General Discussion Lounge ~~ 2026 > Likes and Comments

Anything that you want to chat about that doesn't seem to fit in the other Folders or threads you can post here.

Wishing all our Book Nook Cafe members a very Happy New Year.

Thank you!

And Happy New Year to you, too, Alias. I hope the new year brings you continued health, happiness, and lots of terrific books to read! :-)

Hello everyone! Say hello to 2026!

I have more on that here:

https://haileysawyer.wordpress.com/20...

You certainly met your goals in 2025, Hailey. Wishing you continued success in 2026.

If you find a book that helps you with your meditation, please do share.

Is anybody noticing ads when they log in to Goodreads? I'm seeing a lot of ads, and I'm not sure if they're specific to Goodreads or just popping up on my computer.

Barbara wrote: "Is anybody noticing ads when they log in to Goodreads? I'm seeing a lot of ads, and I'm not sure if they're specific to Goodreads or just popping up on my computer."

No. I've not noticed any ads.

I've only noticed the ad at the top of the page. Usually they are books but lately, they've been something else, although i cannot recall what. I don't "really" notice the ads to read, only that they are there.

I hope that's just a glitch for you, Barbara.

I don't recall any, but unless they cause the pages to be slow to load, I've learned to just ignore ads, so I'm not reliable.

Alias Reader wrote: "You certainly met your goals in 2025, Hailey. Wishing you continued success in 2026.

If you find a book that helps you with your meditation, please do share."

Thank you, Alias!

Alias Reader wrote: ""

Great! I am happy to be an introvert!

Thanks, Alias!

We postponed our December 27th Christmas gathering due to so many family members being sick. It was instead to be held tomorrow, next door at my daughter's. Lots of family and we got a tent and heater to accommodate everyone. My daughter got sick on the 26th with a cold and fever. As the week went on, she got sicker and sicker, with 2 visits to the doctor - bronchitis. No flu, no COVID. She got an inhaler and cough pills that usually work right away. But it hurt her to talk, she could not sleep, and she had fits of coughing. This morning it became clear that our postponed gathering would have to be cancelled.

I am sad. I cannot remember when in my life that we were not all together for the holiday. At least our small group of 7 was together on Christmas Day.

Today she got antibiotics as a last resort. Her chest is clear, so no pneumonia. The doctor told her to stay away from my husband and I. Despite living 13 feet away, I have not seen her face for a week. And no matter how old your children are, when they are sick, you worry.

Sigh.

I hope your daughter is feeling better soon.

Alias Reader wrote: "I hope your daughter is feeling better soon."

Thanks, Alias, me too.

I just want to see her face!

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "We postponed our December 27th Christmas gathering due to so many family members being sick. It was instead to be held tomorrow, next door at my daughter's. Lots of family and we got a tent and hea..."

Hope she gets better soon. The only time my family couldn't be together at Christmas was in 2020 when we "met" on Zoom, due to Covid restrictions.

Sounds like she has the illness that knocked me out in October, excessive cough, fever, chills, and I got the same treatments, inhaler and cough pills. Tested negative for all the usual suspects but sick for 2+ weeks. I was able to sleep though if I self medicated with NyQuil

It was a nasty virus, and again I hope she feels better soon

Alias Reader wrote: ""

My son mentioned the Wolf Moon when we talked last night. I saw it around 3 AM but didn't have a name. Now i do. Full and high last night, too.

#14
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Today she got antibiotics as a last resort. Her chest is clear, so no pneumonia. The doctor told her to stay away from my husband and I. Despite living 13 feet away, I have not seen her face for a week. And no matter how old your children are, when they are sick, you worry..."

True, on both counts. Stay away from her while ill. Isn't it weird to be that age?

And true about worrying, as well.

I'm sad that your family gathering was cancelled but it's for the best, i'm certain. Take care, JoAnn.

Denise wrote: "JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "We postponed our December 27th Christmas gathering due to so many family members being sick. It was instead to be held tomorrow, next door at my daughter's. Lots of family a..."

NyQuil would have me wound up like a spinning top! Some of those drugs have the opposite effect on me. I was hesitant to take the offered codeine after my abdominal surgery a few years ago, but one of the nurses just put it in my IV without even asking. My fears were unfounded. It took away the pain, which wasn't that bad, with no bad side effects, not even drowsiness.

I am lucky enough to be able to fall asleep naturally when I want to, though. I can't even lie down to read a book. I'll be asleep before I have time to pick up the book. So, blessing and not such a blessing, but I'd rather be an easy sleeper than not.

I can't find the book prompts for 2026. Can someone post a link or directions, please.

#20
Bella (Kiki) wrote: "NyQuil would have me wound up like a spinning top! Some of those drugs have the opposite effect on me. ..."

I've heard that this happens with some people. Glad it's not me, though. Not that i used night time cold medicine very often but when i do, i am out for the night. hurrah.

Bella, this should get you to the overall thread for '26. Good luck.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "I can't find the book prompts for 2026. Can someone post a link or directions, please."

This is the Folder.

The master list of prompts is in the 3rd post.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Thank you Alias and Madrano. I found them once, then lost my way. LOL

Edit: I found the right place and am now a member of the 100 book challenge! Thank you!

Bella, the BNC challenge is only 26 books in the challenge. That is for the year 2026.
There are some extra prompts for those that want to read more or find the master list too difficult.

I see you posted the master list of 26 prompts. Which is great. But I see you named it 100 books.


For the people who want to do a different challenge or more than one challenge, they set that up in the Determination Lists & Challenges Folder.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

So your "100 Books" challenge if you are doing your own prompts would go there. I'm not clear what your goal is.

Do you want to do 2 challenges?
1- the BNC 2026 challenge of 26 books and the 26 prompts
2- a 100 book challenge that you create your own prompts or have a goal of reading 100 books.
3- Do both 1 & 2

Sorry for any confusion.

Alias Reader wrote: "Bella, the BNC challenge is only 26 books in the challenge. That is for the year 2026.
There are some extra prompts for those that want to read more or find the master list too difficult.

I see y..."

Thank you, Alias. I'm clear now. I think I saw someone who was doing a 100 book challenge, and I got confused. When I saw the prompts, I wondered how we were going to get 100 books out of 26 prompts.

I think I'll just stick to 26 books for the challenge. I'll change my title.

Thank you again. I didn't do this last year, so I was a little confused.

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Bella, the BNC challenge is only 26 books in the challenge. That is for the year 2026.
There are some extra prompts for those that want to read more or find the master list too..."

No problem. We are glad to have you join us this year !

Ditto.

Thank you Alias, and Deb. I'm kind of at sea right now, but I'll get it straightened around in a few days.

Deb, I saw I made a comment in your challenge that should have gone in Books, so I removed it. Apologies. I think I was going off the trail there. I did make another comment that was responsive to your challenge. I can't believe you're going to go a year without reading a biography or memoir, either. That seems to be a category you love. Me, not so much, but I can find something.

You are correct, i couldn't go a year without either bio or memoir, Bella.

madrano wrote: "You are correct, i couldn't go a year without either bio or memoir, Bella."

Which is a good thing, Deb. :-)

I don't read a lot of biographies, but I do prefer them to memoirs. I have a biography of Tennyson that I really want to read sooner rather than later. I do love biographies of writers and musicians.

madrano wrote: "You are correct, i couldn't go a year without either bio or memoir, Bella."

I read one collective biography and one dual memoir in 2025.

The collective bio was The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon. The review can be found at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The memoir was a joint one by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. The title was The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. The review is at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Shomeret wrote: "madrano wrote: "You are correct, i couldn't go a year without either bio or memoir, Bella."

I read one collective biography and one dual memoir in 2025.

The collective bio was [book:The Small an..."

You know a lot more about the world than I do, Shomeret. I read very few biographies. I should read more, but novels just keep pulling me away.

Shomeret wrote: I read one collective biography and one dual memoir in 2025.

The collective bio was The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon. The review can be found at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The memoir was a joint one by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.

I read the Small and the Mighty and gave it a top rating. 5/5.

I read the Dalai Lama and Tutu book pre GoodReads. Though I recall that I enjoyed it.

Two good books, Shomeret !

Bella (Kiki) wrote: "Shomeret wrote: "madrano wrote: "You are correct, i couldn't go a year without either bio or memoir, Bella."

I read one collective biography and one dual memoir in 2025.

The collective bio was [..."

Nice review of Sharon McMahon's book. Wouldn't she make a wonderful Secretary of Education?

Love the quote you included: "Education is liberation. And an educated population is difficult to oppress."

Thanks

#33
Shomeret wrote: "madrano wrote: "You are correct, i couldn't go a year without either bio or memoir, Bella."

I read one collective biography and one dual memoir in 2025.

The collective bio was ..."

Thank you for linking to your reviews of both books, Shomeret. I see i've previously put the first on my TBR, i think it was because i read your comments.

While i knew Rosa Parks worked with the Movement prior to her bus refusal, i wasn't aware that she investigated that particular crime. Thanks for that info. I believe i will move this book up on my list, and even attempt to read it this year. The info you shared is important.

trump: "Just because a boat landed there 500 years ago doesn’t mean Denmark owns Greenland."

Words of a true idiot.

Are you criticizing our Historian in Chief, JoAnn? How about "New Facts Historian in Chief?

madrano wrote: "Are you criticizing our Historian in Chief, JoAnn? How about "New Facts Historian in Chief?"

How about "Lying POS New Facts Historian in Chief"?

MUST GET:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/18010494...

JoAnn, in the upper left there is a flowery one called "Cottagecore". It reminded me--and i'm wondering if it was inspired by--the book i read a couple of years ago, The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life--Emily Kent. I didn't get much out of it, but i know it was well regarded.

Personally, i'm not an apron person, let alone a floral apron person, even with books on it. At least the one you like has the floral part overwhelmed by the books. As it should be. Yes.

madrano wrote: "Personally, i'm not an apron person, let alone a floral apron person, even with books on it. At least the one you like has the floral part overwhelmed by the books. As it should be. Yes.

"

I , on the other hand, am very much an apron person and have many. I like them for the pockets, which this one does not have. BOO! I even have a half apron with pockets that I often wear around the house to carry things if my pants do not have pockets (phone, pen, paper, notes, etc.)

However I mainly wear aprons because I am a messy cook!

I am hopeless about aprons. My mother seldom wore one, perhaps this is why i don't. My sister does, but she picked up that habit while living in Amsterdam.

The idea of wearing a half apron is smart, when pants fail to have pockets. I had one of those years ago, kinda made with handkerchiefs. It was muted but colorful.

madrano wrote: "I am hopeless about aprons. My mother seldom wore one, perhaps this is why i don't. My sister does, but she picked up that habit while living in Amsterdam.

The idea of wearing a half apron is sma..."

I never saw my mother in an apron. My first one was 50 years ago when I bought a Cuisinart food processor. There was a card inside for a free gift. I chose the apron ----and I still wear it!!! It was well-made ----it's probably been washed 500 times!

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "madrano wrote: "I am hopeless about aprons. My mother seldom wore one, perhaps this is why i don't. My sister does, but she picked up that habit while living in Amsterdam.

The idea of wearing a h..."

That is well made! You'd be hard pressed to find textiles that can withstand that amount of washing now

Denise wrote: " You'd be hard pressed to find textiles that can withstand that amount of washing now
..."

For sure! Just like everything else. My nephew just had to replace his 3 year old dishwasher. The repairman told him that was average!

My last dishwasher was still going at 21 years of age when we moved and the washer and dryer were 20.

#45
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "I never saw my mother in an apron. My first one was 50 years ago when I bought a Cuisinart food processor. There was a card inside for a free gift. I chose the apron ----and I still wear it!!! It was well-made ----it's probably been washed 500 times..."

Wow. You & Denise have covered all i have to say, but that's remarkable.

I am truly disgusted that someone started a GO FUND ME campaign for that murdering ICE agent.

Sickening.

Ditto.