On My Nightstand June 4, 2023

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How is June going for everyone? We’re in the last two weeks of end of school year messiness. Seems like every day it’s a new party or activity to prep for. It’s all fun stuff once we get there, but there’s a lot of logistics involved!

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“The best things that happen in life rarely make good sense.”
— The Coal Tattoo by Silas House

What I’m Reading This Week

Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid - Loving this short book set in the Caribbean so far. I will probably find someplace to hide on this busy day so that I can finish it in peace.

The Not-Quite States of America by Doug Mack - I’m reading this for my work book club, and it’s pretty good. It’s about the US territories - part history and part travelog.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese - I love this audiobook so much. It’s really long and I’m glad because I don’t want it to ever end.

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 May 28, 2023

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It’s officially summer reading season! Here’s to hours spent reading in the sun! I can’t wait. Here’s my summer reading list if anyone is interested. Yes, I know I have high expectations for myself this summer!

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche as quoted by Stacy Willingham in A Flicker In The Dark

What I’m Reading This Week

A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham - I’m one chapter in on this thriller and I think I figured out who did it. I can’t wait to keep reading to see if I’m right.

The Coal Tattoo by Silas House - I “discovered” Silas House this year, and I am so happy I have his whole backlist to go through.

Thunderstruck by Eric Larson - Having trouble getting into this one. Has anyone read it?

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

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

My Summer Reading List 2023

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Summer reading season is almost here! I simply can’t wait. I’ve been making lists since about March, and I wanted to share what I came up with.

New Releases:

I was never a big new releases in the summer person until last summer when I read six of them for a challenge, and now I pay attention. This year I poured over to what’s coming out, and picked these six books to splurge on.

The House Is On Fire by Rachel Beanland

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb

Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

Backlist

To me you can’t have summer reading without re-reading some favorites. Here are the three I picked for summer 2023.

End of Watch by Stephen King

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

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Walking Wednesday May 16, 2023

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My walks are still a riot of color, but you can tell the heat will be here soon. Weeds are starting to appear, and the tougher flowers of summer are starting to show. I’m on a 13 day exercising/step count streak. It’s been years since I’ve been able to walk this much and I am so thrilled.

I’m about to start a re-listen to Stephen King’s Finders Keepers. I can’t wait for his new book Holly to come out later this year.

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

Show Us Your Books May 2023

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May 2023, how did that happen? Wasn’t it just Halloween? Anyway, I didn’t think April was a very good reading month, but looking back it was actually okay. No five star reads, but plenty of four stars. I think my memory is just reacting to the busyness of this time of year. It’s like once Spring Break happens buckle up, because each day after that means something to do. Teacher and senior gifts, sports, end of year projects and parties, and keeping up with all of the laundry and cooking associated with all of that is exhausting.

Anyway, here’s the best of the best from my April reads.

Four Stars

Hidden Moon by James Church -- These books make very little sense, but when you read mysteries having to do with North Korean government agencies that‘s part of the charm. This is book two in the Inspector O series and I found it just as confusing and enjoyable as the first.

The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey -- I loved the characters and setting of this mystery. I‘ll definitely read more in this series.

Watergate by Garrett Graff -- Graft’s deep dive into the history of Watergate had me riveted. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Ransomware Hunting Team by Renee Dudley and Daniel Golden -- I enjoyed this history of ransomware, and the stories of the (sometimes) misfits who stepped in to help stop it when the government was slow to act.

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 May 14, 2023

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The weather has been beautiful this week, and I’ve been doing so much reading on my porch. One day I lost my kindle, and it took me about an hour to find it. It was under a cat. Peak cat lady.

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the week

“What was the use of building a legacy if the ones who deserved the fruit never lived long enough for the harvest?”
— Island Queen by Vanessa Riley

What I’m Reading This Week

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert I didn’t get to start this until the end of last week, so I’m still working on it. I really like it so far.

Island Queen by Vanessa Riley This is okay, but I want more. I’m about 3/4 of the way through.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samatha Shannon This might be the week when I finally finish this chunkster.

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

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

Walking Wednesday May 10, 2023

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The roses and irises are out now. Every time a new flower blooms on my walks I think “These are my favorites!” Then something else blooms and I change my mind.

I started listening to Island Queen by Vanessa Riley last night at my daughter’s soccer tryouts. It’s slow going so far, but I haven’t listened to much. (Just noticed this is free on Kindle Unlimited if you want to give it a try.)

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

REVIEW: Under The Naga Tail by Mae Bunseng Taing with James Taing

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The book Under The Naga Tail sitting on a wooden table.

I have always heard about the Cambodian Genocide, but this book really brought it to life. The first hand account of a Chinese-Cambodian family fleeing from the Khmer Rouge showed what terrible things we do to each other as well as a person's ability to keep hope when there seemingly is no reason to.

This is a true story written from the perspective of Mae with help from his son James. Mae faces many harrowing situations at the hands of the Khmer Rouge all while being nearly starved to death. This is not an easy story to read, but it is an important one. I highly recommend this book.

This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review through The Library Thing Early Reviewers Program.

On My Nightstand April 23, 2023

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April has been a lot of work! I’m trying to recover this weekend. I started last night with a slice of cheesecake and a book on the couch. Today I plan on laying in bed with tea for a while then some puttering in the garden after church.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“But you want murderous feelings? Hang around librarians,” confided Gamache. “All that silence. Gives them ideas.””
— A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny

What I’m Reading This Week

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon -- Still working on this one!

Hidden Moon by James Church -- Another holdover from last week. Hopefully I’ll finish soon.

Killed at the Whim of a Hat by Colin Cotterill -- I’m enjoying the audio of this whymsical mystery set in Thailand.

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

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

Walking Wednesday April 19, 2023

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I’m late with this post today because I thought it was Tuesday. That shows you what kind of week it has been! I’ve been keeping up with my steps though. I even saw a herd of deer when I was helping with a stream clean up.

I’ve really been enjoying listening to The Widows of Malabar Hill. This is free on Audible right now.

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

On My Nightstand April 16, 2023

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A tuxedo cat and a tabby cat sit in a window on a sunny day.

We’re slowly getting back into the swing of things after our trip to North Carolina. The weather has been gorgeous (much nicer than the beach!) so my focus has been on the yard. That means the laundry isn’t quite done, and we’re still not unpacked.

In my reading life I have been trying to catch up on my ARCs and reviews, and figure out how to reach my goals this year. I’ve been on a multi-year quest to read a book set in each country in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. (I will probably add Europe in next year.) I started my Scribd account up again, but might cancel after my thirty free days. We’ll see.

March was a great reading month for me. I wrote about my favorites here.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“Reading is my favorite occupation, when I have leisure for it and books to read.”
— Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

What I’m Reading This Week

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon -- I’m finally making progress on this one, but I need a few more weeks to finish.

Murdered Midas by Charlotte Gray -- This is my work book club’s pick for April. Scribd had it on audiobook which helped seal the deal on me starting my account again.

Hidden Moon by James Church -- I read the first one in this series a few months ago, and liked it enough to keep going.

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 April 2023

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A covered porch with a brick wall, two chairs, and table with geraniums on it, and a statue.

I gave up most social media for lent, and I must admit I had much more focus and reading time in March. Will I remember that lesson now that Easter is over? That remains to be seen. I almost never do.

I opened my summer reading spot this week, and am looking forward to much time outside in the months to come! Anyone else already planning for summer reading season?

Here are my favorite reads from last month.

Five Stars

Down City by Leah Carrol -- This was billed as true crime, but it was so much more than that. I am so glad that I finally read this after it sat on my shelf for years. I started this one afternoon and couldn’t stop until I finished.

Lark Ascending by Silas House -- This was a grim dystopian story line, but the underlying message was hope in the face of grief. I loved this book. My first Silas House- won‘t be my last!

Four Stars

What I Found In A Thousand Towns by Dar Williams -- I thought this would be a modern folk singer take on Travels With Charley, but it was actually a thoughtful examination of city planning. It was so interesting to hear about Williams’ thoughts about what she’s seen that works from her travels. Plus she reads the audiobook herself and she sings. Recommend.

The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane -- This is the type of book you just want to read a little at a time while drinking tea. It was a great travel/nature book and inspired wanderlust.

The Secret History of Home Economics by Danielle Dreilinger -- I read this for a book club, and it was one of those super interesting books that I would have never sought out on my own.

A Corpse in the Koryo by James Church -- I’ve never read a detective novel that took place in North Korea before. I enjoyed the story even if I did have to flip back to the beginning once I finished to figure out what happened.

Rivals by Katherine McGee -- I absolutely love this series as a light read/(not so) guilty pleasure. This one ends on a pretty big cliffhanger so the count is on for the next one.

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

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

REVIEW: And Poison Fell From the Sky by Marie Therese Martin

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And Poison Fell From the Sky by Marie Therese Martin

Earth Day is this month, although I think we are all figuring out every day should be Earth Day by now right? Either way I was happy to have a copy of Marie Therese Martin’s And Poison Fell From the Sky from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program to read this month.

This memoir by Marie Therese Martin detailed her life growing up and raising a family in Maine’s Cancer Valley. She really drives home the fact that our tendency is to ignore the truth when it will impact our paycheck.

I think this book is successful because it’s not preachy. Martin understands what it’s like to live in a mill town dependent on polluting wages. She has lived through controlling relationships of all types, and brings a unique perspective to he pollution poisoning her town and many others.

Walking Wednesday April 12, 2023

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Images from our trip to North Carolina

The kids were on Spring break so we spent the holiday in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was cold and incredibly windy, but we made the most of it!

Most of my audiobook time was in the car this week. We’ve been listening to Great Expectations as a family. Read by Eddie Izzard!

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Fat

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Growing up in the 90’s we were told fat was a villain, but of course we know now that it’s actually essential to human survival. In Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat we’re given the good advice to not add fat to your cooking, but to make better use of what you do have.

I had two good takeaways from this chapter:

  1. Pair your fats from the region you’re cooking from

  2. All good texture comes from fat

I haven’t decided yet what I want to cook inspired by this chapter, but now that Lent is over there’s a good chance it might be pie crust.

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

On My Nightstand April 9 2023

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A statue at Easter Island seen at the Natural History Museum in Washington, DC

Happy Easter to those who celebrate, and to everyone else have a beautiful Sunday. This is my favorite holiday, and I’m hoping for a peaceful day with my kiddos. Plus a little reading of course.

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“Easter is never deserved.”
— Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon

What I’m Reading This Week

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon -- I’ve been trying to read this for months, but its such a chunkster I keep falling asleep when reading it in bed and dropping it on my face. I’m going to try on kindle instead.

Killed at the Whim of a Hat by Colin Cotterill -- I was looking for a mystery set in Thailand for the #FoodAndLit challenge, and couldn’t resist this title.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens -- We watched this mini series on PBS and wanted to give the audiobook a try during a long car trip.

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

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

SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT: Ceasar Salad

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My first cooking experiment from Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat was Caesar salad. One of my cooking rules is to not spend hours in the kitchen, but there’s also something decadent about leaving work on time during a busy week and making your own mayonnaise.

That’s how the recipe started- with homemade mayonnaise. It was just an egg yolk and olive oil, but it took a while. The recipe called for wrapping a bowl in a towel and whipping 3/4 of oil a drop at a time. I have my limits. I used an immersion blender. I was rewarded by a yellow liquid that looked nothing like mayonnaise. My bad, but I had used so much olive oil I wasn’t about to give up.

For the dressing the recipe called for whole anchovies mushed up, but I relied on my trusty anchovy paste. Other than that I made the recipe as written still using my immersion blender. The salad itself was simple- just some romaine with croutons. SFAH had a crouton recipe, but I was trying to clear out my kitchen and just used some leftover burger buns, more olive oil, and a garlic herb mix.

I didn’t have high hopes, but this was delicious! There was leftover dressing and it is being jealously guarded as a chicken marinate for later. I will be making this all summer!

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

On My Nightstand April 2, 2023

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Cherry blossoms against a pink sunrise.

The cherry blossoms are still going strong here, but we’ll see what happens after this weekend’s strong storms. I really hope they’re not as bad as predicted, and that everyone stays safe. Basically I’m hoping for weather gross enough to keep me in and reading, but isn’t bad enough to do any damage. Fingers crossed.

Have a great week everyone. Stay safe!

Quote of the week

“I’ve been through many hardships, just like all of us, but most days grief is balanced out by the pleasures: a delicious meal, the smell of cedar on my hands, the sound of rushing water, good friends. Joy and sorrow are the things of life, the two things always tangled together. Anybody who’s ever lost anyone knows that.”
— Lark Ascending by Silas House

What I’m Reading This Week

Life of Pi by Yann Martel -- I loved this when it was new, so I decided to re-read to see if it holds up.

In The Quick by Kate Hope Day -- I tried this in print, but no quotations marks. Changed to audiobook in self defense. It’s slow so far, but I love the premise so much I’ll keep going.

And Poison Fell From The Sky by Marie Therese Martin -- I got this as an ARC from LibraryThing. So far it packs a punch.

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

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