MBMG 50 books or thereabouts reading challenge 2022
Forum50 Book Challenge
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1MBMG
The Garden of Promises and lies by Paula Brackston. Third book in this series of Found Things. Not my usual genre but I like this author. 5 Stars on Goodreads …
Well Paula you did it again and held my interest right through this one. My only gripe is you’ve left me on a cliff hanger at the end and hopefully you have another book in progress. Unlike the other books in this series I want to know more much more. I never thought this genre could be so enticing but this author has got me hooked line and sinker. It’s a very well written story on ‘spinners’ time travellers. Xanthe is the main character and she is one of the best I’ve been drawn into with each story. I’ve put a hold on the 4th one in the series at my local library!
Well Paula you did it again and held my interest right through this one. My only gripe is you’ve left me on a cliff hanger at the end and hopefully you have another book in progress. Unlike the other books in this series I want to know more much more. I never thought this genre could be so enticing but this author has got me hooked line and sinker. It’s a very well written story on ‘spinners’ time travellers. Xanthe is the main character and she is one of the best I’ve been drawn into with each story. I’ve put a hold on the 4th one in the series at my local library!
2MBMG
Move: The new science of body over mind by Caroline Williams … 3 stars on Goodreads
All in all a very easy to read and understand account of why we all need to move more. Not a lot I didn’t know and learn from my rheumatologist but it was good to reinforce some of the facts. And if you’re interested in more there is an extensive list of notes at the end. I did like the closing line “Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a dance party about to start in my kitchen” I guess she’s listening to Bowie ⚡️
All in all a very easy to read and understand account of why we all need to move more. Not a lot I didn’t know and learn from my rheumatologist but it was good to reinforce some of the facts. And if you’re interested in more there is an extensive list of notes at the end. I did like the closing line “Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a dance party about to start in my kitchen” I guess she’s listening to Bowie ⚡️
3MBMG
The Hiram Key by Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas … 4 stars on Goodreads
Four stars for the extensive research these two authors have completed to write this book. It’s certainly a game changers for everyone who has read the bible but is it here-say and what do we really believe. I’ve no doubt despite being brought up in a Christian home and going to church each Sunday, there are errors and ‘romanticism’ for want of a better word, in the Bible. The New Testament for me, was read more as the Old Testament was very hard to comprehend. There are many versions of the Bible nowadays but I’ve had mine since I was 4 months old. It was a sign of protection in a Scottish Protestant house.
This book is basically two FreeMasons researching way back as far as they could go and I applaud them even if I don’t agree with all their views. If you are curious like I was it’s very interesting. I was given this to read and voice my views by a friend so no doubt we are in for a lengthy discussion. I did find it a bit too heavy so I skimmed some chapters and read the conclusions of each one. At the end there is a prologue and many notes for reference. I’d be interested to read what many if you think of this even if the authors are not Historians they did an excellent research here. Are they biased due to their FreeMasons connections, perhaps a little.
Four stars for the extensive research these two authors have completed to write this book. It’s certainly a game changers for everyone who has read the bible but is it here-say and what do we really believe. I’ve no doubt despite being brought up in a Christian home and going to church each Sunday, there are errors and ‘romanticism’ for want of a better word, in the Bible. The New Testament for me, was read more as the Old Testament was very hard to comprehend. There are many versions of the Bible nowadays but I’ve had mine since I was 4 months old. It was a sign of protection in a Scottish Protestant house.
This book is basically two FreeMasons researching way back as far as they could go and I applaud them even if I don’t agree with all their views. If you are curious like I was it’s very interesting. I was given this to read and voice my views by a friend so no doubt we are in for a lengthy discussion. I did find it a bit too heavy so I skimmed some chapters and read the conclusions of each one. At the end there is a prologue and many notes for reference. I’d be interested to read what many if you think of this even if the authors are not Historians they did an excellent research here. Are they biased due to their FreeMasons connections, perhaps a little.
4MBMG
The happiest man on earth by Eddie Jaku … 5 stars on Goodreads
I have walked past this book many times in my local bookstore but when I saw the larger hardback ‘Fully illustrated collector’s edition’ I just had to buy it. What an extraordinary gentleman Eddie is and so humble. To come through all he did was just remarkable. It makes you realise just how very lucky we are and I encourage everyone to read it. I was a bit sceptical when I first saw it but after reading this I’m so very glad I did. Our daughter has studied the leading up to the second world war so extensively to reach her PhD and subsequent release of her first history book, now I know of some of the horrors of history she’s had to read. I went with her to some lectures way back at the beginning of her years at University but didn’t really pay much attention then. For those who say the Holocaust never happened … shame on you but as Eddie said they have hate that will eventually destroy them. This was so easy to read language wise but hard to learn of what he and his family went through. No matter what each of us have gone through we could never understand that pain. I could not stop reading this and I’ve never read a book in one sitting before but the story just makes you want to learn more of his life.
RIP Eddie Jaku knowing the world knows you ended up being ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’.
I have walked past this book many times in my local bookstore but when I saw the larger hardback ‘Fully illustrated collector’s edition’ I just had to buy it. What an extraordinary gentleman Eddie is and so humble. To come through all he did was just remarkable. It makes you realise just how very lucky we are and I encourage everyone to read it. I was a bit sceptical when I first saw it but after reading this I’m so very glad I did. Our daughter has studied the leading up to the second world war so extensively to reach her PhD and subsequent release of her first history book, now I know of some of the horrors of history she’s had to read. I went with her to some lectures way back at the beginning of her years at University but didn’t really pay much attention then. For those who say the Holocaust never happened … shame on you but as Eddie said they have hate that will eventually destroy them. This was so easy to read language wise but hard to learn of what he and his family went through. No matter what each of us have gone through we could never understand that pain. I could not stop reading this and I’ve never read a book in one sitting before but the story just makes you want to learn more of his life.
RIP Eddie Jaku knowing the world knows you ended up being ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’.
5MBMG
The lessons by Naomi Alderman … 4 stars on Goodreads
This is the first book read from my huge bookcase in the family room. I’ve vowed to read them all then donate so I can have room for my books currently in storage!
Trials and tribulations of undergraduate life at Oxford. This young group of six friend were so different in backgrounds but came together in one huge house to live and study together. Mark comes from an extremely rich background so they never need to pay for food nor board. What a life but it never brings them happiness along the way. They all graduate with various levels in their degrees and try to stick together. Mark is gay and very lost. He self harms and has a very domineering mother who is an Italian erotic film star … no wonder he’s like he is! A few of the group get together as couples but none of them have a happy ending. James the supposedly sensible boring one ends up with Mark after an awful accident ends Mark’s marriage. Yep he married a young friend but was secretly still seeing men. It’s a sad story of living life on the edge and probably just typical of some sort of life under the pressures of being at Oxford and the expectations for the name of this prestigious University and colleges. All in all a very well written story with many ups and downs of University life.
This is the first book read from my huge bookcase in the family room. I’ve vowed to read them all then donate so I can have room for my books currently in storage!
Trials and tribulations of undergraduate life at Oxford. This young group of six friend were so different in backgrounds but came together in one huge house to live and study together. Mark comes from an extremely rich background so they never need to pay for food nor board. What a life but it never brings them happiness along the way. They all graduate with various levels in their degrees and try to stick together. Mark is gay and very lost. He self harms and has a very domineering mother who is an Italian erotic film star … no wonder he’s like he is! A few of the group get together as couples but none of them have a happy ending. James the supposedly sensible boring one ends up with Mark after an awful accident ends Mark’s marriage. Yep he married a young friend but was secretly still seeing men. It’s a sad story of living life on the edge and probably just typical of some sort of life under the pressures of being at Oxford and the expectations for the name of this prestigious University and colleges. All in all a very well written story with many ups and downs of University life.
6MBMG
An unnecessary woman by Rabih Alameddine … 4 stars on Goodreads
Working my way through one of my many bookcases or should I say rather haphazard store of too many books! However my two main bookcases are shelved by author surname and have shelf enhancers like a small family photo or ornament in front of them. I’ve had this book for years as it sounded good on the blurb. It may well be a Salvos rescue. I donate there but generally bring more home. Well this didn’t disappoint me and I enjoyed reading about all the authors and books mentioned throughout. Some I’ve read, some I’ve still to read.
It’s about Aaliya who lives alone in an apartment in Beirut. It opens with her washing her hair with a special shampoo but she seems to have used 10 times the recommended amount and now has a head a blue hair! I didn’t know what this brought to the storyline but it quipped my interest. She’s lived through the unrest and bombings in Beirut during the 70s. I can relate to her as she’s a book collector who used to have a bookstore and has a surrounded herself with books most of her life. What an amazing character though as she is a translator of books into Arabic. For each book it takes her about a year to do this from the English and French versions. She mentions authors from UK, Russia and the last mentioned is Coetzee whom I had met several times as he is based in University of Adelaide and is a well known user of the library there where I used to work for over 20 years.
Aaliya never married but she has not regretted this choice and seems happy with what her life has been but there is the odd part where you wonder if she feels she’s missed out on some things. She’s never been close to her family and from all accounts is just happy with her books. There’s a tragedy at the end with her almost losing her life’s work but the 3 witches as she calls them, who live within her apartment block, come to her aide to salvage her life’s work. 4 stars only because I felt it dragged on at times but extremely well written.
Working my way through one of my many bookcases or should I say rather haphazard store of too many books! However my two main bookcases are shelved by author surname and have shelf enhancers like a small family photo or ornament in front of them. I’ve had this book for years as it sounded good on the blurb. It may well be a Salvos rescue. I donate there but generally bring more home. Well this didn’t disappoint me and I enjoyed reading about all the authors and books mentioned throughout. Some I’ve read, some I’ve still to read.
It’s about Aaliya who lives alone in an apartment in Beirut. It opens with her washing her hair with a special shampoo but she seems to have used 10 times the recommended amount and now has a head a blue hair! I didn’t know what this brought to the storyline but it quipped my interest. She’s lived through the unrest and bombings in Beirut during the 70s. I can relate to her as she’s a book collector who used to have a bookstore and has a surrounded herself with books most of her life. What an amazing character though as she is a translator of books into Arabic. For each book it takes her about a year to do this from the English and French versions. She mentions authors from UK, Russia and the last mentioned is Coetzee whom I had met several times as he is based in University of Adelaide and is a well known user of the library there where I used to work for over 20 years.
Aaliya never married but she has not regretted this choice and seems happy with what her life has been but there is the odd part where you wonder if she feels she’s missed out on some things. She’s never been close to her family and from all accounts is just happy with her books. There’s a tragedy at the end with her almost losing her life’s work but the 3 witches as she calls them, who live within her apartment block, come to her aide to salvage her life’s work. 4 stars only because I felt it dragged on at times but extremely well written.
7MBMG
A zen for murder by Leighanne Dobbs … 3 stars on Goodreads
Another e-book I only read in wiring rooms for appointments hence the long reading date.Not too bad and if you like the TV programme Murder in Paradise or similar Agatha Christie types you’d enjoy this one.
Another e-book I only read in wiring rooms for appointments hence the long reading date.Not too bad and if you like the TV programme Murder in Paradise or similar Agatha Christie types you’d enjoy this one.
8MBMG
The Portobello Road and other stories by Muriel Spark … 4 stories
Found this little book while our bedroom was being decorated. I don’t know what I never finished it but I have now and it was a delight of 4 short stories all well written too. Just a delightful little book!
Found this little book while our bedroom was being decorated. I don’t know what I never finished it but I have now and it was a delight of 4 short stories all well written too. Just a delightful little book!
9MBMG
Wild lavender by Belinda Alexandra… 5 stars on Goodreads
I shuddered at the size of this book but then was intrigued by the blurb. It sounded fascinating and I was not disappointed. I hadn’t read this author before unless it was a while before I joined Goodreads but I do look forward to reading other novels by her.
It’s a rather sad story with many ups and downs about Simone Fleurier. The stoicism through this character has to be admired and I’m sure the author has given those involved through this period in France the recognition they deserve. I did learn a few things I did not realise happened from that time but I won’t give any spoilers away here. It’s an excellent read and I’m glad I ploughed through the 500 plus pages. Not the largest story I’ve read but very worthwhile my time. Another book going off to a good home while working my way through some downsizing of my vast collection of books.
If you want to know a bit about France and the showgirls then the affect WWII had in everyone there this is for you! It’s fiction but well researched in the authors part even if some historians may disagree 😊
I shuddered at the size of this book but then was intrigued by the blurb. It sounded fascinating and I was not disappointed. I hadn’t read this author before unless it was a while before I joined Goodreads but I do look forward to reading other novels by her.
It’s a rather sad story with many ups and downs about Simone Fleurier. The stoicism through this character has to be admired and I’m sure the author has given those involved through this period in France the recognition they deserve. I did learn a few things I did not realise happened from that time but I won’t give any spoilers away here. It’s an excellent read and I’m glad I ploughed through the 500 plus pages. Not the largest story I’ve read but very worthwhile my time. Another book going off to a good home while working my way through some downsizing of my vast collection of books.
If you want to know a bit about France and the showgirls then the affect WWII had in everyone there this is for you! It’s fiction but well researched in the authors part even if some historians may disagree 😊
10MBMG
Empire of pain: the secret history of the Sackler dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
Pretty sad really. I know they made this drug to be used and to help people but I feel people and medical staff have also been irresponsible in not using this drug properly. I get this family pushed to get OxyContin out there as a miracle cure but why the hell would people abuse it snd crush this medication to snort it or shoot it up is beyond my comprehension? I’ve been on and off this drug (Targin) it is a slow release OxyContin medication 20 mg mornings and 12 hours later which gives me quality of life due to chronic pain. Yes I’ve tried many and yes I’m on other drugs too to help rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
I’m sorry for those who’ve lost their lives and for their loved ones left behind but the big picture here is irresponsible use of the drug. To a degree you cannot blame the family for this misuse. But that’s only my opinion. My medication has to be approved by the medical board and is monitored by my GP and rheumatologist. I also have a highly responsible pharmacist who will not fill a script if it’s not due. We have dates here in each one and even a day out you have to wait. I can wait 3 weeks for approval from Canberra so I have to ensure I go for a script refill early enough. I do have 10 mg tablets if I have breakthrough pain which I rarely use. The pain is never fully gone but I can cope so until something better comes along I will still be taking this. I’ve tried quite a few different medications but none work as well as this. If I decide to stop it I have been advised how to do it properly by reducing it 2.5 mg at a time over a few days. I have done that twice over the time I’ve been on it. Doing it too fast can result in withdrawals but it’s a dependable drug for me not an additive one. There is a huge difference. I’m looking forward to hearing this author at Writers Week here in Adelaide in March 2022. I’m sure there will be many questions.
Pretty sad really. I know they made this drug to be used and to help people but I feel people and medical staff have also been irresponsible in not using this drug properly. I get this family pushed to get OxyContin out there as a miracle cure but why the hell would people abuse it snd crush this medication to snort it or shoot it up is beyond my comprehension? I’ve been on and off this drug (Targin) it is a slow release OxyContin medication 20 mg mornings and 12 hours later which gives me quality of life due to chronic pain. Yes I’ve tried many and yes I’m on other drugs too to help rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
I’m sorry for those who’ve lost their lives and for their loved ones left behind but the big picture here is irresponsible use of the drug. To a degree you cannot blame the family for this misuse. But that’s only my opinion. My medication has to be approved by the medical board and is monitored by my GP and rheumatologist. I also have a highly responsible pharmacist who will not fill a script if it’s not due. We have dates here in each one and even a day out you have to wait. I can wait 3 weeks for approval from Canberra so I have to ensure I go for a script refill early enough. I do have 10 mg tablets if I have breakthrough pain which I rarely use. The pain is never fully gone but I can cope so until something better comes along I will still be taking this. I’ve tried quite a few different medications but none work as well as this. If I decide to stop it I have been advised how to do it properly by reducing it 2.5 mg at a time over a few days. I have done that twice over the time I’ve been on it. Doing it too fast can result in withdrawals but it’s a dependable drug for me not an additive one. There is a huge difference. I’m looking forward to hearing this author at Writers Week here in Adelaide in March 2022. I’m sure there will be many questions.
