Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2021 Weekly Check-Ins
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Week 5: 1/29 - 2/4
With all the glitches on Thursday I decided to hold off on posting until I could actually link to the books, but then forgot until now that I actually needed to enter my check-in which will be covering the past two weeks!Books Completed:
The Lacemaker and the Princess- Based off an actual historical figure who was a companion to Marie-Therese this book would be a good place to start a child wanting to learn about what led up to the French Revolution. When Isabelle, a lacemaker from a family in this trade, finds herself being rescued from a mob by none other than Marie Antoinette while delivering a parcel to the palace is suddenly thrust in to the privileges that come with being the companion of the princess. As Isabelle splits her time between her palace life and being a commoner she learns of the affluence of the court and the plight of the people. Because of this knowledge, her friendship with the princess is tested and she must make a decision of fleeing with the royals or staying with her family. Despite not being the target audience for this book I appreciated it was based on a true story and the historical accuracy throughout- a 3 star read.
Prompt: Related to the lyrics of "my favorite things" (ATY) (the girls on the cover are wearing white dresses)
Prompt: Book w/ fewer than 1,000 reviews (Popsugar)
Anxious People- The book begins by introducing us to a wide range of characters who all have their own quirks and are taken hostage at an apartment showing. With this story author Fredrik Backman makes the bold choice to focus on the flaws of his characters before revealing the stories they are wrestling with. The individuals in the apartment know nothing about each other when they enter; but by the conclusion of the story they have a greater understanding of experiences beyond their own. This is my third Backman and he is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Prompt: A locked-room mystery (Popsugar)
Prompt: A book you wish you read in 2020 (Bookbeau Spring 2021 Instagram Challenge)
The View from Saturday- Winner of the 1997 Newberry Medal this story is about four 6th graders who comprise the Epiphany Middle School Academic Bowl team and the teacher, Mrs. Olinkski, who is making a return to teaching after an automobile accident which results in her being a paraplegic. Told in a set of short stories about each of the team members; and ending with chapters detailing their journey through the Academic Bowl, this is a quietly profound book about friendship, kindness, the joy that can be found in taking time to enjoy simple things, and the wonder of experiencing a new journey.
Prompt: An author whose name doesn't contain A, T, or Y. (ATY)
Currently Reading:
Passing
The Lions of Fifth Avenue
Bright Earth: Art and the Invention of Color
Next Year in Havana
The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love With Me
Olive Kitteridge
Travels with Charley: In Search of America
QOTW:
I have no control when it comes to retellings as they are amongst my favorite genre of book! If it sounds intriguing it's an immediate add to my TBR!
Allie wrote: These are both on my TBR... very excited about Piranesi! Ive heard the same from others about Midnight Library so it will be interesting to see how I like it I can understand why other people love it so much, it just didn't really work for me. Hopefully you like it!
K.L. wrote: "It’s been a pretty rough week. We found out that my Mum has developed a fourth brain tumor (located in the same spot as the one that was removed prior to Christmas). We’re currently waiting to find..."I'm so sorry to hear that your mom has a new battle. Everything crossed that she's eligible for treatment.
Nadine wrote: Plus - he drags her down the street tied to his horse? Wouldn't that ... kill her? It certainly would not make me interested in seeing a romance develop.
From what I know about horses, no, it won't kill you but depending on the surface you'll probably have skin rubbed off. That is I'm presuming you are far enough behind the horse that you're not getting kicked by it. Most people get killed by horses from either getting kicked by them or they are riding a horse and the horse falls but lands on top of them. And if you fall off a horse don't get your foot stuck in the stirrup! And remember horses can cow kick! A lot of people don't know that.
For safety reasons always place your hand on the horse's rump if you are walking behind the horse so the horse knows you are there. Otherwise he or she could back up into you.
Carmen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Do your bunnies like being held? Do they make any kind of sounds? I must say I don't know much about bunnies at all. They do look very soft and furry though. 😁 And cute. Sometimes I s..."Thanks for answering the questions about bunnies. I really don't know anything about them. From what you are saying it's becoming clear why so many do end up in a shelter. People probably think (presume) that bunnies are similar to cats or dogs... something cute and furry they can cuddle with...but then learn later they can't. That's because they don't do any research before they buy one. And you should do a LOT of research before you buy a pet. Especially if it's a new species you never owned before. You should know if you are capable of taking care of that species and it's care needs.
Horses are prey animals too and they live their lives that way too. That's why a young horse needs to get "broken" before anyone can ride it. But the traditional way is a really awful way of doing it. Monty has a much better way where you can join up with the horse and then there's no trauma involved. Because horses are prey animals, when you first put something on their backs they get terrified. They think it's a wolf trying to eat them even if it might be just a blanket or a saddle. But it triggers that prey response. It's also why they sleep on their feet, so they are ready to run if they have to. And all sorts of things can startle them too!
Monty Roberts
Carmen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "But aren't the rabbits already inside?? I mean if they are pets don't you keep them in your bedroom or something? Like people who have pet gerbils or hamsters or guinea pigs or pet ra..."Sorry if the rodent remark made you upset...I was just repeating what I had heard or read before from somewhere, from years ago. As I said I really don't know much about bunnies. But it sounds sad that after some time of having them, that they are still scared and anxious around you. And probably other people as well. I would have thought they would get used to your smell or your voice over time. I guess that prey instinct is very strong in them. The bunnies sound like they require a lot of work and you must be doing a fantastic job if they are doing well, even if you have to stand far back when giving them treats so they don't get scared. Hopefully the bunnies will continue to do good. Esp the one that you were worried about. It's always a lot of stress having a sick pet!
In nice weather do you ever just sit outside near their area? Maybe just sit there and read a book or something?
Edited to add: I remember now where I got the rodent idea from...the chinchilla! They look similar to rabbits and they also hop. And they are part of the rodent family. So I guess I had presumed that since a chinchilla is one that the rabbit must be too, since they look very similar (to me). I know their tails look different and their ears are a bit different too but generally they do look similar. I've had someone tell me a few times I'm bad at presuming things.
And in case anyone wants to know, it's the teeth that make an animal a rodent. Teeth structure. And rodents have 2 teeth and I guess rabbits have 4 (from what I just read).
Mod
I've never watched Clueless but had no idea it was a retelling of Emma! :)
Mod
Oh yes, it's just two blocks :) I bundle up with hat, coat, and gloves, and I'm all set."
Good! I was a bit worried! LOL
"Letter from Birmingham Jail is available to read online for free! https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles..."
Thank you so much for posting this!
"As far as I can tell, a skip-the-line audiobook is a bit of a newer thing (I don't think I've ever encountered it before now). Anyway, I use Libby for most of my audiobooks, and apparently one of my cards is associated with a larger system called the Ohio Digital Library, beyond just the local library system where I use it."
Okay. I see...
Mod
Good luck with the move!!
"I finished:
Dear Edward I used this for the "book everyone has read but you" prompt. I loved it and it made me cry multiple times (rare for me!)"
I thought this book was really special! I managed to cry a few times as well...
"The Devil and the Dark Water: I used this for a "book you meant to read last year but didn't." The characters were perfect and the mystery bamboozled me. The dialogue was *chef's kiss* I am planning on rereading this in the future to see all the hints and clues I missed."
I love your *chef's kiss*!!
"The Cold Millions: A NovelI read this for a "book about a social justice issue." I loved a lot of things about this book but I feel like I can't share specifics without spoilers."
This looks like a book I would enjoy!
"Currently Reading:
My last two library books!"
I hope you managed to finish before moving!
QOTW: This really depends on the book for me. I usually don't like retellings in general because I don't like knowing what is going to happen. Major exceptions for all things Madeline Miller, and for These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong, which used Romeo and Juliet pretty loosely. But I would say that I when I do read a retelling I do like to have some knowledge of the original so I feel like I am getting the connections (but I prefer for retellings to diverge heavily from the original!) I feel like I just rambled around in a circle for that but ah well."
I followed your answer just fine! The Gong book looks interesting... I loved both of Miller's books!
Mod
Oh, no, sadly I know this one! He wasn't aiming at me, though, he was aiming at the horse I was sitting on.
Mod
Whaaaaaat?? You need to go watch it!! It's such a great movie! Can you watch DVDs? You can borrow it from the library!
Sarah wrote: "Sorry if the rodent remark made you upset...I was just repeating what I had heard or read before from somewhere, from years ago."Yepp, the teeth divide rodents from hares!
Also, the rodent comment didn't upset me, it's just such a common misconception, I wanted to be very clear about it :D
Also Ezra and Ferb have gone through major trauma. Both were dumped in the wild (which they are not equipped for and generally don't survive long), and then rescued (which is also scary because predators are there to catch you) and then in shelters (small cages, in their cases- not a criticism here, as space is limited and it's for a good cause in this case) until they came to me. They have made major progress since coming here! They like to sit in the middle of the garden, sometimes even stretched out, relaxed. They come to us (/me) for the snacks, even if they remain at a distance. When they really love a snack, they will come even closer! Which happens sometimes when I go sit with them in nice weather, with a carrot for example. I might even end up with Ezra's paws on my leg!
If I go to sit without a snack, they'll stay put in their corner(s). But snacks and games are a hit!
Also, they know my voice (and my parents') so when it's dark and we call out they know not to be startled/scared when we walk up to them. The difference is very obvious when we forget to call out for whatever reason.
In a nutshell: Yes, they are still super anxious, but they have come SUCH a long way and I am so proud of them! Whenever I get to pet them (A Rare Occurence).. it's indescribable!
But you're right, people expect a cuddly pet, just because they look cute and cuddly. They're just not! They might be, but it's the exception!
One of my college friends had some kind of VERY LARGE bunny, and i think it was one of the unusual ones that did like snuggles. It did kinda act like/get treated like a dog. While there was a cage system for litter box/food/water, bun had free run of the apartment with just a pet gate to keep him out of the kitchen. He'd sit on my friend's lap while watching tv and such. But I'd agree that that's the ONLY bunny i've known people to have that acted that way
K.L. wrote: "It’s been a pretty rough week. We found out that my Mum has developed a fourth brain tumor (located in the same spot as the one that was removed prior to Christmas). We’re currently waiting to find..."I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sending good thoughts to your mom.
Carmen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Sorry if the rodent remark made you upset...I was just repeating what I had heard or read before from somewhere, from years ago."Yepp, the teeth divide rodents from hares!
Also, t..."
I had no idea some of the bunnies you have were through trauma! Their behavior makes a lot more sense to me now. No wonder they are so cautious. They've had tough lives until you adopted them. It can take a long time to get over trauma. And it's great they have a garden to sit in now where they can hopefully relax.
Earlier I saw a video on youtube of this one bunny and it was huge!! It looked to be the size of a large cat. Boy, I didn't know some bunnies get that big. Then I watched another one on bunny behavior. It showed the bunnies running around and doing various behavior they were talking about. It's all very education. 😁🐇 And I think that giant bunny must be a special breed. The giant bunny knew his name and came when called to get treats. If I recall his name was Jabba. 😀
And some of the behavior in the video between two bunnies, running about, was aggression (they said) but I would have thought they were playing.
I'm still learning lots about horses.
Do bunnies have sharp claws? Because how do they dig underground burrows in the wild?? Often the ground can be so hard! That bit I don't get at all! In the previous place I lived there were lots of wild animals about digging holes and my ex-neighbor hated it! Especially the skunks, possums and woodchucks. Sometimes I think all the wildlife is here in the city! 😅 We even have deer in the city too.
I've really enjoyed the discussion about rabbits and horses in this thread! Carmen, thank you for all the information on bunnies. I briefly had a pet bunny when I was little. I'm ashamed to say that we did everything wrong. That poor, poor bunny must have been so lonely and scared in our house. She wasn't with us long. She went to live with some family friends who had rabbits. I've always kind of worried about whether that was any better for her. From what you've shared, though, I think our friends really did know what they were doing and gave her a good life.
Sheri wrote: "One of my college friends had some kind of VERY LARGE bunny, and i think it was one of the unusual ones that did like snuggles. It did kinda act like/get treated like a dog. While there was a cage ..."That's exactly what I saw in this one video on YouTube!! A very large bunny and it was sitting on the woman's lap and it knew it's name and came to get treats! It was HUGE!! I would guess it was the size of a maine coon cat! It must be a special breed. The bunny was called Jabba and he was apparently living in asia somewhere..
Mod
Rain=BETTER than snow! IMO! :)
"Finished:
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (PS: A book everyone seems to have read but you. ATY: A book written by an author of one of your best reads of 2020). I finished this one just in time for the Netflix series but the series veers off course from the book (but I get it, the story needs more drama), This was the first book in a very long time that actually made me cry.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (PS: A book found on a Black Lives Matter reading list. ATY: A book about racism or race relations). This book was very powerful and told some horrible and important stories. I still find it horrible that young teens were sometimes tried as adults and sent to adult prisons!"
Two of my all-time favorites!
"QOTW:
I don't know if this counts as a retelling but I loved Circe by Madeline Miller, though I didn't know much about Circe to begin with. I have listened to it on Audio twice and love the story. I don't typically go after retellings because I don't want the original story ruined if the retelling is terrible."
I counted Circe as a retelling though I believe it is more of a character elaboration, if that makes sense. I loved it and was only vaguely aware of this character before reading it.
Mod
I love romance novels, but that sort of thing is a common complaint for me.
I read one set in small town Texas. She talked about how hot it was (I think it was October, but still hot). She ... casually left her cat in a carrier in her car?!?!?!?!?!
I read one recently set in Key West in spring. She talked about how hot it was. Then the guy leaned on the bumper of his car to talk to her Wouldn't that be incredibly hot if the car has been parked in the sun???
I've also read a lot of novels that seem to struggle with time management - the heroine will do two million things in an hour, or something. It's just not possible.
And then there are the novels that have characters easily travelling back and forth in a short period of time. It's so distracting!"
I think I'm oblivious to such things or else I rarely read a book containing them...one or the other! :)
Mod
I don't know...perhaps you need to take a break from it and then pick it back up after having read something you really enjoy?
"After swearing I wouldn’t, I caved and signed up for a Disney+ subscription so I can rewatch all the Marvel movies in chronological order. It’s exactly what my mood needs right now."
Hey, whatever you need! :)
"QOTW
If I’m familiar enough with the source material, I’ll go straight to the retelling. I’ve never read The Odyssey, but I know enough about it to have felt comfortable reading Circe. In other cases, I’ll wait until I’ve read the source material. I haven’t read Jane Eyre so I won’t read Wide Sargasso Sea yet."
I didn't find Wide Sargasso Sea to be a particularly enthralling read...
Mod
So rabbits DO like carrots?!
Years ago when my daughters were little, long before we had my current dog, we had two wild rabbits who were regular visitors to our yard. My kids even named them (Rose and Clover). For Christmas, they wanted to put out treats so we got some baby carrots from the fridge and put them out - but the rabbits never ate them. Forever after, I was under the impression that rabbits may love carrot greens but they won't eat carrot roots. I thought the idea of rabbits liking carrots was just a myth after that.
I have a lot of dandelions in my yard, and one of the cutest things is watching a rabbit eat a dandelion flower, the flower stem slowly being nibbled up.
Mod
Definitely, we usually want what we don't have. A hairdresser once told me that every woman wanted the exact opposite type of hair she has. I think that's probably true, and much of the time the same with weather! :)
"I missed last week. Things are not going well (with my head), and I'll just leave it at that."
I don't know that there are ever days when things are going well with my head, so I'm right there with you! LOL
"Currently Reading:
Eragon: Does it count as "currently reading" if I haven't picked it up in two weeks? It's no fault of the book's, I just haven't felt like doing anything except playing Animal Crossing and Sims."
It counts if you consider it to be a book you're still reading. I mean, you did start it... :)
"Disability Visibility This will be my book about a social justice issue."
This certainly has high ratings. Looks like it would be a valuable reading experience and good resource!
"The Artist's Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self... I consider myself to be an arts enthusiast rather than an artist myself, so we'll see what happens!"
How exciting! Good for you!
"QOTW:
I'm not sure I've had many situations where I saw there was a retelling available and put off reading it so I could read the source material. If it's a retelling of something I haven't read (and don't really want to read), I usually just won't have interest in reading the retelling either."
That's fair. :)
Mod
That is very kind and gracious of you! :)
Mod
Congratulations! I am very impressed!
"QOTW:
No, I might go read up on the original later but I don't really need to read the source material. Often the story is well enough known for me to pick up references or I watched an adaptation already so I kinda get the gist. I read The Court of Miracles last yes without knowing much about Les Mis, but I think it probably improved it for me as I saw a lot of people who were expecting more of a retelling were disappointed."
That's a good point. Rather how I felt about The Three Weissmans Of Westport!
Mod
These are all books that either my library doesn't offer on Overdrive, or have really long hold times:
Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase
Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase
My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid
Meet Me at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan
Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier
The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel
How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole
Now I want to go Read All the Books!!!! Of course, I actually have to finish up some stuff for work, go wash some dishes, and then make dinner. And then read all the OTHER books that I'm actually in the middle of reading that are borrowed from the library.
(Full disclosure: I actually have the paperback version of How to Catch a Queen borrowed from the library right now ... but now I have the ebook! And I guess it supports the author a tiny little bit.)
Nadine wrote: "Lynn wrote: " I've never watched Clueless but had no idea it was a retelling of Emma! :)"Whaaaaaat?? You need to go watch it!! It's such a great movie! Can you watch DVDs? You can borrow it fro..."
I second that! I didn't realize Clueless was a retelling of Emma until a couple of years ago. After I was informed, I had to read Emma (neurosis again shows it's head!). And actually, even though there's hundreds of years between the book and the movie, the movie follows the book pretty closely.
A late post again. Someday soon I'm going to post on a Thursday. Haven't made it yet this year. This time it is because I am finally going to be working from home, but there was problems with the equipment and programs and all kinds of weird stuff. But it is finally working now.I got my second COVID vaccine shot on Friday. It is such a relief to have that done. It doesn't change anything for now, but it gives me hope that maybe someday I'll see my friends again.
I finished two books:
Richard II by William Shakespeare - 4 stars; not for challenge
My monthly Shakespeare. I don't know a lot about English kings from this time period, so I've had to do a little research before starting his history plays. Why anyone wanted to be king is beyond me. Everyone wanted to kill you.
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham - 4 stars; PS #34 social justice issue
Great story about a complicated domestic violence case. Really makes you think about what you would do if you were on the jury.
Goodreads: 8/100
Popsugar: 7/50
QOTW: It really depends, although I'm fairly compulsive and tend to at least make sure I'm familiar with the previous story. But not always.
Nadine wrote: "So rabbits DO like carrots?!"Generally, yes! Carrots aren't good for rabbits, as carrots are massive sugar bombs, and therefore basically candy, but moderation is key! They get a small piece per bunny here every day :) (Save for Tommie and Mia, they're currently back to basics as Mia's droppings aren't what they're supposed to be)
It's probably a good thing they didn't take those carrots, haha! Wild rabbits aren't used to carrots, and if a bunny eats something they're not used to, it can mess up their balance. It can cause gas, or diarrhea (which in summer can lead to maggots and death, and any other time to dehydration). Same goes for when something is too cold. But I can't fault your logic, haha! I'd've thought the same!
Fun Fact: Did you know bunny's eyesight is absolutely terrible? The whole 'carrots are good for your eyes' is kind of ironic when you think about the 'bunnies love carrots' thing, haha!
Also dandelioonsss! They love dandelions here, every bunny I've had over the past 10-11 years! I sadly can't really give Kasper any, as he's very sensitive to calcium and dandelions are calcium bombs, which leads to his urine being not right. Watching them nom it is adorable, though. Instant squee!
Heather wrote: "I've really enjoyed the discussion about rabbits and horses in this thread!Carmen, thank you for all the information on bunnies. I briefly had a pet bunny when I was little. I'm ashamed to say that we did everything wrong. That poor, poor bunny must have been so lonely and scared in our house. She wasn't with us long. She went to live with some family friends who had rabbits. I've always kind of worried about whether that was any better for her. From what you've shared, though, I think our friends really did know what they were doing and gave her a good life."
Awww you're more than welcome! And there is no need to be ashamed. My very first rabbit I basically neglected (I was a kid), and they hated me, would attack me when I went to bring food. I now know why of course, but then was different. We eventually gave them away. Everything about it was wrong, lived alone, in a small cage outside, no attention save for the food, the wrong food.. Poor bunbun. I have a cute photo of me as a child with the bunny on me but.. *shakes head*
All of this actually led my parents to say no when I asked for a new bunny when I was 15 going on 16. I was like 'that was over 10 years ago you can't honestly believe it'd be the same now', haha! They held firm, even when I showed them photos of the cute bunny at the pet store, already bigger than the rest and I knew he'd be taken away soon if he wasn't sold and the thought of what would happen to him then... (this was Mistake #1: pet store bunny) My godparents stepped in and got me a bunny. THAT BUNNY! That beautiful, black, bunny (black bunnies are so unloved it makes me sad, so I'm glad we love black bunnies in this house), 4 months old. I got the cage and food from my parents.
The cage was way too tiny, and of course the food was wrong.
Over the next year I learned more and more, and changed his food. Found out bunnies are happier together, and pleaded for a second bunny. I got the go ahead, if I paid for Roger's castration (fun fact: not named after Roger rabbit, but after a bus driver xD) and a larger cage.
Done.
Finding a girl was hard, and when my parents called the pet store had one, I was ecstatic! Boyfriend drove me there and my heart sank. She was so ugly. But I picked her up anyways, and then she looked at me. Love at first eye contact. I coupled the best way I knew how (knowing now I was extremely lucky that went so seamlessly as it did, haha!) and they were inseparable. True love. When Mona died we truly feared Roger might not survive it. By that time they were living outside with free roam access 24/7, instead of in my bedroom.
Wow, a lot more than needed to say that most of us started out doing it wrong. But we learned, and now we educate, so other people can learn! Just think that your bunny went to a better home and probably had a wonderful life there, and letting them go was the best you could have done <3
Sarah wrote: "Do bunnies have sharp claws? Because how do they dig underground burrows in the wild?? Often the ground can be so hard!"Ah yes, when you think a bunny is playing, think again! Bunnies don't play, they're always on guard! They can have fun, and be really happy, but playing like you'd see cats or dogs do is not a thing. When that happens there is generally an underlying reason, like the aggression you mentioned!
Also, yeah, their nails can be very sharp! They're very tough, too. You can't cut them with the nail clippers us humans do. They can't retract them either, so when they're scrambling to get away from you, be prepared for scratches! The digging is actually good for their nails, because it keeps them at the right length. Of course for them it's harder too with such frozen/hard soil, but I think that in those times they don't really dig a whole lot, and just stay underground where it's warm as much as they can. Digging can resume in Spring time!
Sounds like you guys have seen a Flemish Giant! They're the biggest breed of bunbuns (although some are so big I doubt it's good for them- their poor backs) and my mom especially loves them! Mia is one, which is very new for us- more food, higher fences, more fences (she's resourceful and once went around the shed to jump onto another couple's cage ...) Because it's been so long since we had a young bunny, we have no idea how long it is until bunnies/Flemish Giants are full grown. She's not even a year old yet! We've had her since September, when she was about 5 months old I think. We sterilised/castrated her early because she attacked Tommie (who is an older chap), and it paid off! Re-coupled and they live happily together now! They're not as close as Tommie and Jiggly used to be, but it really hasn't been that long yet and they sit together and wash each other so plenty of love regardless!I hope to one day have a Groot Lotharinger but when you get all your bunnies from shelters, and the dating bunny is the one who chooses, you don't really get a choice in what comes home with you, hahah!
While not all photos are in here (I started the album after Mona died, for example, and am terrible at keeping it updated), and some of the photos are of my Ineffable Cats (accidentally posted them in the wrong album and I haven't managed to move them to the right one yet because frankly FB is rude), this album holds a lot of photos of my bunnies, in case anyone is interested ;) The album is public (so is the Ineffable Cats one, by the way) so you can see the photos without being friends with me or having FB!
Furballs Album
This week i completed The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes.With this my progress is:
PS books completed: 4/50
Other books completed: 1
Currently reading: 4
Carmen wrote: "Wow, a lot more than needed to say that most of us started out doing it wrong. But we learned, and now we educate, so other people can learn! Just think that your bunny went to a better home and probably had a wonderful life there, and letting them go was the best you could have done <3"That's very kind of you to say. Thank you, Carmen. I forgot to say before, but I just started reading Watership Down this week so this discussion is timely and informative for me.
Heather wrote: "That's very kind of you to say. Thank you, Carmen. I forgot to say before, but I just started reading Watership Down this week so this discussion is timely and informative for me."Any time <3
I learned quite a bit from Watership Down, actually! Although the fact that a bunch of male rabbits get along like that is very unlikely, haha!
I love that book, though, especially since the allegory was clear to even me (and I always miss them) while the author never intended for it! Whenever I hear 'Bright Eyes' (from the movie) I cry for all my bunnies whose eyes are no longer burning like fire.
Hope you'll enjoy the book! Can't wait to hear what you think!
Mod
That sounds wonderful! :)
"I'm doing very well with challenge - I think I've read 13 for challenge so far this year! These are not planned reads for challenge but fitting what I read into challenge prompts. That strategy works so well for me."
I never cease to be amazed at how many prompts I can fill in that way as well!
"NOTE: GR is suddenly not allowing links for add book/author -- keeps telling me the book does not exist even though I have linked to it before many times."
Isn't that frustrating?!? I wonder if the new Amazon CEO will care enough to keep Goodreads maintained better than it has been in the past? (Or, I really wonder if Bezos won't still be making the decisions...)
"QOTW: This doesn't happen much. Having a fancy liberal arts education plus being a literature major, I rarely come across a book inspired by or based on another that I have not already read. If I haven't, it's rarely been a drawback as I probably know enough about the original that I pick up on the differences etc"
Ha! Ha! That did make me laugh! I would expect you to be familiar with most well-known books, etc. :)
Mod
*sigh* This is so frustrating for everyone!
"Currently reading:
Remote Control- I was planning on reading Binti, but this book showed up from the library first. If I wind up liking this one, I try to get a copy of Binti to join in the group read."
I'll be interested to see what you think of Remote Control
Carmen wrote: "While not all photos are in here (I started the album after Mona died, for example, and am terrible at keeping it updated), and some of the photos are of my Ineffable Cats (accidentally posted them..."Thanks for sharing, my day needed more bunnies!
Mod
I can see why! :)
"I have a goal to read only Black authors in February so I was rushing to wrap up a lot of my January Reads so it's been a busy reading weekend."
That is one great goal! :)
"Finished Reading
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism- This book made me laugh, cry, and rage. This book is a compilation of Lacey's experiences growing up and living in Omaha and the racism that surrounds her and is countered by Amber's experience in New York City. Amber is a writer on Seth Meyer's show so it's written in a light way but they don't stray away from telling the truth about racist interactions they've had."
This looks as if it would be an amazing read! Thanks for mentioning it!
"Currently Reading
The Bluest Eye- Am almost done just have the last season to read (Summer), this book is intense and the writing is amazing."
I think that would describe all of Morrison's writing... :)
Lynn wrote: "Isn't that frustrating?!? I wonder if the new Amazon CEO will care enough to keep Goodreads maintained better than it has been in the past? (Or, I really wonder if Bezos won't still be making the decisions...)But what does the Amazon CEO have to do with goodreads? I know amazon sells books and they can somehow put books you bought over hear I think, but ???
Sarah wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Isn't that frustrating?!? I wonder if the new Amazon CEO will care enough to keep Goodreads maintained better than it has been in the past? (Or, I really wonder if Bezos won't still be..."Amazon owns Goodreads.
Mod
They are adorable (and so is the cat!)!!! The dark one with the tan moustache seems especially social.
I'm amazed that they can safely run around your full yard like that. No predators in your neighborhood, I guess? And they don't try to dig under the fence?
Carmen wrote: "While not all photos are in here (I started the album after Mona died, for example, and am terrible at keeping it updated), and some of the photos are of my Ineffable Cats (accidentally posted them..."All of your bunnies are so cute! And that one seems extra fuzzy, the one that color wise resembles a calico cat with the black, grey and orange tints to the fur plus white of course - has a big black patch on the face. And while I was looking at the photos, in a weird way they reminded me of the horses I go to see too - because in some photos they were all "dirty" from rolling in the hay! Reminds me of the horses! I'll spend time grooming Oliver and getting him nice and clean, remove all the "dirt" from his mane & tail...I'll go step away to go groom Toby or George...only to see Oliver rolling about and yikes! He's dirtier now than before! 😅 And if your lucky it's just hay and not mud! 😅 They do love the dried on mud.
I'm also surprised the bunnies like to play with the wooden toy with the round balls. Are they smart enough to get the balls into the little holes? And in the one photo of the bunny inside on the bed, with the pattern on the blanket, the bunny is almost invisible! Blends right in. 😁 Perfect bunny camouflage! Just imagine...he could be lying right out in the open and you might not see him! 😅 But an animals coat is supposed to be good camouflage. Supposedly that's why some of these "designer breeds" of certain animals couldn't survive in the wild because they are some odd color.. guess everyone would see them from far away and flee (and if the animal was a predator he'd never eat anything). Or that's what I understand anyway.
What do the cats think about the bunnies?
Oh and the black ones are cute! And the one black one seems to have a little brownish stripe around the neck too, like a little collar almost!
Mod
Wow. I don't know anyone here who has had their second shot, and only a few who have managed to obtain their first shot. I tried to get an appointment for my husband and they were clear out into March! I just gave up at that point. He really doesn't go much of anywhere, so he's relatively safe. Good to know someone is getting vaccinated! I think I'm just over BOTH cold and snow! :)
"Finished This Week:
Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch. This is my kind of Doing It All Over/Peggy Sue Got Married story. Dissatisfied with her life, Jillian wakes up seven years in the past, with her old boyfriend and in her old job. She makes different choices based on her foreknowledge of what's to come, and learns what really matters to her."
This looks like one I would enjoy!
"How Sex Works: Why We Look, Smell, Taste, Feel, and Act the Way We Do by Sharon Moalem. A Biological and Evolutionary take on how sex works."
Wow. That looks really interesting!
"A Phoenix First Must Burn edited by Patrice Caldwell. This was for Read Harder's prompt of a SFF Anthology edited by a Person of Color. It also fit for Black History Month."
I have read the first story in A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology edited by Dhonielle Clayton which I am reading for the same prompt! I loved that first story and am always so gratified when I discover new authors, etc., through such prompts!
"QOTW:
To further muddle the answer, one of the greatest joys in my (reading) life is proving historical fiction. (And I would argue historical fiction absolutely counts as a retelling.) I will read a historical fiction book, and set out to learn as much as I can about that period from non-fiction sources."
I have never thought of historical fiction as retelling, but in a way it is exactly that! The times I have researched further were mainly about specific people, such as Anne Morrow Lindbergh after reading a historical fiction book involving them.
"So I guess the answer is, it depends on what the book is, what it's retelling, and how much I want to read the retelling immediately."
That sounds quite reasonable to me!
Mod
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God I'm surprised at how Quakery this one. (Translation: that's a good thing.)"
Ha! My former mother-in-law was a Quaker through and through, but I don't recall her ever using the work "Quakery"! ;)
Mod
I haven't checked in since week 3, but I'm still on track, having finished four prompts in the last couple of weeks."
Sounds as if you are right on schedule! Always glad to hear from you!
"First up are a couple of the 40s (I'm one of those folks who for the "favourite prompt from a previous challenge" goes for one from each of the (now six) years."
That makes me feel better. I scan the listing for every book I read to try to find one! :)
Those first three series books you listed look so good!
"QotW: If you see a book is a retelling or based on another book, do you feel compelled to read the original first?
I may occasionally pick up something based on a book I've read before, but I don't go out of my way to read the original if I haven't already. If anything, it's probably the other way around. A bit like not wanting to read the book before seeing a movie.
I will admit, I find a lot of retellings rather disappointing, or maybe they just aren't my thing."
I don't think they're necessarily my thing either...
Lynn wrote: "Wow. I don't know anyone here who has had their second shot, and only a few who have managed to obtain their first shot. I tried to get an appointment for my husband and they were clear out into March! I just gave up at that point. He really doesn't go much of anywhere, so he's relatively safe. Good to know someone is getting vaccinated!"My husband is a physical therapy assistant for a home health company, so he's a patient facing healthcare worker who travels. His company has also started accepting post-COVID patients for care. But because he's not in a hospital, or in a clinic dealing with active COVID patients, his company wasn't getting vaccines for their employees. He found out through one of his coworkers about a local healthcare provider who was giving vaccine appointments to healthcare workers who weren't getting them through their employers, and was able to make an appointment. He had to bring proof he's a current healthcare worker (he brought his work ID and his PTA license), and they gave him his shot.
Of course, now he's joking that since he'll be vaccinated, he's going to take a weekend trip to Texas without me to eat at all of our favorite restaurants. At least, he better be joking...
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Wait! That's definitely "something to show for it"! READING!! LOL
"Currently Reading
The Philokalia: The Complete Text for "longest book on your TBR". It's one book broken into four and I only have until the end of March to get the first three back to my library. Yikes!! Gotta speed it up. I'm halfway through volume one."
That makes my 880-page book look short!!! I am impressed!
Ellie wrote: "Thanks for sharing, my day needed more bunnies!"Any time :D <3
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Meet Me in Bombay (other topics)A Hundred Suns (other topics)
Before She Disappeared (other topics)
House of Earth and Blood (other topics)
A Duke by Default (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Anne Morrow Lindbergh (other topics)Dhonielle Clayton (other topics)
Gary Taubes (other topics)
John Grisham (other topics)
William Shakespeare (other topics)
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So sorry to hear what you and your family are going through. Sending thoughts of strength and recovery out to you and your mother.