Show Us Your Books January 2024

Is everyone used to writing 2024 yet? It still takes me a minute. It sounds so in the future.

My December reading was heavy on the re-reads. It’s not Christmas to me without my favorite books. I did have a few new winners though:

Five Stars

Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas - Wow, what a ride. I usually avoid books about teenagers and/or 9/11, but my library had this one and it‘s on the #LitsyTOB24 list. I really enjoyed it after all. My last read of 2023- love ending on a high note!

Four Stars

Lights by Brenna Thummler - The third book in a trilogy of graphic novels. I didn’t like it as much as the other two, but I was glad to get closure on Wendell’s story.

Nora Webster by Colm Toibin - Nora is a new widow and mother of four when we meet her. Not only is she dealing with grief she must make changes to support her family. This book was a quiet look at life in Ireland around the 60’s. The audiobook was beautifully read.

March by Geraldine Brooks - Little Women told mostly through the eyes of Mr. March. A friend recommended this knowing Little Women is a favorite, not knowing that I really can’t stand Mr March. BUT this book did such a great job of explaining why he was such a pompous know it all without making him sympathetic. I loved it. Warning this book largely takes place in the south during the Civil War so it’s not a gentle book.

Happy reading everyone!

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Waking Wednesday January 10, 2024

It was a weird walking week- we had floods and some nice days in between. I’m slowly getting stronger and increasing my step counts day by day. We’re supposed to get snow next week so we’ll see what that will do to my walking.

I finished The Covenant of Water earlier this week, and now I’ve moved on the Oceana by Ted Danson. (Yes, that Ted Danson.)

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On My Nightstand January 7, 2024

We’re well in the New Year now, and everything Christmas is coming down today. I’ll miss the extra lights, but I’m looking forward to getting the space back. Sports start again for the kids this week, and I’m almost looking forward to that too. (Full disclosure- looking forward to the sports, not the driving and the laundry.)

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“For every one person who spends their last day romping through wildflowers and bestowing tender messages on their beloveds, praying words of thanksgiving as the sun falls into the ocean, there are two people who on their last day will order everything on the drive-thru menu at Taco Bell and chase it with a bottle of Wild Turkey. Urgency never makes a good life, or a good death. No one flosses on their last day on Earth. But there is something to be said about realizing stability is always a temporary situation, and that your dreams and plans will not pulsate within you forever. A life of denying them, for the sake of security and stability, won’t get you where you think it will.”

— Blood From A Stone by Adam McHugh

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle: The Dark by Emma Haughton - I didn’t get to this from my December list, but Antarctica in the winter has better December vibes anyway.

Audio: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese - I have about 10 more hours in this audio, and just like the last time I read it I hope it never ends.

Paper Book: High by Erika Fatland - My new work night routine is to sit in the kitchen with this book and some mint tea for an hour each night. It’s a chunkster, so by reading a bit each night I’m hoping to finish by the end of the month.

Make it a good one everyone!

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

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Walking Wednesday January 3, 2024 (I'm back!)

After about a month of recovering from covid and flu I’m back to walking! I’m pretty weak so I had to cut my step totals back, but the important thing is I’m outside moving most days. I even saw some spring bulbs coming up. I guess the bulbs didn’t get the memo that it might snow this weekend!

I started listening to The Covenant of Water again. I just love this book so much.

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On My Nightstand December 31, 2023

Happy almost New Year! I am not a New Years Eve person (cold dark nights are not things I engage with willingly.) However I LOVE New Year’s Day. I love the feeling of wiping all the Christmas clutter away and starting fresh.

This year is a little different because of illness and travel- we’re doing our family Christmas on January 1. It’s just the four of us so it should be a low key day with a meal that pleases no one but ourselves, a few presents, and hopefully a hike or at least a long walk outside.

As for reading I’m finishing up my 2023 reads today, and looking forward to starting all new reads in 2024.

Quote of the Week:

“They didn’t understand what they were doing.
I’m afraid that will be on the tombstone of the human race.”

— Prey by Michael Crichton

On My Nightstand This Week:

I’m not sure really. I’ll take a look at my January list and see where I want to go with it.

Make it a good one everyone!

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

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January (and 2024) Reading Goals

December beginning TBR: 367

December ending TBR: 376

I feel like I hit a good reading stride in November and December, and I’m excited to carry that forward into 2024. I just need my kids to go back to school first. (Is it just me or have kids not been in school since October?)

I joined a few challenges on Litsy for 2024, and I have my usual goals of reading a book set in each state and Canadian province, as well as trying to read books I already own or on my LibraryThing TBR.

Litsy geographic challenges

I started some of these a few years ago, but they’re too big for me to finish in a year. I just keep them going!

Reading Oceania 2024

Reading The Americas 2023

Reading Africa 2022

Reading Asia 2021

Other Litsy Challenges:

192025 - Read a book published each year between 1920 and 2025

Litsy Tournament of Books 2024 - Litsy’s member voted version of the Tournament of Books short list

Food and Lit - My favorite- pick a book and a recipe from a different country each month

Author A Month - Read at least one book from a member voted author each month

Hashtag Brigade - Reading through the classics a chapter a day

And now my January reading list where I attempt to work on each of these goals and challenges bit by bit:

Brothers Karamazov (a chapter a day between Jan 1 and whenever in March we finish)

Ultra Processed People

Author A Month - something by Jane Austen

His Only Wife

When in Vanuatu

Random physical library book that comes in on hold

The Covenant of Water

High

The Glass Universe

Oceana

The African Queen

In Extremis

Main Street

Sea Wife

We’ve Got You Covered

Mobility

Any ARC

Henry Huggins

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I Read A Book Set In Each State (2023)

In about an hour I should finish my last book from my 2023 Reading USA challenge. I started doing this with a group on Litsy about five years ago. I’m not sure anyone else is still doing this challenge, but I keep going each year. For me it’s a fun way to give direction to my random reading. I don’t always finish the challenge, but this year I did.

I don’t have hard and fast rules about what I count as “set in a sate.” For books that cover multiple states I usually just want at least one memorable scene set in a state. Year after year Delaware and Indiana are the hardest states to fill. And it might be my imagination, but it seems like every other book is set in Maine these days.

Results from my 2023 Reading USA challenge:

Alabama - To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Alaska - Tree Line by Ben Rawlence

Arizona - Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Arkansas - They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

California - Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

Colorado - The Shining by Stephen King

Connecticut - A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

District of Columbia - Yellowface by RF Kuang

Delaware - Keep Calm and Collie On by Lane Stone

Florida - Duma Key by Stephen King

Georgia - Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Hawaii - Moloka’i By Alan Brennert

Idaho - The Big Burn by Timothy Egan

Illinois - Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala

Iowa - The Butterfly Effect by Rachel McKenny

Kansas - Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Kentucky - Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

Louisiana - Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck

Maine - Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Maryland - What The Moon Saw by Laura Resau

Massachusetts - Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

Michigan - When Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings

Minnesota - On The Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mississippi - Dispatches From Pluto by Richard Grant

Missouri - Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Montana - Death Al Dente by Leslie Budewitz

Nebraska - The House Without A Christmas Tree by Gail Rock

New Mexico - Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu

Nevada - Prey by Michael Crichton

New Hampshire - Nothing But The Truth by Avi

New York - Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

New Jersey - Close to Shore by Michael Capuzzo

North Carolina - From Here To Eternity by Caitlin Doughty

North Dakota - The Beet Queen by Louise Erdrich

Ohio - Mr Mercedes by Stephen King

Oklahoma - The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Oregon - Walking Home by Rick Rogers

Pennsylvania - If It Bleeds by Stephen King

Rhode Island - Down City by Leah Carroll

South Carolina - My Losing Season by Pat Conroy

South Dakota - I Survived The Children’s Blizzard, 1888 by Lauren Tarshis

Tennessee - The Coal Tattoo by Silas House

Texas - Looking Up by Matthew Cappucci

Utah - Feral by Emily Pennington

Virginia - A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson

Vermont - Happy Place by Emily Henry

Washington - The Last Word by Taylor Adams

West Virginia - Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee

Wisconsin - Our Stories Carried Us Here Ed by Tia Rozman

Wyoming - The Last Ranger by Peter Heller

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On My Nightstand December 24, 2023

It’s here! I hope everyone who is celebrating Christmas is able to relax a bit.

Sit down and read a book!

Quote of the week:

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

— A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

On My Nightstand:

Audiobook: Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry - I’m about halfway through but not into this one yet. So many people rave about it, but I’m just blah. Maybe I will change my mind.

Kindle: The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden - Still working on this one. I love it, but just haven’t been making the time.

Physical Book: Prey by Michael Crichton - I thought I had read all of his books, but then I found this!

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

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On My Nightstand December 16, 2023

I am just wrapping up my annual cookie baking extravaganza. I didn’t make as many this year as I usually do because of an intervention from certain family members, but I did get to spend a late night in the kitchen listening to audiobooks. Now I’m sampling my wares and washing them down with some mulled wine. Life is good.

Next week I’m hoping to get some time to finalize my 2024 goals. I have so many ideas! First and foremost though I need to read some of the books I already own. (Are you even a bookworm if you don’t make this vow every year?)

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the week:

“The world was hers for the reading.”

— A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

On My Nightstand:

Audiobook: An Unfortunate Christmas Murder by Hannah Hendy - The British lunch ladies who solve crimes in these books crack me up. They’re fun to listen to as I go about my December madness.

Kindle: The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden - I read this when it first came out and have wanted to read the rest of the trilogy since. I needed to re-read this one before I got started though as I don’t remember much.

Physical Book: The Winter Garden by Alexandra Bell - Magical realism isn’t always my thing, but this book is working for me.

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

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Show Us Your Books December 2023

Last book write up of the year. Where did it go?

I’ve been quiet this month as I recover from covid and flu, but I’m trying to get back into the swing of things. It was fun looking back on my books from November. I did a mix of non-fiction November and mood reading over Thanksgiving. The TBR holiday was a nice treat, and I’m thinking of repeating it for Christmas.

Here’s the best of the best from November:

5 Stars - How Not To Drown In A Glass of Water by Angie Cruz - I absolutely loved this book. It had nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but it had great Thanksgiving vibes. Even though the characters were flawed I fell in love with them. Highly recommend.

5 Stars - Reign by Katherine McGee - I just really loved this series. It‘s an alternate reality where America has a royal family instead of elected officials. I was worried about how the series would end, but it was a satisfying conclusion. Great reading/listening for busy times.

4 Stars - One Man’s Wilderness by Richard Louis Proenneke - This was a great book. I loved the descriptions of the lakes and the wildlife. I was constantly wondering if I could live off the land like Proenneke, and I added seeing, or at least hearing, a wolf in the wild to my bucket list.

4 Stars - North To Paradise by Ousman Umar - This treasure was buried among the free books on my Kindle. It was a hard read, and really makes you think about the people who left home to find a better life that we celebrate on Thanksgiving and those that we refuse to help. This short book by Ousman Umar describes his journey from Ghana to Spain between the ages of about 13-17. We should all read this book.

4 Stars - Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - I thought this was as good as the first. I‘m hoping for more dragon stuff in the 3rd one.

4 Stars - The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle - How to review this book. It was extremely well written and informative, but so sobering. It looks at migration patterns mainly in the US of people after devastating natural disasters. I spent all month reading this because it was a tough topic.

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On My Nightstand December 3, 2023

Well this was supposed to be a really busy weekend filled with holiday fun, but then I got Covid. I’ve been hiding from the world in my basement for a couple of days now sending emails backing out of all of the commitments I made. It’s sad to miss out on things, but at least I could see fireworks last night from my porch. I am scheduled to give two presentations next week at work, and I’m really hope I’m up for that because I’ve been preparing for months and I want them done.

Quote of the Week

“I’ve always imagined paradise as something like a library.”

— March by Geraldine Brooks

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle- March by Geraldine Brooks
This is Little Women told by Mr. March, one of my least favorite men in classic literature. So far this book is well written, but I still don’t like Mr. March.

On Audio- Homecoming by Kate Morton
For the Author A Month challenge on Litsy. Her books are hit or miss for me. I hope this is a hit!

Physical Book- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
I had been trying to cook through this book earlier this year but got distracted. I was excited when a bookclub I’m in picked it for their December read.

Have a great week!

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December Reading Goals

November beginning TBR: 349

November ending TBR: 367

Next year I really got to work on that TBR. Oh well, at least this includes books for a lot of the challenges I’ve signed up for in 2024. But more about that next month. For now I’m working on finishing up a few challenges, some seasonal reads, and a re-read or two for December.

Here’s what I plan to read:

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

Key Lime Crime

March

Five Winters

Homecoming

The Hidden Staircase

One of my ARCs

The Dark

Last Christmas In Paris

Jayber Crow

The House Without A Christmas Tree

Prey

Nora Webster

The Haunting Season

An Unfortunate Christmas Murder

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

The Bear and the Nightingale

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Walking Wednesday November 29, 2023

Yes, some of my steps have been at the mall this week. But I did also get in quite a few outside walks despite the cold. I don’t remember it ever getting this cold in November here. I’m hoping that means we’ll get some snow this winter.

I’ve been listening to Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively this week. It’s the third time I’ve tried with this one, and I think it’s finally going to stick. I’ve really liked her other books, so I’m determined to finish this one at some point.

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On My Nightstand November 25 2023

Thanksgiving break is almost over. Bring on the chaos! I’m signed up for a about 1 million challenges on Litsy. It should be a productive reading month!

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“Every traveler has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering.”

— A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

On my nightstand:

The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle -- I’ve been reading this all month, and my one goal this week is to finish before Dec. 1!

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

On My Nightstand November 19, 2023

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

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

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.

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

Show Us Your Books November 2023

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.

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

On My Nightstand November 5, 2023

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

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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