L Y N N’s Comments (group member since Nov 10, 2018)

L Y N N’s comments from the Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge group.

Nadine in NY wrote: "My maple tree is about to turn golden on the bottom, which means my kitchen will be bathed in reflected golden light for a few days. And then it will all be naked."
Our trees are just now starting to really turn!

"I have had the FATTEST orb weaver spider outside my back door - almost every day she has rebuilt her web, she is very busy, and her body is the biggest I've ever seen on a spider. She is bigger than a blueberry. She's also very camera shy, so I've been unable to get a good photo of her. This is the best I've got ( I decided not to embed it, in case any of you are arachnophobic): https://www.instagram.com/p/DPfLXwiDP..."
You people and spiders! Ugh! I would knock down that web every single time I saw it!

"I was down to only two books left to read in NetGalley, and I told myself I could not request books until I was done with those, but ... I am weak. I requested books. And they ALL got approved right away WTF. So now my NG ratio has dropped a bit."
I adore reading these updates!! LOL

"Question of the Week
When considering a book, are you most swayed by the overall review average on Goodreads (? out of 5 stars) or a different data point?

Often if I'm not sure about a book, I'll filter for the one star ratings and read those, they tend to be good reviews that explain exactly what they did not like about a book, and then I'll be able to tell if those issues matter to me."
I realized as I read this that I sometimes read those really low ratings as well and it can be useful to know what other readers have disliked about a book!

First, here’s the update I meant to post on Week 40, ending October 2nd:
While I am thrilled you finished the 2025 Popsugar Challenge, Nadine, I am also sticking my tongue out at you for doing so! LOL

I am a bit better off mentally/emotionally than I was last week, but after dealing with the local VW dealership, I am in amazement they manage to stay in business. I can only assume that is due to new car sales and definitely NOT due to “good” (or any?) customer service. Absolutely unbelievable… I informed them if I am ever forced to use a VW dealership for anything in the future, I will go to Indianapolis, the nearest “city” and certainly hope for better (any?) service than they have provided…
But that is done and I have Myrtle back! And the rental car returned…which leads me to this…

If you are not aware, at least in the state of Indiana, car insurance ‘goes with the driver’ as my insurance company puts it. I have always kept “full coverage” since my divorce and I am so glad I do that! There was a red cylindrical object (looked like a red metal bucket) in the middle of my lane on the interstate and I had no way to totally avoid hitting it, though I did manage to turn the wheel enough to make it glance off the passenger-side front bumper, so much less damage than if I had hit it head on. My insurance company covers any and all damage repair to a rented vehicle, including compensation to the company for as many days as it is unable to be rented. Plus, they cover my deductible! At least that was a truly positive resolution…and I needed something positive!

I now have two healthy (previously sick) cats who are eating me out of house and home! And I am so grateful for that!!

One of my students at the gym last night made me feel good. I’d last seen him two weeks ago when I was really down… He came up to me after class, stating that he was glad to see the “happy” Lynn back! He said he was concerned about me when he last saw me because I was obviously so “down” compared to my usual mood… I thought it rather nice that he had noticed and then felt compelled to note the positive change for the better!

So, I am reading Marie Bostwick books in preparation for the author event I’ll be attending later this month. About a third of the way through Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly, there was this sentence: When you fill every moment with frenetic activity, there’s no space left for the things that truly matter.
Yes! Exactly that! I realize this so much more as I age! It is just so very true! We need and should build some time into our busy lives to ‘just be.’ To contemplate, relax, and refresh!
*****
And now to catch up to today!
I am finally feeling halfway normal once again and hoping that remains for the future.

All 3 male kitties are getting along and behaving!

I am so glad I have cut way back on the challenges I am finishing this year and will certainly continue for 2026.

I’m just grateful for better health!!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
When considering a book, are you most swayed by the overall review average on Goodreads (? out of 5 stars) or a different data point?
Hmmm…I guess I am most easily swayed by the Weekly Check-Ins and your comments/ratings of what you have read. I also tend to add to my TBR from various lists posted online. However, I do not add a book unless I have reviewed the synopsis and author (if new-to-me) information to determine whether I am truly interested in reading it. Sometimes the fact that a book doesn’t have a very high GR rating, but I’m really interested in reading it will prompt me to read it sooner rather than later! 😉

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 42/50
52 Book Club: 47/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
I started listening to *We'll Prescribe You a Cat (We’ll Prescribe You a Cat #1) by Syou Ishida, translated by E. Madison Shimoda - translator ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐on audiobook. I have since decided to wait until I can read the actual book as I hold it in my hands! Overall, I think audiobooks just are not for me. Especially this type of cozy book, I guess... Ugh. I was trying to fulfill the 52 Book Club Challenge’s prompt #31 Audiobook has multiple narrators. The good news is that I did finally find 3 audiobooks that I really enjoyed just by searching on the website:
*Mistletoe Murders, Mistletoe Murders 2, and Mistletoe Murders 3 by Ken Cuperus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ were better mysteries than I expected! I honestly don’t remember much about them since I ‘listened’ to them and was feeling pretty punky on that day, but that prompt is done and these were enjoyable!! Double win!
POPSUGAR: #6, #24
52 Book Club: #3, #9, #29, NEW #31, #46
This was the first day I started feeling really rotten, so it was a nice diversion to just sit and listen since I was not up to reading! I am anxious to finally read We'll Prescribe You a Cat whenever I get a copy! And there is a sequel, We'll Prescribe You Another Cat, that has been translated into English as well!

*Prime Time (Charlotte McNally #1) by Hank Phillippi Ryan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an amazing start to this series. Definitely continuing with it! This was quite the encoded puzzle to solve! Fascinating!
POPSUGAR: #6, #20, #24, #43
52 Book Club: #10, #13, #43, #46, #48

*Fields of Gold (Dillon, Oklahoma #1) by Marie Bostwick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was such a surprise to me! This was historical fiction which included Charles Lindbergh as a character. I loved it! Anxious to read the sequel, On Wings of the Morning!
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #20, #26
52 Book Club: #18, #22, #36, #42, #43, #46

*The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (Wayfarers #4) by Becky Chambers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was just as amazing as every other book written by Chambers that I have read! We get much more insight to Pei’s character. And usually, I’m good with a series ending and some issues unresolved…but not this one! I really need more information about Pei and Ashby! This was first released in 2021, so it has been 4 years. I need installment #5!! Please!
POPSUGAR: #3, #6, #14, #20, #24, #25, #28, #31, #40, #43
52 Book Club: #18, #22, #29, #39, #43, #46, #51

*Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was in many ways, not even a true “romance” novel. Bostwick’s writing is why I read! Each book is a favorite for me!
POPSUGAR: #4, #6, #16, #20, #24, #26, #33
52 Book Club: #7, #21, #24, #32, #33, #36, #46, #47, #51

CONTINUING:
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
*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

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

My initial reaction to the article? "Who cares what others think?" But then that is my reaction to most things... I do what I do because I want to do it. If you are pretending to read something, I don't care.

Absolutely no mass transit in the middle of nowhere rural midwestern U.S., but the few times I have been visiting urban areas and a passenger on such vehicles, I usually end up talking to at least one other passenger, whether about a book or not, doesn't matter to me.

I once took my best friend out to the Washington, DC area to visit her daughter and family and we rode buses into DC and then took the Metro while in DC several days running. After just our second such ride, as we exited the bus, her daughter hesitantly mentioned that it might not be such a good idea to just talk to other passengers... It was a hint that perhaps I would attract the wrong kind of attention, I guess. I just shrugged, noting that I had spoken with several people on that ride who were just regular normal folks. I mean, it was broad daylight and there were 3 of us traveling together...

I just don't believe in living my life in fear...especially of other humans! Since I doubt I'll ever undertake any such travel again in this lifetime, I think I'm pretty safe. Unless there's some serial killer who just moved into my neighborhood... LOL We have had three houses sell just recently...

Hello, all! I have been sick and out of it, but will hopefully catch up with Weekly Check-Ins tomorrow!

I'm so excited about Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng being selected for the December Monthly Group Read! It has been 10 years since I first read it and am looking forward to reading it again!! It also reminds me that I really want to read her newest release Our Missing Hearts! While I adored Little Fires Everywhere, I could personally relate better to the mother depicted in EINTY, which concentrates on only one family. And it was chosen by a resounding vote--9 of 17 votes!

I'm just thrilled to finally get back to the gym and teaching and working out!

Warning!! Whining and complaining ahead... 😒
I am still in the week from hell… (I'm hoping it doesn't extend throughout two or more weeks!) Two sick kitties (vet bills…), must get a new key for my car which will be just under $420, car rental, and the weather has been changing so my arthritis is kickin’ my ass! I realize I am nearly 70 years old and it is time to just take Aleve when the discomfort/pain totally distracts me for more than an hour or so. It just seems unbearable so much of the time right now.

And the cumulative stress is almost unbearable for me at times lately… I literally stood in the middle of the living room and cried Tuesday afternoon. I am very sick of adulting and being the only one responsible for so much and what feels like so many!

I am limiting my ‘reading obligations’ so I can just read more of what I really want to read without worrying about fulfilling challenge prompts. That has helped relieve me a bit. Popsugar is the main one, with the 52 Book Club challenge as the second. I am also participating in a couple of diverse challenges that are much shorter. That’s it! That may sound like a lot to some of you, but it is much less than in my recent past.

ADMIN STUFF:
THE DECEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE HERE!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #25 A book where the main character is an immigrant or refugee
International Migrants Day is December 18, 2025
There are 4 titles to consider:
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
*** This poll will run through October 7th ***

THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot #1) by Becky Chambers!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #29 A book about a food truck
National Fast Food Day is November 16, 2025
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Who among you is the “fearless foodie” willing to lead this discussion? Message either Nadine or me to volunteer!

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien! 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...
Dubhease is the “magical manager” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you ever so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

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
Join the discussion HERE

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Do you have a favorite “blended genre” (Romance/Fantasy, Historical Fiction/Mystery, Nonfiction/Mystery, etc?)
HISTORICAL FICTION MYSTERY is my fave!! I adore mysteries and reading historical fiction!!

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 42/50
52 Book Club: 47/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ held up admirably as a reread, just as I expected it to do! Only 4 of us attended the book club meeting, but we all really enjoyed this one! And so much interesting discussion resulted! I have loved all three of Weir’s books, but this is definitely my favorite!
POPSUGAR: #2-Twelve kids raise their claws, #6, #14, #20, #25, #26, #28, #31, #40, #43, #46
52 Book Club: #1, #18, #22, #25, NEW #26, #33, #36, #42, #46

*The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers #1) by Becky Chambers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ held up as an absolutely amazing book for me! And the other book club members all adored it as well!
POPSUGAR: #2, #7, #14, #20, #25, #28, #28, #40, #50
52 Book Club: #18, #22, #38, #42, #43

CONTINUING:
*We'll Prescribe You a Cat (We’ll Prescribe You a Cat) by Syou Ishida, translated by E. Madison Shimoda - translator ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐on audiobook. I have yet to finish listening to this. Audiobooks just are not for me. Especially this type of cozy book, I guess... Ugh.
POPSUGAR:
52 Book Club: NEW #31
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
*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

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

It has been such a stressful week+ for me… Sick cats. Too little reading time… Ugh. Life sucks right now… I am paring down my challenge participation for 2026. Trying to concentrate on fewer challenges that are more rewarding to me. So fair warning!! I’ll have more time for Popsugar!!

I only finished two books but have read large portions of 4 other books this week! Hope to complete more books next week!

ADMIN STUFF:
THE DECEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE HERE! There are 10 titles to consider.
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #25 A book where the main character is an immigrant or refugee
International Migrants Day is December 18, 2025
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 November 2025 group read.
*** This poll will run through September 23rd. ***

THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY GROUP IS A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot #1) by Becky Chambers!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #29 A book about a food truck
National Fast Food Day is November 16, 2025
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Who among you is the “fearless foodie” willing to lead this discussion? Message either Nadine or me to volunteer!

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien! 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...
Dubhease is the “magical manager” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you ever so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

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
Join the discussion HERE

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Which Challenge category has been the most challenging for you this year?
I thought prompt #7 A book about a cult could be difficult for me to fulfill, although I know I do have a copy of Jesus Land: A Memoir, I also can be certain that would only work to further my disillusionment with organized religion and it would make me angry…so I wasn’t looking forward to that. Then I picked up a children’s book that I have owned for ages and had yet to read, The Capture (Guardians of Ga’Hoole #1) by Kathryn Lasky, which turned out to be all about a cult, St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls! They were literally kidnapping/entrapping/programming/enslaving random owls! Perfect!!

I was a bit concerned about prompt #22 since I am not a fan of sports at all other than figure skating! 😉 But I selected Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez and loved it! It wasn’t so much about soccer per se, as about Camila’s struggles to reconcile her ability and love for soccer with the expectations of her family and culture. Perfect for me!

Prompt #30 A book that reminds you of your childhood. I just haven’t decided which book to read for this yet. Though I did go through a short stage of reading westerns and books about horses at age 12 or so, and may finally read Sackett's Land just because that series is an absolute favorite of my former father-in-law, my husband, and my best friend!

Other than that, I just simply need to read the books I have planned!! But there are book club reads, as well as books I plan to read for upcoming author events, etc!! LOL Definitely first-world problems…

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 42/50
52 Book Club: 45/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an excellent collection, very reminiscent of Baldwin’s writing and yet (unfortunately) very poignant and realistic, especially as racism, oppression, and overt discrimination overtake the U.S. in evermore overt and dangerous ways. It has always been here but I am ever so hopeful that in the future it will dissipate and even disappear! (I am ever the optimist!)
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #14
52 Book Club: #10, #41, #43, #46

*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an enlightening, intimate, and informative analyses of Baldwin’s life and writings! One quote I must share…
There is absolutely no salvation without love: this is the wheel in the middle of the wheel. Salvation does not divide. Salvation connects...It is not the exclusive property of any dogma, creed, or church. It keeps the channel open between oneself and however one wishes to name That which is greater than oneself. It has nothing to do with one's fortunes or one's circumstances in one's passage through this world. It is a mighty fortress, even in the teeth of ruin or at the gates of death.
This fits so much with my own spiritual beliefs…if your belief system is not based upon mutual respect, appreciation, and love, it is useless, IMO. And if you discriminate against others, that is NOT respectful, appreciative, or action or intention based in love. Period.
POPSUGAR: #6, #7, #20, #25, #35
52 Book Club: #21, #33, #43, #46

CONTINUING:
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
*Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power by RebeccaSolnit
*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

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

It is now Sunday and since I never got a posting done last week, figured I'd catch up now!

Temps back in the 80s for us this week and I am ready to return to the 70s!

No lists this week, but lots of reading done and ongoing!

ADMIN STUFF:
THE DECEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE HERE! There are 10 titles to consider.
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #25 A book where the main character is an immigrant or refugee
International Migrants Day is December 18, 2025
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 November 2025 group read.
*** This poll will run through September 23rd. ***

THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY GROUP IS A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot #1) by Becky Chambers!
This book could be used to fulfill Prompt #29 A book about a food truck
National Fast Food Day is November 16, 2025
https://www.calendarr.com/united-stat...
Who among you is the “fearless foodie” willing to lead this discussion? Message either Nadine or me to volunteer!

THE OCTOBER MONTHLY GROUP READ IS The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien! 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...
Dubhease is the “magical manager” who has graciously volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you ever so much! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

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
Join the discussion HERE

THE LISTING OF 2025 MONTHLY GROUP READ TOPICS IS HERE!
***
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What are your bookish pet peeves?
Misspellings, grammar errors. The need for a good editor!

2025 READING CHALLENGES:
Popsugar: 42/50
Around the Year (AtY): 51/52
AtY 2025 Anniversary List: 10/10 FINISHED
Read Harder: 16/24
52 Book Club: 45/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*Careless Whiskers (Cat in the Stacks #11) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an excellent example of intriguing plotting, IMO! So many red herrings with totally believable possible perpetrators of the crimes! And I admit to liking the ending which seemed very logical given the characters...
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #20, #28, #35, #40, #43
ATY: #2, #3. #5, #11, #13, #15, #16, #23, #24, #26, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #6, #10, #22, #29, #43, #45

*Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was extremely enlightening!! What an amazing woman, life, and legacy! I’m just blown away by all of her accomplishments, but especially that first complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 1955!! So glad this was selected as the Monthly Group Read!
POPSUGAR: #6, #20, #24, #26, #32, #46
ATY: #1, #2, #3, #5, #16, #18, #24, #36, #41, #45, #46, #47, #48
RHC: #4, #13, #17, #24
52 Book Club: #7, #10, #21, #24, #32, #35, #38. #39, #42, NEW #46

*Record of a Night Too Brief by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Lucy North ⭐⭐ for an IRL book club meeting Tuesday (in the evening). I always thought I would read Strange Weather in Tokyo, but after reading this book, I’m no longer as certain about that! Though SWiT sounds like a different type of book... There were 11 people at the book club meeting and not a single one of us felt we had really "gotten" the overall point of these stories. Interestingly, that made most everyone extremely relieved that not one of us felt assured of what they had actually just read! (I, on the other hand, no longer worry about that. If I feel as if I "get it," that's fine. But likewise, if I don't feel as if I "get it," that is also fine! Gettin' independent in my old age! LOL) My only comments on the first story, "Record of a Night Too Brief" was that it reminded me of the way in which I often might recall dreams the next day-in bits and pieces-and that I was reminded of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass as characters would shrink or enlarge for no apparent reason... The idea of dreams resonated with most of the other members as well. The second story entitled "Missing" was quite absurd to me, as well as everyone else. Though I did note that some 'traditions' can seem totally meaningless and may even be very dangerous, as well as certain people may seem to be almost interchangeable...? The third story, "A Snake Stepped On" was rather scary for me since I am not at all fond of snakes, let alone imagining a ton of them crawling all over and even inside a character's body. (One time when my inclination to create images as I read was perhaps NOT to my advantage! 😯😬😒) Just more absurdity, IMO.
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #18, #20, #43
ATY: #2, #5, #14, #16, #22, #24, #44, #45
RHC: #6, #8, #24
52 Book Club: #37, #42, #46

*Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for an IRL book club meeting that was also held on Tuesday (in the afternoon). Only one member didn’t enjoy (or even read beyond 40 pages) this book. She is in her 80s and just couldn’t connect with it at all… For one thing, she really dislikes reading a book if it uses the “F” word more than 3-5 times. I didn’t bother to count how often that word appeared in the first 30-40 pages, but I’m certain it was way more than 5 times! LOL I knew immediately she probably wouldn’t read it. I admit to feeling a bit put-off by the intensity of the first 20-30 pages, but in the aftermath of finishing the book, I think it might have been intentional, since I realized my feelings upon reading the beginning somewhat echoed Margo’s emotional state as well… This was an amazing catalyst for book club discussion as it depicted so many commonplace issues in today's society and world. I would recommend this one, especially for those who believe it is so very easy for a woman to simply be thrust into the world of single parenthood without financial resources. This is such an accurate (IMO) depiction of the complexity of human nature, humans in general, and especially human relationships. I do believe each of us contains both "good" and "bad" traits...it all depends upon who is doing the judging! As well as the context of the relationship.
POPSUGAR: #6, #14, #18, #20, #26, #40, #43
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #13, #15, #16, #23. #24, #35, #36, #37, #45
RHC: #21
52 Book Club: #3, #21, #22, #25, #33, #43, #46, #51

*The Tales of Beaufort Scales (Beaufort Scales #0) by Kim M. Watt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a genuinely delightfully fun and rather silly collection of short stories that was free on the author’s website! Loved each and every one of these! Beaufort is the High Lord of the Cloverly dragons!
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #10, #14, #18, #20, #24, #28, #47
ATY: #1, #2, #3, #5, #8, #11, #13, #14, #15, #16, #24, #26, #32, #36, #40
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #2, #11, #18, #21, #38, #42, #45, #46

*The Cat Did It: 8 short tales of troublesome felines by Kim M. Watt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was another freebie on the author’s website. Not quite as laugh-out-loud funny as the Beaufort Scales stories, but definitely entertaining!
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #10, #18, #20, #43
ATY: #2, #8, #15, #20, #26, #36
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #42, #45, #46

CONTINUING:
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
*East of Eden by John Steinbeck
*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré is one I’m anxious to get back to and finish!
*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

Bea wrote: "Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail– PS #32 (overlooked woman). An amazing woman, but I am not sure that I get how she alone saved the Appalachian trail. Seems to me it was through the hard work of many people. Still she made a definite impact on hiking, trails, and getting out in nature. 4*"
I think perhaps Gatewood captured people's attention since she was the first female to complete the trail in one hike-through, and also the fact she was 67 years old when she did it. I really kinda felt that Montgomery really wanted to advocate for her amazing ability to endure and keep going...in so many ways. Plus that subtitle (I think that's the correct term) maybe draws more attention to the book overall?

"The Guncle - PS #35 (LGTBQ not coming out). For most of this book, I was a solid 3* due to its silliness. However, by the end it had made it to 4*. A bit too much of the gayness felt put-on rather than true for me."
I was not nearly as enamored with that book as I thought I would be. I have a couple of 'gay' friends who mirror those same behaviors, etc., so that didn't throw me off, but I felt the book was much more serious than I expected, what with the sibling relationships, etc. But perhaps I was more impacted since I am an only child and unfamiliar with such relationships. I just love how one book evokes so many varied reactions within the reading community!!

Ron wrote: "I am so terrible at keeping up with my goodreads and fable trackers.

The only one I'm consistent with is my Storygraph. I pay for the extra features because I love making my own charts."
That cracks me up. I despise charts! LOL I took one look at Storygraph and decided it offered me nothing I could appreciate over what I get with Goodreads...

But I think it's great that there is another option that works for other people!!

Thank you ever so much for leading, Vaish!!

6) Would you have the courage to hike all alone for over 2,000 miles with no more equipment than Emma had with her?
Not at 67 years of age! Maybe in my 20s? But I seriously doubt it. I would have been too scared of the unknowns and various dangers...

7) What aspect of Emma's first successful AT trek in 1955 was the most surprising to you?
Boy. So many! I think one of the most surprising was the encounter with the integrated group of rival gang members. I was amazed that someone was farsighted enough to try such an exercise in 'trust' to break through gang rivalries and a cycle of violence!

8) Were you ever holding your breath as you read due to your anxiety about Emma's safety?
Many times. Snake encounters. Losing her glasses. (I could relate so closely to that loss!!)

9) What do you think is the most important factor that accounts for Emma's ability to endure and keep pushing on to the finish despite her pain and injuries?
Perhaps it is simply her desire to finish. Especially to be the first female to do so. But I also feel that she was able to endure the pain and discomfort due to the fact that she had been beaten so much by her husband. I know there are people who virtually feel no pain and I wonder if she was at least able to endure much more pain and discomfort than the average person and just keep on keepin' on...

10) Montgomery feels that Emma's account of her own AT hike is accurate. What is your opinion of Earl Shaffer's account and claims?
Ack. No offense meant to males, but my first thought was, "Typical male!" Ugh.

11) What is your reaction to P.C.'s one dying request for Emma just to come and stand in his doorway for a minute?
I won't state exactly what words entered my mind...for fearing of offending some of you. I'll just say, "Fat chance, asshole!" (Yes, those were the nicer words! LOL)

I finished yesterday and what an amazing story and legacy!!

6) Would you have the courage to hike all alone for over 2,000 miles with no more equipment than Emma had with her?

7) What aspect of Emma's first successful AT trek in 1955 was the most surprising to you?

8) Were you ever holding your breath as you read due to your anxiety about Emma's safety?

9) What do you think is the most important factor that accounts for Emma's ability to endure and keep pushing on to the finish despite her pain and injuries?

10) Montgomery feels that Emma's account of her own AT hike is accurate. What is your opinion of Earl Shaffer's account and claims?

11) What is your reaction to P.C.'s one dying request for Emma just to come and stand in his doorway for a minute?

So many quotes and other comments. I admit to shedding a few quiet tears in celebration of Emma's accomplishments and her daughter Lucy's efforts to make certain her mother was recognized for her accomplishments. What a life!

At that time the AT was the longest continuous walking path in the world!!

"Aloneness more complete than ever."

"Because I wanted to."

Kendra wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "So can you NOT access the upcoming seasonal/monthly/whatever challenges? Only the current ones? I mean, I'm a planner!! I want to see what is coming up in the future!!! LOL"

No. An..."
Yep! I did manage to discover the other parts you mention. But not being able to plan ahead is a bummer! Wonder if they'll continue this into 2026?

So can you NOT access the upcoming seasonal/monthly/whatever challenges? Only the current ones? I mean, I'm a planner!! I want to see what is coming up in the future!!! LOL

Lilith wrote: "It's OK, Lynn, it would have been easy to miss.

This is the link to this year's Goodreads Challenge:

https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2......"

And somehow I have 9 of 15 achievements! LOL

Sasha wrote: "Lilith wrote: "Thanks, Sasha! Congratulations on finishing the PS challenge! I hope you can stick around for conversation and gathering bookmarks!"

I definitely will! Thank you <3"
Please do stick around!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Okay, y'all! I'm going to show my total ignorance here, so get ready to chuckle and shake your head. WTH are "bookmarks"?!?😯😋 ..."



LOL! It's the revamped Goodreads Challenge. (Th..."
Huh. Well, I'll check it out!

Kendra wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Okay, y'all! I'm going to show my total ignorance here, so get ready to chuckle and shake your head. WTH are "bookmarks"?!?😯😋 I realize I've probably missed something so obvious it'..."

Thanks! I never pay attention to the Goodreads Challenge, so there is that! LOL

Lilith wrote: "Sasha wrote: "Lilith wrote: "Happy Saturday everyone!

Thanks, Sasha! Congratulations on finishing the PS challenge! I hope you can stick around for conversation and gathering bookmarks!"
Okay, y'all! I'm going to show my total ignorance here, so get ready to chuckle and shake your head. WTH are "bookmarks"?!?😯😋 I realize I've probably missed something so obvious it's ridiculous, but I am truly curious! LOL

Lilith wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "Lilith wrote: "I finally have a job, yay! It’s temping, but it’s medical admin at an amazing hospital, and these adventures often turn into temp-to-perm. Sigh, you have to do loads ...

Oh, you are definitely with me in spirit! You would really enjoy meeting and talking with people here. You'll definitely find many like-minded folks, and make lots of friends!"
Thanks!!

"I'm enjoying Sweet Bean Paste. It is slow-paced, and the friendship develops slowly, but it's perfect for a quieter novel between heavier reads."
And that is exactly what I would expect! 🤗