MDGentleReader - very grateful for a the start of a new year - 2016

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MDGentleReader - very grateful for a the start of a new year - 2016

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1MDGentleReader
Jan 8, 2016, 8:41 pm

I like gentle reads by authors who like people and are even kind to the badly behaved characters in their books. A recent revelation is that I have a strong preference for character driven books. If the characters are believable, consistent and dealt with kindly by the author I can live without a strong plot. Well, for a few books in a row anyway :-). I'll try to find the quote from DES about why she thinks it is really important for an author to know his or her characters and have a pretty complete back story for each one even if it is never used explicitly in the book. Still can't find the quote. Grump.

This is my second try at keeping a reading thread, I already know that it will most likely not be updated regularly, but I'll try to keep track of my reading here and be better at responding to my kind visitors.

2MDGentleReader
Jan 8, 2016, 8:52 pm

Last years reads, heavy emphasis on re-reads:

Anna and her daughters 2015, TBSL
Bel Lamington 2015
The Bell Family2015
Between a heart and a rock place : a memoir 2015
The blue sapphire 2015
The call : a novel 2015
Canary yellow 2015
The cat sitter's nine lives 2015
Champion of the Chalet School GGBP, 2015
Changes for the Chalet School 2015
Charlotte Fairlie 2015, TBSL
The Corinthian TBSL, 2015
The corner shop 2015
CotillionTBSL, 2015
The Cow in the Parking Lot: A Zen Approach to Overcoming Anger 2015
Crystal Clear 2015
Deck with Flowers 2015
Devil's Cub 2015
Drina dances in Italy 2015
Drina Dances in Paris 2015
Family gathering 2015
Fardingales 2015
Five windows TBSL, 2015
The fledgling 2015
Fletchers End 2015
Frederica 2015
The friendly air 2015
The Gabriel hounds 2015
Gerald and Elizabeth2015
Gone-Away Lake TBSL, 2015
The grand SophyTBSL, 2015
The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe 2015
The house of the deer TBSL, 2015
The house on the cliff 2015
The housekeeper and the professor 2015
How Patients Should Think: 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Drugs, Tests, and Treatment 2015
In storm and in calm 2015
Jane of Lantern Hill TBSL, 2015
Jennings goes to school 2015
Katherine's Marriage 2015
Listening valley TBSL, 2015
Little Donkey: - a short story 2015
Mable Riley : a reliable record of humdrum, peril, and romance 2015
Madcap Miss 2015
Mama's bank account TBSL, 2015
Manners & Mutiny (Finishing School Series) 2015
Mayhem and Miranda 2015
Mermaid House 2015
Miss Pettigrew lives for a day TBSL, 2015
Mom can't see me 2015
Mrs Tim carries on : leaves from the diary of an officer's wife in the year 1940 TBSL, 2015
Mrs. Lorimer's family 2015
Mrs. Tim flies home 2015, TBSL
Mrs. Tim gets a job TBSL 2015
Mrs. Tim of the Regiment: A Novel (Bloomsbury Group) 2015, TBSL
Music in the hills TBSL, 2015
My Friend Cousin Emmie 2015
My Friend Madame Zora 2015
My friend Muriel TBSL, 2015
My Friend Sandy gentle read, 2015
My Friend the Swallow gentle read, 2015
My Friends George and Tom gentle read, 2015
The Mystery at the Chalet School and Robin Heeds the Call 2015, GGBP
The Nonesuch 2015
The Nothing Girl 2015
One Night in London 2015
The past tense of love 2015
The pavilion 2015
The Penderwicks in spring 2015
Prudence 2015
Queenie Peavy 2015
Rainbow Hill TBSL, 2015
Regency Buck TBSL, 2015
The reluctant widow TBSL, 2015
Return match 2015
Return to Gone-Away 2015
Roman Holiday (The Chronicles of St. Mary's) 2015
Rosemary 2015, TBSL
A Scandalous Lady 2015
The secret language 2015
Shoulder the sky, a story of winter in the hills TBSL, 2015
Sprig muslin 2015, TBSL
Spring Magic TBSL, 2015
Sylvester, or, The wicked uncle TBSL, 2015
The talisman ring 2015
The tall stranger 2015, TBSL
The wonderful flight to the Mushroom Planet TBSL, 2015
These Old Shades2015, TBSL
The Toll-Gate TBSL, 2015
The unknown Ajax TBSL, 2015
Venetia TBSL, 2015
Vittoria Cottage TBSL, 2015
Winter solstice 2015
The wisdom of menopause : creating physical and emotional health during the change 2015

3MDGentleReader
Jan 8, 2016, 9:03 pm

The first two I want to hug when I am done. I was trying to decide why I agreed with 3.5 starts for the last in the series. The characters are well done, the ones from the previous 4 behave consistently. Elfrida Vipont really understood young people. They are all coming of age books, the first two about one family member, the second two about a younger relation of the first and the third, about a still younger, more distantly related relation. I think because there isn't much growth? And, perhaps the story could have been more polished or something. Not sure. I am sure that I will continue to re-read the whole series periodically. Comfort books and enough substance that I learn a little more about the characters and people in general with each re-read.

The Lark in the Morn TBSL
The Lark on the Wing TBSL
The Spring of the Year
Flowering Spring
The Pavilion

4MDGentleReader
Jan 8, 2016, 9:07 pm

My SIL is out of the hospital and her mother is there. I am hoping that her Mom will get the house cleaned to both their satisfactions and give my SIL some much needed TLC. She sounds so tired and discouraged - completely unlike herself. And, basically, there is a diagnosis now, but no relief in sight for symptoms. Some of the symptoms could last weeks, others months. None of the symptoms offer comfortable everyday living, much less a good nights rest. Also - still unsure of the cause.

5MDGentleReader
Jan 8, 2016, 9:09 pm

I work at a public Library - worth checking out of - guess! - the public library. Slender book, large print, written by a kind person - unlike other similar volumes.

6SylviaC
Jan 8, 2016, 9:30 pm

Reading your list of 2015 books is like looking around the room at my bookcases.

7SylviaC
Jan 8, 2016, 9:33 pm

It's good to hear that your SIL is out of the hospital, but it sounds like she still has a difficult time ahead. Hope having her mother there helps her out a bit.

8ronincats
Jan 8, 2016, 10:16 pm

Hoping for the best for your SIL. Good to see you here in the new year.

9fuzzi
Jan 8, 2016, 10:16 pm

Stopping by, and planning to be better this year at regularly checking threads...

:)

10Sakerfalcon
Jan 11, 2016, 6:50 am

>3 MDGentleReader: I love that series by Elfrida Vipont. The combination of music, Quakerism, and family is perfectly done. I haven't yet read The pavilion, but will get to it this year.

>4 MDGentleReader: Keeping your SIL and the whole family in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds as though the next few weeks and months will be difficult but I hope that light manages to break through the darkness.

11MDGentleReader
Jan 23, 2016, 10:57 am

7> I think having her mother there helped a great deal. It is still very difficult. She sprained her ankle just before our ski trip. She was upset about missing skiing, but finally saw the a day of rest might be a good thing, she rarely gets them. Also, once she gets cold, she stays cold for a very long time (most of the day), it was really better for her to be inside.

8> Thank you. I had plans to be here more often, but life has gotten in the way. I am snowed in for a few days, so I get to catch up a bit now.

10> They are among my very favorite books. I love how honesty including the honesty of being yourself is emphasized. I have a friend who is Quaker. She and her husband built a lovely blended family of 5 tweens and teens. When you see the children interacting with their parents, there is no way to tell who is the step and who is the biological parent. Relations with the other parents are also good. Amazing.

Thank you for your kindness about my sister-in-law. We spent last weekend with them. When she is focused on her children, it is all about them. When she rests for a moment, her entire body radiates misery. Heart breaking.

12fuzzi
Jan 23, 2016, 11:00 am

>11 MDGentleReader: your SIL remains in my prayers.

13MDGentleReader
Jan 23, 2016, 11:05 am

I realized that I left one book out of my reckoning for last year. I have started taking Alexander Technique lessons in my quest to be more and more flexible as the decades roll along. My only real homework is something called constructive rest. I lay on my back with my knees up and my head resting on some paperback books to get my neck in alignment. When I was done one day I started reading one of the paperbacks - The Saturdays. This year, that led to reading sequels - The Four-Story Mistake, Then There Were Five. Now I am reading another from that stack - The View From Saturday, lovely book.

I am currently snowed in. I won't even start shoveling until tomorrow after the winds die down a bit. Haven't done much reading yet. Been taking advantage of having electricity ( that could change with the high winds coming) and running appliances, cleaning house and sitting around listening to music. Slept about 12 hours last night. Guess I was worn out from working extra hours to make up for being out of work earlier in the week and in anticipation of missing hours due to the snow.

14MDGentleReader
Jan 23, 2016, 11:09 am

3 library holds came in at once last week. The Etymologicon, El Deafo and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell you She's Sorry. I dipped into all of them fairly soon, but have finished none of them. Am closest on El Deafo. The Etymologicon is one to read a bit at a time, I think.

15ronincats
Jan 23, 2016, 1:07 pm

Stay warm and safe, happy reading!

16SylviaC
Jan 23, 2016, 1:48 pm

I have The Etymologicon waiting in my Audible library. I'll have to look for El Deafo—it looks interesting.

17Sakerfalcon
Jan 25, 2016, 6:31 am

>13 MDGentleReader: Oooh, the Melendy family books are such good reads! Perfect for when you need something comforting.

18MDGentleReader
Jan 26, 2016, 10:40 am

>16 SylviaC: My library didn't have El Deafo when I first looked for it - it was actually on my Amazon Wish List. I thought it was really good.

>17 Sakerfalcon: They are good reads and very comforting. I also like The Penderwicks for the same kind of thing - and the Haverard books, too (see 3>).

So, I thought I'd get caught up on threads yesterday, I did not have to go in to work. Got caught up in some grieving work. So many hours were spent doing puzzles, brought back memories of some of the fairly recent deaths in my life. So, emotionally spent and then physically spent from shoveling walking.

Delayed opening for work today. will leave shortly and head to the grocery store first.

Did finish up a few books that I had started on my Kindle.

The Black Moth. Written by Georgette Heyer at 17.

First World War Britain: 1914-1919 (Shire Living Histories). short, disconnected, interesting.

No Greatness Without Goodness Not all that well written and tried to be a business book with inspiring quotes at the end of each chapter, some of which were a stretch (for me anyway). However, inspiring story, short, easy, interesting read. Also, a cause dear to my heart. I've always chosen Walgreens over any other drug store when given a choice. Now I have an idea why.

Off to work...

19MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 9:37 pm

>15 ronincats: Warmer now, although it was 30F and really windy Monday morning. Brrr.

>16 SylviaC: Wound up returning Etymologicon to the library before finishing. Perhaps some day I'll get it in Kindle format. Or not. Or from the library again when I go on vacation. Other books were more compelling.

Copying this from where I put it on last year's thread?!? Feb 23.
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Have started anne of Green Gables series. Am in Anne of Avonlea right now. Sitting in jury lounge right now waiting to find out if we'll be able to leave soon.

read The War That Saved My Life recently. Thought it was really good. Slowly reading The Summer Book and delaying the end of My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry.

Had a really wonderful trip to Richmond, Virginia last weekend. Glad this week's storm forecast changed to rain. Tired of difficult walking and driving and having to work extra on days we go into work to make up time.

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During the Richmond trip, we stumbled upon a bookstore I had heard about for years - the Black Swan. I got a nice hardback of The little Broomstick, but left The Circus is COming on the shelf - too expensive and not nearly as compelling as the Mary Stewart.

Have gotten up to Rainbow Valley in the Anne series.

Recently read Hattie Ever After - really enjoyed it, liked it even better than Hattie Big Sky.

Also enjoyed The Agency A Spy in the House and the next one in the series The Agency The Body at the Tower. I'll continue reading the series. Young Adult set in Victorian England. Brave, resourceful, but not perfect nor perfectly stupid heroine. Some willingness to overlook coincidence needed, but, I think pretty accurate portrayal of the lot of women in the time period.

Another series I will continue, although not as avidly is Untimely Death. Cozy involving a Shakespearean company in the Catskills - new cast members every summer, that's how you find more victims :-).

20MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 9:47 pm

Death Wears a Mask is a series I most likely will not continue with. Not too keen on the marital angst involving the heroine and just not all that compelling. Not awful, or anything, just not great.

Currently reading The Grand Plan to Fix Everything - cute so far. Middle grade book. Somewhat typical of the best of them, I think.

Started The CHequer Board, put it down after the first chapter, did not like the narrator for that chapter. Glad I picked it back up, although I needed to read the first chapter again to figure out why I had such a negative view of the characters whose stories were revealed later :-). I have been picking up a lot of Nevil Shute titles in Kindle format. The one I was most excited about was Slide Rule - I've been looking for that in used books for awhile. Confession: I own two slide rules a full sized one and a much smaller "pocket" version. Not sure I could perform much math with them at this point - never was very good a division with them.

I'm sure there a few more titles that have slipped my mind, but wanted to catch up here a little bit.

21SylviaC
Editado: Mar 31, 2016, 10:13 pm

I'm glad you persisted with The Chequer Board. It is possibly my favourite Nevil Shute book, although that can be subject to change while I'm reading others. I haven't read Slide Rule yet. What editions are you getting for Kindle? Are they well edited? I saw that there are lots of generic-looking inexpensive ones, but I'm not sure what their quality is like.

22ronincats
Mar 31, 2016, 10:36 pm

Okay, I posted on the 2015 thread when it showed up earlier, welcoming you back. Didn't even notice it was the wrong year. So, welcome back! We missed you.

23MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 10:53 pm

21> mostly Vintage International, they seem fine.

22> well, I posted there first :-). That was silly of me.

24MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 10:55 pm

>22 ronincats: thank you the welcome. The excitement over Elizabeth Cadell helped me realize just how very much of missed my tribe of fellow readers. I'll try not to stay away so long again.

25MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 10:58 pm

Another book I read, Dear Cary. It was cheap on Kindle. I enjoyed getting to know Dyan Cannon a bit. Cary Grant, not so much. I don't quite regret the time spent reading it.

26ronincats
Mar 31, 2016, 10:59 pm

Elizabeth Cadell excitement ? Where!?! I love Elizabeth Cadell!

27MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 11:03 pm

>26 ronincats: so far, The Fledgling and the Corner Shop available on Kindle in US. Plans are for 53 titles in total, first on Kindle, supposedly world-wide. Then there is talk of hardbacks. A bit giddy about the thought of getting a copy of blue Sky of Spring...

28MDGentleReader
Mar 31, 2016, 11:04 pm

>26 ronincats: I also heard an unpublished work was found and is to be published.

29SylviaC
Abr 1, 2016, 8:00 am

Death and Miss Dane was published in paperback not long ago. I wonder if it's that one, or if there's another.

30SylviaC
Abr 1, 2016, 8:05 am

By the way, did you know that there are lots of Jane Duncan books available for Kindle, at a very reasonable price? (I've still only read the first one.)

31MDGentleReader
Abr 1, 2016, 8:42 am

>30 SylviaC: I did snag a copy of My Friends the Macleans as my hardback with the nice cover disappeared and I could not find a good replacement. Not one of my favorites, but it does continue some stories of characters that appear in many places in the series. I really enjoy the books and My Friends George and Tom is definitely a bring out of my burning home book. I don't generally recommend them, though. I just don't see them to everyone's taste, although they sold well when they came out. Some of the phrases she uses in some of the books I just really enjoy and by now the books are old, well remembered friends. (Pun not avoided).

32SylviaC
Abr 1, 2016, 10:43 am

I would like to read at least My Friend Muriel, and My Friends George and Tom.

33MDGentleReader
Abr 1, 2016, 12:22 pm

>32 SylviaC: Those are my two favorites.

Elizabeth Cadell love here on LibraryThing: Elizabeth Cadell re-publishing news - I'm hearing about it on an Elizabeth Cadell e-mail list and I understand that there is also news on Facebook (I am not on Facebook).

34fuzzi
Abr 1, 2016, 2:01 pm

So, how did you like the Anne books?

35MDGentleReader
Abr 2, 2016, 10:34 pm

>34 fuzzi: I find that I enjoy them different ways at different ages. I really enjoyed them this time through, still have Rilla of Ingleside left. Not quite ready for that right now although it is one of my favorites.

When were you introduced to Anne?

>32 SylviaC: your posts prompted me to look for My Friends George and Tom in Kindle format. Score! I am a little embarrassed about how much I spent on my hardback copy. It was, however, only 3/5 of the cost I had been tracking for years, though. For favorites, especially, I do like a hard back copy. It is awfully handy to have a Kindle copy for travel, though.

36fuzzi
Abr 2, 2016, 11:28 pm

>35 MDGentleReader: I don't think I discovered the Anne books until I watched the series starring Megan Follows, mid-80's I believe.

37MDGentleReader
Abr 12, 2016, 1:38 pm

>26 ronincats: I have not seen any production live, big screen or small of these books. I do not remember when I didn't know about them, though. My Dad's sister was name Anne with an "e" for a reason :-).

Read Rilla of Ingleside last week when I have home not feeling well.

Also read Slide Rule Slight book with Nevil Shute's kindness and generosity present throughout. Not that I agree with some of the statements he makes about how some things work in the economy and government, although they are reasonable conclusions based on his experiences. I do not regret reading it, but not really sure I could recommend it except to a fan - and even then, at a decent price.

Exciting news - Five Windows Peter West and The English Air have been re-published by Grey Ladies!! Has anyone read Peter West?

38SylviaC
Abr 12, 2016, 1:57 pm

I'll probably read Slide Rule someday, but it doesn't sound like there's any rush.

Haven't read Peter West, and I don't intend to. It sounds way too dreary. I was very happy to get a copy of Five Windows, though, which I have only read once from the library.

39MDGentleReader
Abr 12, 2016, 2:05 pm

>38 SylviaC: I had planned on skipping Peter West, but I considered getting it just to encourage Greyladies to keep going. Pondering.

I am excited about Five Windows although I already have a copy. That is the one I most wanted to see get reprinted.

40MDGentleReader
Editado: Abr 13, 2016, 3:47 pm

Happy Money, mostly this confirms what I already felt about spending money. Nice to have some solid reasons for those beliefs both for when I spend my money wisely and when I don't. I normally don't appreciate when authors inject themselves into a book and address the reader directly, but I think in this book it is done very well. It is used to interject humor when the subject matter gets a bit dry and is both funny and effective. It is also used to reinforce what has been said with the backing of scientific studies. I believe that I am about halfway through at this point. Recommended.

Lady with a Black Umbrella one of the better Mary Balogh's I've read. Perfect light historical romance for when I was having trouble sleeping.

412wonderY
Abr 13, 2016, 7:57 am

touchstoning
Happy Money

42MDGentleReader
Abr 13, 2016, 3:48 pm

>41 2wonderY: Thanks! I just clicked on edit and saved the message and the Touchstone worked in my message, too, I hope they get this Touchstone stuff figured out soon.

43MDGentleReader
Abr 14, 2016, 2:22 pm

About halfway through How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live, so far it has been a thought provoking read; in fact, most of my reading is right before bed, so I started another, less thought-provoking book, too. (see below). I'll have a better idea of whether or not this book is a definite recommend when I get to the exercises. I've certainly learned some things even though I've been studying the technique for a bit and taking lessons. Ventures a bit in to New Agey language, but not excessively so, in my opinion. I like the specific examples given, I think they are quite helpful. She also manages to tell the Alexander story from a somewhat different perspective, one that avoids a lot of fawning over the man himself, something I really appreciate.

Started Rivals in the City which is 4th in the series, I could tell there was one book in between this one and the last one I read, but it written in such away it could stand alone without boring folks who've read the others.

44ronincats
Abr 14, 2016, 4:16 pm

>43 MDGentleReader: I'll wait for your reviews on that one.

45MDGentleReader
Abr 19, 2016, 6:51 pm

Well, 6 holds have come in. Very little time for reading right now, what was I thinking? I've had trouble getting over to the library to pick them up.

The thrilling adventures of Lovelace and Babbage
Us conductors : in which I seek the heart of Clara Rockmore, my one true love, finest theremin player the world will ever know : a novel
The terrible two
The hired girl
Madame Sarah
Founding sisters and the Nineteenth Amendment

Spent the weekend on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. I'll try to post some pictures soon. Why have I not done this before? Gorgeous and so close.... Beautiful sunset from Solomons Island Sunday evening. I feel so very fortunate to live where I do. Rivers, forests, gardens, short drive to the Bay, slightly longer drive to the mountains, plays and concerts every night of the week if I wished ( and didn't need to save for retirement), a large number of free museums, history, politics (no place is perfect). Latest concert was Mavis Staples. She has made it her goal in life to bring joy. She succeeds, amply. An amazing amount of love in the room at that concert.

46fuzzi
Abr 19, 2016, 9:25 pm

>45 MDGentleReader: thanks for sharing. I would love to see your pictures...

47aviddiva
Abr 20, 2016, 3:16 pm

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on US Conductors. That one has been on my radar for a bit, although I have yet to get my hands on a copy.

48MDGentleReader
Abr 27, 2016, 2:51 pm

>46 fuzzi: Pictures are not mine. The first attempt to send failed. It'll be a little bit before there is a chance to try again. Been very busy.

>47 aviddiva: Mostly done reading Us Conductors, well written, fascinating subject. What a life Lev Termen had. I was a little frustrated that it is a fictionalized account, but it does seem that some facts about major happenings in his life are just not known for sure. I guess it builds a more coherent narrative to pick a possibility and run with it.

Also reading Kitchen Table Wisdom as my dip in/dip out, lift me up book. Some "chapters" are less than two pages long. It is a good book, but some of the topics were a little heavier and thought provoking than I was looking for in this kind of read. I snagged it from a Little Free Library in Solomons Island, so I will be able to revisit it, something I will definitely do. The author is an physician who has suffered from Crohn's disease for 60 years, so she has insight into two sides of medical care. I will look for her book My Grandfather's Blessings. I wish that I had known about the Commonweal Cancer Help Program that she co-founded when my Mom was diagnosed. Back then I was making phone calls and receiving literature via snail mail. It is a different world now.

I managed to pull off a surprise milestone birthday party for my Sweetie this weekend. It went very well. He was surprised and everyone seemed to have a great time. One person said something about doing this every week - and he drove from Philadelphia to attend!

Getting the party together is what made the last few weeks busy. Now we enter our usual busy time of year. To our normal birthday celebrations, gaming convention, traveling to spend time with 20 some odd friends at a beach house and Mother's Day celebration we add a wedding this year. This year, soon after the busy time I travel to NC for nieces' dance recital and my brother's birthday, then to West Virginia for a family vacation. All good times, but work, laundry, chores, paperwork still need to happen somehow.

492wonderY
Abr 27, 2016, 3:13 pm

>48 MDGentleReader: My sister just gave me My Grandfather's Blessings!

Where do you go in West Virginia?

50SylviaC
Abr 27, 2016, 3:13 pm

Glad to hear the party went off well! Happy Birthday to your Sweetie for his milestone birthday! (Mine is only a few days away.)

Sounds like you'll be busy running the roads for the next few months. Hope you manage to slip in some reading time, just for relaxation!

51MDGentleReader
Abr 27, 2016, 5:54 pm

>49 2wonderY: You'll have to let me know how you like it. We are going to stay near Bryce Resort, I think Basye is the closest town. Coincidentally, we will be there for Bryce Fest weekend. A lot closer to you than I am right now, but still a ways away... The closest town to where my cousin-in-law's folks live in West Virginia is Linn. We tried to pick a place between locations in MD, VA, NC and WVA.

>50 SylviaC: I thought that yours was quite soon! His birthday is actually next week. I'll definitely bring books. May only manage to do much reading on the Beach trip, though.

52MDGentleReader
Editado: Abr 28, 2016, 7:19 am

Acquisitions from Greyladies:
Parson's nine by Noel Streatfeild
Near neighbours by Molly Clavering
Pink sugar by O. Douglas
Five Windows by D E Stevenson

ETC; tried to fix TOuchstones...

53SylviaC
Abr 28, 2016, 9:22 am

Ooh, nice! I need to get Near Neighbours sometime.

54fuzzi
Abr 30, 2016, 9:37 am

Let me know when and where you'll be in NC. If there's time, I'd love to sit down with you for a cuppa. :)

55MDGentleReader
Maio 2, 2016, 12:34 pm

>54 fuzzi: There is never time :-(. Every visit is a whirlwind of activities even with no special occasion. One of my jobs as Auntie is to hang out with my nieces so that my brother and his wife get a break from parenting. In addition, this visit covers a dance recital, my brother's birthday and Father's Day. I have a friend who lives in Durham and I realized awhile ago that there was never going to even be time for a cup of coffee with her when I was in the area.

56MDGentleReader
Maio 2, 2016, 1:15 pm

I stayed at a Country Inn & Suites over the weekend. One of this chain's amenities is a Read It and & Return Lending Library. Of course, I perused the shelves.

While I think of it I want to share an experience I had while I was perusing the shelves with folks who will understand, I think. As I was looking through the titles, someone working at the hotel was straightening the books. They way she handled the books was like nails on a chalkboard to me. She handled them as if they were just chunks of cardboard and paper she had to shift around as part of her job. I don't actually think I've ever seen that behavior before - certainly not at any library or bookstore I've been in. I am not even sure how to describe it. I wanted to look at the books on the shelves that she was tidying and she said that there were books on the other side. I went eagerly to the other side of the wall only to find that she meant the section that I had already looked through. I explained that, but when didn't budge from her book slamming activity to allow me to see the books I had not yet seen. Other hotels in this chain I have been to thoughtfully group the books according to genre, mysteries, non-fiction, children's books, etc. Not so this one. No readers at all to tend to the books? Depressing. That is an "other duty as assigned" that I would leap at if I worked there.

Anyway, I did find a few books to look at.

As proof that we do not all have the same sense of humor, I offer up Pet peeves, or, Whatever happened to Doctor Rawff?. It was a do not finish for me, but it get s 4.75 rating here on LibraryThing. To me, the humor was very forced. It was either tongue in cheek or insulting and condescending to supposed writers of letters to a vet who gives advice to pet owners. Whatever, it didn't work for me, but obviously worked very well indeed for others.

The Power of Kindness for Teens has sweet stories of kindness involving teens. A slender book that I read most of, but snagged for the quotes about kindness scattered about in the text. I intend to copy them to the appropriate forum here.

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think A Dr. Seuss that I had not read. Cute little board book.

Marshes: The Disappearing Edens - I only looked at the pictures. I'd like to read it sometime, but it seemed too valuable a book to take away the only copy from the hotel's collection for an unknown amount of time. Not sure when I'll make it back to that hotel chain. There are no hotels very close to me and I am quite busy for a while yet. Amazing photographs if you ever get a chance to look. I need to try to remember the marshes in Maryland and Virginia that he presented photographs from. They are places that I have not visited, although I've certainly seen similar scenery and been to places where the birds he photographed can be seen, just not by me :-(.

I have given up looking for the title of the last one. I'll record it here when I have it in hand. Another slender book that implied that it had quotes from the elderly about hope. Searching for the title just depressed me. Everything I found was focused on the burdens of elder care and how to give the aged and their caregivers hope and wisdom. Nothing about how hope and wisdom can be learned from folks who have lived for a long time and seen and experienced a great deal. The ratio of articles and books implying that the elderly are a burden versus a resource has really gotten me down. Unfortunately, I think that it reflects societal attitudes about the elderly pretty accurately.

58MrsLee
Maio 3, 2016, 10:12 am

>56 MDGentleReader: As a former hotel manager who installed books in every room and a lobby bookcase, I feel your pain. I was fortunate to have a staff of, if not avid readers, at least readers, and some were avid, so our books were taken care of.

I wish you had borrowed the book on Marshes. I don't know how that hotel works, but at mine there was a sticker inside with something like this, "Feel free to take me home, and when you return, either bring me back, or something in similar condition." People loved it. They would try to pay us for the books, but I always told them it was a gift for them to enjoy. I picked all of them up at the FotL sales, or books I had read but not wanted to keep. So patrons would sometimes come in with a large bag/s of books for us. Frequently someone would stop by to return a book saying they couldn't stay, just wanted to bring the book back. I even had people ship them back to me! I really miss that part of hotel work. Sadly, since I have left, the new manager doesn't give a rip about books, so I fear it is falling by the wayside.

As a person who has been blessed to live with her grandmother until she was 96, a grandfather until he was 99, and now my mother who is 85, I agree with you in your sorrow over current attitudes about the elderly. I won't deny that it can be difficult, but focusing on the blessing changes a lot of negative attitude.

59MDGentleReader
Maio 4, 2016, 9:21 pm

More purchases that I don't have time to read...

Before the Chalet School - a prequel by Helen Barber.
The Ballet Family Again - I really enjoyed the first one. I'll save this for when I need a comfort read.
The Scholarship Girl at Cambridge - my first Josephine Elder book.

60MDGentleReader
Maio 4, 2016, 9:26 pm

>58 MrsLee: I have to admit that one reason I did not bring it with me was space. I had my Kindle and 6 books with me for the ones I had decided to take with me. The only reading I did was the books from the hotel library and that was pretty minimal.

What distresses me is the almost non-existent talk about the blessings. I love talking to the elderly, they've seen it all, lived it all and to me, often have a much better sense of proportion about life events.

61Sakerfalcon
Maio 7, 2016, 6:11 am

>59 MDGentleReader: I really liked The ballet family and its sequel. It was a nice change to read a ballet book where the protagonist isn't a dancer.

62MDGentleReader
Maio 7, 2016, 11:58 am

>61 Sakerfalcon: Yes, it is.

63MDGentleReader
Maio 13, 2016, 9:58 am

Payers, white light, good wishes for my sister-in-law, please. Oral surgery right now, lots of infection and medically compromised immune system. Scary stuff.

64SylviaC
Maio 13, 2016, 10:23 am

Best wishes to her and to her family. Hugs!

65MDGentleReader
Maio 13, 2016, 1:17 pm

>64 SylviaC: Thanks.

Surgery went well. Whew!

66fuzzi
Maio 14, 2016, 10:15 am

67MDGentleReader
Maio 14, 2016, 2:02 pm

>66 fuzzi: Thank you, that infection needs to go.

682wonderY
Maio 14, 2016, 4:43 pm

Blessings to your sister in law and family. Holding them up.

69MDGentleReader
Maio 14, 2016, 11:14 pm

>68 2wonderY: Thank you. They could use it - it's been a rough few years, but especially since last fall.

70MDGentleReader
Maio 15, 2016, 7:12 pm

For no particular external reason I can find, I've been looking for comfort reads lately.

The Ballet Family Again and Near Neighbours have fit the bill nicely. The former I recommend to those who like children's ballet stories, but would enjoy the change of pace of a main character who does not dance herself. The latter I recommend to thos who enjoyed Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. It is a bit gentler, even than Miss Pettigrew, but the same deft hand with characters. Also, much kindness, by the author to her characters, even those who behave badly and by many of the characters to one another. The writing is not quite as good, and the dialogue not nearly so snappy as in Miss Pettigrew- most of the main characters are in their teens. Still, this is another I expect to re-read now and again.

71SylviaC
Maio 15, 2016, 7:42 pm

I really do need to get Near Neighbours. I liked Mrs. Lorimer's Family, which is supposed to be inspired by D.E. Stevenson and her family, but I've heard that Near Neighbours is Clavering's best book. I'll probably order a copy in a month or so, when the money is flowing more freely.

72MDGentleReader
Maio 16, 2016, 2:35 pm

>71 SylviaC: I enjoyed Mrs. Lorimer's Family, but Near Neighbours is better. Near Neighbours is one I will probably re-read periodically.

Read Before the Chalet School: The Bettanys on the Home Front yesterday. Well done prequel to the Chalet School series. The very beginning of the book is the start of World War I, so there is some insight into English society during the Great War.

73Sakerfalcon
Maio 20, 2016, 2:01 pm

>72 MDGentleReader: The Bettanys on the home front is on my Tbr pile. I'm glad you liked it.

74MDGentleReader
Jun 6, 2016, 6:19 pm

>73 Sakerfalcon: I hope that you do, too.

I recently finished Pink Sugar my first O. Douglas, I've already ordered The Day of Small Things and while checking for the title of that recent order, I found that I have The Setons on my Kindle. Perhaps I'll start that soon. Pink Sugar was lovely. Kirsty reminded me a bit of Mrs. Tim Christie, but with a difference experience of life. Kirsty has been very, very sheltered and has had very little chance to make decisions on her own and live with the consequences. Very kind, but not blind to the foibles of herself or others. A keen, gentle observer of the lives around her and prone to get herself into situations through her desire to help someone. I like people who are like Pink Sugar, seeing the best in others, bringing out the best in others and always emphasizing that which is lovely and decent while not denying or turning away from hardship or sadness. I thought the ending was a tad rushed, but I enjoyed the journey. This will be a fairly regular comfort re-read for me.

The Day the Rabbi Resigned. I am pretty sure that it was a decade or two at least since my last David Small book by Harry Kemelman. This is a mystery series, but my favorite part is not the mystery. It is usually the interaction between Rabbi Small and his wife Miriam, some of the drama that is typical of congregrations of many denominations in many places and the showing of character through conversation happening as it might in ordinary lives. As for the mystery, there are multiple solutions, it qualifies as a cozy - one is not too, too sorry the murder victim had to die to make the mystery. Do we get all the information we need along the way to solve the mystery? Not so much, but then, neither does Rabbi Small - until the very end, when we do, too. Was the ending satisfying? I thought it was a reasonable compromise between justice for the guilty and shielding of the innocent, but I would understand if others found it frustrating, if realistic. I thought it was one of the better ones in the series. Recommended if you enjoy well rounded characters, rabbinical thought processes in a cozy mystery and being educated about Judaism in a quick read.

The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine - another long running cozy mystery series. Again, this was one of my favorites in the series. We see some character development and are treated to the usual wise and perhaps some not so wise statements about the ways humans behave. Always lovely to visit Botswana as seen through the eyes of Precious Ramotswe and friends. I own some of the books in the series, but have not yet successfully made it through a re-read. This might be the only one I would actually re-read, although I do not own it.

I am currently reading Founding Sisters and the Nineteenth Amendment and The Thrilling Adventures of Babbage and Lovelace. The first is a short, well written history of the women who were instrumental in getting the vote for women. I shall consider other books by Eleanor Clift. The second is a GN about Lovelace and Babbage that is by turns very entertaining and a little bit too cute for my tastes. The very entertaining wins out - in both quality and quantity, though. I do expect it to be the first GN that I finish, however slowly. Oh, wait, I did finish (and enjoy) El Deafo, so this would be the second.

75fuzzi
Jun 6, 2016, 8:25 pm

Good to see you. :)

76SylviaC
Jun 7, 2016, 8:55 pm

I want to read more O. Douglas. It's just a matter of getting around to it. Babbage and Lovelace and El Deafo are also on my Want To Read list.

77MDGentleReader
Jun 13, 2016, 12:24 pm

Forgot to mention that I finished Madame Sarah, a woman of boundless energy and incredible talent. Would not have wanted to be a friend or relative, though. Largish book that managed to interest me throughout. Not stunning or anything, but I did not lose interest. Interesting to read about being a celebrity in the late 19th and early 20th century. Some things very different, some things haven't changed at all. Would have loved to see her on the stage, although I am not sure that I would care for many of the works she was in - tastes change.

Finished Parson's Nine, enjoyed it despite part of it taking place during WWI when some of the nine are old enough to go to war. Not a great read, but a (mostly) nice time with well drawn characters describing life before and during WWI in rural England. I liked the ending. {Sits on hands to refrain from typing any more at all about the ending}. A Noel Streatfeild with very little about acting or dancing.

Did not finish The Patient's Playbook before it had to go back to the library. I am not always in the mood to read that kind of thing. It is well worth reading and has enough resources that I put it on my LibraryThing Wishlist - have a birthday coming up.

The Patient's Playbook is quite timely right now. My sister-in-law has been dealing with a long term health issue that has destroyed her quality of life. She has been a tremendous advocate for herself, though and the root cause may finally have been found. Scary stuff, will involve anti-biotics for weeks and surgery, at least. It means putting off a different surgery that would have had her off her foot at the same time her five year old is in a wheel chair for a broken leg. Hopefully there will be news in the next few days. I am flying down Friday for the girls' dance recitals.

78SylviaC
Jun 13, 2016, 12:53 pm

Wishing the best for your sister-in-law and her family. I hope they really have found the root of the problem, and can cure it.

I guess I'd better add Parson's Nine to the list. I've been reading quite a few books that take place during WWI lately.

79ronincats
Jun 14, 2016, 12:44 am

Hey, good to see you emerge. Interesting reading!

80MDGentleReader
Jun 16, 2016, 6:32 pm

Finished up Founding Sisters and the Nineteenth Amendment because it needed to go back to the library. A slim book with some interesting information, but not very compelling. Worked well at the end of the day. I don't regret having read it. 'nuff said.

The Terrible Two and The Hired Girl also went back - unread. Did not finish The Thrilling Adventures of Babbage and Lovelace - I'll get back to it someday. I will most likely read the other two sometime as well.

Started Matty and The Dearingroydes Normally just my cup of tea. Not grabbing me right now. Trying to figure out what to read during airport waits and flights the next few days. I am an extra moody reader right now. Want to be drawn into the story, but not too much tension, drama or bad things happening to folks. I've been loading up my Kindle with possibles.

Evening book is more often The pleasure of reading, not quite what I am look for right now. I don't hate it, just not compelling to me right now.

Checked out from library: Originals : how non-conformists move the world, should start this soon if I am going to read it this time, only get it for 3 weeks. The unexpected inheritance of Inspector Chopra : a Baby Ganesh Agency investigation, The house on Mango Street and Miracles on Maple Hill are the others.

Also, my Thingaversary is coming up quickly. May go to Baldwin's Book Barn or Atomic Books. The first is a longer drive, but more compelling. The second is closer and lists books on-line, so I already know a couple of things that I would get.

It has now been decided that my sister-in-law does not have the health problem the radiologist said she had. What a roller coaster this has been. Something new is being tried, though. Younger niece will be in a short cast for visit at end of the month. Should be much easier, although she still won't be able to put any weight on it.

81fuzzi
Jun 17, 2016, 8:29 pm

>80 MDGentleReader: I hope that the radiologist's news was better news.

82MDGentleReader
Jun 20, 2016, 3:38 pm

Found the book I was looking for to read while on planes and waiting for planes - Greensleeves. Interesting characters, plot that drew me in. Kind author who was compassionate, or least understanding even with poorly behaving characters.

Niece is quite mobile, all things considered. She used her wheelchair in the recital. Sister in law doing slightly better. Current prognosis is 3-6 months more of this.

83SylviaC
Jun 20, 2016, 4:14 pm

Hopefully closer to the 3 months than the 6! Hope she so tinted to improve steadily.

I'm very interested to hear from someone who first read Greensleeves as an adult. I read it as a preteen, and it was a really big deal for me. I used to borrow it from the library over and over. So when I reread it recently, it was too deeply steeped in nostalgia for me to form an unbiased opinion. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

84MDGentleReader
Jun 20, 2016, 4:32 pm

>83 SylviaC: Usually I envy someone getting an opportunity to read something for the first time sometime after I did, but I envy you for having read it as a preteen - I wish that I had. I would have found it a big deal and read it over and over, too. Have you read any others by Eloise Jarvis McGraw? Apparently the ones she wrote before Greensleeves were historicals, I tend to like those, so I'll go looking for them.

85SylviaC
Jun 20, 2016, 4:56 pm

Our library didn't have much else by her. I think I read a couple of others, but they didn't stand out for me.

86MDGentleReader
Jun 20, 2016, 4:58 pm

I put Mara Daughter of the Nile on hold at the library for later this summer.

87MDGentleReader
Jul 5, 2016, 12:04 pm

Keep Moving Short, fun read. Part memoir, part how to live (I think his advice is good for all ages). As you would expect, upbeat, classy guy. Recommended.

88SylviaC
Jul 5, 2016, 2:08 pm

>87 MDGentleReader: I want to read that. I have the audiobook, but unfortunately it sounds like his false teeth are loose while he's reading it. Maybe speeding it up would help.

89MDGentleReader
Jul 5, 2016, 5:21 pm

>89 MDGentleReader: is was surprised/not surprised to see you owned it when I went to add it to my library. It was a somewhat random pick at the library, must've been in a display or something. He has a singing group called the Vantastics. I listened to some of their work and well, he sounds like he is elderly - which he is. More power to him for making recordings and going on tour. I passed on getting the music, though. I enjoy listening to a really good voice, his isn't quite there anymore. I can see where him reading aloud might be less than ideal as well.

I meant to mention that if folks have a problem with May(March?)/December romances you might have a problem with Keep Moving. His current wife is quite a bit younger than him. IMO it works for them. I've seen a video of them dancing and the way the relationship is described by him, her and others who know them make it sound like a good thing for both of them. Not even a smidgen of ick factor (for me).

90MDGentleReader
Jul 5, 2016, 5:45 pm

I just realized that I did not report on Matty and The Dearingroydes after I finished it. Definitely not a re-read for me. Too cynical. (I may eventually insert a quote or two here). Also, although characters re-appear, it is really 3 novellas about the same person. The interconnections add very little to the book as a whole - in my opinion. A better full length novel could probably have been made out of each one. I still wouldn't enjoy them, but there would be more time to get to know Matty and more time for for character and plot development. Richmal Crompton sure knows how to capture how folks can latch onto an idea of living and make themselves and others miserable with it. (insert shudder here, I am remembering one of the characters). Matty herself is is a pretty positive person and a few people improve their way of looking at and interacting with the world thanks to her influence, but many of the characters just keep on spreading misery. Greensleeves was a wonderful palate cleanser.

Um, I'd be happy to send this to anyone who wants it. It is a brand new Greyladies edition, only read once. See the work page for a review other than mine - if THAT had been the book I read...

91MDGentleReader
Jul 16, 2016, 8:07 pm

I've been to Bath and London, Paris and Goa learning about The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper Lovely, lovely book about a lovely man. Highly recommended.

Til Death Do Us Part. Exactly what I expected from Amanda Quick, independent, kind souls come together amidst danger in Victorian England. Nasty villains. The importance of loyalty, courage and friendship. No supernatural elements in this one.

92MDGentleReader
Editado: Jan 1, 2017, 12:37 pm

Well, I certainly intend to ignore my own thread for more than 5 months, but that is what happened. I am just going to list everything tagged 2016 in my collection. Feel free to ask questions if you see something interesting, I remembered each one as I formatted it to make (hopefully mostly successfully) Touchstones. There are in alphabetical order which tends to obscure the fact that there are multiple reads from at least a few series in this list.

The Agency 1: A Spy in the House Lee, Y. S.
Andrew Henry's Meadow Burn, Doris
Anne of Avonlea Montgomery, L. M.
Anne of Ingleside Montgomery, L. M.
Anne of the Island Montgomery, L. M.
Anne of Windy Poplars Montgomery, L. M.
Anne's house of dreams Montgomery, L. M.
The Ballet Family Again Allan, Mabel Esther
Before the Chalet School: The Bettanys on the Home Front Helen Barber
Belle Prater's Boy White, Ruth
The Black Moth A Romance of the XVIIIth Century Heyer, Georgette
The Blue Sky of Spring Cadell, Elizabeth
The body at the tower Lee, Ying S.
The Chequer Board Shute, Nevil
Consider the Lilies Cadell, Elizabeth
Crowned and dangerous Bowen, Rhys
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper Phaedra Patrick
The Cuckoo in Spring Cadell, Elizabeth
The day the rabbi resigned Kemelman, Harry
Dear Cary: My Life with Cary Grant Cannon, Dyan
Death Among Friends Cadell, Elizabeth
Death Wears a Mask: A Mystery (An Amory Ames Mystery) Weaver, Ashley
Don't Cry Little Girl (Tippy Parrish Series Book 4) Lambert, Janet
Dreams of Glory (Penny Parrish Series Book 2) Lambert, Janet
El deafo Bell, Cece
Fanny Herself Ferber, Edna
First World War Britain: 1914-1919 Doyle, Peter
Flowering spring Vipont, Elfrida
Fortunately, the Milk Gaiman, Neil
The four Graces Stevenson, D. E.
The four-story mistake Enright, Elizabeth
The fox from his lair Cadell, Elizabeth
Game in diamonds Cadell, Elizabeth
Glory Be Lambert, Janet
Greensleeves Eloise Jarvis McGraw
The Goblin Emperor Addison, Katherine
Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending Dunn, Elizabeth
Hattie Big Sky Larson, Kirby
Hattie Ever After Larson, Kirby
Here We Go Round Mabel Esther Allan
I love a lass Cadell, Elizabeth
I Work At A Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks Sheridan, Gina
In Such Good Company Carol Burnett
Jinx Blackwood, Sage
Jinx's fire Blackwood, Sage
Jinx's magic Blackwood, Sage
Jo to the rescue Brent-Dyer, Elinor M.
Joey Goes to the Oberland (Chalet School) Brent-Dyer, Elinor
Judith Teaches Allan, Mabel Esther
Keep moving : and other tips and truths about aging Dick Van Dyke
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal Remen, Rachel Naomi
Lab girlHope Jahren
Lady with a Black Umbrella Balogh, Mary
The lark in the morn Vipont, Elfrida
The Lark on the Wing Vipont, Elfrida
Lark Shall Sing Cadell, Elizabeth
Letters from Yellowstone Smith, Diane
The little broomstick Stewart, Mary
Little Miss Atlas Lambert, Janet
Madame Sarah Skinner, Cornelia Otis
The Magic Thief Prineas, Sarah
The Magic Thief: Found Prineas, Sarah
The Magic Thief: Home Prineas, Sarah
The Magic Thief: Lost Prineas, Sarah
Malice at the palace : a Royal Spyness mystery Bowen, Rhys
Margaret Finds a Future Allan, Mabel Esther
Miss America (Tippy Parrish Series) Lambert, Janet
Miss Tippy (Tippy Parrish Book 1) Lambert, Janet
Mixed Marriage Cadell, Elizabeth
Mrs. Tim of the Regiment: A Novel Stevenson, D.E
Mrs. Westerby changes course Cadell, Elizabeth
My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging Remen, Rachel Naomi
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry: A Novel Backman, Fredrik
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (A Narwhal and Jelly Book) Clanton, Ben
Near neighbours Clavering, Molly
No Greatness without Goodness: How a Father's Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement Lewis, Randy
Oh, the thinks you can think! Seuss, Dr.
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed Pearson, Emily
Out of the rain Cadell, Elizabeth
Parson's house Cadell, Elizabeth
The pavilion Vipont, Elfrida
Penny Plain Douglas, O.
Parson's nine Noel Streatfeild
Pink sugar Douglas, O.
Poison or Protect: A Delightfully Deadly Novella Carriger, Gail
Rainbow After Rain Lambert, Janet
Rainbow Valley Montgomery, L. M.
The Reluctant Heart Lambert, Janet
Rilla of Ingleside Montgomery, L. M.
Rivals in the city Lee, Y. S.
Round Dozen Cadell, Elizabeth
Sallys Family Courtney, Gwendoline
Saturdays, The Enright, Elizabeth
The serendipity shop Bruce, Dorita Fairlie
Shadows on the Water Cadell, Elizabeth
Slide Rule Shute, Nevil
Sounds like me : my life (so far) in song Bareilles, Sara
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are Dismondy, Maria
Spiderweb for Two: A Melendy Maze Enright, Elizabeth
The spring of the year Vipont, E.
Star Spangled Summer Lambert, Janet
The summer book Jansson, Tove
The summer I saved the world-- in 65 days Hurwitz, Michele Weber
Then There Were Five Enright, Elizabeth
The toy sword Cadell, Elizabeth
'Til Death Do Us Part Amanda Quick
UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World Michele Borba
Up Goes the Curtain Lambert, Janet
Uprooted Novik, Naomi
Us Conductors: A Novel Michaels, Sean
The view from Saturday Konigsburg, E. L.
The war that saved my life Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us The Way Kotb, Hoda
The Winter is Past Streatfeild, Noel
The woman who walked in sunshine Alexander McCall Smith

ETF: The Winter is Past Touchstone.
ETA: Lab Girl, came up in someone else's best books of the year and I realized it wasn't even in my library although a candidate for best of list as well
ETA: In Such Good Company

932wonderY
Dez 21, 2016, 4:56 pm

Ulp! Coupla hits there.

What did you conclude about Unselfie? There are no notes on that work page yet.

I want to re-read Fanny Herself.

94fuzzi
Dez 21, 2016, 7:32 pm

I see you read the Anne series...first time?

95MDGentleReader
Dez 21, 2016, 7:47 pm

>93 2wonderY: I am gathering my thoughts together about Unselfie that I will post later. I have asked for from the library again so that I can re-read a bit to give a proper review. I had a specific purpose in mind when I read it that changed how I read it - I was looking for group(s) to volunteer with to help spread the skill of empathy. Much needed, I think. I found Roots of Empathy. I am hoping to become a Roots of Empathy instructor.

>94 fuzzi: Most definitely, not :). One of my very favorite people, who also happened to be my aunt was Anne with an e after Anne of Green Gables. I have no memory of not knowing about Anne.

96SylviaC
Dez 21, 2016, 10:54 pm

That's a long list! I will peruse it more closely and comment after I finish my Christmas wrapping extravaganza tomorrow.

97ronincats
Editado: Dez 21, 2016, 11:05 pm

Ooh, I went through an Elizabeth Cadell stage back in the 80s, and Janet Lambert in the 60s. Good stuff. Got all the Anne books. Can you believe Heyer wrote The Black Moth when she was only 19?

Good to see you here!

98SylviaC
Dez 22, 2016, 5:46 pm

You're getting through a lot of Elizabeth Cadell this year! Quite a bit of Chalet School, too.

I'm on a ridiculously long waiting list for the library ebook version of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.

I have a copy of Pink Sugar now, and hope to get around to it soon. I liked Penny Plain and Unforgettable, Unforgotten and do have some others waiting in print and ebook.

I love the title Spaghetti on a Hot Dog Bun. Did the story live up to the title?

I'm glad to see you around here more lately!

99MDGentleReader
Dez 22, 2016, 7:18 pm

>97 ronincats: I was reluctant to read Black Moth because she was so young when she wrote it. It is certainly not one of her best, but impressive for the age she was when she wrote it.

I think I read too much Janet Lambert in a row, I didn't finish the last one I started. I think the characters are well done and the author and her characters are generally kind, a big thing with me. The American Jingoism started to grate, though.

I am pretty sure that Goblin Emperor came to my attention first on your recommendation, ronincats. Thank you. I needed a tale to absorb myself in and forget about some things for a bit.

>98 SylviaC: Spaghetti on a hot Dog Bun was a lovely story.

I really like Penny Plain, I'll have to look for Unforgettable, Unforgotten. I have Ann and Her Mother, but didn't get very far in it, made me a little bit cautious about her books. Pink Sugar is one I will re-read (so is Penny Plain). Pink Sugar reminded me a bit of Mrs Tim.

Joey Goes to the Oberland was a new Chalet School title for me. I re-read Jo To the Rescue recently as well. They are two of the original titles that don't actually involve schoolgirls at school. Not up to reading about naughty middles right now.

>97 ronincats: & >98 SylviaC: Elizabeth Cadell is a comfort read for me. I don't enjoy her as much as D E Stevenson, but I do seem to like her titles better on re-reads. They've been releasing her titles in Kindle format. I was quite excited to read Alice, Where Art Thou, Death Among Friends and Consider the Lilies for the first time this year.

I never mean to be away so long, but somehow, it happens.

I do enjoy helping to pick titles for SantaThing. I have fewer a fewer people to shop for any more and my nieces and sister in law have Amazon wish lists. I really miss the fun of picking out Christmas (and birthday) gifts. SantaThing lets me indulge in trying to suss out what someone might like without spending a dime or visiting a store.

It is about the only holiday spirit I have this year. Too many funerals the last few years, too many health issues for folks I care about. Just now, my Sweetie has a cold and his mother has bronchitis. Not sure yet about the impact that will have on our Christmas celebration. Also, my sister in law has new scary health thing going on involving multiple specialists saying it is not something they themselves treat. We've been down this road before...

Thanks to 2WonderY, fuzzi, ronincats and SylviaC for visiting and commenting after my long absence.

100fuzzi
Dez 23, 2016, 7:30 am

>99 MDGentleReader: we missed you!

Welcome back. :)

1012wonderY
Dez 23, 2016, 12:39 pm

Yes, we are so glad you are back. Hugs.

102ronincats
Dez 25, 2016, 12:18 am

This is the Christmas tree at the end of the Pacific Beach Pier here in San Diego, a Christmas tradition.

To all my friends here at Library Thing, I want you to know how much I value you and how much I wish you a very happy holiday, whatever one you celebrate, and the very best of New Years!

103fuzzi
Dez 25, 2016, 10:17 am

>102 ronincats: thank you, Merry Christmas!

104MDGentleReader
Dez 28, 2016, 3:02 pm

>100 fuzzi: & >101 2wonderY: Thanks for the welcome back.

>102 ronincats: lovely picture and thank you for the lovely holiday wishes. I need to get back to San Diego, it's only been, err, well... decades.

105MDGentleReader
Dez 28, 2016, 3:11 pm

Didn't much get into the spirit of things this year, too may folks missing. Bizarre, and sad, not to have to send any packages.

Fortunately, the local celebration is quite low key. Our ill folks were able to join us for Christmas and didn't seem to be too contagious. The day went quickly. We opened presents, ate, played Codenames and then ate some more.

Currently reading The natural world of Winnie-the-Pooh : a walk through the forest that inspired the hundred acre wood. Lovely pictures, interesting text. Just finished a re-read of Winter Solstice, Elfrida is just a lovely person to spend time with.