Bill’s Comments (group member since Nov 30, 2021)

Bill’s comments from the On The Same Page group.

9. A garden of flower on the cover. Postern of Fate (a flower placed on the book's pages) 3.0 stars

Ioana wrote: "True, kind of depressing. I think DDT is not used for crop dusting anymore, and that might be the cause some wildlife is recovering. At least, this is what we are being told about the recovery of t..."

Here's a story for you. When I was in Grade 1 in 1960, we lived in military housing in Quebec. Our house backed onto a bit of a forest. Every summer, the base would send this truck around the edge of the woods and it had a sprayer, I'm sure it was DDT to keep the bugs down, and as it drove by the houses, all of us kids used to run around in and out of the smoke.. (maybe it was just smoke, but I tend to doubt it.. Glad my kids never experienced it.

Completed my 4th book and 4th series with Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie 3.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is the 3rd Rats book, Domain by James Herbert

Completed the Tommy and Tuppence mystery series in Mar 2026. 5 books in the series.

286. Postern of Fate

Ioana wrote: "Silent Spring I've had this on my TBR for ages, and I finally got to read it. I don't know I've waited so long. Even though it was written in the early 60s it's still valid and its mes..."

I felt the same about this book, Ioana. I finally got and read a copy in 2023. So informative, kind of depressing, but still worth reading. Glad you 'enjoyed' it.

Melissa wrote: "A little disappointed in Jamaica Inn. It seemed like I was reading the screenplay for a 1930's black and white gothic movie. Nothing wrong with it, but it seems to h..."

It's not one I've tried but it was a 1930's gothic movie, 1939 to be exact.. LOL. I tried to watch it once... Didn't finish it. I prefer du Maurier's other works...

Lillie wrote: "Bill wrote: "3. Alabaster: Wolves by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Alabaster #1) After Doppelganger, I needed something cheerful so visited the world of demons and werewolves and their fight against Dancy Fl..."

LOL! Thanks, Lillie

Lea wrote: "The Welles book looks to be very interesting, how fortunate you were to get your hands on it. Too bad Doppelganger didn't work for you - I know someone who has a semi unusual name and lives in a sm..."

My attention span seems to be shrinking, Lea. Or my patience? I keep putting aside some books to find something new and fresh. Not that Doppelganger wasn't new and fresh. i hope you try it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

An interesting mix, Pat. Agatha Christie is always fun. I was going to try Daniel Silva as it does look interesting but decided not to for the time being. So many ongoing series on my shelf already. Good luck with the rest of the month.

Ioana wrote: "Bill wrote: "2. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein Sounded like an interesting story. Writer Naomi Klein discovers that another Naomi, Naomi Wolf, is now being confused with ..."

I think you should try it. I think I wasn't in the mood to finish it. But she writes very well and it's an interesting subject.

Lillie wrote: "Bill wrote: "I have to read the next Chronicles of St Mary's. It's such a great time travel series."

Yes! Which one are you on? Just picked up What Could Possibly Go Wrong?, #6.

D..."

A Trail through Time #4 is my next one to read. I have Doing Time on my bookshelf and look forward to trying it too.

Mid-March Reading Update
It's been a very slow month. I finished 3 relatively short books, one of them being a graphic novel and gave up on one that I had started in January. Hoping the rest of the month is a bit better.

Completed
1. On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy by Ira Wells. I found this at my favorite local. The owner said she bought it at a book fair (if I remember correctly). Very interesting, short look at history of book banning and perspectives on it. 4.5 stars
2. Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein Sounded like an interesting story. Writer Naomi Klein discovers that another Naomi, Naomi Wolf, is now being confused with her. Similar political bents except Wolf is now a leading light in the conspiracy theory groups and a regular on Steve Bannon's podcast. After awhile, I just found this dive into propaganda and conspiracies and misinformation just too depressing to continue. DNF
3. Alabaster: Wolves by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Alabaster #1) After Doppelganger, I needed something cheerful so visited the world of demons and werewolves and their fight against Dancy Flammarion. Fun graphic novel. 3.5 stars
4. A Time to Keep Silence by Patrick Leigh Fermor combination essays and travel novel by Fermor, as he visited various Benedictine monasteries in the 50s. Surprisingly enjoyable. 4.5 stars

Currently Reading
1. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin (Rebus #16) Rebus and Siobhan investigate a murder during a G-7 summit in Edinborough
2. Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo (Children of Chicago #1) Just getting into it but it seems like a play on the Pied Piper fairy tale.
3. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø (Harry Hole #7) Harry is investigating a series of missing women in Norway.
4. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (Marrow Thieves #1). Just about to crack it open. Dystopia anyways
5. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie (Tommy & Tuppence #5). This will complete the series for me. Tommy & Tuppence retire from the spy game, buy an old house and while renovating discover a hidden message that revives their interest in investigation.
6. A Series of Murders by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #13). Aging actor and sometimes drunk, Charles Paris is acting in a TV series, playing a Police Desk Sgt and gets involved in investigating the murder of an unpopular actress.
7. The White Russian by Tom Bradby Murder investigaion in Russia (St Petersburg) in early 1900s

Next in Line?
1. Domain by James Herbert (Rats #3)
2. Gideon's Power by J.J. Marric (Commander Gideon #15)
3. A Question of Proof by Nicholas Blake (Nigel Strangeways #1)
4. Dorothy Parker: Complete Broadway, 1918–1923 by Dorothy Parker

Enjoy the rest of March

You've had a great 1st half. A nice mix there too. Enjoy the rest of March.

Michelle wrote: "Sorry about all the long quotes on this thread. I just feel like I’m giving a little more in depth review here and I want the quotes to give you a feel for the book. Just skip them if it’s too much."

The more info the better. Nobody has to read them if they don't want. Thank you.

Turkey - A quick visit to the Rock Monasteries of Cappadocia as part of a visit to Benedictine monasteries in A Time to Keep Silence by Patrick Leigh Fermor 4.5 stars

Finished my 2nd book, a collection of essays, A Time to Keep Silence by Patrick Leigh Fermor 4.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My review of A Time to Keep Silence by Patrick Leigh Fermor 4.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A bit of Canadian indigenous dystopia next with The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Karol wrote: "From my "Priority Reads" challenge:

Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear

I absolutely loved reading this book, despite the straightforward presentation of the harsh re..."

I've read a couple in this series and enjoyed them both. I need to get back to it.

I have to read the next Chronicles of St Mary's. It's such a great time travel series.

I love your review of Imperfect Bliss.. LOL.. Good luck with the rest of your March selections.