Anita's (figs) year of perfect vision 2020! Thread #4

Welcome to my first ever 4th thread! I thought it fitting to start a new thread on my birthday. This is an interesting time of the year where gardens have a bit of summer and fall in them.

My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed.

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on

5= Absolutely perfect

Books Read In January



Favourite read of the month: An Ocean Of Minutes

Books Read in February



Best read: The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

Books Read In March



Best: Flights by Olga Tokarczuk

Books Read In April



Best: Bachelor Girl by Kim van Alkemade

Books read in May


Favorite read: Martha Grimes: The Knowledge

Books read in June



Favourite: the Girl Who Was Saturday Night

Books Read in September



Best Of The Month: Oddly enough, The Lost and found bookshop! I couldn't believe it either :)

Books Read In October

Completed "Should have read years ago books"

1. George Orwell: 1984
2. Brave New World: Aldous Huxley
3. H.G Wells: The Time Machine
4. Young Torless: Robert Musil
5. Peter Camenzind: Hermann Hesse
6. Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid's Tale
7. Billiards at half past nine: Boll
8. Kafka: Amerika

Welcome!

Happy new thread!

>12 drneutron: Thanks! For being first you get this great scenic picture I took a long time ago

Hi Anita.
I am not sure I'm supposed to be commenting on your newest thread yet.... maybe I should wait until the welcome sign goes up?

I'm really liking this design, where you have posted book covers for each month and told us which one was your favourite.

Happy new thread, Anita! Nice produce!

Our tomatoes are just about done, and our spaghetti squash has finished, so I'll be pulling plants out to replace with kale, cabbage, and/or cauliflower (based on what seedlings are on hand at the local garden shop). We've already put in lettuce, beets, and turnips for the fall.

>14 SandyAMcPherson: Hi! You are right on time :)

Glad you like the book covers.They help me remember what I have read.

>15 harrygbutler: Thanks! The garden is quite a wonderful thing to have. I planted my second crop of beans, beets, lettuce and carrots a few weeks ago. We have to be careful because we get frost in the late fall. My garden has now recovered from the scorching temperatures and is beginning to flourish again.

Happy 4th thread, Anita. Congrats. Nice photos.

>18 BLBera: Thanks! Nice to see you here

Happy 4th! Way to go!

>20 mstrust: Thanks Jennifer!

Happy new thread, Anita.

>22 PaulCranswick: Thanks!

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread, Anita.
I like your garden fruits.
I love this time too, it is still warm, but not so hot anymore. And also the colors of nature start to change soon.

Happy new thread, Anita!

I have mostly fruits in the garden, plums and a lot of berries. No plums at all this year and only a few blueberries. The wild strawberries, red currants and Japanese wineberries did better.

>24 quondame: Thanks!

>25 SirThomas: Thank you. I do enjoy the change of colours in the fall.

>26 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita. Ooh I love fruit. I have a few fruit tress however, the squirrels and the birds pick at most of the fruit. The trees are too big to put a net over. Our plum trees have black nut disease on them. Do you have that problem with the plum trees?

Happy new thread, Anita!

We have a plum tree, but we always planned on the birds getting to the fruit. I've never heard of black nut (knot) disease.

Happy New Thread, Anita!

>28 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen.

Unfortunately, I do not have my own picture of it however, here is a photo from the web



Very difficult to get rid of. By the time I prune all of it off the tree there is very little left.

>29 jnwelch: Thanks! Nice to see you :)

Happy new thread and belated birthday, Anita

>31 jessibud2: Thanks , Shelley :)

Happy belated birthday Anita!

Love your harvest pictures.

>30 figsfromthistle: That looks bad, but I don't think I've ever seen it. Any plums we had this year have been eaten by wasps. Pears ditto. But we do have lots of apples.

>17 figsfromthistle: A nice assortment of crops for fall. I've put some lettuce in pots that I'll bring into the house, and other plants will get row covers or perhaps cold frames when we get around to having frosts.

We have put in quite a few berries — strawberries, wild strawberries, boysenberries, red raspberries, black raspberries, and blackberries — and also grapes. Mockingbirds and catbirds have been very happy with the grapes this year. We do have a peach tree at the moment, but unfortunately it seems to have become infested with peach borer, and we're going to be taking it out as a result.

>33 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella!

>34 harrygbutler: I tried planting a few things in pots to extend the season for my tomatoes. I hope it works. It is my first year trying it.

Happy new thread, and first-ever fourth!

Happy belated birthday, Anita. Only a day separates us. xx

>36 richardderus: Thanks, Richard :)

>37 PaulCranswick: Thank you! September is a good month,isn't it ?

Happy new thread Anita my dear.

>39 johnsimpson: Thank you :)

Happy new thread, Anita!

Interesting that you liked Artemis that much. I heard it wasn't good.

>30 figsfromthistle: Very difficult to get rid of
That's for sure. The city planted Schubert cherry trees (for their foliage mostly) years ago in our area of town.
A disaster because the variety was not resistant to this fungus so most of these boulevard trees have been removed.

Good luck with your potted plants to extend the season. We get such droughty weather that I gave up on the flower and vegetable pots, except really huge ones in the garden for basil and oregano. They don't survive frost but they sure produce beautiful herbs and keep out the slugs and the dirt. My neighbour showed me the trick of topping the soil with #2 granite grit.

Happy newish thread, Anita, and a belated Happy Birthday. The threads have been getting away from me this year so it has been awhile since I visited but I caught up enough that I would see you have been busy with RL and getting in plenty of good reads. Your topper looks very harvesty, fall like.

>27 figsfromthistle: >30 figsfromthistle: No, that is not the problem, Anita, it looks nasty.
We had frost at night while it flowered, I think that was it. The years before we had lots of plums. We ate a few and the other 90% was for the birds :-)

>41 bell7: Thanks!

>42 The_Hibernator: Sometimes, I am odd and like books that others do not. I enjoyed it because it was a different story compared to what I have been reading lately. Was it perfect? Nope. Was it better than the Martian? Also no. I still enjoyed it a lot :)

>43 SandyAMcPherson: Yes. June and July's dry spell was difficult on the potted plants. Good tip about the granite grit!

>44 Familyhistorian: Thank you! It's nice to see you. Fall is definitely around the corner. I quite enjoy this time of the year.

>45 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. The majority of the fruit does go to the birds. My nectarine tree is the first to bloom and always gets hit by frost as well. This year it was hit pretty hard and am lucky that the tree survived.

Happy new thread and happy belated birthday wishes, Anita. Love the garden harvest up top!

>1 figsfromthistle: Congrats on your first-ever fourth thread!! And your birthday. My son's was on the 6th. : )

Great job on the garden! I am having a bountiful cherry tomato harvest and they are so yummy! That and lots of chives and rosemary. They are the only edibles I planted this year, so maybe more next year...?!?!

> 48 Thanks! I made tomato sauce and salsa out of the harvest.

>49 Berly: Thank you :) Perhaps next year, you will plant more. A little at a time. Quite rewarding as well :)

I still have cherry tomatoes coming in, and surprisingly some of the larger (although not that large) tomatoes that have been green forever, are finally turning red. I hope I can find a different variety to plant next year for the larger ones. I think a lot of people grow Celebrity around here. I don't like those as much as other varieties, and I tried one because it was in stock but was disappointed because they've been so small.

So far, I have not been able to finish any books this month. I got caught up watching Family Matters. As a kid, I remember watching for Steve and the humor. Quite a funny show!

My birthday has also brought to my attention that I am getting older and need to start looking for my "soul mate". So one of my friends convinced me to go on a online dating site. I'm not impressed. I will give it a week and then delete my account.

>51 thornton37814: I love cherry tomatoes! I eat them like popcorn. Hope you find a larger variety that you like better.

Hi Anita!

>52 figsfromthistle: Good luck with the books and with the dating site. I never figured out how to meet eligible men through the 'logical' channels - work romances were a disaster, didn't go to church. I met my husband through a friend. Sorta like a job search - recommendations and personal contacts work best, I think.

>54 karenmarie:

Hi Karen!

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, all my friends and their friends are already in relationships/have kids/already married. Well who knows- perhaps I will meet my future husband in the grocery store :)

... or in a bookstore...
I wish you all the best!

>57 SirThomas: That would be even better :)

73. Caroline Moorehead: A Train In Winter

A story about the women in France and their partners who joined the resistance. Details about how certain members were caught, their roles in the resistance and how they suffered abuse and torture in the prison camps. The women's role in WW2 was something I knew little about.

3.5/5

I finished an ebook and an audiobook yesterday. I probably would have finished the ebook later in the day, but the audiobook finish was completely due to a power outage around supper time. After the power had been out an hour, I decided to drive across town to Cracker Barrel where I could then order on my phone and pick up curbside and eat in the parking lot before driving home. I did it this way to ensure nothing would be cold. I got home right as they were beginning to get power back on in our area. I noticed power still out as I was driving home and then suddenly saw lights appearing. My neighbor confirmed it had just come back on. He'd ended up grilling out.

>60 thornton37814: I have not tried an audio book yet. We had a power outage last week for 6 hours. Luckily, the BBQ is hooked up to the propane line so I was able to grill my supper :)

74. Susan Wiggs: The Lost And Found bookshop

Natalie Harper has a high paying career in a job that she does not enjoy. After a tragic accident, she is left to deal with a bookstore that carries a lot of childhood memories. She also finds out about courage, love and hope.

There were great moments in this novel however there were some things that did not work. I found it convenient that Natalie and her gang have numerous high valued finds. Certain story lines/tidbits did not add to the story. I did enjoy the bookshop parts, and how well the author portrayed the beginning stages of dementia. Many things were well written however, it took me until the middle of the book to really get interested in it.

3/5

A Train in Winter sounds good, Anita. Good luck with online dating...

>62 figsfromthistle: I put that one on a wish list because of the bookshop topic; however, your giving it only 3 stars will likely keep it on a backburner for a long time.

Hiya Smoochling! Happy weekend ahead.

>51 thornton37814: Try these uberproductive and really delicious ones: https://www.rareseeds.com/store/vegetables/tomatoes/pink/mortgage-lifter-tomato

>63 BLBera: Hi! Thanks. So far online dating has been a bust. I will give it a little more time.

>64 thornton37814: To be fair my 3 star reads are usually like someone else's 3.5 star reads. It was ok and I don't regret reading it. Lots of great things about it however, just not as good as some of her other novels ( I think).

>65 richardderus: Thank you, Richard! I hope your weekend goes well.

Hi Anita, I'm always drawn to titles with bookstores in them but it sounds like this one has a few problems. I think I'll check some of Wigg's other books. Any to recommend?

>67 Oregonreader: Nice to see you! I enjoyed A beekeepers ball and between you and me.

Hi Anita! I hope you're having a good Sunday.

>69 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

My Sunday was uneventful. After work, I went for a Sunday stroll. Hope you have a great week!

>62 figsfromthistle: That sounds like a miss for me, too.

I read The Bookshop of Yesterdays back in July and was pretty disappointed. I did like the premise of the book, but the plot progressed so glacially, that I had to concentrate on staying connected. The personality of the main character was part of the problem in my enjoying the story. She was so involved in such dysfunctional relationships, I wanted to scream.

It's been a weird that as a topic, all the novels I've read about book shops and booksellers, I have yet to find one I can say I thoroughly enjoyed. Possibly The Bookish Life of Nina Hill was the best of a bad lot. I'm sure there's a good bookstore novel out there but I haven't discovered it yet!

>71 SandyAMcPherson: - Well, you must not yet have read 84 Charing Cross Road and it's sequel, The Duchess of Bloomsbury. The best of the best, in my humble opinion, of books about books (and bookshops), and it's non-fiction. The film is also excellent, one of the few I've ever known to do justice to the book. Starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins in a perfection of casting.

Unless you are talking only about fiction.

>72 jessibud2: I haven't read The Duchess of Bloomsbury but I did see the movie, 84 Charing Cross Road. It was indeed delightful. I've long been an Anne Bancroft fan.

But in the world of the life of bookshops as fiction or more likely, 'memoir fiction' ( a semi-true narrative based on memory), I am puzzled that there hasn't been something excellently written. I would want it to be literary, with engaging characterisations; plot doesn't have to be thrilling but certainly interesting, drawn from the life of the bookseller and the customers.

There are several bookstore-related themes in my "Read, but unowned" collection but none that was close to a 'wow' reaction for the narrative or that I would want to re-read (a hallmark of high acclaim). None of these titles sustained a real sense of the book shop as a core theme. I was especially let down by The Diary of a Bookseller. The twinned story which Jessica Fox wrote, Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets, really put me off my enthusiasm for the Book Store ambiance as a central feature.

>71 SandyAMcPherson: I heard quite a bit about the bookshop of yesterdays. Not on my wish list yet.

>72 jessibud2: Hi! 84 Charring cross road sounds to be a great read.

75. Louise Penny: A Better Man

Chief inspector Gamache returns in a lower role and is facing embarrassment and ridicule on the internet. He must adjust to his new role and regain his colleagues trust.

Another solid 3 pine series that was a little more straightforward than others. #15 in the series.

3.5/5

Hurray for passing the 75 milestone, Anita!
I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Belated Happy Birthday Anita! And, congratulations for reaching the 75 goal.

>75 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on reaching 75, Anita!

>75 figsfromthistle: Brava! and in your 75th post on this thread, no less!

>76 SirThomas: Thanks, Thomas, >77 Whisper1: Linda and >78 FAMeulstee: Anita!

>79 richardderus: Thanks, Richard! 75 books on 75 posts was accidental. It took me long enough to reach my goal :)

>75 figsfromthistle: That's my current read. I hoped to finish it today but with the distraction of losing a cousin overnight, I'm not sure I'll make it. I'll try though.

Happy 75 achievement!

Congrats!

>81 thornton37814: Thanks! I'm sorry to hear about your cousin.

>82 quondame: Thanks!

>83 drneutron: Thank you! Nice to see you.

Hi Anita my dear, congrats on hitting 75 books for the year so far, sending love and hugs dear friend.

>85 johnsimpson: Thank you, John :)

Hi Anita. Congrats on achieving the 75th book.
🎂 and 🎉 !
All smooth sailing now? Or has your objective changed to a greater number of books now?

>87 SandyAMcPherson: Thanks! I will definitely read more however, now that my goal has been reached, it will definitely be less pressure. Smooth sailing ahead :)

Congratulations on reaching your 75 books, Anita. No more pressure but reading for the fun of it sounds good.

>89 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella!

Congratulations on hitting book #75, Anita. Also belated birthday wishes and happy 4th thread! Sorry to be so late to the party. I've been reading more than thread-cruising this month, but that's no excuse.

>91 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. You are forgiven :)

76.Nicholas Sparks: Every Breath

A light romance novel about two lonely people who meet by accident.

I enjoyed other novels by Sparks and this one was growing on me until seemingly out of nowhere, the present is catapulted into the future. Then in less that a few chapters it is catapulted into old age. This did not work for me but may work for others.

2.8/5

Congrats on hitting (and passing) 75 books for the year, Anita!

Isn't it strange Anita ~ about the pressure of 75?
It's a subtle thing: I always feel relieved to reach the Group Goal, even though I set a greater objective. This goal-oriented "mental nag" dates back to my rather stern school-days, I believe.

>75 figsfromthistle: Congrats on reaching your goal, Anita.

>95 SandyAMcPherson: It is strange! Usually, after the 75 mark my reading becomes quicker.

>96 karenmarie: Hi Karen. Thanks!

Anita, You met the goal, and now you can relax and read at a pace that becomes comfortable to you.

Happy Monday!

>98 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda!

Congratulations on hitting 75!

>100 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer!

Late to the party here but congrats on passing the milestone! I doubt I will make it this year. My attention span has rivalled a flea's...

>102 jessibud2: Hi Shelley! You never know. If I recall you are around 63 or so books so far.

A bit late, but celebrating none-the-less -- Happy birthday and congrats on the big 7-5!!

And have you tried Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore: A Novel by Matthew Sullivan? It has a 3.7 rating on LT and the main character works as a clerk in the bookstore.

>104 Berly: Thank you. It's always nice to see you :)

I have not heard of that book. Was it good?

>104 Berly: >105 figsfromthistle: Hi Kim and Anita,
I wanted to chime in about Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore.

I gave the novel 4-stars, which is a high rating in my evaluations. Having read it last April, I had to go back and look at the review. I still feel satisfied with what I wrote. So basically, aside from the one declared flaw, it was well-worth reading.

It's greatest strength were the family dynamics and how that all played out. It felt really authentic. The writing style suited me down to a tee (and I'm well-known in these parts for being something of a shrinking violet when it comes to graphic details).

>106 SandyAMcPherson: Oh cool! Thanks for the tip. I shall add it to my buy list. :)

Congrats on reaching (and passing) 75, Anita!

>108 bell7: Thanks!

So.. My internet was down for a few days however, it allowed me more free time to read. Here is my reading in the fast lane:

77. Margaret Atwood: The Testaments

Considering I recently read The Handmaid's Tale, I would have thought this to be an excellent read. It was good, however, Handmaid's tale held my interest more.

3.8/5

78. Lang Lang: Journey of a Thousand Miles

Autobiography of a well known, talented pianist. I enjoyed reading about his childhood. At some point, it seemed like he was just listing everything he did well. It seems that he did not have too many failures/disappointments in competition ( maybe 3 times).

3.2/5- A very short/quick read


79. Barack Obama: Dreams From My Father

I quite liked the writing style. It was great to read about how he became who he is today. It felt genuine and honest. I found out about this book by reading Michelle Obama's autobiography in which she references this one often enough.

3.8/5

* Edited because I forgot to add the book covers*

>105 figsfromthistle: >106 SandyAMcPherson: It was definitely a solid good read for me.

>110 figsfromthistle: I agree--The Handmaid's Tale was better, but I enjoyed both.

Happy weekend!!

Aha! Someone else who looks at Lang Lang and says, "...wait...no disappointments?!" with a side-eye.

Happy week ahead, Anita!

>111 Berly: Thanks! I hope your weekend was a good one!

>112 richardderus: Hi Richard! Happy week to you as well :)

Hi Anita!

>110 figsfromthistle: Sorry your internet was down, glad it turned into a lot of good reading.

I listened to Dreams From My Father read by the author. It was abridged, which I usually loathe, but I loved him telling his own story and what I didn't hear/read didn't hurt me.

>114 karenmarie: - I did the same and like you, Karen, I don't usually like abridged version. But I love that man and to listen to him read to me was a small price to pay for breaking that personal rule of mine. Did you watch The First Ladies, last night on CNN? The first of a 6-part series. Last night was Michelle Obama. It was really well done.

>114 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I would imagine that the audiobook would be nice to listen to. He also has a new book that just came out which I have on my buy list.

>115 jessibud2: Ooh the series sounds good. I will have to look it up.

Happy thanksgiving weekend, Anita.

Hi Anita and Happy Thanksgiving!

>115 jessibud2: I haven't watched The First Ladies, but will eventually get to it.

>116 figsfromthistle: I didn't realize Obama had a new book out. Thanks for the heads up.

>118 karenmarie: - Tonight's episode of The First Ladies is about Jackie Kennedy, I believe. 10 o'clock on CNN.

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita.

Happy Thanksgiving Anita!

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita! Officially tomorrow, I think, but holiday wishes are never too early or too late I find.

Hi Anita, Happy Thanksgiving my dear friend.

>117 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Nice to see you

>118 karenmarie: Thanks Karen! Obama's new book, A Promised Land is not released until November 17th.

>120 jessibud2: May you have a wonderful thanksgiving as well.

>121 EllaTim: Thanks, Ella! It will just be my parents and I ( due to covid)

>122 richardderus: Yes, It is tomorrow. Thank you :) I have my first day off in 14 days so I am looking forward to it.

>123 johnsimpson: Thanks, John. I hope you are doing well.

80. Omar El Akkad: American War

Year, 2074 a war has begun. Sarat Chestnut is a young girl trying to survive in a refugee Camp.

I enjoyed the writing, and how the author was able to portray how life, ideology and morals change in war. At times it dragged a little and is really a book you either will like or dislike.

3.5/5

Hi Anita, Just dropping by to say hello and to fantasize about being able to grow all those vegetables!

>126 Oregonreader: Hi Jan! Nice to see you. Hope you have a fantastic week!

81. Tana French: The Witch Elm

Toby has always been lucky. Any situation he finds himself in, he is able to talk himsoulf out of trouble. However, on a normal evening everything changes.

Great beginning. The middle was drawn out too much for me. I feel that a lot of the novel was filler but enjoyed it anyways-sort of.

3/5

82. James Lee Burke: The Glass Rainbow

Louisiana, seven women are murdered. All belonging to the Davis parish. Dave must work with his short tempered friend, Clete to unsolve the long and complicated trail.

Book #18 in the Dave Robicheaux series.

Hi Anita! Belated congratulations on the 75!

>130 banjo123: Thanks!

>129 figsfromthistle: the long and complicated trail, sounds like an intriguing series. I don't know this author's work.

Added the author to my WL, but that title (The Glass Rainbow) isn't in the Overdrive library. Must be really new.

Is this series one of those "start at the beginning"? Or are the novels fairly stand-alone?
(Edited to clear up a misunderstanding due to my being obtuse...)

>132 SandyAMcPherson: Ha! Obviously I meant to type Solve. Sometimes when posting from my phone , the letters are so small and hard to see. Anyhow, I think that you could read it as a stand-alone. You will just miss a lot of character background. Also, the novel is not new. I believe it's publish date is 2010.

I love how your small book images are listed. It is beautiful to see! What a great job that brings joy!

>133 figsfromthistle: Typing from one's phone is tricky. What with unasked for corrections...

>133 figsfromthistle:, 134, 135 Yes about the phone. I can't even select my own thread there or display only my starred threads. I am logged in so I only use the scanner for uploading when there is a bar coded ISBN.

I, too, like the small book images. Nice thread, Figs. It takes an extra step these days to reduce the cover images, even when I link from the LT catalogue image.

Ella has spot-lighted that exact problem with posting from a phone, too, with unasked for corrections

So Anita, I'm sorry I was dense about your "unsolved" post. I edited my post, it was unintentionally insensitive, I think.

>134 Whisper1: I'm glad you like the covers! They bring me joy as well.

>135 EllaTim: Hi Ella! My phone has autocorrect and I am not quite sure if I can turn that feature off.

>136 SandyAMcPherson: No worries. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if something is snarky of not. I did not take it in a bad way. I quite enjoy seeing book covers and it reminds me of what I have read.

Wow, have I fallen behind here, Anita.

Congrats on reaching and then quickly passing 75!

I also liked The Handmaid's Tale more than The Testaments, but still, one of Atwood's is better than most other books...

>138 BLBera: Nice to see you! Thanks.

I have only read the two novels by Atwood, however, I will definitely be reading more soon.

Hi Anita!

>128 figsfromthistle: I tried to read The Witch Elm last November and finally gave up after 308 pages. I didn’t care about a single character.

>139 figsfromthistle: I've read Atwood's Alias Grace and Oryx and Crake, both totally excellent.

>140 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I hope you are having a great weekend! I agree with you about the Witch Elm. I expected more. I have Oryx and Crake on one of my bookshelves. I tried the first chapter but was not in the mood. I shall have to revisit it at some point.

83. Susan Wiggs: Map Of The Heart



Five years ago, Camille Parker, lost her husband in a tragic accident. Since then, she has stopped taking risks and is extra cautious and strict with her daughter. When a man enters her life, family mysteries are uncovered.

A story that alternates between present day and WW2. This threw me for a loop because the second timeline did not enter until almost half way through. I did not care Camille's character and quite frankly found her to be immature. Her teenaged daughter seems to have her act together more . I enjoyed Julies storyline better and found that the author really conveyed the effects of bullying quite well. I did not care for the romantic part of this story as it felt quite shallow. Perhaps there were too many storylines going on at the same time. Ah well.

2.8/5

Some books work any day, any time, others need just the right set of circumstances to catch us. I hope you are in the perfect place to appreciate Oryx & Crake when you revisit it.

>143 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I hope so as well. I have not met one person who disliked the trilogy.

Hi Anita, Congratulations on reading 83 books thus far this year. I hope book number 84 will be a lot better than number 83.

>145 Whisper1: Thanks! I hope so as well. I think that I am being picky when I am reading books lately. They all seem to be average. Tomorrow I am going to a bookstore so perhaps I will find interesting reading material. Happy Sunday :)

Happy Sunday reads, Anita, and a good week ahead.

>147 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. Hope your Sunday is going well :)

Hi Anita my dear, i hope that you are well and having a good start to the weekend, sending love and hugs to you from both of us and Felix, dear friend.

>149 johnsimpson: It is nice to see you. My weekend is going well so far and I am enjoying the milder temperatures before it disappears. I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

84. Jane Austin: Sense and Sensibility

First novel completed of the month. This is part of my " should have read years ago" challenge.

>151 figsfromthistle: I read it too this year, Anita, and thought it the poorest of her books that I have read to date.

>151 figsfromthistle: It is still on my "read someday" list, Anita, maybe I get to it next year.

>151 figsfromthistle: Nice-looking cover. I've not managed to ever hit my stride in Jane Austin's novels. I like the 'made for TV' dramatisations, but the books always bewilder me.

>154 SandyAMcPherson: What I took a long time to understand was that Jane Austen wrote from pre-Victorian pre-Romantic era perspective and takes a more pragmatic than romantic or prudish lens to depict the social ironies and absurdities of her time and society though other authors have recast many elements of her narratives into romantic and repressed tales.

Hi Anita! - I've been so out of touch.

Congrats on 75! and beyond!

The first time I read The Handmaid's Tale I was young, leaning towards a more evangelical Christianity, and was a bit offended by it. Now I'm older, more liberal and can see it happening. Like you I enjoyed THT more than The Testaments although I thought it was good and loved the continuation of the story.

Atwood is soooo prolific that I can't keep up. I've read a handful of her novels and I enjoyed her book of short stories, Stone Mattress: Nine Tales and a collection of her poetry Morning in the Burned House.

>152 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! It was not a great read for me. Partially, because I normally do not read that genre and secondly, because nothing seemed to happen at all.

>153 FAMeulstee: I hope you enjoy it more than I did when you get to it.

>154 SandyAMcPherson: I will have to read a few more Austin novels to decide if I like her writing/subjects.

>155 quondame: Well said. I read this novel as a satire of societal norms of the times. I also read it as a Bildungsroman. Particular characters make big strides towards their personal liberation. It was indeed, a poignant novel of it's time.

>156 streamsong: Nice to see you! I really have jumped on the Atwood bandwagon a little late in life. She just released Dearly, a poetry collection.

Hi Anita, I've read all the Austen novels and I agree that Sense and Sensibility is her weakest novel. I have watched a number of movies based on her books and they are all turned into romances which was certainly not her intent. But still entertaining.
You've read a lot of good books this year! Have a good weekend.

>159 Oregonreader: Hi! I have been fortunate to have read a lot of good books this year. Very few were *duds*

Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

I have always liked Sense and Sensibility, especially for the sister relationship. But I am a big Austen fan.

Hi, Anita.

You know, the star of The Queen's Gambit, Anya (hyphenated last name), also starred in the latest tv movie version of Emma. I'm going to have to watch that.

I've always liked Sense and Sensibility, too. For me, it's my third favorite after P & P and Persuasion. I know everyone has their own rankings.

I just read my first Susan Wiggs book, The Lost and Found Bookshop. I enjoyed it. I had no idea she'd written so many others.

>161 banjo123: Hi! Hope you have a great weekend ahead. Glad you are a fan of Austin.

>162 jnwelch: Sense and Sensibility was the first novel of hers that I have read. I look forward to reading more.

As for Susan Wiggs, she has published a lot! I enjoyed the Lost and found bookshop. It was a good chick-lit book. I also enjoyed Family Tree.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

85. Mary Bentley-Lloyd: Julianna

An interesting tale of arranged marriage, societal norms, faith and the power of forgiveness.

I quite enjoyed this story. It is the first part of a trilogy.

3.5/5

>164 figsfromthistle: Yay for enjoyable reads! Happy Tuesday, Anita.

It is another overcast day here in PA. I heard a rumor that we will soon be shut down for a few weeks. It doesn't seem feasible with the holidays approaching, but who knows in these uncertain times.

>165 richardderus: Yes, indeed! My Tuesday was a strange one at work but I was happy to get home to enjoy my day off today.

>166 Whisper1: Hi! We had snow yesterday. Temperatures are definitely colder. Here, the government is grappling with the decision of whether or not to close down businesses. Certain "hot zones" already have mandated the closure of bars, restaurants, and gyms.

86. Katie Daubs: The Missing Millionaire

On December 2nd, 1919, Ambrose Small vanishes without a trace. Plenty of suspects have motive to silence him as he has cheated many. Did the millionaire take on a new identity, or was he murdered?

A great mystery that is based on actual fact. A piece of Toronto's history that I knew nothing about.

3.5/5

87. Jennifer Egan: Manhattan Beach

Just finished this one moments ago. On the surface, the novel does not seem to pack such a punch. It is deceptively simple. Egan attempts to tackle many themes and sometimes it was over narrated. I enjoyed the fact that the protagonist, Anna was presented as a strong character.

3.6/5

>168 figsfromthistle: That's a really weird scenario. Not sure I would want to read the story, but very interesting to hear about.
This is a timely post, Anita because I know someone who loves reading these "True-Life" stories and will be able to suggest this one, since I've been given many titles myself.

>170 SandyAMcPherson: It was interesting for me as it was a new information. Parts of it felt a little slow but was not all too bad. Hopefully your friend will enjoy the read.

Hello Anita, catching up here - hope you are well.

>172 AMQS: Hi Anne! Nice to see you :) I am doing well. Working in the hospital has been a little more stressful during these times. Thankfully, I am healthy!

Hi, Anita. Finally caught up with you here!

>174 ronincats: Nice to see you :)

Somehow I think I've read Manhattan Beach but can't remember a thing about it...or was that A Visit from the Goon Squad...drat these Jennifers they all sound the same.

Spend a splendid Thursday!

>176 richardderus: Hi Richard!

My Thursday was alright. I had the day off and bought a TV. I've been living without a TV for 9 years so I decided, it's time to get one!

Enjoy the rest of the week :)

>177 figsfromthistle: - Wow, congrats! I lived without one once for awhile, when I first moved to Toronto. After I got one, and got cable, I actually played hooky and stayed home playing with the tv for a whole day, lol!

Enjoy!

Hi Anita

I added Katie Daubs: The Missing Millionaire to my reading list. I will search to see if my local library has this one!

>177 figsfromthistle: Wow, nine years without a tv! Was there a certain show that got you to make such a big change?

>178 jessibud2: I played around with it today after work. the brand I bought came with a whole bunch of free channels.

>179 Whisper1: I hope you enjoy it!

>180 mstrust: In all fairness, I used my computer for the nine years to watch certain shows via the internet. I am getting older and it is getting harder to watch Jeopardy on a 14" screen. So I thought that it would be nice to see everything clearly on a 55" screen.

>181 figsfromthistle: Congratulations Anita. A 55" screen is a lot easier, like in being able to move around while you are watching TV. Also TV shows are really made with a big screen in mind. Have fun!

>182 EllaTim: Hi Ella!

The other bonus is the sound quality :) Enjoy the rest of the week.

Hi Anita!

>177 figsfromthistle: I went for years without a TV and didn’t miss it but enjoyed it once I had one again. Enjoy your new purchase!

>181 figsfromthistle: Not only getting a new TV, but getting a new 55” one! Very cool.

>184 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. It will be nice to see my digital photos on it as well. Nice and big :)

88. Emma Donoghue: Akin

A 79 year old chemistry professor becomes the guardian to his 11 year old great nephew. As one might expect with such an age difference, both have differing opinions and interests.

I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. There were a few things that bugged me. An enjoyable quick read.

3.2/5



89. Michael Connelly: Fair Warning

Jack, a journalist for a website that sells stories to reputable newspaper agencies, is caught by surprise when a former date is found murdered. He quickly discovers that there are other victims. These victims are picked by being carriers of a certain gene.

I quite enjoyed the DNA angle.

3/5

Oh dear, Anita, a minor dip in the string of extra-good books. Better luck in the 55-inch-infested week to come. Heh.

>187 richardderus: Ha! Indeed, Richard. Happy weekend to you.

Smoley Hokes. Fifty-five inches of flat screen. That's a lot of visual. I could get used to that.

>189 weird_O: Hi Bill! Yes it is quite big. Growing up, my parents had a 13" TV. So this looks colossal to me. Hope you are having a great Sunday!

Warning, Rant on it's way

Today I went to the bank as my father needed some things taken care of in person. Since he is hard of hearing he asked me to come along. The combination of noise, plexiglass and masks just make it more difficult for him to hear. He ended up closing all accounts except one because he wanted to keep track of everything better. Unfortunately, one of the closed accounts had the automatic credit card payments attached to it. So we told the teller to change it to the account he kept. They said it would take hours to do so and it would be better to phone the hotline at the back of the card. So I did what they told me. After 45 minutes waiting, I explained to the guy that my father is hard of hearing and that he will give authorization for me to speak on his behalf. I told him that he should speak loudly and clearly so he can hear better. As my father was on the phone he asked him security questions. Sadly, he could not hear. I was on the other phone listening in and so I repeated the questions for him by almost shouting in his ear. The guy on the phone refused my fathers request for me to speak on his behalf because apparently he felt that I was interfering and helping him along. I told the guy I can hear what he is saying and he did not put any effort into raising is voice. It was clear that he was not going to budge. In a very loud tone I told him that he is being inconsiderate. I also told him " In case you are wondering this is what a raised voice sounds like". I then hung up the phone. Now we have to go back to the bank again after my 12 hour shift. Grrrrr!!!!!!!

* End of rant*

>191 figsfromthistle: Sorry to read you and your father had such a bad experience with the credit card hotphone, Anita. I hope going back to the bank to deal with it works out fine.

>191 figsfromthistle: Very much worth a rant. I hope it's been sorted out now.

>191 figsfromthistle: - Oh Anita, you have my sympathy. I have spent much of the last month or so dealing with multiple scenarios like this, on behalf of my mother. She has dementia and is in Montreal. I pay her bills and take care of her affairs, so in addition to this frustration you dealt with, add for me the delightful experience of dealing with Quebec, specificaly, the Quebec government. Not.

Rant away....

{{hugs}}

>192 FAMeulstee: >193 mstrust: Yes I hope it works out as well. Today, my father did not want to go into town to meet me at the bank because we had a lot of snow. So I am just going to pay his visa bill online ( funny I am able to do that but not set up automatic payments) and he will have a month to find the time where he feels like dealing with it.

>194 jessibud2: Thank you. I was beginning to think that I was overreacting. Those who are employed for these types of issues should really understand. I feel bad for my dad's generation where everything you do seems to need a computer and online access. I can only imagine how much harder dealing with the Quebec government would be. They certainly have different rules and regulations.

Sometimes you have to get excited! If you can calm down afterwards, everything is a bit better.
My neighbor is 82 and currently in short-term care after an operation. He wants to switch to online banking soon. I think he will make it, but it will certainly not be easy for him

>196 SirThomas: Wow! That's quite a learning task for him. So many tasks are on line oriented these days. It makes everything seem so detached.I quite enjoy in person interactions. Ah well I'm just old fashioned that way :)

I think he'll do fine. He is mentally very fit and he also will get (hopefully) competent help from me when he needs it.
Basically I'm also old-fashioned and prefer personal interaction, but some things are just faster and easier to do online.
I look forward to the time when I can meet my colleagues again, but through the video conferencing I can at least see them.

>198 SirThomas: I do quite like video conferencing. It's better than teleconferencing. I do miss the in person meetings/gatherings with friends and family. Ah well. We are all in the same boat and soon it will get better :)

90. Heinrich Boll: Billiards at half-past nine

An architect is trying to resume a normal life after participating in WW2.

Read this one for my "books that I should have read years ago" category. May not be for everyone as the story can be a little slow moving and the many different narratives/time shifting can be annoying . I mostly enjoyed it. But then, I like satire. Lots to discuss about it.

3.5/5

>191 figsfromthistle: I'm revisiting your lovely rant. We need more of these situations brought forward because how else does anything change?

About the "he said it would take hours to do so" comment by the bank person.
What utter rubbish, banking changes like that can readily be re-directed to the change in accounts. It's all electronic.

My husband wanted to alter the credit card he has (BMO M-Card) to be paid from an account we wanted to close. The teller said we could do that online by changing the set up with the credit card company. In the meantime, an account forwarding set up was put in place (I don't know the particulars).

We did stay at the same bank for this (not BMO, just the card is from there), so perhaps that made a difference. We, too, are simplifying banking and closing old accounts. The chartered banks in Canada should be facilitating such alterations and not be expecting our very senior people to *have* to be going into public spaces in the time of a plague.

Good for you! Raise hell. (And now I've ranted on *your* thread)

>210 figsfromthistle: Nice rant :) Glad it's not just me. However, I doubt that my complaint at the bank will change anything. Sadly, companies no longer care about customer satisfaction.

Update:

It took a while and a lot of convincing, but my father finally finished my bookshelves in my music room. 8 feet high and 22 feet in length. He did warn me however, that he will not be making anymore as he feels that I have enough bookshelves throughout my home ( obviously he is not a bibliophile) I have a wonderful father and am grateful that he did this for me.

I shall post photo a little later.

>203 figsfromthistle: - Sounds wonderful!! Looking forward to the visuals.

>203 figsfromthistle: That is a lovely story and especially your father's post completion comment which I am sure he will be unable to stick to.

Have a great weekend.

>203 figsfromthistle: Oooh, let's see!

>177 figsfromthistle: And how is your TV investment going? : )

>191 figsfromthistle: Your rant was totally within bounds. Grrrr.

>203 figsfromthistle: More bookshelves--hurrary! Picture....

>203 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on the new shelves, Anita. Thoughtful of your dad to make them.

>204 jessibud2: I shall post a picture. I can't figure out how to turn it around though...

>205 PaulCranswick: Well I am lucky to have a wonderful father. He is 68 now so I doubt that he will want to build any more. Last time, they were in a open space and he made them out of solid wood. This time since its in a separate room it is made of MDF. looks modern :)

>206 mstrust: Coming right away!

>207 Berly: TV investment is going ok. I have not had much time to watch. So far I watched two hours or so.

>208 harrygbutler: Thank you! Yes it was :) It was funny though that he looked at the empty shelves and said " You aren't going to fill all these shelves with books, are you?"

Here are the shelves. Sorry, I can't seem to turn the picture.

>210 figsfromthistle: Nice! That's a lot of shelf pin holes.

>211 harrygbutler: Thanks! I wanted the pin holes so that I can easily adjust the shelf height to accommodate different sized books.

nice shelves!

>213 banjo123: Thanks! I an looking forward to taking books out of boxes within the next few days.

>210 figsfromthistle: Wow, the shelves look great, Anita!
No family member of mine could ever make that.

>210 figsfromthistle: Some very nice shelves Anita! Will be a joy when you can start unpacking those boxes.

I totally agree with you on your rant about the banks. Their response on both instances seems very customer unfriendly! Talk louder so you can hear better, hmmm..
When you are dealing with a complex problem it is so much better to be able to talk to a real person. And there are a lot of people that have trouble dealing with automated systems. My mother for instance has a visual problem, she has difficulty reading from a touchscreen, because of the glare.

Hi Anita!

Lovely shelves. The shelves in my Library and the Retreat have adjustable shelving and I love it. 8' x 22'. Wonderful. Have fun unboxing and placing your books.

>215 FAMeulstee: Thanks! My father also did the majority of the work on my house as well. Without his nearly free labor I would not have been able to build.

>216 EllaTim: Thanks! I have other shelves but the other books did not fit on them. Can't wait to have all of my books out. I am also sorting them into a keep and give away pile.

>217 karenmarie: Hi Karen! The adjustable shelves do come in handy.

>191 figsfromthistle: What an incredibly frustrating experience. My grandmother raised me, and when she was in her older years, she lived with me. While there were some frustrations, I loved the experience.

She was indeed hard of hearing, even through she had a hearing aid. She carried cash in her purse, and did not trust banks. One of the ladies at the hearing aid center called me to say that my grandmother lost a huge envelope of money that fell out of her purse. I was so fortunate that they were honest and called me. After that experience, I finally insisted, and she listened, and we opened accounts in the same bank I used.

Hooray for all those lovely new bookshelves! Tell your dad I'd hire him!
When I had a guy fill a bedroom with built-in bookshelves, I stood there and thought, "So much space! It'll take me a long time to fill all this." It took maybe a year for me to fill it.

>219 Whisper1: It is good to know that there are still some good/honest people out there.

>220 mstrust: Well I thought that theses shelves will take care of the books in my boxes. So far I am 1/3 in and have 50 or so books in the give away pile. Only 50% shelf space left. I may have to double stack some. We shall see.

>221 figsfromthistle: The shelves look great!! Good luck making all the books fit. ; )

>222 Berly: Thank you!

91. Franz Kafka: Amerika


This was different from the typical Kafka writing. Ending seemed abrupt.

3.2/5
92.
Johanna Skibsrud: Island

Enjoyed the Sentimentalists, by the same author. This one, not so much.

Good morning... just touring around. Not a lot to say but checking out your recent reading. It was time to delurk.

>225 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy! I have been quite busy hauling boxes of books up two flights of stairs. I ended up making a donation pile of 130 or so books. Hope you are having a great week so far!

Beautiful bookshelves - wow! Now you have to share pictures when you fill them.

Sorry about your bank troubles. I feel that modern technology is supposed to make things more convenient and things are actually harder. I appreciate them looking out for my security (though it's really their security) but not all situations are alike and many people need the judgment and discretion of a thinking person on the other end!

>227 AMQS: Thanks! I managed to fill the shelves and left the top shelves empty. I just have to sort them into categories.

Nice to hear that you filled the shelves, have room left, and created a give-away stack. Have fun sorting.

>226 figsfromthistle: I'm going to be creative today with trying my hand at wreath-making.
I had to buy a few greenery items, but I have lots of 'found' materials from our garden and wild verges.
Here's the tutorial I decided to use for this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WmxkoacLVo

Since I'm often all thumbs and fumble, I'll probably *not* be showcasing it here!

>210 figsfromthistle: 28 shelves I would guess approximate single stack capacity 1,120 books. Very nice. Will look much better when full of your books!

>229 karenmarie: Hi Karen! I made sure to be ruthless in culling so that I could have some space left for new books. My other library, on the main floor houses more books than these however, it is packed and double stacked.

>230 SandyAMcPherson: Oh man! I hope you do showcase your progress. It would be interesting to see the amount of effort it takes to make one. I wish you good luck :)

>231 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! It was a pain to haul all the boxes up two gigantic flights of stairs. I am trying to see where to put each category and move some to my other shelves so that each category can be in one location in full. I don't like the fact that half of my poetry is in the other library downstairs and half is upstairs. *sigh* lots of work to do. Thankfully it's the kind I enjoy.

>224 figsfromthistle: Oh no! Two subpar-pleasure reads in a row. Sorry for that, Anita, and better-reads *whammy* headed your way for the weekend.

Hi Richard!

Thanks! I Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

>232 figsfromthistle: Re the wreath...
Not uploading a photo. But I did learn lots. The key element is to make the bundles of greenery short. Mine were too long and floppy!

Next time I do one, I'll know what *not* to do! It was also a real case of not having enough variety (of material) on hand, too.

Hi, Anita.

My wife just finished Lost and Found Bookshop and, like us, enjoyed it.

I'm reading an Austen-inspired novel called Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev. It's a follow-up to her Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Austen connections are very broad and loose, and she has a deft touch.

>235 SandyAMcPherson: It's always fun to try something new! Next year you will be a pro :)

>236 jnwelch: Yes. The lost and found bookshop was a fun/feel good read. I will have to look for Sonali Dev's books next time I am out. I have never heard of the author. Hope you are having a great weekend so far.

93. Level 26: Dark Prophecy: Anthony E. Zuiker

Dark, recently retired from chasing serial killers decides to take up a special case. With private funding and important connections he manages to be the first person on the crime scene. However, his presence is not welcome from his former colleagues.

Not a bad instalment. One thing bothered me was the authors incessant need to repeat Dark's name in almost every sentence ( until the middle of the book) Example: Dark opened his door. Dark stepped inside. Dark looked around. Dark then headed to the basement. Many instances like that. It would have been far more effective if it would have been: Dark opened the door, stepped inside, looked around and headed to the basement. Once you get over that annoyance it's ok.

3.2/5

Hi Anita! I'm catching up after a long while. Belated congratulations on your 75. It looks like you're steaming towards 100 now.

>210 figsfromthistle: Lovely shelves; did your dad make all those pinholes or did he get pre-drilled wood (assuming there is such a thing).

I've recently acquired some new bookshelves too but over here they put in metal strips which have holes about a centimetre apart so there's much less work to do. But the shelves do fill up fast. I'd been planning to restrict myself but the bookshop is on sale for three weeks! this month. And after a year when it's been closed for many months - well, what is a girl to do?

>239 humouress: Nice to see you!

I am not quite sure if I will make it to 100 books this year. So many things to do before the end of the year, but we shall see.

The pinholes are already drilled. I was not sure about the placement of my shelves and how the sizes in-between the shelves will change. So this was the quickest and easiest way. My other shelves don't have it but it is sometimes a pain because I can't reposition the shelves to suit my needs.

I sympathize with the bookshop sales. I just gave so many away and I could not resist going into the bookstore because the sales were so good. I find that if I don't have a fresh supply, my reading becomes stagnant.

94. John Banville: Ghosts

At first, I was reading this book with expectations. As soon as I accepted the fact that the book has no plot ( which is kind of the point), and I focused on the beautiful lyricism, I began to enjoy the read. A novel as an art form, successfully realized.

3.5/5

>240 figsfromthistle: … I could not resist going into the bookstore because the sales were so good. I find that if I don't have a fresh supply, my reading becomes stagnant. 👍

39 of the 117 books I’ve read this year were acquired this year. I simply can’t resist acquiring new books.

>242 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I think almost all of the 75ers have the same problem ;)

Who says it is a problem?! : )

>244 Berly: Problem? Not at all :)

>245 figsfromthistle: Awomen.

>246 richardderus: Hi Richard! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend :)

>245 figsfromthistle: Now, if those mountains were piles of books ...

>248 humouress: Indeed, that would be a sight to see :)

95. Crime Scene: Jonathan Kellerman

A psychologist accidentally falls and dies. Everyone, including the medical examiner has ruled out foul play. However, the victims daughter believes that his death has to do with a 20 year old murder.

This is the first instalment in the series. I have never read anything by this author. I found the idea of the story ok however, the pace was excruciatingly slow. I am sorry to say it was boring. Had some good moments though but not enough to hold the novel up.

2.5/5

96.Sharon Bala: The Boat People

A boat containing 500 refugees from Sri Lanka, arrives in BC. The government tries their best to house, clothe and feed them. Above all they are left to the task to determine who poses a threat and who is permitted to stay. Sending someone back guarantees that person's death.

The novel is told from different protagonists and captures quite well the broken protocols refugees have to maneuver around in order to be heard. It is loosely based on a true event and is a great novel that shows a different side of the refugees plight.

3.7/5

>250 figsfromthistle: - Many years ago, I began to read Jonathan Kellerman. He writes well and for awhile, I enjoyed his psychological thrillers. But after reading his first three, I think, they became too gory for my taste and I stopped. I am not a fan of mysteries at the best of times and while the stories were gripping, I can do without the blood and gore. Not my style. I believe Jesse Kellerman is his son though I've never read him. His wife, Fay Kellerman, also writes in this genre. I read a few of hers, too, but gave up long ago.

Tachyon Publications, an SFF house, posted this on Twitter. Says it all, no?

>252 jessibud2: I believe this one was written by the father and the son. This one was not gory though.

>253 richardderus: Indeed, Richard! Hopefully 2021 will be better.

Happy everything, Anita. Here's to good health, above all, and of course, good books.

Thanks, Jennifer ,>255 mstrust:, John >256 johnsimpson: and Shelley >257 jessibud2: for the lovely visual wishes. May you all have a great start to the New Year.

Happy Christmas, Anita. A small birdy for in your Christmas tree.

Hi Anita!


... and here's to a better 2021!

>260 karenmarie: Amen, Karen! It can only go uphill from here :)

Have a wonderful holiday, Anita! Looking forward to a much better 2021!!

>262 msf59: Hey Mark! Nice to see you. What a beautiful cardinal.

I think we can all cheer for joy that this year will be done soon :)

97. Gregg Hurwitz: The Nowhere Man

Evan has recently turned to pro bono work by helping people get out of impossible situations. However, Evan finds that he is the one needing help.

A lot of dead bodies and it is the second in the series. I did not know this and perhaps this is why I may not have liked it the way I should. Some fighting scenes were long and accomplished very little. I will try the next one in the series and see if I like it better.

3.2/5

I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a peaceful time, remain healthy and full of hope.
I took this picture 2 years ago when we were on our pre-Christmas vacation.
Last year there was no snow, this year we were not allowed to go. Therefore, we revel in fond memories and look forward to next year.

Anita--Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May 2021 bring you less need for masks, loads of peace and joy, good health and, of course, books!

Lots of images going the rounds, so I'll just say Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Goodnight. (quoting Clement Clarke Moore, 1949 edition).

Wishing you and yours the very best of the season.

Happy Holidays Anita!

I hope you get some of those at least, Anita, as we all look forward to a better 2021.

Merry Christmas, Anita!

>265 SirThomas: Nice to see you. Beautiful picture.

>266 Berly: Cute snowman ;)

>267 AMQS: >268 SandyAMcPherson: >269 humouress: >270 quondame: >271 PaulCranswick: >272 harrygbutler:

Thank you everyone for those kind messages and pictures. I know for many of us Christmas may be different. May we make the most of what we have and enjoy the holidays. I personally, have been making a lot of phone calls and video chatting. Although it is not the same, it is fortunate that we have technology that can keep us together albeit virtually.

Hi Anita!

>264 figsfromthistle: I'm sorry you didn't like Nowhere Man more than 3.2 stars. I've read all 5 and am anxiously waiting for #6, Prodigal Son, due to arrive at the house on release day, January 26.

Looks like you are well on your way to reading 100 books this year, Anita. Those are impressive book shelves your father made. Have fun filling them.

>274 karenmarie: Hi Karen!

I think that reading the first in the series would have helped. A friend of mine told me that the second book is by far the weakest. I will try the third one and see.

>275 Familyhistorian: Thanks. There is a little ( I mean really little) space for new additions. The rest is all full :)

98. Edward St. Aubyn: Dunbar

Dunbar is sent to live in a retirement residence that specializes in caring for paranoid, schizophrenic and Alzheimer patients. One day, Dunbar decides to escape his "prison" and finds out exactly what his family has planned for him and the empire he nurtured all his life.

Part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series.

3.5/5

Happy New Year Anita.

>278 johnsimpson: Thank you! May you have a wonderful 2021!

99. Richard Paul Evans: Walking on Water

Alan is on a cross country walking trek from Seattle to the Key West. The long open road, leads him to ponder about life and come to terms with living in the present.

The fifth and last book in the series. I enjoyed it. Sometimes it would have been nice to read more interactions with those he encountered while walking. Some sections were boring. A good series to read.

3.2/5

Time to take out the trash!

>281 weird_O: That is quite the appropriate image for 2020!

Anita

As the year turns, friendship continues

>283 PaulCranswick: >284 quondame: Looking forward to see what the new year brings.

Please join me at my 2021 thread!