Banjo reading on in 22

Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess – in the Ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –
We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed us –
The Dews drew quivering and chill –
For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground –
The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity –

Happy New Year, dear Readers.

In 2021, I have been enjoying Dickinson, on Apple TV, so decided to use it for my 2022 opener.

I am looking forward to another year in the 75's. I think this will be my 9th or 10th in the group, and I love it for the great conversations and friendships.

My real name is Rhonda, I live in Portland, Oregon, work as a social worker in Community Mental Health. My wife (aka Mrs. Banjo) is retired; we have a 25 year old daughter and three cats.

I plan to post more about my reading soon.... but for now just had time to start the new thread!

I think of myself as reading pretty diversely, mostly literary fiction, but with some genre fiction, some non-fiction (especially memoirs), and even sometimes poetry.

Some of my favorite reads of 2021:

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
Queen of America by Luis Urrea
The Wonder by Emma Donaghue
The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
Women Talking by Miriam Toews

Currently Reading:

The 1619 Project
Breaking the Age Code
Number9Dream

Read in 2022:

1. Hench by Natalie Zina walschots
2. All In by Billie Jean King
3. Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers.
4. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust
5. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zanier
6. Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

7. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

8. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
9 Being Seen by Elsa Sjunneson
10. Somebody's Daughter by Ashley Ford
11. Matrix by Lauren Groff
12. The Others. by Sarah Blau
13. The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen
14. A Burning by Megha Majumdar

15. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar
16. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
17. A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet
18. Stirfry by Emma Donaghue
19. All's Well by Mona Awad
20. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
21. The Confession of Copeland Cane by Keenan Norris

22. Outlawed by Anna North
23. Graceland at Last by Margaret Renkl
24. Belonging by bell hooks
25. The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
26. In a Budding Grove by Marcel Proust

27. Southland By Nina Reyvor
28. I Came All this Way to Meet You by Jami Attenburg
29. My Grandmother's Hands
30. Great Circle
31. Maybe It's Me by Eileen Pollack

32. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
33. Brisbane by Eugene V
34. Olga Dies Dreaming
35. The Trees by Percival Everett

36. Intimacies by Katie Kitamura
37. These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
38. Oh, William by Elizabeth Strout
39. Passing by Nella Larsen

Welcome back, Jennifer! Love the topper and poem.

ed!!

And I love the topper!

Dropping a star, Rhonda! Hoping to do a better job of keeping up with the threads in 2022.

Thanks so much, Jim, Kim and Mamie!

And go, Emily Dickinson!!!

I really mean to get around to watching Dickinson. It might be the only way I could like her!

I'll be following along, hopefully more present than last year.

Hi Rhonda! I have a book due for discussion on Tuesday, but then I'm going back to Swann. How far along are you?

Happy New Year Rhonda!

This group always helps me to read; welcome back, Rhonda.

>1 banjo123: Gosh that is a striking topper!

>11 ursula: I bet you'd like Dickinson, Ursula. It's quirky and artsy. I think it's kind of a you like it or not thing, so if you don't like the first episode, then stop there.

>12 ffortsa: Hi Judy, and yay Proust! I am reading pretty slowly, just got to the Swann in Love section.

>13 The_Hibernator: Hooray, Rachel, great to see you back!!!

>14 PaulCranswick: Paul, great advice and looking forward to reading with you for another year.

Here is my Proust quote for the day, a great take-off on fashion. Fashion today is a bit different, but I think some of the same points apply.:

"and as for her body, which was admirably formed, it was difficult to discern its continuity (because of the fashions of the period, and even thought she was one of the best-dressed women in Paris), because her blouse, jutting out as though over an imaginary paunch and ending abruptly in a point, below which the balloon of the double skirts swelled out, made a woman look as if she was composed of different parts poorly fitted inside one another; because the flounces, the flutes, the vest followed so independently, according to the whimsy of their design or the consistency of their material, the line that led to the knots, the puffs of lace, the perpendicular fringes of jet, or that directed them along the corset, but were in no way attached to the living person, who, depending on whether the architecture of these frills and furbelows approached too closely or moved to far away from her own, was either encased or lost in them."

Happy New Year Rhonda.

Love the topper.

I have another complementary month of Apple, so I might check that out.

Happy New Year, Rhonda. Have a great holiday weekend with the family. I like the topper too. I am glad you are enjoying the King memoir, although I am not surprised. What do you think of Hench? That turned out to be a very surprise for me.

Happy reading in 2022, Rhonda!

>17 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline! Dickinson is definitely worth a try.

>18 msf59: Happy weekend to you as well, Mark! So far it's relaxing. Hench is fun; I will probably finish it today or tomorrow. BJK will take a bit longer. That one is such a history lesson.

>19 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita!

Hope 2022 is filled with great reads!

Happy New Year, Rhonda! I'm repaying your visit and dropping a star. Here's to 2022!

Hey Rhonda! Dropping off a star. Happy reading this year!

Happy new year, Rhonda! That Dickinson poem is the one that made me fall in love with her poetry. I’ve been meaning to buy a collection of hers, maybe this is the year to do it?

Happy New Year, Rhonda. I LOVE the topper; it is stunning.

I also liked the collection of Smith essays, thanks to you. Great list of favorites for 2021.

>16 banjo123: Excellent Proust quote!

>4 banjo123: Thanks for posting your "best of" list for 2021, Rhonda. I love reading these lists!

I am hoping to get How the Word is Passed read some time in January if the patron who has it from the library returns it in time!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Rhonda!

I enjoyed your “Best” list, too. Yay for Hench! How are you liking Swann’s Way? It has a striking similarity to Hench, don’t you think?😀

>1 banjo123: Yikes! That is kind of a scary image.

Hi Rhonda and Happy New Year to you and your family. I'm dropping off my star and hoping for a PDX meet-up in 2022!

Happy new year, Rhonda! Star has been dropped.

>21 thornton37814: --Thanks, Lori!
>22 AnneDC: Thank you Anne, yes, here's to 2022!
>23 vikzen: Thanks for dropping by, Victoria!
>24 PawsforThought: Absolutely, Paws. I was thinking of buying a collection myself.
>25 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! Glad that you liked the Smith essays.
>26 ffortsa: How are you doing with Proust, Judy? He does make me laugh at times.
>27 Berly: Thank you Kim!
>28 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia, and I hope your library book comes in!
>29 jnwelch: Hi Joe! I do like Proust, but it's not going too fast. My memory is that the first book really lays the groundwork for the future books. And yes, the plot of Hench is quite similar, don't you think?
Hench was a fun read, I finished it last night. More later on that.
>30 EBT1002: Yay, Ellen! a 2022 meet-up would be great.
> 31 And happy new year to you as well, Reba!

It's been a fun weekend, brunch with friends, a walk by the river with my sister and brother-in-law. I didn't get as much reading or LT time as I expected, but, there is always next weekend.

Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots

So this book takes us to a Superhero/Super Villain universe where our protagonist, Anna, is a Hench, who makes a living creating spreadsheets for villains. Through a somewhat brutal series of events, she realized that Heroes actually wreak more havoc on the universe than Villains do, and decides to prove this, through creating spreadsheets.

Mostly a fun read, with some thoughtfulness behind it, and also some pretty fun parts. The main superhero is named "Super Collider", which I thought was hilarious.

>34 banjo123: This is the second time I've seen this one mentioned, Rhonda. Great comments. I might have to give this one a try.

>34 banjo123: I just finished that one myownself, Rhonda. My thoughts mirror yours.

Hi, Rhonda. I’m glad you had fun with Hench. I found it surprisingly thought-provoking, too.

I think the first book of in Search of Lost Time is likely the last one I’ll read. Because I’m a barbarian, I found Swann’s Way a beautifully written yawner.

>34 banjo123: Looks interesting

Hope you are having a great week!

>34 banjo123: My Thingamyversary is coming up next Friday and Hench may make the list. It is my eleventh anniversary so I have got to buy 12. Oh well!

Have a great weekend, Rhonda.

>34 banjo123: Hi there! I'm MK. I read Hench last year and so did my book-loving friend and we both quite enjoyed it! I agree with your opinion of the thoughtfulness behind it- it just wasn't just a "save the day" kinda story.

Enjoyed reading your review and being reminded of it! :)

>35 BLBera: It seems like Hench is going to be a LT favorite, Beth!

>36 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie!

>37 jnwelch: LOL, Joe, I am plowing forward with Swann's Way but was getting kind of tired of the Verdurin dinner parties. However now that I have realized that Swann is a stalker, the book is getting more interesting again.

>38 figsfromthistle: Thanks! The week was pretty tough, at work, but happy now for the weekend.

>39 PaulCranswick: Paul, you ought to read Hench, since it seems to be trending.

>40 MKohlman: Thanks for stopping by, MK!

And happy weekend, everyone! My work-week was pretty unrelenting, but I have a mostly unscheduled weekend, looking forward to book and LT time.

I am almost done with All In, so hope to have a review this weekend. We also watched The Battle of the Sexes which was excellent, and follows the book pretty closely.

Also still reading Swann's Way. This leads me to need a fun read, for the side, and I have started Record of a Spaceborn Few. So far I don't like it as well as her earlier books, but my family tells me that it will pick up.

I was able to start my day with an AMAZING coffee from our favorite local coffee bar, Tov. The owner, Joe Nazir, is a perfectionist who does all his own syrups and they serve out of an old double decker bus. I am going to post some pictures to make you all jealous.

Well, you achieved your goal, Rhonda. I am very jealous.

Hi Rhonda, I see you started your weekend in a fun way. I’m impressed with your Proust reading. He has either never called to me, or I haven’t listened! Maybe one of these days,

>43 banjo123: Wonderful Rhonda. Great start to your weekend.

>44 BLBera: Thanks, Beth, it's good to have met one of my goals already!

>45 Donna828: Donna, I read and loved Proust in my teens, and again in my 20's, not sure if I would have gotten so far if this was my first try.

>46 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks, it's great to have a relaxed weekend.

All In by Billie Jean King

I just finished Billie Jean King’s autobiography, “All In,” It’s also supposed to be good on audio.

She had quite a career, and I really learned or was reminded of so much history and how much things have changed. When she was outed; she lost all of her endorsements, and ended up having to work longer, playing tennis on rickety knees, partly for financial reasons. Then yesterday, we were at Macy’s, in the cosmetic section, and there was a big picture of pink-haired Megan Rapinoe, selling something or other. Things have really changed!

>43 banjo123: Me too. Coffee looks lovely. And sunshine!

>49 charl08: Yes, the sun is nice! It's been super rainy here, actually, but we got a nice weekend.

>43 banjo123: Love it (although I don't love coffee...maybe they do other drinks too though)

>48 banjo123: edited to add that I loved All In too. She has always been a hero of mine but now even more so.

>43 banjo123: How fun! Love the photos - thanks for sharing.

>51 RebaRelishesReading: thanks, Reba, I think it was you and Mark that convinced me on All In.

>52 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie!

I've been wanting to read All In as well, Reba. Great comments.

>1 banjo123: Late to visit your thread but pleased to see a fellow Dickinson fan.

Hi, Rhonda. I’m with your family on Record of a Space-born Few. ILike you, it started slowly for me, but by the end it was one of my favorites. I love her imagination about non-humans!

I think the consensus of the informal group read of Swann’s Way was the second of the three sections was overly long, and took stamina to get through. Realizing Swann is a stalker helps, I agree.

I always admired Billie Jean, who was ahead of her time in many ways. I love the comparison to widely-admired, pink-haired Megan Rapinoe!

I have never read Proust and I feel kinda guilty about that.

Note to self: Dickinson.

>55 Oberon: Who isn't a Dickinson fan, Erik?

I will definitely look for and read Billie Jean King's memoirs, Rhonda and she is a person I have long admired. I don't know why but the comparison with Ms Rapinoe is quite apt as I find her on the other hand strangely unlikeable and unduly arrogant.

Have a wonderful weekend. x

>54 BLBera: Beth, you will like All In. One of my problems is that I didn't really understand the tennis parts very well, not being much of a fan. But you are a tennis fan, so you should really enjoy that.

>55 Oberon: Hooray for Dickinson, Erik! we had been trying to drag out the third season, since its the last, but just watched the last episode last night. So good!

>56 jnwelch: Hi Joe! I thought A Spaceborn Few got better, but never completely warmed to it. I will review later. And I am almost done with Swann's Way; so expect my thoughts on that sometime this long weekend.

And BJK is amazing! She has been quite an icon for todays women's athletes.

really she should be a role model for both men and women athletes.

>57 AnneDC: LT views on Proust haven't been all that positive, Anne, so no need to feel guilty. You should try Dickinson, though. Apple TV has been quite good.

>58 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! It is a really good autobiography. Rapinoe has a big persona. I like her, but not when she plays for club, since she is on the Seattle Reign.

Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers

This is the 3rd in the Wayfarer's series, and so far my least favorite. It's the story of Exodans (people who left earth, in Space ships, when their planet was trashed.) Chambers imagines a world where life in Space that is fairly Utopian---everyone has a place to live, and, as long as there is food to eat, everyone eats. I think my problem was that this Utopian vision is a bit... boring. Everyone was well-meaning and earnest.

The book did pick up towards the end, and there's lots of creativity in the envisioning of different kinds of Sapient beings. I know others have really liked this one, so maybe I just wasn't in the mood.

Happy Saturday, Rhonda. Hooray for the BJK memoir. I loved it too. I hope you are loving those current reads.

>61 msf59: Yes, thanks for the tip on All In, Mark!

I just finished Swann's Way (thoughts to follow) and am now reading Crying in H Mart; which is wonderful and The Bastard of Istanbul

In an odd coincidence, I just read the part of Crying in H Mart where Zauner described meeting her husband, and she describes him as being fluent in French and having read In Search of Lost Time .

The Bastard of Istanbul is an interesting premise. I don't think that I've ever read about the Armenian genocide from a Turkish perspective before. However, I am worried that Shafak's writing may end up being too cutesy for me.

Happy Sunday!! You've been doing some interesting reading, most of which I haven't read. LOL. I back your endorsement of Hench though. : ) Now I need to go find that cool bus....!

Swann's Way by Marcel Proust

Well, I read, and loved, Proust's In Search of Lost Time as a teenager, and once again in my early 20's and loved it both times. So this re-read had some trepidation for me. And I have to admit that this time around I did get impatient with the endless descriptions.

I wonder if I have become less patient than I was 45 years ago, now that our lives have all been computerized for instant gratification?

Another difference is that I am more aware, as mentioned above, of the sexual politics involved; turning Swann from a well-read neighbor to the stalker of a high-class prostitute. Poor Odette! It is sad to think of how few options women in her situation would have. Although, of course, she is quite a drip and it's hard to identify with her.

My memory is that future volumes tie together some of the themes from this book, and amplify the exploration of class; anti-Semitism, and homophobia. So I feel that I really should complete the series, although this will take away time I could spend reading the piles of other books on my TBR stand.

>63 Berly: Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping be. Hench was fun, and I think I read about it on your thread.

Which reminds me; I am not setting goals for this year. Except for one; this year I am going to try to read more just-for-fun books. I think between the pandemic and work stress, I have had less energy for reading than usual---as indicated by not meeting the 75 book goal in 2021. So I am going to try to be a bit less serious in my reading. Will see how this works.

>64 banjo123: Thanks for posting your thoughts, as well as comparing it to previous read throughs. I’ve never read Proust - it’s too daunting - but would like to read it some day.

>66 PawsforThought:. Thanks, Paws! It definitely takes some patience.

Happy weekend, everyone! It is sunny here in Portland, and we are planning a walk this afternoon, with my sister and brother-in-law. Otherwise, a quiet weekend. With the Omicron, there isn't a lot going on, and I am trying to be careful, at least until the hospitals aren't quite so full.

So hopefully some reading time, and I hope to get a bit caught up on LT. The threads look really busy!!

I am planning to continue with Proust, and wanted to use the newer translations. Our library didn't seem to have In The Shadow of Young Girls In Flower; so I ordered a copy from Thrift Books, still waiting on that. The library did have a Graphic Novel version, which I am going to get, but right now the library is on COVID restriction, door service only, and so I am sure very long lines.

So onto some other reading, I did complete two books this week, reviews to follow

Nice to see you enjoying the sunshine, Rhonda.

Crying in H Mart

This is a lovely book about love and grief. Zauner's mother was Korean, and the title refers to times after her death, when she would find herself sobbing in H-Mart (A Korean Grocery Chain); as the food there reminded her of her mother. Sort of like Proust's Madeline; only smellier, and more emotional. She describes the food court in the H-Mart in Suburban Philadelphia:

“We don’t talk about it. There’s never so much as a knowing look. We sit here in silence, eating our lunch. But I know we are all here for the same reason. We’re all searching for a piece of home, or a piece of ourselves. We look for a taste of it in the food we order and the ingredients we buy. Then we separate. We bring the haul back to our dorm rooms or our suburban kitchens, and we re-create the dish that couldn’t be made without our journey. What we’re looking for isn’t available at a Trader Joe’s. H Mart is where your people gather under one odorous roof, full of faith that they’ll find something they can’t find anywhere else.”

Zauner is a good writer, emotional without being overly sentimental, and I highly recommend this book. It also explores issues of being biracial and unsure of one's cultural identity. Also, a plus for me; I hadn't realized before reading the book, but Zauner grew up in Eugene, Oregon; so lots of Oregon references.

>69 PaulCranswick:. Hi Paul! Thanks for stopping by!

Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

And thanks to Paul, I read this for the Asian book challenge; and got a lot out of reading this book. It's not perfect. Other reviewers have noted that Shafak has a tendency to over-write, and I did think it could have done with a few good edits. For one example, using an internet chat room to get points across, really didn't work for me.

This is an intergenerational novel, contrasting the families of two young women, one, the titular "Bastard of Istanbul" lives with a large family of women, aunts, grandmother, in Istanbul; the other is Armenian American, in Arizona and San Francisco.

I was excited to read a book that dealt with the Armenian Genocide from a Turkish perspective. It turns out that the author was charged with being anti-Turkish, and threatened with a 3 year jail sentence for being Turkish. That made me admire the author for her bravery in taking up the topic. Luckily,. she was acquitted.

That said, there were parts of the exploration that made me uncomfortable. Shafak, through various characters and also the internet chat room, indicates that Turkish people are not enough aware of the past, and too future focussed, and that Armenians are too focused on the past. I have to wonder how Armenians could not be focussed on the past, when Turkey is still in denial about the genocide, and in fact the US just recognized the Armenian genocide this year???

Shafak does a good job of showing the similarities between Armenian and Turkish culture--in terms of food, family relations, etc. And the book does have some interesting plot twists, and great food descriptions.

I would normally give the book 3.5 stars, but am going with 4--basically because of the topic. It gave me the opportunity to think about historical trauma and how it impacts us today, and to contrast the Armenian genocide with other historical traumas; like slavery in the US and the genocide of Native Americans.

>72 banjo123: I really liked this one as well, Rhonda. I want to read more by her.

Happy Saturday, Rhonda. Good review of H Mart. I will add that one to my list. Bastard of Instanbul also sounds good.

>72 banjo123: I have seen plenty of complaints across the threads that she tends to over-egg the pie in her writing but she does seem to get a story across.

>73 BLBera:. I really liked getting a female perspective of life in Turkey.

>74 msf59:. Yay! I am promoting H Mart to all my friends right now.

>75 PaulCranswick:. "over-egg" is a good description, Paul, and yes, the story telling pulled it through.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This was another entry in my "read more just-for-fun books" goal. It's about a 50's Hollywood actress, who is gorgeous with big breasts and a conniving mind, trying to make it to the top. One of her techniques is through strategic marriages.

The plot is fun and the writing is actually pretty good. I would recommend if you want a beach read type book. Additionally, a behind the scenes look at Hollywood, and an exploration of how for women, the use of sexuality is often the only kind of power available.

>64 banjo123: I appreciate your honest thoughts about Proust, Rhonda. I think the time sink is what will keep me from trying it. I have so many books that I want to read from my shelves. And the local library is a temptress!

I'm glad you enjoyed your sunny weekend. I missed my afternoon walk because we had a family birthday party. The morning walk here in southern Missouri was brisk with temps in the low 30s, a big improvement over the lost 20s of last week.

>78 Donna828:. brrr... sounds cold.

And we'll see if I actually manage to finish my Proust re-read. There are a lot of other enticing books.

My current reads, Matrix and Somebody's Daughter by Ashley Ford

Hi Rhonda. Another Matrix reader! I thought I had that one in my TBR piles, but apparently not. I'll be checking in to see what you think of it. : ) And good on you for deciding your reading goals this year should be reading for fun. Happy Humpday!

>80 Berly:. Thanks, Kim! I should clarify that I will probably read lots of serious books; but I want to add in more pleasure reads.

I am looking forward to the weekend---I actually have 4 days off, I took off Monday for a volunteer gig; and Tuesday is Mrs. Banjo's birthday; so I have the day off, mostly, I guess to cook for her.

I started the second book in Proust's series; In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower, and I am liking this translation. Still lots of really long dinner party descriptions!

Somebody's Daughter is good, I hope to finish it today.

Somebody's Daughter by Ashley Ford

These days it seems like young authors are writing memoir, instead of autobiographical first novels. I think that's good; being willing to be open and vulnerable about their own truths, instead of using fiction as a bit of a shield. (But it does lead to less involved plotting. )

This memoir tells about Ford's growing up, her relationships with extended family in Indiana, including a difficult relationship with her difficult mother, and the way that her father's absence (as he was in prison) shaped her childhood. She is an engaging writer, and I enjoyed the book. She is articulate about the ways that race and gender impacted her; and about her struggle to value herself.

Hi, Rhonda. Good reviews. The crying in H Mart one particularly stuck me. I think that one is in my future. Nice excerpt.

>83 jnwelch: - There was an interview with the author of this one, yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning. You could probably find it on their website.

>70 banjo123: Oregon references / H-Mart in Suburban Philadelphia
My local book group read this recently, and for us it was the Philadelphia references. The hosts for the meeting were a mother and daughter who prepared a meal from exactly that H-Mart.

>83 jnwelch:. Thanks, Joe! I think you will like that.

>84 jessibud2:. I will have to look for that interview.

>85 qebo:. That's funny! It seems like having a personal connection works in a lot of ways.

Hi Rhonda. I came by to see if you've commented about Matrix yet. I see that you are indeed reading it. How are you liking it?

I bought Crying in H Mart a few weeks ago and your comments are making me want to move it up the list. I have a friend/colleague who is currently reading Minor Feelings and was raving about it. Memoirs feel like a relatively new genre for me but I think there are some really good ones out and about these days.

Happy Tuesday!

>82 banjo123: That one looks interesting!

>72 banjo123: Adding that to my WL.

>87 EBT1002:. Hi Ellen! I did like Matrix; but maybe not as much as you did. I am hoping to get to a review soon. I read Fates and Furies, and liked it, but with some reservations.

>88 figsfromthistle:. thanks for stopping by Figs! I hope you like it when you get to it.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. It's pretty quiet here, hoping to watch some Olympics and get a little reading in.

Dropping by to wish you a lovely weekend, Rhonda.

I have to be a bit more patient, Crying in H Mart only comes out here next month.

>90 PaulCranswick:. Thanks, Paul!
>91 charl08:. Next month is pretty soon, Charlotte. I bet you will like it.

Matrix by Lauren Groff

This is the imagined history of Marie de France, and the story of a female Utopia in 12th century England. Marie was a seventeen year old, bastard sibling of the crown, sent by Eleanor of Aquitaine (on whom the young Marie had a huge crush) to be Prioress of an impoverished English abbey. Marie was too awkward, large and ugly to be marriageable, but turns out to have great organizational and leadership skills. Buoyed by a series of visions, perhaps from the Virgin Marie, she turns the Abbey into a profitable, and isolated community of nuns.

Groff's writing is terrific, and it's fun to think about how women of the past may have battled patriarchy on their own terms. She also raises interesting dilemmas about leadership, and how Marie pushed a community of nuns to create her vision.

I do think the book could have used stronger plotting. It's pretty much a chronological narrative of her life. Also, I was hoping for more Eleanor of Aquitaine, who has always been an interesting historical figure for me. (There was a parallel process with Marie locked in the Abbey and Eleanor imprisoned by her husband for 17 years; I think that this, and the different uses of female power, could have been explored more broadly. ) But that's my own focus, and I should note that this would be especially interesting to those interested in religious communities.

>93 banjo123: Great comments, Rhonda. I would also have liked more Eleanor, but still loved this novel.

>94 BLBera:. It was a good book. I just gave it to my sister, for her birthday, so hopefully she likes it. She likes historical fiction.

We had a family birthday brunch yesterday, as my sister and wife both have February birthdays. It's a gorgeous weekend here in Portland, and today I am mostly planning to putter around and do a few chores. Banjo, jr and Mrs. Banjo are working today, it's the Timbers pre-season; so I have the house to myself.

We have been enjoying watching the Olympics this past week. Especially the snowboarding. I don't know much about snowboarding, so usually I am watching totally amazed that humans can do such things, and then the announcers will make a comment like "Too bad that she made that mistake." I am also trying to watch some hockey, and see if I can understand it. Hockey seems like such a rough sport, I don't understand why both teams aren't in the penalty box at all times.

So far 2022 has been a good reading year, and I have three books to review.

The House in the Cerulean Sea. by TJ Klune

I think I read about this on Kim (Berly)'s thread. I gave it to Banjo, jr for Christmas, and she liked it at well. It's a a fun, heartwarming, YA fantasy, and gay romance, about the power of outcasts to create community. Kind of cheesy, but I enjoyed it.

Being Seen One Deafblind Woman's Fight to End Ableism by Elsa Sjunneson

I definitely read about this one on Kim's thread, and thank's for the recommendation, Kim. Since I work with adults with disabilities, and some are deaf blind; I wanted to read this book.

It's a memoir that is more like a series of essays, and occasional tirades; fairly easy to read. Sjunneson is a character, and I appreciated reading her story and learning more about how some of the challenges that she has faced as a result of able-ism.

One issue that was interesting was how her parents, in I am sure a loving and well-meaning way, encouraged Sjunneson to be mainstreamed and outside of disability culture. This meant that Sjunneson did not have disabled role-models, and did not learn adaptive techniques until she was older. For example she didn't learn ASL. (American Sign Language)

Her disabilities are a result of prenatal exposure to rubella, and she has some hearing and sight, but as she ages, these are less effective. If she had learned ASL as a child, her fluency and ability to use it now would be better.

The Others by Sarah Blau

I read this for the Asian Writers challenge, Blau is an Israeli writer.

This is a thriller, about a group of college friends who had decided, against cultural norms, not to have children. The plot involves a murderer, who is killing the members of the group, some 20 years later. I am not normally a thriller/mystery reader, so not sure I can judge it on that account. The mystery wasn't hard to guess, but there were a few interesting plot twists.

I did like learning more about Israeli culture, current day, and the issues of tradition and modernity.

>95 banjo123: made that mistake
About the only winter Olympic sport I watch is the variants of figure skating, and I have the same reaction to the commentary. If they fall, I get it, a mistake was made, but otherwise what on earth did you see, which I can't see even in slow motion if you explain it.

>99 qebo:. I am glad I am not the only one! Figure skating is also fun to watch.

I love to watch figure skating but usually don't watch much else. At the moment we only have access to "regular" channels so we've been watching more variety of Olympic events. There are several snow boarding events I didn't know even existed and indeed...OMG, how can they do that? how did the ever get the courage to try the tiniest step toward learning to do that? boy, do they have gene's in their makeup that I'm missing!!

>101 RebaRelishesReading:. Yes, the snow-boarders are definitely a special breed! I like them, they seem so sweet and goofy.

>102 banjo123: I agree, snowboarders seem like cool folk -- but the thought of doing anything like what they do just makes me shake my head. I have a strong preference for remaining in touch with the planet.

>96 banjo123:, >97 banjo123:, >98 banjo123: All sound good, Rhonda. I'll look for them.

My goddaughter played hockey in high school, and I went to one of her games, the only hockey game I have ever seen, and I didn't have a clue. I agree, it seems like a very rough sport.

I haven't watched much Olympics, but could never imagine doing what the snowboarders do, for sure.

>103 RebaRelishesReading: and >104 BLBera:. I have never been on a snowboard, the closest has been cross country skiing, which I haven't done in years. For some reason, I always enjoy watching the Olympics, even sports that make no sense, like curling or the luge.

Happy Sunday, Rhonda. I have been enjoying a lazy day with the books. I am really enjoying The Memory of Love. I hope those current reads are treating you well too.

>105 banjo123: Curling I can relate to. It would be hard to get seriously hurt doing it and I have done lawn bowling which is pretty much the same game on grass. I can imagine enjoying cross-country skiing -- but leaping off of a 50' high cliff on skis...nope, can't imagine doing that ever.

It's been a busy-ish President's Day Weekend, finally getting time to catch up on LT.

>106 msf59:. Memory of Love is on my list to read, Mark, so thanks for the thumbs-up,

>107 RebaRelishesReading:. LOL, Reba, Curling seems like a drinking game to me. Sort of a icy bocce ball.

As for the weekend, Banjo, jr and I volunteered sorting books for kids on Saturday, and I went to two preseason soccer games. I saw the Minnesota Loons play an Norwegian team; to a tie. (Oberon/Erik---the Loons did well, the Viking's were a good team, fun to watch their passing. I thought Metanire did well at right back, and the second goal was fantastic. Not sure who scored it; I thought they said Lund?). And the Timbers won 3-0 against Real Salt Lake. (All three goals after the RSL starting goalkeeper Ochoa, was subbed off with a freaked injury, so feeling sorry for the second string RSL keeper.)

Then yesterday, chores, a nice walk, and dinner with friends. Today I have been trying to get tax stuff together; very frustrating, but I did it, so now can relax.

The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen

Thanks to Mark for this one! It's a best-seller in Norway, seems like those Norwegians are very literary. This is historical fiction, the first of a series about a family living on a small island off the Norwegian coast, just pre WWII. Beautiful, spare writing and so interesting to read about what life was like in those circumstance.

I've seen a lot of great comments about The Unseen. I will add it to my list.

>108 banjo123: That is really cool that you got to see that game. It wasn't on tv here so I haven't gotten to see any of preseason. Metanire is fantastic but is coming off a torn ACL at the end of the last season so everyone is crossing their fingers. As for the goal, it was almost certainly Robin Lod, a Finnish national team player. I think he was out top scorer last season - though that is more a sign of the futility of our strikers as Lod plays on the wing.

Seems like the Timbers are in good form for the start of the season. 3-0 over RSL is a great result.

Hello all! I have been reading, but slowly, so no new books to report on. And I will be off of LT for a bit, tomorrow we are headed off on vacation. We are going to San Diego, hoping to catch some sun and relaxation. After that I have some time off work for "staycation", maybe work on cleaning out the basement? I think it will be good for me to have some time off work, because it's been an intense past few years, and I haven't had a lot of time off.

>110 BLBera:. It's a good one, Beth!

>111 Oberon:. I do enjoy watching preseason games, and it's fun to see the European players. The Timbers are actually a bit in rugged shape, with lots of injuries and a brand new goal-keeper. All the goals were after Ochoa subbed off, I think if he'd been able to stay it would've been a nil/nil score. The season opener was this weekend, and we tied the Revolution; not actually a bad result.

We mostly follow the NWSL, and the Thorns pre-season is next week, so looking forward to that. We have a new coach and GM, and lots of angst still from front office issues, so not expecting much from this season.

>112 banjo123: Give my regards to San Diego! Hope you have a wonderful time.

Good review of The Matrix, Rhonda. I loved that one. Marie and her clever battling to keep the monastery whole, healthy and independent, transfixed me enough that I never thought about the plotting.

>114 jnwelch: I'm planning to read it quite soon, Joe/Rhonda, as I plan to read the main award Women's Prize/Booker Prizes longlists this time. Sixteen books will get long listed for the Women's Prize on 8 March 2022 and I am fairly confident that Matrix will be on that list.

Have a lovely weekend, Rhonda.

We've always wanted to go to San Diego but never have. Of course every summer is the Great Comic Con, which a lot of my friends attend. But i suspect there is more to the city than that.

Enjoy! Take photos! Report back!

>116 magicians_nephew: Way, way more, Jim! A wonderful park (Balboa Park) with fine museums, beautiful beaches, a thriving downtown (well, except for Horton Plaza which has died the death of 21st century malls), theater, a great symphony...

Dropping in to say hello! Hope you have a wonderful time in San Diego

>112 banjo123: Hope you have had (are having?) a wonderful time in San Diego. I loved my visit there, hope to go back again when travel's a bit easier.

San Diego was fun! And SO nice to get some sun and warm weather. I am hoping to post some photos later, but seem to be having some issues with uploading photos to LT.

> 113. Thanks, Reba, did you work in the San Diego CIty and County Admin Building? Such a pretty building, I took a photo, but can't seem to upload.

>114 jnwelch:. Matrix was definitely a good one, Joe.

>115 PaulCranswick:. Ambitious plan, Paul! I think you will like Matrix.

>116 magicians_nephew:. Jim, San Diego is a lovely city; well worth a visit. We were a bit constrained, as we didn't rent a car, but there was lots to do close in, the zoo, Balboa Park, and we were staying in Little Italy; which was very cute and the food was great.
For us, it's a pretty quick and inexpensive flight, so a nice way to get some sun in the winter,.

>117 RebaRelishesReading:. Reba, one thing that I was struck with was how clean San Diego was, and how well funded public infrastructure seems. It would be such a livable city, except not very affordable. Apparently there are a lot of public dollars in the city, with the military, etc. You probably know all about that.

>118 figsfromthistle:. Thanks, Anita!

>119 charl08:. Thanks, Charlotte

OK! I think I have figured this photo thing out, and here is the building that Reba might have worked in.

And a few other San Diego photos:
Japanese garden in Balboa Park



At Balboa Park, a decoration from the 1915 exhibition


Balboa Park Desert garden

And here I am, eating gelato

>120 banjo123: 'Fraid not Rhonda, that lovely building by the waterfront only has the County admin offices in it so even if I had worked for the County (which I never did) I would have been in an industrial building in Kearny Mesa. In San Diego area I worked for the City of Poway for 13 years and then briefly for City of Del Mar--suburbs which are NE of downtown (Poway) and north on the coast (Del Mar). I'm glad you liked my old stomping grounds though.

San Diego does well economically but not so much from public money any more. It still has a Navy presence but it's relatively small. Biotech (and tech in general) is the big deal, mostly based around U.C. San Diego.

Livability isn't only hurt by cost of living (which indeed is quite high) but also due to very poor public transportation (although they are trying) and, hence, awful traffic.

Posting photos reminds me that I have been meaning to post some of our cats.

Francis and Banjo sleeping


Willi and Francis


Willi being cute

>123 banjo123: Balboa Park is definitely one of the very best things about San Diego. I lived a few blocks from there my last 11 years in San Diego and used to go through the park often on my daily walks. Great museums and theater in there too.

>124 RebaRelishesReading:. That's too bad, Reba, I liked thinking of you in that building! But the suburbs does make more sense.

That's interesting about biotech.

The next time we go to San Diego, I hope to rent a car and get around a bit more. We'd been in San Diego a few times when Banjo, jr was young, and really enjoyed it. She had a great time at Legoland.

>126 RebaRelishesReading:. We enjoyed the museums, and also had a great meal at the Prado. Definitely a treasure.

The Prado is one of our favorite restaurants. It's owned by the Cohn Family who have 15 or so restaurants around town and nearly all of the are great. They even have two in Maui and we drove to the other end of the island to eat at one of them while we were there.

>129 RebaRelishesReading:. Yum! We had an amazing black bean soup there.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

This was a good historical novel, which explores the Tennessee Children's Home, an "orphanage" where children were abused and neglected, and also basically sold in an adoption racket run by a real life villain named Georgia Tann. This is illustrated by the stories of a fictional family, the Foss family, who lived on a Shantyboat (also a real thing) in 1936. The children were taken to the Tennessee Children Home as orphans, while their parents were dealing with their mother's hospitalization and difficult pregnancy. The book alternates between the story of Rill Foss, the older sister, and the modern day story of Avery Stafford, a young woman from a privileged South Carolina family, who becomes intrigued by the Tenessee Children's Home scandals, and how secrets can echo down generations.

I liked that the author kept the ambiguity of whether or not it was better to keep or expose old family secrets.

Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar

Very good writing and definitely worth the read. This book explores Muslim and Pakistani-immigrant experience in the US pre-an post 9/11. I really liked the beginning of the book, but he lost me a bit in the middle. I thought he did a better job exploring the character and motivation of his parent's generation than his own.

I was struck by passages where he described Muslim/Islamic tradition and how they could impact present day marriages. Specifically, he talked about the popularity of the name Aisha, and how tradition is that she married Muhammad at age 6. This made me wonder about how Judeo-Christian traditions might impact us today.

A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet

And speaking of Judeo-Christian tradition! This is a novel about climate change, a group of families are summering in a large house. The parents are self-involved and the children lead their own lives. A climate disaster strikes, and the children are more prepared than their parents for the practicalities of managing in a new world.

One of the children was given a book of bible stories, and uses these stories for a blueprint for the world around him. It is a compelling read, and again, thoughtful about the ways that history defines us.

I love the photos, Rhonda, both of the cats and the trip.

I also loved A Children's Bible, and >132 banjo123:, >131 banjo123: both sound great as well. I ownHomeland Elegies, so I may even get to that soonish.

>134 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth! I think that you are responsible for my reading A Children's Bible.

Since you liked it, I am happy to take responsibility. :)

>136 BLBera:. :)

Two more books to review:

Stirfry by Emma Donoghue

Donoghue's first book is a lesbian coming of age story, at the University of Dublin in 1989. Enjoyable characters and atmosphere, not much for plot.

and A Burning by Megha Majumdar, which I read a while ago, and then forgot about. That's, I guess, my review: pretty forgettable as the characters are two-dimensional.

Happy Tuesday, Rhonda. Looks like you had a wonderful time in San Diego. Love the photos too. Such a beautiful city. Hooray for Homeland Elegies & A Children's Bible. I also really enjoyed both.

Love seeing San Diego - I think the last time I went there was in ...1994? Where do the years go?

>125 banjo123: That picture of Willi cuddling up to Francis is too cute. That expression!

Great photos of travels and furry friends Rhonda.

>138 msf59:. Thanks, Mark! We did have fun.

>139 ursula:. Thanks, Ursula, they are sweet boys.

>140 Caroline_McElwee:. Thank you Caroline. It was great to get a little travel in.

Your photos of Balboa Park make me eager to get there. There must be so much to see. Maybe we will make it our next trip.

The gelato doesn't look bad either!

>142 ffortsa:. Balboa Park is great! There is also a little arts and crafts fair, which was really fun.

>125 banjo123: I need to figure out how to post pictures of my 2 sweeties, Mallory and Chalfont. They are going to 1 on the 17th.

>131 banjo123: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Rhonda!

>144 alcottacre:. Mostly these instructions help with photos. I upload my pictures onto the LT photo gallery, and then use that link to post to the thread. Unless I have them on Facebook, then I will use the link from Facebook. The problem that I had is that I have a new computer (hooray! it's a Mac Air and lovely) which I didn't understand, and the photos weren't loading as jpeg. It just took a little concentration to figure out how to convert them.

https://wiki.librarything.com/index.php/Basic_HTML_/_How_to_do_Fancy_Things_in_Y...

I do love looking at pet pictures, so hope you are able to get them up!

And hope you enjoy the book!

And happy Friday, all. I took this week as vacation, and was planning to get some house projects done. I have done absolutely zero, and it's been nice and relaxing. I think that I needed some down-time.

Last night Mrs. Banjo and I went out the the everybody reads, and heard Mira Jacob speak. She was awesome, and I also ran into Kim (Berly) there so it was super neat.

So nice to see you last night at Literary Arts/Multnomah County Library "Everybody Reads" presentation of Good Talk author Mira Jacob. She was great wasn't she?! Thanks for finding us in the audience and saying Hi! Happy weekend.

>146 Berly:. Yes, Kim, she was great and it was so good to see you and Sarah.

If anyone gets a chance to hear Mira Jacob speak, I would recommend it. She is so thoughtful and human. I loved her advice to young, female, writers of color; which was basically to insist on bringing your whole self to the work.

And another book read. I am following the Tournament of Books, and trying to read some of the contestants; although so far I am only at 3.

All's Well by Mona Awad

I was excited about this book, as I love Shakespeare. The main character, Miranda, is a college theater professor, directing a production of All's Well, even though her students would prefer "the Scottish play." Miranda is suffering from chronic pain, as a result of an accident when she fell from a stage. Her pain isn't taken seriously by either friends, or by the medical establishment. She is increasingly estranged and isolated. She gets help with her pain from supernatural sources, but there is a cost for this help.

I did love the Shakespeare references, and I think it may have helped with my understanding of All's Well, which is one of the problem plays. However, I had some difficulty with the books dream-like sequences. I will probably rate at 3 or maybe 3.5 stars.

Hmm. Great comments on All's Well, Rhonda. My turn is coming soon, but I wonder if this is one I can wait on.

>149 BLBera:. I think you can wait, Beth. though of course, tastes vary so much.

I am following the Tournament of Books (though I have not read most of the books) and am enjoying it, although my favorite books keep getting eliminated. The one that got me was Klara and the Sun; which I thought was really good and thought provoking. The judge found it confusing, and her take-away was "it would be really confusing to be a robot." Which was an entertaining judgment, but I got a lot more out of the book than that.

I am trying to read some of the books from the contest, which includes my most recent read.

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

This book did win it's first round on Tournament of Book; I have mixed feelings about this. It's a very entertaining read, but not, I don't think, great literature. Still, it's decent writing and a entertaining and thought provoking plot. Most chapters end on a cliff-hanger; so I read it into the night. It did leave me feeling kind of yucky, but not in a bad way; it's a dark view of the world.

I don't want to reveal too much of the plot; as that could ruin the surprise. Expect cloning; gender role issues, and domestic abuse.

Happy Saturday, Rhonda. I also loved Klara and the Sun. I even got my SIL to read it and he also loved it. I just started An Unnecessary Woman. This is going to be a special one. Just sayin'...

I haven't really been following ToB, but like you, I haven't read many of the books, so it's hard to get too invested. I also loved Klara and the Sun and didn't find it confusing, rather thought provoking. Oh well, different strokes...

Interesting comments on The Echo Wife. Not sure about that. I'll add it to a possible future read.

Have a great Sunday. It seems like spring is finally arriving.

>192 ursula:. Wendy is reading Klara now for an AARP book-group, and she also loves it; so I don't know what to think of that grumpy reviewer. It was Rosa Lyster, and she chose Nervous System which I haven't read, so maybe it's the cat's pajamas, but her description did not convince me.

Klara might come back as a Zombie. I hope so, because right now it's my favorite. I have decided I liked it better than Matrix

>193 banjo123:. The Tournament is such a goofy premise that I never take it too seriously, but I do enjoy the commentary. I thought that Banjo, jr would like The Echo Wife; and I bet your students would...but you will be retired!!

I'm playing catch-up. Love the cat pics!

Thanks, Lori, they are a fun bunch.

And happy weekend all! I haven't gotten any books finished yet this week. I have been working on a few that are good, but slow; Proust's second volume; some Margaret Renkl; and The Confession of Copeland Cane. Also, I recently cut back on coffee; which has resulted in my sleeping much better. I think it's good for me, but I miss my coffee and I don't have as much time at night to read.

>156 banjo123: I'm reminded of an interview of George Steiner, who seemed to have read everything. The interviewer asked him how he had time to do so much reading, and after a pause, he replied that other people seem to need to sleep.

>157 ffortsa: Ha!

Impressed re the coffee Beth Rhonda! Sorry! I don't struggle to sleep, but I do suspect I should probably be able to wake up without caffeine... ETA and perhaps I should head to bed now given I'm getting threads mixed up. Oh dear.

All Well That Ends Well is a funny sort of Shakespeare play. It's rarely done, and alas rarely done well.

But the characters are interesting and its nice to see a really really female lead characters in Shakespeare.

Just shame that the man she winds up with isn't worth half of her.

I will have to look for All's Well

>157 ffortsa:. Sleep does take up a bunch of potential reading time, doesn't it?

>158 charl08:. I think if you are sleeping OK, keep up with the coffee. I love my coffee, so will have to see how long I can go with the reduced consumption.

>159 magicians_nephew:. It's definitely a problem play. We saw a good production a few years ago, at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

>160 banjo123: I have never been a great sleeper, Rhonda. Then again I do drink prodigious quantities of coffee.

Have a lovely Sunday. x

>161 PaulCranswick:. Thanks, Paul, and enjoy your coffee!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. It's been a weekend of soccer/football, here, with my teams not doing as well as I'd like. But still, fun to watch. I was hoping to watch some Women's college basketball as well, but no ESPN, so perhaps I will have some reading time.

Klara and the Sun did win the Tournament of Books, so I was happy about that. But I saw several commentators rooting for The Trees, which I haven't read, so I do want to read that.

Meanwhile, I can thank the Tournament of Books for my reading The Confession of Copeland Cane, which I liked and will review soon.

The Confession of Copeland Cane by Keenan Norris

This book is set in Oakland, California in the near future, where protagonist, Cope Cane deals with the aftermath of the pandemic, institutional racism, gentrification and intergenerational trauma. Also, athletic shoes. So its a serious book, and probably not for everyone.

But I liked it. For one thing, it's set in Oakland, which is an American city that has largely been ignored in literature, and which is also my birthplace. For another, it let me imagine how the next generation will cope with the events of the early 2020's. And most importantly, it introduces us to the intrepid Cope, who deals with serious issues as they happen, but maintains a certain equanimity and sense of purpose, and gives hope for the next generation.

And happy weekend! I have a couple of books finished, and several that I am reading and enjoying now.

Outlawed by Anna North

We read this for the lesbian book group. I think everyone in the book group liked it, except for me.

It's an alternative history of the US West; imagining that a flu epidemic in 1830 left a big portion of the population infertile, and a religious movement revering fertility arises. Women who are not able to get pregnant are shunned as witches.

This confused me, because I didn't realize it was alternative history when I started, and I got through a big portion of the book wondering "what is going on, where is this?", because I knew it wasn't right. This could have been partly my fault, as I was reading quickly. However another woman in the group never realized it was alternative history, because she didn't know that much about history anyway. Which is kind of scary on a number of levels.

The writing I thought was OK, the characters flat. The plot's a bit silly, but could be fun if you weren't annoyed. Our heroine is exiled from her town due to being infertile, and goes first to a nunnery, and then to join "The Hole in the Wall" gang, a group of marginalized women, led by a non-binary outlaw called "the Kid."

So, I am thinking 2.5 stars? I wouldn't have finished it, but I had missed the last two book groups for various reasons, so wanted to make this one.

Graceland At Last by Margaret Renkl

If you read Renkl's wonderful LATE MIGRATIONS, you might be curious about this book. It's not as good. This is a collection of short essays, originally published in the NYT. Some are very good, some are slight and don't seem worthy of a book. (although all would be nice to read in a newspaper!). It doesn't hold together as a book.

I was happy to read it, however, for the sense of what it feels like to be a blue voter in a red state, and to love the south, but hate the legacy of slavery. Also, Renkl's nature writing is lovely.

I haven't read anything by Renki, but I will look for Late Migrations.

I liked Outlawed a lot; I thought North reimagined the West in a creative way. But it's one of those books that I imagine will have widely divergent opinions. It is scary that one of the readers didn't realize it wasn't history.

I have to tell you that I LOVE your topper all over again each time I visit your thread.

>165 banjo123: If you enjoy a really strange lesbian story, try TRUMPET by Jackie Kay.

>166 banjo123: I did read and enjoy Late Migrations Rhonda, shame this was mostly a disappointment.

>166 banjo123: - I also read and loved Late Migrations and I read her pieces in the New York Times (online). I actually bought Graceland At last for myself shortly after it was released but have not got to it yet. I do love her writing and am sad to hear that it didn't come together for you.

>167 BLBera:. and >168 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth! Glad that Outlawed worked for you. And Renkl is special, actually. She made me want to visit Nashville.
And hooray for Dickinson!

>169 m.belljackson:. Wow, that does sound strange. Did you like it?

>170 Caroline_McElwee:. I did give 3.5 stars, so not bad. But I was expecting more.

>171 jessibud2:. I think you will enjoy Graceland, Shelley. Just don't expect too much. In the intro she explains that she was going through a lot in her personal life, and so I think she didn't have the time or focus to curate this as well as she did Late Migrations.

Klara and and the Sun fan! But snow in April? Not so much. LOL. Did you get much? We had 3-4 inches. Snowed in for the morning.

>172 banjo123: While many parts of Trumpet were cool, the secret just went on way too long.

>173 Berly:. I agree, Kim. That snow we got earlier this week was ridiculous. We had about that much, but it melted quick and my commute was OK.

>174 m.belljackson:. I think I will skip it then.

>175 banjo123: A vote in favour of Trumpet from me. Perhaps it is no longer as groundbreaking as when first published, but everything of Jackie Kay's that I've read has been worth the time.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/16/rereading-trumpet-jackie-kay-ali-s...

>176 charl08:. Maybe I should recommend it for the lesbian book club. Though I wasn't totally sure it would qualify.

Hi, Rhonda. I love the photos of you, the cats and San Diego.

I’m another fan of the unusual Klara and the Sun. Gene editing and artificial intelligence. The line between “literature” and “science fiction” keeps blurring.

Thanks, Joe. And yay for Klara. Mrs. Banjo also really liked it, they read it for her AARP book group.

And happy weekend all. It's a lovely weekend here in the Pacific NW; but I entered the weekend tired and am not feeling too ambitious. Hoping to get some chores done today, tomorrow I am planning to do some shopping at Columbia Sportswear, as I need a new winter jacket and am hoping for sales.

And hopefully a bunch of reading done. I have two books to review, and am almost done on two others.

>177 banjo123: >176 charl08: It would likely qualify and be appreciated by the lesbian book club;
as well, again, others have enjoyed many parts.

>180 m.belljackson:. I will suggest it, thanks for the idea.

Sometimes the leader has a hard time getting enough copies of a given book for the club, there seem to be lots of supply chain issues.

Belonging: A Culture of Place by bell hooks

I hadn't read anything by hooks previously, and so after her death decided to remedy that. I really liked this book, and plan to try more of her work. To be sure, some parts of the book are too intellectual and too much theory for me. But other parts are more direct and interesting. I loved, for example, her discussion of quilting as a woman's art form.

In this book she describes her relationship to her birthplace, Kentucky, and her experiences returning to Kentucky after going to Stanford and living in California and New York. It was a good companion for the reading from Margaret Renkl, lots of appreciation of nature and of an agrarian world. Her discussion of racism and it's impact on both black and white people was interesting. She had a description of being raised to be afraid of white people, which is something one doesn't read about often.

And she is a really good writer. Here is a quote:

“Living away from my native place I became more consciously Kentuckian than I was when I lived at home. This is what the experience of exile can do, change your mind, utterly transform one's perception of the world of home.”

>182 banjo123: - Got me with a bb on this one, Rhonda. I have not read anything by her either. I will see if my library h as this one.

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki

This book is another winner. So far, I think it's my favorite books of this year, a long, lovely dive into the world of Benny Oh, a teenager who is struggling with his father's death, his mother's ineptitude, and his own experience of mental illness. He starts to hear the voices of objects around him, and also of A BOOK, which also helps to narrate Benny's life. There are lots of sad parts, but it's a big-hearted book, the characters are lovingly drawn and real-seeming.

I know some found this book too long, but that was fine with me. Ozeki brings a lot of issues together, with a sense of humor and a big nod to Buddhism.

I loved that the book was set in the Pacific Northwest, and it really felt like here. It's not an identified city; apparently she based the library off the library in Vancouver, BC; but the book is set in the States, so I thought of it as Seattle. The people felt familiar to me also. There is a scene in the beginning, with Kenji (Benny's father's) musician friends, and the friends felt so much like my brother-in-law and his music buddies. Only if it were my BIL, he would be checking in on Annabelle and Benny regularly after Kenji's death, and there would be a benefit concert for them also.

Annabelle and Benny's isolation was necessary to the story, however, and Ozeki goes on to show how community can come form unexpected places.

>183 jessibud2:. It was a good book, Shelley. I forget who suggested it to me.

Great comments on the Ozeki, Rhonda. I also loved it.

>184 banjo123: I plan to get to that soon, Rhonda. I have managed to buy 14 of the 16 Women's Prize Longlist but so much for reading them all before the prize is announced in June.

Have a great Sunday.

>184 banjo123: I loved this too. Nice to think that in RL someone like Annabelle might be supported by the other musicians her husband worked with.

>186 BLBera:. Such a good read, I am missing it now that it's done.

>187 PaulCranswick:. Happy Sunday to you, Paul! I have pretty much given up on reading from either the long or short list... I keep getting distracted by other books.

>188 charl08:. Definitely if my BIL was around there would be a benefit concert at Mississippi Pizza; and Thanksgiving invites, etc.

>182 banjo123: I've never read any bell hooks either.

Your mini review makes me want to remedy this!

It is true there is no one more English than the Englishman away from home, or more Southern than the Southerner marooned among Yankees.

>190 magicians_nephew:. Thanks, Jim, and so true.

In breaking news, I finished the second volume of Proust, which I will comment on later. This brings me to 26 books at the end of April, so on target for 75 this year; if I don't start slacking.

Congrats on finishing the second volume of Proust! That might have been my favorite one.

>192 ursula:. Thanks, Ursula. I did like this volume better than the first, but I think I remember really liking the 6th book, the first time I read them

And happy weekend, readers. I have most of next week off, for a planned Man Jong marathon with some friends. So the weekend is pretty relaxed. Today I had my 2nd COVID booster, so anticipating being a bit low energy tomorrow.

In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower by Marcel Proust.

The translator of this volume was James Grieve and I thought this was an especially good translation. This book takes us through the narrator's infatuation with Gilberte, and the beginnings of his infatuation with Albertine. Definitely a book that takes patience, with dinner parties that last forever. The attention to detail is overwhelming, but yields some interesting character exploration; as in this description of Mme Swann's dress:

"her outfit was more elegant than anyone else's, she wore it for herself but also for her friends, naturally, without show but also without complete indifference, not objecting if the light bows on her bodice and skirt drifted slightly in front of her, like pets whose presence she was aware of but whose caprices she indulged, leaving them to their own devices as long as they stayed close to her; and as though her purple parasol, often furled when she first emerged into the avenue, was a posy of Parma violets, it too at times received from her happy eyes a glance which, though directed not at her friends but at an inanimate object brimmed with so much gentle goodwill that it still seemed to be a smile."

The description goes on for several pages, and contrasts with the description of her dress in the first volume, when it was made of discordant parts. >16 banjo123:

So it's going to be interesting (assuming I make it through all 7 volumes) to see how Mme Swann's fashion progresses.

I am feeling a bit ambivalent about the book, however, since the focus is on love, and the love object, and in Proust's world; this seems often to be more objectifying the woman involved. His passion for Albertine is not based on anything in particular about her, and is generally not flattering towards her. Of course, in real life, Albertine was based on a young man that Proust was interested in (I think his butler?) so perhaps it's not just women who are objectified? At any rate, it does not seem a healthy relationship.

>194 banjo123: I had similair feelings about Proust's love. He falls in love with the image he creates of Albertine.

I can't remember at all how I felt about the 6th (aside from relieved/proud to have made it through the whole thing, haha). I'm looking forward to what you say about them refreshing my memory.

I think that what you described is really what I liked - the intense description of infatuation masquerading as love. How he goes to great lengths talking about her and yet, it's all superficial. How romantic! Haha.

Happy Mother's Day, Rhonda. Good review of The Book of Form and Emptiness. I have added that one to the list.

>195 FAMeulstee:. Exactly. But definitely a beautiful and detailed description of his internal life.

>196 ursula:. Well, we will see if I get all the way through the series. I am going to take a little break before starting the next. and you might be right, Proust is definitely a bit tongue in cheek.

>197 msf59:. Thanks, Mark! I bet you will like it

You sort of inspired me to pick up the second volume of Proust's epic, Rhonda. I will read it when I have gotten all of them in the house.

>199 PaulCranswick:. That's great. I really liked this translation.

>200 banjo123: I bought the same one too, Rhonda.

Southland by Nina Revoyr

This was another Lesbian book group read. It's pretty good historical fiction/mystery, about Japanese American and African American history in LA. It's told in three time periods; the 40's, covering WWII and internment camps; the Watts Riots, and then 1994.

This book was well-liked by the group, I was probably the most ambivalent. The story did hold my interest, and an interesting setting, but at times I felt that Revoyr tried to do too much, and the story could have been told with fewer characters and details. The lesbian sup-plot seemed like an add-on that didn't add a lot.

I did like the historical detail. I was especially interested in the parts about the experience of Japanese American GI's.

Have a great week off, Rhonda.

>202 banjo123: Not sure about this one. I trust your judgment although the historical stuff does sound interesting.

Good luck with the Proust. Maybe one of these days...

>202 banjo123: I think I liked this more than you did, although I don't think (from memory) the pacing/plotting was as compelling as the setting.

>203 BLBera:. I think you are OK to skip, though I am a picky reader.
I am not sure I am going to get through all of Proust, but my memory of how the last two volumes reflect back on the first two makes me want to persevere. However, my 63 year old self is less patient than my 22 year old self was.

>204 charl08:. The setting was well done, for sure. I am not a mystery reader, so maybe that made a difference to my reading.

The similar book that I did quite like was Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha. Apparently Cha had commented that this book inspired her, which amused me because the writing styles are very different, with Cha much more direct and streamlined.

Hi, Rhonda.

As you know, I ended up agreeing with you about Crying in H Mart, although I’m shocked you didn’t mention her alternately mouth-watering and scary descriptions of the Korean food she and her family ate.😅.

I likewise loved Lauren Goff’s Matrix.

What did you think of Ruth Ozeki’s Book of Form and Emptiness? I ended up loving it.

>206 jnwelch:. thanks for stopping by, Joe. You are right about the food descriptions, sorry about that omission.

I LOVED Form and Emptiness as well. Did it add to the book to read it as a Buddhist?

Currently I am reading Great Circle, which so far is great. I also have a couple of Early reviewer books on tap, Brisbane, which seems very well written, and Russian/Ukrainian, so a bit topical; and a memoir, which I have forgotten the name.

Hi Rhonda! I hope you're getting outside to enjoy this lovely day...maybe reading some Great Circle to go with it :) (I enjoyed that book too). Happy Tuesday.

>208 RebaRelishesReading:. Hi Reba! We did have some nice weather, didn't we? We did some good walks, including one to the Rhodedendron Gardens, which was beautiful. I will try to post pictures.

I was off work this week, though I am back in tomorrow. Spent 3 days with friends, playing Mah Jong, super fun. Today is rainy and I am drinking coffee and trying to catch up on LT. We might go to the museum this afternoon, to see the Mexican Modernist exhibit.

Great Circle is still good! And a nice long read to look forward to, I might be half way through... maybe not quite that far. I love the Montana and Seattle settings.

>210 banjo123: Nice.

Beautiful Rhododendrons and setting. I must look that park up. Are you talking about the Frieda Kahlo/Diego Rivera show? We've been talking about going to that too. Must do that before it closes.

>210 banjo123: - Beautiful, Rhonda! I especially love the reflection of the sky in the water. And I, myself, have been going a bit overboard at the garden centres lately, with everything looking (to me) as gorgeous as your second pic!

>210 banjo123: Wow! Absolutely breathtaking!

>211 BLBera: Thanks!
>212 RebaRelishesReading:-- It's Crystal Springs, right across from Reed College. Always the prettiest for Mother's Day---and crowded then, as well.
>213 jessibud2:. Thanks--it's a gorgeous spot and I was happy with that shot.
>214 figsfromthistle:. We do love this park.

>215 banjo123: Thanks. I keep that in mind for a walk/outing some day.

Beautiful shots, Rhonda. I was in Central Park here in NYC this weekend, and the flowering trees were spectacular. Very fragrant and colorful. It's always an uplifting time, isn't it?

I confess I've never played Mah Jong, except once with the family of a Chinese co-worker, and it was fierce! Didn't help that I didn't really understand it, of course. They were certainly having a fun time.

Hubby and I and another couple had several lessons in Mah Jong when we were still in San Diego and I took a one-week class at Chautauqua a couple of years ago. I think I would really like it if I played often enough to be (fairly) good at it. I keep thinking about seeing if some of our new friends here would be interested in forming a group but things just keep getting in the way. Meanwhile, I have a very nice Mah Jong set in the closet that Hubby gave me for Christmas several years ago (at my request).

>217 ffortsa:. Spring is amazing, though here it's been a bit water-logged, with all the rain.

Chinese are fierce at Mah Jong. I had read Joy Luck Club when it first came out, and associated mah Jong with mean Chinese mothers. So did not want to play it, but about 30 years ago, Mrs. B. convinced me to give it a try, with this friend. Our friend learned it from an ex-mother-in-law, so we play the Wright Patterson Airforce rules, which are different than Chinese rules. More complicated, actually. But also very competitive, and fun. A few years ago, I re-read Joy Luck Club, and had a lot more sympathy for the mothers than the first time around.

It's funny how in mother-daughter books, when I read them in my 20's; I identified with the daughters, now I identify with the mothers.

>218 RebaRelishesReading:. It's a fun game, Reba, but you have to play often enough to remember the rules.

We have several sets at this point, because our friend finds them at the auction. They are so pretty and fun to handle.

It's been a nice weekend, we watched soccer on Friday; the Thorns had a 0-0 draw in the rain. Saturday the Timbers won 7-2; I sort of regret not going to that game, but I went to the symphony with a friend, and listened to Mahler's 9th; which felt like quite a journey. Today, we took a long walk with my sister and brother-in-law; and now I am kind of tired.

I did finish a book this weekend-- Great Circle which I loved so much. I will try to pull myself together for a review, but I do want to avoid any spoilers.

>219 banjo123: Great Circle is a tremendous novel, isn't it, Rhonda? Long it may be but it has a narrative force that helps you chew up those pages. I liked the historical storyline more than the contemporary one though in truth.

>210 banjo123: Gorgeous pics!!

I also loved Great Circle. Glad you felt the same. I think I am going to make Crying in H Mart my next audiobook. Have a good week, Rhonda.

Another Great Circle fan here. Also a symphony fan -- we went for New World Symphony a couple of weeks ago and are going for Beethoven with the Oregon Rep. Singers next month. The Schnitz is a lovely venue. I'm guessing it was an old movie theater as is the San Diego Symphony Hall -- great re-use.

enjoying the photographs

>219 banjo123:. I loved it Paul. I saw that lots of folks thought like you about the contemporary narrative, but I liked it and it highlights some of the books themes.

>221 msf59:. That's a great idea, Mark. I hope its good on audio.

>222 RebaRelishesReading:. The Oregon Symphony is really pretty good, Reba.

>223 magicians_nephew:. Thanks, Jim!

>224 banjo123: Indeed the Oregon Symphony is quite good and, actually, the Vancouver Symphony isn't bad either and it's a LOT easier for us to go to and tickets are cheaper so we have a subscription to Vancouver and get tickets for special things at OS.

(Wow, that was some run-on sentence, wasn't it?!?)

I have a Mah Jong set and cards from about 10 different years! Each of my daughters has a set, too. Love that game.

It will be interesting to see if the new conductor at the Oregon Symphony is as good as Carlos was...!

>225 RebaRelishesReading:. That's great that the Vancouver Symphony is pretty good.

I have to confess that I am not the best consumer of classical music; I wish I would have had more musical education when I was younger. But I do like to go to the symphony sometimes.

And >226 Berly: Kim, Carlos was the guest conductor for this symphony, so I was super happy about that.

And it sounds like we could almost have an LT Portland Man Jong match! That's fun.

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

I did love this book, it's a sprawling intergenerational novel covering many decades and continents. There main story line follows Marian Graves, a woman aviator, born in 1914. She is a fictional character, but there was obviously a ton of research into the historical aspects of the story.

A secondary character, Hadley Baxter, a young movie star who plays Marian in a contemporary film. This is a less developed plot line, but as Baxter navigates career and relationship in a sexually charged system in which young women have little power/control, we have parallels to Marian's story.
Both women have to make difficult choices in order to reach their goals and both have different private and personal personas.

I think that a big takeaway from this book is how everyone has just so many different things going on in their lives, and much is lost to history.

>227 banjo123: If other players are very patient with someone who has not played much and not for a few years now I would love to join in :)

>228 banjo123: Your review makes me want to pick this one up again. I've signed up for the shortlist events for the Women's Prize. They have some celeb readers, as well as the authors speaking, so hopefully fun. I'm interested to hear more about Shipstead's research process, given how much the book covered.

Good review of Great Circle. I hope you had a good weekend. Getting ready to start The Candy House.

>229 RebaRelishesReading:. It would be fun! Man Jong does take patience.
>230 charl08:. That sounds awesome. I was wondering about the research.
>231 msf59:. Thanks, Mark! And I am eager to hear about the Candy House.

Happy Memorial Day weekend! It is rainy here, but I am happy to have 3 days off. I also have 3 books to review, but I am afraid not a super-interesting bunch.

So memoirs are popular now, and some are great (Crying in H-Mart). But there is a tendency for the memoir to be be a bit self-indulgent. And I think that writer memoirs can really tend to this; as their lives are not necessarily action-filled.

Anyway, I recently read memoirs for 2 women writers, and both were disappointing. I think that they are both women where it would be fun to spend time, maybe over a few beers; but reading a whole book about their lives? Not as much fun.

I had been eager to read Jami Attenburg's I Came All This Way to Meet You. I really liked her novel The Middlesteins; which I thought was a hilarious depiction of life in a Jewish suburb of Chicago. There are some good parts in her memoir, and I was really touched by the chapter where she talks to her father about his career as a salesman. However, overall, I would urge readers to stick to her novels.

Maybe it's Me: On Being the Wrong Kind of Woman by Eileen Pollack was an early reviewers book. Pollack grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in the Catskills, and the book chronicles her struggles with being taken seriously as a woman, and struggles feeling like she didn't quite belong. Again, if felt self-indulgent in places, but there are good bits. My favorite part, which was worth reading the book for, was her chapter about traveling in Israel on her own.

Both writers had chapters devoted to sexual assaults that they had experienced, and how those caused long-lasting psychological effects. It's great to see women writing openly about this.

>233 banjo123: I suppose to be strictly fair, Rhonda, the concept of memoir must involve a measure of self indulgence but it is well observed.

Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend.

Happy Memorial Day! We got rained out of camping, but I am enjoying some downtime since nothing else was planned. ; )

>227 banjo123: >229 RebaRelishesReading: I am always in for May Jong!! I have a set and multiple years of player/hand cards. : ) Maybe this summer when it is nice and we can sit outside?

Hi Rhonda - I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

>233 banjo123: Great comments on the memoirs. I do enjoy them, but I will pass on these. I'm reading one I am enjoying right now although in the middle it seems to be veering toward the "poor me" a bit. I really liked the beginning because of the great place descriptions. But maybe it will get back to that. It's Thin Places.

I love your topper. It makes me happy every time I visit your thread.

>235 Berly: I just ordered 4 of this year's cards because I may have a group forming here. I also have a set. I also have a deck. I would love to get together to play. July would work for me -- we're gone early August but latter half would work too.

>234 PaulCranswick:. Thanks, Paul, and good point about memoirs. Maybe I just need to take a break from them for a few months.

>235 Berly:. Great! It's a MahJong Date. Maybe I can get Wendy to come also. It sounds like maybe you all use different rules than we do, but I am sure we can adapt.

>236 BLBera:. Hi Beth! Generally, I like memoirs, but maybe I have read too many in a row. Thin Places does look good.

And glad you like my topper! I am thinking of starting a new thread soon, but maybe I will wait a little.

>237 RebaRelishesReading:. Hooray for a Mah Jong meetup.

I don't really have any travel plans this summer. Wendy needs shoulder surgery, and we are kind of waiting for a date before we plan much of anything.

Great overall comments about memoirs. I tend to agree with you which makes me more anxious to read Crying in H Mart which I do have on my shelves.

P and I keep thinking about retiring to Portland. If there's a chance I could be invited to a Maj Jong meet-up, that would make it even sweeter! I might have to be taught the rules, though (I've played on an app but I don't think it has really taught me the game or its strategy).

Love the kitty pics on your thread!

>239 EBT1002:. Yay for retiring in Portland! And hope you like Crying in H Mart as much as I did.

Happy weekend, everyone! And happy pride month.

We went to a Thorns game last night, it was so fun, pride night so lots of rainbows, and we won 3-0. Christine Sinclair scored 2 goals, not bad for 38. Seems like today is going to be a rainy, lazy day. Hope to get some reading in!

Here is the Tifo from last night's game. Perfect for Pride, I thought.:

And for book reading, I read

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

Loved it. It's an easy to read pandemic novel, with moon colonies and lots to think about. Some of the characters are repeats from The Glass Hotel.

I'm glad you liked Sea of Tranquility, Rhonda. Mandel is becoming a favorite with me.

>242 banjo123: Nice.

Hi Rhonda, Lots of catching up to do here. I’m adding Great Circle to my wish list.

>242 banjo123: I love this sentiment. Thank you for sharing the image.

>244 BLBera:. Mandel is great, isn't she? There is a great interview with her on Ezra Klein's Podcast, if you are interested, but probably don't listen until after you read the book.

>245 Oregonreader:. Thanks for stopping by, Jan. I think that you will like it.

>246 charl08:. and thanks Charlotte! It was very feel-good.

Happy Pride Month to you too Rhonda! Your evening out sounds like a lot of fun (for others anyway, I'm not a big sports fan I'm afraid.) Hope you got a chance to enjoy the two warm, almost dry days we had last week :)

>249 RebaRelishesReading:. Thanks, Reba! We did have some lovely weather, didn't we?

Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez

I forget who I heard about this book from, maybe Beth? If that's so, thank you Beth, this was a fun read. Olga is a wedding planner for the wealthy, a Puerto Rican living in Brooklyn, NY, with a brother who is a congressman and a mother who disappeared in order to fight for Puerto Rican independence.

There is some clunkiness with the writing and plot, but lots of action and fun characters. Reading this book made me realize how little I know about Puerto Rica. I had to use Wikopedia a number of times, to check out references, which was a bit embarrassing, but I know more now than I did before reading the book, so that's good.

>251 banjo123: I have this in the TBR pile (again, like you I think a recommendation from Beth). Thanks for the nudge to pick it up. I think my knowledge about Puerto Rica could definitely do with improvement.

>251 banjo123: I'm glad you liked this one, Rhonda. I look forward to Gonzalez's next book.

>252 charl08:. I bet you love it, Charlotte!

>253 BLBera:. Thanks again for the recommendation, Beth. Fun read.

And it's a new week! I am on a long weekend, with today off for Juneteenth. This weekend felt like a holiday trifecta; with Father's Day, Juneteenth and Gay Pride combining. We did our Father's Day on Saturday, lunch with my dad and sisters. My dad is 91, so every year is a gift.

Yesterday we planned to go to a soccer game, for our women's team, and then to Portland's gay pride celebration. Well the game was fun, we won 6-0. And it was also a Juneteenth celebration, the anthem singer, along with her father, sang "Lift Every Voice" which was super sweet, and moving.

But we didn't make it to the Pride-Fest, we got there and there was a long (45 minute estimate) line to get in.

Also wanted to mention that one of my favorite books won the Women's Prize! Hooray for Ruth Ozeki!!!

The Trees by Percival Everett

I read about this one from the Tournament of Books, and thought I'd try it because it was well rated, and a strange premise. Turns out the premise was a bit too strange for me. It takes place in Money, Mississippi; in present day. There are a serious of gory murders of white people, with supernatural overtones. It's revenge for the Emmett Till murder by lynching. A pair of African American detectives are sent to investigate the crimes.

The weird thing about this book, is it's also comic. The local white people are comically stereotypical "rednecks." Example: One is named Junior Junior, with a son named Junior Junior Junior.

The point, I think, is that instead of the Black characters being stereotyped, it's the white characters who are, and the black characters are nuanced. So if you like the idea, please read the book, but it was a bit too slapstick for me.

Hi, Rhonda. I am so glad you are able to still enjoy your Dad. That is special. I think I will kick off July with Sea of Tranquility. You asked about a Ada Limon recommendation- Bright Dead Things is my favorite by her.

That's a great starter for July, Mark! And thanks for the recommendation... I put it on hold at the library, but I might look for a copy, with poetry, I do better reading books I own.

>251 banjo123: I'm looking forward to that one, Rhonda. I added it based on a recommendation in the group too.

Have a lovely weekend.

>259 PaulCranswick:. Thanks, Paul and hope you like it.

The weather here has suddenly turned hot (supposed to be 100 tomorrow). I am happy for some sun, however, and glad we have AC.

Pretty disgusted right now by the Supreme Court. Women in my generation worked really hard so that our daughters would have things easier, but looks like there is still work to do.

I have been on a bit of a reading slump, but did finish an Early Reviewers Book... so at least I have something to report on.

Brisbane by Eugene Vodolazkin

This is a Russian novel about a guitarist who develops Parkinson's. For most of the book he is reviewing his life and coming to terms with his diagnosis, and the fact that it will end his career.

Parts of the book were interesting. The main character is Ukrainian and Russian (as I think is the author) so that was interesting from a current event standpoint. And the parts about his musical education, and relationships with his parents and the two countries was interesting. Overall though, it was a bit of a slog for me to read. It might have been in part timing.... I maybe need to read something easier right now.

Happy weekend, and happy 4th of July to those who celebrate. I am honestly not feeing very festive or patriotic this year, but did enjoy this essay by Margaret Renkl about taking back the flag. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/02/opinion/american-flag-liberals.html

I am happy, at any rate to have a 3 day weekend, and time to spend with friends tomorrow.

Intimacies by Katie Kitamura

There are mixed reviews for this book, but I loved it and found it a page-turner.

The narrator is a reticent person, unsure of her place in the world. Her insecurities made her seem very human. The novel is sparely told, and much of the plot is internal, as she figures out her priorities and makes some life choices.

The setting is interesting; she is working as an interpreter at The Hague, providing interpretation services for war criminals. I hadn't even realized that The Hague is a city in the Netherlands, as well as the home of an international war crimes court.

>163 banjo123: Sounds interesting, I'll have a look for it in the library.

Hope the 4th of July weekend was a good break. We had 4 days in a row due to the jubilee this year, and I wish they would make the change to every year - was so nice to have the extra day.

I know what you mean about the 4th, Rhonda.

I did enjoy Intimacies as well. I was a medical interpreter many years ago, and I enjoyed the bits about the ethics of interpreting.

>264 charl08:. I hope you can find it, Charlotte. Mrs. Banjo listened to it on audio, and said it was good that way as well.
And hooray for long weekends! My daughter's new job gives them 3 or 4 day weekends every month, and that sounds so humane, doesn't it?

>265 BLBera:. Oh, glad that you also liked Intimacies, Beth. I am thinking of reading her earlier books as well. My sister works for a translation/interpretation company, so I was thinking of suggesting it to her.

And happy weekend, everyone. My weekend is good so far, the Portland Timbers went up to Seattle to play our rivals, the Sounders AND WON 3-0!!! The really exciting thing is that the Sounders this year won CONCACAF Champions League, first time a MLS team has done this, and decided to reveal the banner this match, in order to rub this in the Timber's noses. (no worries if you are not a soccer fan and don't understand this, it doesn't really matter, the important this is that we made them look stupid.).

Mrs. Banjo and Banjo Jr. actually went up to Seattle to watch the game in person, and tomorrow they watch the women's teams play. I hope we can win that as well! I decided to stay home, which I only a little bit regret. It's kind of nice to have a chill weekend and watch the soccer (football) on TV>

And books read!

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

I did enjoy this book of essays by one of my favorite writers. I don't think its one of her best books, but some of the essays are pretty sweet, and I enjoyed the read. She talks about work, family, friendship, illness and death in a way that is so relatable; and funny, warm and compassionate.

Oh, William by Elizabeth Strout

Another book by a favorite author, this is a follow-up to My Name is Lucy Barton. It's good, but I have to say that Lucy's head is not as much fun to be in as Olive Kitteredge's. The book references Lucy's PTSD, as a result of a really messed up childhood. She does a good job describing the effects of PTSD, so props for that, but it makes Lucy a bit of an unreliable narrator, and irritating at times. (I suppose as a mental health professional I should be more tolerant)

What I liked about the book, is that in it Lucy describes her ongoing relationship with her ex-husband, William, and shows how bonds from a marriage can endure even when the marriage is over. And nice reflections on family secrets and the impact on future generations.

>268 banjo123: Did you have a favorite essay, Rhonda? I really enjoyed these as well.

I see that she has another Lucy book coming out this fall, about the pandemic.

>269 banjo123: Enjoyed reading your take on Oh, William, Rhonda. Makes me want to go back and reread it.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Happy Sunday, Rhonda. As a Strout fan I still need to get to Oh, William. I want to also recommend another poetry collection, that Joe lent me- You Better Be Lightning. She is a terrific poet and this may be my favorite of the year...so far.

>270 BLBera:. I think the first essay, about her "three fathers" was my favorite. I loved the story of her having a photo done, at her sister's wedding, of herself with her father and two step-fathers; and then the one father saying "You know what she's going to do. She's going to take this photo and write about it."
I had read the title essay some time ago, I think in The Atlantic, and it was very affecting at the time; but on the re-read, I knew what to expect so not as powerful.

Interesting to have books coming out that include the pandemic. Patchett's essays including the pandemic, and it hits oddly when I read about the early days of the pandemic. Not badly, just oddly.

>271 RebaRelishesReading:. Thanks, Reba. I do love the way Strout writes positively about aging.

>272 msf59:. Thanks, Mark! I read their earlier work Lord of the Butterflies and it was good. I will keep my eye out for that one.

Passing by Nella Larsen

This short novella was written in 1929; and Larsen was part of the Harlem Renaissance, writing about the Black Bourgeoisie. I had decided to read this after reading Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half, and it's a good companion. Well-written, though the writing is of the era, and the plot becomes a bit melodramatic at the end. It's the story of two light-skinned African American women, one who decides to pass for white, the other remains in the Black Bourgeoisie, and persuades her husband to become a physician in New York, although he would prefer to move to Brazil. (I was a bit confused that moving to Brazil could be a career aspiration on it's own, however I googled and it turns out that during the 20's, Brazil was described as a race-blind society, where educated African American men could flourish.)

The book raises a lot of issues related to race and gender; how much Clare loses when she decides to pass for white; how few options either woman really has. Definitely worth a read.

>274 banjo123: Great comments, Rhonda. I keep meaning to reread it. I think you're right; it's a great companion to the Bennett book.

Too far behind but Hi!!

Hey check out the Oregon Visitor Thread....

https://www.librarything.com/topic/332414#

>275 BLBera:. yes, and a quick read plus a glimpse into an interesting place and time. Have you read Larsen's other novel?

>276 Berly:. Hi Kim!! Hope we get to meet-up....

I haven't read Quicksand. They are both short, so maybe I can do both together.

I love your topper.

>278 BLBera:. I am thinking of reading Quicksand. I have both novels in one volume.

And happy weekend, folks. No new books read... I am trying to read off of my shelves, and right now it's Number 9 Dream, which is well written, but so weird that I am not sure I can finish it. I wanted to also read The 1619 Project. I had read most of the essays in 2019, when they came out in the NYT Magazine. I thought it was great, especially Nikole Jones-Hannah's essay. But there were a few I missed, and I think they added when making it a book. So I had made a dent, but had to take it back to the library. Hopefully I will be able to get it again soon.

Oh, and I got Breaking the Age Code; because I heard the author speak and she was great. The book is a bit too self-help-y though; so I haven't really gotten into it.

Happy Sunday, Rhonda. I also liked Passing. The Netflix film adaptation was very good too.

>279 banjo123: Wow, sounds like you're tackling some challenges there. Hope you're enjoying your weekend anyway.

>280 msf59:. I didn't realize there was a film---I will have to look for it.

>281 RebaRelishesReading:. Well, I am tackling challenges, but then I give up.

Today I am reading Alice and Freda Forever which is a Lesbian true crime story from the 1890's. It is fir the Lesbian Book Club, and I wasn't sure about it because, true crime isn't really my thing. But it's actually well done, and I am enjoying it.

Glad the recent read is going well for you. : ) Enjoy the weather this week cuz it's gonna get HOT!!!

>283 Berly:. It IS hot. Thank goodness for AC.

>283 Berly:, >283 Berly: Thank heavens for A/C indeed and may it and Clark Public Utilities keep on keeping on!

>285 RebaRelishesReading: -- Thanks for stopping by, Reba. We have an older house, and put in Central air about 5 years ago--have never regretted it, even though it doesn't work as well as it would in a newer house.

And now, I am going to attempt to start a new thread! I have been trying to remember how to download pictures....it's been a strain but I will do my best.