On My Nightstand November 19, 2023

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Four soccer games this weekend, two days of work, and then a break! I can’t wait. I have about five audiobooks in from the library, and I plan to listen to them all while I putter around my house. I think it’s supposed to be cold too, so it will feel extra Thanksgivingy.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“There is always someone willing to think the worst.”
— My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

On my nightstand:

How Not To Drown In A Glass of Water by Angie Cruz -- I downloaded this last night when I couldn’t sleep, and wow is it good! I love the characters and the format.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros -- I have about 1 1/2 hours left in this audiobook, and I am listening to it every chance I get! Yes there’s a lot of hype, but it’s for a reason. These books are a lot of fun.

The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle -- Yup, still reading this one. It’s a deep read, and I haven’t had the space to sit down and think while I read. This week I should finish!

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

Walking Wednesday November 15, 2023

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The time change really cut into my desire to walk last week. I got out a bit on Sunday, and did my normal Monday long walk, but didn’t do much beyond that. This week I need to wake up and walk.

I somehow got Iron Flame from the library on release day, so I’ll be listening to that this week so the next person in line can get it.

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On My Nightstand November 12, 2023

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We somehow have a week off from sports and school obligations, so we took advantage and spent the day on the water at St. Michael’s, Maryland. Great town, but no bookstore.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“Finally, from so little sleeping and so much reading, his brain dried up and he went completely out of his mind.”
— Don Quixote

On my nightstand:

Reign by Katharine McGee -- I absolutely love this series. So fun.

From Beer to Eternity by Sherry Harris -- Another cozy for my book club. I’m a little burnt out on cozies after reading so many last month, but I’m enjoying it.

The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle -- Still working on this one. A really interesting read, but not one I can read quickly.

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 November 2023

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My October was filled with cozy mysteries and thrillers, as is bookworm law. I had a lot of fun, but am enjoying the feeling of my brain coming back to life as I re-introduce deeper books this month. I don’t even know where I am with my reading challenges, but at this point I kind of want to just read what’s overflowing on my shelves and start again with the challenges in 2024. I saw a meme the other day that said something like “It’s officially let’s reconnect after the holidays season!” and that’s how I feel about reading challenges at this point.

Here’s the best of the best from what I read in October.

Five Star Reads:

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy -- If you would have told 10th grade me that I would be willingly getting up pre-dawn on a weekend to finish Tess of the D‘Urbervilles I would not have believed you. This book touched me in ways teenage me would never have imagined. This book is wasted on High Schoolers. It hit way differently in my 40’s.

Four Star Reads:

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James -- Once I figured out the characters and the timelines I was really invested in the story of this boarding school for unwanted girls set in the 1950’s and the reporter who wants to learn more in 2014.

Malorie by Josh Malerman -- Bird Box scared the heck out of me so I had been saving this one for a good Halloween scare. I wasn’t expecting to relate so much to the story of a mom just trying to keep her teens alive when they think they are so much smarter and fight you on every damn thing 🤣 The whole blindfold wearing issue was interesting too after the last few years of mask wearing. So, not the scare I was looking for, but a relatable tale of motherhood.

Going Zero by Anthony McCarten -- A fast paced techno thriller. Bigger than life Elon Musk type Cy challenges ten people to evade his surveillance technology for thirty days. If they do they get 3 million dollars. This book moved, and was hard to put down once I started.

A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale -- I enjoyed this novel about Harry- a man who had to flee to Canada in the years before WWI just because of who he was. The author’s note at the end revealed Harry was actually a distant relative of his, and he got the idea for this novel after reading a family member’s memoirs.

Hotel California edited by Don Bruns -- I enjoyed making my way through this mystery anthology last month. My favorite was the last story, and the inspiration for the title. In Hotel California the famous song is told through the eyes of a social media influencer. And it was as creepy as it sounds.

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 November 5, 2023

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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

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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

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Walking Wednesday November 1, 2023

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It’s winter here now! That’s not to say it won’t be summer again by Christmas. While it lasts I’m loving taking out my cozy walking gear.

I started a non-fiction book about Greenland today. It’s a little dry but the descriptions of the landscape are fitting my vibe. It’s called The Ice At The End Of The World.

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On My Nightstand October 29, 2023

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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.

Walking Wednesday October 18, 2023

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It’s getting darker and darker when I walk, meaning I don’t have as many pictures. Check out the creepy friend I made on the metro the other morning though. Not exactly what you want to see when it’s 5:30 am and dark. I would love to know the story behind that thing.

I’ve been listening to another cozy - Clammed Up by Barbara Ross. If what you listen to while you’re exercising leads you to eat blueberry pie is that a problem?

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

Show Us Your Books October 2023

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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

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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.

Walking Wednesday October 11, 2023

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Walks around the soccer field continue! Nights are darker and I’m enjoying bringing my colder weather gear out.

I’m about to finish listening to the cozy Leave No Scone Unturned. I’m flying through the cozies this month. Tis the season! (This was free on audible.)

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On My Nightstand October 8, 2023

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.