DFED in 2017...What to Read Next??

Hello and welcome! My name's Dawn - I live in Lexington, KY with my husband, I work in the horse industry and this is my 8th year taking part in the 75 Books Challenge. I mostly enjoy reading horse, young adult, cookbooks and memoirs.

My TBR list continues to grow and my main challenge this year is to finish up some of those books lying around the house, half-read! :)

Here's the link to my 2016 thread if you're interested: https://www.librarything.com/topic/210868

Happy reading in 2017, Dawn!

Marking my spot here! Happy reading!

I am part of the group.
I love being part of the group.
I love the friendships bestowed upon my by dint of my membership of this wonderful fellowship.
I love that race and creed and gender and age and sexuality and nationality make absolutely no difference to our being a valued member of the group.

Thank you for also being part of the group.

Welcome back!

Adding my star! Good luck finishing some of those half-read books...it always feels good to get those done!

Welcome everybody!! The first reads of the year are in...



#1 - Report From Practically Nowhere by John Sack, 232 pages (own). I've been reading this one for years I think. I originally got it because it was illustrated by Shel Silverstein! It's an interesting and humorous look (via 1959) at tiny countries throughout the world. They are: Lundy, Sark, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, San Marino, The S.M.O.M., Athos, Sharja, Swat, Amb, Punial and Sikkim. Funnily enough, most of these countries still exist, though Sikkim has been made a part of India and Swat, Amb and Punial seem to have become a part of Pakistan.



#2 - 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson, 338 pages (own). This one's been on my TBR list for quite some time. I enjoyed the tale of Ginny traveling the world following instructions from her deceased aunt - what an adventure!

#3 - The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, pages (library). An utterly engrossing book and I'm going to miss Alma's character.

I loved 13 Little Blue Envelopes! I didn't enjoy the sequel quite as much, but that's probably because I read it too long after the first one, so I'd forgotten many of the details from the first book. I suspect if you read it sooner, you'll like it more than I did!

dk_phoenix - I didn't mind the sequel, which I've just finished! :)



#4 - The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson, 282 pages (library). The sequel to 13 Little Blue Envelopes. I feel like there should be a 3rd story coming.



#5 - Too Many Cooks by Emily Franklin, 384 pages (own). Franklin may have an edge on most moms in that she was a professional cook, but what a way to introduce your kids to new foods! My mom never even bothered... :)

#6 - The Last Farmer by Howard Kohn, 288 pages (own). A book my husband recommended to me. Kohn faces his family's history and the pull back to the ancestral family farm as his dad, a lifetime farmer, faces retirement. I enjoyed the history of farming in MI as well.



#7 - Rain Cloud the Wild Mustang by Margaret Kraenzel, 144 pages (own). A quick read of a children's book I picked up at my library's last book sale.



#8 - Becoming Clementine by Jennifer Niven, audiobook (library). The follow-up to Velva Jean Learns to Fly, Velva Jean "becomes Clementine" when she becomes part of the French Underground in World War II.



#9 - The Clancys of Queens by Tara Clancy, pages (own). An Early Reviewer book - review to follow.



#10 - A Recipe for Cooking by Cal Peternell, 336 pages (library). Every so often I'll read a cookbook cover-to-cover. I'm afraid I didn't give his first book, Twelve Recipes much of a look, but that may change! Peternell is a chef at Chez Panisse.

#11 - Always A Bridesmaid (For Hire) by Jen Glantz, 301 pages (library). Glantz has always been the bridesmaid, never the bride. So, one drunken evening, she decides to make a business out of it!



#12 - It Starts With Food by Dallas Hartwig, 320 pages (library). Yep, my husband and I are officially on the Whole 30 bandwagon - wish us luck!!



#13 - Keeping The Castle by Patrice Kindl, 261 pages (library). The prequel to A School For Brides. Be warned - there are a lot of characters in this book! But, it was a very pleasant read.



#14 - B Is For Betsy by Carolyn Haywood, 120 pages (own). I have a cute memento from 1st grade where I wrote a book report on this book. So, when I spotted a copy at my library's recent book sale, I picked it up!

#15 - Weekend In Paris by Robyn Sisman, 323 pages (own). A cutesy chick-lit. My favorite kind are British!



#16 - I Hate Everyone, Except You by Clinton Kelly, 226 pages (library). Another snarky book from Kelly.



#17 - Shooting Star by Anne Colver, 80 pages (own). I try to collect as many old children's horse stories as I can. This was a lucky find at Goodwill.



#18 - The Amazing Story of the Man Who Cycled From India to Europe For Love by Per J. Andersson, 304 pages (own). An Early Reviewer book - review to follow.



#19 - Maid To Match by Deeanne Gist, 363 pages (library). This one was on my TBR list for a while now. I had no idea it was Christian romance, but I enjoyed the story based at the Biltmore Estate (which, if you've never been, you must go!)

Some of these covers are quite interesting.

>19 DFED: I knew Deeanne Gist was a Christian writer, but I didn't know that one was set at Biltmore. I may need to read it just for the setting.

thornton37814 - I always get sucked in by a good cover! :)



#20 - French Country Cooking by Mimi Thorisson, 335 pages (library). OMG - this books makes me so jealous I could scream! The photos, the recipes - that's it, I'm moving to France! :)



#21 - Wildwood Stables #2 by Suzanne Weyn, 176 pages (own). An overdramatic young adult horse series (these things tend to be). I haven't read the first book but I can't say I'd turn down reading any other books in the series...



#22 - Modern Lovers by Emma Straub, audiobook (library). A lovely look at life, love and relationships over time.

#23 - My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, audibook (library). Plenty of people on LT are big fans of the Jeeves books - I finally "read" one!



#24 - A Kitchen In France by Mimi Thorrisson, 304 pages (library). Thorisson's first cookbook and just as marvelous as her latest one!



#25 - What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, 426 pages (own). A lucky find at the Salvation Army! I couldn't put down this story of Alice who wakes up from a concussion not remembering the last ten years of her life. She's had three kids and is going through a divorce in that time period!

#26 - Paris For One And Other Stories by JoJo Moyes, audiobook (library). I'm a Francophile and I've been on a jaunt lately :) I enjoyed this collection of short stories.



#27 - Summer Brings Gifts by Ann Ritner, 223 pages (own). A very lucky find at a local Goodwill. I read Ritner's The Green Bough last year, didn't enjoy it terribly, but had a feeling this author could do better. Read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!

I felt the same way when I listened to My Man Jeeves - I finally read one! Sometimes I think I'm the last person on LT to read or listen to a book!

#28 - Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, audiobook (library). My second Jeeves book. Most of which I could skip through because some of the stories I already heard in My Man Jeeves!



#29 - Finding Fontainebleau by Thad Carhart, 283 pages (library). Carhart's dad was positioned with NATO in France in the 50's and he was stationed at Fontainebleau (his office was in the chateau!). The family traveled with him and its clear that Carhart has many fond memories of his stay there.



#30 - A Christmas Memory, One Christmas and The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote, 107 pages (borrow). A co-worker urged me to read this and I'm so glad I had the chance to. I just loved Sook's character.



#31 - Roman Diary by Richard Platt, 64 pages (library). I didn't like the illustrations at all, but there was plenty to learn from this children's book! I've already got others books by the same author checked out.



#32 - Life From Scratch by Sasha Martin, 352 pages (library). I happened across the author's blog not too long ago. Her childhood was absolutely heartbreaking and her blog is a result of trying to heal.

#33 - The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, audiobook (library). What happens to relationships when a family is reliant on an inheritance that may not come through?



#34 - Big Bosses by Althea McDowell Altemus, 220 pages (library). What an interesting book!! Altemus worked as a personal secretary for many "big bosses" in the 30's. I found the footnotes bordered being both annoying and highly informative. And, it was a shame that at the time a married woman (especially with a child) could not find a decent job!



#35 - American Housewife by Helen Ellis, 188 pages (library). A variety of short stories, some very surprising!



#36 - Castle Diary by Richard Platt, 64 pages (library).



#37 - Egyptian Diary by Richard Platt, 64 pages (library). Two more "diary" books - in each one you can learn quite a bit about the time period!



#38 - From the Ground Up: A Food Grower's Education in Life, Love and the Movement That's Changing the Nation by Jeanne Nolan, 304 pages (own). A lucky find at a Half Price outlet, Nolan leaves high school and joins a "cult" in which she develops gardening skills that she then translated to a thriving organic gardening business in the Chicago area. There were lots of resources listed in the back of the book that I'll have to check out.

#39 - Pirate Diary by Richard Platt, 64 pages (library). A closer look at pirate life.



#40 - M.F.K. Fisher and Me by Jeannette Ferrary, 272 pages (own). Ferrary became a close friend of Fisher's towards the end of her life. A good author in her own right, she gives great insight into Fisher as a friend and famous author.



#41 - Running With a Police Escort by Jill Grunenwald, 227 pages (library). What's the flip side of running last in a race or a marathon? Running with a police escort! This book has seriously inspired me to take up running



#42 - We Rode the Orphan Trains by Andrea Warren, 132 pages (own). A quick read picked up from my library's latest book sale. I do love to read about the orphan trains - on the whole, the orphans interviewed in this book seemed to think the idea of the trains worked.

#43 - Walking the Himalayas by Levison Wood, audiobook (library). Much as the title says, Wood decides to walk the foothills of the Himalayas. This would have been better read than listened to - I had a hard time following where he was in his journey and the author read the book as well which led to some over-dramatization.



#44 - Letter From New York by Helene Hanff, 140 pages (library). Back in the 70's Hanff did a weekly BBC broadcast about everyday life in New York City. These are her transcripts and what a delightful read!



#45 - Looking For Class by Bruce Feiler, 330 pages (own). What fun that I picked this book up randomly only to find I've had his Learning to Bow on my TBR list for some time! Feiler completes a graduate degree at Cambridge and documents just how different England's educational system is to our own!



#46 - Goose Chase by Patrice Kindl, 214 pages (library). A quick, fun "fairy tale" read

#47 - Lafayette In the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell, audiobook (library). Read by the author (who has an amusingly nasal voice), I enjoyed her take on the still-popular Lafayette and his experience in the Revolutionary War.



#48 - Orphan Train Rider by Andrea Warren, audiobook (library). While also giving a summary of the orphan train's history, this book followed the life on Lee Nailling, one of the riders. His childhood was heartbreaking!

#49 - Decorated Horses by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, 48 pages (library). A children's book about, well, decorated horses!



#50 - Will Sparrow's Road by Karen Cushman, 216 pages (library). Oh, how I love Cushman's books!



#51 - Old Home Love by Candis Meredith, 255 pages (library). Meredith is part of a husband & wife team who rehabs older homes - something I've always wanted to do! Apparently, they have a show on HGTV.



#52 - My (Part-Time) Paris Life by Lisa Anselmo, 242 pages (library). Anselmo has always been "the fixer" in her family - especially so with her mother. So, when her mother passes away, she's at a loss on how to live her life. So, she buys a Parisian apartment and comes to terms with her new reality.



#53 - The Ford Treasury of Favorite Recipes from Famous Eating Places by Nancy Kennedy, 252 pages (own). A lovely old book I picked up. The illustrations are fab, many of the restaurants are still around and lots of recipes for Lobster Newburg!



#54 - Very Good, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, audiobook (library). Another Jeeves book, yay! My husband and I are also watching the BBC series, which is super fun.

#55 - The Same Sweet Girl's Guide to Life by Cassandra King, 97 pages (own). A gift book aimed at graduates. I had no idea when I bought it and also didn't know King is the widow of Pat Conroy.



#56 - The Luxe by Anna Godbersen, 433 pages (own). I've had this series on my TBR for some time now and came across a copy of the first book. I've already got the second on hold and I'm surprised at how true to the time period this was.



#57 - The Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines, audiobook (library). I've seen the show Fixer Upper only a handful of times, but this audiobook called to me. It was so interesting to hear the Gaines' journey from newlyweds to reality TV stars with a lot of hard work and luck along the way.



#58 - Flapdoodle, Trust & Obey by Virginia Cary Hudson, 96 pages (own). I read Hudson's Oh Ye Jigs & Juleps! a few years ago and was fairly unimpressed with it, but I really enjoyed Hudson's letters to her daughter in this one!

#59 - A Horse Called Hero by Sam Angus, 296 pages (library). Wolfie & Dodo are children taken out of London in WWII and sent to a coastal village while their father, a WWI war hero, is away at war again. They adopt a foal that's the only stability in their lives while family loyalty is called into question.



#60 - Aggie's Home by Joan Lowery Nixon, 116 pages (library). A short children's book about an orphan train rider.



#61 - Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, audiobook (library). Bertie was a real a** in this one, so he gets his comeuppance :) Also, the narrator changed which is always a little off-putting.

#62 - Gatherings by Flora Shedden, 287 pages (library). I knew I was drawn to this book for a reason - Flora was a British Baking Show participant!



#63 - Sleepless Nights & Kisses for Breakfast by Matteo Bussola, 268 pages (library). This is the sweetest book that I've read in a long time and I can't wait to get a copy for the dads in my life!

#64 - Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, audiobook (library). Read by the author, I've already got a list of people I'd like to give a copy or recommend this to!



#65 - Seven League Boots by Richard Halliburton, pages (own). I have to admit, I've been "reading" this book for several years now. I just adore Halliburton's books so I kept putting off finishing it. Most striking in this one is his meeting the Romanov family's killer and trekking the Alps on an elephant!

#66 - On A Shoestring to Coorg by Dervla Murphy, 272 pages (own). Some books are just lucky finds and this is another. This is the author's account of traveling through southern India with her five-year-old daughter in the 70's! It was interesting how friendly the people seemed to be Murphy and her daughter and how well they both took to traveling through a strange country.



#67 - My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, pages (own). Have you had the pleasure of watching the PBS series The Durrells in Corfu? If not, I urge you to do so! If so, this is the real-life account of the Durrell family.



#68 - Rumors by Anna Godbersen, 423 page (library). Sequel to The Luxe and this one also ended on a cliffhanger. Luckily, the next book's already arrived in my queue at the library!

#69 - The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller, audiobook (library). Olivia Rawlings is a famous pastry chef with a life going nowhere. So, she takes a chance as a baker at a small inn in Vermont.



#70 - Driving Miss Norma by Tim Bauerschmidt, 239 pages (library). The author and his wife live year-round in their RV. When the author's father dies unexpectedly and they then his mother, Norma, is diagnosed with cancer the family decides to hit the road together.



#71 - Books For Living by Will Schwalbe, 272 pages (own). Great, another book adding more to my TBR list!! A touching look at books that have affected the author's life. I haven't read his End of Your Life Book Club yet, but I will soon based on this book!



#72 - Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan, 397 pages (library). The latest in the "Crazy Rich" series. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten alot of the characters from the time the last book was published to this one, but it was still an enjoyable read with plenty of name-dropping!



#73 - The Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers, audiobook (library). This book made me thankful that I live such a privileged life! I can't wait to watch the movie.

Well, I've been terribly remiss about posting my books lately!! I've just finished working 7 days straight for a big work event as well as having several important birthdays (mine included) and family visiting - phew! And, I've managed to hit 75 books in the meantime!!



#74 - Splendor by Anna Godbersen, 391 pages (library). The last in The Luxe series, where everything wraps up rather neatly (though there were plenty of suspenseful moments throughout). I'll have to begin Godbersen's other series soon.



#75 - The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry, audiobook (library). An absolutely adorable story that's a perfect mix between Lemony Snickett and Roald Dahl. Don't fail to read the appendix :)



#76 - Kentucky Derby Winner by Isabel McMeekin, 224 pages (own). How fun when I find old children's horse books - I collect them! I swear that once upon a time I read this, but I enjoyed it yet again.



#77 - Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson, 353 pages (library). Johnson is the author of the 13 Little Blue Envelope series. Scarlett's family owns and runs a run-down hotel in NYC. A strong female character (that apparently Johnson is fond of) moves into the hotel and theatrical chaos ensues.



#78 - When You Find Out the World Is Against You by Kelly Oxford, 310 pages (library). I read Oxford's Everything Is Perfect When You're A Liar awhile back and enjoyed Oxford's humor. This book is just as good.



#79 - Those Wonderful Days by Bob Moore, 202 pages (own). I've really been into horse books lately, so I'm sure you'll see more of these on my thread in the future! This book was not as amusing as it was made out to be in the intro. but Moore certainly had stories to tell about the people and horses in racing in the early 1900's. What really startled me was his take on what's leading to the "break down" of racing (the mutuel system and political involvement) - he certainly has a point! As anyone involved in racing knows, it's a struggling industry.

Burned by Julie Herman, 138 pages (own). A former board member of the organization I work for, this is Herman's first attempt at a horse story. A quick, enjoyable read with plenty of Pony Club references :) However, the editing needed some work.



#81 - Golden Bats & Pink Pigeons by Gerald Durrell, 190 pages (library). The only other book my library had by Durrell, I surprisingly enjoyed this. Durrell and his associates travel to Mauritius to try to catch some species known only to those islands to transport back to Jersey and his zoo for endangered species for breeding programs. If you're interested, here's the link to his conservation program: https://www.durrell.org/wildlife/



#82 - Hungry Monkey by Matthew Amster-Burton, 272 pages (own). Another lucky find since my library doesn't carry any of Amster-Burton's books. This is an account of he and his daughter's experiences with food from her birth to age five (when he wrote the book). I think there's good advice scattered throughout for parents and I personally am looking forward to making some of the recipes!



#83 - Moseman's Illustrated Guide For Purchasers of Horse Furnishing Goods, 304 pages (own). This isn't a read, per se, but a lucky find that both my husband and I enjoyed from a local used bookstore! Funny how horse equipment hasn't changed all that much...and yet it has?? Strangely, the cover of my copy isn't available on LT so I had to borrown this not-so-great one from Amazon...

Congrats on blowing past 75!

Congratulations on reaching 75 and beyond, Dawn!

Thank you drneutron and FAMeulstee!!

And, oops, I forgot one more!:



#84 - Envy by Anna Godbersen, 405 pages (library). The third book in The Luxe series.

#85 - Stay Interesting by Jonathan Goldsmith, 305 pages (library). You'll probably recognize Goldsmith from the hugely popular Dos Equis commercials as the "world's most interesting man." Well, Goldsmith's life has been pretty darn interesting too!



#86 - Bill The Conqueror by P.G. Wodehouse, audiobook (library). I decided to try a non-Jeeves Wodehouse. Though not disappointing, sometimes I just want to smack some common sense into some of his characters!



#87 - Summer Of Lost and Found by Rebecca Behrens, 278 pages (library). I have to admit, I checked this out based on the cute cover. But boy, what a neat historical mystery/young adult book! Now I really want to go to the OBX (it's been on my husband & I's bucket list for some time now).

>35 DFED: A great historical fiction read in #87. Book bullet.

Thornton37814 - definitely, it's a great read!



#88 - Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, audiobook (library).



#89 - Grayling's Song by Karen Cushman, 213 pages (library). The latest from one of my favorite young adult authors.



#90 - My Year of the Racehorse by Kevin Chong, 224 pages (own). Isn't this a lovely cover?? Chong unwittingly alters his life plan/checklist by entering into a part-ownership of a Thoroughbred racehorse. FYI, Chong lives in Canada (it took me awhile to remember where Hastings racecourse was).

alsvidur - thanks! It's been slow going this year - it's hard to find the time to read lately!



#91 - Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes, 304 pages (library). Janey Sweet is told in no uncertain terms to lose 30 pounds, or lose her job as co-owner of a couture wedding dress business, by her best friend/co-owner/designer. Thus begins her adventures in the latest fitness trends in NYC.



#92 - The Simple Game by Thomas Foley, 172 pages (own). I told you I've been on a horse racing kick lately! Foley is an ex-jockey. He came over from Ireland to race in steeplechases, moved on to flat racing and writes very honestly about his lifestyle - including a battle with bulimia.

#93 - If At Birth You Don't Succeed by Zach Anner, audiobook (library). Anner is an inspiration along with being laugh-out-loud funny.



#94 - Daisy Saves the Day by Shirley Hughes, 32 pages (library). Daisy is not good at being a maid but does all right in the end.



#95 - The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman, 122 pages (library). Why did this book seem so familiar?? Because I already read it! :)



#96 - Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman, 167 pages (library). Poor orphaned Matilda is apprenticed out to a bone-setter and has some hard life lessons to learn.



#97 - The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe, 336 pages (library). An absolutely touching book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

#98 - Cookoff by Amy Sutherland, 352 pages (own). There are some weirdly unenthusiastic reviews of this book on LT but it was an enjoyable look at the competitors in cook-offs around the US. Frankly it made me make plans to enter our state fair next year like I've threatened to for years now!



#99 - The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse, audiobook (library). Another wonderful Jeeves & Wooster book.



#100 - Waiting For the Biblioburro by Monica Brown, pages (library). I can only imagine what it means to kids to have a biblioburro or mobile library show up in their towns!



#101 - Beautiful Bodies by Kimberly Rae Miller, 222 pages (library). Miller's poignant tale of how others' perception of her body and size had shaped her life in so many ways - many of them not good.

>41 thornton37814: I loved the biblioburro book when I read it.

#102 - What My Heart Wants to Tell by Verna Mae Slone, 143 pages (own). Slone was upset at the portrayal of the Appalachian people in America, so she wrote her biography. I enjoyed this "inside look" at her Appalachian life.



#103 - How to Make a French Family by Samantha Verant, 308 pages (library). Verant tells an honest tale about starting life all over again in France with a new French husband, his two children and no grasp of the language.



#104 - Morningstar by Ann Hood, 186 pages (library). A short read that is sure to become an LT favorite! Also, this is the second book I've read that recommended Marjorie Morningstar as a great read. I've just put it on hold at the library.



#105 - Dear America: Like to Willow Tree by Lois Lowry, 216 pages (library). The Willoughbys was so amusing, I thought I'd read more of Lowry's books. This is a tale of orphaned Lydia who is raised by Shakers.



#106 - The Windfall by Diksha Basu, 294 pages (own). An Early Reviewer book, review to follow.

#107 - The Unmumsy Mum by Sarah Turner, 298 pages (library). A hilarious look at what life is really like with babies and toddlers. I'm not a mom but I enjoyed reading this. It came in especially useful with a recent visit from my 3yo nephew - I had to keep reminding myself not to judge my sister's parenting as everyone is different.



#108 - The After Party by Anton DiSclafani, audiobook (library). The story of an unhealthy relationship between two Texas socialites circa the 1950's.

#109 - Mad About Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, 316 pages (library). I was never much of a Madeline fan as a kid but thought I'd give this collection a read. I can now see why the stories are so popular.



#110 - Outside Passage by Julia Scully, 219 pages (own). Scully lives a pretty messed up childhood in the wilds of Alaska.



#111 - Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen, 389 pages (library). I enjoyed The Luxe series so much, I decided to check out Godbersen's 1920's themed series. I was not disappointed.

#112 - Detroit Hustle by Amy Haimerl, 269 pages (library). A book that definitely makes you think. Haimerl and her husband buy a wreck of a house in Detroit to renovate and explore what makes you a part of place - especially somewhere that has such a long history like Detroit.



#113 - The Gipsy In the Parlour by Margery Sharp, 249 pages (own). A unique find at a used bookstore, it was hard reading because I just couldn't get the accent right in my head! :) But don't let that stop you from enjoying a tale of love for farm and family.



#114 - Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen, 324 pages (library). An easily read, well-written, historically accurate mystery series. I've already requested the second book via Interlibrary loan (because why would my library have EVERY other book in the series, except the second one??).



#115 - When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens, 294 pages (library). First daughter, Audrey finds the long-lost diary of Alice Roosevelt in the White House. An enjoyable read that makes me want to learn more about Alice!

#116 - Stories I'd Tell In Bars by Jen Lancaster, 338 pages (library). Lancaster's back with a self-published book of essays!



#117 - Poppies of Iraq by Brigitte Findakly, 32 pages (library). A graphic novel, this reminds me very much of Persepolis.

#118 - What to Do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley, 48 pages (library). Alice Roosevelt is definitely a character I want to read more about!



#119 - The World of Little House by Carolyn Strom Collins, 150 pages (library). A great book for young fans of the Little House books, there's an overview of each book, actual facts of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and some crafts and recipes to try out.



#120 - Bukowski In A Sundress by Kim Addonizio, 224 pages (own). I'm not entirely sure why I picked this book up at a used book sale. I'm not into poetry and know nothing about Bukowski. But, I can say that Kim is entirely honest about her life, her shortcomings and being a writer/poet.

#121 - Belgravia by Julian Fellowes, audiobook (library). This book!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time with this family drama.



#122 - A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen, 320 pages (library). The second in the Royal Spyness series. I've already got the next on hold!



#123 - The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown, 24 pages (library). I'm not sure where I heard about this children's book, but it was sweet and on my to-purchase list for my nephew!

#124 - Golden Hill by Francis Spufford, 302 pages (library). Did not really see that plot twist coming! An interesting novel.



#125 - Dear World by Bana Alabed, 205 pages (library). Life in a war zone according to a Syrian girl. Most touching was both the power of social media and Bana's mother's letters to her in the book.



#126 - Boston Jane by Jennifer Holm, 273 pages (library). Jane leaves her home in Philadelphia a graduate of a Ladies School as betrothed to a frontiersman NW Washington State. She's in for a shock when she arrives!



#127 - Rivals In the City by Y.S. Lee, 293 pages (library). The last book in The Agency series, I'm sad to see it end.



#128 - Confessions of a Serial Entertainer by Steven Stohlman, 192 pages (own). A cookbook bought on a recent trip to Kansas City from Parnassus Books!!



#129 - Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick, audiobook (library). I love that Anna read her own audiobook - so funny!

#130 - Armada by Ernest Cline, audiobook (library). A great "read" for a road trip!



#131 - Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen, 439 pages (library). Another Royal Spyness mystery - I'm really enjoying Georgie's adventures!



#132 - Boston Jane: Wilderness Days by Jennifer Holm, 242 pages (library). The follow-up to Boston Jane. I'm already requesting the third in the series.



#133 - Lizzy Bennet's Diary by Marica Williams, pages (library). What a cute way to learn the storyline of Pride & Prejudice! An engaging little book.



#134 - My Secret Guide to Paris by Lisa Schroeder, 224 pages (own). Cute story, but VERY similar to 13 Little Blue Envelopes.

#135 - Boston Jane Wilderness Days by Jennifer Holm, 242 pages (library). I've already ordered the third in the series from our ILL system - what's up with my library not having all the books in a series lately??



#136 - Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen, 305 pages (library). J'adore this series...



#137 - The French Chef in America by Alex Prud'homme, audiobook (library). A follow-up to My Life in France, Julia Child's nephew Prud'homme talks about the years after the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking and Julia's lasting influence on the food culture in the US.



#138 - The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Glaser, 297 pages (library). This kinda reminded me of The All-of-a-Kind Family books. The sweet story of family and what a home can really be.

#139 - Sweet Spot by Amy Ettinger, 309 pages (library). As the title says, Ettinger goes on an ice cream binge around the US. There were a lot of surprising facts she found out about the ice cream industry!



#140 - Boston Jane: The Claim by Jennifer Holm, 240 pages (library). Things are not looking pretty for Boston Jane in this book!



#141 - Naughty In Nice by Rhys Bowen, 328 pages (library). Another Royal Spyness mystery.



#142 - Eat Bacon, Don't Jog by Grant Petersen, 240 pages (own). Petersen presents a strong case for a Ketogenic diet and re-thinking the average workout routine.



#143 - Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham, audiobook (library). You may recognize Graham as Lorelei from Gilmore Girls!

#145 - The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen, 311 pages (library). Another great Royal Spyness novel.



#146 - I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places by Lisa Scottoline, audiobook (library). I will be reading more by these entertaining authors but the most surprising thing? A mention of the non-profit that I work for in one of Lisa's essays!!



#147 - Life Is A Banquet by Rosalind Russell, 259 pages (own). Russell is a heroine of mine (I LOVE Auntie Mame!) so I was so excited to purchase a copy of this book at local library's book store.



#148 - On Tide Mill Lane by Melissa Wiley, 258 pages (library). A new-to-me spin off series of the Little House books.



#149 - The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick, 245 pages (library). The mothers of four middle-school-age girls, with nothing much in common, decide to create a Mother-Daughter book club.

Wishing you all good things this holiday season and beyond.

Thank you PaulCranswick! And, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all LTers - especially those on the 75-Books thread! I've enjoyed perusing everyone's threads (even if I'm not much of a commenter), and I appreciated all of the visitors to my own thread!

And, here goes for the rest of the year! Since we're shortly off to a New Year's party, I'm pretty sure I won't get any more reading done today!



#150 - 40 Love by Madeleine Wickham, audiobook (library). Interestingly re-named The Tennis Party, a group of friends who have "moved up in the world" get together after a time apart. This book was surprisingly deeper than you'd think and an interesting look at what money can do to relationships.



#151 - The Queen and I by Sue Townsend, 239 pages (own). What would happen if the Queen of England (and her family) are ousted from their noble positions? What if they were then put in council housing? An amusing look at what could've happened (the book unfortunately dates to before Diana's divorce and death).



#152 - Wreck The Halls by Jen Yates, 232 pages (own). If you're a fan of the Cake Wrecks website, you'll love this book!



#153 - Elsa Schiaparelli's Private Album by Marisa Berenson, 192 pages (library). I wanted to find out more about this noted designer and this is the only book my library had on Schiaparelli. The book consisted of intriguing pictures, notes and memories left to her granddaughter, Marisa.



#154 - Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick, 324 pages (library). I'm really enjoying this series about our favorite things - books!!



#155 - Kentucky A to Z by Amanda Hervey, 249 pages (own). The author wrote a column in Kentucky Monthly magazine about Kentucky towns "A to Z". These are her personal memoirs about the trips she took and the people that touched her life from all over the state. She's a lovely writer and it made me proud to live in such a wondeful state.

Congratulations on reaching 2 x 75 and beyond, Dawn!

Thank you FAMeulstee and Happy New Year!

Apparently, I lied! There's one more book to add to my list for 2017:



#156 - L'Appart by David Lebovitz, 354 pages (library). Lebovitz buys and disastrously renovates a Parisian apartment. This book made me awfully glad I live in the US :) And, naturally, Lebovitz includes some fantastic French recipes.

I've just created my 2018 thread so please visit me there: https://www.librarything.com/topic/280097