Berly's Front Cover 6

For those of you who don't know me, I have been on LT and a 75er since December 2008. I have a great Hubby (who found LT for me) and 3 grown children. I like almost any book there is, but I tend more toward fiction. I currently work with my Hubby in our business which cleans industrial and storm water and brings it up to EPA standards. Particle removal, pH balancing, heavy metal decontamination, etc. He's a ChemE and I was a Neuroscience major, so I understand the science of our projects and can translate them into English for our customers (LOL); I also do the accounting and marketing -- you just don't want me to design the equipment! I have been a neuroscience lab researcher, an editor and writer, an advertising exec, and the Community Relations Mgr of the NBA MN Timberwolves as well as their 501C3 Director. Career path? NO! Eclectic and fun? YES! I am currently on a board for Literary Arts here in Portland, Oregon, and I also practice TKD (3rd degree BB).



And my oldest daughter just got married!!

My heart goes out to Ukraine

And sending best wishes to people in the path of Hurricane Ian.

My parents survived and so did their condo, but no power. They don't want to deal with climbing up and down 9 flights of stairs with the elevator out so they are pretty much high and dry, literally. Before the hurricane they were already working on trying to move to Assisted Living (my Mom has advanced dementia). All the assisted living and memory care unit people were evacuated by the facility and have not returned yet. But my parents are still in Independent Living and are responsible for themselves. They decided to tough it out. Also, my Dad and my Mom can't drive. So far so good, but cell phone is at 40%. It's gonna be a rough couple of weeks...

All back to normal for my parents.

So many choices!! What should I read?
Reading Now
✔ All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
✔ A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
@ Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (🎧 9 hours) by Matthew Perry
@ Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law (B 314 pages) by Mary Roach
@ An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us (K 481 pages) by Ed Yong

After that...
✔ Highly Irregular (B 264 pages) by Arika Okrent
✔ You on a Diet (B 512 pages) by Roizen and Oz
✔ The Bold World by Jodie Lee Patterson (ER!!)
✔ Ancient Bones Unearthing the Astonishing New Story of How We Became Human by Madelaine Bohme (ER!!)

Source
IR = Indiespensable Readers
ER = LibraryThing Early Reviewer
✔ = Off the shelf (not acquired this year)
L = Library
↩ = Reread
@ = Acquired this year
✗ = DNF
? = Need to get

Media
B = Printed Book
🎧 = Audio
K = Kindle
GN = Graphic Novel

Read in December 342 pages / 19.5 🎧 hours
2022 Total 19,465 pages / 273 🎧 hours
100. @ Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (🎧 9 hours) by Matthew Perry 4.0
99. ✔ A Visit From The Goon Squad (B 342 pages) by Jennifer Egan 3.5
98. @ A Hard Day for a Hangover (🎧 10.5 hours) Darynda Jones read by Lorelai King 4.5

Read in November 243 pages / 27 🎧 hours
2022 Total 19,123 pages / 253.5 🎧 hours
97. @ Haven (🎧 8.5 hours) by Emma Donaghue with Ellen and Beth 3.5
96. @ Along Came Holly (🎧 9.5 hours)by Codi Hall 2.5
95. @ There's Something About Merry by Codi Hall 3.0
94. ✔ The Conception of Terror Vol 1 (🎧 4.25 hours) by M.R. James 3.0
93. ✔ A Scandal in Bohemia (🎧 1 hour) by Arthur Conan Doyle 3.0
92. ✔ The Adventures of the Red-Headed League (🎧 1 hour) by Arthur Conan Doyle 3.0
90. ✔ A Case of Identity (🎧 45 min) by Arthur Conan Doyle 3.0
89. @ Unchartered Waters (🎧 2 hours) by Sally Hepworth 4.0
88. ✔ America's Most Haunted Hotels (B 240 pages) by Jamie Davis Whitmer DNF

Read in October 402 pages / 31.5 🎧 hours
2022 Total 18,883 pages / 215.75 🎧 hours
❤️ @ Beyond the Wand (🎧 6.5 hours) by Tom Felton, Draco from Harry Potter! 4.0
86. @ Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah with Ellen and Beth DNF
❤️ @ About Time (🎧 12.5 hours) by Jodi Taylor 4.0
84. ✔ The Maid (🎧 9.5 hours) by Nita Prose 4.0
83. ✔ The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel (K 402 pages) by Pip Williams 3.75
82. @ The Graveside Bar and Grill (🎧 3 hours) by Darynda Jones 3.5

Ratings
❤️ Favorite(s) of the month
Loved it! 5.0
Really Good 4.0
Good 3.0
Hmmmm 2.0
Don't Bother 1.0

Source
IR = Indiespensable Readers
LT = LibraryThing Early Reviewer
✔ = Off the shelf (not acquired this year)
L = Library
↩ = Reread
@ = Acquired this year
✗ = DNF
? = Need to get

Media
B = Printed Book
🎧 = Audio
K = Kindle
GN = Graphic Novel

Read in September 2,032 pages / 20 🎧 hours
2022 Total 18,431 pages / 184.25 🎧 hours
81. @ Body Grammar (K 303 pages) by Jules Ohman 3.0
80. @ Hell and Back (10 🎧 hours) by Craig Johnson 3.0
❤️ @ Cloud Cuckoo Land (K 640 pages) by Anthony Doerr 4.0
78. @ The Girl Before (🎧 10 hours) by J. P. Delaney 3.5
❤️ @ The Man Who Died Twice (B 384 pages) by Richard Osman 4.0
76. @ Rich Blood by Robert Bailey (K 379 pages) 3.75
75. @ The Last House on Needless Street (K 326 pages) by Catriona Ward 3.5

Read in August 1,284 pages / 9 🎧 hours
2022 Total 16,399 pages / 164.25 🎧 hours
74. @ Gathering Blue (B 215 pages) by Lois Lowry 3.75
73. @ The Black House (B 396 pages) by Peter May 3.5
72. @ Flying on the Inside: A Memoir (K 254 pages) by Rachel Gotto 3.75
71. L The Secrets We Bury (K 224 pages) by Debra Webb 3.0
70. ✔ The Intuitionist (B 122/256 pages) by Colson Whitehead DNF
69. L The Undertakers Daughter (K 73 pages) by Debra Webb 3.0
❤️ What Could Possible Go Wrong (🎧 9 hours) by Jodi Taylor 4.0

Read in July 2,039 pages / 5 🎧 hours
2022 Total 15,115 pages / 156.25 🎧 hours
❤️ @ The Black Friend (🎧 5 hours) by Fredrick Joseph 5.0
66. ✔ The Last Mile (B 517 pages) by David Baldacci 4.0
65. @ An Offer from a Gentleman (K 474pages) by Julia Quinn 4.0
❤️ ✔ Lock In (B 336 pages) by John Scalzi -- from WeirdO! 4.5
63. @ The Last Lie Told (K 313 pages) by Debra Webb 3.75
62. @ What Happened to the Bennetts (K 399 pages) by Lisa Scottoline 3.0

Read in June 2,225 pages / 10 🎧 hours
2022 Total 13,076 pages / 151.25 🎧 hours
61. ✔ Impossible to Forget (K 384 pages) by Imogen Clark 3.75
60. ✔ At the Quiet Edge (K 330 pages) by Victoria Helen Stone 3.0
58. ❤️ Before We Were Yours (Book 342 pages) by Lisa Wingate 4.0
57. @ Zora and Me (B 187 pages) by Victoria Bond & TR Simon 3.5
56. @ The Brighter the Light (K 280 pages) by Mary Ellen Taylor 4.0
55. @ Dava Shastri's last day (K 385 pages) by Kirthana Ramisetti 2.5
54. ✔ Strangers We Know (K 280 pages) by Elle Marr 4.0
53. @ The Nothing Girl (🎧 10 hours) by Jodi Taylor 3.0
52. @ Book Lovers (B 387 pages) by Emily Henry 4.0

Read in May 1,680 pages / 25.5 🎧 hours
2022 Total 10,851 pages / 141.25 🎧 hours
51. @ In Five Years (B 273 pages) by Rebeca Serle, RL Bookclub #2 , 3.5
50. @ Stolen Thoughts (🎧 10 hours) by Tim Tigner 4.0
49. @ Salt Lick (K 372 pages) by Lulu Allison with LT Friends 4.0
48. @ Shuggie Bain (K 445 pages) by Douglas Stuart 2.5
47. ✔ The Sign of Four Sherlock Holmes (🎧 4.5 hours) by Arthur Conan Doyle 3.0
❤️ @ The Music of Bees (B 336 pages) by Eileen Garvin 5.0
45. @ The Prince (B 99 pages) by Machiavelli with Nephew and Hubby 3.5
44. @ No God Like the Mother (B 155 pages) by Kesha Ajose Fisher 4.0
❤️ @ Long Shadows (🎧 11 hours) by Jodi Taylor 4.5

Read in April 1,810 pages / 29 🎧 hours
2022 Total 9,171 pages / 115.75 🎧 hours
42. ✔ The Forgotten (B 422 pages) by David Baldacci 3.75
41. @ Dark Light (🎧 11.5 hours) by Jody Taylor 4.0
40. ✔ Bewilderment (B 288 pages) by Richard Powers, Literary Arts 4.0
39. @ The Book of Form and Emptiness (B 548 pages) by Ruth Ozeki 3.5
❤️ @ White Silence (🎧 10.5 hours) by Jodi Taylor, 4.5
37. @ The Book of Hope (B 252 pages) by Jane Goodall & Douglas Abrams, RL Bookclub #1, 3.75
36. The Murmur of Bees (🎧 7 of 14.5 hours) by Sofia Segovia DNF
35. Brain on Fire (B 268 pages) by Susannah Cahalan 4.0
34. My Evil Mother: A Short Story (K 32 pages) by Margaret Atwood 3.5

Read in March 3,144 pages / 17.5 🎧 hours
2022 Total 7,361 pages / 86.75 🎧 hours
33. The Graveyard Shift (🎧 4.5 hours) by Darynda Jones 3.75
32. @ Everything Inside (B 223 pages) by Edwidge Danticat, LA class in March 3.0
31. @ The Thursday Murder Club (B 372 pages) by Richard Osman 3.5
❤️ @ The Woman They Could Not Silence (K 562 pages) by Kate Moore, Family Bookclub 5.0
29. @ Before the Time Machine (K 169 pages) by Lisa M Lane, LT ER, 2.75
28. @ Saving Time (🎧 13 hours) by Jodi Taylor 4.0
27. L Winesburg, Ohio (K 143 pages) by Sherwood Anderson, LT Group Read 2.75
❤️ @ Good Talk (GN 357 pages) by Mira Jacobs 5.0
25. L Mexican Gothic (B 321 pages) by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 3.5
24. ✔ The Thirty names of Night (B 150/290pages) by Zeyn Joukhadar DNF
23. ✔ Buried in Secret (K 416 pages) by Viveca Sten, Group read in March 3.0
22. ✔ Moonglow (B 431 pages) by Michael Chabon IR (with Mark, Stasia, and many more))
https://www.librarything.com/topic/339114#n7769181 3.75

Read in February 1,891 pages / 21 🎧 hours
2022 Total 4,217 pages / 69.25 🎧 hours
21. L The Reincarnationist Papers (K 343 pages) by Eric Maikranz 3.5
20. ✔ The Orphan Daughter (🎧 5/10 hrs) by Cari Noga -- DNF
19. ✔ Thirty Names of Night (B 310 pages) by Zeyn Joukhadar (w/ Ellen, Beth and Joe) 2.5
18. ✔ American Pharaoh (🎧 8.5 hrs) by Joe Drape 3.0
❤️ @ The Girl With the Louding Voice (B 382 pages) by Abi Daré 4.5
❤️ ✔ The Vanishing Half (B 343 pages) by Brit Bennet for Literary Arts, 2/7 Bookclub 5.0
❤️. ✔ How to Give Up Plastic (B 212 pages) by Will McCallum 4.5
14. @ How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink (🎧 7.5 hrs) by Paco Underhill 3.0
13. @ No Way Back (K 301 pages) by J.B. Turner 2.5

Read in January
2022 Total 2,326 pages / 48.25 🎧 hours
12. ✔ The Spires (K 50/313 pages) by Kate Moretti DNF
11. @ Deconstructed (K 311 pages) by Liz Talley 3.75
10. @ The Shape Shifter (🎧 7 hours) by Tony Hillerman 3.0
9. @ If You Ask Me (🎧 2.25 hours) by Betty White 3.0
8. @ Being Seen (🎧 6.5 hours) by Elsa Sjunneson 4.0
7. ✔ The Sentence (B 386 pages) by Louise Erdrich, 1/19 Bookclub 4.5
6. ✔ All Systems Red (🎧 3.25 hours) Murderbot Series by Martha Wells 4.5
❤️ ✔ These Precious Days (🎧 11.25 hours) by Ann Patchett 5.0
4. @ Cove (B 97 pages) by Cynan Jones 4.0
3. ✔ The Zig Zag Girl (K 338 pages) by Ellie Griffiths 3.5
2. ✔ Red Clocks (B 357 pages) by Leni Zumas, INDIEspensable group read, January 4.0
1. ✔ The Good Daughter (🎧 18 hours) by Karen Slaughter 3.0

I can't resist buying books!!

I seem to manage to read around 50% of my newbies, except in 2019 where I (ahem) added a few more books to my collection than normal. But then in 2020 I killed it and read almost 75% of my newbies!!

2017 47/85
2018 45/88
2019 45/128
2020 78/103
2021 50/105

Let's see how I do this year...

2022 54/77 Read

✅ Cove by Cynan Jones
✅ Being Seen by Elsa Sjunneson *
✅ How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink by Paco Underhill *
✅ The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman *
✅ Deconstructed: A Novel by Liz Talley *
✅ If You Ask Me by Betty White *
✅ No Way Back by J.B. Turner *
✅ The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
✅ Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat
10. The Searcher by Tana French
✅ The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
✅ Good Talk by Mira Jacobs
✅ Saving Time by Jodi Taylor
14. The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
✅ The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
✅ Before the Time Machine by Lisa M. Lane *
✅ The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams
✅ The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
19. The Forgotten by David Baldacci
✅ The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
✅ My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood
✅ White Silence by Jodi Taylor
✅ Dark Light by Jodi Taylor
24. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
✅ Long Shadows by Jodi Taylor
✅ The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin
27. Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary by Laura Stanfill
✅ In Five Years by Rebeca Serle
✅ Salt Lick by Lulu Allison
✅ Stolen Thoughts by Tim Tigner
✅ Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti
✅ Book Lovers by Emily Henry
✅ The Brighter the Light by Mary Ellen Taylor
✅ The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor
✅ Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
✅ Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate from Linda *
✅ Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & TR Simon from Linda *
✅ No God Like the Mother by Kesha Ajose Fisher
✅ Long Shadows by Jodi Taylor
✅ The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb
✅ What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
✅ Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry *
✅ The Black House by Peter May from TwinB *
44. True Grit by Charles Portis from Laila *
✅ Flying on the Inside: A Memoir by Rachel Gotto
46. Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach
47. The Boy with a Bird in His Chest by Emma Lund
✅ Rich Blood by Robert Bailey *
49. City Dark by Roger A. Canaff *
✅ The Black Friend by Fredrick Joseph
✅ An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
✅ The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb
✅ Hell and Back by Craig Johnson *
✅ Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah *
✅ The Graveside Bar and Grill by Darynda Jones
✅ Maya's Song by Renee Watson
✅ Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton, Draco from Harry Potter!
✅ About Time by Jodi Taylor
✅ Unchartered Waters by Sally Hepworth
✅ Body Grammar by Jules Ohman
✅ Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
✅ The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney
✅ The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
64. An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong
65. Aloha Rodeo by David Woman and Julian Smith *
66. Mr. Wolf's Class by Aron Nels Steinke *
67. The Lonely Dead by April Henry *
68. Mean Baby by Selma Blair *
69. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkin Reid *
70. Mostly the Honest Truth by Jody J. Little *
71. Dear Fahrenheit 451 *
72. The Christmas Card Crime *
73. The Orenda *
74. White Rhino Hotel *
75. Café on the Nile *
76. Devil's Oasis *
77. Rhythm of the Wild *

✅ Read
* Free or gift

2022 Books Off The Shelf

So, here is my idea for reading more of the books I already own...wish me luck!

Using dice...

First roll -- even for upstairs or odd for downstairs
Second roll* -- which pile/bookshelf
Third roll* -- count this many books in

* Random 1 or 2 dice because I have more than 6, but don't want to leave out "1"

e.g. Downstairs, Second Shelf, 3rd book

3/12 -- I've read 15 BOTS so far!
5/1 -- 17 so far.
7/1 -- 20...
10/1 -- 23...

Random LT group reads
✅ February - Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar with Ellen and Beth
✅ March - Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
✅ May - Shuggie Baine by Douglas Stewart
✅ June - Salt Lick
✅ July - The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead
✅ August - Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
✅ October - Afterlives by Abdulhazak Gurnah with Ellen and Beth
✅ November - State of Wonder by Ann Patchett with Stasia & Mark
✅ November - Haven by Emma Donaghue with Ellen and Beth
December -- A Visit from the Goon Squad with Ellen and Beth

RL Book Club #1 2022
✅ February - The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
✅ April - The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams
✅ June - Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti
August - A Children's Bible: A Novel by Lydia Millet
✅ October - The Dictionary of Lost Words: A Novel by Pip Williams

RL Book Club #1 2023
February - Matrix by Lauren Groff
April - The Cloisters by Katy Hayes
✅ June - The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin
August - West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
October - Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

And Honorable Mentions
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Mad Honey by Jennifer Finney Boylan and Jodi Picoult
Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall
The Keeper, Soccer, Me & the law that changed women's lives by Kelsey Ervick

RL Book Club #2
✅ March - The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
✅ June - In Five Years by Rebeca Serle
✅ November - Fuzz by Mary Roach

Family Bookclub
✅ January - Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller
✅ February - The Reincarnationist Papers by D. Eric Mainkranz
✅ April - The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
✅ July - What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline

Literary Arts
January 27, 2022 -- Cathy Park Hong Minor Feelings
✅ February 17, 2022 -- Britt Bennet The Vanishing Half , The Mothers
April 21, 2022 -- Richard Powers The Overstory, ✅ Bewilderment
✅ May 12, 2022 -- Edwidge Danticat Everything Inside
✅ September 22, 2022 -- Abdulrazak Gurnah After Lives
November 17, 2022 -- Anthony Doerr All the Light We Cannot See, ✅Cloud Cuckoo Land
January 18, 2023 -- Lauren Groff Florida, Matrix
February 22, 2023 -- Patrick Radden Keefe Say Nothing, Empire of Pain
April 20, 2023 -- Ada Limón poet -- Just won US Poet Laureate!!

Powell's Indiespensable Readers

Hubby signed me up for this (Thank you!!). Over the years I have received over 90 installments (some with two or three books), and I haven't read all the books yet. Not even close!

Let me know if any books interest you (ones I haven't read yet).

2022 Challenge
✅ January -- Red Clocks by Leni Zumas with Beth, Ellen, Stasia, Bill, Paul
✅ February -- Moonglow by Michael Chabon with Mark, Stasia, Karen (witchyrichy) and ??
✅ July -- The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead
October -- State of Wonder by Ann Patchett with Mark

Other 2022 potential reads so far....
Your Duck is My Duck by Deborah Eisenberg
The Blazing World by Siri Hustvedt
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
The Topeka School by Ben Lerner
Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer with Stasia
A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

The complete list can be found here and I'd love to have more friends join me in group reads! Other suggestions?

https://www.librarything.com/topic/336987#n7662792

Books Freed = 60!!! as of 2/6/22. After being closed for two years, Powell's is open again for used books drop-offs! I used the online version instead of braving the long lines at the stores; they only wanted 7 of my books, but I made $15 bucks to spend on more books and they paid for shipping! LOL. I only found 3 duplicates and the rest are books I've read but don't feel the need to keep. And they were picked over by local friends and family first before donating to Goodwill. ; )

And another 32 as of 2/22/22!! And that cool date happened to fall on a Tuesday -- very appropriate. (Say the day out loud, you'll get it. LOL) Most of these were travel guides and who needs those anymore with everything online? Plus the info was getting pretty dated. Hours, prices, etc. So bye bye.

2021 Fiction
❤️Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
The House in the Cerulean Sea TJ Klune
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
Outland by Dennis E Taylor
Voyagers in Time by Robert Silverberg
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Shelter by Harlan Coben

2021 Non-Fiction
❤️ When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalantithi
Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island Will Harlan
Becoming Nicole: The inspiring story of transgender actor-activist Nicole Maines and her extraordinary family by Amy Ellis Nutt
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
Themes and Variations Essay by David Sedaris

I am going to try and keep track of series I am currently enjoying here:

Series/Author/Next Book
Bobiverse / Dennis E. Taylor / #5 not yet published
Bridgerton / Julia Quinn / #3 An Offer From A Gentleman
Cormoran Strike Series / Robert Galbraith / #6 Not yet published
Quantum Earth / Dennis E. Taylor / #2 not yet published
Kinsey Millhone Mystery Series / Sue Grafton / Read ABCDEFQX / Next G is for
Kopp Series / Amy Stewart / #2 Lady Cop Makes Trouble
Mickey Bolitar / Harlen Coben / #4 not yet published
Murderbot Diaries / Martha Wells #2 Artificial Condition
Sandham Murders / Viveca Sten / #11 not yet published
Sunshine Vicram / Darynda Jones / #3 A Hard Day for a Hangover Dec 2022
Sweep Series / Ilona Andrews / #6 not yet published
The Chronicles of St Mary's / Jodi Taylor / #7
The Time Police / Jodi Taylor #4 ???
Elizabeth Cage / Jodi Taylor #4 ???

Oh and I am adding the Pulitzer Prize Winner list here, you know, in case I need more ideas for books to read!

Total Read - 36
2022 - The Netanyahus
* 2021 - The Night Watchman
✅ 2020 - The Nickel Boys
✅ 2019 - The Overstory
✅ 2018 - Less
✅ 2017 - Underground Railroad
* 2016 - The Sympathizer
✅ 2015 - All the Light We Cannot See
✅ 2014 - The Goldfinch
✅ 2013 - The Orphan Master's Son
2012 - NO AWARD
✅ - Swamplandia - Nominee
* 2011 - A Visit from the Goon Squad
✅ 2010 - Tinkers
✅ 2009 - Olive Kitterridge
✅ 2008 - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
✅ 2007 - The Road
2006 - March
✅ 2005 - Gilead
2004 - The Known World
✅ 2003 - Middlesex
✅ 2002 - Empire Falls
✅ 2001 - The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
✅ 2000 - The Interpreter of Maladies
✅ 1999 - The Hours
1998 - American Pastoral
1997 - Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer
1996 - Independence Day
✅ 1995 - The Stone Diaries
✅ 1994 - The Shipping News
1993 - A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain
✅ 1992 - A Thousand Acres
1991 - Rabbit at Rest
1990 - The Mambo Kings
✅ 1989 - Breathing Lessons
✅ 1988 - Beloved
✅ 1987 - A Summons to Memphis
✅ 1986 - Lonesome Dove
1985 - Foreign Affairs
1984 - Ironweed
✅ 1983 - The Color Purple
1982 - Rabbit is Rich
✅ 1981 - A Confederacy of Dunces
✅ 1980 - The Executioner's Song
1979 - The Stories of John Cheever
1978 - Elbow Room
1977 - NO AWARD
✅ 1976 - Humboldt's Gift
1975 - The Killer Angels
1974 - NO AWARD
1973 - The Optimist's Daughter
✅ 1972 - Angle of Repose
1971 - NO AWARD
1970 - The Collected Stories of Jean Stafford
1969 - House Made of Dawn
* 1968 - The Confessions of Nat Turner
1967 - The Fixer
1966 - The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter
1965 - The Keepers of the House
1964 - NO AWARD
1963 - The Reivers
1962 - The Edge of Sadness
✅ 1961 - To Kill a Mockingbird
1960 - Advise and Consent
1959 - The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters
1958 - A Death in the Family
1957 - NO AWARD
1956 - Andersonville
1955 - A Fable
1954 - NO AWARD
✅ 1953 - The Old Man and the Sea
✅ 1952 - The Caine Mutiny
1951 - The Town
1950 - The Way West
1949 - Guard of Honor
✅ 1948 - Tales of the South Pacific
✅ 1947 - All the King's Men
1946 - NO AWARD
1945 - A Bell
1944 - Journey in the Dark
1943 - Dragon's Teeth
1942 - In This Our Life
1941 - NO AWARD
✅ 1940 - The Grapes of Wrath
1928 - The Bridge of San Luis Rey

* Have on hand
✅ Read

Please join us if you are interested in Reusing and Recycling. People are sharing brand and book suggestions and also keeping track of their efforts. Check it out!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/339326

Below is my personal list of what I am doing and want to be doing. I plan to keep updating this as I make improvements in my lifestyle this year. Brands listed are my choices and more suggestions are listed in the above thread.

Things I was already doing
*Carry reusable shopping bags
*Reuse packaging and don't overwrap (I have a whole closet of boxes and packing material I recycle)
*Use recyclable paper and cardboard instead of styrofoam packing material
*Buy my veggies in cardboard crates instead of plastic containers whenever possible
*Use a home soda maker with reusable bottle
*Dishwasher detergent -- Planet
*Silicone and beeswax dish toppers/wraps
*Garbage Bags -- Seventh Generation
*Compost Collector under sink that goes into city Compost Bin
*Cloth Napkins
*Wider comfort range for heating and cooling house
*Motion detectors on lights to keep them off when not in use

Recently started
*Keeping a reusable water bottle and cup in the car
*And a reusable utensil kit in my glove compartment
*And a reusable metal straw
*Phone Case -- Switched to compostable case by Pela
*Toilet Paper -- Who Gives A Crap
*Laundry Detergent sheets -- TruEarth
*Cloth "Paper" Towels -- Marley's Monsters
*Recycled Paper Towels -- Who Gives A Crap
*Sponges compostable -- If You Care
*Scrub Cloths cotton and cellulose -- Down to Earth Basics

Next steps
*Transitioning from liquid soap, shower gels and shampoo to solid versions not packaged in plastic. This one may be a bit harder for me with my skin allergies, but I am going to try. I am using up what I have left and then I will try to make the switch.
*Toothpaste
*Composter -- outside
*Ridwell for recycling things

450 years for a plastic bottle to break down in the ocean
114* years since first plastic was invented
90 percent of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs
80 percent of plastic in the ocean originates on land
59* years since the first plastic bag was created
1 rubbish truck of plastics enters the ocean every minute
We typically use a plastic bag for less than 15 minutes
Most tampons have plastic in them
*(+3 years since publication)

How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum. Awesome book!! Read it!

Latest effort

Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner--works great!! https://www.blueland.com/products/toilet-cleaner-starter-set

Thanks for listing the Pulitzers. To my surprise, I've read 25 of them already, with several more in my possession either physically or electronically. Maybe I should read them.

I'm also following a 'less plastic' policy, but I'm way behind you. I've recently switched to Earthbreeze for my laundry, and I compost (with the help of NYC's program at our Greenmarket), and try my best to remember to take a non-plastic shopping bag with me even when I don't expect to shop. I also use Who Gives a Crap toilet paper and may check out their paper towels. (Space is a big of a concern with the bulk shipping). I bought cloth reusable wipes for the kitchen and other household chores anyway, but I have to get myself in the habit to use them.

It's annoyingly difficult to get food items not in plastic. I recycle what I can, and contribute containers to a local community fridge, but fruits and veggies frequently come prepackaged in you-know-what. In this season of great veggies, I'll get most of them at the aforementioned Greenmarket, where I can bring my own reuseable bags.

A drop in the ocean, probably, but at least not plastic.

Happy new one!

>1 Berly: Gourd have mercy! Those're some dramatic fruits up there.

New-thread orisons, sweetiedarling.

Happy new thread, Kim!

Happy new one, Kim.

I read the update on your parents up there ^^. I'm so glad they are safe but they (and by association, you) have some challenges ahead. Hope you are able to get them into the care they need. It's made even more difficult when one parent needs more care than the other.

Happy Saturday, Kim. Happy New Thread. I love the toppers. I hope you are getting plenty of reading in. I may not get to State of Wonder this month. If you don't feel like waiting this is fine. I hope to get to it by the end of the year.

Happy new thread, Kim!

Happy new thread, Kimmers!

I will echo your best wishes up top to the people of the American South-East impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Happy new thread, TwinK! I am so sorry your parents are stick in Florida. Fingers crossed that all goes well and they get power back soon.

Love the toppers. You do a great job of reading the books you buy! Kudos.

>11 Berly: For some reason, I can't see the photo in this post.

>12 Berly:
Your Duck is My Duck by Deborah Eisenberg
The Blazing World by Siri Hustvedt
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer with Stasia
A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

These are ones I would be interested in reading.

Happy new thread Kim!

Happy new thread, Kim! I bet you are still basking in wedding glow.

I always enjoy your fall toppers. The wedding photo is incredibly beautiful. You must have been very worried about your mother living in a hurricane hot spots of Florida. Will's cousins and I were concerned about our 100 year old Uncle who lives in a condo in St. Petersburg, FL. He was offered to be evacuated with others who help him, but he was one who saw other hurricanes, and thought he would tough this one out as well as others.

Fortunately, his building is strong. He is fine. He has power and telephone service. The family always says he is one stubborn ole coot, and has many angels looking out for him.

Congratulations on taking all the time required to write those incredible lists!

I send much love

>19 ffortsa: Nice job on the Pulitzers!! I have several on hand, too, that I really should get to. And awesome work on reducing plastic. It makes me excited to hear what other people are doing. We can cheer each other on!

Oh, also, prize for being first on my new thread...Halloween cookies!

>20 figsfromthistle: Thanks for popping in!!

>21 richardderus: Gourdness knows, you do have a way with words, always. Smooch.

>22 MickyFine: >23 katiekrug: Welcome and happy autumn!! Now if we could just get our temperature back down out of the 80s and into something fall-like. Yeesh. All next week we are in the 80s. Crazy!!

>24 lauralkeet: Yeah, Hurricane Ian is truly a monster. Thankfully, my Dad called today and they have power back again. He said the roads look pretty decent, too. Hoping the staff can make it back to his facility so they can open up the kitchen. He said it was really weird because the glass windows in his building are designed to withstand 110 mph winds (they had 150) and it meant that they could see all the wind outside but heard absolutely nothing. I think they were incredibly lucky. And I am very thankful.

>25 msf59: No worries. I'll see how my month goes and we can check in with Stasia too later this month. We'll get to State of Wonder!

>26 jessibud2: Hi there! Thank you!!

>27 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Yes, all good wishes are appreciated I am sure. Personally glad that my mom and dad are safe. : )

>28 BLBera: Hi TwinB! Power is back on at my parents building. Although my dad said they had ice cream soup for dinner. LOL.

I would be up for:

Your Duck is My Duck by Deborah Eisenberg
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
and maybe A Girl is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

And the photo just says "Bookclub" with an open book -- no big deal. ; )

Yes, I am doing a great job of reading my new books, but what about all the ones I already have???? Uh oh.

>30 quondame: Welcome! And thanks for stopping by. Make it a habit okay. : )

>31 banjo123: The wedding glow is still a thing for me. I am so happy for them. : ) She's stopping by tomorrow to catch up and have a glass of wine so I can't wait to see her and hear how things are going on her end.

>32 Whisper1: Yeah, one stubborn ole coot -- that is my dad right now. Plus I think he just couldn't be bothered to leave. He was tired from the wedding and traveling and just said the heck with it, I'm waiting it out. Not the most intelligent decision but none of us could talk him out of it. He lucked out the time!! Glad your uncle is fine, too.

Making new threads always takes longer at the end of the year because I have to wait and make sure all the titles have uploaded properly. If I read much more than I do, I think I would just list the titles without the links!! LOL.

Big hugs back, as always.

So, three weeks post post-op and I am still gimping around. PT is going well but it just takes time to recover from the knee surgery.

And I am not done with drama yet. My middle daughter is FINALLY getting her gum graft done on Monday. Crossing my fingers and hoping all goes well!! And then I could really use a dose of boring. Really.

>39 Berly: I hope you get a good calm dose of that boring. It's so underrated. Good news about your daughter's gums though, that's been an epic.

>40 quondame: Thank you, thank you, thank you!! It has been such a struggle to get her scheduled for this. Crossing my fingers. We are going shopping tomorrow for easy-to-eat food like soups and yogurts; no nuts or seeds or anything hard and crunchy.

Happy new thread, Kim!

>3 Berly: Your parents had me a bit worried, so I am glad to read they have power back.

Happy new thread, Kim!
>1 Berly: beautiful bride and groom and just as beautiful pictures
>3 Berly: >39 Berly: All good wishes for your parents and your daughter.
>17 Berly: Some of the things we are already implementing, but I admit it could be more.

>33 Berly: Those cookies are completely adorable. I don't care if I never eat a chocolate chip again and I'd snarf those down!

Wishing you boring, Kim.
(Not sure I've ever typed / said that before!) Hope you have /had a lovely catch up with your daughter too.

Let's face it; you will never have boring. :) I love the Halloween cookies.

>37 Berly: Let me know when you want to read any of those, and I will pull out my copies.

Happy new one, Kim!

Hello Kim! Oh my, you have had a LOT going on! Congratulations to your daughter and her husband - the photos are just lovely. How wonderful! I am so glad your parents came through the storm OK, and it sounds like things are getting back to normal fairly quickly so they don't have to struggle.

I am sorry to hear about your surgery. I hope you are continuing to heal and recover.

I can sympathize with your daughter's gum graft surgery - I just had the same surgery Thursday. It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it certainly isn't fun, and the soft foods diet gets VERY old. This was actually gum graft surgery #3 for me. I had my first one 9 or so years ago. Ugh. Then I had another one in June. That one actually felt pretty easy, though it was by far the most extensive of the surgeries. It was solidly on one side of my mouth, so after a time I felt OK eating pretty much what I wanted on the other side. This last one was very minor but wow am I still swollen. Like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter, but only in one cheek! Hoping to at least look more normal before I go back to school tomorrow.

Good roots already are spreading from this here new thread, Kim. You've got a green thumb, so to speak. Nice that you've gained a son. Ummm: oral surgery, not good, but good. Glad your daughter found a oral surgeon who can accommodate her complicated case.

My Grand Gracie has committed to Smith College, so there may be a couple of visits to Northampton in my future. Interestingly, Gracie (and her parents) already live in Northampton...County, that is. Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Happy new thread, Kim! Glad your knee recovery is going well and sending good wishes for the gum surgery!

Happy new thread Kim!

I'm glad your parents have got their power back. It should make things a bit easier for them.

>33 Berly: eek!

Happy new one Kim and here's wishing you a nice stretch of boring!! Glad to hear your folks are OK and trust someone is watching out to be sure they stay that way until power etc. return.

Happy new thread!

Kim, I’m so glad your parents have their power back and that they weathered the storm well. I know it’s a big worry with you being so far away.

I hope your daughter gets along well after her gum surgery. That sounds painful. It sounds like your knee keeps on getting stronger. It will heal completely in its own time I guess.

I must be living the “good life” if it is defined by boredom. I prefer to think of it as routine or sameness…take care of my DH and dog, do minimal house chores, and read in my spare time. I’m playing more duplicate bridge than in the past which is a big time suck but hopefully doing my brain some good. ;-)

>42 FAMeulstee: Yes, and apparently the facility has moved all the other residents back in and food service started up again with dinner tonight. They seem really good and I am so relieved!

>43 SirThomas: I am sure there is always more we can do to use less, recycle more, and keep our Earth healthy. But you have to start somewhere so good job!

>44 richardderus: They do look scrumptious, don't they? : )

>45 charl08: LOL!!! I know, what a weird thing to wish for someone, but I'll take boring right now for sure!! Thank you.

>46 BLBera: Dang it. How do you know I'll never have boring? I can be boring! I swear. LOL

>47 drneutron: Hi Jim!

>48 AMQS: Dang woman! THREE gum grafts? I am definitely NOT telling my daughter that. Hoping for one and done here. The surgery went well today though. The anxiety premeds works like a charm and my daughter was nice and relaxed and even giggled once so I am glad she was up for giving it a try. And for me it was way less traumatic having it done in a regular dental office rather than the hospital. Also prob less expensive. Phew!

We went shopping yesterday for the soft food menu. I am sure she will be sick of all of it by the end of the week, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do! I made her banana cake tonight.

I hope you are already starting to feel better. : )

>49 weird_O: Congrats to your Grand!! Whoohoo! Smith College is excellent. And Northampton is a fun place. You should definitely give her a visit. Very funny that she is moving from one N to another! Giving you a green thumbs up. ; )

>50 curioussquared: Thank you! It went well today! Thank goodness. I was a nervous wreck last night. Now hopefully I can get a good nights sleep tonight.

>51 humouress: Hello there! Don't you like spider cookies? Come on, better than bats. : )

>52 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you so much. Talked with Dad today and things are almost back to normal where he is. Again, I think they were incredibly lucky.

>53 foggidawn: Hi! *waves*

>54 Donna828: I like the sound of your "good life" and I am ready to give it a try. Really. Right now. I mean it. : ) Duplicate bridge sounds fun. I have only played that a few times. Right now my time drain is Duolingo French. And books. But no more drama. Knock on wood.

Kim, You are an amazing mother, daughter, wife, and friend. I'm glad to know you!

>61 Whisper1: What Linda said.

>62 PaulCranswick: What Linda and Paul said

>57 Berly: I'm glad her surgery went well and I hope the recovery is just as good.

I could live with banana cake.

>59 Berly: Well, it's not like I have any choice with the bats. They really seem to like the ceiling light outside my study.

ETA: or maybe they just think it's really funny when I come out of a room (because now we keep all the room doors closed in the evenings) and screech in surprise when they dive bomb me.

Hi Kim my dear, Happy New Thread dear friend.

Happy New Thread, Kim! Please say hello to Powell’s for me.

*smoochiesmoochsmooch*

>61 Whisper1: >62 PaulCranswick: >63 magicians_nephew: Awwwww! That means the world to me. Thank you so much!!

>64 humouress: My daughter's pain is manageable and the swelling is not too bad. She's been eating soft food. And we just spent a couple of hours watching really bad TV together. She seems to be doing well. : )

Ugh. Bats! I do not like in real life. Just as Halloween props.

>65 johnsimpson: Thank you , John! Pleasure to see you as always.

>66 jnwelch: I am due a visit to dear Powell's. It's been a while, not that I really need more books or anything , but still....

>67 richardderus: xoxo

So Twin, you are right again. My life is not boring. Sigh. I just got a notice in the mail that I have been selected for Federal Jury Duty starting....November 1st! Normally, I'd be happy to do my civic duty and all that, but I just started PT after my knee surgery, I am so far behind at work, and I am totally stressed out. So now I have to check in with the Dr and see what he thinks. If he says I am ready and I'll be done with PT then I'll just have to suck it up....

Kim, I think that if the doctor provides documentation, you might not have to fulfill this jury duty stint.

That's what I am hoping!! 'Cause I just don't have it in me. Fingers crossed.

>71 Berly: If you are over 70, you can be exempted, if you ask. Worked for me!

ETA: I know you aren't over 70. Just funning.

Dude, I am still only in my 50's!! That's not gonna work. LOL

>71 Berly: Oh no! Hopefully, you will be spared the extra stress of jury duty.

Have fun with jury duty. I used to be called every two years. I haven't been called now for a while, but because my SIL is a police officer, I will never be chosen to serve again. :) The assault trial was the most interesting (a bar fight).

I love your spider cookies. I was looking at them to see if maybe Scout and I could do something like that.

>57 Berly: Yep - three. The good news is that none of the grafts have had to be redone - I just have recession in various places. Hopefully this is it for awhile. I too am tired of soft foods. The first time I craved nachos so bad - the kind you get at stadiums. I never eat that but I could not stop thinking about it, to the point where my family said if I said the word nachos one more time they'd get some and put them in a blender! My last one (June) was the easiest of the three, even though it was the most extensive. I am still kind of swollen and uncomfortable from this one. I get a recheck tomorrow morning. I hope your daughter - and you - feel good! Good luck with jury duty :(

>75 Berly: 50s...*snort*

barely launched into the 40s, don't front...I've seen you in the flesh, can't fool me

>71 Berly: Oh Carp, Kim!! Hope doctor gives you a pass!!

Hi Kim my dear, neither of us has been called for Jury service and i think we will probably get to the cut-off age of 70 without being called, Rob got called not long after his 18th birthday and like us, Amy hasn't been called either. hope that you can get the doctor to give you a pass.

Glad that your daughter's gum surgery went well and that the recovery is going well and she is managing soft food at the moment.

Sending love and hugs to you and the family from both of us my dear friend.

Hi Kim! It's been a while! We didn't meet up while I was in Oregon...I was soooo busy. :(

>9 Berly: you are doing really well with reading the books you acquire! I am genuinely impressed, as I seem to acquire way more than I read :)

>16 Berly: I barely register that some of those are Pulitzers...I have read a few and have a few more on my radar. I admit to being drawn to prize winners.

I hope you get kicked out of jury duty! I was called last year (or was it 2020?) and luckily didn't make the final cut. The case was a silly waste of time anyway, a neighbours dispute that turned ugly.

Good luck getting out of jury duty. If they call you in, you can just be extra-opinionated and they will probably rule you out.

Betcha five bucks Berly-boo's in a Federal capital case jury right now. Betcha!

Jury duty on top of everything else! That's piling way too much on your plate, Kim! I hope a doctor's note gets rid of that duty for you.

>85 richardderus: Did you send the judge a note, Richard? *side-eye*

>87 humouress: ...I...can neither confirm nor deny any such speculation, but who told you?

>88 richardderus: I know how you think. Well, I suppose we shall be forever in limbo as to who sent that note.

Thanks for the recommendation of Anxious People in an earlier thread, Kim.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Hello again Kim! hope you've been doing well!

>17 Berly: Thanks for this post summarizing all the ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. I am particularly interested in exploring natural cleansers and appreciate the list of resources. Now that I have some extra time, I am considering making my own soaps.

Hoping you did indeed get a respite, Kim, from jury duty and everything else keeping you busy.

I notice you haven't posted in nearly a month -- me thinks you're on jury duty. I hope it isn't too bad and that we see you again soon.

Hi everyone! I am alive. Thanks for keeping my thread warm. : )

I managed to delay jury duty. I sent a Dr's note in and the person who reviewed it had just had knee surgery as well, so she totally sympathized and told me to hang in there. And she was nice enough to delay my eligibility until after the holidays. Hurray!

But having the knee surgery after Covid and the wedding just wiped me out. We also have a ton going on at work. I get home and I have nothing left.

Family Updates--My oldest daughter got a new rural family medicine resident track at Oregon Health & Science University nationally accredited!! My middle daughter's gum graft could not have gone better and that stressor is over. My son's parking brake let go and his car rolled down the driveway and crashed through our garage. Dealing with lots of insurance. His car got totaled. On the bright side, when he was looking for a replacement vehicle, a motorcycle, he made such good impression that they offered him a job. He made his first sale yesterday. Oh, and we are also trying to get my Mom moved into a memory care unit. She wound up in the hospital again, probably due to dehydration. My Dad's Parkinson is acting up and he is burnt out and finally realizes it is okay to do this. It doesn't mean he doesn't love her. So difficult to navigate this from a distance.

So, I have been watching a lot of mindless TV and reading easy books.

I did, however, get to see Doris Kearns Goodwin and she was AMAZING!! She was a speaker for the Oregon Historical Society. Smart, articulate, funny and caring. Wow.

Tonight I am setting up the bookfair venue for Literary's Arts Bookfest! Then tomorrow morning I will be doing the author check-in at the Green Room. And I hope to catch a few author lectures in the afternoon. I think there are close to 90 authors coming.

Updates on Sunday!!

Big hugs to all.

Wow, you do have a lot going on! Thanks for updating so we don't have to worry. Take care of yourself and check in when you have the energy.

Sending hugs as you deal with all the things, Kim.

>95 Berly: Here's cheering you on to do all the self care things, including lots of nothing, so you can be there for yourself and your loved ones.

>95 Berly: Sounds like mostly good news :0)

So Richard's I mean, the anonymous note was side-stepped.

It sounds crazy busy. Sorry to hear about your mom, but it sounds like it's a good decision for your dad. Still, it's hard.

I can't wait to hear your Literary Arts update -- I'll be there next year!

Older people have a lot of difficulty with dehydration. The kids' grandfather just ended up in the hospital with what the doctors called dehydration too...though I'm skeptical it was dehydration. He was found unconscious by a church, and now his eye is droopy permanently.

>96 RebaRelishesReading: I am hoping November is quieter. LOL.

>97 MickyFine: Much appreciated!

>98 quondame: Self care! Now that's a concept. ; ) I really like the extra hour of sleep tonight and I plan to hit the gym today. So that's a start.

>99 humouress: Always trying to look on the bright side. Life is more fun if I do. : )

>100 BLBera: Crazy busy!! The decline has been slow and continuous for my mom. Luckily, she was in good shape and of good cheer for the wedding, but I think she is seriously declining now. We are waiting to hear if there are any openings in the Memory Care unit. Since my parents are residents, they jump ahead of any new potential residents, so that's good.

We'll have fun next year when you come for Bookfest!!

>101 The_Hibernator: My mom just doesn't have any real appetite or thirst. This is the second time she wound up in the ER after my dad found her unresponsive in her chair. Her potassium was sky high. IV drip seems to fi the problem quickly but we are also looking to see if there are any other underlying problems. Your dad's droopy eye does not sound like dehydration. Sorry. Aging sucks.

On the fun side, Literary Art's Bookfest was a blast! No, the whole thing wasn't sold out, just the super duper pass. But still. That's cool! And, yes, umbrellas abounded since we had pouring rain. You know it's a lot when Portlanders use umbrellas!! LOL The pass lets you skip to the front of the line, so less need for the umbrellas -- Umbrella Pass. That cracked me up.

In the morning I got to welcome authors to the green room, which was lots of fun. George Saunders, Jess Walters, and more! And then in the afternoon my sister joined me and we saw Andrew Sean Greer and Tom Perrotta in a joint session. I have read Less and really enjoyed it, but haven't read Election by Perrotta. Apparently their new ones, Less is Lost and Tracy Flick Can't Win, are both stand alones and they sound really good too so I'll have to find some copies.

We also saw local and new authors Emme Lund The Boy with a Bird in His Chest and Jules Ohman Body Grammar. I have both of these and have read BG, which was very good -- a queer coming of age story set amidst the competitive world of international modeling. The title is just perfect!

There was an after party too, but I was totally pooped and skipped that, opting for a cocktail with my sister and then happily going home. : )

I picked up one book, Allison's Gambit by C a Price. It's about a young woman taking care of her mother who has dementia. Allison comes up with the crazy idea to start smoking a lot because she'd rather die from cancer or a lung infection than lose her memory. Written by a family med doctor exploring the difficult questions of Alzheimers.

>95 Berly: Wow! Glad to hear that you are doing well. it seems you have had quite a lot going on. The car smashing into your garage sounds like an action movie!

>105 Berly: glad you had fun at the bookfest.

Have a great week!

Yay for a free pass from Jury Duty, *whee* for your son's new job and older daughter's *a*maz*ing* opportunity, *whew* on the younger daughter's gum-grafting success, and a giant relieved whinny for your dad's realization.

...I think those're the highlights...

Anyway, hooray for having good, fun reasons for being AWOL. *smooch*

>106 figsfromthistle: Yeah. I should post a photo of the car and the garage. It wasn't pretty.

Yes, the Bookfest was awesome. But funny thing...I went to start reading Allison's Gambit by C a Price only to find that the book inside the cover is actually A Girl Like You by Cari Scribner.

=

>107 richardderus: Smooches!!

>108 Berly: Weird! Bookfest sounds great. I will be there next year!

Hugs. Take care and get some rest.

Hi Kim! We went to the book-fest also, I should have looked for you. It was really fun!

>108 Berly: That's mad!
Your Book festival sounds brilliant. I heard George Saunders in Manchester a couple of weeks ago, he was brilliant. I bought his two latest and need to pick them up already.

ETA gah on the repeated "brilliant". Sorry!

>108 Berly: That happened to me last year. I ordered Wolfsbane to be delivered to me all the way from the States but when I opened the book, it was Mrs Jeffries Defends Her Own. Very different. But B&N were kind enough to send me the correct book.

Hey, Kimmers. How are you, my friend? Did you get my PM about State of Wonder? We decided to go ahead and read it this month. Hopefully, you can still join us.

>108 Berly: WTH indeed!

Maybe next year for Book Fest. I need to pay better attention and not miss it.

>95 Berly: So, I have been watching a lot of mindless TV and reading easy books.
Sometimes, that is just what the metaphorical doctor ordered!

>110 BLBera: It was so much fun!! I can't wait to do Bookfest with you next year. I'll let you know the date when they post for next year. : )

>111 banjo123: Yay! I am so glad you went and had fun. I didn't see you or I would have given you a shout out!

>112 charl08: Loved Suanders and can't wait to read another book of his. Brilliant. As you said, LOL. Let me know when you want to read them!

>113 humouress: THat's crazy! I have never had the wrong book inside the cover of the book I wanted. I have to give the publisher a call and see if they'll help me out. Glad you got your hands on the right book.

>114 msf59: Hello Mark! I found my copy of State of Wonder and I am ready to go!!

>115 RebaRelishesReading: Next year for sure. We should plan a meetup!

>116 LovingLit: Exactly! And it's working! I actually this week finally feel like my energy and brains are back to about 90% post Covid and surgery. Now I just need my knee to get its act together.

Good to read you're feeling a bit more the thing, Kim.

I started the Saunders, but have been distracted by Vagabonds! as it needs to go back to the library.

Also found the Saunders a bit more topical than I was expecting, uncomfortable reading: one story is from the perspective of an elderly couple reflecting on a country shifting away from democracy, whilst they did jigsaws with the TV in the background. I put it down, a bit winded.

>117 Berly: Sounds like a plan!

>119 Berly: Yes! I googled Portland Book Festival 2023 to see if the exact dates were known yet and it kindly told me all about this year's :( But seems to always be in November so we should keep that in mind.

>120 charl08: Yeah, that short story sounds too much like reality. Sad. Enjoy Vagabonds!

>121 BLBera: >122 RebaRelishesReading: Okay, put it on the calendar.



Saturday, November 4th, 2023!!!

Next year's Bookfest!

Noted!

Great! Done!

I went to the Bookfest volunteer thank you party tonight and had a great time. Saw some friends and met several new cool volunteers. Also I snagged some books....

Aloha Rodeo by David Woman and Julian Smith
Mr. Wolf's Class by Aron Nels Steinke
The Lonely Dead by April Henry
Mean Baby by Selma Blair
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkin Reid
Mostly the Honest Truth by Jody J. Little

: )

>126 Berly: Nice haul. I've only heard of a couple.

And they were free!!! I had only heard of Mean Baby, but one person recommended Mr Wolf as a good series; its a GN for kids and the author won the Eisner Award; and then another loves NF and recommended the Aloha Rodeo. So a real mixed bag here!

Got my COVID booster today. So we'll see how I feel tomorrow...

>126 Berly: Now that's what I call a well-targeted volunteer reward. Hope your booster is side effect free.

Hi Kim, and a very belated happy new thread.

>14 Berly: I just finished Anxious People for my RL book club meeting, which was supposed to be today but has been delayed because both the hostess and her husband are sick, and will definitely make it a Favorite for this year.

>15 Berly: The 6th Cormoran Strike has been published – The Ink Black Heart. I’m listening to it on audio, although it’s slow going because I only listen in my car. It's intriguing and interesting. Reading the Bridgerton series in April got me started on contemporary romances, and I’ve been going down that rabbit hole ever since.

The Netanyahus is definitely a BB. I’ve now read 20 of the Pulitzer Prize winners and have a few unread on my shelves.

>95 Berly: I’m exhausted just reading about all this stuff. I hope you’re Taking Care of Kim as you manage your family’s issues near and far. Many hugs.

>129 Berly: Yay for getting the booster, and I also hope you have no side effects from it. The only problem I had is that the pharmacist was not quite as gentle as other times and I had a huge bruise for about a week.

>129 Berly: I hope your experience mirrors mine: Barely perceptible.

*smooch*

I hope you don't feel any effects from the booster. I got my booster and flu shot together and had one uncomfortable night.

Hey Kim, thanks for joining the Christmas Swap, and as you suggested, I'm here to spread the word. I didn't want to be too much of a pest spamming all the "popular kids" with my encouragements to join, but with your permission...

Hey everyone who follows Kim, we are doing a Christmas Swap again, if you like spreading bookish cheer to your friends here in the group and want to join, please come on over. The details are here...

https://www.librarything.com/topic/345651#n7976852

>130 charl08: Charlotte--Right? Free books for the volunteers!! Perfect. : )

>131 karenmarie: Karen--You get major points for thorough reading!!

I am glad you enjoyed Anxious People -- I do love Backman.

Oooh! I have to get my hands on the next Cormoran strike!! Thanks for the heads up.

I haven't read a Pulitzer in quite a while. I need to get back to my list! I know I have a few in my piles somewhere....

Just a few things going on. LOL. The COVID booster was a perfect excuse to stay in bed and do nothing. I am still in my PJs.

And, of course, I had a major reaction, which I always seem to. Full on fever and aches and pains. Hoping it is gone by tomorrow. That's was my plan and I'm sticking to it!

: )

>132 richardderus: Nope. Full on fever and now hanging out at about 98.9-99.3, you know the area where you have the worst headache? Sigh. But that seems to be my normal booster reaction, so I was ready for it. Hoping it will resolve tomorrow.

>133 BLBera: Knowing that I always have a reaction, I separated COVID and the flu shots. Flu shot is next and then the stupid Shingles. Ugh.

>134 mahsdad: The more the merrier! I love the 75ers Christmas bookswap. : ) Thanks for organizing this and spreading the word.

Sign up people!!

Booster-reaction-begone *whammy*

Hoping that works...*smooch*

Sorry you had a bad reaction to the new Covid booster. Hope you're feeling better now and that the flu shot leaves you alone.

>138 richardderus: It worked! No more fever. : )

>139 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks! A little tired but all good today. I think I will wait a few days before I get the flu vax, even though it doesn't normally bother me.

An Immense World by Ed Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist. This book explores the "radical different ways that animals perceive the world...The Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every kinds of animal, including humans, is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving but a tiny sliver of our immense world."

Some animals can see not only in front of them but behind them as well.
Some can see color at night, when we see only black and white.
Some cannot turn their eyes, but must turn their heads to see a different vantage point.
Cows see only the horizontal plane.
One fish has four sets of eyes: up for air and below for in the water in each left and right eye.

Even through we live in the same world, how we perceive it is endlessly different. I have only made it through the first section on sight. Moving on to color now...!

Highly recommended! Way more sciency than my brief examples here.

Hi Kim! Sorry your booster took you out. Out of curiosity, did you get Moderna or Pfizer? I got Moderna for the first three and was flat on my back for at least a day every time, then Pfizer for my 4th shot and I was fine.

>142 curioussquared: Pfizer everytime. Maybe I should switch to Moderna! LOL

>143 Berly: Lol, it's worth a shot! (get it? 😂)

Feel better soon, Kim.

>141 Berly: sounds amazing. I have to see if my library has it!

And though it may be *stupid*, do make sure you get that 2 dose shingles vaccine. You DO NOT want to ever get shingles. A friend of mine is currently suffering with shingles and cursing herself for neglecting the vaccine for so long. I once had a mild case of shingles and that was unpleasant enough. Given how bad medical stuff is so good at finding you, protect yourself from this morning nasty as soon as you can.
End of lecture. You're welcome. 🙃

>136 Berly: Stopping by to sympathize. Every shot after the first one gave me a similar reaction to what you are experiencing. Since I have had COVID once it has made me start to wonder whether the cure is worse than the disease. Anyway, I am all caught up so unless a new, new variant shows up or this is determined to be a yearly thing like the flu no more shots on the horizon.

Go get that flu shot!

>144 curioussquared: LOL hahah got it. ; )

>145 jessibud2: I already had shingles myself at the very young and unusual age of 16. I wish that it conveyed immunity but apparently not. So, next on the list is Flu and then Shingles vaccines. Life is so much fun.

Loving An Immense World -- get a copy!!

>146 Oberon: Glad you are caught up on your shots and I'll keep getting the darn boosters because I was fully vaccinated when I came down with COVID and it was bad enough. Can't even imagine how awful it would have been if I'd not been up to date and I don't want to find out!

Good luck with the flu and shingles shots.

CVS is apparently testing a vaccine similar to the COVID ones for flu--but only for those over 65. No one around here stocks the flu vaccines without thimerosal in them, so I can never take one.

>104 Berly: Aging sucks indeed. I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s decline. It sounds like she was trying to hold it together for the wedding and then let go. It must be difficult for you with your parents living so far away. (((Hugs)))

So sorry you had a reaction to your Covid booster, but it is good to hear that your overall health (except for those troublesome knees) is getting back on track. I am vaccinated for everything under the sun it seems…at least until some new strain of something pops up. We are living in perilous times! Stay well, Kim, and keep enjoying life. Your Bookfest experience sounded like such fun.

>148 BLBera: Thanks. Next week the flu shot and then probably Shingles in January. : )

Have you started Haven? I am #29 on the wait list so I don't see a library copy in my future. Sigh.

>149 thornton37814: Sorry you are excluded from the shot. I never had the shot before I got my egg allergy cured. Now I tolerate the egg-based ones but still try to shop around for the egg-free version.

>150 Donna828: I think you are exactly right. My mom seems pretty good for the wedding and then it's kinda been downhill. I think it was a small miracle and I know my daughter was thrilled to have her be at the wedding. And, yes, it is hard to be so far away.

Knock on wood, health is pretty good right now. Yay!! I have PT tomorrow and then a post-op visit with the Doc on Thursday. We'll see what they have to say about my progress. I think it is incredibly slow, but that could just be me. LOL

So I am just starting State of Wonder by Anne Patchett with Mark and Stasia if anyone wants to join in...!

>152 Berly: I love that book!

Good luck with the doc.

I haven't started Haven; I own a copy.

>152 Berly: I read that back in 2019 and gave it 5 stars. I'm sure it would be worth a re-read but with so many never-read books in Mt. TBR I think I'll pass. Look forward to hearing what you think about it.

Happy Wednesday, Kimmers! I started State of Wonder today. Not far in but it has captured my attention.

>154 RebaRelishesReading: Good to know! 😁

>153 BLBera: Yay! I am enjoying SoW so far. 85 pages in...

Have to find a copy of Haven....

>154 RebaRelishesReading: Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much. That's always a good sign. Keep going on the never-reads!

>155 msf59: Hiya Mark! I am sure to read more tonight. Enjoying it so far. : )

Hi Dear One. I am thinking of you as the holidays approach. I send lots of love.

>156 Berly: I'd send you mine but I haven't read it yet. :(

>157 Whisper1: Awwww, thank you. What a nice sentiment. Wishing you the same! : )

>158 BLBera: LOL. Thanks.

Had the pleasure of seeing Anthony Doerr twice yesterday. First at the high school presentation sponsored by Literary Arts. One class was reading Cloud Cuckoo Land and the other was into All the Light We Cannot See, so he covered both! I have only read CCL, but have the other in my TBR Soon pile. LOL. I got my copy signed, and I mean SIGNED! HE put the date and the city, signed his name and wrote a note! He is so kind. He even asked our staff for the name of the school librarian so he could thank her by name in front of all the kids. And then there was the amazing adult presentation -- pictures, quotes and graphs included -- in the theatre with a meet-and-greet happy hour afterwards.

Honestly, I think he was one of the best presenters I have had the privilege to hear...ever! At both events! He was engaging, enthusiastic, funny, crowd aware, and so so smart. I wish I had heard his comments before I read CCL -- I would have appreciated it even more. But at least I have will them in my head when I read All the Light. I'm now a big fan.

Oh! And I forgot-- he recommended three books, one of which I am currently reading. An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us (481 pages) by Ed Yong. See >141 Berly:.

Just popping in to wish you a wonderful weekend.
And of course what >157 Whisper1: said...

Hello Sir! Happy Friday and hopefully a wonderful weekend to follow. : )

While I was writing, you hit me wirth a BB.
All the Light We Cannot See was on stock at my public library...

Good Karma -- a nice post and a return BB! You're welcome. LOL. And you are inspiring me -- now that you got a copy, I hope to squeeze it in later this month, rather than wait for December. : )

>160 Berly: I love when authors are so nice in person! (It's generally the rule, but I had one bad encounter when I was a teenager *cough*Christopher Paolini *cough* that was enough to make me appreciate all the nice authors in the world :) I have All the Light We Cannot See on my shelf and must get to it!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow at my house this year. Coordinating everyone's schedule was tough! LOL. So today I need to set the table and clean house and make pumpkin bread, mushroom rollups and the stuffing. My two at-home kids are helping out. I already have the pies, and made cranberry chutney and the yam soufflé yesterday. And my daughter is bringing two veggie plates. Yay! That leaves just the meats and mashed potatoes for tomorrow. I got this. Maybe I can actually step out of the kitchen tomorrow. : )

>165 curioussquared: Yeah, the staff was saying the same thing. Apparently there was a recent one (they wouldn't divulge names) who was pretty snarky and egotistical, but most of the authors are really very nice. Some a little shyer and not as interactive, but still willing. Doerr was top notch.

Maybe you want to find your copy of All the Light and join Thomas and I? Hint, hint...

>167 Berly: Ooh, I'm tempted, but I still have 12 physical books I had on my list to read this year and I'm already feeling like I won't finish all of them, so All the Light might have to wait until next year.

>168 curioussquared: No worries. Good luck with your current TBR pile. :)

Best of luck with all the final pre-Thanksgiving prep, Kim! I don't know how y'all manage two major holidays so close together as I'm already mentally preparing all the things for hosting Christmas this year. So grateful Canadian Thanksgiving is in mid-October. Much easier on the planning front. :)

>166 Berly: - Kim, you hit me with a couple of FBs (food bullets)! Maybe after the weekend, when you have some free minutes (!!;-), would share your recipes for the mushroom rollups and yam souffle?

I read All the Light We Cannot See back in 2014 and gave it 4 stars. I think the title Cloud Cuckoo Land has been turning me off for some reason but now that you reminded me about Light and shared what a great guy Doerr is I think I'm going to have to break down and read it :)

>170 MickyFine: THank you!! Yes, the Canadian Thanksgiving day does give more time between family holidays, but then I would only have a short time for my Halloween decorations!! LOL

>171 jessibud2: I have to find the mushroom rollups...but here's Yam Soufflé, a recipe from my Great Grandmother:



Yam Soufflé
Ingredients
5 large yams
3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups milk (+ or -)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 dash powdered cloves
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy rum
S&P
Optional--(1/4 cup sliced almonds)

Instructions
Peel yams, par boil, mash.
Beat eggs well with sugar in a small bowl.
Add to yams and add all other ingredients.
Lastly, slowly add milk to proper consistency. (Stir in optional almonds)
Bake at 325˚F uncovered in casserole dish for 60 min

For extra fun, add a little rum on top of the casserole and light on fire before serving! : )

>172 RebaRelishesReading: It's completely different, so have an open mind. I don't know when Literary Arts will publish his talk, but I think listening to it before you read will help tie all the different stories together and explain some of the symbolism without giving too much away. There are three different time periods with common themes tying them together. Especially the book, Cloud Cuckoo Land. Doerr researched so many books before landing on this one to save throughout time. : )

>174 Berly: It looks beautiful! Mushroom rollups sound so nummy I could plotz.

Happy early Avian Holocaust!

>171 jessibud2: Found it!! But no picture. : (

Mushroom Rollups
Originally from Nana and Sudbury, MA neighbor Pat M

Ingredients
1 lb finely chopped mushrooms
4 tsp minced onion
1/2 cup butter
6T flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Accent
1 cup lite cream
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 loaves cheap white bread

Instructions
Sauté mushrooms in butter and add seasoning.
Add flour and lite cream, cook until thickened.
Add onions and lemon juice.
Remove bread crust and roll each slice thin with rolling pin.
Spread 1 heaping spoonful of mixture on bread and roll up.
Freeze or refrigerate.
Cut into thirds (bite size pieces) or leave whole.
Toast in oven at 400˚F for 20 min on middle shelf.

>174 Berly: - Thanks! Is the rum mentioned in the recipe itself optional? And would it make a difference if I leave it out?

>176 richardderus: We are picking on all the animals this year, so there will be turkey, ham and beef. A lot of people are coming and they all have favorites. I am just glad my vegan relatives aren't coming--I wouldn't have enough room for all the dishes, never mind the time to make them! LOL. They are coming over on actual Thanksgiving post-eating for a game night. : )

>178 jessibud2: The rum gives it a little kick. I have never done it without and have served it to my kids even when they were young because the alcohol cooks off in the oven. But if you don't want to buy rum, I am sure you can make it without it. Taste the batch before you put it in the oven and see if it needs a little more spice to compensate. I am sure it will work!

>177 Berly: - Thanks! Again! Mmm-wah!

: ) Hope you enjoy it!!

>166 Berly: Mmm yum! What time should I come round?

>174 Berly: >177 Berly: Thanks; I should give them a try. Um, but what's Accent?

Dinner is around 6:30 tomorrow. : )

"Accent" is MSG (monosodium glutamate) which enhances flavor. Found in the spice aisle. Some people think it causes headaches and so prefer not to use it. No one has complained on my mushroom rollups though! ; ) It is a very small amount but you could add a dash more salt instead. If you want to substitute, taste the mix before you spread it on the bread and make your call.

Your recipes sound yummy. Happy Thanksgiving. Don't overdo it. :)

Doerr sounds great - I've read both books and loved them!

You said he recommended three books. What are the other two?

I knew someone was going to ask that and I forgot to write them down! I'll have to re-listen to the broadcast when it comes out. : )

>186 Berly: :)

>175 Berly: Thanks, Kim. I'll keep it in mind but wait and see I think.

Happy Thanksgiving in advance, Kim! It sounds delish.

I am one of the few who did not like All the Light ; but I have been thinking of reading Cloud Cuckoo Land anyway, due to some good reviews. Maybe I will listen to the talk first, though.

Just done a whistle stop visit. Always so much going on. Your lit fest stuff and author meetings sound a treat.

>141 Berly: You got me with this one, it went on my Christmas list. I have a couple of friends who require lists.

>160 Berly:, >185 BLBera: Beth asked the question I had. *breathlessly* "Doerr recommended three books! Said they were fabulous. Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. You all have to get copies ASAP. One is called An Immense World. The other two were...uh...uh...uh..." Sorry, just bein' a jerk.

Hi Kim! What a time you had. Looking at >95 Berly: - wow! I'm sorry your parents and their health are such a worry. I'm sorry about your garage and your son's car, but what a story! We've had our parking brake go out on us twice - two different vehicles in two different countries. In Cyprus our car tried to make for the ocean until Stelios ran alongside and stopped it!

>126 Berly: I really enjoyed Aloha Rodeo and bought it as a gift for my dad and stepmother, who really enjoyed it as well. Hope you enjoy too!

>100 BLBera: wow- that sounds awesome. I love it when an author impresses in person :) I haven't been called by the book gods to read All the Light we Cannot See yet. All in good time.

>177 Berly: these sound delicious! Can I ask what "1/2 tsp Accent" refers to though? Is it fake sugar?

Thank you as always for books, thank you for this group and thanks for you. Have a lovely day, Kimmers.

>95 Berly: LOTS going on! I am sending love to you as you work with your parents. Glad the arts festival went well.

Stopping by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving: get some rest!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Kim.

Happy Thanksgiving, Kim have a lovely day

Hi Kim!

>136 Berly: Blech for a bad booster reaction. Glad you separated it from the flu vaccine and shingles vaccines. Keep on Taking Care of Kim.

.

Happy Thanksgiving, Kim. Hope you and yours have a lovely day!

Thanks to all my visitors!! So, I have done a lot of very fun, exciting things this past week -- watched TKD Black Belt Test, a tour of the hidden vault of the OR Historical Society, and a holiday party at Thomas Lauderdale's house (of Pink Martini fame), pictures and more details to follow -- but I am now on day 4 of a fever, sore throat and chest rattles. Sigh. Good thing we had Thanksgiving early. Hopefully I'll feel better by the weekend and post more.

In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!! And Happy Thursday to everyone else. : )

Hi Kim my dear, Happy Thanksgiving Day.

>200 Berly: *smooch* for a happy Thursday.

Feel better quickly, Kim!

All the best for you and your health, I hope you feel better soon and you can enjoy the weekend!

Get well, TwinK!

Glad you had a good week but so sorry to hear you're sick. Hope you're better soon.

Feel better soon, Kim!

Good timing on your Thanksgiving celebration, Kim. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks my friends!! The fever finally went away (after 6 long days!) yesterday and I made it to work for half the day today. On the mend!! Wasn't COVID, just one of the many things floating around these days. And in other news, my son and his girlfriend found their new apartment and they begin moving out tomorrow!! (Tuesday and Wednesday are my son's weekend.) Life is never dull here. : )

>209 Berly: Good news on two fronts!

YAY for the good news - and a huge thank you for pointing out Anthony Doerr!
I love All the Light We Cannot See, my next one by him will be Memory Wall.

All the Light We Cannot See remains one my favorite books. How special that you were able to meet Anthony Doerr twice.

I am saddened by your reaction to an injection. I did a foolish thing and had two flu shots. The nurse, whom I like a lot is pregnant and we were talking a lot about the impending baby. She gave me a flu shot as we were chatting. When I got home, I thought we talked so much that I didn't get the injection. I called and without checking, the doctor's office said to come back. I received a second shot. I was sick for two days. The office called to apologize. Truly, I was also to blame.

God, I feel so old!

>209 Berly: I smiled at your comment about life never being dull around your house. Yesterday, the kitten and the ferret made a joint get away from the room where they hang out during the day. Fortunately, I could capture both, though the kitten was hanging out in the front window behind the plants, simply watching the people walking their dogs as they walked past. The ferret is attached to me, and he readily scurried up to me expecting a pet under his chin. I call them Kayla's zoo. In reality, I've become the care taker during the morning when she is at college. Since the door wasn't totally closed, I guess I could be fired from my job.

I am very glad you are feeling better. Six days with a higher temperature doesn't sound very inviting.

Glad to hear you're on the mend and that your nest is getting emptier again. Fingers crossed the good news keeps coming.

Lots of good news, TwinK! Don't overdo it now.

Hiya, Kim.

I actually wanted to serve on a jury but got challenged off twice because I’m a lawyer. Too risky, I guess.

I was sorry to read about your declining mother. That happened to both my parents, unfortunately. As you say, that part of aging sucks. At one point my dad told me, “Now you get to be the parent and me the child.” That was way too accurate.

How cool re Anthony Doerr. I loved All the Light we Cannot See, so I hope it works well for you. I was so impressed with the ambition and execution of Cloud Cuckoo Land. What a book. It made me think of David Mitchell.

>210 quondame: Exactly!!

>211 SirThomas: I just started All the Light We Cannot See and I am already loving it!



Also diving into A Visit From the Goon Squad



Should make for some good December reading. : )

>212 Whisper1: Two Flu shots!! No wonder you didn't feel well. Yeesh. Now that I am recovered from the Covid booster and over whatever nasty illness I had last week, I need to get my flu shot...and soon!!

Your household sounds crazy in its own way. LOL. I am hoping the holidays treat you right and that you get that pain under control soon! Don't you go in this week? Thinking of you. : )

>213 MickyFine: Life is trending in the right direction. Knock on wood! I will miss having my son and his girlfriend here, of course, but life will be simpler with less people and I could really use a break. And they seem very excited and I am truly happy for them. : )

>214 BLBera: Ha! Don't overdo it. A frequent fault of mine. LOL. But I am trying really hard to listed to my body and take it slow. Frustrating because that is not my normal pace, but I'm working on it!

>215 jnwelch: Hubby just got called in for Jury Duty, but he was dismissed after voir dire, so he's good for another two years I think. We'll see if I get called up again in 2023, since I deferred the last request following the knee surgery. I have never even made ti back for the voir dire and I have been called in 5 times I think! I can see why they didn't want you on the jury, lawyer that you are. LOL

I am sorry both you parents experienced dementia. I really hope I don't go down that path. Physical aging is hard enough, but mental? Tragic.

I just started All the Light We Cannot See and I am already enthralled. Not only are Doerr's characters amazing, but his ability to research the history and the items, like radios in this one, just love it. Also a David Mitchell, fan. Imagine that -- we like the same authors!! ; )

I have All the Light We Cannot See on my shelves. Somehow I never got around to reading it. Hope you enjoy it, Kim. Maybe that will be my incentive.

Hi Kim! How's your December reading going? How is Visit from the Goon Squad?

>219 Berly: I used to get called for jury duty all of the time, TwinK! I served three or four times. I don't think I'll ever have to serve again because my SIL was a police officer, which I'm pretty sure means I'll get struck by the defense every time.

I hope all are well in your house.

I read All the Light We Cannot See shortly after it was published. It was my favorite book that year. I still carry many fond memories of it!

I send all good wishes for a wonderful holiday! Let's hope 2023 is a healthier year for both of us.

>220 Familyhistorian: As you can probably tell by my lack of presence here, life has been busy! And I have pretty much only read my audio books as I fall asleep at night, so I haven't finished All the Light We Cannot See. But I am enjoying it very much and I'm about halfway, so I hope to get back to it with a little time off at Christmas!!

>221 The_Hibernator: Another book I haven't finished yet, but hope to over Christmas break. I am about 60 pages in and still trying to get a handle on the characters...

>222 BLBera: I haven't heard anything again for the Federal jury duty I got out of due to knee surgery, so....

I have been busy fixing up downstairs after my son and his girlfriend moved out. Just have carpet cleaning left to do! And then, of course, my daughter S wants to move down there, so more commotion. LOL

>223 Whisper1: I am still working on finishing All the Light We Cannot See -- glad to hear that it was one you totally enjoyed! Maybe it will be my special #100 of this year!

And, yes, to the better health in 2023 for you and me and everybody else! Big hugs.

*smoochiesmoochsmooch*

>227 richardderus: : ) xoxoxoxox

So, I spent time today inputting all the books I have read but not entered this year. I think only 22 came up with the "Read in 2022" tag and I am close to 100. It's been that kind of year. But I got it done!!

We are supposed to get snow starting this afternoon quickly followed by freezing rain, so I don't anticipate going anywhere tomorrow. No one knows how to drive in snow let alone ice and we have so many hills and curves. So no. But that's okay because all my presents are wrapped and I don't have to cook until Saturday, so I am going to try to catch up here and READ! Yay!

>229 Berly: Excellent plan!

>229 Berly: Ditto here. I ran last minute errands this morning. It was 25 degrees but dry. Now we're in for the duration. Plan is to have Christmas celebration with the "children" and wee grandson Saturday evening but that can be delayed if this storm sticks around longer than expected. So.o.o I too hope to spend tomorrow with a book and will be thinking about you doing the same just a little ways down the road :)

>230 foggidawn: Thank you. I put a lot of thought into that plan! ; )

>231 RebaRelishesReading: That sounds like fun! And I'll be thinking of you just a ways North. : )

Hi Kim! Hopefully your storm isn't too bad. We were supposed to have a blizzard today and all the kids stayed home. It was a calm, beautiful day except for being 10 below Fahrenheit. How'd your storm go?

Ours storm is due to start in the next few hours. It has shifter slightly later....we'll see! Glad the kids got to stay home and have some fun. I assume they played inside, given the temps. : )

>234 Berly: LOL! Yes, I was getting very stir-crazy with all 3 kids home. I got almost nothing done. But I enjoyed their company.

>235 The_Hibernator: : )

Good luck with your planning of reading and staying out of the weather, Kim. Looks like you will be receiving some of the tail end of what we have been dealing with here in the northern part of the west coast. I hope your bad weather clears up quickly and wish ours would too! (But I'm not holding my breath.)

Happy holidays to you and yours, Kim! I enjoy your thread and your book bullets! Cheers!

I hope you have a lovely festive season Kim.

I need some help spreading the news... https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/23884/75-Books-Challenge-for-2023

Happy Christmas from my Christmas gnome!

>232 Berly: Christmas delayed because I have Covid :( Maybe next week some time -- if I haven't given it to Hubby since I've been testing negative for days since hearing I'd been exposed.

Kim, I spoke to Bonnie yesterday and heard the sad story of COLD weather in Portland. Ah well, it will be over soon, I hope. We in NYC will experience drop from 56 dgrees when I woke up to 17 by dinner time. There will be a lot of ice. We are staying home.

Have a merry, cozy Christmas!

>237 Familyhistorian: Stay warm and dry!! We have snow and ice on the roads, so yup, staying home. After lunch my daughter and I are excited to make some cookies!!

>238 Carmenere: I am so glad you enjoy my thread and don't mind being hit by the book bullets! That's a true compliment. : )

>239 Caroline_McElwee: Awww. So cute! And wonderful holiday wishes to you, too.

EVERYBODY READ THE POST ON >240 drneutron: AND GO SIGN UP FOR 75ers 2023 THREAD!!

>240 drneutron: There. Does that help? : ) And thank you so much for keeping this wonderful group going!!

>241 SandDune: So adorable!! I got Christmas gnome ornaments this year in the exchange and I love them. Happy Holidays!!

>242 RebaRelishesReading: Nooooo! Dang it. Wishing you a speedy recovery and that no one else gets it. You can have a Happy New Year Celebration instead.

>243 ffortsa: Yup. Staying home today, too. Should warm up to melting by tonight and then tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be rainy but warm so people should be able to get around and visit friends and family for Christmas. Merry warm and cozy Christmas wishes right back atcha!

Kim, my brother is in Portland right now and yesterday he sent me a pic that almost looked like it was summer! No snow at all, at least then. I am guessing it's changing even as we speak...Stay cozy!

Yeah, the weather changed last night. It's only about an inch or so, but it's mixed with ice. And I think the major roads are okay but I live on a hilly, curvy road.

>246 Berly: Been there, done that.

Happy Holidays how ever delayed, Kim!

>250 quondame: Good job! You get points.

And Christmas should be on time here -- our weather warms up tonight and everything should melt. No snow will be left, but travel should be easy.

May your Christmas be filled with books! And fun. And love. : )

Happy holidays, Kim!

Hi Kim! Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!

Hi Kim! One of my New Year's Resolutions is to keep in better touch with my LT friends.

>244 Berly: Yay for cookies. Glad you don’t need to go out in the snow and ice.

Have a wonderful holiday with the family, Kimmers! ❤️

I have been offline most of the month, busy baking, crocheting, traveling, and reading but didn't want to let the end of the year pass without wishing my LT friends good blessings!

Merry Christmas

Happy Christmas Eve, Kim! Our ice is finally all melted in Seattle -- hope it's the same in Portland!

Happy Yule, you best of all gifts.

>246 Berly: Yes, Ma'am.

To my wonderful friends here on LT,

I wish you, one and all,



You mean the world to me. xoxo

Malaysia's branch of the 75er's wishes you and yours a happy holiday season, Kimmers.

>261 Berly: Kim, Merry Christmas to you and the family

Many thanks for all the wonderful Holiday wishes!!

I am so done with 2022. Except for the wedding it was a hard year, so on to 2023!!

You can find me here....

https://www.librarything.com/topic/346832

Happy holidays, Kim. And may 2023 be a better one on so many fronts!

Happy Holidays, Kim. Moving over to your new thread for a visit to 2023!

>216 Berly: Oooh, A Visit from the Good Squad. Thoughts? I really should have read that by now.... It's just that I am already 'reading' about 7 books. You know how it is :)

Happy Holidays!!!

>266 EllaTim: Amen to that!! : )

>277 Hurray! See ya over there! Happy Holidays to you, too.

>278 Yes, it's my 100th book! Ellen, Beth and I are going to read the next one, Candy House, in January. And I'll post my review of A Visit From the Goon Squad my 23 thread. Link here >264 Berly:

Delurking to wish you the very best for 2023!

Same to you! See you on the new 23 group threads!!