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.
Showing 121-140 of 4,993
honeyfolds wrote: "8) Address Unknown by Katherine Kressmann Taylor: No rating. This book completed the prompt "A classing you haven't read."This is one I was unaware of, but it certainly looks to be a worthwhile read!
Glad to know you participate in these Check-Ins when you can!!
Jackie wrote: "QOTW:I don't mind taking a new book on vacation; in fact I often go to the bookstore before a vacation to purposely get some new reading material. What matters to me is the format. I prefer paperbacks for travel, or my kindle. Hardcovers almost never leave home. And I would never take a library book on vacation for fear of somehow damaging it! I would feel so bad."
Agreed. I wouldn't take a library book either...
Denise wrote: "QOTW:What is this vacation of which you speak? I rarely travel as I have no money for that. I sometimes go to a friends cabin but I read only in the cabin so no worries, or I bring the Kindle. I DID this year get to go to a beach hotel for 3 days this year (5 miles for home) but I only read in the room or on the rooftop so no worries about ruining books"
That's more 'vacationing' than I get to do! So congrats! 👍😁
"That being said, I DO have a "beach book" that I carry in my beach bag for my day trips to the beach. I live about 4 miles from the beach so I have a bag where I keep sunscreen, water, a book, and an old ID to identify me in an emergency. I throw in my towel and leave the house in just a swimsuit, cover up and flip flops. That bag is full of sand when at the end of the summer and the "beach book" gets little beaten up"
And you live just 4 miles from a beach! I would love that!! Enjoy!
Bea wrote: "Happy Saturday, y’all.I am not sure what happened to Thursday, but Friday I spent on other things and reading this thread to catch up.
I completed the ATY Summer challenge. My next goal is to co..."
Wow. Home ownership is expensive, is it not? And it is always something...always!
K.L. wrote: "Good morning, everyone! Happy Sunday!Yesterday I returned home after a week-long solo road trip to Salem, Massachusetts, and Niagara Falls, New York. I’ve wanted to visit both of these places for a while, and I was really excited to have a chance to visit both locations in the same trip. I also had a chance to visit the Mark Twain House and Museum on my drive out to Salem, and I definitely recommend stopping for a tour if you’re traveling through Connecticut.
Salem is a very interesting place! If you're going to visit, I highly recommend taking time out for some evening/nighttime walking tours to learn more about the city and its history. The museums and shops were also fun, and the food was fantastic. My favorite restaurants that I ate at included: Black Cat Diner, The Olde Main Street Pub, Boston Burger Company, and Flying Saucer Pizza Company. Also, Ye Olde Pepper Companie, which is America’s oldest candy company, is an amazing place to get candy.
Niagara Falls was the most incredible part of my trip. Words and pictures just can’t do the falls justice. They need to be experienced in person. If you have a chance to go, I highly recommend taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist. If you’re planning to take pictures while you’re on the boat though, be sure to have a waterproof case for your phone (preferably with a strap), because the water does get a little rough, and you will definitely get wet.
I had a great time on my trip, but I am glad to be back home. It was so nice to sleep in my own bed last night and spend time with my cat.
While I did manage to do a little bit of reading before leaving on my trip, I did very little while I was traveling. Between all of the driving and walking around town, I was just too tired to do more than read a chapter or two before bed each night. I’m looking forward to diving back into reading now that I’m home."
That all sounds marvelous! I am going to live vicariously through your travel experiences!! LOL 😁👍
Aug 03, 2025 12:28PM
Vaish wrote: "Sasha wrote: "1.Has anyone started the book yet? Not yet. It will probably be my next ebook after I finish reading Ararat.
I agree with the yellow cover.. I initially had the UK version. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt That felt very flat compared to this one. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt."
I don't get the horse on the UK cover. What am I missing? 😯"
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! 😉
