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Trim Challenge 2023 – Community Announcement and Discussion Thread
LibraryCin wrote: "Still haven't gotten to July's book, but August is now done"I've not read books for either June or July. Hopefully I can catch up in August.
I plan to start my July book either today or tomorrow.
June 2023 - # 5
The Sandalwood Tree – Elle Newmark – 3.5***
A good historical fiction tale framed by the British leaving India as that country gained its independence. Newmark captivated me with this dual story line of relationships and the difficulties two people might have as a result of different cultural backgrounds, family expectations, and emotional trauma suffered by one or both of the parties.
LINK to my full review
Finished all 3 of my summer trim this past week. Ready June, July and then August. Just need to work on reviews.
I FINALLY finished my April #6 read:Kitchen Essays by Agnes Jekyll
3 stars
Lady Agnes Jekyll was a prominent member and renowned hostess of both artistic circles and British civil servant ones at the turn of the 20th century and through WWI. Her sister Gertrude called her an 'artist-housekeeper'. Anonymously for a year stretching from summer 1921 through Easter of 1922. Lady Jekyll published periodically in The Times short culinary essays designed to aid households slowly return to pre-war (and no doubt pre-Spanish Flu epidemic isolation) levels of entertainment and socialization while coping with the shortages and austerity still present. [Need I point out the irony of reading this just as we all struggle to resume a similar normalcy after COVID-19 pandemic isolation. Or perhaps it is Fate's little nudge to me.] In 1922, upon popular demand, Lady Jekyll compiled the essays together and published them in a single volume. Thanks to the wonderful Persephone Classics imprint, this unique essay collection, described by Nigella Lawson as "an enchanting period piece and in its own quirky intelligent way, a culinary gem" is available to shed light on a very unique time in Britain.
It was hard to rate this, so I settled for the middle of the rating system. Do not see that as a negative judgment of its merit or my enjoyment.This is not a book you sit down and read cover to cover. I have been reading one or two essays every few days, just as you would have as they were published, over the last 3 months. You do not read these for actual recipes you want to attempt - too much aspic, mutton and unappealing offal meats, boiled everything, and cream. I am, however going to try the Toasted Cheese a/k/a Welsh Rarebit which had me drooling. You read these for the witty discourse, literary references, and charming vintage style of cooking and measuring. Anyone know how big a 2-shilling-piece crouton is? Or how much a breakfastcup full is or a dessertspoonful? Anyone else remember or even know what temp is a quick oven vs. a moderate one?
You read this for passages like this from the Tray Food essay: "Ill-health may be said to resemble greatness in that some are born to it, some achieve it, and some have it thrust upon them." Have truer word ever been said?
Now only 2 behind plus this month. Yay.
This is July's #8 Memories Of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Girlhood Friend / Alison Leslie Gold
3.5 stars
Hannah Goslar was Anne Frank’s best friend before the Holocaust. This book includes some of her memories of Anne, in addition to her own memories of that time. She and her family remained in Amsterdam (not in hiding) much longer than Anne, but her family also ended up in a couple of concentration camps. In fact, Hannah and Anne did see each other (through a barbed wire fence) at Bergen-Belsen. The book was a result of the author’s interviews with Hannah.
It’s written quite simply and it’s short, so it is a fast read; I believe it is meant as YA. There were even some photographs of Hannah’s (that she managed to hold on to through and after the war) that included Hannah, her family, and photos with Anne. There wasn’t as much about Anne, specifically as I’d hoped, but that’s ok. What was there was interesting, as well as learning about Hannah and her family’s experiences.
#3 - AugustThe Stranger in the Lifeboat bu Mitch Albom
4 stars
A ship called The Galaxy unexpectedly sinks while out to sea. The Galaxy has many important people and a large staff on board. However, after the boat’s accident both the famous and those who are not are now equal.
Benji and 10 others are in a raft. They are the only survivors. Two of these people are ones not recognized from the ship. Time goes on and the conditions are difficult with little food or water.
The book talks about faith and believing in a bigger entity. The characters feel differently about this and one man claims to be The Lord himself.
The raft has some supplies and they include pens and notebooks. Benji uses this to write to his wife.
A year later the notebook is found in a raft far away from where the ship went down. The police there are investigating and tying to determine what is the truth.
The author did a good job of describing the despair of the people in the raft. Their reactions to both hardships and whether or not they will live or die are emotional. A lot comes back to what they believe and who they think the two strangers are.
Characters learn what is important, what they regret and what they will do for each other. It is a well written book.
I haven't been this on top of my monthly trim all year! Thanks to mhy fellow buddy readers, I just finished my August read:#3 - Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce
4.5 stars
Emmy is irrepressible, enthusiastic, strong and brave. She and her friend Bunty share a flat in London 1940/41 during the Blitz. Emmy wants to be a Female War Corrspondents (the CAPS are deliberate) and applies for a job expecting to be a junior at a newspaper only to find she's the junior to the fusty Editress of a failing women's magazine and its Agony Aunt columnist, Mrs. Bird. Alas, Mrs. Bird has a massive list of Unacceptable and Unpleasant topics which she refuses to answer. Emmy, feeling they shouldn't be ignored, starts answering then over Mrs. Bird's signature. Then she's caught. All this happens while Emmy and her friends cope with nightly German bombing raids, working for the Fire Brigade and falling in - or out - of love.
I loved this, loved Emmy and her friends, the whole story. Yes the ending is a little pat, but who cares? The author did an amazing job of making this a light enjoyable read, one that has you smiling along, even when you know, you just know, tragedy will enter the story and that box of tissues needs to be near at hand. I applaud the author for giving me a WWII historical setting that feels fresh and exciting.
Already looking at reading Emmy's next adventure.
Having finished my #3 August read, I'm only 2 behind. February which is a collection of short stories I just started, and June which is a chunkster. I know I can get them read by year end. Books left are reasonably short and should be easy reading so doubling up a bit will work.
Finished August #3:Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise by Justin Zorn - 4* - My Review
This book examines noise in our society, and advocates turning down the volume. In this case, noise includes not only loud sounds, but also the many distractions of the information age, particularly online activities and mobile devices. The authors advocate “digital minimalism” as a primary way to attain a more peaceful life. They provide evidence that silence (and limiting distractions of our busy world) is a dynamic force for healing and achieving clarity of thought.
They cite the fallacies of measuring success through a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (among other indicators), which does not account for the damage done to the environment or to mental health of its citizens. They emphasize the positive attributes of mindfulness but try not to get too “new-agey.” They cite scientific studies that support the benefits of silence in refreshing the brain. There are also a variety of interesting anecdotes.
The authors support ideas I have read in other books about the need to be intentional about what “noise” we allow into our lives rather than going down internet rabbit holes, endless clicking on more inflammatory so-called “news” articles or allowing advertising to influence us. I enjoyed this book and can personally attest to the mental health benefits of digital minimalism. There are many “self-help” type suggestions, which could be useful to readers, or it can be read as a commentary on our technology-infused society and offering ideas for how to point it in a more positive direction.
Theresa, can we still be friends with Heather....I kinda of like her😅
Ha!!! I knew I might make some enemies with a four star review….. 👀
I would ever hold it against you, HRB! I think we should use our Trim thread to talk about some books folks would love to soon Buddy Read….
This House is on Fire
The House of Doors
Covenant of Water
Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
There are a few more I am missing. Maybe this thread can help us organize these.
I can definitely understand why some wouldn’t like it. It’s SUCH a slow burn!
Joanne wrote: "Theresa, can we still be friends with Heather....I kinda of like her😅"I am struggling ... maybe if she removes that "beautifully written" start to her review .... 🤮
Theresa, (sorry Heather), I did not read her review because I really want to be her friend...
Joanne wrote: "Theresa, (sorry Heather), I did not read her review because I really want to be her friend..."🤣
Read August #3:Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang - 4 Stars
This was a very interesting book that taught me lots about the Cultural Revolution in China. I have read a few fiction books set in China around this time period, but this memoir really brought home the horrors of that time, and how hard it was for someone and their family once they had been denounced, even if it was not true. I do think the book could have done with a bit of editing as I did sometimes get confused which of the three women they meant when they just called them ‘mother’ or ‘daughter’. There were parts of this book that were very difficult to read due to the trauma and violence portrayed, but it was a story that needed to be told.
Amy wrote: "I would ever hold it against you, HRB! I think we should use our Trim thread to talk about some books folks would love to soon Buddy Read….
This House is on Fire
The House of Doors
Covenant of W..."
I think all of these are on my TBR, and I'm already on the waiting list for two of them. Depending on when the buddy reads are and my holds come in, I'd definitely join in.
We should make a running list, as the Trim thread is a good place to arrange these even if they happen in Fall or outside of our usual way of doing things. I noticed one people were talking about a day or two ago and forgot to add it. Potential buddy reads of hot books can go here.Was it Deacon King Kong?
Amy wrote: "We should make a running list, as the Trim thread is a good place to arrange these even if they happen in Fall or outside of our usual way of doing things. I noticed one people were talking about a..."I think The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
I think those are both on there, are they not? Let’s also add Weyward.
Finished my Neopolitan novels. My fat summer read. Just started Somebody’s Fool
Terrific, Sally! When do you go back to work?
Booknblues wrote: "My #11 is If an Egyptian Cannot Speak EnglishWhere did the announcement disappear to?"
It's in wrong thread - Amy needs to fix it, move it from Kaffeeklatsch.
trim pick September #11
My #11 is an Aaron Elkins mystery, A Long Time Coming.
I am deeply sorry. I must’ve been bleary eyed last night. I woke up in the middle of the night with massive stomach problems and decided to stay up and work on my upcoming course. I really do need to see if I can grab an hour sleep before it’s time to wake. But I intended to announce, and I intended it originally to have been on this thread, that the number is…..11.
As I had said, my 11 is Peach Blossom Spring, which may be the only body read, and it’s with myself and HayJay ~ who I said that I was open to not holding her to it. But on Kaffeklatch thread where it unintentionally landed, I think she said yes, she was still into it! Sorry for the mess up.
I think the godess is happy to keep me in this damn dark mood that is hovering over me! Literary Fiction, now this pick! eh!The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time
I have wanted to read this, so I will give it go sometime this month. If it is not working for me, I will keep for the 2024 list
ETA Just checking and someone else has it out-lol, for once the patron stalking my picks and distrubting my reading has grabbed something I was hesitant about-not due back until mid September, so that gives me time to have my mood adjusted.
Booknblues wrote: "My #11 is If an Egyptian Cannot Speak EnglishWhere did the announcement disappear to?"
Amy posted it in the Tuesday Kaffeeklatsch in error last night, said she would move it today
Amy wrote: "I am deeply sorry. I must’ve been bleary eyed last night. I woke up in the middle of the night with massive stomach problems and decided to stay up and work on my upcoming course. I really do need ..."No worries Amy-happens to us all! Hope you are feeling better this morning
Hope you are feeling better, Amy! I have been moving some titles around on my list in the hopes of catching up, and I already put this one on hold at the library in anticipation of the "literary fiction" tag, so I think my #11 will be Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Everyone has raved about it to me, so I hope it lives up!
I may swap my #11 for one of the few others still unread that actually fits literary fiction, because unless I finish Les Miz in Sept. I don't have a single other book in the must read in September pile that is literary fiction. Could be first month I don't manage at least one monthly tag match.
If the pick for September is indeed #11 then I will be reading (or trying to read) Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix!
Meli wrote: "If the pick for September is indeed #11 then I will be reading (or trying to read) Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix!"Oh, I have that to read and it fits a Popsugar prompt - takes place in a single day! It will be October before I get to it, though.
Theresa wrote: "It's in wrong thread - Amy needs to fix it, move it from Kaffeeklatsch.trim pick September #11
..."
Thank you! I looked last night but didn't know there had been an announcement! (But then, maybe it didn't come till today, anyway.)
Joanne wrote: "I think the godess is happy to keep me in this damn dark mood that is hovering over me! Literary Fiction, now this pick! eh
June #5Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life – Anne Lamott (4 stars) 8/21/23
This was written in 1994 and is a good practical guide to writing. She teaches writing and uses students as a bouncing off place for examples and reactions to her advice. Quite humorous when referring to students wanting to get to the fame and money right away. In the intro Lamott talks about her early life and a lot about her father who was a writer also. Well done.
Linda C wrote: "June #5Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life – Anne Lamott (4 stars) 8/21/23
This was written in 1994 and is a good practical guide to writing. She teaches writing an..."
I read this several years ago and really enjoyed it. I still hear her father's advice to her panicked brother in my head when confronting some writing projects for work - "you just do it bird by bird". I found this an enjoyable read and very useful guide, applicalbe to my professional life of writing as a lawyer.
July # 8 
The Viscount Who Loved Me – Julia Quinn – 4****
Book two in the Bridgerton series focuses on Anthony. This is a typical Regency romance. It’s so hot between the pages that the current August heat wave feels positively cool. Devilishly handsome, and very rich, gentleman meets and seduces a chaste and vulnerable young woman. Sparks fly. Multiple orgasms are had. True love results. What’s not to like? A quick read that sets my pulse racing. Perfect escape.
LINK to my full review
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Nice to be part of a trio and not the only one for once.