On My Nightstand November 5, 2023

Ugh, I just wrote a whole post then accidentally deleted it. That’s what I get for posting after midnight!

I spent the afternoon in the yard closing up the garden. I love this time of year, because I get to dream about next year. I have all sorts of plans for my garden, and for my reading year of course. Right now I’m thinking about expanding my project to read around the world, reading more Shakespeare, and re-reading some kid lit - mainly Percy Jackson and Ramona Quimby.

Just remembered the time change and the extra hour of sleep I’ll get to make up for this unfortunate late night posting decision!

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“There are different ways to evil and I prefer mine to yours.”

— A Passage to India by E.M. Forester

On my nightstand:

The Big Burn by Timothy Egan -- I read this a few years ago, and wanted to re-read this month. I have seventeen days left on my library loan so need to get to it.

My Life In France by Julia Child -- I am happily re-reading this one for a book group. I love her so much.

The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle -- This book about climate change is pretty heavy. I’m taking it a chapter a day.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

November 2023 Reading Goals

October beginning TBR: 332

October ending TBR: 349

I thought that number would have gone down since I read so much last month, but I guess I’m still adding faster than I read.

My goals for November are to read two ARCs, take part in #NonfictionNovember, make progress on my #ReadingUSA challenge, and to keep up with a Don Quixote and A Glass Of Blessings buddy reads.

Here’s my reading plan for the month:

One Man's Wilderness by Sam Keith

From Beer To Eternity by Sherry Harris

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

High by Erika Fatland

President Garfield by CW Goodyear

Blood From A Stone by Adam McHugh

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Collaboration is the New Competition by Priscilla McKinney

The Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

The Bill of Obligations by Richard Haass

The Ice at the End of the World by Jon Gertner

The Suspect by Kent Alexander and Kevin Salwen

My Life In France by Julia Child

Moontiger by Penelope Lively

Don Quixote (Part 1) by Miguel de Cervantes

A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym

Llama Drama by Anna McNuff

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Big Burn by Timothy Egan

Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

On My Nightstand October 29, 2023

I have been having so much fun with October reading this year. I’ve read approximately 1,000 cozy mysteries, and a ton of short stories. I’ve also been binging on true crime podcasts. I love just wandering around listening to things this time of year.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“To murder someone in another person’s house!

Emma threw up her hands.

It is the height of rudeness. Can you imagine?”

— The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

On my nightstand:

Delicates by Brenna Thummler -- I loved the first book in this series and am looking forward to getting cozy with the second.

Winward Heights by Maryse Conde -- So far so good with this retelling of Wuthering Heights set in the Caribbean.

Malorie by Josh Malerman -- Truth be told I started this last week, but it was really stressful! I’m going to try again this week.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

Show Us Your Books October 2023

September was a good reading month for me. I enjoyed some end of summer reads, some middle grade, and, of course, Holly. It’s kind of funny now to think how hot it was when I read some of these books. So glad sweater weather is here. (You can tell it’s getting cooler because my two cats will actually spend a few hours sitting next to each other not fighting.)

Five Star Reads:

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling -- I‘m probably not the intended audience for these books, but I really like them. I love the characters and love cheering them on as they navigate teenage life.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- I loved this book. It was so sad, but also so insightful. 5 stars. Perfect end of summer reading.

Four Stars:

Holly by Stephen King -- Holly is such a great character, and I will read anything King writes about her. Great creepy story.

I do understand why some people complained about the politics. It didn‘t seem natural to me that people would bring it into conversation as soon as Holly met them.

Salt Houses by Hala Alyan -- Multi-generational books are my sweet spot. This book about a family over time and what home means was no exception.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk -- Listened to this MG coming of age story with my daughter and we loved it.

The Butterfly Effect by Rachel Mans McKenny -- I enjoyed this book about cranky mc Greta and her dumpster fire of a year. Grumpy ladies have feelings too. Thanks for the representation.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray -- This book was delightful. Gray brought so many characters together from Jane Austen‘s books for a murder mystery in a way that seemed authentic and humorous at the same time.

Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This is linked to Quick Lit on Modern Mrs. Darcy.

On My Nightstand October 15, 2023

I spent all day yesterday in bed, and wow did I need that. I don’t know why it’s been taking me so much longer than it used to in order to recover from everyday illnesses. Excuse me while I just spend the rest of cold and flu season in a bubble.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“It was infuriating how many people got things wrong about you when you were a teenage girl,”

— The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

On my nightstand:

Hotel California (Mystery Anthology) -- I started this collection of short stories earlier in the month then put it down for no apparent reason. Hoping to pick it back up and finish it this week.

Going Zero by Anthony McCarten -- I saw a lot of good hype about this when it first came out. I want to say maybe Stephen King even recommended it? I finally got my library hold, and can’t wait to dive in.

The Last Ranger by Peter Heller -- Not my favorite Peter Heller so far, but that’s okay. It’s still Peter Heller.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand October 8, 2023

Can you even call it a weekend if you don’t spend at least four hours on the sidelines of a soccer field? Not in this family! This weekend my daughter is playing in a tournament so reading time is scarce. I’ve been finding minutes here and there to sneak a chapter in my car though!

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“Your tears come easy, when you’re young, and beginning the world. Your tears come easy, when you’re old, and leaving it. I burst out crying.”

— The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

On my nightstand:

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James -- Never got to this one last week. Hoping to start early this week!

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins -- I decided to give this classical mystery a chance this spooky season. It’s free on Kindle Unlimited, but also a chunkster! I opted for the audiobook from my library.

A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale -- A historical fiction group I participate in is reading about Canadian immigration this month, and several of us picked this book. I am loving it so far! (Booked in Time on Litsy.)

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand October 1, 2023

Happy October! I’ve been sick all week, but I’m trying to regroup today for the best reading month of the year!

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

— Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

On my nightstand:

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James -- I’ve never read anything by this author, and this seemed like a good place to start!

Four Leaf Cleaver by Maddie Day -- Not really seasonal, but I needed a book set in Indiana, and scribd had this one. It’s pretty good.

My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite -- Food and Lit is Nigeria this month. Time to finally read this one. I started last night and am already halfway through.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand September 24, 2023

It took the arrival of Tropical Storm Ophelia, but it finally feels like fall. Right on time since the Autumnal Equinox was September 23. That brought about one of my favorite traditions- Reading This Was Our Pact- a graphic novel set on the Equinox. It was so cozy reading under a blanket with the rain and the wind howling outside. It’s hard to believe I couldn’t go outside without melting at the beginning of this month.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“We forgive the faults of those we love so often, so deeply, that we sometimes convince ourselves the faults do not exist. The rest of the world is not so easily persuaded.”

— The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

On my nightstand:

Graduates In Wonderland by Jessica Pan -- I haven’t started this yet, but am hoping to get through it for a book club.

What Happens In Dubai by Sophie Gravia -- I had this lurking on my Kindle and I figured it was worth a try for the setting.

The Butterfly Effect by Rachel Mans McKenny -- I have been wanting to read this for YEARS. Now is the time!

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand September 17, 2023

This week passed in such a blur I couldn’t tell you what I’ve done. I just know all my food and gas are gone. I’m sure my kids had something to do with that.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“Sometimes the universe throws you a rope.”

— Holly by Stephen King

On my nightstand:

Holly by Stephen King -- I’ve been reading this all week and loving it, but am still only about 65% in. I hope I can finish this weekend. I NEED to know what happens!

Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor -- I’m reading this for #AuthorAMonth on Litsy. I always look forward to trying a new to me author.

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley -- This is part two of a MG WWII series. I loved the first one.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

Show Us Your Books September 2023

August was not the greatest reading month for me. I was getting used to a new schedule and distracted. Looking back though I did have some good reads including some really memorable memoirs.

Here’s the best of the best from August.

Five Stars:

Managing Expectations by Minnie Driver - Talk about managing expectations- this book blew mine out of the water. Even if you’re like me and haven’t seen Minnie Driver since Good Will Hunting you really should read this book, and go audio if you can. It was really, really good.

Four Stars:

Mud Rocks Blazes by Heather "Anish" Anderson -- I usually really enjoy armchair hiking books and this one about setting the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail was no exception. It was surprising that Anderson could complete such a goal while doubting herself the entire time. Just goes to show!

Poverty, By America by Matthew Desmond -- I have a feeling this book is only going to be read by people that already agree with Desmond, but I did appreciate the message.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros -- I didn‘t love love this like so many others, but I did like it. The twist at the end (there‘s a book two you know there‘s going to be a twist) was not what I expected.

Three Stars:

Dispatches From Pluto by Richard Grant -- An interesting book about a couple who fled New York City to seek a simpler life in the Mississippi Delta. It wasn‘t that simple after all, and I found Grant‘s treatment of the issues in the area to be nuanced. I wish there was an update.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld -- I didn’t love this book like I did some of her others, but it was a good enough read during a vacation. It’s interesting to see how authors are starting to work the pandemic into their books.

The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller -- Another plague book. I was saying “huh??” through a lot of this, but liked it well enough in the end.

Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This is linked to Quick Lit on Modern Mrs. Darcy.

On My Nightstand September 10, 2023

Good morning! We had thunderstorms yesterday and overnight. Finally we got some rain! I’m really looking forward to getting some fall veggies into my garden over the next couple of days. Soccer games start this week as well, so its busy, but fun busy.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“How unfortunate for public morals that being unladylike feels so...exciting.”

— The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

On my nightstand:

Holly by Stephen King -- I have been waiting for this for a long time, and now that it’s here I am loving it! I’m about 30% in.

Deadly Quiet City by Murong Xuecun -- I just started this book, but so far it’s fascinating. It’s a first hand look at early 2020 in Wuhan, China.

Bette and Joan by Shaun Considine -- This audiobook about the feud between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis is so fun. I loved this a few years ago when it first came out, so it was time for a re-listen.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand September 3, 2023

Hi everyone. It’s September at last. I hope that means cooler weather. It also means a new reading month.Each month I set up goals and a reading list, and I’m going to try and start posting that here. My first post went up Friday.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“At funerals, people lie about the past. At weddings, they lie about the future.”

— Keep Calm and Collie On by Lane Stone

On my nightstand:

Every Summer After by Carly Fortune -- I just barely started this one last week and then got distracted. I have high hopes for this week.

The Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien -- This series is so fun.

Saturday Night At The Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal -- We once stumbled upon a supper club in Wisconsin where we ate and then watched a water skiing show as the sun set. I’m hoping this book brings back those vibes.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand August 27, 2023

As of tomorrow I’ll have two kids back in school. Hooray! Love those kids, but teen and tween summers are a lot of work! There are so many cool camps for elementary school kids, but it seems like once they get to middle school the city just says raise yourself now.

I didn’t get much reading done last week, but I did spend some time pulling out books to read in October. I can’t wait for spooky reading season.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“If Lenore had been a country, I would have married North Korea...”

— My Losing Season by Pat Conroy

What I’m Reading This Week

A Day of Fire by Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Ben Kane, Eliza Knight, Sophie Perinot, and Vicky Alvear -- I’m reading this for a challenge, and I’m enjoying the different but related stories written by six authors set in the day or so before the Pompeii volcano explosion.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune -- This came in from the library this morning, and I thought it looked like the perfect last week of unofficial summer read.

A Cook's Tour by Anthony Bourdain -- This is for a book club, and I must admit as a vegetarian I am a little worried about many descriptions of eating strange meat. I’ll give it a try though.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand August 20, 2023

August 20th? How did that happen? As hot as it is, it’s starting to be noticeable that fall is coming. It’s not even light any more when I leave for work in the morning. I for one can’t wait!

Aside from reading this week I’ve been watching TV and listening to podcasts. I watched the entire season of Is It Cake Too, and loved it all. I also listened to the entire season of Serial: The Retrievals. If you’re interested in drug addiction rehabilitation or women’s health care issues I highly recommend it.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“Life teaches us beautiful lessons. Why not a haircut?”

— Managing Expectations by Minnie Driver

What I’m Reading This Week

The Nix by Nathan Hill -- I’ve had this on my shelf for a long time. I kept putting it off because it’s long, but I promised myself I would read it this summer. Summer’s almost over so the time is now!

The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros -- I’m giving into the hype! Just started this on audio.

Dispatches from Pluto by Richard Grant -- Another book I’ve been looking at for a while. I’m really looking forward to this memoir from a couple who moved to Mississippi.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

What I Read On My Summer Vacation

What a whirlwind July was! There was a lot of good, some bad, and some outright chaos. I’ve never taken two vacations in one month before, but I’m really glad I had that time away to temper real life which was honestly kind of like running in a hamster wheel.

And reading, there was a lot of reading! I read 22 books in July. Considering I also drove about 2000 miles, spent time with both sides of the family, and worked more hours than ever I’m happy with that! Thank goodness for long summer nights and audiobooks right?

Here are the highlights:

5 Star Reads:

Where The Forest Meets The Stars by Glendy Vanderah -- It’s been a long time since I’ve loved a book like I’ve loved this one. Jo is recovering from the death of her mother and her own illness while doing grad work in rural Illinois. It all seems simple until a little girl claiming to be an alien shows up. (Note: This is free with Kindle Unlimited at the time of this writing.)

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley -- Great on audio. The main character is a teenager who is flawed, but cares deeply about her community. I really loved that about this book.

Four Stars:

A Room With A View by E.M. Forster -- Yes another classic that I thought would be boring but was actually really entertaining.

Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H -- This memoir was great. It was such a unique take on life and faith. I highly recommend it.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang -- Another book that really made me think. It was perfect for the Litsy reading group I discussed it with. Bonus points for being a book set in DC that wasn’t about politics. (People live here!)

Breathless by Amy McCulloch -- This book about a woman hiking in the Himalayas while a killer is on the loose was a great way to pass the time.

Looking Up by Matthew Cappucci -- Enjoyed this quick read about storm chasing (although I have mixed feelings about storm chasing as a hobby.)

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell -- Whew. What a ride! I loved it. Great ending.

Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This is linked to Quick Lit on Modern Mrs. Darcy.

On My Nightstand August 13, 2023

I’ve been on summer vacation for two weeks, and I am ready to be back to normal! Love to travel; love to come home even more.

I can’t wait to share my reading with you all again, and to see what you’ve been up to. I hope everyone is having a decent summer, and is safe from all the storms, heat, and fires.

Have a great week everyone. Can’t wait to catch up!

Quote of the week

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

— To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What I’m Reading This Week

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton -- I still love this book, and re-read it every few years.

Pompeii by Robert Harris -- I’m having a hard time getting into this one, but I love volcanoes so I’ll keep trying.

Mud Rocks Blazes by Heather Anderson -- I’m mentally gearing up for fall hiking!

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

Show Us Your Books July 2023

I read 19 books in June. Four of them were re-reads, which is always fun. A lot of people don’t like to re-read, but to me it’s like visiting old friends. Besides that reading is just better when I’m sitting on the porch with a glass of wine and baseball on the radio.

Five Stars

Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu - In 1938 Meilin and Renshu had to flee their home in China. For years they searched for some place to grow roots and finally found it in Taiwan. Eventually they each found stability- Meilin in Taiwan and Renshu in the states. Neither really ever felt safe though until they learned to confront the past. This book was heartbreaking, but in the very best way. You all should read it.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese - This audiobook was 31 hours long, and I wish it could have gone for another 31 hours. I loved it so much. It all came together beautifully and I loved the characters. Five stars.

Four Stars

Foster by Claire Keegan - This was a great short story, but I wish I knew more about the families (family?) involved.

The Not-Quite States of America - I read this for a book club, and I wasn’t sure what to expect due to mixed reviews. I ended up enjoying it though I thought some parts were needlessly padded with background information. It seems that this one is better to read than listen from the reviews.

Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid - Yet another book I would have never heard about if not for Litsy challenges! This short book has a lot to say about growing up, the expectations we put on kids, and mother/daughter relationships.

Untangled by Lisa Damour, Ph.D. - This book was excellent. Highly recommend for anyone with a daughter 12 or older.

Our Stories Carried Us Here (Anthology) - A powerful and moving graphic novel anthology about the refugee experience. I‘m going to pass this on to the library at our school’s international academy.

Exiles by Jane Harper - I thought I had figured out the mystery halfway through and I was annoyed that Falk was taking so long to catch up. Then it turned out it was someone I hadn’t suspected at all and I loved the ending.

Three Stars

The Last Word by Taylor Adams - I loved the premise of this book- deranged author goes after lone woman who gave him a one star review on Goodreads. However it seemed to take forever for anything to happen. It was entertaining enough to listen over a busy weekend full of chores though so I’m giving it 3 stars.

Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith - Part memoir part history of Fell-Running- aka running up and down mountains in Britain usually in terrible weather. I enjoyed the parts about the author’s pursuits, but wasn‘t as engaged in the historical parts.

Note: Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This is linked to Quick Lit on Modern Mrs. Darcy.

On My Nightstand July 9, 2023

I think this week might actually be a normal week- 5 days of work, no holidays, no appointments. I love holidays and travel but it will be nice to get back into a normal routine for a bit.

Weather here has been wild, and that has been cutting down on my walking and gardening time. Sometimes it has rained so hard I can’t even sit on my covered porch without my library book getting wet.

I can’t believe it’s almost mid-July. Summer is going too fast. I have a few weeks of reading other’s posts to catch up on, so I look forward to “seeing” you all this week.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“He has taught his daughter how to ride a bike, how to swim.
Isn’t each of these a victory in itself?”

— Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu

What I’m Reading This Week

As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann - I bought this on kindle for a reading challenge, but I’ve heard it’s pretty intense. We’ll see how that goes. I feel no shame in not finishing books if I’m not enjoying them.

The Outsider by Stephen King - Classic Stephen King summer reading. I’m still re-reading for when Holly comes out in September.

Breathless by Amy McCulloch - I read a lot of books that take place in the Himalayas. Some are better done than others. So far so good with this one.

I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab - My daughter and I picked this as a book we could both read while she’s away at camp. She omes back on Saturday so I need to get a move on!

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand July 2, 2023

I wasn’t around last week because I was dropping my daughter off at summer camp four hours away. I miss her, but I know she is having the time of her life. I’ll pick her up in three weeks, and then it’s time for my family reunion in New Hampshire. I can’t wait for that!

Meanwhile I’ve been working a lot outside between thunder showers and unhealthy air indices. What a weird summer! The sharing garden I’ve been working on has been producing pretty well despite the number of weeds we’ve had to pull. We started harvesting carrots this week, and you wouldn’t expect a carrot to smell good, but they really did. Fresh food is the best.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“We can forgive without understanding. Sometimes we must. Maybe that’s what forgiveness is - accepting someone’s actions, even if there are no good explanations.”

— Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu

What I’m Reading This Week

An Embarrassment of Mangoes by Ann Vanderhoof - One of the best parts of the #ReadingTheAmericas2023 challenge is all of the great travelogues I’ve been reading. This one features a couple sailing through the Caribbean, and it’s making me hungry!

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - I’m reading this for a big buddy read on Litsy, and it’s really started off strong. It doesn’t hurt that it takes places near where I live so all of the places are familiar.

Hang The Moon by Jeanette Walls - I haven’t started this yet, but it’s next on my pile of books. I’ve seen it on a bunch of summer reading lists so I’m excited.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

On My Nightstand June 18, 2023

Last week we had a dance recital, two parties at our house, a ton of packing for camp, and a evening talk and reception for a group I belong to. This week there’s nothing. You know what that means! Time to read!

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“A dog lives for you. A cat just lives with you.”

— The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

What I’m Reading This Week

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough - Still working on this - the epitome of summer reading.

Exiles by Jane Harper - I started this during the week, but quickly realized I would need to put it off until the weekend so I could read it all in one sitting.

End of Watch by Stephen King - Re-reading all of the Holly books before the new one comes out in the fall. She’s on of my favorite fictional characters.

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.