What's Saving My Life Right Now

I love this tradition from Modern Mrs. Darcy. Every year she posts a list of things saving her life at the half point of winter. (I was today years old when I learned Groundhogs Day was the half point of winter.)

What’s saving my life right now? Books of course. There’s been a lot in my life I need a break from (grief, learning how to parent teens, wondering if I should be doing more for my parents even though they tell me not to, work issues.) I have read so many good books lately. That’s the big picture.

The details? In 2022 my reading had slowed way down. I chalked it up to typical 2022 inability to concentrate. It took me a while to realize that I wasn’t concentrating because I was having trouble seeing the book. Once I started wearing my reading glasses regularly and bumping up the print just a bit on my kindle I suddenly could concentrate on books again. It’s embarrassing to admit a reluctance to give in a little bit to aging almost took my favorite comfort and hobby away. But there you have it.

Walking Wednesday Feb 1, 2023

The weather this week finally improved. We had a string of days with amazing sunrises, and late winter flowers are starting to bloom. I still really want a snow day, but the flowers are nice to see.

I finally Gone With The Wind and am re-listening to Louise Penny’s Glass Houses as a palate cleanser.

On My Nightstand January 29 2023

I’ve been reading a chapter a day of Middlemarch with a group on Litsy, and this chapter title last Monday cracked me up. Yup, a cold rainy pre-dawn Monday in January can feel that way!

Oh well, bad weather makes for good reading!

What I’m Reading This Week:

Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell - I’m still listening to this. 10 hours left. I can do it.

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallard - This is a fun YA that I’ve been reading on the train. I’m enjoying it.

Braver Than You Think by Maggie Downs - It’s been a while since I read a good travel memoir. I’m hoping to sink into this one over the weekend.

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

Walking Wednesday January 24, 2023

I decided to start my Walking Wednesday posts back up again. I had been running mostly at the gym for a while, and then I hurt my foot. In December I decided I missed walking outside too much and I had to make time to at least take some short walks and record what I see. My favorite walks are when I can space out and listen to audio books, but sometimes I drag my kids along as well.

I’ve been listening to Gone With The Wind all month and I still have 20+ hours to go!

On My Nightstand January 22, 2023

I took last week off from blogging. My new year hadn’t gotten off to a good start, and I decided I needed a reboot. Now I’m back, rested and refreshed, and just a little bit organized. I’m looking forward to catching back up with you all and talking books!

What I’m Reading This Week:

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng - This has a long wait at the library, so I have to return it next week. From what I’ve read so far that won’t be a problem!

Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell - I’ve been listening to this on audio off and on, but it is also due back at the library soon. I need to get back at it!

End of the Lane by Sonia Parin - I needed something short and light for kindle reading on my commute. I hope this is it!

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

Show Us Your Books January 2023

This isn’t my cat. This is my neighbor’s cat. He sits by my back door and gives me dirty looks most days. It’s kind of the way I feel about January in this area. Too warm to snow, too cold to garden. Oh well, at least it’s good for reading.

Here’s the best of the best from December.

Five Star Reads:

A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny - I read this slowly trying to make the time to the next one as short as possible until I couldn’t take it any more and rushed through to the end. What a ride. This installment was more dark and twisted than usual and I‘m here for it.

Four Star Reads:

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley - I loved this book- the characters and the setting. One of those books that they call YA because of the age of the main character, but it’s not really. (I got this from the library, but I see it’s free on Kindle Unlimited right now.)

Flying Solo by Linda Holmes - I used to love reading Linda’s reviews on Television Without Pity, and I’m happy to say I enjoy her books just as much. I really liked the story line here. There was a whole decoy duck subplot I just got a kick out of.

Search by Michelle Huneveno - After spending the last year hiring in various capacities and on assorted committees this book was so relatable.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa - On an unnamed island things just disappear, and the Memory Police make sure it stays that way. This book was haunting. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really liked this book and will read more by this author.

Maggie-Now by Betty Smith - This was the last of Betty Smith‘s books that I had left to read, so finishing it was bittersweet. Like Smith’s other books this one took place in Brooklyn and explored the push and pull between what women want and what society expects.

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On My Nightstand January 8, 2023

Last week was a blur. Getting the kids back to school and getting myself back to the office took all my strength. I did a bit of reading last week, but for the most part I’m still where I was at my last update.

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

The Treeline by Ben Rawlence - This is the January pick for my work book club. I’m about halfway done now. It’s interesting so far.

Travels in Siberia by Ian Frazier - I’m trying to get some of the chunkier unread books off my shelf.

The Last King of Scotland by Giles Foden - We’re visiting Uganda for #FoodAndLit this month, so I got this book. It’s a novel about the private physician of Idi Amin.

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

2022 By The Numbers

I always like to look back at the books I’ve read over the year and see where my stats end up. It doesn’t really matter- I read a lot and I’m not going to push myself to read any more or any less. I do find it interesting to see where my time goes though.

In 2022 I read 209 books.

That’s 26 less than last year, and one more than the year before that.

I read more audiobooks than usual

(I blame my denial of needing reading glasses through most of the year. This stat took a deep dive once I gave in.)

In 2022 50% of my reads were via audio. That’s up from 45% in 2021.

Beverly Cleary and Louise Penny are authors I read a lot of

Usually Stephen King would appear on that list too, but this year I only read one of his books. (Under The Dome- it was okay.) We’ll see if he makes a comeback in 2023.

I’ve already read 3 books in 2023, so we’ll see where my stats are this time next year! My goals are to finish up the Reading Africa and Reading Asia challenges I’ve been working on as well as to read some of the chunky books taking up space on my shelves.

Happy New Year!

On My Nightstand January 1, 2023

Happy New Year! I’m not a fan of New Years Eve, but I do love entering a new year- new beginnings, new books, spring is coming, and so on.

Am I the only one completely done with winter now that the holidays are over?

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

The Treeline by Ben Rawlence - This is the January pick for my work book club. I’m looking forward to it.

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala - I’m looking forward to starting this series.

Travels in Siberia by Ian Frazier - I’m trying to get some of the chunkier unread books off my shelf.

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

On My Nighstand December 24, 2022

Well, my work week came to a close yesterday when the storm came through and the power went out. The power is back now, and I’m looking forward to a few days off. Plans are to eat, read, and relax!

Happy Holidays and STAY WARM!

This week I’m reading:

Tru & Nelle A Christmas Tale by G. Neri - I have been wanting to read this one forever. Looking forward to it!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith- A beloved book I like to re-read this time of year.

Maggie-Now by Betty Smith - I’m on an unintentional Betty Smith kick this week I guess. I got this for Christmas two years ago, and I’m just reading it now.

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

Best Reading Experiences of 2022

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Normally at this time of the year I would be talking about the best book I read in 2022. I had a really hard time picking one though. I read over 200 books this year, but none of them gave me that swept away feeling you get when you’re reading a really good book. I blame the circumstances more than the books. For one reason or another I was really distracted most of the year, and I’m really only getting over it now.

Despite all of that I did have some really good reading experiences, and that’s what I want to talk about today.

My Top 2022 Reading Experiences

Reading Africa (Litsy Challenge)

I eagerly dove into the #ReadingAfrica2022 challenge on Litsy this year. I learned so much, and really enjoyed the challenge of hunting down books that featured some of our most unread about countries. I got about halfway through this challenge, and plan on continuing next year.

My Favorites from Reading Africa

The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya -- When she was six Clemantine fled her parent‘s house with her sister and just a few belongings. Until she was twelve they lived as refugees. Then they were awarded a visa to live in the US. This book shows that what looks like the happily ever after ending that you might see on the outside isn‘t always reality.

A Fish Caught In Time by Samantha Weinberg -- What a cool book that I would have never run across if it weren‘t for #ReadingAfrica I thoroughly enjoyed this short non-fiction account of the study of the coelacanth.

Matching My Reading To My Travel

Twice this year I accidentally ended up reading a book that took place in the location where I was traveling. I don’t know why it never occurred to me to make this happen, but I will in the future!

The Burning Blue by Kevin Cook -- Before she was America’s teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe was a teacher in Concord, New Hampshire. Listening to those scenes on audiobook really gave a sense of what a change that must have been for McAuliffe.

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy -- I love coastal South Carolina, and now when I can’t get there I have a new author to read that can take me there. I read this book by the pool of our hotel that was just about a block away from Pat Conroy’s house in Beaufort, SC. I recommend both the town and the book.

Well Timed Graphic Novels

On both the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox I made a date with myself to read graphic novels that featured those days.

Still looking for books that would fit winter and spring!

Chapter A Day Reads
Last but not least, I must mention all of the chapter a day reads that I took part in on Litsy. Having buddies to read with in manageable chunks makes reading the classics so much more doable for me. I would have never gotten through Villette otherwise!

Looking forward to hearing about everyone else’s favorite reads!

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On My Nighstand December 18, 2022

Friday was my annual work holiday party (out at a restaurant!) That traditionally means the end of my busy season. I’m still working for the rest of the year, but pretty much everyone gives up on deadlines, and things are much slower. I thought I would have a relaxing weekend, but yesterday the long ago paid guys showed up to replace our roof at 8 am. Grateful to have a paid for new roof that is actually getting installed, not so grateful to have to get dressed at 8 am on a Saturday on my first non-work day off since August. My son had a job about 45 minutes away that he needed a ride to so my daughter and I decided to pivot and spend the day at the very fancy Target near there.Target is fun when you don’t really need anything. We also tried a new to us dumpling place for lunch, toured an outdoor Christmas market, and watched a bit of the World Cup on the huge outdoor TV. We went in a bookstore and I didn’t buy anything! I am evolving. It was a great day, and we came home to a mostly done roof.

Today I got up with plans to start baking only to find a clogged sink full of dishes. OH WELL. Here I sit with my tea while I wait for the Draino to kick in. Why do I always forget that this is what December is like?

Assuming my roof and plumbing are in order this week, and my kids don’t take any more jobs on (what might as well be) the moon I hope to catch up on my blog reading, and post my reading wrap up for this year as well as my goals for next.

Last week I posted about my best fiction reads from November.

Why did it take me three tries to spell November even with spell check? I need a nap!

Have a great (and restful) week!

This week I’m reading:

Taste by Stanley Tucci - This has been fun to listen to while I run Christmas errands (and sink willing cook.) It’s pretty much a love story to food.

A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny - My favorite series. I’ve been taking my time with this one, but I should finish this week.

Tru & Nelle A Christmas Tale by G. Neri - I have been wanting to read this one forever. Looking forward to it!

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

Show Us Your Books December 2022

November was the best reading month I had all year. I had so much going on and found so much comfort in what I read. It was one of those months that reminded me why I love to read. I talked about my non-fiction reads here. Fiction highlights are below.

Five Star Reads

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin -- I really loved this book. We don‘t talk enough about how meaningful friendships and creative partnerships can be. Don’t let the subject scare you away from this one- you don’t have to like video games.

Four Star Reads

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai -- This book broke my heart in all the best ways. It’s a dual timeline book set in Chicago during the AIDS crisis and 2015 Paris. So glad I ran across this one.

America for Beginners by Leah Franqui -- The wistfulness of these characters made it a perfect Thanksgiving week read.

A Ghost of Caribou by Alice Henderson -- I had to stay up late to finish this new book by Alice Henderson. I just love this series about wildlife biologist Alex. In this book she’s in Washington studying a caribou that has wandered down from Canada. Chaos ensues.

Three Star Reads

Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan -- A cozy read about a brother and a sister trying to find the story behind CS Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Untamed Shore by Silvia Moreno-Garcia -- This was pretty good. It reminded me of a Patricia Highsmith book.

The Other Man by Farhad J. Dadyburjor -- I found this on my kindle when my original #FoodandLit India book wasn’t holding my attention. It was billed as a romantic comedy but I found the issues associated with being gay in India a bit deeper than the billing implied.

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On My Nighstand December 4, 2022

As I write this post I’m in between batches of cookies in the oven. I’m just starting with a few favorites this weekend so we have proper fuel for decorating. Next weekend the baking starts for real.

This is my best time of year for reading, although once again I had to abandon a print book for an audiobook because the print was too small. I am getting old! Oh well, there’s plenty of other books to curl up with by the tree, and plenty of audiobooks to listen to while making cookies. (If your curious the book is Search by Michelle Huneven - really good so far! I’ll hopefully get to the audiobook next week.)

Have a great week!

This week I’m reading:

The Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley - I’m abut 70% through this audiobook now, and wow is it good. Seriously, I did extra laundry just to keep listening. I got the audiobook from the library, but just saw it’s included with Kindle Unlimited if you’re a subscriber.

A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny - I made myself hold off a few days on this one since it will be such a long wait for the next. I think I’ve waited long enough though, and will start this week. This is my favorite series, and I read the books over and over.

Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian - I heard rave reviews about this book, but it might just be too grim for me right now. I’ll read about an hour more, but if I’m still struggling I’m going to save it for another time.

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

Non-Fiction November Wrap Up

What is Nonfiction November? It’s a challenge to read as much nonfiction as possible in the month of November. I track my challenge results on Litsy, but I’m sure it’s done elsewhere as well.

Non-fiction November was really successful for me this year. After not really liking anything I read in October (I didn’t even bother with a reading wrap up), November showed up in a big way.

Here are my top 5 2022 Nonfiction November reads:
(In no particular order…)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - Wow, why did I wait so long to read this book? I have so many feelings after reading this. I‘m sure there has been a lot written about this amazing book so I won‘t even try, but I am so glad this book is now in my life.

Dear Bob and Sue by Matt and Karen Smith - In this travel memoir couple Matt and Karen write about the time they quit their jobs to visit all of the National Parks. At first they upset me because they didn‘t properly appreciate Cuyahoga National Park (a favorite) but they eventually grew on me. Their travel was interesting but approachable, and I liked that they seemed to keep a budget in mind most of the time.

Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan - I loved what she had to say about grief and parenthood. This book was well worth reading.

Agatha Christie An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley - I absolutely loved this book. Lucy Worsley did an excellent job of making Agatha Christie come to life. I‘ve only read a few Christie books, and liked not loved them so don‘t let that hold you back from reading this biography!

We Had A Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff - This history of Native American comedians was so interesting. I meant to read this last year, and am so glad I finally got to it this year. This was heavier than you might expect a book about comedy to be, but so informative.

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REVIEW: Green Mountain Academy by Frances Greenslade

After a series of devastating losses at home Francie is allowed to attend Green Mountain Academy, a wilderness school in British Columbia. In that peaceful setting she begins to heal, but is aware the school is in trouble. While the school leaders are off dealing with business, the girls are cut off from the world by a large storm. When Francie realizes that the plane crash she heard about must have happened on school grounds she knows what she has to do.

I enjoyed this middle grade survival story. The snowy scenes were perfect for winter reading, and I appreciated the relationships between the girls. I recommend this for kids in 6th or 7th grade and their moms.

I received a copy of this from the publisher through Library Thing Early Reviewers program. All opinions are my own.

On My Nightstand November 27, 2022

Physical Books i pulled out to read in december

Good morning! Did we all survive Thanksgiving? We had a good day. I was feeling really overwhelmed by everything that had to get done, but it all came together. Since then I’ve had some time off, and I’ve been organizing, catching up on letters, and getting ready for December. This has been a much needed rest. Back to work tomorrow!

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

Long Life by Mary Oliver - I meant to read this last week, but was in more of a fiction mood. I do hope to finish this by the end of the month though.

The Next Everest by Jim Davidson - This just came in from the library. I started it, but am not sure I’ll finish it. Would love to know if anyone has read and enjoyed it.

Africa Is Not A Country by Dipo Faloyin - This might be the last book set in Africa I read this year, and what a way to go. This is such a great overview of the continent.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell - I started this years ago, and it’s really time I finish it. It’s a good story. I’m not sure why I keep putting it down before finishing it.

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

On My Nightstand November 20, 2022

Good morning readers! Somehow it’s November 20th. Where do these months go?

I had a good week last week, but I never got around to posting here. Maybe this week I will get my act together.

No big Thanksgiving plans here. We’re hosting a small get together, but I don’t have to cook that much for it. I’m hoping to get a bunch of reading done, and of course the kids want to go shopping on Friday.

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

Long Life by Mary Oliver - Another book I had on my Kindle that I forgot about. I love Mary Oliver and am looking forward to this.

America for Beginners by Leah Franqui - This is for a book club. It looks like a quick and easy read, perfect for a long lazy weekend.

Green Mountain Academy by Frances Greenslade - This middle grade book is from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program. I’m hoping to finish and review it this week.

We Had A Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff - This was on my list to read last year. I’m finally getting to it now!

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

On My Nightstand November 13, 2022

Good morning and happy weekend! How are you all today? It’s cold enough here to turn on the heat and I’m loving it.

I almost don’t want to say it, but if all goes well this will be the first “normal” week we’ve had since September. At least one of my kids has had a day off at least one day each week for some reason, and the lack of consistency in our schedules is kind of killing us. I’ve been having trouble concentrating recently, and I think this week of calm and routine will help a lot.

This week I wrote about what I think you should read in November.

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

Agatha Christie An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley - Never got to this last week. Hoping to dive in later this week!

The Other Man by Farhad J. Dadyburjor - This was billed as a romantic comedy, but I’m finding it deeper than the billing implied.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - I have to return this to the library by the end of the week. That shouldn’t be a problem since I’m loving it!

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

Books To Read In November (Updated 2022)

I wrote a list of books to read in November way back in 2019. It’s not a bad list, but I’m a whole new person now if you know what I mean.

Here’s my updated (post-pandemic) list of books to read in November.

Fiction

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - This Jane Austen classic is really underrated. It’s funny and Catherine is a heroine you can relate to and root for. If you’re doing a classics challenge you can’t go wrong with Northanger!

November Road by Lou Berney - Great historical fiction set around the time of the Kennedy Assassination. I loved the characters in this one

Start Without Me by Joshua Max Feldman - One of the few books about Thanksgiving that I know of. This family drama is a good November read.

American Royals by Katherine McGee - A fun contrast to what we go through every two years or so for our elections now. I have enjoyed listening to this series on mammoth cooking sessions in November.

Non-Fiction

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway - Before this my only exposure to Hemingway was reading The Old Man and the Sea in High School and The Paris Wife which angered me so much I swore I would never read his books again. But then I saw the PBS special on his life and decided to give him a chance to redeem himself. I really liked this book, but I re-read The Paris Wife right after.

A Woman in the Polar Night by Christiane Ritter - This is a memoir from a very brave woman who spent a winter in the Arctic in the 1930‘s. I was really impressed by her attitude and resourcefulness.

The Art of Gathering by Pria Parker - The perfect book to read as we think about what we want our post pandemic gatherings to look like. This was great for personal gatherings, and it was surprisingly insightful for work.

Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck - A quick read about the famous author‘s drive around America with his dog in 1960. It‘s surprising how many issues he noticed then are still around today.

Happy Reading!

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