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.

Bea wrote: "1) What are your expectations for this book?
I am always interested in learning more about those who do amazing things. My niece hiked the trail and got close to the end before stopping due to foot issues. When younger, this was a "I want to..." that I never did. So I am hoping to be fascinated about her walk."
Just the idea of her taking off all alone with no more equipment than she had...unbelievable! How brave and courageous!

"2) Do you have any hesitations about reading this?
None."
I'm just hoping she is okay...

"3) Do you have any prior knowledge about and/or experiences with the Appalachian Train itself?
No experience other than vicariously through my niece. I have always been fascinated with this trail, since I have lived close to it."
I can imagine I would have been much more aware of it if I had lived closer to it. I am in Indiana.

"4) This is a nonfiction book. Do you typically read nonfiction?
Yes."
Yay for nonfiction!!

"5) Would you have selected this book to read if it had not been voted in for the September Monthly Group Read?
I did.."
I would have, but I was totally unaware of it until the nominations!

Rose wrote: "One of my favorite books. Grandma Gatewood sounded like an amazing woman and what she was able to do was amazing.

I think you will like the story Lynn - what she was able to do without all the hi..."
I can't imagine that I won't be intrigued by this book and her story! I'm now on page 22 and am fascinated!

1) What are your expectations for this book?
I certainly hope to gain much more knowledge about the Appalachian Train itself, and about Gatewood overall, especially with regard to how she managed to "save" the trail.

2) Do you have any hesitations about reading this?
I admit to a bit of hesitation just because I'm a bit leery as to how an older woman in 1955 might fare hiking so many miles. My best friend's grandson is experiencing difficulties during his hike and he was well-prepared and is a medic to boot! I just can't imagine she won't have suffered at least physical difficulties if not also mental health challenges. Fingers crossed that her experience is not as difficult as I am imagining it to have been...

3) Do you have any prior knowledge about and/or experiences with the Appalachian Train itself?
Virtually none. I have driven a very short distance of it, but that's it... And of course now, at the age of 69 with titanium knee joint implants, I won't be hiking it in this lifetime!! LOL

4) This is a nonfiction book. Do you typically read nonfiction?
I always have great plans to fit in more nonfiction books, but never manage to achieve reading as many as I would like... Fiction books are my distracting shiny objects!!

5) Would you have selected this book to read if it had not been voted in for the September Monthly Group Read?
I don't know. I wasn't even familiar with this book until it was nominated!! And then I became obsessed!! LOL

After reading the first few pages I am fascinated to learn more about her experience!

Some initial questions:

1) What are your expectations for this book?
2) Do you have any hesitations about reading this?
3) Do you have any prior knowledge about and/or experiences with the Appalachian Train itself?
4) This is a nonfiction book. Do you typically read nonfiction?
5) Would you have selected this book to read if it had not been voted in for the September Monthly Group Read?

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 of interviews and other procedures to be accepted into this hospital’s temp service, but it’s an income stream. So relieved to have finally snagged something after 7 months. It’s brutal out there. If I ever get laid off again, I’m just taking Social Security and working in a dungeon and/or selling plasma."
You make me laugh! But I can relate... I hope this proves to be worthwhile to you!

"Now we wait for the background checks and the appointment at health services to get immunizations and/or titers. There are so many “childhood illnesses” I’ve had, but my pediatrician passed away a long time ago, so I have no proof. I guess I'll have complimentary immunizations coming up. I always do at hospital jobs."
Here's hoping you do not react to those immunizations! And that they're still available in the U.S.... 😬

"I’ll really miss my volunteer work and activism. We got into “good trouble” in Framingham the last 2 Saturdays (I am seeing sooo much of Massachusetts, and meeting up with other like-minded folks), and planning to get into more with Indivisible/ Bernie on Monday!"
Please know that I am jealous of your experiences and always with you in spirit, if not in body!!

"I have not posted in a looong time, so I apologize for the length ahead."
No apologies necessary! And please know that you can always complete two postings to include everything, if you wish to do it that way... I certainly have done that in the past!! Not that anyone has to have permission! LOL

"The Mistletoe Mystery. For the final Summer GR bookmark. Very endearing story. I’ll have to check out the rest of the series."
I love this series!!

"The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Agatha is the oldest author on my TBR, at her time of death – and older than the living authors. I have loads of other authors whose writing dates back millennia, but they did not live as long as she did. There are dated references and some racism that is rough, but thinking of the times, the plotting was wonderful. Quite a debut mystery!"
I feel as if I need to start rereading her books...and reading the ones I have not yet read for the first time. She was certainly prolific!

"Tilt. I actually really liked this, though I can see so many mixed reviews. Oddly, I liked this essentially unlikable character – I do enjoy flawed people, which is likely most of us on the planet, at times. I was mesmerized by the mix of kind acts and selfish, great people and not-so-great, and I even liked the ending. Usually I’m ok with ambiguity, and this was no different, especially as I did not have to figure out whether it had a happy ending. This could fit the “road trip” prompt … it did remind me a lot of The Road."
Huh. That's a new one for me.

"Currently reading: Sweet Bean Paste. Set in Japan, found family, loving the quiet pace so far."
This one intrigues me... Anxious to see what you think of it!

Nadine in NY wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "... Oooph! Yes! The Wedding People is the most recent and memorable. Although I feel that may partially be due to the fact that I had just finished Tom Lake, a book I could relate t...
Wow we truly are opposites! I really loved The Wedding People, so much more than I thought I would. It was so relatable for me, and so funny, despite some of its dark themes. I'd best not read Tom Lake, I'm sure to not like it!


(And Margo's Got Money Troubles was one of my all time favorite books. LOL I bet you don't like it hahahahah)"
Yep! I'm always thrilled when we agree on a book! LOL

Happy Sunday! Since tomorrow is Labor Day in the U.S. my typical gym schedule for a Monday is completely different. Rather than teaching at 6PM, I am scheduled to teach at 9AM! Ugh. Early bedtime for me tonight!

I have now ended up with three male cats (well, 2 cats and 1 kitten) in my household. This is the first I’ve heard of this working. The typical advice is not to house even two male cats together… But it has worked thus far. This is the result of my newly widowed neighbor obtaining a kitten upon her husband’s death. I didn’t think she had much experience with being a furbaby mom…and I was right. He is adorable!

The Goodreads Guide to Fall’s New Nonfiction Books

The Goodreads list of Readers’ Most Anticipated Fall Books

And a favorite of mine…Goodreads’ Month-by-Month Guide to Fall’s Biggest Mystery Novels

ADMIN STUFF:
THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ FINAL SELECTION POLL IS LIVE HERE!
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...
There are three titles still in contention:
The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo
Geekerella by Ashley Poston
A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot #1) by Becky Chambers
I read and adored one of these and am definitely up for reading both of the others after reading the synopsis for each!

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 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 plan to read this one this next week and post some questions. 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:
Has a really popular book ever disappointed you?
Oooph! Yes! The Wedding People is the most recent and memorable. Although I feel that may partially be due to the fact that I had just finished Tom Lake, a book I could relate to in so many ways and that totally resonated with me…whereas I felt Espach’s writing to be a bit choppy at times and some of her metaphors/similes were disruptive to me as I had to try to ‘get’ the connection!

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: 44/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*The Pawful Truth (Cat in the Stacks #11) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a bit scarier than usual for this series. Charlie ends up confronting the killer, believing that with Haskell and Stewart alongside him he was safe… Diesel to the rescue!! Though Charlie suffered in the aftermath. Both Sean and Laura yelled at and lectured him. Helen Louise refused to speak to him for three days. Thank goodness for Diesel and Ramses for company during his exile from family and friends!
POPSUGAR: #1, #2, #4, #6, #40, #43
ATY: #2, #5, #11, #13, #15, #16, #23, #24, #26, #30, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #24
52 Book Club: #1, #2, #10, #22, #28/#29, #36, #41, #43

*Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a reread for an IRL book club meeting last weekend. It had been 7 years since I had read it the first time and I realized that this time around I paid much more attention to Baldwin’s ingenious writing skill. His descriptions were intimately detailed and amazingly depicted. What an artist! This was an amazing book to prompt discussion!!
POPSUGAR: #6, #11, #14, #20, #35
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #13, #15, #16, #24, #26, #37, #44, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #8, #12, #24
52 Book Club: #2, #8, #22, #33, #37, #43

*His Spanish Bride (Rannoch Fraser #0.5) by Tracy Grant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ is the first book in a new-to-me mystery series whose author was mentioned in The Pawful Truth! I love it when I enjoy a book or series that is mentioned by an author in another (unrelated) book! This is an amazingly unique premise. Two spies marry—each a spy working for opposing forces during wartime… Wow. Exactly how will this end? And within another 6 months there will be a baby! Uh-huh. Intriguing
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #11, #20, #25, #28, #31, #40
ATY: #2, #3, #13, #15, #16, #17, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #31, #32, #37, #41, #46, #47, #48
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #9, #10, #22, #41, #43

*London Interlude (Rannoch Fraser #0.6) by Tracy Grant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was fascinating! To imagine being in Suzanne’s position! Ugh…
POPSUGAR: #6, #8, #25
ATY: #2, #13, #15, #16, #17, #24, #26, #32, #40, #42
RHC: #11, #16, #24
52 Book Club: #7, #10, #22, #28/#29, #39, #43

*Mission for a Queen (Rannoch Fraser #7.5) by Tracy Grant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was another unique installment in this series. I don’t recall ever having read this type of writing. A book starts out with depictions of the characters and mentions of interactions/events/revelations that have not yet been described to the reader. As you read, these past experiences are slowly revealed. I will say, especially since these first 3 installments were only available via ebook, I had to work at keeping the characters straight, especially given all the varied interrelationships that change throughout. Anxious to finally read an installment that is in true “book” form to see if my retention is helped, as I expect it will be…It has made it a bit more difficult for me to keep characters and their interrelationships in my mind as I read an ebook. However, my reading experience is always a good one. I am accustomed to some information being withheld and slowly revealed throughout an installment, but not this much in each and every book thus far. It proves to be a bit more challenging for me, but I am anxious to continue!
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #16, #25, #26, #28, #35, #40. #43
ATY: #2, #5, #13, #15, #17, #24, #25, #26, #32, #40, #41, #42, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #5, #11, #19, #24
52 Book Club: #3, #5, #7, #10, #22, #29, #43, #47

CONTINUING:
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
Definitely reading more from Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah in the future! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_...)
*East of Eden by John Steinbeck
*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is an excellent way to better understand and/or relate to James Baldwin’s experiences and writing!
*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:
*Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe for an IRL book club meeting
*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: "L Y N N wrote: "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 ..."

Very cool! My copy arrived this weekend!

Bea wrote: "L Y N N wrote: "The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin"

Another serendipitous occurrence: I am reading The Paris Novel in which the main character, Stella, meets James Baldwin in Sha..."
Cool!

Kenya wrote: "Kittentits -- okay, I borrowed this one specifically because that title was hilarious. But after repeated uses of the “R” slur and the 10-year-old main character (view spoiler), I bailed."
All I can think is...WTF?

Jennifer W wrote: "Hi all! This has been the longest week ever. My grandfather is doing very poorly and has been in ICU since the weekend and had several surgeries. He's still hanging in there, though. It's been toug..."

So very sorry about your grandfather... HUGS!!

Dubhease wrote: "I will lead The Fellowship of the Ring!

For credentials, I'd like to say that I have the high Elven greeting written in English and Tengwar around the wall (close to the ceiling) in my dining room..."
You are, like, overqualified to lead this discussion, Dubhease! LOL

I am so thrilled you volunteered. When I was first able to get back into reading for my own entertainment, this is one of the first books I decided I should read. DNF'd it, so not planning to try it again! Thanks so very much for doing this!!

Happy Sunday! I took a break from the rather heavy books I was reading and fit in a romance and three cozy mysteries this week. I just had to have a break! So now, I plan to dive right back into those heavies! And finish a few!

A bit different list! Romantasy!! Readers' 88 Favorite Romantasy Books of the Past Three Years

ADMIN STUFF:
THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY GROUP READ NOMINATION POLL IS LIVE HERE!
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...
My intention in selecting this prompt for November was to help others discover an interesting-to-them book to fulfill the prompt. Because…I gasped when I first read it. What?!? Having never encountered a book I could remember having as its subject a food truck, I was already in panic mode! LOL 😊

There are currently 10 books 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 November 2025 group read.
This poll will be live through Tuesday, August 26!

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 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:
Have you read a book that unexpectedly ended up fulfilling a reading challenge prompt? (You didn’t plan to read it for this prompt, but…)
So many! In the 52 Book Club Challenge this year, prompt #2 “A character with red hair” really had me going when I first read it since I’ve read all the Anne of Green Gable series books… But I now have a total of 37 titles read thus far this year that could be used to fulfill that prompt!

For Popsugar #5 “A snake on the cover or in the title” this year, I was anxious to complete reading the Rescuers series by Margery Sharp and lo and behold, that book, Bernard the Brave: A Miss Bianca Story had a snake on the cover!! Whoo! Whoo! Although, Goodreads doesn't have that edition listed... 😒

For Popsugar #7 “A book about a cult,” I was planning to read Jesus Land: A Memoir, but definitely not looking forward to it, but upon reading the first book in the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky, The Capture, I was thrilled that these owls ended up in a cult!! Yay!! Well, it wasn't necessarily a good thing for them, although they did end up escaping, which was good!

For Popsugar #12 “A book about a road trip,” I was planning to read Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral, but then I read Colleen Oakley’s The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise in preparation for an author event and it beautifully fulfilled that prompt!! Plus, I loved that book!

For Popsugar #27 “A book set at a luxury resort,” I wasn’t wild about reading The Sanatorium, but I had it here… Then I read The Wedding People for my book club and I was thrilled, ‘cause it was a beautiful fit for that prompt, even if it didn’t prove to be as enjoyable as I had expected it to be…

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: 44/52

2024 Popsuga,r: 47/50

FINISHED:
*Twelve Angry Librarians (Cat in the Stacks #8) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ kept the family together. Charlie declined the job offer and he and Helen Louise are going to spend more time together to try to figure out their future. Ah. Love this series! So gentle, even if there is at least one murder per installment! LOL
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #26
ATY: #2, #5, #11, #13, #15, #16, #24, #26, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #24
52 Book Club: #6, #10, #22, #29, #41, #43

*The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ is a reread 6 1/2 years later for an IRL book club. So very glad to have reread this!! He is correct, no one else can save us “white folks” from ourselves, as proven by the U.S. presidential election. Though I contend if 100% of U.S. citizens who are eligible to register and vote did so, the outcome would have been different. There are more of us who are "white" but have grown, developed, and matured into a state of mind to accept, respect, appreciate, and value all people, regardless of skin color, spiritual beliefs, etc. It is such a much calmer and more content way to live life…I’m sorry for all those who have yet to discover such benefits, if they ever will. This prompted much discussion among us all-white book club members, especially relating to the reality of the 2025 U.S. political climate to the past struggles…and our frustration with the harm of the current U.S. political realities. Just 1½ million voters put us here…
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #8, #11, #14, #20
ATY: #2, #8, #16, #17, #19, #23, #24, #26, #33, #34, #36, #41, #44, #45, #47
RHC: #8, #12, #24
52 Book Club: #37, #39, #40, #43

*Claws for Concern (Cat in the Stacks #9) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a bit intense compared to others in this series. I particularly appreciated the interconnectedness of the characters and plot points!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #20, #28, #40, #43
ATY: #1, #2, #5, #11, #13, #15, #16, #24, #26, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #1, #2, #7, #10, #22, #29, #43

*Written in the Stars (Written in the Stars #1) by Alexandria Bellefleur⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was quite an enjoyable read. I am counting it for enemies to lovers and while there were a few more intimate details than I prefer, but not enough to put it off a 5-star rating! Anxious to read the second in the series, Hang the Moon!
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, #20, #28, #35
ATY: #2, #13, #15, #16, #19, #23, #24, #26, #31, #34, #37, #40, #41, #46
RHC: #19, #24
52 Book Club: #1, #2, #9, #22, #33, #36, #43, #45, #47, #51

*Six Cats a Slayin' (Cat in the Stacks #10) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was a truly excellent installment in this series with even more diversified characters and backstories contributing to the solution of the murder of Charlie’s new neighbor across the street… And five small kittens delivered to Charlie’s doorstep along with notes and money! Aha! A houseful…of felines and family!
POPSUGAR: #1, #2, #6, #20, #43
ATY: #1, #2, #3, #5, #11, #13, #15, #16, #20, #21, #24, #26, #27, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #1, #2, #9, #10, #22, #29, #41, #43

CONTINUING:
*The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race by Jesmyn Ward
Definitely reading more from Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah in the future! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_...)
*Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Very informative!
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
*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:
*Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe for an IRL book club meeting
*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

Vaish wrote: "I don't get the horse on the UK cover. What am I missing? 😯"

READ THIS ONLY AFTER YOU FINISHED THE BOOK "
Wow. I truly need to reread this. Once I finish the three books I'm reading for IRL book clubs, I'll dig it out!

Temperatures are back into the 90s for us. Ugh. But at least it is August, so summer is almost done...at least that's what I'm telling myself! LOL

A list! Penguin Random House’s The Most Anticipated Stories for Book Club of Summer 2025(https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/th...)

My big news this week is that I am finally all caught up documenting books! YAY!

Also, I am having a devil of a time with my allergies. I had the first ever reaction of my throat swelling up the other day. That has happened twice now and I believe it is due to a huge construction project that is next to my husband’s favorite restaurant. Time to get a really good mask to use when outside AND an epi pen to have on hand, just in case. Truly scary stuff. But it could always be worse! It didn’t escalate to a trip to the ER or anything, so that’s good. I was able to get it under control with Benadryl and probiotics.

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:
Is there a classic author you have never read (that you always think you “should” read)?
Quite a timely question for me! Not an author per se, but a specific book—East of Eden. I loved The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, but I found The Red Pony to be so depressing I really didn’t enjoy it much. I have always avoided East of Eden feeling as if it would be too angsty/depressing, but feel as if I really should read it, so a friend and I are currently doing a buddy read of it. And I was correct! It is depressing! I feel as if I am reading an approaching trainwreck about to happen… But at least I’ll have a frame of reference for it now!

Funny story. Another IRL book club member and I were discussing John Steinbeck and she was adamant that she would never read another one of his books. I asked why and she informed me she had to read The Red Pony in junior high school and she hated it! It was depressing, etc. To which I could only agree and said I regretted that was her first and only exposure to his writing! Sometimes I think it just depends which book you read first in a specific author's body of work.

I had always avoided reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde assuming I really would NOT enjoy it! But when it was selected for the December 2024 Monthly Group Read I figured, "Why not?!?" And I was correct! Not only would I not have read it if not for that, I would not have even finished it but for the group discussion! But now I have a frame of reference for it, so there is that!

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: 44/52

2024 Popsugar: 47/50

FINISHED:
*The Silence of the Library (Cat in the Stacks #5) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ continues my enjoyment in one of the most satisfying series I’ve read! I greatly appreciated James’ plotting—the real-life murder was reflected in the mystery book he was reading! Clever!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #20
ATY: #2, #11, #16, #23, #26, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #48
RHC: #24
52 Book Club: #10, #28/#29

*Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks #6) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a very clever use of the title as a double entendre! Sometimes when people are 'doing good' it can backfire, as proven here. The machinations people will go to for an advancement in their careers! Just another enjoyable installation in this series! And Charlie is going to be a grandpa!
POPSUGAR: #4, #6, #20, #35, #43
ATY: #2, #5, #11, #15, #16, #24, #26, #32, #36, #37, #40, #41, #45, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #19, #24
52 Book Club: #1, #10, #28/#29, #32, #43, #45

*Murder at Somerset House (Wrexford & Sloane #7) by Andrea Penrose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ brings some major changes to Wrex and Charlotte’s lives! The weasels have increased from 3 to 4! And Wrex has a newfound relative! For once, the Dowager’s knowledge of blue-blood lineage proves not to be useful!
POPSUGAR: #1, #2, #6, #14, #20, #40, #43
ATY: #2, #13, #16, #17, #19, #24, #26, #31, #32, #33, #40, #42, #45, #48, #51
RHC: #4, #11, #16, #21
52 Book Club: #3, #5, #22, #38, #41, #43, #51, #52

*No Cats Allowed (Cat in the Stacks #7) by Miranda James ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was just as enjoyable as others in this series! A ‘shotgun wedding’! Another grandchild on the way! And Charlie has accepted the director of libraries position on an interim basis as the search continues for a permanent director! Diesel helps him adapt to all these changes!
POPSUGAR: #2, #4, #6, #20, #26, #35, #40, #43
ATY: #2, #13, #15, #16, #20, #24, #26, #32, #36, #37, #40, #42, #45, #48
RHC: #11, #24
52 Book Club: #4, #5, #6, #10, #22, #29, #43, #48

*Broken Light by Joanne Harris ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ is another all-time favorite book for me! 10 STARS!! I cannot believe just how strongly and intensely I connected with this book! The FMC is enduring various symptoms related to menopause and with this time of life she regains a nearly forgotten ability that enables her to affect others' minds... Ah, though there may be unintended consequences resulting from any such action, eh? This book tackles so much in such a realistically straightforward and believable way! For example: feminism, conspiracy theories, #MeToo, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, rape, and more! Very insightful and honest, IMO! I could go on and on, but I'll just encourage you to read it if you are at all interested! Highly recommend for prompt #9 and #17 as the Finchley Fliers Run Club that Bernie joins about midway through the book proves to be a valuable addition to her life…
POPSUGAR: #2, #6, NEW #9, #17, #20, #28, #40
ATY: #2, #3, #5, #13, #16, #23, #24, #24, #30, #32, #33, #37, #41, #47, #48
RHC: #4, #11, #16, #19
52 Book Club: #2, #10, #22, #33, #40, #43

“Breastmilk” by Pemi Aguda ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ was an excellent short story! Although not even listed in Goodreads, here is the link for the electronic version of the Cain Prize nominated work: https://static1.squarespace.com/stati... I nursed all three of my sons, though the milk didn’t come in and start to flow for 5 whole days after my eldest/first son’s birth! So I could relate a bit to Aduke’s challenges. I did appreciate the implied link between her own emotional turmoil with her husband’s behavior and her apparent physical inability… Very poignant! Anxious to read her short story collection, Ghostroots: Stories, which includes this one!
POPSUGAR: #1, #6, #10, #20, #23, #43
ATY: #2, #5, #15, #16, #24, #41, #43
RHC: #8, #24
52 Book Club: #13, #47

CONTINUING:
*East of Eden by John Steinbeck
*The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
A reread 6 1/2 years later for an IRL book club.
*The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
*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.
*Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe for an IRL book club meeting
*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

JessicaMHR wrote: "Okay I have FINALLY caught up on these posts! Yeah!
However, I will wait until Thursday to post my update. It will be a long one since I haven't posted in about 5 weeks or so. July was a busy month..."
Understand about being busy and we'll be happy to welcome you back!!

Dani wrote: "Hello and I hope your Thursday left you in a better mood than mine did (from Columbus!) I’ve had the most insane week; the ac in my car went out, I dropped my phone at Kings Island and broke the back screen, the heat almost made me pass out, it was so hot and humid my phone got water damaged. And that was all just Saturday. Sunday my phone started smoking and getting so hot I couldn’t touch it, I order a replacement and spend all day Monday getting it set up. Come home to my bed frame broken, one cat threw up and the other is having issues with the other end. Yesterday I leave work and walk out to a flat tire. Literally one minor inconvenience away from a meltdown lol. Needless to say I didn’t get a ton of reading done."
That's...awful!! I am so sorry you've had to deal with all that in such a short time period! I guess the only direction life can go for you from here is UP!! Here's hoping that happens! 👍🤗

"QOTW:
I mostly just listen to audiobooks while out and about so I rarely think to bring a physical copy with me."
Ah! Very smart!

Sasha wrote: "Life update: I got a migraine on Sunday and have spent most of my second week off recovering from it, which feels like a bit of a waste. Still better than trying to work through it or taking unpaid sick leave, I guess (I am out of paid sick leave due to the way my phased return to work after becoming disabled is classified.) Having my eldest son back home for a while has been a huge help, as he's taken on some of the dogwalking and chores. He's been househunting after a breakup, and although he's found a place now, he won't be moving in until 1 September, so I get to enjoy his company and his help for a while longer."
I am so sorry about the migraines! Ugh. Those are awful. But as you say, at least you could rest and recover without trying to also work!

Milena wrote: "Happy Friday! It's 64 degrees this morning after the front Theresa wrote about passed through. Ahhhhhhhhh! So happy it's August, that means summer is almost over.

I have not posted here in months. Work has been very busy and annoying. My mother in law had some very serious health issues and even moved in with us for a while. My mother had her own less serious issues. My dog is really old and it's making me sad. I guess I have been anxious and a little depressed too."
Sounds as if you've had a ton to cope with over these past months! Glad you've returned! Welcome back! 🤗

"Luckily my reading hasn't suffered. I am 4 books away from finishing the challenge."
Excellent! Good for you!

"Atmosphere I loved it, as I do most of her books."
I adore Taylor Jenkins Reid!! I really cannot afford to purchase a brand-new book full price right now, but as soon as I can, or if I luck into a cheaper used copy, I'll own and read it!

"QOTW:
I take a Kindle. If I am worried about running out of power, I take a backup Kindle (I have 4). It's still lighter and takes up less room than a physical book. I took 2 Kindles on my recent beach vacation."
Four Kindles? Wow. I'm impressed!!

Ron wrote: "Wow August first, that's insane!

This year aside from my general TBR, I'm also participating in the Sealey Challenge which is a month long challenge in August to read a poetry book a day.

Since I..."
THAT is a LOT of poetry! Enjoy!