L Y N N’s
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(group member since Nov 10, 2018)
L Y N N’s
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from the Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge group.
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Happy Saturday! Not much to report here! Temperatures have finally cooled off into the 70s! I love this weather!
I’m anxiously anticipating the return of several of my closest friends to the gym.
Life goes on…and I agree that July has flown by!
ADMIN STUFF:
THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #18 A book containing magical creatures that aren't dragons!
National Black Cat Day is October 27, 2025
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
These four books are under consideration:
Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1) by Brandon Mull
The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Last Unicorn (The Last Unicorn #1) by Peter S. Beagle
Lore Olympus: Volume One (Lore Olympus #1) by Rachel Smythe
This poll will run through Tuesday, August 12th!!
VOTE HERE!!
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Vaish B is the "fun-filled friend" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
I absolutely adored this book and wouldn’t mind rereading it, if I can make the time to do so.
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS *Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #32 A book about an overlooked woman in history
Emma M. Nutt Day is September 1, 2025
A fascinating story of the world’s very first woman/female telephone operator!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Nutt
Who is the “adventurous advocate” willing to lead this discussion? Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer, please!
I am especially interested in reading this since one of my best friend’s grandsons is currently walking the Appalachian trail!
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Do you hesitate to bring a new book with you on vacation for fear it will get dirty?
Nope! I learned a long time ago that for me, a book that is in pristine condition indicates it really hasn’t been properly ‘enjoyed’! I would view a bit of dirt or other slight disfigurement to be a sign that I was enjoying reading it while wherever doing whatever! It could serve as a poignant memory/connection to that book for me! I think much of this philosophy stems from the fact that I am aware of people who simply use books as decorations. Literally. The owners never read them…just display them.
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 41/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*Out of Circulation (Cat in the Stacks #4) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was yet another totally enjoyable book in this series! I appreciate the way James allows his characters to develop throughout the series!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #43
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #11, #15, #16, #26, #27, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #42, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #24
52 Book Club: #1, #9, #10, #34, #41, #43
*Orbital by Samantha Harvey for an IRL book club ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was absolutely fascinating! Though other book club members were not as impressed as I was! 😬 If you are interested to know some of the more inane details of daily life aboard an orbiting spacecraft, this book is for you! This is not an adventure story or heavy on plot, but rather is, IMO, a study in characterization and character interactions. I adored it on so many levels! Plus some scientific details!
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #14, #20, #48
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #11, #13, #14, #15, #16, #24, #37, #43, #45, #48
RHC: #9, #12, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #10, #13, #18, #22, #33, #37, #38, #42
*Tom Lake by Ann Patchett ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club blew me away! One of my absolute favorite reads! This is set during the COVID pandemic, but from the perspective a mother whose adult children are living in isolation back in their family home. I could relate to this book so very solidly! Trying to reacquaint yourself with your now-grown children, yet remembering their pet peeves, etc.! This hit home for me with such sincerity and pragmatism! And is proof that even those closest to you (children, spouse, partner) need not know every single detail of your life and/or past!
POPSUGAR: #6, #26
ATY: #2, #5, #11, #15, #16, #18, #23, #26, #33, #36, #37, #40, #41, #43, #45
RHC: #16, #21, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #13, #33, #37, #43
*The Wedding People by Alison Espach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ did NOT blow me away! I assumed I would adore this book, but I think perhaps I was in 'hangover' mode from Tom Lake and it kinda spoiled my enjoyment of this one. I was actually reading these both in tandem. I would definitely give Espach another try and I did love the story arc of this one! Just some of her metaphors/similes didn’t quite work for me upon a first read…
POPSUGAR: #6, #16, NEW #27, #28
ATY: #2, #5, #15, #16, #24, #25, #26, #31, #36, #37, #40, #43, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #24
52 Book Club: #7, #13, #33, #38, #43
Getting’ there!
*The Silence of the Library (Cat in the Stacks #5) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks #6) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Murder at Somerset House (Wrexford & Sloane #7) by Andrea Penrose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*No Cats Allowed (Cat in the Stacks #9) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CONTINUING:
*East of Eden by John Steinbeck
This one makes me feel like I’m reading a train wreck…
*Broken Light by Joanne Harris
I want to get this year’s Popsugar finished and am anxious to see how this one ends. Not at all what I expected!
*The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
A reread 6 1/2 years later.
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Prepared to read 10 pages or so last night before going to bed and finally stopped at Chapter 8! 😊
*The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Aug 02, 2025 01:20PM
1.Has anyone started the book yet?Not sure I'll have time to reread this in August, but I'm gonna try! Like you, it is one of my all-time favorite reads!
2.Is this the first time you are hearing about this book or have you heard it before?
I read it over two years ago so definitely need to reread since I am OLD and FORGETFUL!! 😁
3.What was your fist impression of this book based on the cover? Also, what is your favourite cover of this book?
Great question! I don't often consider the cover image very much, but I definitely prefer the hardcover image over the others.
Aug 01, 2025 10:37AM
I apologize for just now moving this to the "Current Monthly Group Read" folder!Thank you so much to Vaish B for volunteering to lead this discussion!
This is one of my all-time favorite books!
Aug 01, 2025 10:24AM
Thank you so much for leading, Dubhease!
Happy Hot Thursday! Back up to 90 degrees and above here right now. We should be getting some rain Friday through Sunday along with a bit cooler temps. I hope we get some nice gentle showers as we've been having. It makes pulling weeds so much easier!!
LISTS!
I adore John Grisham’s writing, but admit it has been quite awhile since I read any of his books. And some of you might need yet another reading challenge, yeah?!? John Grisham’s Camino Island-Inspired Reading Challenge:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/th...
And now I’m really interested in his Camino Island series!
20 New Books the Goodreads Editors Can’t Wait to Read in July
Megahit Reader? Genre Gem Seeker? Find Your Next Read with These 84 Books...
I know many of you are all about screen adaptations! So here is a list!! New & Upcoming Book-to-Screen Adaptations
ADMIN STUFF:
THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #18 A book containing magical creatures that aren't dragons!
National Black Cat Day is October 27, 2025
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
There are 9 books nominated thus far with only 14 votes!
This poll will run through Tuesday, July 29th!!
VOTE HERE!!
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
Dubhease is the “sibilant superstar” who is leading this discussion! Yay Dubhease! Thank you so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Vaish B is the "fun-filled friend" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
I absolutely adored this book and wouldn’t mind rereading it, if I can make the time to do so.
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS *Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #32 A book about an overlooked woman in history
Emma M. Nutt Day is September 1, 2025
A fascinating story of the world’s very first woman/female telephone operator!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Nutt
Who is the “adventurous advocate” willing to lead this discussion? Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer, please!
I am especially interested in reading this since one of my best friend’s grandsons is currently walking the Appalachian trail!
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Is there a publisher/celebrity book club/podcaster you trust enough to read whatever they have published or recommend? Even if you are unaware of the author and/or title?
I recently purchased a used copy of Alas, Poor Lady by Rachel Ferguson from one of my favorite local used bookstores. I know nothing about this author or the book, but the fact that Persephone Books (https://persephonebooks.co.uk/) saw fit to reprint it recently, in 2006, was enough for me to know it is most likely a book I will feel better for having read. It was originally published in 1937.
Persephone Books stated mission:
Persephone Books reprints neglected fiction and non-fiction, mostly by women writers and mostly dating from the mid-twentieth century. All of our 152 titles are intelligent, thought-provoking and beautifully written. As well as novels we publish short stories, diaries, memoirs, poetry, gardening books and cookery books; each title has an elegant grey jacket and a patterned endpaper, along with a matching bookmark.
It just got me wondering whether any of you feel that way about a specific publisher…or perhaps a celebrity book club recommendation…or a podcast reviewer/recommender…?
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*Classified as Murder (Cat in the Stacks #2) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was just as enjoyable as the first!!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #43
ATY: #2, #11, #15, #16, #23, #32, #33, #36, #40, #41, #42, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #24
52 Book Club: #1, #5, #6, #10, #36, #45
Hope to document these over the weekend, if not before!
*File M for Murder (Cat in the Stacks #3) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POPSUGAR:
ATY:
RHC:
52 Book Club:
*Orbital by Samantha Harvey for an IRL book club ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was absolutely fascinating! Though other book club members were not as impressed as I was! 😬
POPSUGAR:
ATY:
RHC:
52 Book Club:
*Out of Circulation (Cat in the Stacks #4) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Tom Lake by Ann Patchett ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club blew me away! One of my absolute favorite reads!
*The Wedding People by Alison Espach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ did NOT blow me away! I assumed I would adore this book, but I think perhaps I was in 'hangover' mode from Tom Lake and it kinda spoiled my enjoyment of this one.
*The Silence of the Library (Cat in the Stacks #5) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CONTINUING:
*East of Eden by John Steinbeck
I’m on page 34 and got sucked right into this one!
*Broken Light by Joanne Harris
I want to get this year’s Popsugar finished, so started this one for prompt #9 (menopause) and I’m already on page 184! (Yep! There’s that whoosh sound as I got sucked into this one also!)
*Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks #5) by Miranda James
I am so enjoying this series!
*The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
And now for Part 2:2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
Here you go, Nadine! That long-awaited answer! 😉
*Open Throat by Henry Hoke ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a quite unique reading experience, IMO. It proved to be a bit confusing at times for most all book club members, though it did gel in the end. Most of us did NOT get the “queer” part of the touted story line until one member who has an MFA spoke up stating that in her opinion the whole book worked as an allegory for being queer… That was the key for me. That made total sense and I was so grateful for her input which made me view the book in a different way. And that is what took this from a 4-star rating to a 5-star rating for me.
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #20, #28, #43
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #16, #24, #43, #44, #48
RHC: #6, #12, #21, #24
52 Book Club: #13, #33, #37, #38, #39,
*The Tale of Oat Cake Crag (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #7) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was once again a totally enjoyable read! And Beatrix and Will finally have made a commitment to their future…together!
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #16, #20, #40
ATY: #1, #2, #5, $7, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #21, #25, #31, #32, #37, #40, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #16, #17, #21, #25
52 Book Club: #2, #6, #10, #18, #22, #25, #28/#29, #38, #42, #43, #51-304 pages
*The Tale of Castle Cottage (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #8) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was, IMO, a spectacularly romantic finale to this series!! Loved them all!
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #16, #20, #23, #40
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #7, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #31, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #5, #7,#10, #16, #18, #22, #25, #28/#29, #39, #43, #51
*The Guncle (The Guncle #1) by Steven Rowley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a great read. It just didn’t ‘blow me away’ as I expected it might. It was a bit more intense/serious than I expected. That wasn’t a bad thing, just a bit unexpected. I loved the diversity of characters!
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #23, #28, #35
ATY: #2, #5, #15, #16, #19, #23, #26, #31, #35, #36, #40, #41, #43, #48
RHC: #19, #24
52 Book Club: #7, #13, #41, #51
*The Celebrants by Steven Rowley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an excellent read! I have always felt we should celebrate people while they’re alive! Why wait until they’re dead? They don’t have the advantage of knowing how much others care about them…IMO that is only to satisfy those left behind… This was what I love about reading—characterization and relationships, relationships, relationships! Everyone who had finished reading this book enjoyed it at the IRL meeting.
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #16, #20, #23, #24, #26, #35, #40
ATY: #2, #5, #13, #15, #19, #23, #24, #26, #31, #36, #37, #40, #41, #48
RHC: #12, #19, #24
52 Book Club: #22, #33, #39, #43, #51
Yet to be documented…but at least I’ve made progress! 😉
*Classified as Murder (Cat in the Stacks #2) by Miranda James
*File M for Murder (Cat in the Stacks #3) by Miranda James
*Orbital by Samantha Harvey for an IRL book club
*Out of Circulation (Cat in the Stacks #4) by Miranda James
*Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for an IRL book club
*The Wedding People by Alison Espach
CONTINUING:
*East of Eden by John Steinbeck
*The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Better late than never!!We are experiencing daily rainstorms right now. Fortunately, no big winds, just rain. And gentle rain. That is excellent for preparing the soil I need to work up and plants I need to get transplanted and more weeds to pull and junk to pile up! Luckily, my neighbor’s great-nephew has been helping and he is young and strong!! I’m now gathering information to better organize and plan for selling off items worthy of resale, disposing of items that are simply trash, and piling up all the brush/debris to haul off.
I also learned that in addition to the huge garage and 3 outbuildings full of stuff, there is a whole “back room” in my neighbor’s house that is evidently piled to the ceiling with items her husband was going to list on e-bay for sale. She has already drafted her sister and daughter to help her sort through all of that! (Fingers crossed that happens!)
I’m finally taking some time to document past reads. Sheesh! I’ve never been this far behind! I realize this is just my own self-imposed routine, but it is important to me, so I will persevere!
A friend and I are beginning a buddy read of East of Eden by John Steinbeck. This is a book I’ve always been curious about.
One of my IRL book club reads for August is The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin In addition, I will be reading The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward and Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.. I initially read Baldwin's book 6 years ago and then purchased the other two so plan to read all three!
A LIST!
Seven New Books Recommended By Readers This Week
I already had A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna on my TBR!
ADMIN STUFF:
THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE! This book could be used to fulfill prompt #18 A book containing magical creatures that aren't dragons!
National Black Cat Day is October 27, 2025
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
There are 9 books nominated thus far with only 11 votes!
This poll will run through Tuesday, July 29th!!
VOTE HERE!!
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
Dubhease is the “sibilant superstar” who is leading this discussion! Yay Dubhease! Thank you so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Vaish B is the "fun-filled friend" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
I absolutely adored this book and wouldn’t mind rereading it, if I can make the time to do so.
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS *Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #32 A book about an overlooked woman in history
Emma M. Nutt Day is September 1, 2025
A fascinating story of the world’s very first woman/female telephone operator!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Nutt
Who is the “adventurous advocate” willing to lead this discussion? Message either Nadine or myself to volunteer, please!
I am especially interested in reading this since one of my best friend’s grandsons is currently walking the Appalachian trail!
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
You have to live the rest of your life in an underground bunker, and can only bring five complete series with you. They must be completed, not on-going. Which series do you choose? (To make this easier, assume the bunker comes complete with a sacred book of your choice, if relevant, and the complete works of Shakespeare.)
Well, skip the works of Shakespeare, please and I’ll substitute a 6th series. And I have no “sacred book” to include…
My main complaint about this question is regarding the “completed” qualifier. How can you know that for certain? Some series are extended by a different author upon the death of the original author. I believe you cannot know if/when any series is totally “complete,” but that is just my interpretation. Several of my former Borders coworkers refused to read a series until they were sure it was “complete” and I admit I found that to be a ridiculous qualifier. If you’re interested in a series, why not read it now? After all, it may not be technically “complete” until after your death! So then you’ve missed reading something you might have enjoyed more than any other books in your whole life! 😊
And there are so very many series that I adore! So, as usual, it is almost impossible for me to select only 5! But here are some of my favorites:
Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
Cobbled Court Quilts by Marie Bostwick
Jo Mackenzie by Gil McNeil
Cedar Key by Terri Dulong
Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Wayfarers by Becky Chambers
Those that are rather definitely ongoing, so not complete…
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Isabel Dalhousie by Alexander McCall Smith
Chet and Bernie Mysteries by Spencer Quinn
Andy Carpenter by David Rosenfelt
Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (I see there is an 8th book supposedly expected in 2026!)
Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James
Lady Astronaut Universe by Mary Robinette Kowal
There are more, but I’ll stop here… You’re welcome!!
Happy Thursday! I have no idea why you-all put up with me. But I’m thrilled you do! This summer is just overwhelmingly chaotic and busy. In many ways, I just wish it was over, and yet, when I walk outside and realize all the work I have already completed, especially for my newly widowed neighbor, I am just grateful to have the physical (and mental?!?) wherewithal to do it. Then I try to avoid recognizing just how much remains to be done! LOLMy overall goal is try to have all the “junk” hauled off by sometime in the fall prior to cold weather hitting us full blast. But honestly, I think we’re going to need to simply pile it all up, rent a waste container, fill it in a day, and wave as all the junk moves off down the road! Ahhhh…just imagining that day is calming and such a relief for me! 😉
The good news is that she seems to have begun to recover somewhat from her husband’s death and is engaged in life again. I cannot imagine spending 53 years with one person and never having really developed any interests of your own, and then all of a sudden, no husband. It must be totally overwhelming and disorienting. And while I purposefully don't live my life that way, I can have sympathy for her loss and try to make her immediate surroundings more pleasant.
And I have so many friends enduring illness, surgeries, etc. I don't know when I have sent so many cards to so many people to try to cheer them up and give them hope... That takes a toll on my mental well-being as well as theirs!
Although last Friday was "Independence Day"/July 4th here in the U.S., I admit I pretty much ignored it. My feelings about this country and the current leadership do not lend themselves to celebration of the present day, but rather a hope for improvement in the future, if indeed our 249-year-old democratic experiment does somehow survive...
ADMIN STUFF:
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
Dubhease is the “sibilant superstar” who is leading this discussion! Yay Dubhease! Thank you so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP IS Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Vaish B is the "fun-filled friend" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
I absolutely adored this book and wouldn’t mind rereading it, if I can make the time to do so.
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #32 A book about an overlooked woman in history
Emma M. Nutt Day is September 1, 2025
A fascinating story of the world’s very first woman/female telephone operator!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Nutt
The following four books are in consideration:
*Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery
*The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore
*Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
*The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This poll will be active through Tuesday, July 15!!
VOTE HERE!
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Give us your two-paragraph ‘elevator pitch’ for your favorite author!
Honestly, I have so many favorites… However, one especially prolific author whom I adore is Alexander McCall Smith.
Alexander McCall Smith is an author who immediately immerses me into the setting of a book and the characters are not only ‘well-defined’, but their interactions are, IMO, genuine and real. The plot is always pertinent and yet the characterization is, IMO, the overall theme.
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
Ugh. No time to document right now…and I’ve got to catch up!!
*Open Throat by Henry Hoke
POPSUGAR:
ATY:
RHC:
52 Book Club:
*The Tale of Applebeck Orchard (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #6) by Susan Wittig Albert
*The Guncle (The Guncle #1) by Steven Rowley
*The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
*The Tale of Oat Cake Crag (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #7) by Susan Wittig Albert
*The Tale of Castle Cottage (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #8) by Susan Wittig Albert
*Classified as Murder (Cat in the Stacks #2) by Miranda James
*File M for Murder (Cat in the Stacks #3) by Miranda James
*Orbital by Samantha Harvey for an IRL book club
CONTINUING:
*Out of Circulation (Cat in the Stacks #4) by Miranda James
*Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for an IRL book club
*The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*The Wedding People by Alison Espach
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Just stopping by to inform you I just created the Final Selection Poll for the September Monthly Group Read. Please vote HERE!I'll return with a longer posting. Today or tomorrow. Life has been chaos lately!!
Edited to add: Or next week! LOL
Busy with everyday life and I sure wish it would quit interfering with my Popsugar life!It has been in the 90s here and honestly, that is just too damn hot for me any more! I can remember being out working in our garden in a bikini, slathered in baby oil when it was 100+! Not any more. No to the bikini! No to the baby oil! And just no to being outside in 90+ degree weather! I’m definitely getting too old for this hot stuff!
I am taking my best friend to the doctor tomorrow morning, so stayed up after getting home from the gym Wednesday night to post this early Thursday morning!! Now to bed to get some sleep!
And I will have an answer for you from the QotW for Week 24, Nadine! That will be included in my review for Open Throat!
ADMIN STUFF:
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP IS Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
I truly hope there is a “fun-filled friend” among you who would love to lead this discussion! Please contact either Nadine or myself to volunteer!
EDITED TO ADD: Vaish B is the "fun-filled friend" who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you so very much!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
I absolutely adored this book and wouldn’t mind rereading it, if I can make the time to do so.
THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #32 A book about an overlooked woman in history
Emma M. Nutt Day is September 1, 2025
A fascinating story of the world’s very first woman/female telephone operator!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Nutt
Ten books have been nominated!
If you do not see the title you would like to nominate, please write it in. Please check the book's eligibility first! Only books that have NOT been discussed within the past two years (2023-present) are eligible. Remember to consult the listing of these books that are NOT eligible for this month HERE before nominating! :) There is an alphabetized listing by title as well as a chronological listing.
NOTE: This is the NOMINATION round, which is step one. We will select the top results from this round to create a new poll for a Final Vote to select ONE book for the September 2025 group read.
This poll will remain active through July 1st!
VOTE HERE!
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
Dubhease is the “sibilant superstar” who has volunteered to lead this discussion! Yay Dubhease! Thank you so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
THE JUNE MONTHLY GROUP READ IS West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #12 A book about a road trip. Take a Road Trip Day is June 20, 2025!
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
I adore this book! And such an unknown bit of history. Unbelievable what was attempted… I will try to catch up with this over the weekend.
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
If you are participating in an IRL book club discussion and other members attend who have not read the book, do you find it annoying for them to require you not to discuss spoilers?
Yes! Yes I do! I find it to be very very selfish and annoying!! This happened this past Sunday and I felt it put a huge damper on our discussion of The Celebrants by Steven Rowley! Grrrrrr… I have attended IRL book club meetings without having finished reading the book, but I ALWAYS have asked that they all do not hesitate to reveal and discuss spoilers! Most readers want to discuss whatever they wish! At least I do! 😊
LAST WEEK:
Do you read different formats (audio, e-book, paperback, hardcover, graphic novel adaptation, etc) than you used to read?
Not really. I’m old and stuck in my ways, I guess! I much prefer an actual book in my hands. Hardcover or paperback. Though I avoid mass market paperbacks whenever possible. (Not really certain why… LOL) I typically only listen to audiobooks or read e-books if there is no other option for a title. Although I was obsessed with comic books as a kid, I am not overly-enthusiastic about graphic novels today. Strange…
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*The Tale of Applebeck Orchard (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #6) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was another quite enjoyable installment in this series. I doubt Albert could write anything that wouldn’t be totally enjoyable to me!! I could readily understand the wife’s villainy in this one! And some romance for Beatrix as well!!
POPSUGAR: #6, #16, #20, #40
ATY: #2, #5, #7, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #20, #23, #31, #32, #36, #37, #40, #45, #47, #48
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #10, #16, #18, #22, #25, #28/#29, #38, #41, #43, #51-307 pages
I don’t have time to list them all, but will finish this over the weekend.
*Open Throat by Henry Hoke
POPSUGAR:
ATY:
RHC:
52 Book Club:
*The Tale of Applebeck Orchard (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #6) by Susan Wittig Albert
*The Guncle (The Guncle #1) by Steven Rowley
*The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
CONTINUING:
*The Tale of Oat Cake Crag (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #7) by Susan Wittig Albert
*The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
I apologize for my delay. I worked outside for four hours today! I'm exhausted!! LOLLife is almost overwhelmingly busy for me right now. Last week I was convinced the August Monthly Group Read FINAL SELECTION poll had finished and my draft reflected that…then Nadine contacted me regarding the FINAL SELECTION poll, and then I created it. *sigh*
Still working outside for us and neighbors. Our roof sprung a leak, so we’re in the process of getting work scheduled for that…and when I say “we” I really me “ME”! If I don’t do something it doesn’t get done. NO PRESSURE!! LOL 😯😁
Anyway, I am trying to fit in some reading time because I am getting stressed out by all this adulting! 😊
ADMIN STUFF:
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
(My first thought was of the movie ET! "Phone home") 😃
There are four books from which to select:
James by Percival Everett
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
VOTE HERE! The poll will run through Tuesday, June 17!
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
I’m hopeful that a “sibilant superstar” will volunteer to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!! (I do not plan to read this one!)
THE JUNE MONTHLY GROUP READ IS West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #12 A book about a road trip. Take a Road Trip Day is June 20, 2025!
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
I adore this book! And such an unknown bit of history. Unbelievable what was attempted… I plan to post some questions this weekend.
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Do you like having a more intellectual/educated interpretation of a book during discussion?
I ask because at our IRL book club meeting this Tuesday, one person who has completed an MFA offered an interpretation that the whole book was an allegory, which made total sense to me. But she was basically apologetic for offering a ‘more advanced’ interpretation. Personally, I am always grateful for such information since it typically encourages me to expand my own thought processes beyond just my own reaction to the book. (And IMO that is what a book discussion is all about!) It got me wondering how other readers might feel about that…
FROM LAST WEEK:
Did your parents read to you as a child? If not, how did you discover a love for reading?
I don't remember my mother or grandmother particularly reading TO me, but I remember simply READING!! I imagine my mother did read to me...
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club meeting. This book covered so much ground and yet was quite easily followed and understood. It presented pertinent topics for discussion which kept us talking for over an hour! Although some of us surmised some of the ‘twists’ ahead of time, all of us were surprised by some of them! Just a great read. As one member stated, a ‘palate cleanser’ of sorts between some other darker more emotionally intense reads! Though it is not ‘Pollyanna-ish’ IMO, it is a ‘feel-good’ story!
POPSUGAR: #6, #20, #23, #24, #42, #43
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #13, #15, #16, #23, #26, #33, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #2, #7, #21, #22, #33
*The Tale of Hawthorn House (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #4) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was another excellent installment in this most enjoyable series! There were some gems:
For their part, the children viewed Deirdre as something akin to an older sister, which didn’t mean that they always did what she told them, just that they always felt very sorry afterward, and promised to do better.
That made me laugh!
POPSUGAR: #6, #20, #24, #40
ATY: #2, #5, #7, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #19. #20, #36, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #5, #7, #10, #18, #22, #25, #28/#29, #43, #51-322 pages
*The Tale of Briar Bank (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #5) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was yet another very enjoyable addition to this series. I particularly appreciated Albert’s emphasis on the social expectations of the time that no woman could truly be “happy” unless she was married to a man… One of Beatrix’s closest friends in the Land Between the Lakes is now very happily married after standing up to her brother for her own right to decide whom she should and would marry, which she was only able to do after speaking with Beatrix. Albert is a master at creating plots where “Miss Potter” is amazingly at the very center of virtually everything that occurs in the village! And there’s even a dragon in this installment!
POPSUGAR: #6, #20, #24, #40
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #7, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #23, #27, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #46, #47, #48
RHC: #4, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #5, #9, #10, #16, #18, #23, #25, #29, #38, #39, #42, #43, #51
CONTINUING:
*The Tale of Applebeck Orchard (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #6) by Susan Wittig Albert
*The Guncle (The Guncle #1) by Steven Rowley
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Happy Thursday!!May is almost over and I can’t believe how fast time goes by… I must attend a funeral tomorrow and I am dreading it. I find that I am just over the whole idea of a funeral. Period. But that’s just me. My newly-widowed next-door neighbor has a ton of stuff in their yard to be disposed of and I’m trying to help her with cleaning up, etc. I told her that when she is ready, I’ll help her get things loaded up and hauled. Our other neighbor has offered his truck and trailer for that purpose. One thing I have learned in this lifetime is that each of us has items we ‘treasure’ that are totally meaningless to others. (Even our spouses/partners!) I find that so very interesting. Then in the aftermath of our death, others must dispose of those items.
Our next-door neighbor (Her husband of 53 years!) adorned his yard/lot with all kinds of items: an old gas pump, a miniature wooden Welcome Wagon, and other items. His garage has a truck cab as a door. About 15 years ago he even built a miniature outdoor drive-in theater mockup with lights, signs, etc. About 5-6 years after I moved in with my husband, a person here in town commented about my neighbor’s lights, etc., indicating that she felt it was obnoxious, asking if I didn’t agree with her. (Yeah, I doubt anyone would approach me similarly 20 years later. They should know better by now! LOL) I answered that I felt his yard was way more interesting than others, AND it is HIS YARD, so he can do with it as he pleases and it’s really none of my business! (Nor hers, IMO!) He also completed some more practical projects, such as putting a tin ceiling in their kitchen, paving their short driveway with repurposed bricks, etc. He was a very creative guy! He built the garage and house himself many years ago with little help from others.
Two book lists! There wasn’t much crossover on these!
Most anticipated summer releases by Goodreads readers
Most anticipated summer releases by Goodreads Editors
And, it has happened! Percival Everett has won the Pulitzer for James! I just assumed he would win sooner or later! I also predict that he may well win a Nobel eventually. He and I are the same age. I'm glad for him and I am glad I was able to meet and speak with him! I am so anxious to reread The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and then read James yet this year!
ADMIN STUFF:
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
(My first thought was of the movie ET! "Phone home") 😃
If you do not see the title you would like to nominate, please write it in. Please check the book's eligibility first! Only books that have NOT been discussed within the past two years (2023-present) are eligible. Remember to consult the listing of these books that are NOT eligible for this month HERE before nominating! :) There is an alphabetized listing by title as well as a chronological listing.
NOTE: This is the NOMINATION round, which is step one. We will select the top results from this round to create a new poll for a Final Vote to select ONE book for the August 2025 group read.
*** This poll will run from May 22rd through June 3rd. ***
There are currently seven books nominated:
James by Percival Everett
A Letter to the Luminous Deep (Sunken Archive #1) by Sylvie Cathrall
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Nominate/vote HERE!
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
I’m hopeful that a “sibilant superstar” will volunteer to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!! (I do not plan to read this one!)
THE JUNE MONTHLY GROUP READ IS West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #12 A book about a road trip. Take a Road Trip Day is June 20, 2025!
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Who is the "tricky traveler" willing to facilitate this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!
I adore this book! And such an unknown bit of history. Unbelievable what was attempted…
THE MAY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis This book could be used to fulfill prompt #3 A book about space tourism. National Space Day is May 2, 2025! https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Do you believe in fairies?
The series I am currently reading, delves into this issue a bit, and it got me wondering. It would appear that Beatrix Potter believed in the possibility of fairies.
In all honestly, I believe there are ‘things’ out there that we have no clue about. I am not a person who believes humans are the all-knowing and superior beings of the Universe. We are, IMO, just one species and at least on this planet, it would appear we are “in charge.” (Probably to the detriment of our own race as well as the well-being of this planet…) There could be many other species/beings out there that we humans may never ‘know’ about! And I’m okay with that. 😊
If fairies do exist, hopefully, they won’t hold a grudge against us humans! Though I'm not sure I would blame them if they did... 😉😯
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 44/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*The Tale of Holly How (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #2) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was perhaps even more enjoyable than the first installment in this series! Albert does an excellent job of adding some new characters, as well as moving other characters out of the area and for the most part, out of the series. I just adore her writing and this series is definitely a favorite!!
POPSUGAR: #6, #16, #20, #24
ATY: #2, #3, #8, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #19, #31, #32, #37, #40, #45, #48
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #5, #7, #10, #16, #18, #22, #28/#29, #41, #42, #43, #51
*The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #3) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow. This is my favorite in this series thus far! So much packed into this one very readable and enjoyable book! Beatrix Potter may be on her way to a romantic relationship! As may one of her very best friends in Near Sawry! However, in the meantime, there are thieves to catch, houseguests to evict, a bigamist to expose, a scholarship to endow for a brilliant yet very poor student, rats to be rid of, and last but by no means least, fairies to discover! (Do fairies really exist...?) So glad my good friend recommended this series to me!
POPSUGAR: #6, #16, #20, #24
ATY: #1, #2, #3, #5, #7, #10, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #23, #24, #25, #31, #32, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #5, NEW #6, #10, #18, #22, #25, #28/#29, #38, #39, #43, #51-352 pages
CONTINUING:
*The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick for an IRL book club meeting
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Sad news from our neighborhood. Our next-door neighbor who was born and raised in this small town and lived here throughout his adulthood just died. He was just two months younger than my husband. A super-nice guy who will be missed. I visited with his wife briefly this morning and took her some flowers. (I love to purchase flowers and arrange them myself!) He literally died on the operating table. IMO that’s the way to go… He was really excited for this procedure, feeling it was the last option to literally save his life. His heart had been struggling for many years through stints, etc. I know he was miserable since he was barely able to walk and keep breathing for the past two years or so. He felt it worth chancing this procedure to try for a much better life. So kudos to him! He was willing to try… He lived almost 79 years! Many more than many people get in the physical form. But it leaves a definite gap in our neighborhood. He was a very gentle, kind, humorous, and generous guy. Don’t know that you could be remembered in any nicer way! ADMIN STUFF:
THE AUGUST MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #28 A book with an unlikely friendship!
World UFO Day is July 2, 2025!!
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
(My first thought was of the movie ET! "Phone home") 😃
If you do not see the title you would like to nominate, please write it in. Please check the book's eligibility first! Only books that have NOT been discussed within the past two years (2023-present) are eligible. Remember to consult the listing of these books that are NOT eligible for this month HERE before nominating! :) There is an alphabetized listing by title as well as a chronological listing.
NOTE: This is the NOMINATION round, which is step one. We will select the top results from this round to create a new poll for a Final Vote to select ONE book for the August 2025 group read.
*** This poll will run from May 22rd through June 3rd. ***
There are currently seven books nominated:
James by Percival Everett
A Letter to the Luminous Deep (Sunken Archive #1) by Sylvie Cathrall
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Nominate/vote HERE!
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
I’m hopeful that a “sibilant superstar” will volunteer to lead this discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!! (I do not plan to read this one!)
THE JUNE MONTHLY GROUP READ IS West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #12 A book about a road trip. Take a Road Trip Day is June 20, 2025!
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
b>Who is the "tricky traveler" willing to facilitate this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!
I adore this book! And such an unknown bit of history. Unbelievable what was attempted…
THE MAY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis This book could be used to fulfill prompt #3 A book about space tourism. National Space Day is May 2, 2025! https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What is your ideal vacation? Do any of the books on this list hit that sweet spot?
My ideal vacation right now? A vacation! Any vacation! Just to get away from the usual routine!! It won't be happening, but it is nice to dream! 😋
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 43/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was amazing! How had I never heard of Fiona Davis before this year? Considering the historical fiction fan that I am, I’m uncertain how I was unfamiliar with her and her writing until now. But I am thrilled now that I am familiar with her!! This was such an excellent depiction of the Barbizon Hotel in the 1950s and ‘modern’ NYC in the 2010s! Two women with distinctly different experiences, yet as so often happens, very similar circumstances overall. I sunk right into this book and despite interruptions for book club reads, etc., was able to dive right back in and finish it. (It helps that I place tabs at specific places as I read—then it is very easy for me to quickly ‘review’ what I’ve read before continuing. 😊) I found this to be enthralling!! And a debut!!
POPSUGAR: #6, #28, #31, #40
ATY: #2, #5, #13, #15, #16, #19, #23, #24, #32, #37, #41, #48
RHC: #4, #16
52 Book Club: #2, #10, #22, #33, #39, #41, #43, #51
*A Lesson In Dying (Inspector Ramsay #1) by Ann Cleeves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was just as most of her books are: a very gloomy/foggy environment which acts as a character in and of itself, and rather complex and complicated interconnectedness of characters, all of which intertwine to eventually identify one of their own as a cold-blooded murderer! Ramsay is definitely an atypical investigator and I’m anxious to learn more about him as I continue the series!
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #16, #28
ATY: #2, #5, #15, #16, #21, #23, #24, #30, #31, #32, #33, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4
52 Book Club: #2, #8, #36, #41, #43
*The Tale of Hill Top Farm (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #1) by Susan Wittig Albert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ started out a bit slowly (even for me! LOL), but definitely picked up! Since this was a first installment in the series, there were quite a few characters introduced and their interactions with each other depicted to establish this Lake District hamlet of Near Sawrey. I ended up loving this and am anxious to work my way through the series. I knew nothing about Potter beforehand and I found this enthralling. Amazing what oppressive cultural norms and practices females had to overcome in the first years of the 20th Century! They seem so quaint and outdated now! (Thank goodness for that!!)
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #20, #24, #43
ATY: #2, #7, #15, #16, #17, #19, #23, #32, #33, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #8, #10, NEW #16, #18, #38, #41, #43
CONTINUING:
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Wow. I finished the book and had to give myself some time to digest it. I must get to the gym right now, but comments/questions and answers to Lilith tomorrow. Anxious to hear what you-all think. I hear ya, Kendra! 😉
I FINALLY posted the final questions regarding the March Monthly Group Read discussion of Station Eleven. Whew! I guess ‘better late than never’ might apply… I found it to be quite a thought-provoking read... And then I posted some initial questions for the Floating Hotel discussion. I feel very “adult” about all of that!! LOL I am really enjoying Floating Hotel and plan to finish it today. Speaking of today... The temperature today is to get to 87° F and our A/C is not working properly. I had them come out last week and they determined there must be a leak and filled the coolant, and sure enough it wasn’t pumping out truly “cold” air over the weekend, so I had them back yesterday and a coil must be replaced. And, of course, the two systems (indoor/outdoor) are “different” and they were uncertain about finding a replacement coil due to the age of the equipment, etc. (For once, it was not MY age, nor my husband’s, but that of the equipment that was in question! LOL 😁👍) The good news is that they did locate a coil and have ordered it. The kinda bad news is that it won’t arrive until early next week. So in the meantime, the next two evenings it will be pretty warm in the house. However, at least we know help is on the way for far less cost than replacing the whole system! So that’s good!
I am having trouble believing this is May AND we are almost halfway through the month! Time certainly does seem to fly, especially in “old age”! LOL
ADMIN STUFF:
THE JULY MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title
World Snake Day is July 16, 2025 (I had no idea there was one of these!!)
Only 17 members have voted thus far and there is currently a three-way tie! Interesting…
There are five books from which to select:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Hunger Games #0) by Suzanne Collins
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins
VOTE HERE!
*** This poll will run through May 20th. ***
THE JUNE MONTHLY GROUP READ IS West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge!
This book could be used to fulfill prompt #12 A book about a road trip. Take a Road Trip Day is June 20, 2025!
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Who is the "tricky traveler" willing to facilitate this discussion? Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!
I adore this book! And such an unknown bit of history. Unbelievable what was attempted…
THE MAY MONTHLY GROUP READ IS Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis This book could be used to fulfill prompt #3 A book about space tourism. National Space Day is May 2, 2025! https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Speaking of snakes—the July Monthly Group Read poll and prompt #5 A book with a snake on the cover or in the title. Do you suffer from ophidiophobia/ophiophocia, a fear of snakes? (Derived from the Greek words “ophis” meaning snake and “phobia” meaning fear.) Not to be confused with herpetophobia, the fear of all reptiles.
Though there isn’t much that scares me, I fully admit to an aversion to all snakes. Though I do remember petting a huge python once as a 13-year-old when in a pet shop and someone had brought it in with them. It was wrapped around his neck and hanging down on both sides of the boy’s body. But that’s it. Seeing them in the wild scares the bejeezus out of me! I’ve encountered snakes 5-6 times throughout my lifetime and really, I could do without any more of those incidents before I leave this physical world!!
My middle son once asked me if he could get a snake…I paused, looked up, and then looked him in the eye and said, "Sure! Let’s see...you’re 13 now, so in only 5 more years you will turn 18 and can live on your own. Once that happens, you can have just as many snakes as you want! Until then? NO!! We have fish, cats, dogs, and bunnies, but snakes are a no-go!" LOL He was quite obviously not impressed with my sarcasm. 😯😋
2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 39/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 42/52
2024 Popsugar: 47/50
FINISHED:
*Stay True by Hua Hsu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was extremely well-written, IMO! Of the 7 book club members at the meeting, everyone enjoyed reading it. (The one member not in attendance was the only one who had trouble getting into it and will probably DNF it.) So only one out of seven is a good rating overall! I would definitely read more of Hsu’s writing. His writing style was “slice of life,” IMO, and I loved the way he would weave in bits and pieces of historical data. Of particular interest was the way in which his life didn’t seem to fit with the typical Asian American immigrant stereotype, and he distinguished between the various Asian cultures carrying over into U.S. immigrants. Well plotted, character-driven, and heartfelt. An overall poignant and intriguing read! A Pulitzer-Prize-winner I heartily endorse! He had been writing this for over 20 years! So well-deserved praise!
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #20, #25, #28, #31, #40
ATY: #2, #5, #13, #16, #23, #34, #37, #41, #43, #48
RHC: #5, #8, #12, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #13, #22, #37, #43
*Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the Monthly Group Read was much more open-ended than I expected it to be. It also required much more attention to detail than I expected. I have my own interpretation of Nina and Carl’s ultimate decision, but seriously wonder if anyone else came to the same conclusions! Hopefully I’ll find out in the Monthly Group Read discussion! I agree with many Goodreads reviewers who didn’t feel this was truly a “cozy” read, but I definitely found it thought-provoking and complex.
POPSUGAR: NEW #3, #6, #14, #20, #31
ATY: #2, #5, #11, #13, #14, #15, #23, #32, #37, #41, #44
RHC: #6, #9, #11, #16, #21, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #10, #22, #33, #38, #43, #51
CONTINUING:
*The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong for an IRL book club meeting
*The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
*The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
PLANNED:
*Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict
*The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
*The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
*The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Just starting "I. FRIENDS FROM BEYOND: FIRST CONTACT" on page 49 in my paperback copy.And now I have a guess about the "mystery"! Anxious to see if I am on the right track or not!
Please feel free to comment as you read, but please remember to hide spoilers, just in case!! 😯
Awww...hello, hello, hello, dear Lilith!! Lilith wrote: "1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
I love mysteries and psychological suspense of all kinds. My preferred area would be the grittier end of the spectrum: police procedurals, heavier plots and themes, issues and events. Love Queer and LGBTQIA+, and I am loving the representation so far.
I'm not really into SF or fantasy, unless the SF is very heavy on the science, especially biology or chemistry. I have really been giving SFF the ol' college try, since these genres have been on the rise, and there are soooo many prompts on just about any challenge I do."
You go gritty and I go smoooooth! LOL I am forcing myself to respond to posts before finally digging in to the book this evening!!
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
I am reading this for the space tourism prompt."
Seems like an obvious fit, doesn't it? 👍😁
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No, I haven't. If this book blows me away, then maybe I will. I'll never say never."
Very wise...!
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
It's hard to resist a pretty cover, and I really like the blues, purples and gold swirls. I even liked the elaborate capital A on the ship. It did hint at the hospitality industry, along with the title, and I've worked in the industry, so I figured I'd enjoy that aspect - or commiserate with the characters."
I can only imagine interacting with clients in a hotel/motel setting could very well be fraught with frustration and the need to squelch angry reactions! I have watched people interact with hospitality staff before and wondered exactly how they thought their interactions were appropriate or even civil! Yikes!
So good to have you join, Kendra!Kendra wrote: "1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
Yes to all except Cozy. That tends to be a red flag for me. I have found that to be a sign that there isn't going to be much of a plot, or that the characters are going to act like idiots for the sake of humour..... Seeing the cozy tag worries me."
Oh! I see that tag and I'm relieved! I sure hope this has enough of the other elements to satisfy you and make this an enjoyable read for you!
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
It was already on my TBR before the list was released, so I already had it slotted in to my plan before the BotM poll happened. I actually held off on reading it so I could join in the group read."
YAY!! Thank you for joining us!
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
Nope."
Not sure any of us has... 😊
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
I thought it looked fun - it was a slightly cartoony spaceship, leading me to think fun scifi, not just endless battle scenes which is what books with more realistic spaceships tend to be."
Ah! It does look fun!
It is very good to have you along, Trish!!Trish wrote: "To get us started:
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
I read a lot of mysteries, especially cozies, and a decent amount of SF and Fantasy, so yes. LGBT isn't my favourite genre, but a lot of SF is going that way nowadays."
I like diversity in my life and my books. Hopefully, this will be an enjoyable read for you!
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
No. I'd never even heard of it or the author before, so the combination of it being a monthly GR and prompt #3 meant I'd give it a go."
Yay!
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No, although if I enjoy this I may search them out."
Same here!
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
The version I've got has the martini on the front, which is eyecatching."
Oooohhh! I should have checked about other cover images before assuming all editions used the same one! I find the martini image rather interesting, since I don't drink alcohol. But then any such drinks can easily be made without any alcohol as well, I guess! (I shouldn't assume! LOL) It does grab my attention!
