Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 7

Photo credit: NYC Parks
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For anyone new to my thread, I’m Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog, Nuala/Noodles.

My reading varies widely - I love genre fiction (romance and crime), contemporary and historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I try to balance my reading in all these areas. I also use my thread as a bit of a life journal, which mostly means I talk about what I’m cooking, eating, drinking, watching, doing, and avoiding doing.

Thanks for being here!

Currently Reading
(Kindle) (Audio)

BOOKS COMPLETED

Books Off My Shelf: 20
Books Off My Kindle: 12
Books from Audible/Chirp: 1
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 42
Friend Loan:

MAY
75. The Dogs of Littlefield by Suzanne Berne (4.25 stars)
74. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (4 stars)
73. The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz (audio) (3.5 stars)
72. B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton (3.5 stars)
71. Rumours by Freya North (4 stars)
70. The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4 stars)
69. The Lost Man by Jane Harper (4 stars)

Did Not Finish (YTD)
01. Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen
02. The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton
03. The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis (will try this one again at some point)
04. This Is My America by Kim Johnson (might try in print; did not enjoy audio narrator)
05. The Evidence of Things Not Seen by James Baldwin
06. Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon
07. The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
08. From the Jump by Lacie Waldon

Q2 COMPLETIONS

APRIL
Favorite:

68. Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates (3.75 stars)
67. The Appeal by Janice Hallett (4 stars)
66. Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt (audio) (3.5 stars)
65. Unfollow Me by Jill Louise Busby (audio) (3.5 stars)
64. Garden of Lamentations by Deborah Crombie (3.75 stars)
63. The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky (audio) (2.5 stars)
62. The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
61. The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (audio) (3 stars)
60. Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore (4.25 stars)
59. Starting from Happy by Patricia Marx (3.5 stars)
58. The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash (4 stars)
57. Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper (audio) (4 stars)
56. Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (4 stars)
55. The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (audio) (5 stars)
54. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (4.5 stars)
53. Piglet by Lottie Hazell (audio) (3.75 stars)
52. How To Be a Girl in the World by Caela Carter (4.25 stars)

Q1 COMPLETIONS

MARCH
Favorite:

51. The Boys in the Trees by Mary Swan (4 stars)
50. Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter (audio) (4 stars)
49. Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Corwin (audio) (4 stars)
48. Trash: A Poor White Journey by Cedar Monroe (3.75 stars)
47. Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan (5 stars)
46. Charm City by Monica McCallan (audio) (3 stars)
45. Wednesday Walks & Wags by Melissa Storm (2 stars)
44. Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart (audio) (3.5 stars)
43. The All-Night Sun by Diane Zinna (audio) (3 stars)
42. Kala by Colin Walsh (4.25 stars)
41. Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles (audio) (3.5 stars)
40. Alias Emma by Ava Glass (3 stars)
39. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle (audio) (2.5 stars)
38. Sky Burial by Xinran (3.5 stars)
37. The Great Unexpected by Dan Mooney (audio) (4 stars)
36. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (4.25 stars)
35. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (3.25 stars)
34. Days of Awe by Lauren Fox (audio) (4 stars)
33. The Cactus League by Emily Nemens (4.5 stars)
32. A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde (audio) (3.5 stars)
31. Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham (3.75 stars)
30. Scoreless by Skye McDonald (3.5 stars)

FEBRUARY
Favorites:

29. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (audio) (5 stars)
28. Looker by Laura Sims (audio) (4.5 stars)
27. The Body in the Dales by J.R. Ellis (2.5 stars)
26. You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (audio) (3.5 stars)
25. At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier (4 stars)
24. Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley (audio) (4 stars)
23. Broken Harbor by Tana French (4.25 stars)
22. No Baggage by Clara Bensen (audio) (2.5 stars)
21. Ghosts by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4.5 stars)
20. A Day at the Office by Matt Dunn (4 stars)
19. Tar Baby by Toni Morrison (3.5 stars)
18. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris (3.75 stars)
17. Perennials by Julie Cantrell (audio) (2.5 stars)
16. Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous (4 stars)
15. Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone (audio) (3.75 stars)

JANUARY

Favorite:

14. Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay (audio) (3 stars)
13. Intercepted by Alexa Martin (3.5 stars)
12. Go Back to Where You Came From by Wajahat Ali (audio) (3.5 stars)
11. Ruined by Sarah Vaughn et. al. (3 stars)
10. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (4.25 stars)
09. Day by Michael Cunningham (audio) (4.5 stars)
08. The Birdcage by Marcia Willett (2.5 stars)
07. London't Number One Dog Walking Agency by Kate MacDougall (audio) (4 stars)
06. The Summer of Katya by Trevanian (2.5 stars)
05. Let's Be Just Friends by Camilla Isley (audio) (2 stars)
04. Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4.5 stars)
03. The Betrayers by David Bezmozgis (audio) (4.25 stars)
02. The Adults by Caroline Hulse (4 stars)
01. Shady Hollow by Juneau Black (audio) (3 stars)

My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)

5 stars = Perfect, for me
4.5 stars = Excellent read
4 stars = Good read
3.5 stars = Not a waste of time
3 stars = Some redeeming qualities, but I wish I’d read something else
2.5 stars = Didn’t work for me
2 stars = Why didn’t I DNF it?

(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)

April in Review
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)

Books Read: 17 (68)
(Puzzles Completed: 6 (31))

Mine: 6 (28)

Library: 11 (40)

Male authors: 3 (19)
Female authors: 14 (50)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)

New-to-me authors: 11 (48)
US/UK authors: 16 (61)
Other: 1 - Canada (9 - Algeria, Canada x2, China, Irelad x2, Italy, Japan, Latvia)

Print: 3 (18)
Ebook: 8 (18)
Audio: 6 (32)

General/Popular Fiction: 4 (13)
Literary Fiction: 2 (11)
Historical Fiction: 2 (7)
Romance: 3 (12)
Crime/Thriller: 2 (13)
Juvenile/YA: 1 (3)
Classics: 1 (2)
Speculative: 0 (0)
Nonfiction: 2 (7)

Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 3 (9)
2020-2022: 5 (18)
2020-2019: 6 (26)
2000-2009: 1 (6)
1980s-90s: 1 (6)
1950s-70s: 0 (1)
1900-1949: 1 (2)
19th c.: 0 (0)

Re-reads: 0 (1)
DNFs: 1 (6)

Best of the month (not counting re-reads): Intimate City: Walking New York
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): The Red Car

Welcome!

Happy new thread, Katie! I look forward to seeing your stats :)

>7 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia! Stats are now posted.

Happy new thread, Katie!!

Thank you, Natalie!

Merry May Day!

Happy new thread, Katie!

Thanks, RD and Micky!

Happy New Thread, Katie!

Happy new thread, Katie. Love the tulips - a bit early for them here still, but here's hoping...

>14 vancouverdeb: - Thanks, Deborah!

>15 Helenliz: - I'm not sure that's a current photo, Helen. But I remember having tulips around on my birthdays growing up, so they may be "in season" here now...

Happy new thread!

You had quite a reading month!

Good morning! I actually got up to an alarm, as it's Maribel Day, and I like to have a leisurely morning before doing the last bit of tidying up before she arrives at 9am. Nuala will go off to day care in a bit, and I have a list of things to take care of at my desk while Maribel does her thing. In the afternoon, I'll go to the grocery store since I didn't yesterday. I'm making the soup I mentioned yesterday tonight. Last night, I ended up just pulling something out of the freezer for dinner. I espect some good book time this afternoon.

Books:
I'll finish up The Lost Man today. It invaded my dreams last night, and I kept waking up a bit unsettled. Still enjoying The Detective Up Late on audio.

Viewing:
Nothing again. I'm in a bit of a TV funk - nothing seems appealing, even series I'm in the middle of...

>17 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita! It was a good month, though it didn't reach my high in terms of quantity from March (22 books).

Sweet Thursday, Katie. Happy New Thread. Love the spring topper.

Happy new thread! Over the last month I've been seeing the tulip photos from the parks in Istanbul and missing all of that (the season is mostly past now). So glad I got out to see them in two of the city locations where they have a ton.

>15 Helenliz:, >16 katiekrug: Tulips bloom pretty early, I'd say a few weeks ago here in Virginia, probably similar up your way Katie. We don't plant tulips so I'm not certain, but the blooms might even be gone by now.

>18 katiekrug: Oof. I can see how The Lost Man might invade your sleep. Sorry to hear that. It's definitely unsettling.

>20 msf59: - Thanks, Mark!

>21 ursula: - I do love tulips... So cheery after the grey of winter.

>22 lauralkeet: - We don't have any tulips planted here, but now that I think of it, I did see them blooming elsewhere last month.

The Lost Man is SO good.

>18 katiekrug: Having the same issue with TV. I can't seem to settle into a filmed story for some reason. (It may have something to do with Old Stuff's blaring of MeTV all the hours god sends.)

Happy new thread, Katie. I love the tulips.

>24 richardderus: - Sorry you're also struggling with the TV funk! May it pass soon for both of us.

>25 BLBera: - Thanks, Beth!

Happy new one, Katie!

Thank you, Jim!

Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates

The first part of the title refers to a brutal assault on a working class woman in a park late one night. The second part refers to the woman's daughter (with her at the time of the attack) and her feelings of first love, specifically for the beat cop who ends up taking justice into his own hands.

I sometimes find Oates' extremes in length don't work - some of her novels are bloated and some of her shorter works feel like they could be a lot longer. Such is the case with this one. It's barely 150 pages, and I wanted more - more background, more fully fleshed out characters, and more story. What there was was intriguing, but for instance the mother's abrupt departure seemed out of character. And who was the guy she left with?

3.75 stars

NB: Content/trigger warnings abound, as you can probably imagine.

Happy new thread, Katie!

>18 katiekrug: Welcome to Wrexham is back so maybe that will kick you out of your funk.

>30 norabelle414: - Thanks, Nora!

Ah, I knew it was coming back this month. Thanks for the reminder!

Happy Friday!

Plans for the day include a visit to the local indie bookstore to pick up The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store for book club this month. While in the area, I'll pick up lunch at a deli nearby that makes amazing sandwiches. I'd like to spend a chunk of the afternoon puzzling and listening, as my audio book holds keep coming in from the library. New recipe for dinner tonight - a curried rice and chicken dish.

Books:
I finished The Lost Man yesterday and started Rumours for something a bit lighter. The Detective Up Late is still going on audio, and I'm enjoying it.

Viewing:
This week's episode of 'Top Chef.'

>32 katiekrug: Oooh I really liked The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, Katie. And of course I'm glad to see you're enjoying the Sean Duffy.

>33 lauralkeet: - I've liked all (both?) of the McBrides I've read. I've had this one on hold at the library forever, but the meeting is in 2 weeks, so I decided to bite the bulllet and buy a copy.

Love me some Duffy!

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

I've had a few Jane Harper books on my Kindle for a while, but this was the first I've read. I selected it as my May "Julia Memorial Read."

I can see why Harper gets so much love around here. This was a well-paced, well-written crime and family drama novel. I loved the descriptions of the Australian Outback, both the landscape and how people manage to live there. Harper does a great job of unfolding the family history as part of the narrative, dropping hints and interspersing the contemporary story with pieces of the past.

A very satisfying read.

4 stars

My favorite of Harper's is The Survivors and I loved Exiles too. I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

Have a good day, Katie. That's it. Just good.

>36 vivians: - The Survivors sounds good! I've added it to my WL. Exiles is the 3rd in a series, but I have the first on my Kindle :)

>37 weird_O: - I think I can manage "good," Bill! Here's hoping for even better - for both of us.

>35 katiekrug: I've only read The Dry, which I really liked. I need to follow up with Harper.

>39 BLBera: - I plan to read that one soonish... Have a good weekend, Beth!

Happy weekend! It looks to be a beautiful day here. We're taking a little drive later out to the NJ/PA border to a winery where my friend, Skye, is participating in a book event (she writes romance novels). I'm just going to say hi and then sample the wine and come home. But it will be nice to get a change of scenery, and on the way, we are stopping at a funky little hot dog place for lunch. Not sure what the rest of the day will hold...

Last night for dinner I made a recipe from my new cookbook, and it was very good - a take on a Nigerian fried rice dish. Interestingly, you cook the rice ahead of time and then chill it in the fridge for at least two hours. It prevents it from being mushy. So there's a little tip for you :) After dinner, I relaxed on the couch with my book while TW watched TV in the other room.

Books:
I finished The Detective Up Late and will start The Lonely Hearts Book Club as my next audio. Still enjoying Rumours as my print read.

Viewing:
Nada

>41 katiekrug: OH! That makes sense of something I could never figure out before. Why was fried rice always better mafe with the containers of leftovers, actually has a reason.

*satisfied glow*

Enjoy the Saturday glory, Katie.

>41 katiekrug: I made a chicken fried rice dish recently (NYT recipe) where this same rice phenomenon was explained. I made mine the day before; it did seem to have a better consistency for that type of dish than if I'd used freshly-cooked.

Enjoy your day! The beautiful weather has left us and our current yuck is probably heading your way.

>42 richardderus: - You're welcome!

Hope you enjoy this gorgeous day.

>43 lauralkeet: - It makes sense to get all the moisture out for sure. I cheated and used microwaveable basmati rice because I had it on hand.

>41 katiekrug: Your mini road trip sounds like a fun time, Katie. Is the book event romance specific or more general?

>45 MickyFine: - It's mostly romance authors (that I've never heard of), plus a smattering of others. Honestly, it looks super rinky-dink (website full of clip art and ugly fonts...) but I am a supportive friend :)

Thanks for the rice tip, Katie. I learned something new today. :) I am having lunch with my colleagues on Monday and plan to make a flourless chocolate cake with coconut tomorrow.

>47 BLBera: - Here's another tip, Beth - don't put rice in the cake!

Happy Sunday, Katie. I also liked The Lost Man and I loved The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. Have a good time with the latter.

Good morning!

We had a lovely day yesterday - it's so nice to get out of the routine and do something different with a change of scenery. When we got home, The Wayne mowed the front and back, and I worked on my puzzle. We ended up going back out for dinner - an Irish pub nearby whose ambiance we love but whose food had been going downhill seemed to have gotten a new chef, as there were new things on the menu when we looked online. So off we went to try it out. I had an amazing grilled cheese - bacon, tomato jam, brie, sharp cheddar, and provolone. Delish! Then we came home and watched a bit of TV before making an early night of it.

Today I need to do my week ahead planning, meal planning, and at least a quick trip to the grocery store for taco fixings. We're also planning to organize our storage room/pantry and then watch the F1 race later in the afternoon.

Books:
I started The Lonely Hearts Book Club on audio and am still enjoying Rumours in print.

Viewing:
The first episode of the new season of 'Welcome to Wrexham.'

>49 msf59: - Happy Sunday, Mark! I'm looking forward to starting the McBride.

>41 katiekrug:, >43 lauralkeet: I've also heard that the carbs in rice (and pasta) are less problematic if you cook them and refrigerate them before eating them. *shrug*

Glad to hear the pub food has improved. That grilled cheese sounds delightfully cheesy.

I hope your pantry tidying went well. I had intentions of deep cleaning the kitchen that did not manifest. Instead ended up clearing out a bunch of throw blankets that never get used as our neighbourhood has textile donation pick-up coming this week. Ah well. At least there was some productivity. :)

Glad your Sunday was a good one, Katie. The grilled cheese sounds amazing!

Woke up to no power... I'll be back later...

And we're back in business!

>52 laytonwoman3rd: - That's interesting, Linda. I'd not heard that!

>53 MickyFine: - TBH, it was almost a little too much cheese - I don't think the provolone was necessary...

Pantry organizing went well, as far as it went. The Wayne was planning to put up a broom/mop rack and a shelf but didn't get to it.

I have no experience of unused throw blankets - we have a lot but they tend to get colonized by the animals, and once they are hairy and smelly enough, I toss them :)

>54 bell7: - We'll have to go to that pub sometime when you're in town for a Giants game, Mary! It's right off of Route 3.

Yesterday was another nice day, though it was rainy. The Wayne ran errands, including going to the store to get taco fixings, so I didn't have to leave the house :) I did get most of the laundry done and all the chopping of taco toppings, and I supervised TW's preparation of the meat (he did it wrong... heh). Tacos for dinner hit the spot.

Today's plans include a trip to Target, finishing the laundry, and taking care of some admin-y stuff. Leftovers for dinner.

Books:
I should finish up Rumours today but I'm not sure what's next. Still a ways to go with the audio of The Lonely Hearts Book Club.

Viewing:
The Miami Grand Prix F1 race, the last quarter of the Rangers (hockey) game, and most of the Stars (hockey) game.

It's going to be a warm and sunny one here today. Gross. Anything above 73F, and I'm an unhappy camper :)

I've got osme errands to run, including that trip to Target I mentioned yesterday. Not much else on tap, other than trivia tonight. Not sure if we are playing solo or with friends.

Books:
I started B is for Burglar yesterday and continued with The Lonely Hearts Book Club which I am considering DNFing. The audio narrator is pretty annoying... I might quit listening and look for a print/e-book version.

Viewing:
Nada

The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty

In what his colleagues at the police station dub his "last case," Sean Duffy investigates the disappearance of a 15-year old girl. He is also dealing with his partial relocation to Scotland and anticipated move into the RUC reserves. As always, the audio narration by Gerard Doyle is perfection, and the story was good, if not destined to be one of my favorites in the series. I really hope this isn't his actual last case, as there is still so much more story to tell, both about Northern Ireland and about Sean Duffy.

4 stars

Rumours by Freya North

This was a very satisfying read and hit all the right notes for me as a romance. The two main characters were worth rooting for, the secondary characters were fun, the angst and conflict were kept to a minimum, and I laughed out loud at parts.

The sale of a large country estate in the English countryside brings Stella and Xander into each other's orbits - Stella is focused on the sale (and giant commission), while Xander is opposed to the changes that will be wrought in both his life and that of his village. But this conflict is no match for the attraction they both feel, and for the encouragement and support their friends and family provide as they explore a relationship.

Light, frothy, feel-good fun.

4 stars

>59 katiekrug: I too hope it's not Duffy's last case!

I was sure I'd read all the Duffy series, but reading your blurb about this one I'm thinking I must have stopped at #6. Thank you for the nudge, I'll see if the library can help with finding a copy. I always find these books impossible to put down.

>61 lauralkeet: - Fingers crossed!

>62 charl08: - It only came out last August, I think, Charlotte. And there was a big gap between it and #6.

>60 katiekrug: You got me with that one!

Happy new thread!

Hi Katie -- I'm trying to catch up with threads -- glad to have the rice tip. I may use that tonight with some left-over rice I have in the fridge :)

>64 foggidawn: - Thanks, foggi!

>65 RebaRelishesReading: - I hope it works for you!

I have the first in the Sean Duffy series, Katie, but I have yet to get to it. Sometime soon. It's been a long time since I have read B is for Burglar but I got quite far in that series years ago. They are fun mysteries.

Happy mid week, Katie!

Interesting tip about the rice. I am glad that your local pub's food is improving. Hopefully it continues to do so.

>5 katiekrug: >8 katiekrug: April stats look pretty good!

>35 katiekrug: Dodging that BB as I have already read it. Glad to see that you enjoyed it!

>60 katiekrug: Light, frothy, feel-good fun. Sounds pretty good to me! I will have to see if my local library has a copy.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Katie!

>67 vancouverdeb: - Hi Deborah! The Sean Duffy series is just so good.

I picked up the Grafton as a "filler" book before I start The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store for book club.

>68 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!

>69 alcottacre: - Thanks re: the stats, Stasia. It's always fun to see how things shake out.

I'm not sure you'll be able to find Rumours at the library. Freya North doesn't seem to have much of a US fan base. I got the book (UK edition) at Half Price Books in Dallas eons ago.

Morning, all! I woke up to pounding rain and thunder this morning and DID NOT want to get out of bed. But I did. Go me.

We came in 4th of 23 teams at trivia last night and were pretty pleased because some of the questions were tough. I had a cheeseburger.

Today, I'll be hitting the grocery store inbetween rounds of rain and dusting and vacuuming the master bedroom. Marinated chicken and Greek salad for dinner tonight.

Books:
I decided to stop listening to The Lonely Hearts Book Club as the narrator was really annoying and the story wasn't anything special. In its place, I started From the Jump which is okay so far. Still reading B is for Burglar but might finish it today.

Viewing:
Part of the Rangers (hockey) game, which they won in the 2nd OT.

>71 katiekrug: We appear to be done with rain and have moved on to the sticky part...at least the heavy-feeling fog got cleared out by the thundershower. Small mercies.

>72 richardderus: - I just got back from running errands, and it's icky out!

>66 katiekrug: I happened upon a beautiful spit-roasted chicken at the store yesterday so the rice is still waiting in the fridge.

4th of 23 sounds like an amazingly good result to me! Congrats.

>73 katiekrug: I *had*to* go out briefly and thought I'd get away with just a t-shirt because 70° ought to be okay...wind whipping up the street had me turn arouns for a cardy...then it was so sticky I got done with my errand soaked in sweat.

I hate climate change. This is deep-south stuff. Ick.

4th of 23 is a good position in the trivia.
We're having a run of temperatures in the low 20s C (high 60 to low 70 F), which is nice after a miserable winter and spring. Nothing like cardigan removal temperature yet. I'm might be in a summer dresses for work, but they're teemed with thick tights and a cardi still.

>74 RebaRelishesReading: - I love roasted chicken! Good call :)

Thanks re: trivia!

>75 richardderus: - Today looks to be nicer!

>76 Helenliz: - Thanks re: trivia. We were not displeased. Your temps, especially the lower end, sound perfect to me :)

Happy Thursday! After I drop Nuala off at day care, I'll be going to the wine store and grocery store (again) to pick up stuff for game night at our friends' place tomorrow. They are doing an appetizer spread and asked that I bring some brownies. I'm also going to make curry chicken tea sandwiches and maybe a German beer cheese spread...

I expect this afternoon will be mostly devoted to the books and puzzle. New recipe for dinner - Hoisin chicken and pepper stir fry.

Books:
I started The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store yesterday for book club. Still listening to From the Jump.

Viewing:
An episode of 'Sex Education' and the end of the Yankees game.

>77 katiekrug: It sure feels nicer, doesn't it? Less sticky and yucky. I reviewed a mystery today that I think you'll like a lot...a writer I'd never heard of before but who has quite a backlist, and a solid ability to compel my attention...hard to do, that...maybe she'll work for you, too.

>78 katiekrug: Good thing you bought that mega-pack of brownie mixes eh Katie? I like to have a mix on hand for "emergencies" and since I made brownies last weekend I picked one up today. I also bought more chocolate chips because a) brownies and b) I have enough overripe bananas to make a banana bread tomorrow.

>79 richardderus: - I will be along shortly to check it out!

>80 lauralkeet: - Thanks for the reminder to check my chocolate chip supply, Laura! The mix I got includes three different kinds of chips, but I always like to add more :)

Oh, I've been AWOL for a bit and had to go back to your last thread to catch up. That was lucky, because you had read The Intimate City: Walking New York, which sounds great.

I'll be interested to hear what you and your book club thought of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. We read it in one of our book clubs a few months ago.

>82 ffortsa: - Judy, try to find the audio of The Intimate City - it's excellent. I think you'll love it.

I'll be sure to report back on THaEGS - it'll be my first time at this book group. I hope it's a good one...

I'll be interested to see your thoughts on The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store!

>84 curioussquared: - It's good in the early going so far...

Just finished this puzzle yesterday:



1000 piece Galison "Novel Neighborhood"

Wow, that's impressive Katie. I love the bookish theme.

>86 katiekrug: Coolness! I'm in awe of your spatial relations skills.

>86 katiekrug: I love it Katie! I've been in the midst of a 1500 pieces Heye Puzzle and I have to get back to it. It's a bit challenging, but mostly I just have been reading. I need to get an audio book on the go and then do two things at once. I made quite a good chocolate cake last night, nothing special , just a 6 minute Chocolate cake and I iced it today. But not before my husband ate 1/4 of the cake before I could ice it. But he is very slim and can afford to that. Not me!

>87 lauralkeet: - It was a fun one, Laura. It didn't come through in the photo, but there were shiny gold bits to it.

>88 richardderus: - More like my trial and error skills... :)

>89 vancouverdeb: - I think I've only ever done one 1500 piece puzzle, Deborah. I am limited by the size of my puzzle board.

Oooh, chocolate cake! Yes, please! I'm with Dave, I don't need icing. Unlike Dave, I can't eat a quater of a cake without consequences :)

TGIF! It's grey and gloomy here, and the temperature dropped significantly. I don't mind - saves on a/c :) It was excellent sleeping weather last night, with the windows open.

I had a nice day yesterday with a good balance of being productive and having book time. The new stir fry recipe was a success, though The Wayne and I agreed we'd like the sauce a little less sweet and a little more hot. Easy enough to adjust for next time. I just need to remember to put a note on a Post-It and stick it in the cookbook.

Also worth noting was my excellent lunch - I made some tuna salad and ate it with leftover cucumber and red onion salad, and it was SO GOOD. I'm going to make that a regular thing.

Tonight, we are going to our friends Ed and Alice's place for a game night. I need to find the right beer for the cheese spread I'm attempting. TW thinks I should use a dunkel, as it will be darker and have a stronger flavor than the German lager I got. Our usual beer and wine store is in the process of moving, so pickings were slim, so I'll have to go elsewhere. I also need to make a pan of brownies, and whomp up some curried chicken salad for finger sandwiches. So lots of time in the kitchen this afternoon...

Books:
I gave up on my audio (From the Jump) yesterday. Like the one before it, which I also abandoned, I found the main female character really annoying. I'm sure it's intentional and she'll be redeemed or whatever, but I didn't care enough to continue. In its place, I started The Shades, which started off well.

I also read a decent chunk of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, which is good. I did find a weird problem with the timeline, which kind of annoyed me, but I'm trying to get over it :)

Viewing:
This week's episode of 'Top Chef.' I'm really enjoying this season.

WHEE!

Wordle 1,056 2/6

🟨🟩🟨⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

DEITY, MEDIA

Congrats on Wordle in 2, Katie! You guys are going to have quite a feast tonight. Sounds like fun.

I've read The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store so I'm interested in the "weird problem with the timeline." Care to elaborate with spoiler tags?

>93 lauralkeet: - My 2s are so rare, Laura. I have to share them :)

Our hosts are providing about 6 other apps, so yes, definitely a feast!

Weird timeline thing: Chona's father is said to come over to the US in 1915. Chona is described as "American born" by Moshe. But she's 17 when they meet in ~1924. I may have missed something or gotten confused, or something is revealed later? I don't know, but it's bugging me!

>91 katiekrug: I'm totally with TW on the beer needed. I'd use stout, because its sweetness goes well with the sharpness of cheese, but "stronger than later" is the thing that appeals.

Don't let the gloomy skies invade your mood! Today I'm also battling the doom-monster because my review's of such a dark book...but nay nay nay, onward until the sun shines again!

>94 katiekrug: ohh that's weird Katie, I didn't notice that when I read it.

>86 katiekrug: That one looks like a lot of fun too! I like the dogs at the bottom. :)

>95 richardderus: - Maybe I'll look for a German stout instead.

I like gloom, so it doesn't tend to affect my mood - unless it lasts for months on end...

>96 lauralkeet: - I'm finding it very distracting! Must. Let. It. Go.

>97 ursula: - IT was fun and just the right level of challenging for me.

I'm dragging this morning, as we were out late, and I had some wine... I am too old for climbing into bed at 1:00am. But we had a lot of fun, and there is nothing much on the agenda today, so it's all good.

Books:
Still on the same two.

Viewing:
Nada.

>99 katiekrug: Did you see the lights while y'all were out? It was cloudy here when I tried.

>100 richardderus: - Nope, it was still drizzly and overcast :(

>101 katiekrug: Heck! I was hoping someone would've seen 'em nearby. Oh well.

>70 katiekrug: I can get Rumours through Hoopla although who knows when I will actually get to it, lol.

>86 katiekrug: Nice! I picked up a couple of new puzzles for my mother - the Ravensburger Large Format ones that she prefers - for Mother's Day. I am heading to Longview on the 24th so I imagine that I will be getting some puzzling in then.

Have a super Saturday!

>102 richardderus: - The Wayne said there might be something visible tonight...

>103 alcottacre: - Oh, that's great, Stasia. Yay for Hoopla.

I love puzzling. It's a rare day when I don't spend at least an hour working one.

Hope you have a great day too!

B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

I don't have much to say about this one - it was a fun, fast read, and I really like Kinsey as a character. I'll keep reading 'em!

3.5 stars

>104 katiekrug: I am living in hope that he's correct because it's cloudless and gorgeous and expected to stay that way! *pleasepleaseplease goddesses*

>105 katiekrug: I've been enjoying working my way through the alphabet -- hope you do too :)

>86 katiekrug: I love the puzzle.

I am on "I" in the Milhone series, Katie. Are you reading or listening to them. I have found that the audiobooks are very good.

>106 richardderus: - It got cloudy over us last night, so no joy...

>107 RebaRelishesReading: - They are fun "filler" books, and I'll definitely keep going.

>108 BLBera: - I've been reading cheap paperbacks of them, as they are easy to find at used books sales/stores. But I wouldn't mind doing some of them on audio, and my library seems to have a lot...

I was pretty useless yesterday, as I felt like poo for much of the day. I rallied around 4pm, and we got a quick bite to eat. Then I just vegged until it was a not-embarrassing hour to go to bed. Slept great and feel much better.

It's grey and drizzly here again. I might go to the grocery store, but I might not. We'll see how stir-crazy I get. I probably will do some laundry though. I think The Wayne is planning to do work, so that's no fun... Dinner is up in the air.

Books:
I'm closing in on 100 pages to go in The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and I should finish the audio of The Shades today.

Viewing:
Stupid Rangers lost.

Sorry you missed out on the northern lights due to clouds, Katie. I was dead tired and conked out at 10:30 on Friday night but pictures from friends in the area were amazing. Lots of pinks in with the usual greens.

Whatever you get up to (or don't), I hope it's a fun Sunday.

Hope Sunday feels better.
I can't stay out to the wee small hours any more without it wiping out the next day. Not sure I was every very good at it.
I have no excuse for missing the aurora. I got home ~ 11pm, checked mail and stuff, saw some photos of the lights, thought "I must look outside" and went to bed! Seems they were mostly visible later, so I don't feel quite so bad!

>111 MickyFine: - Thanks, Micky! I'm thinking it's a stay-in-my-jammies kind of day. Cold and damp. The grocery store can wait :)

>112 Helenliz: - Yeah, yesterday was a total wash for me. But the game night was worth it.

I'm sort of bummed about not seeing the aurora, but I do love me some sleep :)

>109 katiekrug: I've been doing them as audio and enjoy them that way.

>110 katiekrug: Hope you're feeling better today, Katie.

For the first time in a week, I put on long trousers. Ugh, ick, bleeeccchhh.

>114 RebaRelishesReading: - Good to know, Reba. And yes, I felt much better yesterday :)

>115 richardderus: - I'd rather have long pants on than shorts!

Yesterday was good. We did some organizing of our store room/pantry and other minor things around the house. And we went out for sushi for dinner.

I'll go to the grocery store this morning and tend to some admin-y stuff in the afternoon. I forget what's on the menu for dinner - maybe mustard rubbed Panko chicken?

Books:
I'll finish up The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store today. Yesterday, I finished The Shades on audio and started Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year.

Viewing:
An episode each of 'Welcome to Wrexham' and 'It's Always Sunny...'

>116 katiekrug: When it's this cold, me too! It's really more that it's breezy than actually cold, but that's a semantic quibble. It's sure a lot prettier out today than yesterday...not.

I was pleased with this, since I took a long time to find words for guessed 1 and 2 (hadn't had coffee yet!).

Wordle 1,059 3/6

⬜⬜⬜🟩🟩
🟨⬜⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

SATIN, UNPIN, CUMIN

>118 richardderus: - Yup, grey and gloomy (but dry so far) here.

>119 katiekrug: Nice Wordling, Katie. I got it in 3 as well, by a different route. I can see where it might be difficult to find words for each guess, given where you started.

Mustard-rubbed panko chicken sounds pretty good!

>121 lauralkeet: - Turns out it's tacos tonight :)

Yum, sushi and tacos :) Nice wordling!

>120 katiekrug: We are getting all of your rain, Katie :) I am not sure how many hours it rained yesterday, but it was at least four.

Have a marvelous Monday!

>122 katiekrug: I have no problem with that. What time’s dinner? 😂

>125 lauralkeet: - Between 7:00 and 7:15. Better get a move-on, given I-95 traffic!

Yesterday went according to plan. Today I'll be working on some regular chores, including sorting paperwork. We're playing trivia tonight with friends.

Books:
I finished The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and started The Dogs of Littlefield, which is off to a good start. Same audio on the go.

Viewing:
Stupid Rangers lost.

The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz

A family is reeling from the death of their teenaged daughter and sister, and each deals with it in their own way. This is primarily the mother's story - a tale of grief, guilt, and blame. There is some gorgeous writing, but the characters are kept very much at a distance from the reader and the final act didn't have the pay-off that I think it was intended to have.

3.5 stars

Side note: Citkowitz was married to the late actor Julian Sands.

We came in first at trivia last night, but there were only 4 teams. Our regular location cancelled the contest in favor of the Knicks playoff game, so we played at an Italian restaurant (same trivia company) that does BOGO pizza on Tuesdays. I got a really delicious apple, cheddar, and bacon personal pie. Leftovers for breakfast!

It's still grey and damp here. I'll make a quick run to the grocery store for a few things, and I need to tidy up for Maribel. Otherwise, it should be a quiet day. Chicken with couscous and some kind of veg for dinner tonight.

Books:
I'm really enjoying The Dogs of Littlefield and am already more than halfway through it. It's an interesting mash-up of John Cheever, Elinor Lipman, and Stephen King... The audio of Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year continues to be enjoyable, too.

Viewing:
Nada.

I just realized I missed a couple of messages! Deepest apologies - I blame LTing on my phone...

>123 curioussquared: - Nothing wrong with either sushi or tacos! A place near us does sushi tacos but I have not been tempted :)

>124 alcottacre: - I don't think you can blame your rain on me, Stasia - weather tends to move west to east. But we are also very damp, so you have my sympathies!

Katie, thanks so much for your review of The Appeal! I swallowed it just about whole, loving the device that puts the reader right there with the investigators.

>131 ffortsa: - I'm glad you enjoyed it, Judy! Apparently, there is a sequel of sorts set during the holidays - The Christmas Appeal.

>130 katiekrug: Yeah, I keep seeing places that offer sushi burritos and I'm just not interested, lol.

>133 curioussquared: - Oh, that seems even weirder. I do like when restaurants have barely seared tuna on fried wonton wrappers with garnishes. Sort of sushi nachos?

>134 katiekrug: Now that I would totally go for!

Delurking to say Hi! and Happy Wednesday!!

>135 curioussquared: - And now I'm hungry...

>136 Berly: - Hi Kim!

Bit of a busy day here, as Maribel the cleaner comes this morning, Nuala goes to day care, I have things to tend to in my office, Nuala gets picked up from day care, I make dinner, and then I am going to a book club meeting this evening. It'll be my first time with this group, and I hope they aren't annoying :)

Books:
I finished The Dogs of Littlefield last night before turning out the light, and this morning I've started the next-for-me in the In Death series. Still listening to Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year on audio.

Viewing:
An episode of 'Welcome to Wrexham.'

>129 katiekrug: Yay for coming in first at trivia!

>130 katiekrug: More rain is coming down today unfortunately. Our yard is a swamp.

>131 ffortsa: >132 katiekrug: I ordered a copy of The Appeal since you both liked it. Not sure when it will be here, but I am hoping it arrives before I head to my mother's next week.

>139 alcottacre: - I read in the NYT about the terrible rains in East Texas. I hope your mother hasn't been affected, Stasia.

>138 katiekrug: I hope all the busyness goes smoothly today, and the book club isn't filled with irritating people.

*smooch*

>141 richardderus: - Not quite as busy as I expected, since I opted to forget about doing productive things and binge part 1 of Bridgerton s3 instead :)

Fingers crossed for no (or not many) irritating people!

>142 katiekrug: excellent, binge watching TV beats chores any day.
How was Bridgerton? Seen a less than stellar review.
Hope book club is full of non-annoying people. But still with enough interesting discussion.

>142 katiekrug: I am also rejecting productivity in favor of binge watching Bridgerton currently 😁

I've not watched Briderton, but I am watching a good series on Acorn TV or Britbox, called The Vanishing Triangle, which is based on a true crime thing where women were kidnapped in the UK. It's really good, I think. it is Acorn TV, and here is a link. https://acorn.tv/vanishingtriangle/

Sushi tacos. What a country! 😀