On My Nightstand July 2, 2023

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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.

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

Walking Wednesday June 20, 2023

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Images of lilies around Alexandria, VA

I feel like I’m finally getting back in the swing of things after a few weird weeks. Of course it’s supposed to rain all week, but we need it, and there’s always the gym.

I found a new to me path this week which was beautiful until I saw three snakes. I’ll put that place on my winter only list. Lilies are in full bloom everywhere. Mine didn’t bloom last year, but this year they’re amazing.

I’ve been listening to Around The World in 50 Years. Parts are interesting, but the narrator has a new wife or girlfriend in every country and I find that suspect.

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On My Nightstand June 18, 2023

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A small vegetable garden growing squash and beans.

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.

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

Show Us Your Books June 2023

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A big messy pile of books.

It must be summer- my books stack is out of control again! There are so many new books that I can’t wait to read out this year. Add that to all of the back-list reads that I’ve been saving because they seemed more like summer reads and I am drowning in my TBR. THIS IS A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE!

Meanwhile, May was a great reading month that completely made up for a lackluster April. Here are the highlights.

Five Stars

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell - This book was wild. It was like Golden Girls but they’re all Rose. I’ll say it again: don’t assume the classics are boring.

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert - I don‘t even know what to say about this book I loved it so much. Who knew a book about a leper colony could make my heart sing like this. This is a must read for historical fiction readers.

Four Stars

Running Man by Charlie Engle - I was in the mood to read about ultramarathons for some reason the other day so I downloaded this audiobook from Scribd. I really enjoyed this book by Charlie Engle who went from addict to athlete to felon.

Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch - This was a fun novel about US Diplomats living in Namibia during the Trump administration. Nothing too deep, but I enjoyed it.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb - I’d been in a slump, and I was really happy this book brought me out of it. Not a perfect book, but a really enjoyable one.

The Coal Tattoo by Silas House - I’m so glad to have discovered Silas House this year. The way he writes about families and grief just sucks me in to his stories. Perfect for summer reading- I’ll be searching around for more of his books soon.

Three Stars

Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower - A decent cozy for after work reading during a stressful week. This one featured a chocolate shop in Amish country. Yum.

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham - Fun but very predictable.

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

On My Nightstand June 11, 2023

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Thursday June 8, 2023 on the Potomac River

It’s been a stressful week here near DC. It started with a mysterious sonic boom, and ended with dangerous levels of air pollution from the Canadian wildfires. The picture above was from my metro trip into DC for work on Thursday. I have no experience with wildfires, and if I had known how much my breathing and sinuses would have been impacted I would have never gone. My thoughts go out to the people of Canada who have had to evacuate. This is just horrible.

We are in the last days of school finally, and are busy prepping for trips and camps. It’s a weird thing to do when it feels like the world is ending outside, but we gotta just keep swimming right?

In good news I have a giant stack of promising summer reading to get to, so I’m looking forward to that!

Have a great week everyone.

Quote of the week

“Fiction is the great lie that tells the truth about how the world lives!”
— The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

What I’m Reading This Week

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson - I’m not loving this one. Has anyone read it and loved it? Maybe it’s just a slow start?

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough - This is a re-read for me. It’s a chunkster, but I’m flying through. This book is perfect summer reading in my opinion.

Untangled by Lisa Damour - All of my mom friends have been reading this, and I have it cued up next in Libby.

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

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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.