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.

Katelyn wrote: "I just finished the book! Such a great story. Lisa See hasn't disappointed me yet."
That's a great recommendation!

Allie wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I also own The Searcher but have yet to read it.."

See if you can get The Searcher in audiobook. It's pretty good"
Thanks for the recommendation though I typically don't do audiobooks, this might help others who do! 😊

Another thrilling Thursday! Happy Thursday to all you Goodreads Popsugar fans!

I love book/author lists and this posting of 13 Authors to Watch by BookPage includes some soon-to-be-released books that sound incredible! https://www.bookpage.com/features/202...

Although I posted last week that spring weather finally seemed to have come to stay in my part of the world, I awoke to a temperature of just 14 degrees Fahrenheit one morning soon after! Though now we finally seem to have sustained warmer temperatures, in the 60s and even 70s this week!

ADMIN STUFF:
Per our most recent poll, Beloved by Toni Morrison is our June monthly group read selected to fulfill prompt #10 An Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner in honor of Juneteenth! Are YOU the “vivacious volunteer” needed to facilitate discussion this month? I have read this one rather recently, so will stick to The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family for this prompt. However, I will note that I first read this book about 25 years ago and seriously felt that I had “missed something” since it just didn’t make sense to me. So I reread it in 2019 and came away with a completely different understanding. I "got it” the second time. I think those extra 25 years of life experience helped… It is a tough read, as I find Morrison's books to be, but, in my opinion, well depicts the anger, frustration, and hopelessness of female slaves...

In celebration of Women’s History Month in Australia, the UK, and the US, our monthly group read for March is The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. That discussion is here and I will be posting some questions for consideration this evening. (I plan to read it this weekend!) This book can be used to fulfill prompt #3 A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society. You can post other books you’ve read to fulfill that prompt here.

We desperately need a monthly group read discussion leader for April! April’s book is A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson for prompt #26 A book with a misleading title, in honor of April Fools’ Day! Are YOU the “guru guide” needed for this discussion?

The comprehensive listing of Monthly Group Reads for 2022 is here.

Question of the Week:
Since this is St. Patrick’s Day, do you have any favorite books about Ireland or written by authors from Ireland?
According to history.com, St. Patrick’s Day is especially celebrated throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Although these are the largest productions, it is celebrated around the world in locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore, and Russia. (Though I doubt there’s much of anything being celebrated in Russia right now…)

I asked one of my friends who is a reader and VERY Irish for a list of author suggestions...and here is that list!
1) Emma Donoghue She was born and raised in Ireland, educated in England, and lives in Canada now… I truly enjoyed Room and The Wonder was quite a unique story, IMO! I own a copy of Frog Music and plan to read it yet this year. I would also like to read Slammerkin, Akin, and The Sealed Letter. I purchased a copy of The Pull of the Stars for a good friend last year but she has been too busy to read it yet. She and I typically enjoy the same books so I'm anxious to see what she thinks of it.
2) Tana French One of my absolute favorite authors of all time! I own, have read, and adored all 6 of the Dublin Murder Squad books, as well as one of her two stand-alone novels, The Witch Elm. I also own The Searcher but have yet to read it.
3) Maeve Binchy I have read quite a few of her books and am preparing to read a biography of her, Maeve Binchy: The Biography by Piers Dudgeon. I label her work as “slice of life” novels where she describes the characters and their interactions, etc. There is typically not much action and since I basically read for characterization, I really enjoy her books! I own about 4 more that I will be reading in the future. Here are some I read and loved: Tara Road, Quentins, The Lilac Bus, Heart and Soul. (Note: all but one of these is not listed on my “read” shelf because they were before I joined Goodreads and I really want to reread them!) In addition I own and want to read: Nights of Rain and Stars, Firefly Summer, Whitethorn Woods, Full House, and Minding Frankie.
4) Bram Stoker Yep! Anne said they studied his best known novel, Dracula, in school. Of course they did in Dublin, Ireland! 😊
5) Oscar (Fingal O’Flahertie Wills) Wilde (Oscar Wilde I shamefacedly admit to having never read anything written by Wilde…yet! I did add The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest onto my TBR listing! He was actually imprisoned for two years for “gross indecency” with other men. How awful! I guess society has come a long way toward integration and acceptance from those times at least!
6) Seamus Heaney POETRY! Lots and lots of poetry!
7) And speaking of poetry— W.B. Yates !
8) Roddy Doyle I don’t recall ever having heard of this author before… Several of his books have been adapted into movies, beginning with The Commitments. My friend did mention that his writing is chock full of slang as used in Dublin, where his books are set and she was born and raised!
9) Marian Keyes Wow. This woman has endured, dealt with, and overcome many challenges! Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_...
I already had Watermelon, her debut novel and the first installment in the Walsh Family series, on my TBR listing!
10) Samuel Beckett

Popsugar: 26/50
ATY: 40/52
RHC: 12/24
A bit more progress made!

FINISHED:
The Truth (Lionboy #3) by Zizou Corder ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ was an amazingly “happily ever after” unrealistic ending to this trilogy. Still lots of action and moral decisions made, but overall just simply enjoyable, happy, and positive endings for all!
POPSUGAR: #9, #25, #40-2015 #29 Set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit—a Caribbean Island, #42-More than two, but mainly English and “cat”!
ATY: #1-Aneba-Charlie’s father, #4-A book related to the year you or someone in your family turned 22-Sean, #7-The Corporacy controlled every human’s mind on the island, #14-4,766 ratings, #29, #31-2006, #33, #36, #40-Strength, Justice, Judgment, The World, #41, #43, #46-the chameleon, #49
RHC: #13

*Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was, IMO, a case of real life being stranger than fiction! This definitely read much like fiction and was engrossing and enjoyable! These are some of the most eccentric and unique characters ever! And they’re real people! 😉
POPSUGAR: NEW #13, #25, #36, #38-Jim’s annual party, #40-2015: #3 A book that became a movie
ATY: #3, #7-Jim believed he could influence things by thinking about them, #15, #31, #40-The Lovers, Strength, Justice, Death, Judgment, The World, #41, #44, #49, #52
RHC: #22, #24-2018: prompt #2 A book of true crime


The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth, illustrated by Raoul Vitale ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ is an illustrated version of a Japanese fable and was an absolutely delightful read! I wish I had had a copy to read to my children when they were young! (Of course, I was 99.9% certain I would enjoy this, given that I share a house with four felines and another two who are outside kitties. LOL)
POPSUGAR: #9, #24, #36, #40-2015: #9 A female author
ATY: #11, #15, #25-96 pages, #26/#27-CAT, NEW #30 (A Buddhist folk tale), #31-initially published 1930, #36-Good Fortune, #40-Strength, Justice, Judgment, The World, #41-the lack thereof, #46-Good Fortune!, #50
RHC: #24-2019: prompt #15 A book of mythology or folklore

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus (Life Events #2) by Dusti Bowling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ was an absolutely amazing read! This is an ARC that I got free for making a purchase at my favorite used bookstore and now I can’t wait to read the first book in the series! Poignant, humorous, and true to life!
POPSUGAR: #9, NEW #21-Kids from Alcatraz, #24, #25-The “Great Humiliation,” #26, #36, #38, #40-2016: prompt #32 The first book you see in a bookstore
ATY: #1-Aven, #3, #4-Stand in the desert. . . ./The lone and level sands stretch far away.-Aven’s family relocated to Arizona, they live smack dab in the desert!, #7-Bullying is very much a “mind game”!, #14-4,678 ratings, #15, #34-the football coach, #36-Spaghetti and Lasagna!, #37, #40-Strength, Justice, The Sun, Judgment, The World, #41-Smoothies…, #50-Henry
RHC: #24-2018: prompt #21 A book with a main character or protagonist with a disability

CONTINUING:
The Son of the Black Stallion (Black Stallion #3) by Walter Farley is so good! I should finish it tonight!
*Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep I am not especially a fan of “true crime” books, though I am definitely finding this interesting so far.
*Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson I read 5-10 pages every once in a while and find this to be enthralling, though I like spreading it out a bit at a time.
*Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
*Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
*Paradise by Toni Morrison

PLANNED:
*The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See this weekend!
2 more for March Buddy Reads:
*Daddy-Long-Legs (Daddy-Long-Legs #1) by Jean Webster
*London Bridges (Alex Cross #10) by James Patterson
To complete some 2021 year-long challenges:
1) *Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
2) *The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
To complete the 2021 Read Harder Challenge:
*Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz
*Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
*Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

Katelyn wrote: "1. Have you read any other of Lisa See's books? If so, what was your reaction to it/them?

I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan last year and really liked it. I am happy that this book fits the prompt and was written by an author I enjoy!"
I own a copy of this but have yet to read it!

"2. What expectations do you have for this book knowing that it could be used to fulfill POPSUGAR 2022 prompt #3 A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society?

I thought I was going to struggle with this category - but was happy to find a book that fits and one written by an author I already enjoyed!"
Great!

"3. Have you already fulfilled this prompt? Or do you have a different book selected for prompt #3?

I planned to read this book from the beginning so I am glad it was chosen for the discussion."
That's so cool!

"4. Nonpatriarchal society: a society where men are not the ones holding power. Do you have any thoughts regarding the fact that there are very few such societies/cultures in our world today?

I think women have been behind the scenes for many years, influencing men that are in power. I think now women are more comfortable stepping into the light themselves."
I also think that men are much more accepting of women in the workforce, leadership positions, etc., overall than ever before. Hopefully that will keep improving!

"5. Do you believe societies around the world could evolve into nonpatriarchal societies? Or do you believe men will retain power, and thereby control?

I think it has taken hundreds of years for women to be as powerful as they are today - it wasn't all that long ago relatively speaking that women couldn't even vote or obtain a credit card in their own name. It took until 2022 for a woman to become VP of the US, it won't be that long until a woman becomes President."
I have my fingers crossed, hoping you are correct!

Megan wrote: "I’m about 100 pages in. As a vegan, I struggled in the beginning. The scene with the octopus made me shy away from the characters and feel no sympathy towards them. Then, a character explained how sometimes it is better to let nature be and not to be greedy. I felt a little better afterwards, although still difficult to read humans violently prying sea creatures away from their habitats for consumption. Granted, a man *probably* would not have said that- lol. I wish haenyeo would eat plant-based goodness that they grow - it would be so much less dangerous, too."
That is so true! Hunting animals in the wild for food is very dangerous! My youngest son has an incredible story from deer hunting. (I won't share due to respect for your sensitivities!)

I am a farm girl, so I doubt this will bother me much, but I definitely sympathize with you and others. Glad you mentioned it so we can all be prepared!

Interesting observation with regard to whether a male would have even voiced such thoughts...

Megan wrote: "I can’t copy and paste from my phone!"
Yes, the phone is very limiting on Goodreads. 🙁

"1. I have not read any of Lisa See’s novels prior to this piece, but I’ve heard great things about her work"
I'm so anxious to finally read one of her books!

"2. My expectation is that this will center around a society in which women are the focal point of this particular society"
That is what I expect as well.

"3. I will be using this book for this prompt. There are quite a few interesting books out there for non-patriarchal societies, though"
At least this can fulfill the prompt for now... Who knows what you may read later this year that could also work for this one?

"4. Unpopular opinion: I do not identify as a feminist. I do understand the benefits of women rights. On the other hand, I do not really want to be ‘in charge’. Innately, I want to ‘be’ not ‘do’. For instance, take care of the household, cook, clean, etc. whilst the husband is the source of income. I am wistful for a time when this worked well. (Maybe the 50s?)"
Popularity is immaterial, IMO! Your opinion/belief is just as valid as anyone else's! Just because something is 'popular' that doesn't mean it works for everyone! The 1950s does represent an idyllic 'family' portrait, at least in general. Though as I read historical nonfiction and fiction I find divorce, feminism, etc were certainly factors within US society decades prior to the 50s.

"5. I believe women will overcome this imbalance with predominately men ‘in charge’. There are more women CEOs & doctors than ever before. One day it will become commonplace in the political realm also. Quicker in some countries than others…"
I believe this as well.

It’s Thursday! I’ve made it through another whole week! YAY!!

Fortunately, I am feeling better. I literally slept off and on all last weekend and Monday. I evidently had another cold since it afortunately was not the flu and my home COVID test was negative. But that’s the third time this winter and I’m sick of this!! I’m increasing my dosage of probiotics, making sure I take at least one per day in hopes that will help maintain my immune system enough to fight off these viruses!

I was curious about any recognition days during the next 21 days of March and discovered this website, National Today: https://nationaltoday.com/march-holid... Unbelievable what is recognized on different days! LOL I realize these are probably US-centric, but it’s fun to see the list…
Some examples:
March 10—Popcorn Lover’s Day! YES!! Count me in!
March 10—National Kidney Day
March 10—International Day of Awesomeness!!
March 10—International Bagpipe Day!
(I used to work with a guy who played bagpipes and wore the kilt, the whole ‘nine yards’!)
March 10—Harriet Tubman Day! (YES! A true hero!)
March 14—National Potato Chip Day!
March 14—I already knew about National Pi Day being on 3-14 (Get it? LOL) We had a faculty member who always brought in PIE to celebrate National PI Day! LOL (I miss him!)
March 14—Commonwealth Day in Canada!
March 16—Everything You Do Is Right Day! (I can get behind that one!)
March 16—National Panda Day! (Though I’ve always preferred koalas!)
March 16—National Vaccination Day (appropros of COVID times…)

Anyway, just a tad of diversion to (hopefully) brighten your day a teensy weensy bit!

Speaking of bright, it is sunny here and has been for a few days! We’re still in the 40s during the day time, but next week we will supposedly be in the 60s and even 70s most of the week. Looks like warmer weather is coming to stay in my part of the world!

ADMIN STUFF:
In celebration of Women’s History Month in Australia, the UK, and the US, our monthly group read is The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. That discussion is here and I am so far making a dismal attempt at leading. Losing a whole weekend really put me behind. I haven’t yet dug out my copy, but will be posting questions today or tomorrow for everyone’s consideration. This book can be used to fulfill prompt #3 A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society. You can post other books you’ve read to fulfill that prompt here.

Yes! We definitely need monthly group read discussion leaders for April and June!! Thanks to Nadine for posting that reminder!

April’s book is A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson for a misleading title in honor of April Fools’ Day! Are YOU the “guru guide” needed for this month’s discussion?

And by next Thursday we should have a June monthly group read selected to fulfill prompt #10 An Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner in honor of Juneteenth! Are YOU the “vivacious volunteer” needed for this month? I’m very curious to see what is selected! So many good ones!

The comprehensive listing of Monthly Group Reads for 2022 is here.

Question of the Week:
Is there a book you read recently that you recommend to others just because you want to discuss it with someone else?
I am forever doing this! Especially with nonfiction books! I have a few friends who are so patient with me that they’ll listen while I summarize a book for them and then they’ll actually ask questions! (Their eyes don’t glaze over or anything!) I think they figure they might as well give in and do that just to help satisfy my obsessive need!! LOL Then we can move on to other subjects. Whatever their motivation, I appreciate their efforts to placate me! 😁

My most recent example was after reading The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race. I even persuaded a couple of our faculty members to discuss it, especially the scientific breakthroughs leading to the development of RNA technology. It was interesting to hear them say they learned so much by reading that book! Definitely made me feel as if I was not quite so dumb after all! LOL

POPSUGAR: 24/50
ATY: 39/52
RHC: 12/24

FINISHED:
I'm Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ was the 51st book reviewed for the Literary Wives club! And one of my absolute favorites. I loved reading about a man/husband who truly loved and respected his wife and wasn’t unfaithful to her. Most of the books we’ve read for this online book club depicted a male who refused to keep his pants zipped and remain faithful to his wife… (A definite sore spot for me…) LOL
POPSUGAR: #25, #36, #40-2015: #41 An author you’ve never read before
ATY: #3, #4-An author who is younger than you, #7-Definitely psychology as Penny and Sanjay work together to improve their marriage, #40-Strength, Judgment, The World, #49, #50-Penelope’s father
RHC: #24-A book set in the Midwestern US

Murder at Queen's Landing (Wrexford & Sloane #4) by Andrea Penrose ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ OMG! This series is absolutely perfect for me! A perfect fit in so many ways! I have suggested to the other Buddy Readers that we kidnap Penrose and force her to do nothing but WRITE! Well, of course, we would provide adequate food and drink, as well as facilities, but I’m sure she is incapable of writing fast enough to suit me/us!! 😉 My suggestion may be a bit radical…but… I find this series to be totally and absolutely enthralling and compelling! Each installment is perfect in all respects!
POPSUGAR: #9, #25, #40-2015: #13 A book set in a different country (UK-London, England)
ATY: #4- A book related to Shelley's poem Ozymandias (Nadine’s proposal): …well those passions read… Very well, since Wrex proposed and was accepted!, #6, #11, #14-3,270 ratings, #29, #33, #36, #40-Strength, Justice, Death, Judgment, The World, #41, #44, #46-Harper, #49
RHC: #24-2021: Read a book with a beloved pet where the pet doesn’t die—Harper!

CONTINUING:
The Truth (Lionboy #3) by Zizou Corder
Almost halfway through and loving it! I should finish tonight. This trilogy, is, IMO, a great one for older children/adolescents. I think those who love reading adventure stories would especially appreciate it!
*Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt for a March Buddy Read. Just 10 pages in.
*Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep Just 20 pages in.
*Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson
*Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
*Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
*Paradise by Toni Morrison

PLANNED:
For the POPSUGAR March Monthly Group Read: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
2 more for March Buddy Reads:
*Daddy-Long-Legs (Daddy-Long-Legs #1) by Jean Webster
*London Bridges (Alex Cross #10) by James Patterson
To complete some 2021 year-long challenges:
1) *Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
2) *The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
To complete the 2021 Read Harder Challenge:
*Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz
*Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
*Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

I apologize for being away from this thread for so long. I spent last weekend and Monday in bed sick with a cold. (No COVID per the home test, so that's good!)

I admit I have yet to dig out my copy of this and begin reading, but I will be posting some questions for your consideration yet this week!

I am anxious to see what everyone thinks as we read this one!

I will be posting some questions to consider as we read either this weekend or during this next week. I'm choosing not to split questions up by section, and would strongly encourage anyone who has read this book or is reading this book to simply post comments and/or questions as you read. I often find that helps prompt good discussion just as well as any published questions can do! 😊

And please don't forget to use spoiler brackets so that none of us has our own reading 'spoiled' by pertinent information being revealed to us before we get to that part of the story/book.

Jessica wrote: "1. Have you read any other of Lisa See's books? If so, what was your reaction to it/them?
No I have not."
Nor have I...

"2. What expectations do you have for this book knowing that it could be used to fulfill POPSUGAR 2022 prompt #3 A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society?
No real expectations, just hoping for a good story. But, I am going to wait 'til later in the month to read this book since last month I read the book early and then had a hard time answering the later questions since I didn't remember much."
I find the same thing. I want to finish the book earlier. I think I'm going to post a list of questions this next week that are not separated out by section or chapters. Then we can select questions from that list to answer or explore. In addition, each os us can simply add questions or comments we would like to consider as we read or when we are finished.

"3. Have you already fulfilled this prompt? Or do you have a different book selected for prompt #3?
I had originally planned to use The Bees before this book was chosen. I'm also reading The Bees anyway but, I will use this one for #3."
Wow. That looks to be a completely different interpretation of this theme. Cool!

"4. Nonpatriarchal society: a society where men are not the ones holding power. Do you have any thoughts regarding the fact that there are very few such societies/cultures in our world today?
Until I took an anthropology class I had never really thought about it any other way. And even in some of those places where women hold more 'power' the men often still seem to hold high positions. Sometimes these places are that way simply because there are more women than men, or vice versa, in their area...It always makes me think about this tribe/town in the Himalayas (or somewhere around there) that practiced polyamory simply because there weren't enough women, so each woman had multiple husbands. (umm...yeah not really sure where I was going with that, LOL)"
I have read of similar societies. I kinda like the idea, although then I must ask myself...do I really want (or need?) more than one man in my life? Don't think so... LOL

"5. Do you believe societies around the world could evolve into nonpatriarchal societies? Or do you believe men will retain power, and thereby control?
I think men enjoy the power and even thrive on it way more than women do. Women just want to get sh*t done, solve the problem and move on to the next task. (Of course I am over generalizing but...)"
But such questions kinda force overgeneralization to some degree, IMO! I agree with you though I feel as if both genders are becoming more androgynous as society continues to evolve... I have seen that with my 3 sons and others in their generation and the generation behind them.

"While I do hope to see, for instance, a woman president in my lifetime I'm not going to hold my breath. Change like that often comes very slowly...just look how long it took for women to get the vote, or even to be able to get something so menial like get a credit card or bank account without their husbands permission! Then even if a woman becomes president it will still be a patriarchy. (I know it sounds like I'm being defeatist but, I think I'm just being realistic). It just makes me sad.."
Agreed. I can't believe how long men LEGALLY controlled women's financial lives, etc.! Crazy! Although I remain optimistic. I feel as if "might makes right" will finally dissipate and disappear as an underlying philosophical foundation. I honestly believe we are seeing a much different philosophy in action right now between Biden/NATO and Putin. Several of us were discussing this in the gym/pool last night. The only problem is if Putin is absolutely crazy and determined enough to not concede no matter what is done other than bold military action against him. Much as the world had to deal with Hitler. We all were wishing nuclear weapons had never been invented, and yet, Hitler was supposedly well on his way to beating us, so in reality I guess there was little to no choice. I honestly believe that if Putin died of natural causes right now, this aggression would end. But perhaps I am wrong...

AF wrote: "1. Have you read any other of Lisa See's books? If so, what was your reaction to it/them?
I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and really liked it. Such a beautifully written story. I was so happy that this book was chosen for this month."
That's great!

"2. What expectations do you have for this book knowing that it could be used to fulfill POPSUGAR 2022 prompt #3 A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society?
I love strong female MC. I expect to like this one as well. #girlboss"
I love #girlboss! 👍

"3. Have you already fulfilled this prompt? Or do you have a different book selected for prompt #3?
I will be using this for prompt #3."
Me as well!

"4. Nonpatriarchal society: a society where men are not the ones holding power. Do you have any thoughts regarding the fact that there are very few such societies/cultures in our world today?
I honestly believe that if women were in charge more, things would be better."
I agree! There are female leaders around the world who have been successful. I guess Germany's Angela Merkel is the one I think of first...

"5. Do you believe societies around the world could evolve into nonpatriarchal societies? Or do you believe men will retain power, and thereby control?
Men will always retain power. The way they use their power to hold women back seems to be working."
I, on the other hand, am determined not to be defeated. LOL I strongly believe that our world MUST evolve to at least a more egalitarian society overall in order to survive. However, for me, that includes equal rights and power to everyone, not just white males vs. white females, but every single person regardless of who they are...

Sarah wrote: "Wow, I can't believe I'm actually on time for a check in! I'm currently on my way home from Scotland after my awards ceremony for work. Thankfully I didn't have to make a speech or anything which I was dreading! It was a lovely evening but I'm shattered now."
I just have to ask. What was the award?

"Today is book day at my nephew's school and he's dressed up as Willy Wonka, looking absolutely adorable."
How cool!

"This week I finished The Last Graduate. I'd forgotten a lot of aspects of the first book so I was pretty confused for the first few chapters. Luckily I got sucked back in but I hate cliff hangers when the next book isn't published yet"
I always have mixed emotions about being left with a cliffhanger and the next book is yet to be published...kinda like an itch I can't scratch! LOL

"Currently reading: Reputation which is basically regency Mean Girls and I'm loving it."
That's quite a description!

"Also reading Alone in Antarctica: The First Woman To Ski Solo Across The Southern Ice. Antarctica books are one of my niche obsessions."
That reminds me of The Right To Be Cold: One Woman's Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic and the Whole Planet which I intended to read last year and never got to...this year! This year! Definitely this year!! LOL

"QOTW: I don't follow the theme months tbh"
Fair enough!

K.L. wrote: "Good morning, everyone!

It’s actually been a fairly productive week, both with respect to reading and getting things done around my home. I finally managed to make some headway on several projects that I’ve been avoiding, and I’m feeling pretty good about what I’ve managed to accomplish so far."
Good for you! Way to go! 👍😁

"This week I had the opportunity to finish reading the Vampire Knight manga, which I started reading last week. I knew this particular series had been sitting unread on my shelves for a long time, but it wasn’t until I found a price sticker from Borders on the back of one of the volumes that I realized just how long it had been. (I miss that store so much…)"
I had to laugh! I miss that place so very much! No way I could afford to work their full-time, but working there part-time as a second job in the evenings and weekends was marvelous! My store was blessed with an excellent manager who demanded we know our stock, even those areas with which we were unfamiliar, etc. He would even come out on the floor and quiz us about new releases, etc. It was definitely my dream job...well, with the exception of someone actually paying me to read! LOL Yep, you've definitely had those a while!

"In other news, I decided to participate in the March Mystery Madness readathon this month. Although I will probably continue to get caught up on various manga series throughout the next few weeks, my primary focus is going to be reading mystery novels. I’m in a major Agatha Christie mood right now, so I’ll probably spend most of March continuing her Hercule Poirot series. I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read so far."
Christie is a classic for mysteries! This sounds fun! Good luck!

"Goodreads: 177/200
TBR checklist: 143/962 — I’m so close to the end of my book buying ban, and I can hardly wait! Only 7 titles left to go!"
Wow! That's great! Almost...there!

"Finished Reading:"
Amazing list!

"QOTW:
Since I’m already participating in March Mystery Madness this month, I’m not currently planning to read any books specifically for Women’s History Month."
It sounds as if you'll be reading mysteries written by a woman. I think that counts! 😊

Katy wrote: "I'm currently reading Crazy Rich Asians as my book featuring a party, and I'm glad to have something light and fluffy to take my mind off things."
A great fit for that prompt! I've enjoyed the first two and realized the other day I have a copy of the third/last book and have yet to read it. I hope you enjoy this one!

"QOTW: Nope."
Concise and precise answer! LOL 😊

Mary wrote: "Wow. This week flew by and I'm going to be teaching sexting class all morning, so I think today will go by fast as well."
Uhm. I assume you may have already posted further details about this due to several queries? LOL

"I am 43/50. I was pretty worried about finishing the challenge this early in the year, but now I'm starting to get excited, and I figured out this morning that if I read 75 pages per day, I will be done by the end of March."
Wow. I am impressed! YAY YOU!!

"This week I finished:
The Paris Apartment: Sister city (Paris, I'm going to read a book set in Chicago for the other city): I have been a pretty big fan of Lucy Foley's other books, but this one wasn't nearly as engaging. I thought the suspense was overdone, and the characters seemed like characters rather than complex people. There were definitely a few twists that I did not see coming, but it didn't hold up to the others by this author."
That's too bad.

"Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal: A book with an onomatopoeia in its title: Like all of Mary Roach's books, this is interesting and as entertaining as a book about the digestive system can be. The only reason I'm not rating it higher is because, despite her best efforts, the book is gross, and I think I'm going to have anxiety about my digestive system now. Also, I have a problem with anything about teeth and had to force myself not to fast forward through that section."
Oh, my! You made me laugh sooooo hard!! 😂 Teeth, huh? LOL

"Phoenix Rising: A book with a constellation on the cover or in the title: I remember reading this on the school bus when I was 11 and I noticed the girl in front of me reading too. I asked what she was reading and she was reading a different book by the same author. It was her favorite book. This was mine. 22 years later, we're still best friends, so when I found this book at a used booksale I had to buy it."
What a neat story of friendship and reading!!

"None Shall Sleep: Cutlery Prompt"
Ooohhh...I'll leave that one alone. Definitely looks too gory...

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: after some flipping in my list, I'm using this for 2 languages (there's a good bit of latin and also parseltongue): I have read this book so many times, but I will always come back to this series. I decided that for this reread, I was going to really take my time and read one chapter per day. It has been a highlight of my mornings and has really let me sit with the story in a way that I never have. Something that I noticed, as I keep track of all my favorite quotes in a journal, is how wonderfully executed the end is, and I know I'm going to experience it throughout the series. I can't say enough about a good ending. I'm not even talking about the big reveal or action scenes, which are always epic, but rather the scenes afterward, when the characters are talking about what happened, asking their questions, showing their emotions for one another, and looking forward to the years/summer ahead. Just beautifully done and probably the first time I've ever taken longer than 2 days to read this book. Well worth it."
Wow. That shows real patience. I cannot imagine rereading one of these books just one chapter per day. Although I can imagine it does give you a different perspective to have a whole day to mull over just one chapter... I seriously doubt I'll ever do anything but inhale that series as I have in the past, however.

"No Exit: A book becoming a TV series or movie in 2022"
Ooph! Another one I'll leave for you!

"Currently reading
The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper: I need to switch to the ebook of this. The audiobook isn't working for me."
I rarely do audiobooks but I can see how they might not work well for some books...

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: continuing with one chapter at a time"
Again, you sure do have patience!

"QOTW:
I like Lynn's idea of Furious Hours: Mur der, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee: I have wanted to read it for years. I even started it once and put it down again, not because it wasn't good, but it just didn't feel like the right time."
It's weird how that can happen, isn't it? I have my copy right by my "reading chair"... We'll see how that goes! LOL

Nadine in NY wrote: "Lynn wrote: "And for your consideration we have a new poll! ..."


there's something wrong w that link. The poll is there (and I added my nomination!) but that link doesn't work.

https://www.goodr..."
OMG! That took like 20 minutes to fix that posting. I ended up updating and rebooting my laptop and it still kept messing up! Criminy! Let that be the MOST frustrating moment of my day! PLEASE!!! 👍😂

Nadine in NY wrote: "Lynn wrote: "And for your consideration we have a new poll! ..."


there's something wrong w that link. The poll is there (and I added my nomination!) but that link doesn't work.

https://www.goodr..."
And in trying to fix that I lost part of the posting! EGAD!!

Nadine in NY wrote: "Lynn wrote: "And for your consideration we have a new poll! ..."


there's something wrong w that link. The poll is there (and I added my nomination!) but that link doesn't work.

https://www.goodr..."
Ugh. I'll check it out. Sorry 'bout that!

Ellie wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "Every morning I wake up hoping to learn that global pressure, blockades, negotiations, etc have finally ended this. But the entire thing makes no sense so nothing sensible will...

I'm worried that Putin has just detached from reality and is living in his own fantasy world, where he believes the lies he's spun over the last eight years."
Honestly, as a US citizen I keep wondering why he waited 'til now? I mean, why not when a similar personality was in office as POTUS? Although I assume he may have been scared that DT might actually push the nuclear button first... But the world has allowed him to overtake other countries, though (as far as I know) this is the largest and most "European" one thus far, and right on the border with EU countries. I wish nuclear weapons had never been invented, but...there is no undoing such "technological advances"...

Nadine in NY wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I feel the need to mention the people of Ukraine who are, in my opinion, enduring most people’s worst nightmare right now. I am hopeful that somehow such unbridled aggression at empire...

Every morning I wake up hoping to learn that global pressure, blockades, negotiations, etc have finally ended this. But the entire thing makes no sense so nothing sensible will end it."
I'm so very scared that you are correct.