What books did you get from the library, bookstore, online? - 2020

[madrano]

Not even close! How refreshing.

[Alias Reader]

Marie wrote: "Well Alias - I normally do not buy the physical books - so unfortunately no box (lol) - I am strictly kindle so I buy them and they just download into my kindle. Way quicker than the box! LOL :)..."

:)

[madrano]

I'm not getting much reading accomplished this month which hasn't stopped books on my "hold" list from becoming available. I started two, in a daring attempt to read two fictional works at a time.

The Office of Historical Corrections: A Novella and Stories is a collection of unrelated stories, written by Danielle Evans. Thus far the stories have been good. All have been about young women dealing with their lives in light of their past. The last i read, "Boys Go to Jupiter" is about a white college student who is given a bikini with the Confederate flag design, which she wears. Returning to her college, she is the target of an online campaign led by a black student across the hall. What i liked was that it managed to present both sides of the issue of what targeting feels like. The bikini woman wasn't advocating anything, only wearing a gift, which the giver published online. So, then she is to defend free speech, which she isn't sure she even thinks is what she wants to do.

That's a sample. Fortunately, they can be read as standalones, meaning i can pick them up as time allows.

The other book is Kim Thúy's Ru, about a 10 year old Vietnamese refugee who ended in Canada. We follow her as she tells us about her two children, as well. Few chapters are more than two pages but the details of scenes captured my interest. I feel it's well done thus far.

The liklihood that i'll finish my DL, however, is fading fast. But that's okay, as it is my second one of the year.

[Barbara]

The bikini story is a nice conundrum. I dare say she shouldn't have worn in (in the current climate), 😊

[madrano]

Exactly. Even if it's a gift, it's from a guy she met that summer. Personally, i might feel used by him since he's the one who posted the photo, as well. Of course, part of her story is learning how she could be the person who mostly watches the developments.

[madrano]

I have begun reading the next (second, chronologically) in the Sackett series from Louis L'Amour. To the Far Blue Mountains finds Barnabas returned to England, with plans to return to the New World, Raleigh's Land. This is right around 1600, so post Roanoke & the mysterious disappearance of the British inhabitants.

The novel is fast paced and easily followed. The adventures follow one after another, somewhat predicable in that you know Barnabas isn't going to die yet. :-) Still, i like this part of the series, as bits about the settling of what we now call Virginia is covered, as well as the world he is trying to leave behind.

This is part of my 2020 DL, by the way.

[John]

I returned the physical copy of Lulu in Hollywood yesterday. I think reading The Chaperone first worked out better for me. I'll be saying more on Lulu in the December reads thread later.

[madrano]

I look forward to reading your comments on Lulu, John. I didn't know Brooks wrote about her life. I know little more than her name & era.

[Petra]

Like others here, I haven't been reading much this month.....but I did pick up a few holds in hopes of having time in what will be a quieter Christmas this year.
I picked up:
The Case of the Reincarnated Client - it's been a few years since the last Vish Puri novel was released. I'm looking forward to this. This series is light and humorous.

The Well of Lost Plots - another fun and humorous series. Thursday Next's world is very quirky.

The Black Cathedral - this is for an International group read in another group. January's country is Cuba. This book sounded interesting, so I'll give it a shot for this theme.

[madrano]

Gosh, Petra, you have some appealing titles ahead. I like the title of the Puri latest. And, Jasper Fforde is always good for a laugh, imo. But the Marcial Gala from Cuba calls to me. I hope it's a good one for you...and me. Enjoy!

[John]

Our libraries are doing pickup of "held" books only so far. Next week, I'll be picking up On Beyond Zebra! for a 2021 challenge Dr. Seuss category!

[madrano]

It's interesting to see how libraries handle the same issue. Our library has a 4-day hold, then they offer to the next person in line. However, if there is no one else wanting the book, all is arbitrary. For online books, they seem to have a deadline to pick up the book but once that is reached, they set another one. I find that odd but i'm supposing, again, that this occurs if no one else is waiting.

Have fun with the Seuss, John.