On My Nightstand February 24 2023

My neighbor’s cat supervised me while i read outside a few days ago

Happy weekend everyone! We’re on another wild weather roller coaster. It was 80 Thursday, and we have snow in the forecast this weekend. I hope the flowers survive.

My daughter’s party was fun last weekend, and we ate so much cake. We all gave up sweets for Lent and we were all so overloaded on sugar no one misses them yet!

This weekend I’m hoping for some quality reading time in between kid’s sports which started again last week. Work has also been a lot which makes it hard to concentrate on reading at night.

Have a great week everyone.

What’s on my nightstand this week:

What The Moon Saw by Laura Resau - I’m reading this for a book club. It’s not what I would pick out on my own, but that’s what books clubs are for!

The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings - I’ve only listened to about the first 20 minutes of this when I was walking this morning, but wow! I am into it!

Murder With Fried Chicken and Waffles by A.L. Herbert - This cozy mystery takes place about 10 minutes from where I live otherwise I probably would have bailed. Cozies just don’t seem to be my thing any more.

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Walking Wednesday Feb 21, 2023

We had a three day weekend which meant I actually got to go walking in the mountains! I used to do that every weekend, but now that my kids are older it’s harder to get away. It was so nice to be back. I also took a few walks in the neighborhood when work wasn’t so crazy I was glued to my chair all day. Soon it will be light at night again, and it will be much easier to fit these walks in!

I just started listening to Dearie by Bob Spitz. It’s a biography of Julia Child that my library had available in the Libby app.

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On My Nightstand February 19, 2023

Good morning everyone! It’s a long weekend, but our schedules are starting to get packed with sports again. My son has lacrosse and my daughter has ice skating on Monday. I truly love watching them practice and play, but all the driving cuts into my reading time! We’re also celebrating my daughter’s birthday. It was in December, but so close to Christmas we haven’t been able to have a party until now. This is her first party in two years due to Covid, so when she wanted to order a two tier cake that feeds 46 for a party of 12 people I said yes! So it will be a rush to eat 46 servings of cake between now and Ash Wednesday. Goals!

Have a great week everyone.

What’s on my nightstand this week:

Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead - One of my kids insisted on having this at a book fair a few years ago, and then never read it. I decided I should at least read it before we give it away!

Dearie by Bob Spitz - Julia Child is so fascinating, and I’m enjoying this biography.

Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi - This just came in from the library so I haven’t started it yet, but the premise sounded so relatable. A woman in a mostly male office fakes a pregnancy so that she doesn’t get roped into all of the extra chores.

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Walking Wednesday Feb 15, 2023

Seems like we’re not going to get much of a winter this year, so I am embracing spring. Flowers are poking out on my walks, and I started putting a few seeds in. I’d prefer sledding and hot chocolate, but this is nice too.

I’ve been listening to A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier. It’s a book made for walking and puttering.

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Show Us Your Books February 2023

I’ve had a good start to my reading year, and even made some progress on clearing some space on my to be read shelf.

Here are the best of the best from last month.

Five Stars

The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue - My first five star read of the year. I absolutely loved this historical fiction set in Dublin‘s Maternity/Fever ward during the worst days of the Spanish flu. It was written in 2019, but so much of it rang true given our recent experiences since then.

Four Stars

The Island of a Thousand Mirrors by Nayomi Munaweera - This little book about Sri Lanka’s civil war packed a mighty punch. I was a little confused by the characters at first, but I went with it and this book swept me away.

Annapurna: A Woman's Place by Arlene Blum - I was stranded without books and started listening to this just because it was on my phone. To my surprise it was really good! I read a lot of mountaineering books, and this one was so interesting. It was written by a woman expedition leader and she focused on logistics and leadership in a way that others usually don’t. Highly recommend (and I‘m pretty sure I got it for free on audible.)

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng - Sad and hopeful at the same time. Celeste Ng is so good.

The Huntress by Kate Quinn - Kate Quinn is so good at these historical novels. I really enjoyed this one about post WWII war criminals. My only complaint was I thought she could have ended it a bit sooner.

Three Stars

Braver Than You Think by Maggie Downs - It’s always weird rating someone’s memoirs because it’s hard to unravel the person’s life decisions from the writing. The writing here is really good- it will make you want to sell all your belongings and travel the world.

A Study In Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro - This was a fun mystery featuring the descendants of Watson and Holmes solving mysteries at a Connecticut boarding school.

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

On My Nightstand February 12, 2023

I ended up with a stomach bug last week, so all baking was postponed to this weekend. This weekend we were supposed to go skiing, but it’s going to be warm and raining. We’re learning to be flexible! Either way I’m enjoying these last few weekends before spring sports start again and my free time starts to disappear.

Have a great week everyone.

What’s on my nightstand this week:

Ivona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley - Never got to this one last week. This is an impulse read, and it looks really fun!

A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier - This is for a backlist reading challenge. I’m looking forward to it.

The Puma Years by Laura Coleman - I’m enjoying this book about a woman volunteering at an animal rescue in Bolivia. (This is free if you have Kindle Unlimited.)

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Walking Wednesday Feb 8, 2023

We finally got some snow! I wasn’t even enough to cover the grass, but it was something.

I’ve been listening to Faithful by Stewart O’Nan and Stephen King. I am ready for baseball to start!

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On My Nightstand February 5, 2023

Happy February! Spring is on the horizon! I can’t wait to start planting my garden and taking long walks in the sun. Porch reading is the best reading, and I’m looking forward to it.

Until then there’s a weekend of polar vortex misery to live through. I plan to catch up on some baking for my #FoodAndLit challenge and of course reading under blankets.

My son has his winter formal this weekend and I feel for the girls who have to wear dresses! Luckily my daughter has all indoor activities. I’m really glad we didn’t decide to go skiing this weekend.

Have a great week everyone.

What’s on my nightstand this week:

Murder in the High Himalayas by Jonathan Green - This is for my work book club. It’s really good so far.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo - I’ve had this on my list for a long time, so I was happy to find the audio version from my library.

Ivona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley - This is an impulse read, and it looks really fun!

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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.