed an enjoyable comfort read and the Bill Slider mysteries fit the bill. Our granddaughter arrives tonight for a long weekend, so we will stay busy! Hope everyone will have a good weekend.
Welcome home, Jennifer! I’m sure it’s good to be home, and only taking care of a granddaughter for the weekend, as much as you care about your mother. Drastic change in temperature!
Oh, I agree. The Bill Slider mysteries would fit the bill for an enjoyable comfort read!
Lesa from your post for today and the special repost yesterday I’m definitely thinking on the way I’ve met various people in my life and those that “stuck”. And I have to thank this group for 3/4 of my reading this week.
THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE 2022 reviewed here by Kevin Tipple in January. Satisfying to read a collection of stories previously published now selected as “best”. My favorites were “Turning Heart” with the lead character from the novel “Winter Counts” and one by Dennis Lehane. The contributors comments were also quite interesting.
I started the Sheriff Hank Worth series with the author’s debut – THE BRANSON BEAUTY (2016). Coincidentally, Kevin mentioned the fifth in this series in his best of 2022 list. The debut didn’t click with me until nearly halfway through, but once the ground work was set, the pace quickly picked up. Possibly a few loose ends, but I enjoyed the array of characters from the high school student to the senior citizens.
Then onto A TRACE OF POISON: A Phyllida Bright Mystery
This follow-up to 2021’s Murder at Mallowan Hall occurs during the course of a Mystery Fete hosted by The Detection Club
“a murder – no, a series of murders – taking place at a festival of murder writers”
So, a great story line! Hopefully this series returns with more emphasis on plot, less on caricatures.
Finally THE CABINET OF DR. LENG is the twenty-first installment in the Agent Pendergast series and thirty-third full-length Preston-Child collaboration. I don’t think anyone does intricately woven plots and awesome characters better.
You’re right, MM. I have another friend in my life who probably wouldn’t have been a friend in high school, but she’s been a friend for about 25 years now. Adulthood brings interesting people who are keepers.
I didn’t start Claire Booth’s series with the first Sheriff Hank Worth. I started with the second. Maybe that’s why I enjoy them so much.
Thank you for the mentions. Enjoyed the reads.
Read Do No Harm by Robert Pobi – a new author for me and I have already put in reserves at the library for his 2 other books with the same character. The main character is quite different – he has both a prosthetic arm and leg -so it gives a perspective on dealing with these handicaps. Happy Holiday weekend to all!
Thank you, Donna! Happy Holiday weekend to you as well!
I finished The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz, but only by skimming the final third. I liked the premise — five young women writers at a retreat at the home of a famous author, expected to write complete novels in 30 days for a possible publishing contract — and I enjoyed the beginning. But it devolved into horror, not my favorite thing, and became totally unbelievable. It’s not a good sign when I’m laughing out loud and shaking my head at scenes that are meant to be frightening and suspenseful. Still, I think it will do well with young female readers. The author does have a gift for characterization.
I have moved on to an advance copy of The Last Beekeeper by Julie Carrick Dalton, a near-future story I learned about from this blog. So far so good.
For nonfiction, I’ve started the massive Palo Alto by Malcolm Harris, subtitled “A History of California, Capitalism, and the World.” I’ll read it in chunks in between doses of fiction.
Sandra, I hope The Last Beekeeper turns out to be good. I’ve recommended it to a friend!
We’re coming out of another cold spell here in Northern Colorado, Lesa, so I’m ready (and so is my dog, Sassy) to get outside for a long walk. As for friends, I have quite an assortment, including one from grade school. We’re going on 68 years of occasional contacts and meetings over the years. She’s still in Illinois, though, so lately we’ve been in touch with emails and letters. My book of the moment is Outpost by W. Michael Gear. I decided on a little scifi for a change and am loving it. I’m happy it’s the first book in a trilogy so I have more to look forward to.
Patricia, I hope you and Sassy get some good walking weather soon.
I’m not one of those people who acquire a lot of friends. I have one or two from each place I’ve lived, usually people I worked with. I treasure every one of them.
Isn’t it nice to read something different for a change?
71 degrees in Cincinnati yesterday. We woke up to lots of rain this morning with a possibility of kinds of extreme weather this afternoon.
I only read one book this week, but I absolutely loved it. The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel. It was funny and messy and just terrific.
I picked up The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page after seeing the cover on your post last week, Lesa. I am not sure where it is supposed to be going. I am not sure if I will finish it. The author’s daughter is Libby Page who wrote The Lido which I really enjoyed.
Happy Reading!
Sharon, I’m with you. I set The Keeper of Stories aside, and I’m not sure I’ll pick it up again. We’ll see.
Our extreme weather – rain, lightning, wind, came in overnight.
I did forget to mention the weather. We’re back to a warmer period here in South Florida with the low 80s being a little above their average for the date. New York has been having a better than average winter from my point of view – a total of half an inch of snow all winter so far – but with up and down temperatures. I mean, it’s supposed to be in the upper 60s today and the 20s by Friday night.
It’s much better to enjoy those 80s in South Florida, Jeff, than to worry about day-to-day fluctations in New York!
Happy Thursday’s at Lesa’s, everyone.
Weather is warm enough to be a preview of spring and has melted away all the snow from a couple days ago. But I’m not fooled, we’re in for more snow, I’m sure. it is, after, only February in the NC mountains.
I’ve read some good books, but two stand-outs are –
The Friday Night Club by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman and M. J. Rose (from NetGalley).
I loved learning about artist Hilma af Klint (Klint, not Klimt). And, of course, i have ended up in rabbit holes to learn more about her and view her work. Fascinating.
“While men have long been credited with producing the first abstract paintings, the true creator was actually a woman–Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, who was inspired by her mystic visions. Acclaimed authors Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M.J. Rose bring her story to life in this groundbreaking novel.
Early 1900s: The world belongs to men, and the art world in Stockholm, Sweden, is no different, until Hilma af Klint brings together a mysterious group of female painters and writers—Anna, Cornelia, Sigrid, and Mathilda—to form their own emotional and artistic support system. The members of the Friday Night Club find themselves thrust into uncharted territory when Hilma and her best friend, Anna, begin dabbling in the occult, believing that through séances they can channel unseen spirits to help them achieve their potential as artists. “The Five,” as Hilma referred to them, was a group of immensely talented, fascinating women whose lives and work were cast into obscurity…until now.
The Present: Over a century later, an associate curator at the Guggenheim Museum, Eben Elliot, brings the Hilma af Klint show to New York where he uncovers questions about the Five and how the modern day art world is funded, which puts him in a precarious position both emotionally and professionally, as he witnesses how history can be manipulated.
The Friday Night Club is an illuminating historical novel that explores destiny, passion, and the threads that connect five women as they challenge artistic and societal traditions.”
and
I loved Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This book was worth, i think, all the hype.
“Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.”
Welcome home to Thursdays at Lesa’s, Kaye!
My sister, Linda, says Lessons in Chemistry was one of her favorite books last year, and her daughter loved it as well. I have a copy sitting on the bed in the backroom, and I really need to get around to it eventually.
Don’t you love rabbit holes? And, I know how much you love that snow! I wish you “Kaye weather” again soon. Hugs, my friend!
Kaye, I have had Lessons in Chemistry waiting for a while in one of my stacks. Since you loved it, and you say there’s a really cool dog in the book, it’s now moved up to reading sooner rather than later. Lesa, you and I should read it together. I’ll start next week and you start a week to ten days later, and we should finish about the same time. Hahaha!
P.s. There is THE coolest dog in Lessons in Chemistry. He deserves his own book.
One more reason to read the book.
I agree with Kaye. The dog’s name in the book is Six-Thirty, and author Bonnie Garmus’s dog’s name is 99 (she and a childhood friend used to refer to each other as 86 and 99 (from the TV show Get Smart). You have to read the book to find out about the fictional dog’s name.
My current read is THE DEAD CERTAIN DOUBT by Jim Nesbitt. The latest in the Ed Earl Burch Series is due out some time next month, I believe.
Did you mention this to me recently, Kevin? The series, not the title. It sounds familiar.
I did. I very much enjoy the series.
Weather—we were almost 80 yesterday and under a severe thunderstorm watch all evening as we awaited a cold front. Fortunately, nada happened.
After reviewing Mystery Magazine: February 2023 yesterday on the blog, today I review Philanthropists: Inspector Mislan and the Executioners by Rozlan Mohd Noor. Latest book in the series features a lot of recollections by Inspector Mislan of earlier cases (books).
We had the thunderstorm here, Kevin. Very dramatic. But, that was it. Fortunately, no hail or tornadoes out of it.
I am very late, as Kevin said the big storm didn’t happen. Now receiving an overload of books to review! I love that.
Reading Endpapers by Jennifer Savran Kelly, her first book and she is off to a great start, it is a gender bender and that ties in with your question. I had a friend while I was going through divorce, of a gay man. I got to meet a lot people at parties and we had interesting discussions. I met trans people and at one party, had three trans give me free advice on what to do with my hair. We had a lot of fun! I moved and then I met and married my second husand of 29 years and we lost connection. Back to the book, it is a page turning mystery. The main character works in a museum as a book repairer for the museum library. There was a leak in the ceiling andShe is to repair the book that had damaged endpapers. A love letter and an old cover of a book from the 1950s was found. On the track to find the woman who wrote it. Can barely refrain from reading it.
Also a book, very different for me, The Many Assassinations of Sabir by Daniel Navari. Adventures of Sabir, a thieving and the boy, he diverted a group of fake monks from being stoned to death. Large in size, I will not be taking it anywhere.
Oh, Reading Endpapers sounds great, Carolee! I’ll have to watch for that.
And, I probably never would have met someone at a party! Good for you. I just don’t enjoy parties.
I finished reading THE DEAD ROMANTICS by Ashley Poston. I listened to the audio narrated by Eileen Stevens, who did her usual fantastic job. There were multiple gasp out loud moments and several happy endings. It’s no wonder Lesa and others had it on their favorite lists last year. If you enjoy a good romance, I highly recomend it.
Yes, the weather in southwest Florida has been lovely in the low 80s and sunny. I’ll mail sun rays to whoever needs some!
Me! I’ll take sun rays, Sandie. We had some yesterday, but today is just blah.
I’m so glad you enjoyed The Dead Romantics! Terrific book.
Lesa, I am glad you talked about WE SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS by Will Schwalbe. I just recently finished reading his previous book, BOOKS FOR LIVING, which I enjoyed and have also read THE END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB. When I saw he had a new book, I wondered what it is was about. I like the way he writes, and I will definitely be reading it.
I finished BULLET TRAIN a couple of days ago. It took me about two weeks to read, and I don’t know why since I did enjoy it. I was splitting my time between BULLET TRAIN and THE SISTERS, another biography of the Mitford sisters, which I am also enjoying.
Not much else to report. It has been colder here in Santa Barbara / Goleta, night time temperatures in the lower 30s, and I am not sure how long that will last.
Oh, good, Tracy! I like the way Schwalbe writes, too. I hope you enjoy this new one. I’m guessing you will if you liked both of his earlier ones.
Too cold for California!
Hello, Lesa and anyone else who checks the blog this late. I’m guessing you got the thunder and lightning show last night that we got here, Lesa. I was up with Lulu, who has a hard time finding a good hiding place when it storms. I ended up putting her in bed with Philip and covering her up to her head. For some reason she stays on his bed better than mine, but she prefers me to be by her when she’s in her dog bed in the living room.
We Should Not Be Friends sounds like such an interesting read. I do think if we open ourselves up to being friends with those not just like us, we benefit greatly. Before coming to this post tonight, I read your post from yesterday, which was wonderful, and you mentioned you and Jim meeting interesting people because of books. Becoming a part of the mystery/crime fiction community ten years ago, at my first Bouchercon, opened the gates to so many friends with whom I’ve stayed friends, some, like you and Kaye, who have been complete treasures. Of course, these friends are those who love reading and all things book as much as I do, but there are some differences in what we like to read, which has ended up bringing me some favorite books that I might otherwise not have read. I think the friendships later in life that have surprised me the most are the re-connections with high school classmates from my hometown at reunions. One girl (I’m still calling her girl) I’ve become especially close to was someone I had never hung out with. I actually became her confidante when she was going through a very rough patch. I also like to meet people who are different who bring interesting new learning experiences into my life.
Reading is still going slowly for me, but I’m finishing up Deborah Crombie’s new Gemma and Duncan book, A Killing of Innocents, and it’s so good. I think I’ve been making it last longer because it’s such a comforting read to me, with so many characters I love.
Hi Kathy, You’re right about the dramatic show, but with just Josh and me, we missed most of us. It didn’t bother us like it bothers Lulu.
Later in life friendships are special, aren’t they? And, I know how you like to stay connected to your hometown. I visit my Mom in mine, but I’ve never gone back to a reunion. I just wasn’t close to my class. I’m in touch with less than ten people out of a class of 182.
I know what you mean about characters you love.