Anita's (Figs) Reading continues for 2022! Fourth thread

In case you don't know, my name's Anita and I live in Canada. Welcome to my fourth thread!

My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed. Slightly better than average.

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The Pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on

5= Absolutely perfect!

Books I should have read a long time ago

I know, I know, this is still empty...I should really get on that

Favourite of the past- Each new thread brings one book that I think deserves another mention here.



This time it's Martha Ostenso's novel Wild Geese. It's not a feel good read and there are definitely triggers to be aware of. However, it's a book that has stuck with me since I read it in 2016. Heres what I originally wrote about it

A farming family boards a young teacher and through her eyes the story unfolds. The reader is brought into the lives of the Gare family where the head of the household ( Caleb) rules his children and his wife by keeping them psychologically and physically imprisoned. Under his rule, his children are worked to the bone and little time is left for education, excitement, love or imagination. They are all tied to the land and the bond that exists within families does not transpire within their own. The siblings are isolated from eachother and from any contact to the world outside the farm. However, for Judith, her happiness comes from the thought of escape and rejection of her fathers sense of duty and belonging to the land.

This novel made me think quite a while after reading it. As to the relationship of father/daughter, the brutality made me think of the movie-Mommy dearest where the psychological brutality between mother and daughter was equally disturbing. There are many aspects in this novel that could be explored i.e.: the sexual connection to the land( how it differs for Judith and her father Caleb), or racial segregation and class systems. Overall this was a well thought out novel and definitely worth to read.

Books Read In January



Top 3 of the month:

Migrations
The Island of the sea women
From the Ashes

Books Read In February



Top 3 reads of the month:

A tale for the time being
Miss Benson's Beetle
All our shimmering skies

Books Read In March


Top Three ( not in order)

The Arctic Fury
Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
Library Of The Unwritten

Books Read In April



Top 3
Circe
Where The Crawdads Sing
The Kew Garden Girls

Welcome!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Anita.

>4 figsfromthistle: I like that idea of highlighting a book from your past that hit the spot.

>11 quondame: You are first again! A quick little bunny you are.... and your reward is



Enjoy that easter chocolate!

>12 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Sometimes there are books that stay with you even after reading hundreds after it. It's interesting to keep track of.

Happy new one, Anita!

>13 figsfromthistle: Oooo sweet! Munch munch.....murb...thanc yous..murb munch

Happy new thread, Anita!

>1 figsfromthistle: Lovely flowers, are those icelandic poppies?

>15 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

>16 quondame: you are welcome

>17 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita! Those flowers are from my prickly pear cactus ( last year(.

Well today it's back to work for me. I enjoyed my days off and was able to accomplish almost everything on my to do list.

I finished reading the Kew Gardens Girls and am a quarter of a way into Bone Clocks

Wordle 300 4/6

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Happy new thread, Anita!

Happy new thread, Anita. Gorgeous topper!

Happy new thread, Anita. Love the topper.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Anita

>20 scaifea: Thank you :)

>21 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley! I am always surprised that the cactus does so well. I never take it indoors in the winter. It is on the south side of the house though.

>22 BLBera: Thanks!

>23 drneutron: Hi Jim! Thank you.

>24 RebaRelishesReading: Nice to see you. Thanks :)

50. Posy Lovell: The Kew Gardens Girls

1915 as a majority of men are shipping out to war, the women are offered the jobs the men were forced to leave behind. Sceptical at first, the head gardener at Kew gardens hires a group of women to tend and maintain the gardens. As friendships form, the new gardeners learn lessons about horticulture and life.

This was a cozy read. Each protagonist has a different viewpoint of the war and what it means to them. The book presents the suffrage movement, the white feather campaign and the worries and angst of the soldiers leaving home quite well. There is a little bit about gardening but it's mostly about the gardeners and not the gardens itself.

A light friendship kinda book

3.3/5

Happy Friday, Anita! Happy New Thread. I love the topper. Looking forward to hearing more feeder reports from you.

Hi Mark! Thanks!

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Wordle 301 3/6

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Happy new thread! I'll help myself to some chocolate, I know you won't mind.

>31 mstrust: Thank you! Help yourself

Wordle 302 3/6

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Just stopping by to say hello!

>34 witchyrichy: What beautiful pictures!

May you have a wonderful Easter as well.

Three! *sob* I got it in "Phew" and was darn glad to get it at all.

*smooch*

Hi Anita. Lovely starter picture! In your garden? I thought you were in Canada?

>27 figsfromthistle: Sounds nice. Not a beach read, but one for relaxing with a cup of tea and some chocolates.

Have a nice Easter Weekend, Anita.

>36 richardderus: Hi Richard! At least you did not strike out! I was lucky this time but I took extra time to think about the possible combinations.

>37 EllaTim: Hi Ella! Yes I do live in Canada. The eastern prickly pear cactus does well in southern Ontario. I originally dug it up from a friends garden and was not sure how it would do in mine. Every year is gets bigger and has hundreds of blooms. It is quite a nice sight.

Lucky again today. I used Graft as my starting word today.

Wordle 303 3/6

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Hi Anita, and happy new thread.

Congrats on your 3 for Wordle today. It took me my usual 4.

>40 karenmarie: Hi Karen! thanks :)

>39 figsfromthistle: *sigh* I was "Phew"ed again. But I got there.

Happy week-ahead's reads, Anita!

>42 richardderus: At least your streak is still alive :)

Hi Anita my dear, congrats on your new thread.

>44 johnsimpson: Thanks John!

51. David Mitchell: The Bone Clocks

Just finished this one. Phew! It took a while. I enjoyed the writing but the story itself was not for me. It was quite mundane. I was waiting for the big showdown all the way through. Some of the protagonists stories were more interesting than others and the direction was all over the place.

It didn't work for me but I am sure that many will enjoy it

3/5- Rounded up because it had some great moments

Happy new-ish thread, Anita!

>47 alcottacre: Thanks!

Hi Anita. I like the way in which you listed your favorite books and then followed with the cover. That took a lot of time!

>46 figsfromthistle: Yeah, I didn't like this one either. I think I had a lot of expectations after Cloud Atlas so to be fair, it might have suffered from that somewhat.

>49 Whisper1: Nice to see you here, Linda! Glad you like the display of the covers

>50 ursula: Hi Ursula:) I did not read Cloud Atlas. This is the first book by this author that I have read. I will give Cloud Atlas a try sometime.

Well off to work I go. Today is my long 12 hour day.

I can't believe I am saying this past the half way point of April but I woke up to 4 inches of snow! Good thing that I did not get my winter tires changed over yet ;)

Wordle 304 4/6

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Wordle 305 4/6

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>53 figsfromthistle: It was a 5 day for me. I simply couldn't engage my brain in the task.

BUT it wasn't another X-day!

>54 richardderus: Good job, Richard! I did try to warn you about yesterday's though.....

Happy new thread, Anita.
>1 figsfromthistle: The blossoms are beautiful!

>56 SirThomas: Thank you, Thomas :)

Wordle 306 4/6

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52. Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Mexican Gothic

Noemí Taboada, a socialite and modern woman makes a deal with her father. She will be permitted to complete a masters degree on the condition that she visits her cousin in a remote village in Mexico. She must determine if her cousin is being treated properly and if her mental and physical health are ok. What she soon discovers is that the house is alive and it's inhabitants are less than friendly.

This went in a different direction than I thought. I enjoyed it. Turned into a fantasy/magical realism. a lot of action happened in the last 1/3 of the book.

One of those hate it or love it kinda reads. It worked for me

3.3/5

>59 figsfromthistle: It was okay. I didn't hate it, or love it.

>58 figsfromthistle: We got it in the same: 4! Weird word, though.

>59 figsfromthistle: - I don't think I hated it, exactly, but I definitely didn't like it :-P I am pretty sure I am in the minority!

>59 figsfromthistle: I already have that one in the BlackHole. I just need to dig it out!

>60 richardderus: Hi Richard! Wordle is beginning to annoy me with their word choices. Yesterday's was a strange one especially since it started with a vowel.

>61 katiekrug: Hi Katie! I enjoyed it because it was something that I did not expect. Such a seemingly innocent beginning turns completely around. One part that the book could have done without was the incest .

Anyhow, hope you have a fantastic Friday!

>62 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia :)

Wordle 307 3/6

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It's another working weekend for me. It's been crazy at work lately so I hope the weekend is calmer.

On the reading front I began reading The Rose Code I temporarily abandoned Backman's Anxious people. It's the second attempt on that one. I am not sure if it's a timing thing or if it's the book...

On the gardening front, I planted onions and seeds that can handle a little cold weather ( lettuce, beets, spinach). The garden season is a little late this year. I finally received the mulch delivery ( after it being delayed three times). I recon that I will be mulching on Monday.

The daffodils are now in full bloom, but the tulips are still closed. The fruit trees are budding nicely as well. Everything is ready to burst. I also spotted a few bird's nest ( mostly robin's).

Wordle 308 4/6

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My book club read Anxious People, Anita, and I couldn't finish it. I've decided Backman is not for me. I liked A Man Called Ove, but didn't love it as many did.

>66 BLBera: I have read A Man Called Ove, Beartown and Us Against you and it was just ok. Ah well, we can't win them all ;) I am having the same problem with Pam Jenoff as well.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far !

Wordle 309 3/6

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Happy Sunday's reads, Anita. Hope it's been the quieter weekend a crazy week earns you.

>69 richardderus: Thank you, Richard! Work was busy but nice and quiet.

Wordle 310 5/6

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It took me all 6 turns to get this one but I got it. PHEW, indeed!

Have a good Monday, Anita.

>72 jessibud2: I was worried on this one as well. Not a typical word I would think of.

Well I just arrived home from work and received quite sad news. My aunt passed away today in the early morning. My uncle called me to inform me. It came as a shock to me because she was doing much better and was transferred out of the hospital into a nursing care facility to complete her recovery. She had hoped to go home soon. I just talked to her on Saturday and although she sounded tired ( which I thought was from the moving) she was in good spirits and chipper. I wish I could have seen her again however, I am fortunate to have many years of good memories. She will be greatly missed.

>74 figsfromthistle: It's so sad about your aunt. My condolences to you and your family.

So sorry for your loss, Anita. Good that you got to talk to her so recently.

Oh, I'm so sorry, Anita!

>75 quondame: Thank you, Susan.

>76 jessibud2: Ever since I found out that she was in the hospital I called her every other day. I sent her flowers and chocolates to bring spring cheer into her room every week which she enjoyed a lot. She was always a big fan of flowers and one of the last things we did together was go to a flower exhibition :)

>77 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie.

I’m so sorry for your loss, Anita!

>78 figsfromthistle: You have been a great niece to her, sending flowers, you must have helped her feel so cherished. Well done.

>74 figsfromthistle: Safe journey home, Auntie.

{{{Anita}}}

So sorry to hear about your aunt, Anita. ❤️

>79 EllaTim: Thank you, Ella. She was a wonderful aunt to me. Every time I came to Europe she and my uncle would pick me up from the airport and we would go and explore. We always had fun and am happy that I have memories going back to when I was four years old with her.

>80 richardderus: Thanks for the hugs, Richard.

>81 curioussquared: Hello Natalie. Thank you.

I'm so sorry, Anita. It's difficult to lose someone you're so close to but I hope it's a comfort to you that you have wonderful memories and that you were able to be in frequent touch at the end.

I’m so sorry for your loss and hope that the beautiful memories help you, Anita.

>83 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you. I am a lucky that I have these memories.

>84 SirThomas: Thank you Thomas.

Oh, I'm so sorry that you've lost your lovely aunt, Anita. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, friend.

>74 figsfromthistle: So sorry for your loss, Anita.

Wordle 311 3/6

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>86 scaifea: Thank you :)

>87 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita

I'm sorry for your loss, Anita.

So sorry for your loss Anita my dear.

>74 figsfromthistle: Adding my condolences Anita. Losing loved ones is part of the contract of life, but it doesn't make it any easier.

>90 BLBera: Thank you :)

>91 johnsimpson: thanks, John

>92 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you. It makes it hard because she was still quite young (72).

53. Kate Quinn: The Rose Code

WW2, three women are called to duty to break German codes. They all live under the same roof but work in different sections. They cannot tell anyone about their work which causes some problems. It is told in two timelines set only 7 years apart.

It was a nice read. A lot of character building for the first 3/4 of the book. The last 1/4 was fast paced. There was plenty about code breaking and a lot about the friendships these women forged with one another and their romantic interests.

A solid 3/5-

Happy Wednesday!

I woke up to a light dusting of snow! My poor daffodils are all in full bloom so I hope that it does not affect them too much.

Reading wise, if am halfway through No Friend But The Mountains

With the weather change to chilly temperatures again I will make a chicken soup. It should keep me warm for a few days :)

Wordle 312 4/6

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>95 figsfromthistle: I'm sorry you are still getting snow dustings. It was entirely too hot on Sunday and Monday here, but it cooled quite a bit yesterday. It looks like beginning tomorrow, we'll mostly be in the 70s for a couple weeks. Today's predicted high is mid-60s.

>96 thornton37814: Hi Lori! We are currently sitting at 24 after enjoying temperatures in the 65 range for the last week. This spring is quite unpredictable and more " Canadian" like. I think this week is supposed to be the last so called cold week.

Enjoy your warm weather :)

My wordling skills are getting worse. I think it's just poor word choices. Wordle probably thinks these words are fun. *sigh*

Wordle 313 5/6

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>98 figsfromthistle: I managed today's in 3, but it surprised me.

>99 thornton37814: Hi Lori! Great job in getting it in three :)

>98 figsfromthistle: Like >99 thornton37814: I was able to get it in 3 but only because my second word was SEIZE so it was really obvious from there.

54. Behrouz Boochani: No Friend But The Mountains

After risking his life by fleeing his country via boat on treacherous waters to Australia, Behrouz Boochani finds himself imprisoned on Manus island. The immigration detention centre confiscates everything he has and begins rationing food, water and cigarettes. He spends his time standing in lines, observing those around him and secretly writing this memoir via text messages. How he is able to get a phone is unclear. What is clear is that he and all those before and after are subjugated to unthinkable cruelties dolled out by the prison guards and their superiors.

It was an eye opener for me. Typically I would think that asylum seekers would be treated with respect and care. I would not have expected this kind of behaviour coming from the founding member of the modern Commonwealth.

The memoir also contains a lot of Boochani's short poetry verses. There is some interesting discussion about The Kyriarchal System as well.

>101 richardderus: Ah yes, I can see how using that word helped. Perhaps tomorrow I will choose a better starting word.

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Happy Weekend!

After working 9 weekends in a row, I finally have a weekend off!!

I bought 18 6 foot cedar trees and today is planting day. I am not looking forward to digging the holes and I will cross my fingers that I won't be finding more roots to dig than soil ;) If I have time, I will continue mulching.

Today looks like a great day to BBQ. I already made the burgers and I think I will have homemade fries with it and a cucumber salad. After a hard days work outside I think I will have a big appetite!

On the reading front, I am halfway through The Lincoln Highway. So far I am enjoying the read. Also, I am beginning to use my local library more and am trying to exert patience with holds. Five books are now ready to be picked up and I will either get them this afternoon or on Monday.

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Enjoy your weekend off, Anita! Though it doesn't sounds like you'll have much time to relax with that tree planting!

>106 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! I am hoping that Sunday will be a calmer day. It's supposed to be a rainy day-perfect for relaxation.

>105 figsfromthistle: what >106 katiekrug: said...whew!

But it's *self-directed* busyness, so there's that. Enjoy this time to do what you want to do.

Digging holes where there may be a lot of roots doesn't sound like a fun way to spend you first weekend off in ages but I'm sure it will be satisfying and hope you get it all done and enjoy your barbecue.

Just catching up with your previous thread, and re: message #223 (about your boss assuming you can do extra hours etc). I so relate. It's not fair to assume, and it's possibly a power play on their part....forcing your acquiescence.
After having tried to clarify with my boss last year about how to know if/when they want to me to stay on (and if it is an overreach on my part to assume this and just *stay* when stuff needs doing), I seriously wondered one day when I was running some workshops about who was going to be doing the last one. I hadn't been asked to stay on, and since we'd had the conversation with me stating I would never just assume I was being 'granted' hours over and above my contracted hours...I went to pack up and leave at my usual time and the boss was flummoxed as to why I wasn't staying!
I couldn't believe it.
Since I was babysitting my neighbours kids, I had to go. So I did. I mean, all they needed to do was ask if I could work the extra hours and I would have gladly.

>7 figsfromthistle: The Library of the Unwritten looks interesting.

>102 figsfromthistle: I have this one and can't wait to read it. The author gained refugee status in NZ after coming for the Readers and Writers Festival and now works at my old University!

>105 figsfromthistle: Happy weekend off! You have earned it!

>108 richardderus: Hi Richard! I managed to plant half of the cedar trees ( too many roots to dig through!). I did however manage to get rid of all that mulch on the driveway before the rain gets here.

>109 RebaRelishesReading: I quite enjoy garden work on my own time. Unfortunately, my parents came over and as usual my father was trying to get me to do things his way....*sigh*

>110 LovingLit: Nice to see you! I agree that workload and expectation of accepting extra hours can be a power play. For me personally, I contribute more than my fair share and it seems when one insignificant thing goes wrong, the penalty is more severe than with others who show indifference towards their work, superiors and co workers.

Boochani's memoir was interesting. It is mostly about his stay in the prison. Not a lot of background information about his life prior and the details of why he fled though.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stats For April

# Of books read: 10

Male authors: 3
Female: 7
Number of total pages: 4320
Longest: 656
Shortest: 320
Average: 432

Number of pages per day: 144

Books added to library 16
Books culled 5

>112 frankaderb: Very cute dogs- wrong place to advertise.....

So sorry to hear about your aunt, Anita.

Re: Fredrik Backman, I enjoyed A Man Called Ove, Britt-Marie Was Here and Beartown especially, but I don't think Anxious People is one of his best.

>113 figsfromthistle: Nice stats for April!

>115 bell7: Hi Mary! Thank you.

My reading has steadily declined but I am getting closer to the overall goal.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Well it looks as if today will be an indoor day. My muscles can use a break anyways and I have a lot of indoor work to catch up on.

I will change the bed linens, do some laundry, clean the bathroom and get things ready for next week. I plan to sit down and read in the afternoon as well.

Supper will probably be liver and onions.

Wordle 316 4/6

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>117 figsfromthistle: Took me 5, but it's all better than X!

Ooohhh, I do love liver and onions. It's one of the foods that causes gout flares in me, but once in a while I save up my good-boy points and indulge. Enjoy it a little extra for me?

>113 figsfromthistle: Spiffy stats!

>118 richardderus: Hi Richard! I will enjoy a little more for you :) Definitely not a good thing for gout.

Hi Anita, I hope you recovered well from your weekend off - have a great start to the week!

>118 richardderus: I am a fan of chicken livers - especially when made into a pate.

>120 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! The weekend off is just what I needed. I am all refreshed for the start of the week :)

>121 PaulCranswick: My parents make chicken liver pate. It is quite delicious on bread!

Wordle 317 3/6

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hej Anita, just came to say hello.
I found a German wördl which is much easier for me. There I can create my own wördl (giving the key word) and then send it to friends, that's fun

>124 paulstalder: Hi Paul! Oh the German wördl sounds like fun!

>74 figsfromthistle: I am so sorry to hear about your aunt, Anita. My sympathies.

>94 figsfromthistle: I have already read that one, so I get to miss that BB. I thought it went on a little too long for my taste.

>102 figsfromthistle: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review!

>126 alcottacre: Thank you.

Hope you are having a great week so far.

Happy Tuesday!

Today is my long work day ( 12 hours). I finished reading The Lincoln Highway and almost finished Hail Mary. Yesterday, I picked up four books that I had on hold at the library. I am trying to be more patient with waiting for books. My check out receipt always tells me how much money I saved versus going to the store. My patience earned me $149.00 :)

Yesterday's dinner was a little upside down. I had leftovers so I made the potatoes into hash browns and fried up the rest of the bacon and fried two eggs with it. Breakfast for dinner was delicious!

Wordle 318 4/6

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55. Amor Towles: The Lincoln Highway

Emmet Watson has finished his 15 month sentence in a juvenile detention/boot camp for manslaughter. The only thing on his mind is to head home, pack up some belongings and take care of his brother. His plan to start a new life somewhere else isn't a hard sell to his younger brother but getting to their destination will prove to be less linear than he thought as he has unexpected company.

Interesting story. Told from different POV's. I really liked Billy's character.

3.5/5

56. Andy Weir: Project Hail Mary

A biology teacher wakes up out of an induced coma and finds himself hurtling through space. At first, he can't remember what his mission is or even how he got on a spaceship. He begins to piece the information together and realizes that his mission to save humanity from deadly disaster will be nearly impossible .

I don't want to give too much away. I loved this book ( I think it's Weir's best). It is like the first but more interesting and exciting. The end left me wanting more to read.

4/5

* Book was borrowed from my local library*

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Happy Wednesday, Figs. We had similar ratings on The Lincoln Highway but I truly loved Project Hail Mary. I hope the week is going well.

>132 msf59: I really loved The Martian, Mark. I can't wait to see what Weir writes next :)

Just delurking to say hello!

Both The Lincoln Highway and Project Hail Mary are on my WL, Anita.

>131 figsfromthistle: I only got it in 4 today.

>130 figsfromthistle: I, too, loved the ending and want to know more!

*smooch*

>134 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Nice to see yo :)

>135 BLBera: Oh good! I hope the reads work out for you when you acquire them.

>136 richardderus: Hi Richard. I should have done better at wordle considering I had a lot of correct letters but there were many possibilities.

Duplicate post-sorry

Happy Thursday!

Yesterday after work I finished planting the cedar trees. Lots and lots of roots and oddly enough a lot of stones. I needed a saw and an axe for some roots. It looks nice now though. All my muscles hurt! I hope it's an easier day at work.

Reading front- I finished reading a short memoir Things I learned From Falling I have two more library books to read before they are due.

Yesterday's dinner was ribs in homemade sauce with rice and corn on the cob. Not sure what I am going to make today. I shall see how energetic I am when I get home from work. I may just have something quick and easy for supper.

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57. Claire Nelson: things I Learned From Falling

When Claire Nelson set out on a day hike on a moderately difficult trail in Joshua Tree National Park she never would have anticipated being stranded there for four days. A lapse in judgement causes her to fall from a boulder, shattering her pelvis and rendering her unable to move her lower body. With limited water supply, the deadly desert heat and cold nights she begins to philosophize about various aspects of her personality and how it lead to that one moment.

It was a very short memoir. In it, Claire is being honest about her faults, her denial about her depression and her need to be so self reliant/independent that she has difficulties letting anyone close. These sections are neatly woven into the present tense where she is in survival mode at the bottom of a canyon. At times this memoir felt like it was written by someone much younger.

3/5

* Book was borrowed from the library*

>129 figsfromthistle: wow, people loved A Gentleman in Moscow, didn't they? I quite liked it, but not at the same level others seemed to. Your assessment of his latest one seems pretty solid though!

>141 LovingLit: Yes, many enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow. I liked it as well. I also have Rules of Civility on my shelf. I hope it is an interesting read.

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

Well I made it through a very long work day yesterday! I am tired but have another 3 days to go. Hopefully there will be no overtime hours.

I began reading Music Late and Soon. It is one of the items I checked out of the library. To early to tell if it will be a good read. the story seems interesting though.

Supper for today will be something easy- spaghetti with a caesar salad.

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>140 figsfromthistle: I'll be looking for that one at my library, thanks! It's actually remarkable how many people from back east or the U.K. come to our desert environment and decide they can tackle really strenuous hikes without any experience in desert hiking. We had someone from England die on one of our most traveled trails a year or two ago.

>143 figsfromthistle: Nicely done! I eliminated twelve of the 26 letters of the alphabet before I got the right five.

Here's hoping it's a smooth downhill run to your weekend on Monday.

>144 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! I am amazed by how many people "think" they are expert trail hikers when really they should be on a guided tour. Also the lack of regard for supplies needed ( water, energy bars, clothing etc). It is sad when death occurs where it can easily be prevented.

>145 richardderus: Thank you, Richard :)

Took me five on Wordle today--nicley done in 3 here. No hiking today. Homemade Pizza for dinner. Happy Friday!

>147 Berly: Homemade pizza sounds delicious! Hope you have a great weekend :)

A lucky guess got me to the correct answer earlier than expected.

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>150 figsfromthistle: I got it in 3 as well, but a much easier (read: luckier) way. *smooch*

>151 richardderus: Good job !

Happy Monday!

I have the day off and lots to do. The weather is perfect! Yesterday, I spotted an oriole and so I put the oriole and hummingbird feeder out. Sure enough, the orangey Oriole came and shortly after the hummingbird!

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>153 figsfromthistle: The day off and lots to do is a contradiction in terms, Anita. I hope you do manage to find some "me" time too.

>154 PaulCranswick: Ha! Indeed. I suppose I should have been more specific and said a day off from my workplace ;)

I enjoy most at home work. Today I spent the whole day in the forest-cutting overgrown things and dead branches. I also tended to my forest garden and planted some wild strawberry plants along the edge.

This would have gone better if I would have remembered the correct spelling earlier. Gecko and not geicko

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58. Robyn Sarah: Music, late and soon

In her retirement years, Sara decides that instead of taking up usual activities such as lawn bowling , pickle ball or even gardening that she would resume taking music lessons with her former teacher and give a concert. The memoir explores her musical path as a pianist in her younger years, studying at the Conservatory as a clarinetist and how she abandoned the musical path for that of a writer/poet. It also explores her re discovery and love for the piano and clarinet.

There is a lot of mention about Phil Cohen's piano teaching style and how unusual it was. Also a fair chunk about her days as a clarinet player and how she came to chose this instrument.

Having a huge musical background ( being at concert level with two instruments and one at University level) I was able to relate and understand her plight in practice, rehearsals, dedication and of course the nerves! It was quite a brave thing for her to start playing again after 30 years of near silence.

3.5/5

>129 figsfromthistle: Dodging that BB as I have already read it.

>130 figsfromthistle: Already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again.

>142 figsfromthistle: I think Rules of Civility is not Towles' best book, but it is still pretty good. At this point, I would read anything he writes.

>158 alcottacre: Nice to see you! I hope I am able to get you with a BB next time ;)

Happy Wednesday!

It's another sunny day. I started reading Braiding Sweetgrass so far so good. It's one of those reads that demands you to slow down and take your time.

I had taken a whole bunch of nice spring photos on my phone. Normally I just upload them via my phones web browser but when I looked for the upload button it was gone. Magically on my computer, the button is there. It's a minor annoyance because I don't want to have to upload my phone pictures onto my computer and then transfer them over to LT. Perhaps I just didn't look right but the option ( except for profile picture) seems to have disappeared when using the phone. I will have to look more closely into that after work.

I am busy watching the birds at the nectar feeder. the oriole and hummingbirds are wonderful. I also spotted a blue finch and a rose breasted Grosbeak.

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Happy Wednesday back, Anita.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful picture.
At the bottom of the page ist a link named Desktop View, maybe mhis will help...
And congratulations on your wordle performance!

>161 SirThomas: Hi Thomas. I did try that but no luck :( Oh well.

It was luck that my starting word was a good choice.

>160 figsfromthistle: TWO!! TWO!!

I hate you. Deeply. Inexpressibly. The Two Minutes' Hate is nowhere near enough to get my Big Brother rage out.

*grumble*

>163 richardderus: Ha! Sorry, Richard. Don't worry it's not something that happens often. I am usually at the same number of tries as you are :)

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Sweet Thursday, Figs. I loved Braiding Sweetgrass. Enjoy!

>166 msf59: Thanks, Mark!

Morning, Anita!

Good morning, Katie! Hope yours is off to a good start!

>140 figsfromthistle: I can't help but think of that James Franco film- 127 hours. I certainly don't like the idea of shattering a pelvis and being rendered unable to move the lower body!! Yikes. I'd say you would learn a thing or two about yourself in that situation.

>165 figsfromthistle: I love getting the Wordle in three! Well done :)

>170 LovingLit: I have never seen that film. I shall have to look it up. Indeed, there is nothing left in a situation like that but to reflect. Not an easy experience for sure.

It's Friday!

We are currently having a heat wave. Who would have thought that we would go from snow to 28 degree celsius weather (that's roughly 82 F for my American friends ). I have been spending as much time outdoors as I can. Yesterday after work I began edging around the forest edge. I followed the shade and took little breaks.

Still lots of Orioles and hummingbirds at the feeder. The oriole always announces himself before he comes but as soon as I get my camera he flies away :(

I finished reading braiding sweetgrass. It was an excellent read. I have read all my checked out library books and will bring them back on Monday and exchange for new ones that I have reserved.

Dinner today is going to be pork chop on the BBQ. With all that heat there is no way I want to cook indoors.

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>172 figsfromthistle: I confess that 28C doesn't seem like a heat wave to me, but I have a/c.

It was a 5 day for me, drat the luck. *sigh*

Happy weekend-ahead's reads!

Happy Friday, Anita!

>173 richardderus: Hi Richard. Well it's not really a heat wave. It's just the first really warm week that we have had since last season so it feels more intense ;) Our normal temps at this time of the year is 65-70 Fahrenheit.

Hope you have a great weekend, Richard!

>174 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! Weekend wishes heartily returned to you as well!

>160 figsfromthistle: Very nice picture, thanks for posting it, Anita! I can now picture you with that BBQ. You are right, cooking and eating outside is much nicer with 28 C temperatures.
It has been cool here, but is getting warmer now. You have to get used to warmer temps.

>176 EllaTim: Hi Ella! That is a picture of the side flower bed. It always looks nice in spring because it's less crowded.

You are right. You do have to get used to warmer temperatures. Hopefully your weather warms up gradually.

Have a wonderful weekend :)

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59. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Braiding Sweetgrass

I think there has been a lot of wonderful reviews written about this one so I will skip writing one.

I quite enjoyed this read. It is a book that needs to be read slowly. Like weaving a basket it takes time and one must have patience to enjoy the process. I will probably read the other book Gathering Moss

Excellent 4/5

I'm glad to see another fan of Braiding Sweetgrass.

>180 BLBera: It was a wonderful read!

>179 figsfromthistle: That one is already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again.

Happy Saturday, Anita!

>182 alcottacre: Thanks! I did some laundry, and completed a huge chunk of edging. Now it's lunch time and newspaper reading time as it is quite warm outside ( and I am exhausted!). Later, I will be planting some herbs and the last of the vegetable plants for the garden before the rain gets here.

Hope you have a great weekend!

I hope your plantings were completed before the rain came to water them in.

>184 richardderus: I just finished planting! So far no sign of the rain.

Happy Sunday!

Today looks to be another wonderful sunny day. No rain yet so I will have to water the new plants/seeds from yesterday. I plan to finish the edging at the front of the house. I may also cut the grass. I cut it five days ago but it's already quite long.

I finished reading Book of Two ways which was ok. I am invited for a BBQ at my parent's place ( right next door). Food always tastes better when someone else prepares it :)

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"Food always tastes better when someone else prepares it :)"

Ain't that the truth!

Enjoy your Sunday, Anita.

Happy Sunday's noshings!

>187 katiekrug: Hi Katie! My Sunday was fabulous!

>188 richardderus: Thanks, Richard. I am home now before the rain hit and stomach full :)

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It's Tuesday.

A very long work day ahead of me. I will probably get something easy to cook out of the freezer ( pierogies or stuffed pepper).

I finished reading The Grave's A fine and private place. I like this series. I have not read a book in the series for a while because I know that I am nearing the end and want to drag it out a bit. It will be sad when there is no more
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I know what you mean about dragging the series out. I've read just the first three and love it.

>191 figsfromthistle: Ooo, pierogies. I get the frozen ones once in a while & savor them, too.

I feel sad about Alan Bennett's dementia. But he left us some very fun reads.

>192 mstrust: It is quite an addicting series. Glad you are enjoying it!

>193 richardderus: The pirogies were excellent. They are homemade ones. I make them in large batches and freeze them. Easy to take out, boil and then pan fry them. I quite like to eat them with sour cream, bacon and glazed onions!

60. Jodi Picoult: The book of two ways

Dawn Edelstein, a death doula comes to face her own death ( well almost). She ends up in Egypt to seek answers about a missed life. What would her life been had she chosen differently?

I enjoyed all the parts that had to do with archeology. The description of uncovering tombs and the hieroglyphics was quite interesting. However, the flashbacks to the life she has been living with her husband were boring and some of it irrelevant. These flashbacks also made me dislike the protagonist.

Overall ok with strong areas and a few weaker ones.

A lower end 3/5

61. Alan Bradley: The Graves a Fine and Private Place

Instalment #9 Takes the reader to 6 months after a mourning period for Flavia's father . Flavia, her sisters and Dogger go on a boating vacation and of course there is a corpse in the river. Flavia does her best to navigate a new town with a slightly smarter police constable.

Was a decent mystery but not one of the stronger ones in the series. Enjoyable just the same. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Dogger was helping Flavia more actively here.

3.5/5

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My SIL makes huge batches of pirogeis at Christmas. Her sister usually helps and sometimes her neice. They make dozens and dozens of them to divide up among several families. I haven't been in on the pirogie making process, but have helped cook batches of the frozen ones for her annual Christmas eve party.

Wordle in 2! Wow! I have three letters identified, none in the right place, and am letting my brain soak for a while (meaning I am a bit stuck, but many times I can solve things when I quit thinking about them).

Hey Anita! We had the same idea today...I got reviews up, and my morning was all about prep and business. I spent it moving books, vacuuming, getting ready for the a/c to be installed before the weekend's nasty heatwave...then moving everything back. I'm whupped!

It's all worth it though because I got, for the 5th time in 108 games played, Wordle in 2!!

>198 streamsong: Hi Janet!

What a wonderful activity to do with the family. Something for everyone to pitch in and help - even if it's just taste testing ;)

>199 richardderus: It's great to be productive but it is exhausting. At least you will be glad to have the a/c when the hot weather hits!

Wordle in 2 rarely happens for me. When it does, I instantly feel smarter ;)

Happy Thursday!

I must admit it really feels like a Wednesday to me though. I finished reading A gathering of shadows the second book in the series. It was a nice light read. Not as interesting as the first in the series.

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>197 figsfromthistle: Nice!!! Done in 2.

>202 Berly: Thanks!

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Hi Anita.

I have wondered about The Lincoln Highway and Project Hail Mary so I'm glad to see your comments on both. I loved The Martian even though I would say it's outside my usual reading territory. You say PHM is your favorite by Andy Weir so I'll add it to my reading list.

I haven't played Wordle but I'm not surprised at how many LTers play it every day!

I have been down with a cold and I'm really hoping tomorrow I feel more like my usual self. I want to get out for a walk!

>204 EBT1002: Hi Ellen!

At the beginning I did not play wordle either. I decided to try it to see what the big deal is and now I make it part of my morning routine.

Oh no! I hope you cold goes away soon! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and you are able to get that walk in!

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Happy Saturday, Anita. Enjoy your weekend and I hope you get some reading in.

Dropping by to wish you a lovely weekend, Anita.

>206 figsfromthistle: Excellent Wordle-ing.

I'm two reviews into my political nonfiction reviewing and I suspect that I'll see a drop-off in visits shortly.

Oh well.

>207 msf59: Hi Mark! It's a long weekend here in Canada. As it turns out, even though I worked all weekend I got a lot of reading in.

>208 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, nice to see you.

>209 richardderus: Hmmm. I will have to check out your nonfiction reads. I hope they were good reads for you!

Alright I am back!

It is a long weekend here in Canada. We had a massive storm that luckily did not hit my house at all. Lots of trees uprooted, hydro wires and poles down, road closures and such. Even a plane was upturned on the runway!

I had been with no hydro from Saturday noon till one hour ago today. I didn't mind except with no hydro, there is no water pump for the well so no water. I collected rain water to dump into the toilets so I could use them. I am thinking about getting a generator for the water pump. These hydro outages are becoming more frequent as we are getting a lot of severe weather.

I managed to get a lot of reading done. I finished A gathering of shadows ,Klara and the Sun and The Midnight Bargain. All great reads!

62. A gathering of shadows: V. E. Schwab

In this novel the reader finds out what happens to Lila, Kell and Rhy four months after saving their London. A lot of it was about Lila and how she managed to secure a spot aboard a pirate ship ( sort of) with a captain that has noble blood. In the middle, there is a magic competition and Kell is finding it more difficult to live under a constant eye.

Second in the series

3.5/5

* Borrowed from the library*

>211 figsfromthistle: Nice to see that you got hunkered down reading through the bad weather, Anita.

I need to read more Ishiguro. I read and enjoyed his first two novels and his short story collection but never moved on from there despite having all of his books on the shelves.

63. Klara and the Sun: Kazuo Ishiguro

Klara is an AF waiting for the the moment a child comes in to take her to her new home. She begins to worry that she will not be chosen. Of course a child chooses her and so her new life can begin. However, this child warns Klara that she is prone to illness and sometimes is not be easy to be around. The illness is due to the fact that she is "lifted" ( the explanation of this word comes very late in the book"

There was a lot going on in the short amount of time. Ethical dilemmas pertaining to the AI and it's owners were touched upon and carefully thought about.

It felt a bit like Hoffmann's The Sandman and the movie Gattica.

3.5/5

* Borrowed from the library*

>213 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! I hunkered down until it was too dark to read :)

I quite enjoy Ishiguro's writing. Nocturnes was a nice short story collection and I quite enjoyed The Buried Giant I really want to read The Unconsoled.

64. The Midnight Bargain: C. L. Polk

Beatrice has come of age to enter bargaining season. A time where she must show off her skills, beauty and social grace to potential suitors. It all seems wonderful except that all she wants to do is become a powerful sorceress. She must marry and be "collared" and give up all she desires to save her father from financial ruin. If only there could be a way to save her family, marry the man she chooses and become a sorceress her life would be perfect.

Interesting story. A lot about control/gender inequality in here and of course lot's of magic!

3.5/5

* Borrowed form the library*

>216 figsfromthistle: Just want to point out, Anita, that the last post was the 1,000th on your threads this year. Well done! Well on the way to bettering your 1,046 two years ago and already beyond last year's total.

I'm glad you weathered the storms well, Anita.
>214 figsfromthistle: Thanks for another BB - I loved The buried Giant.
And congratulations on the 1002nd post!.

>217 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. Thank you! My posting this year is a lot more frequent. When I first started on LT I did not participate/interact as much. I am grateful for all who have been posting here. I look forward to LT time every day and love that this is a place where I can be myself. The 75ers are wonderful and interesting. I am glad I found this group :)

>218 SirThomas: Hi Thomas! Thanks! It was quite the storm.

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Wow, that storm sounds intense. I'm glad you made it through (mostly) unscathed.

>220 figsfromthistle: I got it in 3 but #3 was a complete shot-in-the-dark guess. It doesn't feel really like a puzzle when that happens. But...streak stays alive!

*smooch*

>221 katiekrug: It was quite intense. Some areas reported tornado touchdowns. I am glad that nothing was damaged on my or my parents property. A minor inconvenience of not having hydro for a bit is an easy trade.

>222 richardderus: Hi Richard! Good job on your wordling. I was in a hurry in the morning and was not thinking correctly but at least I managed not to break my streak either :)

Happy Wednesday!



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Hi Anita!

Way too behind to get caught up, so I'm drawing a line in the sand and hope to visit more regularly.

>226 karenmarie: Hi Karen! It's nice to see you :)

>225 figsfromthistle: It was a rarer-than-dentists-for-chickens two day for me. Stunned me.

Have a lovely weekend-ahead's reads,

>228 richardderus: Wow! Way to go! Although, I think that you have been getting quite a few two days this month ;)

I almost forgot the weekend is near! I finished two books and have started cloud cuckoo land which will probably take the weekend to read.

Phew! This was a close one today!

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It's the weekend!

I am working the weekend but it should be smooth sailing.

I finished reading Em and The room on rue Amelie. I am a quarter of a ways into Cloud cuckoo land and have yet to find a groove on that one. It does seem like an interesting read so far.

Supper today will be a pasta dish with spinach, carrots and lots of cheese :).

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>231 figsfromthistle: The only thing I actually saw in that final sentence was "cheese" because, well, you got cheese you got it all.

Hint: Never Wordle before 8am. Or coffee. Preferably after both.

*smooch*

>232 richardderus: Ha! Cheese makes everything great, does it not?

*smooch*

65. Kristin Harmel: The Room on Rue Amelie

Ruby Benoit ( an American) decides to stay in Paris with her husband during WW2. As time goes on, she discovers that her husband is secretly helping the resistance. Unfortunately, to him, Ruby is nothing more than a housewife and treats her like a child. Ruby befriends her Jewish neighbours and ends up finding true love, compassion and faith.

As historical fiction that is on the weaker side. It is mostly a romance. A light read that was ok.

3/5

>234 figsfromthistle: I haven't read this one, but I reacted similarly to The Book of Lost Names. I tend to prefer historical fiction with a meatier story.

>235 bell7: This is the first book by this author that I have read. It was a good "distraction" read.

>8 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita. I note the image of the book Where The Crawdads Sing. I think it is now in the movie theatres. I liked the book so much that I fear I would be disappointed with the book. Rarely does a movie match my feelings about a book, except Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Congratulations of reading 65 books thus far this year!

Popping in to drop some happy weekend wishes!!

>237 Whisper1: Hi Linda!

Thanks! I am getting closer to the goal.

I agree that the book is usually better than the movie. I was not aware that there is a movie out based on Where the Crawdads sing. I think that I will pass on the movie because, I also really enjoyed the book.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

>238 Berly: Thank you! Weekend wishes heartily returned.

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Pure luck this time

>240 figsfromthistle: Took me 4 but my streak now equals the one I lost by playing one day on my phone: 40!

>241 richardderus: Hi Richard! Good job. Although I think a streak is still alive no matter where you play wordle ( phone or computer)- it still counts ;)

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>242 figsfromthistle: Not on their system, annoyingly...I'm unknown off this one device *unless* I sign in...which I forgot to do. *sigh*

>244 richardderus: Oh no, Richard! What a bummer!

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>247 figsfromthistle: Happily, I kept my new, improved streak (43 now, versus 40 before) alive. You smashed it today!

>248 richardderus: It was a lucky one for me today, Richard. We shall see about tomorrow!

The last read for the month of may



66. Anthony Doerr: Cloud Cuckoo Land

I found some of the stories/timelines more interesting than others. I am still muddling over this one. I enjoyed it but not as much as other readers have.

This was a library loan.

3.5/5

Stats for May

Books Read: 12

Male authors: 5
Female authors:7
Longest book: 640 pages
Shortest: 272
Average length: 435
Total pages: 5224
Pages per day average: 168

Non Fiction: 3

Books from the library: 9

Books bought: 2 - A record low for me!
Books culled: 5

>251 figsfromthistle: Good to see your reading went up in May, Anita.

>252 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. Yes it went up by two books. It was surprising because I was outside a lot tending to the flower beds and gardens. I think it is because most of my books came from the library so there was a reading deadline before I had to hand it back.

Wordle 348 4/6

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>254 figsfromthistle: - Today was a 5-er for me. In my first two guesses, I got one lousy letter!

>255 katiekrug: I hate when that happens. I was lucky because my second guess brought me three correct letters.

I'm looking forward to Cloud Cuckoo Land sometime this summer. It's a hefty one.

5-er for me too. My usual started netted me nothing, second word gave me the middle letter. Sometimes what has been omitted is all you have to go on :(

5-er club, UNITE! I had to play a couple rounds of the Dreaded Guess the Letters game that I hate so very much.

>250 figsfromthistle: It was a little bit of a disappointment for me, and the problem was in the way it got done not what he was doing.

>257 BLBera: It was a good read. I know it's long but it seemed to go by quickly.

>258 RebaRelishesReading: At least you didn't strike out!

>259 richardderus: Hi Richard! There were a few things that I did not exactly like about it. Overall it was above average but won't be on my best reads list of the year as it will be for many others.

Happy Friday!

It's another working weekend for me. My reading has slowed down these past three days. By the time I sit down at 9 PM, I can't seem to concentrate. I did start reading Slow Fire Burning. To early to tell if it's a good one or not.

The garden is coming along. Today I will be able to thin out the lettuce and spinach. The first spring mix salad of the season is always the best. The beet leaves are just the right size as well.

Wordle 349 3/6

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Please join me at my new thread