Talk @ Books! discussion
Introductions! 2020-2021
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Hi Jennifer - love that you've had a taste of a few states. I've only vacationed in FL - Clearwater Beach is one of my favorites ever. Great memories there and would love to go back to the Gulf side, including Mexico (only ever been to Cabo San Lucas on the CA side).
I also earned a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations - but didn't work much in the field before my current position in insurance.
I would love to see a picture of your beautiful cats! They are meant to be spoiled. :) And I'm sure you have a terrific man because of your terrific cooking! Enjoy all the books!
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Hello! I live in Woodbury, Minnesota. I love to read!
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Hi Jillian - you are in the right place for book lovers! And we are practically neighbors although I am southwest from you in Lakeville - but have enjoyed my outings in Woodbury. Hope you're hanging in there with everything and will see you around here! :)
Hello Everyone!I'm Britany, from St. Petersburg, FL. Born and raised in Florida and have lived throughout the Tampa Bay area almost my whole life. I work in Financial Services at our HO here, and I'm considering moving up North for quite a big change, but YOLO and all that-- I've been working remote for 34 weeks now, and if we continue on this way, why not try a different change of scenery out?
My favorite genre is Historical Fiction, but I love reading and books, I've already searched for the public library system to find out where its located and how I would be able to get a card in the prospective new city! ;)
I have a Cairn Terrier named Finn and he and I will likely have separation anxiety when the day comes where I have to go back to the office full time.
Thanks for the invitation, Colleen. I'm Parker (female despite the name). I'm a Museum Educator/Living Historian specialising in the history that history books don't cover. I'm a native Kentuckian (far western -- a town called Murray), currently living in Summerville, SC (close to Charleston).I've been reading for 61 of my 63 years, and I'm pretty voracious about it.
I currently live with my husband. We're empty nesters after losing our 13 year old English Lab/Mastiff mix (in the market for another rescue in a few months).
Hello!I'm Victoria from Phoenix (via Washington State). I work in a library and read a wide range of genres. My favorite part of my job is doing Reader Advisory (recommendations). I'm also a cat-mom to a rambunctious 2 1/2 year old.
Thank you for the invite Colleen!I am Evelyn from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Been working from home since March and my home office is in the same room as my bookshelves...after spending hours gazing at all the books I have set myself a goal to read all my owned fiction except series by December 2021. Wish me luck!
I am a member of a local book club that has been meeting via zoom and I have 2 grown sons and 5 grandchildren.
Hello Everyone - I'm Mina from Northern Virginia. I read all types of books and sometimes my shelves are bigger than my eyes.
Thanks for the invite Colleen. Always interested in seeing what other folks are up to.
Hi! I'm Deneé, from VA. I've been an avid reader since I can remember and I'm also a huge sports and movie fan. I typically read fiction with a rare nonfiction book here and there. My current read is Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness. Thank you for the invite Colleen!
Hi, I am Andrea from Kelowna BC, Canada 🇨🇦 I am a published co-author, an aspiring poet and a voracious reader along with other creative passions and pursuits. I work on a casual basis at a local seniors home. Thank you for inviting me to this group and I look forward to learning and sharing. Happy Reading, everyone! 😊
Hi Colleen. Thanks for the invitation.I’m Cherie. I live in Hillsboro, Oregon (about 18 miles southwest of Portland). I’m currently working from home. I don’t watch TV so reading is it for me. I read or listen to just about anything. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction and Mystery are my favorite genre. I have been trying to work in more non-fiction this year. My mother taught me to read from Dick, Jane, and Sally before I started school. I’ve been reading ever since. I usually have three or four books going at once.
Hi, all!Thanks to Colleen for the invite!
I'm originally from MI, now living in Rhody, by way of 10 years in Madison WI. I teach Spanish, and a lot of my reading is done in Spanish, either for work or for my f2f club. This year, I've had trouble staying focused on reading or TV, so am doing less than usual. Since I'm back at work, and teaching in dual modality, it takes more time than I would like.
I prefer literary fiction, but am open to most genres except manga and probably romance. I look forward to "talking" to you guys and being in an active group again!
Thanks for inviting me to join your new group - I admire your courage, taking on a group of your own! I'm Karen from NY, just north of "the city." I retired in 2018 after 30 years of service to a local community college. I had only, after most of a year, pretty much adjusted to that change and along came COVID! Another year of adjustment! I continued to work part time after retirement at a local public library as a reference librarian - it has only just started to open again for curbside pick-up - and I really enjoy my time there. Support your local public library! I have a three year old grandson who, unfortunately, lives in RI so I don't get to see him all that often with never knowing who is locked down or who might expose who! I try to see him once a month at the very least - we meet halfway and spend a few hours in an outdoor park somewhere. Love him to pieces!
I love to read (I much prefer it to cleaning, I find) and I love to read through the comments on Goodreads to get different viewpoints about the things I read. I love reading the classics - I'm not a big contemporary fiction fan but read it to keep current in my job. Honestly I find myself opening lots of my reviews with, "This is not really a genre I would normally read but I loved this book." By this I surmise that I really do like a lot more genres than I realize or give myself credit for. I participate in two of the library's book clubs, one fiction and one nonfiction and enjoy them both. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you her at Talk@Books!
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I'm Britany, from St. Petersburg, FL. Born and raised in Florida and have lived throughout the Tampa Bay area almost my whole life. I work in Financial Services at our HO here, and..."
Hi Britany! How far north are you willing to go? It's brutal sometimes up here in Minnesota! I agree - it would be nice for a change of scenery outside the home office. :) That's what my sister has been doing - traveling and working remote at the same time. Looing up the library system....hmmm, sounds like you may be serious! ;)
Pets make the best coworkers...
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Hi (Mrs.) Parker - what a cool name. Very popular for boys these days I must say. You also sound like you have a very interesting job! What's your favorite history story???
I would love to visit that historical city of Charleston someday. I bet it is very alive and vibrant but has such a heavy historical burden at the same time. ?
I hope to say I also am still a voracious reader in my 60s also! Looking forward to hear you in this group.
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I'm Victoria from Phoenix (via Washington State). I work in a library and read a wide range of genres. My favorite part of my job is doing Reader Advisory (recommendations). I'm also a cat-m..."
Cute Victoria! Would love to see a picture of your precious rambunctious "toddler" lol. Also will love to see your book recommendations! You're a professional after all. :)
One of my best friends lives in Seattle - I've visited ~10 times. I bet you're getting your fill of sunshine now. I need to get to the southwest one of these years!
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I am Evelyn from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Been working from home since March and my home office is in the same room as my bookshelves...after spending hour..."
Hi Evelyn! What is the best thing about Saskatoon/Saskatchewan? I've only seen Winnipeg, Manitoba (very near Minnesota, USA - just northwest of me).
I imagine it would be very interesting/fascinating to have your home office amongst your bookshelves - I would happily be distracted for sure. And of course best of luck with finishing all your owned by the end of next year.
I've been doing Zoom book clubs as well - hey, we can cope, and we'll still be reading after all and wanting to connect. What books do the grandkids love? :)
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I'm Mina from Northern Virginia. I read all types of books and sometimes my shelves are bigger than my eyes.
Thanks for the invite Colleen. Always interested in seeing what othe..."
Thanks Mina! I'm sure we all have that same eye problem. I have banned myself from buying more books. It's for my own good. Keep us posted on your reads as well! ;)
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You are most welcome Denee' - and thanks for joining as well! I'm sure others share your interests as well - as do I - all in varying degrees and players. I've been meaning to continue the series you're reading. I would be hoping I like the second one more than the first. I assume the novels continue to develop with an ongoing plot?
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Everyone says British Columbia is beautiful. Sounds like you've got it going on Andrea! Learn, definitely share and Happy Reading to you also!
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I’m Cherie. I live in Hillsboro, Oregon (about 18 miles southwest of Portland). I’m currently working from home. I don’t watch TV so reading is it for me. I r..."
Hi Cherie - welcome and glad to see you here! You're picture/avatar loos super familiar so I know I've seen you around GR a lot, we're likely in a same group (or two). :)
I've never gotten to Portland although I've been to Seattle ~10x. I like working from home to be able to sleep more, but I miss the audiobook commute (but not the driving and wear/tear on my vehicle). You definitely sound like an open reader (me too) and I am at one print and one audiobook at the same time. 3-4 is talented.
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Thanks to Colleen for the invite!
I'm originally from MI, now living in Rhody, by way of 10 years in Madison WI. I teach Spanish, and a lot of my reading is done in Spanish, either for wor..."
You're very welcome Linda! It's good seeing you around here and on the GR site! I wish I were bilingual that's for sure. I think it would make for a more interesting person and bet it opens up the world so much more.
I'm looking forward to your thoughts and activity here! Let me know if you have any ideas to keep it going - I'm sure you've seen what works out there and what necessarily doesn't.
I have friends who are teachers, and certainly this situation is taking its toll - much more working hours and effort to put in to the job. I'm sure you're not alone. Everyone's world has changed - for better and for worse.
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My name is Loretta. I live in central New Jersey, approximately 20/30 minutes (dependi..."
Awwww - Loretta I heart your post! You are so kind. I agree and love that so many of you are interlinked on here and "friends" - familiar names/faces/pictures are a big plus and doesn't feel so anonymous. It feels good when we are amongst our people! If you have other friends on GR feel free to invite them! That's what makes a book group so good. I'm so glad you joined too!
I bet you've been to NYC so many times - me never, but is on the list. I've heard there's even a "library" hotel there, which would be cool to see. My then 16-yo daughter went there with her aunts on vacation a year ago, she was a little intimidated by it, as I'm sure you can imagine. She's not so sure she would ever go back, but she's glad she went, as am I, as there is nothing like travel as an educator.
I'm with you on catching up on all the classics - and hey, a print book is the original and the best! For some of us anyway.
We all have so many books we're committed to - I'm not about trying to get organized any monthly book reads at this point, but certainly there are opportunities to read something together. Whether if it's a book you see here that you would like to read along with, or what someone is reading and posting about, I hope that buddy reads/discussions will happen naturally on their own. Because we all know whether it's a pandemic limiting our access or too many book clubs or challenges happening that we may already be committed our time to, we have no pressure here to get anything official going. We'll just see how the group evolves! Which I hope it does.
And Happy Reading!!!
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Hi Karen - you're very welcome and glad you joined! I just know you will have a lot to say and love that you value viewpoints on reads (so do I - to a fault I'm sure) but I bet you have good insights as well to share. Amen to local libraries - and two of my real life book clubs are through the libraries (different cities/same counties) and the facilitators are top-notch.
And many adjustments to go through yet I'm sure - that's life. Hopefully more good ones yet to come - this year even would be nice.
Thanks for the kudos to bravery - I hope I can keep up and all goes well here. Maybe you will have "courage" yourself some day. As the young ones say, YOLO, no regrets, right?
I bet you've been to "the city" a lot as well. How cool is that? I love how you describe your 3-yo little buddy GC. So glad you get to see him fairly often - he'll be a reader I bet! And cleaning is overrated. Read more! :)
Colleen wrote: "Hi Britany! How far north are you willing to go?."Thinking Chicago!
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Thinking Chicago!"
I was supposed to go there last weekend for a 50th birthday celebration and had to cancel due to the COVID restrictions. So bummed - love Michigan Avenue, the deep dish pizza, the mid-west vibrant city life and all the culture. Good luck wherever you may end up and keep me posted. :)
I am an introvert so it has been easier for me but I miss stuff.
Hi there! I'm Crumb and I'm happy to be a part of this group. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and seeing what books you all are reading. My profile picture is my cat, Tubby. She is sweet!
Hi, Crumb! I think I remember you from FB group (the beautiful kitty is the giveaway). Welcome!
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Hi Crumb! Cute kitty with a cute name. :)
Crumb wrote: "Hi there! I'm Crumb and I'm happy to be a part of this group. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and seeing what books you all are reading. My profile picture is my cat, Tubby. She is ..."Tubby is a well loved cat! I love her markings and her colouring.
I’m late to the party! Thanks for the invite, Colleen. I’m Jen - from Toronto, Ont Canada 🇨🇦 I am married with 2 kids, 2 dogs 🐶 I work FT and am getting close to taking an early retirement likely in the next 5 years. I’ve never done an audio - yet. All my book selections are from my GR friends who’ve rated them 4 or 5. This is an excellent strategy when you share similar interests - Angela :). I’m a heavy user of the library- often requesting they buy books 2-3 a week. It’s almost as good as owning as I’m the first one to read them!! I own more than 200 books that are housed in 5 bookshelves and I haven’t read them yet...my retirement plan :)
Looking forward to some more great reading buddies and adds!
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for the invite, Colleen. I’m Jen - from Toronto, Ont Canada 🇨🇦 I am married with 2 kids, 2 dogs 🐶 I work FT and am getting close to taking an early retirement likely ..."
Better late than never Jen! Welcome! Congrats on the early retirement plan - 5 years? You can definitely see the light then. :) Sounds like a great retirement reading plan. I am looking forward to someday do that myself.
Same! I'm always checking on what Angela's up to. ;) I love the library as well and have resolved not to buy anymore - free books, now that's another story. I am letting go of some around the house knowing I can use the library's audiobooks. It has increased my books per year and always keeps me company while I go about my daily tasks which do not require concentration so I can listen in i.e. walks, runs, mindless cleaning.
Will love to see you around here. Stay warm - Minnesota is snowy here right now but not too cold/windy - just wet.
Hi! My name is Kirsten and I live in Eastern Washington State. That is the brown (geography) and red (political) part of the state. I am a dog person and love all sorts of fiction - mainly historical, mystery, romance, and space opera.
Kirsten wrote: "Hi! My name is Kirsten and I live in Eastern Washington State. That is the brown (geography) and red (political) part of the state. I am a dog person and love all sorts of fiction - mainly historic..."Hi, Kirsten! Welcome!
I also love historical - both nonfiction & fiction & mysteries.
Thanks for the invite! I'm Lynn and I live in Northern Virginia, about 30 miles outside DC. I'm a single mom of 2 girls - 19 & 21. One is away at school and one is staying home and going to school locally so I'm not an empty nester quite yet. We also have 2 cats and a puppy at home.
I've been lucky enough to work from home during COVID for my day job but I also work at Target a few times a week. My heart goes out to anyone who has been financially and/or physically effected by COVID this past year.
I love to read but am slowly coming off a reading slump so my goals are low this year - just 24. Trying to read books that have been on my physical shelves for a while plus the occasional NetGalley book I'm approved for. Hoping to actually beat my goal but time will tell.
I look forward to enjoying some books together and getting to know you all.
Hey Everyone, my name is Darren and I live in Ireland. Like everyone else here, I love to read but haven't been great at updating my profile here for the last number of years but I decided this year that I was going to be more active with recording what I am reading. I read almost anything, however, thrillers and mysteries are my favourite genres. I do also like some fantasy and historical fiction also. I recently started a book club with a few friends and we meet (online) once a month and that is really opening up what I actually read. Outside of that I am an environmental scientist and father to two kids (7 and 9) and all of us are into reading. Myself, my wife and kids have a reading hour before the kids go to bed so we get through quite a few books.
If anyone has any suggestions for books for a 9yr old girl also, I would gladly accept
Darren wrote: "Hey Everyone, my name is Darren and I live in Ireland. Like everyone else here, I love to read but haven't been great at updating my profile here for the last number of years but I decided this yea..."My granddaughter is older now, but when she was that age we loved the Phoebe & her Unicorn books. They are comic books. We would read them (Izzy got the more fun characters) at bedtime. Maybe not a great time as we spent a lot of time laughing.
Hi, I'm Diane and live in Illinois. Retired last year, leaving me more time for reading. Already know many in this group and looking forward to meeting others. Not a fantasy of scyfy reader, but read some of everything else.
Hi Diane! Nice to see you here , my friend!
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I'm having difficulty recalling that far back Darren :) but if memory serves me well (since I did not record past books read, much to my regrets), I was enjoying Black Beauty and Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective series back then. I'm not sure about anything contemporary these days, although my boy likes Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but he is not a huge reader.
I recently read Out of My Mind and loved it. I also enjoyed The War That Saved My Life. YA books tend to be really touching. Has she read Wonder?
How cool you live in Ireland! Good luck with recording your reading and nothing beats a book club for meeting social and mental needs.
Hi Colleen! So sorry for my late introduction. I joined the group, thinking I would introduce myself later, but then completely forgot about it and apparently my notifications were turned off.Ah well, here I am. I am Susy, living in the Netherlands though my roots and heart lie in Portugal. I’ve been an avid reader since I was little until life happened. Thanks to GR and some awesome groups I have been picking it back up again slowly since 2017 and now read about 70 books a year (though I actually want to read a little less and pick up other hobbies as well like photography). My favourite genres are horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy.
Diane S ☔ wrote: "Thanks Angela."Hey Diane!
I am Wendy from New York. I am an avid fiction reader but I have picked up a non fiction book here and there. When I Am not reading, working or being a grown up, I love to Netflix (so much to see so little time - just like books)
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Life is short so only makes sense to dabble in what we really want to do and accomplish. I will continue to look for opportunities.
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Welcome! And yes, I hear about all these fabulous shows but have little patience for them when books call - they have to grab me right away to commit to a series. The last one I enjoyes was actually recommended by someone in this group - The Queen's Gambit. I haven't read the book, but the show was excellent!
PinkieFairy wrote: "I am Wendy from New York. I am an avid fiction reader but I have picked up a non fiction book here and there. When I Am not reading, working or being a grown up, I love to Netflix (so much to see s..."I love series too (so behind on all of them) and also movies.
Talk @ Books!
Books mentioned in this topic
Wonder (other topics)Out of My Mind (other topics)
The War That Saved My Life (other topics)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (other topics)
Black Beauty (other topics)
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It's beautiful, Colleen, and one of those places that no matter what you expect it to be for you, you'll find it there."
I love, love, love your line here Jennifer! I'm going to use it myself and tell it to my daughter. :)