On My Nightstand August 10, 2024

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Clouds after debby

Hurricane Debby swept through here yesterday. It was a scary day with tornado and flash flood alerts going off. Luckily the damage here wasn’t too bad, and we got some much needed rain. I have to take the kids to get some back to school stuff this morning, but as soon as we get home I’m throwing on an audiobook and pulling every weed I see while the ground is soft. The things that make you happy in your 40’s!

I thought I was in a reading slump, but it turns out I just didn’t like what I was reading very much. So I bailed on a bunch of books last week and now I’m back on track. Whew!

Quote of the week:

“Rich people, thought Judy- she thought this the, and she thinks it now- generally become most enraged when they sense they’re about to be held accountable for their wrongs.”
— God of the Woods by Liz Moore

tropical downpours while reading the torrid zone

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - Bear by Julia Phillips - I have peopley things to do this weekend, but really all I want to do is hide somewhere and read this book. At 17% it’s so good!

Audiobook - Walking to Samarkand by Bernard Ollivier - I am really enjoying this trilogy of travel memoirs about Ollivier’s walk along the Silk Road between 1999-2002.

Print - Tales From The Torrid Zone by Alexander Frater - Still reading this one bit by bit while I wait for field hockey practice to end. It’s perfect for dipping in and out of.

fresh figs from my tree

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August 2024 TBR

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On My Nightstand August 4, 2024

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national gallery of art

I worked this week, but I spent a few of the evenings visiting the local sights since my kids are out of town. They don’t love going to art museums or zoos with me, so I just go when they’re gone. Now the kids are back and we’re getting ready for fall sports next week. Summers never last as long as I think they will!

I also spent some time going through my reading plans for the rest of the year. I read quite a few new releases and ARCs this year which has been fun. However I am really behind in my reading goals. So I planned a way so that I can at least finish my Reading Oceania and Reading The USA challenges.

Quote of the week:

“I started doing several different breathing exercises at once that all canceled each other out.”
— All Fours by Miranda July

national botanical garden

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg - An ARC for a historical fiction book coming out in October.

Audiobook - The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty - I bought myself a paper copy of this last year for my birthday, but I realized I just find them much more enjoyable on audio. So I switched to audio but kept my copy of the beautiful book for my shelf.

Print - Tales From The Torrid Zone by Alexander Frater - This one will be with me for a while. I’m enjoying the travel memoir that takes place in various tropical countries, but it’s not something I can curl up with and read for hours.

the national zoo

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Walking Wednesday July 31, 2024

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Now that it’s “only” in the 90’s I’ve been trying to branch out more. This week I visited a nearby park that is known for its boardwalks. It’s so dry, but I still saw a lot of critters.

I’ve been listening to the second to last Cat In The Stacks Book - Hiss Me Deadly by Miranda James. What will I do for a palate cleanser when this series is over?

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On My Nightstand July 28, 2024

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Waking up late today because I stayed up way too late last night watching the Olympics. This will be my life until mid-August. I can’t get enough!

I’ve been reading a lot too, and trying to finish up my July goals. I’m behind this month since we have been on the go so much, and my concentration has been terrible when I do get a minute. Oh well. It’s a hobby not a job. (Talking to myself here.)

Quote of the week:

““Guess what that old family named the house,” he said. “Give me a minute. I’m thinking,” said Delphine, seriously. And then she said: “Manderly.””
— The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - Vanishing Edge by Claire Kells - An impulse read- I love books set in National Parks, and have been looking for something similar to Alice Henderson’s series.

Audiobook - The Suspect by Kent Alexander and Kevin Salwen - Listened to a bunch of things before the one thing I really wanted to listen to. This week!

Print - The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes - For a book club. I hope it’s a good one! I have a love/hate relationship with “required reading.”

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2024 First Half Favorites

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Better late than never, here are my top five reads from January to June 2024. Note these may have been published before 2024, and I’m not including re-reads. They’re in no particular order.

Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka - This autobiographical graphic novel gave me all the feels. Jarret grew up with his grandparents after being largely abandoned by his drug addicted mother and his MIA father. His grandparents weren’t exactly traditional but they got the job done. Bonus points for 1990’s Massachusetts nostalgia.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - I can’t say it better than a million reviewers and the Pulitzer Prize have already said. I’ll just say this lived up to the hype for me, and I recommend it on audio.

On Fragile Waves by E. Lily Yu - This is one of the great books of 2020-2021 that I feel got lost amid all of the world events. If I could make it required reading though I would because it puts a very relatable face on a refugee family.

All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby - Another book that deserves the hype. Cosby is a auto read author for me. I know that once I start his books I can’t stop.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - This was one of my most anticipated summer releases. It was so unique while being relatable all at the same time. How to describe the book about a young single mother making it work via her only fans account with the help of her washed up pro wrestler Dad? I can’t. Just read it.

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On My Nightstand July 21, 2024

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We just got back from my annual extended family vacation in New Hampshire. What a time. I am still processing. It’s an awesome thing to see children turn into adults and adults who should be slowing down decide they should do new things like zip lining. I am profoundly grateful for this time with my family. I am also profoundly grateful to be home with my books and my cats!

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the Week:

“both human nature and a pastry are frail...”
— All Fours by Miranda July

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - Sandwich by Catherine Newman - Very timely to read this book about a woman on vacation with her kids and parents while on vacation with my kids and parents.

Audiobook - The Suspect by Kent Alexander and Kevin Salwen - I never got to this last week, but am looking forward to it now. The Olympics start soon!

Print - I’m not sure! I finished My Own Country while I was away and aren’t sure what I’m in the mood for now! Picking out my next book is fun so I’m looking forward to deciding.

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RIP Everyday Food Magazine

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I hit the mother load on Buy Nothing the other day. A neighbor was giving away several years worth of Everyday Food magazines. This was a fabulous magazine from Martha Stewart’s empire that got me through dinners when my kids were babies. Sadly I don’t know where most of my back issues went, and the magazine stopped publishing in 2013.

Unlike Martha’s monthly magazine I always found these recipes to be tasty and easy to follow. I knew they would be PERFECT for my son (16) who has been making dinner for us once a week this summer.

His first dinner was chorizo egg and potato tacos (just egg and potato for me to keep it vegetarian.) I can’t find the recipe online, but it was similar to this.

If your neighbors ever want to give a stack of these magazines away grab them!

On My Nightstand July 13, 2024

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It’s a busy morning. My daughter is on her way home from summer camp. Once we pick her up let the laundry begin!

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the Week:

“I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!”
— Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - Feral Creatures of Suburbia by D. Liebhart (ARC) - Still working on this one. No reflection on the book, just hasn’t been a kindle type week.

Audiobook - The Suspect by Kent Alexander and Kevin Salwen - I’ve been wanting to read this book about the Atlanta Olympics bombing for a while, and figured now is the time.

Print - My Own Country by Abraham Verghese - I absolutely love Verghese’s fiction. I’m happy to say his non-fiction is just as immersive. This is a memoir about his early days as a doctor during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic.

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

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Show Us Your Books July 2024

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June was a great reading month. I read some new books for summer reading challenges, and finally got to a book from last summer’s reading guides.

Five Star Reads

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - This was one of my most anticipated summer reads and it did not disappoint. I loved this completely dysfunctional family so much.

Four Star Reads

The Postcard by Anne Berest - What to say about this book? I was so mad at first that the family stayed in France. The book did such a good job showing how evil the Nazis were in hiding what they had planned. Of course they didn’t believe the worst would happen. Unbelievably sad and sobering. I thought I’d read all of the WWII books by this point but I’m glad I read this one too.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki - I think the publishers did this book a disservice by billing this as a book of food and murder when it really wasn’t that. Really it was about living up to expectations in Japan, and how people are judged for their weight. Once I let go of the food and murder thing I really liked this book.

Challenger by Adam Higginbotham - We listened to this chunkster of an audiobook on trips from Virginia to Tennessee and then from Virginia to West Virginia. We all really enjoyed it, although it almost went too much in depth. I did appreciate that it focused on all the astronauts not just McAuliffe.

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby - I love the characters and the setting in S.A. Cosby’s books. In this one a former getaway driver gets behind on his bills, and needs to do one last job. Fun summer reading.

Long Island by Colm Toibin - This book was quiet but so complicated. I am still trying to wrap my head around each of the characters. They were all so flawed but in a way that makes you want the best for them.

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Walking Wednesday July 10, 2024

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I’ve been trying to stick to shady spots for my walks, and also have been varying my routes to drop off books at various little free libraries. (Yes that is my copy of Murder Your Employer- I finally gave up. I’m sure this is a me problem since so many others have loved it, so I’m confident it will find a good home soon.)

I’m about to start listening to Babel by R.F. Kuang. I had a long wait for this one from the library. I hope it was worth it!

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Cookbook Review: The Zero Waste Cookbook by Giovanna Torrico

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Fried spaghetti

I have really been trying to pay attention to the food waste in this house lately, so I was thrilled that my library had a Zero Waste cookbook.

Zero Waste must be a hard thing to write about when it comes to food because who knows what kinds of bits and bobs people will have in their house. Because of that there weren’t a ton of recipes I tried from this book, but I did get some good ideas after flipping through it.

The one recipe I did make was fried spaghetti for my daughter and I. It was basically leftover spaghetti and some shredded cheese fried in some olive oil. This made for a yummy Saturday morning breakfast for my daughter and I. It’s one I’ll make again when I have leftover spaghetti and feel like throwing my concerns about cholesterol to the wind.

On My Nightstand July 6, 2024

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This week went by so fast! The weeks with days off always do. I’ve been trying to take advantage and read, but it’s so hot I’ve just been falling asleep a lot. I have also been distracted by season two of The Mole on Netflix. Nothing beats the original Anderson Cooper version, but these new ones are pretty good.

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the Week:

“From past investigations, Juliet had learned that few combinations were more delightful than investigations and scones.”
— The Perils of Lady Cathering de Bourgh by Claudia Gray

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - Feral Creatures of Suburbia by D. Liebhart (ARC) - If this book is as good as the cover it will get a good review from me.

Audiobook - Claws for Concern by Miranda James - These cozies are nice light listens for my audio walks.

Print - I’m about halfway through The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray. This series is so fun.

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

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Walking Wednesday July 3, 2024

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The weather has been all over the place, but the long days make it easy to get out and walk. It’s amazing that anything can survive this stinking heat and humidity but I’ve seen all sorts of flowers and insects plus a fox this week.

I’m listening to Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. This is a re-read for me and I’m enjoying it.

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July 2024 TBR

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June Beginning TBR: 424
June Ending TBR: 416

I made a tiny dent on my TBR last month. I’ll take it!

Books I Want To Read In July:

1-6 Are all book club reads: FoodAndLit, my postal book club, my work book club, Author A Month, and the next Nancy Drew. I’m not sure what all the titles are yet so I won’t list them.

7) Within Arm’s Reach

8) Tales From The Torrid Zone

9) The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh

10) Myst

11) The Oceanography of the Moon

12) Triumphant Sky

13) The Eyre Affair

14) In Extremis

15) The Earth Cries Out

16) All Fours

17) James

18) The Empire of Gold

That’s all I’ve got so far! I’m hoping a shorter list means I’ll get more done? We’ll see!

#JIAM Audiobook Mini-Challenge Results

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I had fun taking part in the #JIAM Audiobook Mini-Challenge with Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About.

I finished two of the three challenges I was trying for, and started another.

  • Love your Library (listen to 3 audiobooks from your local library)

  • Going the Distance (listen to 3 audiobooks over 12 hours each)

  • Tackle your Audiobook TBR Pile (listen to 3 audiobooks you already own)

If you want to join sign up here and post reviews here.

On My Nightstand June 29, 2024

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It’s almost July, my youngest is away at camp, and the weather report says approximately 3 million degrees with 200% humidity. Summer reading is in full swing!

We’re halfway through the year so I’m going to be working on some best of 2024 so far lists this week, plus starting to think about the reading challenges I’m committed to and how best to finish them before the end of the year. None of that is necessary or required of course, but I really do love planning my reading almost as much as I love reading!

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the Week:

“‘There is nothing in this world so pathetic, so moronic, so meaningless as dieting.’”
— Butter by Asako Yuzuki

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle - Long Island by Colm Tóibín I’m loving this one just as much as the first one so far. I’m so glad I was able to get it from the library so quickly.

Audiobook - Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver - I’m not sure if this is working for me on audio so I might switch to print. I’ve read it before so I know I like the story.

Print - Still working on Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes. Hopefully I’ll get some time to finish this weekend.

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

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

Walking Wedesday June 26, 2024

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It’s been so hot here I’ve had to resort to taking 2-3 short walks a day instead of one long one. Everything is so dry. We need some rain soon! I read this morning that it’s been a month and that sounds about right.

I just started listening to Margo’s Got Money Troubles. This was one of my most anticipated summer reads so I’m really looking forward to it. I hope it lives up to expectations!