Copperskye’s Reading In 2020

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Copperskye’s Reading In 2020

1Copperskye
Editado: Mar 12, 2020, 12:08 am

Hi and welcome!! I’m Joanne, and this is my 12th year on LT and my 11th year of tracking my reading in this wonderful 75ers group. I live in Colorado (a NJ transplant, but I’ve lived most of my life here on the front range, south of Denver) with my husband, a golden retriever, Skye, and a grey tuxedo cat called Boomer. I also have a son who is pursuing his MFA in (the middle of nowhere) Illinois. They are all readers, except for the dog and cat.

I read mostly fiction, lots of mysteries, some narrative non-fiction, and memoirs. I more or less read about 75 books a year. I used to listen to audiobooks on my work commute, but since I retired a couple years ago after 30 years in the telecom industry, I haven’t done much listening. I thought I’d manage to read more with more time on my hands but I haven’t figured out how yet. I did pretty well reading off my own shelves last year (about half of the books I read were my own) and hope to continue that in 2020. The more books I buy, the easier that’s become so it seems a bit like cheating. I need to stop buying books. Lol.

2Copperskye
Editado: Fev 5, 2020, 9:28 pm

As of today, my top 10 books of 2019, in the order read:

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Henry, Himself by Stewart O’Nan
Big Sky by Kate Atkinson
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
Darktown by Thomas Mullen
Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country by Pam Houston
Goodbye, Mr Chips by James Hilton
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
The Hearts Of Horses by Molly Gloss
Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



3Copperskye
Editado: Abr 10, 2020, 12:29 am

And now for the books:

January 2020
1. The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, OTS #1, 4.25 stars
2. Take Me With You by Andrea Gibson, 4 stars
3. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, 5 stars
4. Bolt by Dick Francis, OTS #2, 3.25 stars
5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, OTS #3, 3.5 stars
6. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, OTS #4, 5 stars

February 2020
7. In the Frame by Dick Francis, 4 stars
8. Coyote America by Dan Flores, OTS #5, 4 stars
9. Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat, 4 stars
10. You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time by Patricia Marx and Roz Chast, 4 stars
11. A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd, OTS #6, 3.25 stars
12. God on the Rocks by Jane Gardam, OTS #7, 4.25 stars
13. A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey, OTS #8, 4 stars
14. Elevation by Stephen King, audio, 3 stars

March 2020
15. Crooked House by Agatha Christie, 4 stars
16. When All is Said by Anne Griffin, 4.25 stars
17. Mister Blue by Jacques Poulin, OTS #9, 4 stars
18. The Death Of Kings by Rennie Airth, OTS #10, 3.5 stars
19. The Story Hour by Thirty Umrigar, 2.75 stars

4Copperskye
Editado: Jun 27, 2020, 2:19 am

April 2020
20. The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths, OTSk #11, 3.5 stars
21. Our Spoons Came From Woolworths by Barbara Comyns, OTS #12, 3.75 stars
22. Blood Sport by Dick Francis 3 stars
23. The Plot Against America by Phillip Roth, OTS #13, 4.5 stars

May 2020
24. Redhead by the Side Of the Road by Anne Tyler, OTS #14, 4.25 stars
25. Half Broke: A Memoir by Ginger Gaffney, 4 stars
26. How Much Of These Hills is Gold C Pam Zhang, OTS #15, 4 stars
27. The Daughter Of Time by Josephine Tey, OTS #16, 3 stars
28. Miss Kopp Just Won't Quit by Amy Stewart, OTS #17, 4 stars
29. Writers & Lovers by Lily King, 4.25 stars

June 2020
30.Madame Maigret’s Friend by Georges Simenon, OTS #18, 3.75 stars
31. Fair Warning by Michael Connelly, 4.25 stars
32. Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles, OTS #19, 4 stars
33. Front Row at the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl, 3 stars
34. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson, 4 stars
35. Summertime, All the Cats are Bored by Philippe Georget, OTS #20, 3.75 stars
36. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, 4.5 stars

*****************************************


5EBT1002
Jan 1, 2020, 7:13 pm

Hi Joanne and Happy New Year!

I'm chuckling about buying more books making it easier to "read off the shelves." So true!

I'm dropping off my star and hoping to more closely follow your reading adventures -- and the less literary adventures of Skye and Boomer -- in 2020.

6rosalita
Editado: Jan 1, 2020, 8:37 pm

Happy New Year, Joanne! I came looking for your 2020 thread because I was thinking about you earlier today, wishing Chris Grabenstein would write another John Ceepak book for us to enjoy. I may have to warm myself during this long Midwestern winter with a re-read that takes me down the Shore.

7Storeetllr
Jan 1, 2020, 7:24 pm

Yay! You started a 2020 thread! And found mine. Life is now complete! :)

Love the toppers, esp. Skye. Nickel, who happens to be on my lap right now, said to say hi.

8Copperskye
Jan 1, 2020, 7:25 pm

Hi Ellen! Welcome and happy new year to you! I was terrible at keeping up with the threads last year and plan to do better this year. I already feel like I’m behind but I’m doing my best! :)

9Copperskye
Jan 1, 2020, 7:35 pm

>6 rosalita: Happy New Year, Julia! And wouldn’t it be nice if there was another? I’m glad Grabenstein is concentrating on younger readers and he seems kind of popular with them but you’d think he could squeeze in one more. I think we may have to find a replacement author!

>7 Storeetllr: Happy you’re back, Mary! I decided that I would regret not starting a thread this year. Hi to sweet Nickel!

10richardderus
Jan 1, 2020, 7:36 pm

Hi Joanne, happy 2020 wishes for you and all of yours. Especially the MFA-pursuing son in *shudder* Illinois. I've heard tell of a dreadful place called "Chicago" that's purportedly there. It sounds awful.

11PaulCranswick
Editado: Jan 4, 2020, 11:10 pm



Another resolution is to keep up in 2020 with all my friends on LT. Happy New Year!

12drneutron
Jan 1, 2020, 8:11 pm

Welcome back!

13BLBera
Jan 1, 2020, 9:09 pm

Happy New Year, Joanne. Great "best of" list.

14brenzi
Jan 1, 2020, 9:52 pm

Happy New Year Joanne! I read Olive, Again at the same time that I was listening to Lillian Boxfish on audio. They were two very similar----80s, outspoken, lives full of change----women and I couldn't stop comparing them.

15thornton37814
Jan 1, 2020, 11:16 pm

Marking my spot to follow along.

16DianaNL
Jan 2, 2020, 6:06 am

Best wishes for 2020!

17msf59
Editado: Jan 2, 2020, 7:04 am



And Happy New Thread, Joanne! I can't believe we have been hanging out for nearly 12 years. Wow! I would say that is a solid relationship. Grins...Keep Late Migrations in mind. This beautiful gem would be a perfect fit for you. Just sayin'...

ETA- I love your best of list. Deep Creek just missed my NF list. I NEED to read the Gloss.

18Ameise1
Jan 2, 2020, 8:02 am

Happy Reading 2020, Joanne.

19ChelleBearss
Jan 2, 2020, 9:07 am

Hope 2020 is kind to you, Joanne!

20jnwelch
Jan 2, 2020, 11:53 am

Happy New Year, Joanne!

21RebaRelishesReading
Jan 2, 2020, 12:33 pm

Happy new year, Joanne. I somehow lost you in the later months last year. Glad to have you safely starred now!

22katiekrug
Jan 2, 2020, 1:17 pm

Happy new year, Joanne!

23Storeetllr
Jan 2, 2020, 3:09 pm

>6 rosalita: >9 Copperskye: Another vote for another Ceepak mystery. I reread the first three last year and enjoyed them immensely. In fact, after I read them, I asked to go "to the Jersey shore" for my birthday in July, and that's what we did. We spent the day at Asbury Park beach, had dinner at a restaurant on the boardwalk, and I had a lovely time! It was Ruby's first trip to the ocean, and she loved loved loved the waves (they were little ones that day, thank goodness).

24FAMeulstee
Jan 2, 2020, 3:50 pm

Happy reading in 2020, Joanne!

25EBT1002
Jan 2, 2020, 5:54 pm

>8 Copperskye: "I already feel like I’m behind..."
Me too. I think I need to redefine "keeping up." Ha.

26Copperskye
Jan 2, 2020, 9:26 pm

>10 richardderus: Hi Richard! Happy 2020 to you! Lol. Actually, he really likes Chicago and had a good time the couple of weekends he was able to visit. He’s a good two hours south in Champaign-Urbana (or Urbana-Champaign, depending on the context). He honestly wishes Chicago was closer. It’s all relative.

>11 PaulCranswick: Happy New Year to you, Paul! I must do better at keeping up with your busy thread this year!

>12 drneutron: Thanks Jim, and thanks for keeping us all organized!

>13 BLBera: Thanks Beth! Happy New Year to you!

>14 brenzi: Happy New Year, Bonnie! I wonder, if they had met, how Olive and Lillian would have gotten along?

>15 thornton37814: Hi Lori, I’m happy to see you!

>16 DianaNL: Thank you, Diana, same to you!

>17 msf59: Happy New Year, Mark, old friend! I’ll check out Late Migrations. I just finished one you’d like, The Thing Around Your Neck. Short stories and pretty darn good!

>18 Ameise1: The same to you, Barbara!

>19 ChelleBearss: And to you, as well, Chelle!

>20 jnwelch: Happy New Year, Joe! I need to stop by the Cafe.

>21 RebaRelishesReading: I’m glad to see you here, Reba! Happy New Year!

>22 katiekrug: Happy New Year, Katie!

>23 Storeetllr: I hope Ruby gets to enjoy many more trips to the shore! I don’t know Asbury Park very well. I think I was on the boardwalk there just once and to the Stone Pony a couple times (definitely not Ruby’s scene). I always picture the Ceepak location as a cross between Beach Haven (on LBI) and Seaside Park. Also >6 rosalita: Have you tried any of Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter books? Nice guy lawyer in Paterson, NJ. The series has a similar goofy vibe.

>24 FAMeulstee: Happy reading to you, too, Anita!

>25 EBT1002: Ha! Yes, desperately behind already! I need to check in to some threads before they move on to #2!! 😂

27Copperskye
Editado: Fev 21, 2020, 10:57 am



1. The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Adichie is not only a wonderful novelist but a talented short story writer as well. This is a memorable collection of stories, set in Africa and the US, that explore themes of loss and dislocation. My favorites were The Shivering, The American Embassy, and A Private Experience.

28Ameise1
Jan 3, 2020, 3:35 am

>27 Copperskye: I put that one on my library list.

29nittnut
Jan 3, 2020, 11:47 am

Happy New Year! Here's hoping I keep up :).

30SandDune
Jan 3, 2020, 12:57 pm

31BLBera
Jan 3, 2020, 2:24 pm

>27 Copperskye: I've been on a short story kick lately, and I love Adichie. I'll have to add this to my list. I've read the title story before and really liked it.

32Copperskye
Jan 3, 2020, 5:26 pm

>28 Ameise1: It’s a good one, Barbara!

>29 nittnut: A lot of us have our fingers crossed on that front, Jenn!

>30 SandDune: Hi Rhian! I’ve read her three novels and really enjoyed them all, especially Half of a Yellow Sun.

>31 BLBera: Oh, you definitely should add it to your list, Beth. There are a couple gems!

33Copperskye
Jan 3, 2020, 5:34 pm



2. Take Me With You by Andrea Gibson

A smart, insightful collection of poems, beautifully packaged.

34Copperskye
Editado: Jan 3, 2020, 5:46 pm

Fun with memes! End of Year (2019) Meme:

Describe yourself: Quiet Girl in a Noisy World

Describe how you feel: Book Love

Describe where you currently live: My Ranch, Too

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Another Brooklyn

Your favorite time of day is: Dark Sacred Night

Your favorite form of transportation: 4:50 From Paddington

Your best friend is: Jane Eyre

You and your friends are: The Women of the Copper Country

What’s the weather like: A Cold Treachery

You fear: Killing and Dying

What is the best advice you have to give: (Find) Someone Who Will Love You In All Your Damaged Glory

Thought for the day: Call Them By Their True Names

How you would like to die: Deep Creek

Your soul’s present condition: An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good

What is life for you: Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It

Your favorite food is: Pumpkinheads

What I would like for my birthday next year: Haunted Castles

35Donna828
Jan 3, 2020, 6:49 pm

🌟 Happy New Year of reading, Joanne. I see you are off to a great start. I like your great idea of buying books so you can read more off your shelves. I made a library run today and have at least ten books on reserve. I totally blame LT! Cute cartoons upthread. We miss having a dog but thoroughly enjoy the visits from Maverick. Goldens have such good manners!

36msf59
Jan 3, 2020, 7:33 pm

Happy Friday, Joanne. Not surprisingly, I caught a BB with The Thing Around Your Neck. I have been meaning to read more Adiche, anyway. Joe, lent me a copy of Gibson's poem collection, which I also really enjoyed. This is like a best of collection.

37witchyrichy
Jan 3, 2020, 8:08 pm

You found me first! Glad to connect again. I loved Lilian Boxfish.

And you already have your list for 2019 AND the meme done. I've got to get caught up now.

I wasn't familiar with John Ceepak but am intrigued with the Jersey shore reference. We went "down the shore" every summer to Ocean City, NJ. And...it turns out the first three are just 99 cents for the Kindle. My library didn't have analog or digital versions.

38karenmarie
Jan 3, 2020, 9:20 pm

Hi Joanne! Happy New Year from a first-timer to your thread.

I read Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk and Olive, Again last year and loved them both, too.

>4 Copperskye: Kitties definitely make life better. (Richard, ignore)

39EBT1002
Jan 3, 2020, 11:00 pm

>27 Copperskye: I love her work. I'm adding The Thing Around Your Neck to the wish list.

The year is three days old and my wish list has exploded!!!

40Copperskye
Jan 4, 2020, 12:44 am

>35 Donna828: Welcome, Donna! I also made a trip to the library today. Returned 5, checked out 3. I keep a basket in the living room for library books and it’s overflowing. I have an embarrassing number of books on hold (thank goodness holds can be frozen!). Also, I remember not too long ago (20 or so years), having to actually call and talk to a librarian to put a book on hold rather than clicking a button on the website. Can you imagine doing that now? I’d be on the phone all day. 😀 And yes, goldens are the best! 🥰

>36 msf59: The Thing Around Your Neck will be right up your alley, Mark! Enjoy!

>37 witchyrichy: Hi Karen! The Ceepak books are mostly goofy and fun! And how can you go wrong at 3 for .99? They are great when you need something light.

>38 karenmarie: Welcome, Karen! I hope you’ll stop by often. I couldn’t have a better kitty or dog. They are my constant companions.

>39 EBT1002: I think you’ll like it, Ellen. And I know, I’m having the same wishlist/tbr problem! Good times! :)

41Copperskye
Editado: Jun 10, 2020, 12:41 pm



3. In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

This memoir of Machado’s experiences in an emotionally abusive same-sex relationship, while telling a sad and harrowing story, was written in such a unique manner that it didn’t read that way, if that makes any sense. Her prose pulled me in and propelled me forward to the book’s ultimately hopeful and upbeat conclusion. Unusual, raw, and inventive, and highly, highly recommended.

I really do need to read Her Body and Other Parties.

Three books in three days! Reality check - I started two of them in Dec. and the book of poems didn’t take much time at all. I guess I’m not on track to read 366 books this year. Darn. :)

42arubabookwoman
Jan 4, 2020, 1:00 pm

Her Body and Other Parties made my best of the year list for 2019–and I usually don’t get along with short stories.

43BLBera
Jan 4, 2020, 1:16 pm

Wow, Joanne! Three books already!? You are on fire. And they sound like good ones, too.

44lkernagh
Jan 4, 2020, 4:26 pm

Happy New Year, Joanne and best wishes for 2020!

>2 Copperskye: - Love that cartoon and it is so true! My sister's Golden Lab used to do the exact same thing. He thought he was a lap dog. A 100 pound lap dog. ;-)

>34 Copperskye: - Great meme answers!

I see you have made a great start with your 2020 reading... 3 books in 3 days. Wahoo!

45Copperskye
Jan 4, 2020, 9:50 pm

>42 arubabookwoman: Hi Deborah, I have to be in the right mood for a book of short stories but I really have no idea why I haven’t read Her Body yet. Encouraging to hear it was on your best of list. The memoir will probably be on mine.

>43 BLBera: They were good, Beth, but I started all but the poetry book in December. I started my true first book of the year today, a Dick Francis mystery that I should have read last month for the group read. I am happy with my start. Early days though. I have plenty of time to fall behind!

>44 lkernagh: Hi Lori, Happy New Year to you, too! Skye loves for me to sit on the floor so she can sit on my lap without have to climb on the chair first. I’m glad she’s only 68 pounds!

46PaulCranswick
Jan 4, 2020, 11:11 pm

>41 Copperskye: So many of us seem to have gotten off to a good reading start this year.

Have a lovely weekend.

47jnwelch
Jan 5, 2020, 12:40 pm

>33 Copperskye:. I’m happy to see you’re reading Andrea Gibson. I’m a big fan. We’re going to see her live again next month. If you haven’t read Lord of the Butterflies yet, it’s my favorite of hers so far.

In the Dream House is on my WL. It’s good to see your positive reaction.

48EBT1002
Jan 5, 2020, 8:10 pm

I'm reminded that I have Lord of the Butterflies sitting on my bedside shelf. I must get to it.

49AMQS
Editado: Jan 6, 2020, 12:09 pm

Happy New Year, Joanne! Dropping my star. Love the picture of Skye up top - the snow makes dogs so happy (except my dog. Greyhounds are weird).

editing to add: Chris is back in school? In IL? Wow!

50Copperskye
Jan 6, 2020, 8:46 pm

>46 PaulCranswick: Yay for good books and the time to read them! Have a great week, Paul!

>47 jnwelch: I read Lord of the Butterflies last spring, Joe. Have fun at the reading!

>48 EBT1002: It’s lovely to leaf through, Ellen!

>49 AMQS: Happy New Year to you and your family, Anne! And nah, greyhounds prefer a warm sweater and a nap by the fire when it’s cold. And yup, Chris is a student again! And a teacher! Univ. Of Illinois. He’s having a good time.

51brenzi
Jan 6, 2020, 9:54 pm

>44 lkernagh: I really liked In the Dream House too Joanne, when I read it last month. Amazing memoir structure and writing.

52msf59
Jan 6, 2020, 9:58 pm

Ooh, I want to get to In the Dream House. It doesn't look like it is available on audio yet, so I may have to track down the print book. I really enjoyed her story collection.

53Copperskye
Jan 7, 2020, 5:54 pm

>51 brenzi: Yes, it was so unique! I need to get to her short stories.

>52 msf59: It was a good one, Mark. I’m sure you’ll like it, one way or another!

54arubabookwoman
Jan 8, 2020, 6:34 pm

One of the stories in Her Body was a fictionalized account of her abusive relationship.

55Copperskye
Jan 9, 2020, 4:24 pm

>54 arubabookwoman: Thanks for that comment, Deborah. I was hoping that reading the memoir first would add insight to the short story collection!

I’m nearly done with Bolt which was the 4Q19 pick for the Dick Francis group read. Better late than never.

56PaulCranswick
Jan 11, 2020, 11:00 pm

Quiet here, Joanne.

Hope all is well and that you are having a great weekend.

57Copperskye
Jan 18, 2020, 5:11 pm

>56 PaulCranswick: Thanks for stopping by, Paul. Quiet is my usual mode - I should have named my thread “A Quiet Place”. Lol! Enjoy your weekend this week!



4. Bolt by Dick Francis (reread)

First read about 30 years ago and reread now for last year’s group read of Francis favorites. I remembered only the most gruesome details and found the book to be, again, entertaining.

58Copperskye
Jan 18, 2020, 5:22 pm



5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

I really wanted to like this book, but like her first, I was mostly disappointed. So much going on, and so predictable, I found myself longing for a plot twist. So many rave reviews, I wondered what I was missing. The most interesting part was the back-story of Mia and her daughter and that in itself would have made for a good book.

Meh. The TV adaptation may be good though.

59RebaRelishesReading
Jan 18, 2020, 5:24 pm

>58 Copperskye: I was rather under-whelmed by that one too.

60Copperskye
Jan 18, 2020, 5:30 pm

>59 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, I’m looking at all the accolades printed in my paperback copy, the glowing blurbs and the inclusion on so many best of the year lists. Glad it’s not just me!

61rosalita
Jan 18, 2020, 7:32 pm

>57 Copperskye: The violence in that one is shocking, isn't it? Perhaps because it's against horses and not people? Kit Fielding was a very appealing protagonist — I'm not surprised that Dick Francis used him twice. And I really like the Princess, too.

62alcottacre
Jan 18, 2020, 7:56 pm

>27 Copperskye: I get to dodge that BB since it is already in the BlackHole!

>41 Copperskye: Got me with that one though!

Sorry it has taken me so long to get to your thread, Joanne!

63Storeetllr
Jan 18, 2020, 7:56 pm

Hi, Joanne. You're really moving along with your reading! I was thinking of reading Little Fires Everywhere on the strength of the title alone but think I'll pass. I'm having a hard enough time just now getting into books I am sure I'll enjoy.

Which campus is Chris at? You know, I'm from Illinois, Chicago, actually, and have family and friends all over the state.

64Donna828
Jan 18, 2020, 9:55 pm

>58 Copperskye: We are so much in agreement on this book, Joanne. I was expecting more as well.

I was thinking of naming this year's thread "Donna sits in the corner and reads her book" because that's kind of how I feel about this group. I love the chattiness but try not to spend too much time around the threads because I want to be reading with my spare time.

I hope you're having a good weekend. I think we're in for some of your cold weather tomorrow.

65Copperskye
Editado: Jan 19, 2020, 6:02 pm

>61 rosalita: Yeah, it was pretty uncomfortable, Julia. That and shrugging it off to just kids. I can’t imagine that happening today in the US (or I hope not!). The princess and her family were charming, though!

>62 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! Love that you stopped by! I’ve been slow getting to threads I’ve starred - story of my life.

>63 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, Parts of it were good but not enough that I’d recommend it. Sadly. The title is good though! Chris is at the Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has a little apartment in Champaign (across the street from the gorgeous city library, he was thrilled to discover). He’s spent a couple of weekends in Chicago and loves what he’s seen of the city. He just left here on Tuesday for the new semester after a long winter break. He’s very outgoing, and although he misses his friends here, he was looking forward to getting back together with his IL buds. He misses our sunny, even in winter, weather, though.

>64 Donna828: Hi Donna, Sometimes I wonder what I’m missing when I see so many rave reviews. Not every book for every reader, I guess. I like that thread title! I often have nothing to add or I’m a week or so late and the conversation has moved on. I must not manage my thread time very well. Oh well, I chime in when I can! I hope our current weather (45° and sunny and the wind has finally quit) moves your way soon! It’s kind of nice for January. Certainly not “stock show weather”!

66msf59
Jan 19, 2020, 6:43 pm

>58 Copperskye: This is the reason I have balked at reading this one, plus I just thought her first one was just okay.

Happy Sunday, Joanne. I loved your raptor report on my thread. I have not seen any of them, so far this year. Have you read Flight Behavior? If not, I definitely recommend it. I am less than halfway but I really love her breezy style.

67BLBera
Jan 20, 2020, 1:22 pm

>58 Copperskye: I've been wondering about her, Joanne, and it seems like I can probably leave her books.

68Copperskye
Jan 21, 2020, 11:32 am

>66 msf59: Happy Tuesday, Mark! I found her first book to be a huge disappointment and yet I gave this new one a shot. I don’t think I’ll do that again. I have not read Flight Behavior yet. Another good book languishing on my kindle. I am finally reading A Gentleman in Moscow, though, and finding it delightful!

>67 BLBera: Hi Beth, Lots of people love her books, but I’m done. Maybe I was expected too much.

I’m off again to see the big Monet exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Hoping, in vain I’m sure, for less people this time

69karenmarie
Jan 22, 2020, 10:24 am

hi Joanne!

Glad to hear that you're enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow. One of a very few 5-star ratings for me.

70richardderus
Jan 22, 2020, 10:32 am

I'm really glad that I'm not the only one underwhelmed (to the point of boredom and Pearl-Ruling, in my case) by Little Fires Everywhere.

Happy frosticles!

71Copperskye
Jan 24, 2020, 7:18 pm

>69 karenmarie: Hi Karen! I’m pretty sure it’ll be a 5 star read for me, too. It’s just...delightful!

>70 richardderus: Hi Richard! I liked it more than Everything I Never Told You but, honestly, that bar was fairly low. I think I’m done with Ng now. No frosticles here! I had the air conditioner on in the car today. We could use some rain or snow.

72Copperskye
Jan 24, 2020, 7:25 pm

Anybody else notice that when you click on “mentions” on a book page, threads from this group don’t show up? For instance, In The Dream House has 14 mentions, but this thread, Mark’s, and Bonnie’s, where it was talked about, aren’t included. Same with other books and threads. It’s weird. I use that feature to see if a particular book is being talked about anywhere.

73msf59
Jan 24, 2020, 7:31 pm

Happy Friday, Joanne! Did you say A Gentleman in Moscow? Swoons a little...God, I loved that one.

74Copperskye
Jan 24, 2020, 7:52 pm

>73 msf59: It’s so good!! I’m swooning a little, too! 🙂

75brenzi
Jan 24, 2020, 8:22 pm

>72 Copperskye: That is weird Joanne. But crazy stuff has been going on. I had a PM waiting for me for a couple days but no little yellow notification symbol up in the right hand corner. And apparently the whole 75 group was flagged yesterday for some reason. I also liked A Gentleman in Moscow.

76AMQS
Jan 25, 2020, 10:07 pm

Ooh, I LOVED A Gentleman in Moscow! Stelios loved it, too, so much so that it put him off reading for awhile - you know that feeling we can get that no other book will come close so why even bother.

77EBT1002
Jan 26, 2020, 12:34 am

>58 Copperskye: and >59 RebaRelishesReading: Well, that makes me happy that I have trusted my gut and not purchased a copy of Little Fires Everywhere. I've just had this sense that it's overhyped.

>72 Copperskye: That's weird. I wonder why.

A Gentleman in Moscow was a 5-star read for me. I hope you keep enjoying it!

78BLBera
Jan 26, 2020, 10:04 am

I also enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow, Joanne. How was Monet?

79AMQS
Jan 26, 2020, 12:51 pm

>78 BLBera: I can't answer for Joanne, but I loved the Monet exhibit! It was crowded - I think exhibits like these just are. I was a little obsessed with Monet when I was in high school and wondered if I was ready to leave him behind in high school, but I loved it. I thought it was really well done. Callia had asked for that as a Christmas present from my mom - we all went together.

80Copperskye
Jan 27, 2020, 2:32 am

>75 brenzi: The whole group was flagged? Lol, what’d we do now? I finally went over to the bug collectors group and found a thread reporting the touchstones not showing up in conversations issue so hopefully it’ll be fixed soon! Yay! It’s the little things.

>76 AMQS: Oh, absolutely, Anne! I know it’ll be a 2020 favorite.

>77 EBT1002: I’m only halfway through it, Ellen, and I don’t want it to end!

>78 BLBera: Seems like everyone is in agreement on A Gentleman in Moscow! Monet was wonderful! I just wanted to drink in those paintings!

>79 AMQS: Wasn’t it great, Anne! John and I went this past week and two weeks ago we all went together when Chris was home. DAM does such a great job with their special exhibits. I paid more attention to the audio presentation this second time around. Tuesday afternoon was much more crowded then our first trip was on a Sunday evening (during one of the extended times).

81msf59
Jan 27, 2020, 8:05 am

Hi, Joanne. I hope you had a good weekend and enjoyed more time with the Count. Have you started The Outsider on HBO? We watched the first 2 episodes and it is very good. I hope that continues. I loved that King book.

82PaulCranswick
Jan 27, 2020, 8:08 am

>80 Copperskye: Hopefully one malcontent cannot bring down the whole group, Joanne. Apparently Jim has settled it!

83Whisper1
Jan 27, 2020, 10:46 am

How exciting that you attended a Monet exhibit. I also enjoy his paintings. When I visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, I always make sure to visit the wing containing his works.

Happy Monday to you! I loved your cartoons about a dog, then a cat taking over reading space. Lilly doesn't come up on the chair, she simply makes little barking noises which mean "pet me!" pet me!" PET ME!

84witchyrichy
Jan 28, 2020, 4:29 pm

My first job out of college was at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and we had the blockbuster Impressionist show. One of the benefits of working at the museum was getting into the galleries without the crowds.

I remember loving A Gentleman in Moscow when I read it a year or so ago.

85Copperskye
Jan 29, 2020, 12:09 am

>81 msf59: Hi Mark! Thanks for the tip about The Outsider. I haven’t read the book (bad me) but I may just have to jump into the tv show instead. We’re currently catching up on Better Call Saul.

>82 PaulCranswick: Oh my goodness, Paul, there was a real complaint? I was thinking it must have been some sort of a bug. That’s too bad.

>83 Whisper1: Hi Linda, So nice to see you! It’s been years and years since I’ve been to the MET. Such good memories! Our museum here is great but there’s no comparison (except that it’s much easier to get to). Shelties sure do know how to get their wants and needs met. And they are so hard to resist (and who would want to?). :)

>84 witchyrichy: I was thinking about that while I was there, Karen. I wonder what the perks are for volunteers? I’m still loving A Gentleman in Moscow, but I really need to manage to find more time to read it!

86msf59
Jan 31, 2020, 7:31 pm

Happy Friday, Joanne. I have really been enjoying your bird/wildlife posts, on my thread. Always puts a smile on my face. I wish you could have bookhorned in The Outsider, the book, (King at the top of his game!). It is very good, but that said, check out the HBO series.

87Copperskye
Fev 1, 2020, 2:16 am

>86 msf59: I requested The Outsider from the library so I’ll give it a look if not a read, at least. We’re still catching up on ‘Better Call Saul’ and the TV shows I want to get to, as well as the books I want to get to, are quickly piling up! Such problems. :)

88BLBera
Fev 1, 2020, 2:33 pm

>79 AMQS:, >80 Copperskye: That's the downside of special exhibits; they are crowded.

89richardderus
Fev 1, 2020, 4:33 pm

Hope y'all're having a great weekend, Joanne.

90Copperskye
Fev 1, 2020, 10:30 pm

>88 BLBera: That’s for sure but it is reassuring to know people still appreciate the arts!

>89 richardderus: Thanks Richard. I got to spend some time at my favorite bookstore today in Boulder. Always a highlight! Hope your weekend is fabulous!

91Copperskye
Fev 1, 2020, 10:34 pm



6. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

What an absolutely delightful book! It took me two weeks to read because I wanted to savor every word.

92PaulCranswick
Fev 1, 2020, 11:09 pm

>91 Copperskye: I must finally get to that one in 2020, Joanne.

Have a lovely weekend.

93Storeetllr
Fev 2, 2020, 12:03 pm

>91 Copperskye: >92 PaulCranswick: Me too! I've heard nothing but good things about it here on LT.

Hope you are having a great weekend, Joanne! The Monet exhibit sounds wonderful! I'm looking forward to spring when I am able to get out and go to museums and art galleries in NYC, hopefully with more energy than I've felt in the past couple of years. And, if I can take Ruby, that will be the ultimate!

94Copperskye
Fev 2, 2020, 5:35 pm

>92 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, same to you! And do try to get to the Towles. It will truly be a balm for your soul.

>93 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! I left A Gentleman in Moscow to languish on my shelf for nearly a year so I’m not one to talk, but you must get to it! :) I have fond memories of going to NYC art museums with my mother, The Frick and The Guggenheim as well as the biggies. You’ll be creating wonderful memories for Ruby. Hope you’re feeling better every day!

95Copperskye
Fev 5, 2020, 6:16 pm



7. In the Frame by Dick Francis

This is the fifth Dick Francis book I’ve read for the 2019 and 2020 group reads and so far, it’s my favorite. Lots of travel, action, humor, and art. A plausible plot and a likable buddy vibe made it shine. 4 stars

96msf59
Fev 5, 2020, 10:27 pm

Happy Wednesday, Joanne. Hooray for The Count! I am so glad to hear you also loved the Towles novel.

97rosalita
Fev 6, 2020, 6:23 am

98mckait
Fev 6, 2020, 9:54 am

Trying to star a few threads to try to keep up with... I have joined you in having a Golden in the family... She's about 18 months old and still a handful at times :)

I read A Gentleman in Moscow. I finished it but never had the wow factor some did. I am a very moody reader though so ?

99Copperskye
Fev 7, 2020, 12:40 am

>96 msf59: Hiya Mark, happy almost Friday! Loved the Count!

>97 rosalita: Thanks for the opportunity to read some more Dick Francis, Julia. I’ve never been very successful keeping up with group reads but I’m having a lot of fun with yours. 🙂

>98 mckait: Kath, how nice to see you! A new golden girl - how wonderful! I’m partial to the breed, as you know. :) She’s a lucky dog to have you!

100rosalita
Fev 7, 2020, 6:59 am

>99 Copperskye: That's what I like to hear!

101PaperbackPirate
Editado: Fev 7, 2020, 9:11 am

I found your 2020 thread! I love the photos and cartoons you started us off with. Happy Reading!

102witchyrichy
Fev 8, 2020, 9:56 am

Glad you liked the Dick Francis. I'm generally reading classic mysteries this year and have only done a couple of his books. May add this one to the list.

103Copperskye
Fev 9, 2020, 7:00 pm

>100 rosalita: And that’s what I like to read! :)

>101 PaperbackPirate: Hi! I’m happy you found me!!

>102 witchyrichy: I would definitely recommend that you add it to your list, Karen!

104Copperskye
Fev 9, 2020, 7:12 pm



8. Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History by Dan Flores

A very readable account of the coyote in America and how they’ve managed to survive and thrive even as they’ve been poisoned, trapped, and generally reviled for over a century. There was a lot of interesting information although the details of the war in coyotes was sometimes difficult to read. Get used to them- they’re here to stay.

105Copperskye
Fev 9, 2020, 7:27 pm



9. Everything Inside by Edwidge Danticat

A lovely collection of short stories. Like most collections, I found some stories more engaging than others but all are well done and worth a read.

106jnwelch
Fev 10, 2020, 9:49 am

Isn't A Gentleman in Moscow delightful, Joanne? I'm glad you enjoyed it.

You remind me that I need to re-read In the Frame for the challenge. I just re-read his For Kicks. I'm getting a kick out of this revisit with a favorite mystery author.

107Copperskye
Fev 11, 2020, 6:16 pm

I already know I want to reread A Gentleman in Moscow, Joe!

I’m not sure why I stopped reading Francis’s books except that maybe I really wasn’t a big mystery reader way back when. I’m happy, too, for a chance to revisit and have already picked up a library copy of Blood Sport (a mass market paperback but the print doesn’t look too small)!

108msf59
Fev 11, 2020, 6:27 pm

Hi, Joanne. It always puts a smile on my face, when I see what you are reading or have recently read. I also really enjoyed Coyote America. They truly are amazing animals. After we are long gone, I am sure they will still be running around. I did not realize that Everything Inside was a story collection. It is now, on my list. Thanks.

109PaulCranswick
Fev 11, 2020, 9:15 pm

>104 Copperskye: & >105 Copperskye: If you keep unearthing all these great books that I don't yet own, I may have to ration more my visits, Joanne!

Only kidding.

110BLBera
Fev 13, 2020, 8:00 pm

>105 Copperskye: I also loved this collection, Joanne.

111Storeetllr
Fev 13, 2020, 8:14 pm

>104 Copperskye: Looks really interesting! I used to see coyotes a lot when I first moved to Santa Clarita, a suburb (sort of) of L.A., when it was not as built up as it is now. A friend just told me last night that she's seen coyotes around her house in nearby New City, which is a pretty urban area, probably because there are a lot of rabbits there too. My friend is worried about her dog, as well she might be.

112Copperskye
Fev 14, 2020, 12:23 am

>108 msf59: Hi Mark, They are certainly wily little buggers. Our locals coyotes were hit pretty hard with mange these past few years but seem to be rebounding now. I’m back to carrying a couple river stones in my pockets when I walk in case I need to haze one. Definitely check out Everything Inside.

>109 PaulCranswick: Oh dear, Paul, it’s quiet enough over here without you rationing your visits! :) Hope all is well in your world this week.

>110 BLBera: You’re the reason I finally read it, Beth, after checking it out of the library and then returning it several times!

>111 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! You might find the book especially interesting, coming from LA and Chicago. Coyotes are very comfortable settling into city life. The author mentioned that one of the reasons we see them in urban areas now is because of leash laws for dogs. A few decades ago, there were more dogs free roaming around and coyotes just couldn’t stake out their territory. Not surprising that they have moved into New City (I know where that is - we used to have family friends that lived there). It must be where they rest before they move to the Bronx. :) Tell your friend to haze them!

113Ameise1
Fev 14, 2020, 4:12 am

>91 Copperskye: I'm glad to hear that you liked this book. For me it was a gorgeous listening.

>95 Copperskye: I've read this one a few days ago and enjoyed it very much.

Happy Friday, Joanne.

114Copperskye
Editado: Fev 17, 2020, 1:11 am

Hi Barbara! I think I’d love to revisit Gentleman on audio.
I’m really enjoying the group read of Francis’s books. In the Frame was very entertaining.

115Copperskye
Fev 17, 2020, 1:06 am



10. You Can Only Yell at Me for One Thing at a Time: Rules for Couples by Patricia Marx and Roz Chast

Humorous insights and Roz Chast’s delightfully diverse illustrations make this a little charmer. It’ll take you about 10 minutes to leaf through but anyone who’s been in a long term relationship will have a lot of relatable chuckles.

116BLBera
Fev 17, 2020, 2:58 pm

>115 Copperskye: This sounds like fun, Joanne.

>112 Copperskye: Always happy to accept credit for recommendations since you liked the book. :)

117Storeetllr
Fev 17, 2020, 6:16 pm

>115 Copperskye: Oh, I like Roz Chast's stuff! I'll have to see if I can pick this one up at the library.

118msf59
Editado: Fev 17, 2020, 6:36 pm

Hooray for Roz Chast! She is always a delight. Did you participate in this year's GBBC? I counted today and yesterday. Not much seen at the feeders but it is still fun keeping an eye on things.

119Copperskye
Fev 17, 2020, 9:23 pm

>116 BLBera: It was a fun little book, Beth!

>117 Storeetllr: Definitely, Mary! I love her cartoons in the New Yorker.

>118 msf59: I sent in three checklists, Mark, one from a walk and two more stationary ones from my kitchen table. I had the usual suspects at my feeders - red-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, house finches, juncos, downy woodpecker, flicker. And I did see two female goldfinches - the first ones I’ve seen for several months. And a spotted towhee. I didn’t do another walking count because the trail surface was so bad - slushy snow and lots of ice with a bit of mud thrown in - it was difficult to walk without looking down so it was hard to see the birds. But did report a red-tailed hawk, two flickers, one blue jay, and lots of crows and magpies.

120AMQS
Fev 17, 2020, 10:07 pm

Stelios has Coyote America in his pile. We certainly see plenty of them where we are - I look forward to this one also.

121msf59
Fev 17, 2020, 10:21 pm

>119 Copperskye: Love the bird report, Joanne. I want to see a spotted towhee. There was one in the western suburbs, earlier last year, hanging around someone's feeders. I couldn't get over to see it, but a few people I know saw it.

122Copperskye
Fev 18, 2020, 2:11 am

>120 AMQS: It’s a good one! I hope you both enjoy it. John liked it, too.

>121 msf59: The spotted towhees are so cute, bright and active as they scratch the ground for seeds. They seem nearly as used to people as the chickadees. Hope you get to see one soon!

123Copperskye
Fev 18, 2020, 11:57 am



11. A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd

This 22nd entry in Charles Todd’s Ian Rutledge series was a little slow to start but it turned into an entertaining read. I figured out who did it by the time I was mid-way through which I rarely do. But I did want to know the how and the why so I happily kept reading to see if I was right. I was, but I still have unanswered questions. I didn’t feel hampered by the 12 book gap between this book and the last in the series I read so not reading all 21 previous books wasn’t a problem. Overall, a fairly good historical mystery that was well written with engaging characters. I loved learning a bit about England and Avebury’s stone circle.

Whether or not Rutledge’s seemingly constant car travel between small towns and London in 1921 was plausible, I don’t really know. But I do like learning about new places.

Avebury Stone Circle



124Copperskye
Fev 20, 2020, 9:00 pm



12. God on the Rocks by Jane Gardam

A charming and unpredictable coming of age story set between the two world wars in a seaside village in northern England. Gardam switches up the POV and weaves her characters’ lives around each other until the wonderfully satisfying and for me, surprising, conclusion. 4.25 stars

125PaulCranswick
Fev 20, 2020, 9:23 pm

>124 Copperskye: Jane Gardam is a wonderful author and another from my home county of Yorkshire.

126PaulCranswick
Fev 20, 2020, 9:24 pm

Don't worry I'll never ration my visits. x

127Ameise1
Fev 21, 2020, 5:00 am

>123 Copperskye: I've put this series to my library list. They've got some copies of it but not all.
Happy Friday, Joanne.

128Copperskye
Fev 21, 2020, 11:50 am

>125 PaulCranswick: Gardam is a treasure, Paul! Every time I finish one of her books I want to dive into another. She’s clever and makes you think. I hope she’s better known in your home country and I suspect she is. I don’t think she’s widely read in the States and that’s a shame.

>126 PaulCranswick: I’m very glad! 🙂

>127 Ameise1: Happy Friday, Barbara! Aside from the first book in the series, I don’t think they all need to be read or even read in order. I don’t usually feel that way about series and your thoughts, and others, may differ! My favorite was A Cold Treachery.

I’m currently stumbling around, trying to decide what to read. We’re heading to Boulder, so maybe I’ll find something new in the bookstore.

129BLBera
Fev 23, 2020, 8:14 pm

>124 Copperskye: I love Gardam. You remind me that it's been a while since I picked up one of hers.

130Storeetllr
Fev 23, 2020, 8:16 pm

Hi, Joanne! I haven't read anything by Gardam. Not sure she'd be to my taste. Which would be a good one with which to test the waters?

131Copperskye
Fev 24, 2020, 12:06 am

>129 BLBera: Treat yourself, Beth! I have several more of Gardam’s books on the shelf. I really should get to them.

>130 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! There are a lot I haven’t read, but my recommendations would be Old Filth (the first of a trilogy) or Crusoe’s Daughter. I loved them both. She’s probably not for everyone, but I hope you give her a try!

132rosalita
Editado: Fev 24, 2020, 6:22 am

>123 Copperskye: Now that I've raced through my library copy so I could pass it on to the next person on the long holds list, I've come back and read your review. The apparent killer seemed so obvious that it was clearly not going to be correct, but the eventual reveal mostly made sense to me. I'm curious what your unanswered questions are?

Your comment about Ian driving all over England made me laugh; I've had that thought more than once throughout the series! Like you, I don't know how realistic it is, but I just willingly suspend my disbelief and enjoy the ride. :-)

I think what you missed by skipping so many books in the series is a greater understanding of the dynamics for Ian within Scotland Yard, in particular things that happened in the last book that seemed to leave his career teetering on the edge of oblivion. For me, that added a personal angle to the tension he felt as he went about solving the cases.

133Copperskye
Editado: Fev 25, 2020, 10:35 am

>132 rosalita: Hi Julia! Oh, it was mostly the little things that weren’t explained that nagged at me. They made a point of saying how difficult riding single on a tandem bike would be and yet she apparently rode the bike home alone. And why kill her there anyway? There must have been plenty of isolated places to kill someone where the body wouldn’t be found for a while. And the first murder, why leave the body in an open grave where it would definitely be discovered the next morning? And how was the soldier enticed to the barrow? I think I was annoyed early on because I guessed who done it and kept telling Ian (in my head, of course), “hey, it’s the wife! You already questioned yourself if it could be a woman, it was!”. I didn’t know what a barrow was but I do now. And building a town in the stone circle sounds risky to me. :) I do like the opportunity to learn about places.

There was definitely more tension between Rutledge and his superiors and things about his mother and sister and female friend that I want to learn more about. I knew I’d miss some backstory but it was either read it now or a year or two from now. I don’t mind having the blanks filled in later. I might be more intrigued by Rutledge’s backstory now than I was before I read this one.

I wanted to ask you, Julia, have you watched any of the new Agatha Christie adaptations on Prime? John and I enjoyed Ordeal by Innocence and just finished The ABC Murders last night. They were really well done. I haven’t (sadly) read either of the books though, and wondered how they compared to the source material.

134PaulCranswick
Fev 25, 2020, 4:26 pm

>133 Copperskye: Murder mysteries are the ones to be avoided on TV before reading the book, I think. With Christie it is almost pointless reading some of her books knowing full well whodunnit. Sometimes though the productions do throw the occasional curve ball.

135msf59
Fev 25, 2020, 6:52 pm

Hi, Joanne. Checking in with my pal. I am really enjoying the Elton John memoir. It is even better than I expected. Have you read Jonis Agee? I am impressed with The Weight of Dreams (only a 100 pages or so in), my first by her. I know, we both love reading novels set in the west. This one is set in the western part of Kansas and Nebraska, mostly on ranches.

136Copperskye
Fev 26, 2020, 10:48 am

>134 PaulCranswick: I’d much rather read a book first, Paul, and with my memory, sometimes it doesn’t matter at all! :)

>135 msf59: I’m looking forward to reading Me, Mark, so I’m glad to hear you’re having a good time with it! I’ve never read Agee. I guess I have a new author to add to the list. Happy Wednesday! Hope your weather is improving!

137figsfromthistle
Fev 26, 2020, 1:17 pm

Lost your thread, found it again and now I'm all caught up!

I have heard a lot of good things about a Gentleman in Moscow. On my WL it goes.

138Copperskye
Fev 26, 2020, 8:05 pm

>137 figsfromthistle: Nice to see you Anita! I hope you enjoy A Gentleman in Moscow as much as I did.

139alcottacre
Fev 26, 2020, 8:11 pm

>91 Copperskye: I love that one!

>105 Copperskye: I very much enjoy Danticat's writing. I really need to read more of her stuff.

>124 Copperskye: Adding that one to the BlackHole!

140Copperskye
Fev 26, 2020, 8:17 pm



13. A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey

I loved this very fun golden age mystery, my first by Josephine Tey. The body of a very famous actress is found on the beach and Scotland Yard quickly determines that it is a case of murder. The suspects range from an ex-husband and family members to jealous fellow actors. The characters were all very entertaining, especially young Erica, the daughter of the Chief Constable, and the charming Inspector Alan Grant.

141nittnut
Fev 26, 2020, 9:48 pm

Just passing through - *Wave!*

142Copperskye
Fev 27, 2020, 11:11 am

Hiya Jenn! Good to see you

143Copperskye
Fev 27, 2020, 10:34 pm

>139 alcottacre: Almost missed you there, Stasia! The only other book by Danticat that I’ve read is Claire of the Sea Light, which I loved. I have a couple of her others on the shelf that I really need to get read.

144vancouverdeb
Fev 28, 2020, 1:26 am

Stopping by to say hi, Joanne. God on the Rocks looks like a book I'd be interested in. I've yet to read anything by Jane Gardam.

145rosalita
Fev 28, 2020, 7:03 am

>133 Copperskye: I think your quibbles with A Divided Loyalty make sense, Joanne. As for the Christie adaptations on Prime, I haven't watched any of them yet but they are on my radar. I've read The ABC Murders so I might give that one a watch. I don't think I've read Ordeal by Innocence so will avoid that one for now. I'm glad to hear you think they are worth the time!

146Copperskye
Fev 28, 2020, 7:55 pm

>144 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, it’s great to see you posting again!

>145 rosalita: Hi Julia, I’m reading Crooked House now so I can watch that one next. I had planned on reading more Christie this year and the adaptations are just hurrying me along.

147Storeetllr
Fev 28, 2020, 8:12 pm

>131 Copperskye: Oh! Yes, I do recall now that there was a lot of love for Old Filth a few years back, and I meant to get to it but for some reason never did. At this particular point, I'm in need of comfort reads and may just start a reread of the In Death series (thanks to Stasia for pushing me along on that idea with her mini-reviews of the series, which she is currently rereading).

>140 Copperskye: I love Tey, or did when I read them a million years ago. Or, you know, a few decades, which sometimes seems like a million years. One of my favorites is The Daughter of Time, which delves into the mystery of the princes in the tower.

I'm going to have to check out the Christie adaptations on Prime. I used to love the BBC adaptations, also a million years ago.

148alcottacre
Fev 29, 2020, 5:11 pm

>140 Copperskye: >147 Storeetllr: I will echo Mary in my love for The Daughter of Time. I think it is a terrific book.

149Copperskye
Fev 29, 2020, 7:07 pm

>147 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. There’s nothing like a good comfort read to help you get on with your day. Thank goodness for them! See the link below! I’m looking forward to reading more Tey. In the ABC Murders production, I’m especially curious about how Poirot fans feel about John Malkovich in the role.

>148 alcottacre: Oh excellent, Stasia! It’s the only other Tey I own. :)

As fans of the In Death series, you both will appreciate this piece about binge reading the series. I read it in the paper a few weeks ago and it got me a bit curious about trying it. But wow, 50 books...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2020/02/12/5-things-learned-b...

150Copperskye
Editado: Fev 29, 2020, 7:47 pm



14. Elevation by Stephen King (audio)

A very atypical tale for King, in both length and horror, of some unusual goings-on in Castle Rock, ME. Thought provoking, kinda. Also kinda meh. 3 stars

151alcottacre
Fev 29, 2020, 7:39 pm

>149 Copperskye: Thanks for posting that link, Joanne. I loved "Libraries are candy shops for adults " and laughed out loud.

152Copperskye
Fev 29, 2020, 7:46 pm

>151 alcottacre: Wasn’t it a fun piece, Stasia - I’m glad you like it! :)

153Storeetllr
Fev 29, 2020, 8:55 pm

>149 Copperskye: A 50-book series sounds intimidating, Joanne, but it's just like a 50-piece box of chocolates. You can eat the entire box in a few weeks without even realizing you've done it, just having one or two a day "for a treat." The In Death series is sort of like that: fast and relatively easy but gritty and oh-so-fun reads. I wouldn't want to binge read all 50 one right after the other, but a couple a week in between other books wouldn't be too much. Just imo. I'll be starting on Naked in Death as soon as my hold comes up from the library.

I enjoyed that article too, Joanne. Libraries ARE candy shops for adults, or, really anyone of any age who likes to read.

154brenzi
Fev 29, 2020, 9:06 pm

Hi Joanne, for me it's just too discouraging to start a series with a lot of entries in it. I mean the first one would have to absolutely knock my socks off for me to continue. But 50.....nope, not going to happen. I like to be caught up with a series and waiting for a new one to be published. It's probably why I like Louise Penny so much. She's like clockwork: every year end of August/early September a new book.

155witchyrichy
Mar 1, 2020, 11:24 am

>123 Copperskye: Adding Charles Todd to the mystery list.

>124 Copperskye: I just finished Old Filth, my first Jane Gardham. The other two in that series are waiting right behind on the shelf.

156msf59
Editado: Mar 1, 2020, 12:02 pm

>150 Copperskye: Well, I can cross this one off the list. Whew! I am enjoying The Institute though!

Happy Sunday, Joanne. Seeing any early spring visitors yet, at the feeders? I got robins.

157Copperskye
Mar 1, 2020, 8:07 pm

>153 Storeetllr: You never know, Mary, I may give it a try sometime! I rarely enjoy reading more than two series books in a row. It really does say something about the series that she was able to continue, one after the other. Glad you liked the article!

>154 brenzi: Hi Bonnie, Penny has them timed just about perfectly!

>155 witchyrichy: Yay for Old Filth! I’ll be stopping by to see how you liked it!

>156 msf59: Hi Mark! No, no new birds yet this spring. Our robins are here all winter so they’re not necessarily a harbinger of spring. I really hope the goldfinches come back. Our chickadees and nuthatches are so cute, I don’t mind the lack of variety!

158Copperskye
Mar 1, 2020, 9:30 pm

159Copperskye
Editado: Mar 2, 2020, 4:19 pm



15. Crooked House by Agatha Christie

I really enjoyed this stand-alone murder mystery where nearly everyone involved was a plausible suspect. 4 stars

160Copperskye
Editado: Mar 5, 2020, 6:59 pm



16. When All is Said by Anne Griffin

While sitting at the local hotel bar, Maurice raises a glass to the five important people in his life as he recounts their entwining stories. A delightful debut from an Irish author. 4.5 stars

Thanks to Ellen and Beth for putting this one on my radar.

161Storeetllr
Mar 5, 2020, 7:23 pm

Hi, Joanne - Just stopping by to see what you're up to. Two good reads back-to-back! Yes!

>158 Copperskye: So so true!

162EBT1002
Mar 6, 2020, 12:07 am

Hi Joanne.

P took a quick trip a few weeks ago to see that Monet exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. It was one of those wonderful moments when she realized that she could leave me here at my work and just go on a solo adventure. She said the exhibit was pretty spectacular. I'm glad you got to see it, as well.

>124 Copperskye: I've not read any Gardam other than the Old Filth trilogy. That was so good. God On the Rocks is going on the wish list.

>158 Copperskye: I've seen that one around; love it.

>160 Copperskye: Oh good, I'm glad you enjoyed When All Is Said. It has stuck with me.

Have a great weekend!

163AMQS
Mar 6, 2020, 11:23 pm

Hi Joanna! Oh, I've had my eye on God on the Rocks - thanks for the nudge! I listened to When All is Said earlier this year and loved it. Happy weekend!

164karenmarie
Mar 7, 2020, 6:55 pm

Hi Joanne!

>140 Copperskye: I’ve read and loved all Josephine Tey’s books. Might be due for a re-read next year. My favorite is Miss Pym Disposes.

I just finished #46 in the In Death Series, Dark in Death. I’ll read 47-50 prior to #51, Shadows In Death, coming out in September. I don't think I could even consider starting a 50-book series, so am glad I'm closing in on the newest ones and then can keep up. I'm amazed that Stasia reads the whole series every year or so...

165Copperskye
Mar 9, 2020, 5:55 pm

>161 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! All is well here and I’m happy with my reading. We’re full on into a false spring on the front range so I’m enjoying it while it lasts!

>162 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! I was so surprised that the Monet exhibit was just a solo city event. I’m glad P got to come see it! The Old Filth trilogy is so good and I’m sure you’ll like her other works.

>163 AMQS: You’ll love it, Anne! I would probably have liked When All is Said on audio. I kept reading it with a (terrible) Irish brogue. Luckily, it was silent. :)

>164 karenmarie: Hi Karen, I’ll add Miss Pym Disposes to my Tey list. I was in a bookstore on Saturday but they only had the two Pym’s I already own. I think Overdrive will keep me stocked. It’s disconcerting to have gotten to an age where I start to think that maybe I won’t be able to read everything I want, but there you have it. Of course, if I read one and loved it, it might be a different story altogether. 🤷‍♀️

I was able to go to a Susan Orlean reading yesterday (rescheduled from a literal last minute cancellation a few months ago). She read from and talked about The Library Book and was really a fabulous speaker. If you have the chance to see her, I highly recommend doing so. There were nearly 300 people there and as a concession to Covid-19, there was no signing line.

166alcottacre
Mar 9, 2020, 7:32 pm

>159 Copperskye: Due for a re-read on my part. I do not remember it well at all.

>160 Copperskye: I already have that one in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again.

167msf59
Mar 10, 2020, 7:44 am

Hi, Joanne. You read and enjoyed Know My Name, right? I am starting the audio tomorrow. Have you read Rebecca Solnit? If not, I highly recommend A Field Guide to Getting Lost. I hope you guys are doing well.

168Donna828
Mar 10, 2020, 10:39 am

Hi Joanne, it’s always a treat catching up with you. No book bullets this time. I’ve been curious about the Ian Rutledge series for some time. It’s on my “someday” list. I have been the age of realizing I can’t read everything I want to for awhile now. It’s good to know we will never run out of interesting books to read. On the other hand, it makes me more discerning about my choices. I rely heavily on my LT friends to help me make those important decisions. ;-)

169Copperskye
Mar 10, 2020, 9:48 pm

>166 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! I can hardly imagine how big that Blackhole is by now!! :)

>167 msf59: Hi Mark, Know My Name was excellent - sad and definitely infuriating. Should be good on audio - does Miller read it? I have read Rebecca Solnit although not the one you mentioned. I have Chris’s copy of Whose Story is This right next to me on the table. I’ve read the first few essays. She’s a thoughtful writer.

>168 Donna828: Good to see you Donna! The Ian Rutledge series is pretty good and like all series, some are better than others. Have you read Rennie Airth? The first book or (maybe) two in his John Madden series take place around the same time period, post WWI. I enjoy the historical aspect. And they are absolutely important decisions!! :)

170PaulCranswick
Mar 11, 2020, 7:00 am

>160 Copperskye: I'll make a note of that one, Joanne.

171Copperskye
Mar 12, 2020, 12:30 am

>170 PaulCranswick: Oh good, Paul! I think you’d like it.

172Copperskye
Mar 14, 2020, 9:34 pm



17. Mister Blue by Jacques Poulin

Mister Blue is a cat and the cover illustration is of a cat, but this is not the story of a cat. Jim is a writer suffering from a bit of writer’s block and living alone, except for his cat, in his old family home along the banks of a Canadian river. One day, Jim discovers tracks near a cave along the river bank and a sailboat anchored in the cove and a yearning to not be alone. The story had the feeling of a fairy tale and the ending was very sweet and somewhat unexpected.

173Copperskye
Mar 15, 2020, 12:49 am

174BLBera
Mar 15, 2020, 9:58 pm

>158 Copperskye: I love it. It sounds about right.

I'm so glad you loved When All Is Said.

Mister Blue sounds interesting.

Lucky you to get to see Susan Orlean. I'm surprised they didn't cancel.

175brenzi
Mar 15, 2020, 10:02 pm

I need to get to When All is Said. Everybody seems to love it Joanne.

Hope you are also hunkered down to get through this trying time.

176alcottacre
Editado: Mar 17, 2020, 6:47 pm

>172 Copperskye: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Trust me, you do not want to know how big it is now, lol.

177Copperskye
Mar 19, 2020, 2:51 pm

>174 BLBera: I think you might like Mister Blue, Beth.

>175 brenzi: It’s a good one, Bonnie. Yes, we are hunkered down and have been for about 10 days. I just put together my second grocery order for pick-up on Sunday. Hope you are well!

>176 alcottacre: Lol, Stasia. I’ll bet!

178Storeetllr
Mar 24, 2020, 2:57 pm

Hi, Joanne - Hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy. Also hope you are finding some good books to read while you're practicing social distancing to keep your mind off the mess out there. Me, I'm having a tough time of it - I had already been in a bit of a slump, and it hasn't gotten any better since this started, so I'm basically rereading comfort reads. Currently, I'm powering through the first 10 of the In Death books. (They are in two collections, so it's hard to stop, but, once I'm done with the 10th, I'm going to try something new before getting back to the series.)

179witchyrichy
Mar 29, 2020, 11:08 am

Hope you are staying well!

Been in so many online meetings, I was too tired to do much else on the the web.

>178 Storeetllr: I experienced a similar slump early on but seem to be digging myself out. If re-reading brings comfort, that's a good thing. I picked a few of the easier, good reads on my list.

180Copperskye
Abr 2, 2020, 10:41 pm

>178 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, So far so good. Picked up some groceries (parking lot delivery) this evening. No chicken, bread, flour, sugar, dishwasher detergent, or a few other odds and ends. I think I've gathered what I need to make some lasagna, though. Small victories. I'm reading The Zig Zag Girl and it's at least holding my attention.

>179 witchyrichy: Hi Karen, I am happy I don't have to work through this, online or otherwise. My husband had a telemed appointment last week. It was the first for him and his doctor.

Like a lot of us (most of us, all of us?), I'm struggling with everything. The sheer incompetence. "What do you have to lose?", he said. Fear and anxiety rule the day. We've been staying home except for dog walks and grocery pickups. I'm worried about my son in IL who is taking this seriously, thank goodness. And my family on the east coast. Occasionally, my thoughts spiral (what else can go wrong...supply chain issues, riots, 401k, death, the usual) and I'm up worrying half the night. I can hardly read anything, nothing seems important or interesting. I can watch TV. Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries, Better Call Saul, and Ozark are distracting. I can put a jigsaw puzzle together, look out the window, scroll twitter, and watch MSNBC. Gov Cuomo is oddly soothing.

I hope all here are well and safe and stay that way.

181msf59
Editado: Abr 3, 2020, 6:34 am

Hi, Joanne. Yep, tough times, my friend. At least we have a governor who has really stepped on this crisis. He has proven to be a true leader, even though, the right hates him, (shocking, right?). Seeing any interesting birds lately? I have been seeing FOY birds, nearly every time I venture out and that should increase as the migrants start pouring through.

182BLBera
Abr 3, 2020, 11:54 am

Stay well, Joanne. It is hard to be away from family.

183RebaRelishesReading
Abr 3, 2020, 2:22 pm

>180 Copperskye: It is indeed a stressful time. Hope you can find activities that are calming for you. Stay well.

184Storeetllr
Abr 3, 2020, 8:22 pm

>180 Copperskye: Yeah, I am right there with you, Joanne. Except I'm unable to watch TV, do artistic stuff, or even focus on reading except comfort rereads.

I'm a mess, and I don't even have it as bad as some. At least my daughter & granddaughter are just upstairs, not across the country. I've finally started interacting with them again, which is a blessing. I posted some pics of things that are getting me through this over on my thread.

Glad you and your family are weathering this storm and hope you find your reading groove again soon!

185karenmarie
Abr 4, 2020, 7:41 am

>180 Copperskye: I’m sorry you can hardly read anything and are having trouble sleeping, Joanne. My daughter, 3 hours away, is taking this seriously, too, thank goodness. And I worry about my west coast family. Hang in there.

186PaperbackPirate
Abr 4, 2020, 1:49 pm

>180 Copperskye:

I'm loving Better Call Saul and Ozark!

xoxo

187PaulCranswick
Abr 5, 2020, 8:08 am

>180 Copperskye: I am also enjoying - though rationing it - Ozark.

Keep up your chin in these trying times, Joanne.

188Copperskye
Abr 8, 2020, 11:52 pm

>181 msf59: Hi Mark, Now that a good part of my heart resides in Illinois, I’m thankful, too, for your governor. Our Gov. Polis has also been doing a great job for Colorado. Thankful for all the smart people in government. I saw some goldfinches at the feeder recently. It’s nice to have them back. And I heard a rumor that a hummingbird was heard in the foothills. I have my fingers crossed that I’m able to get a bag of sugar in my grocery order this weekend (everyone seems to be baking) so I have some to spare to fill the feeder with hummer food.

>182 BLBera: Thanks Beth, you too.

>183 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, I’m working on it!

>184 Storeetllr: Oh, thank goodness you can be together again! The Tri-State area is being hit so hard. Stay well, my friend!

>185 karenmarie: Hi Karen, Seems that we’re both lucky to have smart kids. I actually finished a book yesterday, so there’s that. Now I have to find a new one!

>186 PaperbackPirate: Hi Pirate, We raced through Ozark. Wow! That was a great season! And just caught up with Saul tonight. I fear for a couple of the characters.

>187 PaulCranswick: Isn’t Ozark great, Paul? After we watched the final episode we rewatched the first episode of the first season. I forgot a lot and we may just run through it again. Hope all is well with you and yours.

189Copperskye
Abr 9, 2020, 12:46 am

190PaulCranswick
Abr 9, 2020, 12:46 am

>188 Copperskye: I was blown away by that very first Ozark episode, Joanne. I love so many shows on Netflix and I don't watch any other form of TV at all at the moment (I use the internet for news in Malaysia), but I think that one show made me determine that Netflix would be my thing.

I am rationing the latest series which is unusual for me.

191PaulCranswick
Abr 9, 2020, 12:48 am

>189 Copperskye: You could be right, Joanne! I asked the neighbourhood pooch how he was getting on with this coronavirus things and he answered......"RRRough!"...... (Sorry, the oldest jokes are still the best). xx

192Copperskye
Editado: Abr 9, 2020, 1:02 am



18. The Death Of Kings by Rennie Airth

I love this series but this one was my least favorite. I finished it just a few weeks ago and, recognizing that I read it at a bad time, I couldn’t remember a single thing about it without just now looking at other people’s tags to jog my memory. Still looking forward to the next one, though.

193Donna828
Abr 9, 2020, 12:16 pm

>189 Copperskye: >191 PaulCranswick: Love love love both of these posts.

I'm sorry you are so worried, Joanne. I'm a little worried about not being too worried. My daily meditation helps me a lot. It also helps that we don't live in a hot zone. My family in all their locations are taking this thing seriously, though. I am lamenting an Easter without my grandkids doing the traditional Easter Egg Hunt in our yard. We have a freeze predicted for that morning so maybe it won't be missed. I haven't seen anyone I love (except my Dear Husband) since Friday, March 13. I've never been superstitious, but now I'm having second thoughts.

>192 Copperskye: It's disappointing that one of your go-to authors didn't work for you this time. I went through a lack of concentration for the first week or two of this social isolation thing, but now I am back to reading as usual. The unread books on my shelves will get their share of attention now. I don't look for the library to open any day soon, especially since we are in lockdown until the end of April.

Hang in there and be glad for your furbabies. Wish I had one to cuddle with these days. (((Hugs)))

194Storeetllr
Abr 9, 2020, 4:40 pm

>189 Copperskye: Made me lol.

195RebaRelishesReading
Abr 9, 2020, 5:25 pm

196Copperskye
Abr 9, 2020, 6:39 pm

>190 PaulCranswick: I forgot just how good that first episode of Ozark was, Paul. It was also fun to see the first appearance of some recurring characters. Enjoy the rest of the current season - it’s a good one! Have you watched Bloodline? It takes place in the Florida Keys and is another good, twisty, and deadly show.

>191 PaulCranswick: Ha Ha! Oldie, but goodie! The dogs (and cats) are getting pretty spoiled having their people around all the time.

>193 Donna828: Hi Donna, Colorado weather is always so flaky around Easter. It’s not unusual that plans are changed (well, this reason is unusual). There’s going to be a lot of belated get- togethers when this is all over. I think my reading mojo might be on its way back. :)

>194 Storeetllr: >195 RebaRelishesReading: Me, too! :)

197Copperskye
Abr 9, 2020, 6:55 pm



19. The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar

I think I’ve read three other books by this author that I loved but this is the first one that disappointed me. The “story hour” of the title is the hour spent together by two women, one a young immigrant wife who attempted suicide and the other, her therapist. Both have back stories and both have lives that move forward and collide. I just found the therapist’s actions to be unconscionable and the young woman’s life changes unrealistic. Well-written, as expected, but it didn’t work for me.

198Copperskye
Abr 9, 2020, 7:01 pm



20. The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths

Now this one was fun! I liked it way more than I thought I would. I love Griffiths Ruth Galloway series but something about a detective and a magician didn’t appeal to me at first. But it was clever and fun with likable characters and I’m happy to continue with the next in the series.

199msf59
Editado: Abr 9, 2020, 7:11 pm

>189 Copperskye: I love it!

Hi, Joanne. I just saw a pair of starlings at the feeders, FOY, for my backyard. No hummingbird sightings in our area yet, but it should be soon, despite the chilly weather, that is in store for us, for the next week. I hope to put the hummer feeder up, in the next week or so. Do you guys get orioles? I just bought my first oriole feeder. They should also be arriving in the next two weeks.

Making the best of the Stay in Place Order!

200thornton37814
Abr 10, 2020, 8:38 am

>198 Copperskye: You liked it better than I did.

201PaperbackPirate
Abr 10, 2020, 12:35 pm

202EBT1002
Abr 10, 2020, 11:51 pm

>180 Copperskye: Oh yeah, I share all that struggle. I'm working from home and frankly I feel like I have less "free" time than usual, but then when I have it my concentration is often shot. I did keep myself off social media this morning and it helped to just read my novel (the first Harry Potter) with my mug of coffee. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night in a weird cold sweat, frightened about all that could happen. We are bending the curve in Washington, but we're not out of the woods yet.

>189 Copperskye: Ha. Love that.

It sounds like I need to give Ozark a trial.

Hang in there, Joanne.

203PaulCranswick
Abr 12, 2020, 4:07 am



I wanted my message this year to be fairly universal in a time we all should be pulling together, whatever our beliefs. Happy Celebration, Happy Sunday, Joanne.

204ChelleBearss
Abr 12, 2020, 9:59 am


Happy Easter!

205witchyrichy
Abr 12, 2020, 11:32 am

206Copperskye
Abr 12, 2020, 4:41 pm

>199 msf59: Hiya Mark, We have Bullock’s Orioles but don’t see them very often. The tanagers should come through in a few weeks. I’m happy that our goldfinches have returned. After beautiful sunny 70° days last week, we’re “enjoying” snow and temps below freezing now and for the rest of the week. After the cold passes, I’ll get the hummer feeder out and up.

>200 thornton37814: Hi Lori, I was surprised by how much I liked it!

>201 PaperbackPirate: Me too! Our big outing this weekend was to the supermarket. Not the one we usually go to and a little further away and in a different direction.

>202 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, It always found it so much harder to work at home than at the office. I can’t imagine trying to function with all this going on. I have a lot of respect for everyone trying to cope with work pressures now. Harry Potter sounds like a pretty good comfort read, actually. Ozark is a fine distraction. Stay well!

>203 PaulCranswick: >204 ChelleBearss: >205 witchyrichy: Happy Easter!!

207AMQS
Abr 12, 2020, 6:51 pm

>180 Copperskye: Joanne, I completely understand. I have been having sleep problems, too, and can hardly concentrate on anything. Our first week of remote learning was absolutely intense, as I got everything set up for teachers and students to shift to online learning. I felt like I worked around the clock. Then I got a week of rest when we had spring break. Now we have 3 weeks of remote learning behind us and things are going well. I am a lot less busy as teachers are really in the groove of online teaching and are streamlining their practice. And the calmer schedule has oddly made things harder for me. My spirits are low, I worry about everything, and I am spectacularly unproductive. Marina is fine other than mad about and grieving the loss of all of the fun stuff of senior year, including prom and graduation. Callia is staying in Oregon and overall is doing well, but it is so hard for me not to have her home. And the past few days have been really hard emotionally for her, which is torture for me. It is a hard, hard time. On the bright side, I went shopping today after not going for about 2 weeks. Things were well stocked and we finally have fresh produce again.

Hang in there, and take care.

208Copperskye
Abr 13, 2020, 9:37 pm

>207 AMQS: Hi Anne, I feel so bad for Marina and all the seniors who are missing out on all the traditional lasts, unable to say goodbye to teachers and counselors, and celebrate all the things they’ve been looking forward to. They can’t even get their yearbooks signed. Tell her I’m sorry and don’t blame her for being mad and sad! I know what you mean about Callia being away. Chris is in Illinois and I know he’s acting responsibly, but I can’t help but wonder what I’d do if he got sick. He’s used to teaching remotely but misses his students and teachers and friends. He’s very outgoing and tends to always want to be out and about and now that he’s living alone for the first time, I know it’s hard for him. He makes the most of virtual coffee and happy hours and movies with friends.
There’s a lot to be said for being overworked to block out what’s going on in the world but thank goodness you had spring break to kick back a little and recharge.
I’ve been using melatonin to help me sleep and I think it’s working really well. Are you joining in with the nightly howls? It’s a great stress release. My neighbors are really into it and I know the hospital workers appreciate it.

209BLBera
Abr 14, 2020, 3:04 pm

>189 Copperskye: True.

I have been having trouble sleeping as well, Joanne. I hope I can spend more time outdoors when the weather improves. We had 7.5 inches of snow on Sunday.

I've been lucky that I can come into my office for a few hours a day, just for a change of scenery!

I didn't like the last two Airths as much as the earlier ones.

Take care.

210Copperskye
Abr 14, 2020, 8:02 pm

>209 BLBera: Hi Beth! We had snow on Sunday, too, but only about an inch. We’re expecting more on Thursday, I think. We also had record cold which turned the newly popped aspen leaves on our trees black. They were so green and pretty for about a day, I hope they can recover. :( I’m so looking forward to being able to sit in the yard again. I bet you never thought you’d feel lucky to be able to spend time in your office! I still need to read the latest Airth - I hope I like it more than the last one I read, but even if the latest aren’t as good as the first few, they’re still not bad!

211Copperskye
Abr 14, 2020, 9:10 pm



21. Our Spoons Came From Woolworths by Barbara Comyns

The story of Sophia, a disturbingly naive artist and model in 1930s London, who marries another poor, unsuccessful artist from an uncaring, relatively wealthy family. She finally figures out just how unsuited they are but with one, and then another child, there’s not much she can do. She tells her story of starvation, abject poverty, cruelty, pre-NHS hospital care, sickness, and at best, casual indifference from her husband, with disarming straightforwardness. Blurbs and reviews talked about humor but honestly, I found her life story too horrifying to be very funny. I was expecting something more along the lines of Mama’s Bank Account - love, warmth and humor amidst hard times. This was mostly hard times. Very memorable though, and different. Portions are reportedly based on Comyns own life experiences. I may try something else from the author.

212msf59
Abr 14, 2020, 10:13 pm

Hi, Joanne. I just finished a spring migration book, which is getting me excited about the next few weeks. Very cold and windy, the last couple of days. WTH?

We got back on the Ozark train. We had watched the first 2eps of season two, but never got back to it. Plowing through it now. Entertaining show.

213Donna828
Abr 14, 2020, 10:14 pm

>211 Copperskye: I read that one five years ago, Joanne, and gave it 3 stars. I have little memory of it other than being disappointed.

To add one more hardship to sheltering in place, our cable and internet are both out. I hate typing on my iPhone so I will be less chatty than usual. To make matters worse, our cable company won’t enter houses right now. They dropped off a new modem today but that wasn’t the issue. We are getting our news fix on the radio. Times are tough.

214karenmarie
Abr 15, 2020, 8:27 am

Hi Joanne!

I didn't like The Zig Zag Girl well enough to continue the series either. Mysteries are my favorite genre, though, and right now I'm flirting with Nero Wolfe - just re-read the first, Fer-de-Lance, and read the second, The League of Frightened Men for the first time. I have #3 The Rubber Band sitting here staring at me. I should continue with Pride and Prejudice and find a non-fiction read, but am somewhat paralyzed reading-wise right now.

215Copperskye
Abr 15, 2020, 5:40 pm

>212 msf59: Hi Mark, Typical springtime here. We’re supposed to get 3-5” of snow tonight and tomorrow. It was 10° a couple mornings ago but I have my fingers crossed that I can get the hummer feeder up over the weekend when it’s supposed to get into the 60s again. Enjoy Ozark! I think the third season was excellent. Do you watch Better Call Saul? It’s better than Breaking Bad, I feel.

>213 Donna828: Hi Donna, Yeah, the title held such promise! Oh no!! No cable or internet - I’d be going nuts! I hope you can get it fixed soon. :(

>214 karenmarie: Hi Karen, I’ve never read Rex Stout. I have several new to me series authors I plan on starting - Donna Leon, Colin Dexter, Jacqueline Winspear, to name a few. Mysteries are really hitting the spot with me right now.

216BLBera
Abr 15, 2020, 7:44 pm

>211 Copperskye: This one sounds like a good one, Joanne. Perfect timing for it.

I picked up The Zig Zag Girl a while ago because I love Ruth Galloway, but I couldn't get into it. I might give it another try.

217rosalita
Abr 17, 2020, 8:51 am

>215 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! Thanks for reviving the Dick Francis thread — with all the chaos going on I completely dropped the ball on putting up my usual introductory post for the current read. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

And what do you mean, you've never read Rex Stout? You must remedy that! If you are not a maniac about reading series in order (and truly, this one doesn't need it because nothing carries over) I will recommend If Death Ever Slept which was the first Stout book I ever read and hooked me forever at the age of 12. I can recommend others if that one's hard to find.

We got some snow overnight here, which I am not amused by. However, it is supposed to be in the upper 40s today and in the 60s this weekend so I suppose it won't last long. And at least I don't have to fight with it to get to work. I just walk across my living room and poof! here I am. :-)

218Storeetllr
Abr 18, 2020, 5:52 pm

Hi, Joanne. I've not been feeling much like leaving comments anywhere these days but thought of you today when my SIL, who went grocery shopping for me today, brought home 2 big bags of rolled oats. I flashed on the time I stayed at your place overnight after the ALA convention and you made those nonbaked oat cookies. I may have to look for a recipe because, tho I enjoy cooked oatmeal a couple of times a week, I think it will take a long time to go thru that much rolled oats if I use it for breakfast only.

That was a fun day, wasn't it. All those books, and the great meetup. Seems like it happened in another life.

Hope all is well with you, John, and Chris. Stay safe!

219thornton37814
Abr 19, 2020, 9:27 pm

>218 Storeetllr: I saw this "Berry Crisp Dump Cake" on Food Network over the weekend that uses rolled oats: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-lee/berry-crisp-dump-cake-3660265 It looked really good!

220Copperskye
Abr 20, 2020, 1:26 am

>216 BLBera: Hi Beth, I never heard much enthusiasm for The Zig Zag Girl so I honestly didn’t expect too much. It seemed to be the right book at the right time for me.

>217 rosalita: Hi Julia, I know, things are kind of crazy (what an understatement!) so I was happy to wake up that thread. I’m glad people are still reading along. It’s my longest time with a group read. Thanks for recommending a favorite Rex Stout! I will give it a try. My library has a slew of them available on Overdrive. Stay well!

>218 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, That was a happy memory in the before times, wasn’t it!? Aside from that awful, snowy weather. It does seem like forever ago. Those little breakfast cookies are easy. I think it’s a Skinnytaste recipe. 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup quick oats, sprinkle of cinnamon, mash them together and add a few chopped nuts, raisins, and/or choc. chips. Drop by spoonfuls unto greased cookie sheet and cook in a 350° oven for about 15 minutes. I usually half the recipe because they don’t keep very well. John says hello!

>219 thornton37814: That’s sounds pretty yummy, Lori!

221Storeetllr
Abr 20, 2020, 1:45 pm

>219 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori! It does look yummy, but I don't have most of those ingredients (just the oats and walnuts, to be honest), and I won't be getting new groceries for at least a week or week-and-a-half.

>220 Copperskye: Yes! Easy-peasy, and things I have in the pantry already. I think I'll make it using dried blueberries in place of the raisins and leave out the nuts so Ruby can have it. Good idea about halving it, though I am really feeling the need for munchies these days.

Hugs to you and John.

222richardderus
Abr 20, 2020, 2:08 pm

Hiya Joanne! I'm delurking to say howdy do since I've been lurkaling along not talking.

Be well and happy, to you and all yours.

223witchyrichy
Abr 20, 2020, 8:15 pm

>218 Storeetllr: >220 Copperskye: You two, along with >207 AMQS: were my one and only Library Thing meet up at The Tattered Cover. A happy memory and I'm sending love to you. We had so much fun talking we forgot to take a picture!

224Copperskye
Abr 21, 2020, 12:57 pm

>221 Storeetllr: Dried blueberries would be great! I use dried cranberries instead of raisins so I can share with Skye.

>222 richardderus: Howdy do to you too, Richard! Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. Hope you’re staying safe there in your beach house.

>223 witchyrichy: That was another fun meet-up, Karen! I wish/hope that we can do it again sometime! Stay safe and well.

225RebaRelishesReading
Abr 21, 2020, 6:06 pm

I use dried cranberries and/or dried blueberries any time raisins are called for just because they taste better :)

226Copperskye
Abr 21, 2020, 6:15 pm



22. Blood Sport by Dick Francis

I didn’t like this one as much as some other recent Dick Francis reads. Mostly because the crime seemed so improbable to me. Also, I found the main character really hard to like.

227brenzi
Abr 21, 2020, 8:44 pm

I'm watching Better Call Saul right now Joanne. I also think it's even better than a Breaking Bad. I think I'll try that oatmeal cookie recipe. Maybe it'll help with the stress eating. I've got all the ingredients including dried cranberries.

I'm starting on a new Wysocki puzzle tomorrow. This one:

228rosalita
Abr 21, 2020, 9:04 pm

>226 Copperskye: What struck me about the protagonist in Blood Sport was that unlike Francis' other main characters, we really don't get a lot of insight into him. We don't know much of anything about him, really, except that he's some sort of secret agent man and he's massively depressed and possibly suicidal. I can't say I noticed that when I first read this one years ago, but I did notice it this time.

For me, what makes this book stand out not in a good way is Walt's death. It just seemed so cruel and senseless that I did not re-read it for a very, very long time — until this shared read, actually. When I initially catalogued it on LibraryThing, I tagged it as "too sad to re-read" and I don't think I'll be reaching for it again anytime soon.

229Copperskye
Abr 21, 2020, 10:10 pm

>227 brenzi: That one looks like fun, Bonnie! All the ivy on the one I’m working on is slowing me down. Are you watching last night’s episode now? We still need to catch up with the prior week’s and then this week’s. The last one we watched was the one in the desert and I’m frankly even more concerned about Kim now then I had been. I’m almost dreading watching. It’s fascinating to watch Jimmy morph into Saul and kind of sad, as well. The follow-up BB movie was good, too (the name escapes me at the moment). Jessie was probably my favorite BB character.

230Copperskye
Editado: Abr 21, 2020, 10:27 pm

>228 rosalita: Yes, Yes, and yes! He was like a mystery man. It seemed he was suicidal because of a bad breakup and unless he was responsible for her death or something, come on, buck up already. Talk to a therapist and move on. It just didn’t seem realistic somehow, maybe because we know nothing of his backstory, and maybe could have been more understandable if we knew more. It didn’t ring true to me. And he never seemed to grow or change. And Walt was the one redeeming character that I liked (the women seemed like 1960s stereotypes of male desire) and he gets killed off! That’s on top of the stud switching and driving horses all over the country which just seemed ludicrous. Other than that, it was fine. I liked the action on the boat in The Thames. :)

231Storeetllr
Abr 22, 2020, 7:42 pm

>223 witchyrichy: That was a fun meetup too, Karen! I remember being bummed that we didn't take a pic to commemorate but glad it was because we were having too much fun to think of it.

232alcottacre
Abr 29, 2020, 9:28 am

>189 Copperskye: LOL

>197 Copperskye: Sorry to hear that one did not work for you. I have it in the BlackHole. It may be a while before I get to it though.

>198 Copperskye: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Joanne!

>211 Copperskye: I get to dodge that BB since I have already read it :)

233Copperskye
Abr 29, 2020, 8:11 pm

>232 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, Nice to see you, as always!

234Copperskye
Editado: Jun 10, 2020, 12:38 pm



23. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth

I wonder if I would have found this as scary and plausible as I did if I’d read it when it was first published in 2004. I knew it was alternative history about Lindbergh as a fascist US president but did not realize it was narrated by a young boy which added a certain charm to this very moving story. Beautifully written and filled with memorable quotes, I need to read more Roth.

“And as Lindbergh's election couldn't have made clearer to me, the unfolding of the unforeseen was everything. Turned wrong way round, the relentless unforeseen was what we schoolchildren studied as "History," harmless history, where everything unexpected in its own time is chronicled on the page as inevitable. The terror of the unforeseen is what the science of history hides, turning a disaster into an epic.”

“But why did you go,” my mother asked him, “when it was bound to upset you like this?” “I went,” he told her, “because every day I ask myself the same question: How can this be happening in America? How can people like these be in charge of our country? If I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I’d think I was having a hallucination.”

“And how long will the American people stand for this treachery perpetrated by their elected president? How long will Americans remain asleep while their cherished Constitution is torn to shreds?”

“I was still too much of a fledgling with people to understand that, in the long run, nobody is a picnic and that I was no picnic myself.”

235rosalita
Maio 3, 2020, 10:57 am

>234 Copperskye: Another book I own and keep forgetting to read! Thanks for the nudge, Joanne.

236richardderus
Maio 3, 2020, 3:37 pm

>234 Copperskye: If you have not, Joanne, I strongly recommend watching HBO's current adaptation of the book. It is excellent. I am another one whose opinion of the book has only risen with time, though I began with a high opinion of its politics back in the Bush administration.

237Copperskye
Maio 4, 2020, 4:30 pm

>235 rosalita: Hi Julia, I had it on the shelf for several years myself, so nudge, nudge! I'm so glad I finally got to it.

>236 richardderus: Hi Richard, Oh good, I'm happy to hear that you liked the HBO adaptation! I'm sure that means I won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to it as soon as we finish watching Westworld and Bosch!

My current read is Redhead by the Side of the Road. It's soothing.

238Copperskye
Editado: Jun 10, 2020, 12:36 pm



24. Redhead by the Side Of the Road by Anne Tyler

Micah, a quintessential Anne Tyler character, is puzzled to find his ordered world falling apart. Short and sweet and a perfect balm for these times.

239BLBera
Maio 6, 2020, 9:27 am

>234 Copperskye: I loved this one, Joanne. I'm thinking it might be time for a reread.

I can't wait to get Redhead by the Side of the Road; Tyler usually comes through for me.

Stay well.

240Copperskye
Maio 6, 2020, 9:25 pm

>239 BLBera: Hi Beth! The Plot Against America remains timely, unfortunately. I hope this Tyler comes through for you. My only complaint would be that there wasn’t enough of it!

241tymfos
Maio 8, 2020, 12:54 am

Hi, Joanne! I can relate to your difficulty sleeping (she says, typing at almost 1 a.m.). My sleep schedule is all out of sync. I've been having trouble reading. Concentration is not there, I can't read much at a time. For some reason, I'm doing a lot of audio books, listening while I do housework or try to relax with my coloring app. Go figure.

Stay safe!

242Donna828
Maio 8, 2020, 10:50 am

Good morning, Joanne. Thanks for that quick recipe for the oatmeal breakfast cookies. I will have to buy a few extra bananas on my next infrequent trip to the store. We usually have a good supply of old-fashioned oats. I like the extra chewiness.

I’ve been curious about the new Ann Tyler book. Her books are a dependable way to while away a few hours with some quirky characters. I think I’m several behind so might try and get one of her older “new” books. I’m sure you know what I mean. ;-)

243witchyrichy
Editado: Maio 8, 2020, 8:11 pm

Anne Tyler and Philip Roth have been added along with the Berry Crisp Dump Cake. I don't keep cake mixes around but it turns out you can do an easy substitute. I do have powered milk.

Best wishes for a great weekend!

244brenzi
Maio 8, 2020, 9:02 pm

Hi Joanne, I read and loved The Plot Against America many years ago and thought I should read more of Roth but then I never managed to do that. I'll second Richard's recommendation to watch the HBO mini series. Really well done.

245PaulCranswick
Maio 10, 2020, 12:46 pm

246msf59
Editado: Maio 10, 2020, 6:30 pm



I hope you are having a great day, Joanne. Good to hear that the new Tyler was a hit. Looking forward to that one.

247Copperskye
Maio 10, 2020, 9:36 pm

>241 tymfos: There's a lot to keep us up at night, Terri. Sorry to hear you're struggling, too. Stay well!

>242 Donna828: Hi Donna, I like knowing what to expect when I start an Anne Tyler and am rarely disappointed. Have you read A Spool of Blue Thread? That's one of her more recent books that I really enjoyed.

>243 witchyrichy: Three solid choices there, Karen! I haven't tried the cake recipe since I lack a cake mix but how could you go wrong? :) I made two batches of raspberry lemon muffins last week and may do more tomorrow. After initially losing a few pounds when this started, my anxiety baking is picking up steam.

>244 brenzi: I think we've watched three episodes now, Bonnie, and it is excellent!

>245 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul! Same to Hanni!

>246 msf59: Thanks Mark! Quiet day. Send my best wishes to Sue!

248Storeetllr
Maio 11, 2020, 3:42 pm

Just stopping by to say hi, Joanne, and thank you for the 3-ingredient breakfast cookie recipe. I made that one, adding in dark chocolate chips, plus the one with peanut butter and jam, which is the one the baby likes the best. My daughter said Ruby likes to lick off the jam before eating the cookies, so I put a lot of jam on the ones I share with her. Little things...

249Donna828
Editado: Maio 12, 2020, 3:21 pm

>247 Copperskye: I have read and liked A Spool of Blue Thread, Joanne. I reserved Clock Dance but will have to wait for it. Darn. It looks like with the new system for checkouts that books can be kept for 5 weeks instead of the usual 3 weeks so I will have to be patient. I think they are being more lenient so that the traffic at the checkout window won't be overwhelming. No news as to when the actual libraries will be open.

250Copperskye
Maio 13, 2020, 9:42 pm

>248 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, Glad they worked out for you and Ruby! Easy is the best for breakfast.

>249 Donna828: Hi Donna, Our library will start accepting returns at the end of May and then in June, holds from the before-times will be available for scheduled curbside pickup. Late in June, new holds can be scheduled but the dates aren’t firmed up yet. I don’t know how I feel about physical library books now. I suppose I’ll warm up to them again eventually.

251richardderus
Maio 13, 2020, 9:44 pm

Hiya.

That is all.

252Copperskye
Editado: Maio 14, 2020, 10:32 am



25. Half Broke by Ginger Gaffney

Ginger Gaffney is a professional horse trainer living in New Mexico. One day she receives a call from an inmate at a nearby alternative prison ranch. The horses there have gone nearly feral, attacking the people charged with their care. One, she later learns, has a severe head wound but refuses to be caught. Gaffney winds up working with the inmates and horses, and this is the story of her time there, the relationships formed, both human and equine, and the healing power of horses. Half Broke is an entertaining and moving memoir.

253Copperskye
Maio 13, 2020, 10:14 pm



Highlight of the weekend - a Lazuli Bunting stopped by for a brief visit. Last seen, according to my birding notes, in 1994. I had my camera out because of a Western Tanager spotted in a neighbor’s tree and I was waiting for it to come closer.

254Storeetllr
Maio 13, 2020, 11:00 pm

Wow, very cool! Nice shot!

255BLBera
Maio 14, 2020, 9:40 am

>252 Copperskye: This sounds good, Joanne, and unusual.

256msf59
Maio 14, 2020, 10:05 am

>252 Copperskye: Ooh, this sounds relly good, Joanne. Just my cuppa.

>253 Copperskye: Love the look of this beauty. I may have to take another trip to CO and hang out in your backyard. I still need a western tanager too. Grins...

257karenmarie
Maio 14, 2020, 11:27 am

>253 Copperskye: What a beautiful bird! Good timing, too, with your camera already out.

258RebaRelishesReading
Maio 14, 2020, 11:58 am

>252 Copperskye: Half Broke sounds really good. You've BB'd yourself right onto my wish list :)

259rosalita
Maio 14, 2020, 4:23 pm

>253 Copperskye: Now that's a gorgeous bird, Joanne! Good job on the photo.

260Copperskye
Editado: Maio 15, 2020, 1:59 am

>251 richardderus: Hiya back at ya, Richard!

>254 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary

>255 BLBera: It was good, Beth, and, at least for me, unusual.

>256 msf59: I think you’d like it, Mark. I wish the Bunting would come back and hang out for a while. You’re welcome, too. :)

>257 karenmarie: He was a beauty, Karen. I’m sorry the western Tanager didn’t reappear, but I’m still hopeful.

>258 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, Happy to help out with the wishlist!

>259 rosalita: Thanks Julia!



*sigh*

261Copperskye
Maio 22, 2020, 12:55 am



26. How Much Of These Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang

Set in the Gold Rush era of the American West, newly orphaned Chinese-American siblings, Sam and Lucy, wander the hills in search of a burial place for their miner/prospector father. Dark and gritty, and at times almost relentlessly sad, this is a truly a uniquely told story of family, belonging, and gender identity.

262PaulCranswick
Maio 24, 2020, 7:28 am

At this time of the end of Ramadan I want to give thanks for your friendship in this wonderful group, Joanne.

Enjoy your long weekend.

263Copperskye
Maio 30, 2020, 12:30 am

>262 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul! The same back to you, my friend.



27. The Daughter Of Time by Josephine Tey

I know this is a favorite of many and I’ve heard great things about it but it wasn’t for me.

264Copperskye
Editado: Jun 10, 2020, 12:31 pm





28. Miss Kopp Just Won’t Quit by Amy Stewart

As WWI looms, Deputy Kopp becomes involved when a seemingly sane wife and mother is sent to a local mental asylum. Could her husband have an ulterior motive? Meanwhile, a local election may send the sheriff to Washington, but will the new sheriff even want a female deputy? I love this series for the historical references, strong female characters, and locations. Most of the characters are based on real people and the crimes are based on true crimes. Some embellishments fill in the blanks making this a delightful addition to this very enjoyable series.

265Storeetllr
Maio 31, 2020, 6:35 pm

Aw, sorry you didn't enjoy Daughter of Time, Joanne. I loved it when I read it a million years ago. Not every book speaks to every reader, and that's the truth!

Hope you and John and Chris are all well and staying as safe and sane as possible.

266msf59
Maio 31, 2020, 10:16 pm

Happy Sunday, Joanne. I have only read the first 2 Kopp Sisters books. I should get back to that enjoyable series.
BTW- I loved In The Dream House. I remember you warbling about it too.

267Copperskye
Jun 1, 2020, 11:30 am

>265 Storeetllr: I'm sorry I didn't like it more, too, Mary. I blame my sorely lacking knowledge of British history. I know more now than when I started the book, though. I read A Shilling for Candles and liked it so I'll read more. We are well. Concerned for Chris, as always, especially now, with his strong social justice leanings.

>266 msf59: In the Dream House was great! It seems like I read it a lifetime ago. It was January. I still have Her Body and Other Parties to read. I saw your birding reports on your thread but I don't think I commented. You're seeing some beauties!

268AMQS
Editado: Jun 1, 2020, 5:37 pm

Hi Joanne, catching up here. I do remember enjoying Daughter of Time, but I know not every book is for every reader! I wasn't wild about The Plot Against America when I read it years ago - mostly I got frustrated by the rambling sentences with many asides. I often had to track back up a page to see how a sentence started out because the point (the beginning and the end of the sentence) was often separated by a lot of other words!

>253 Copperskye: - WOW! What a great shot!

>223 witchyrichy: Karen, that was such a great meet up! Did we really not take a picture?

...adding that I still have never read Anne Tyler! *ashamed*

269Copperskye
Jun 2, 2020, 9:21 pm

Hi Anne, Good to see you! Yeah, not every book for every reader. Thank goodness, really. That’d be scary, with too many books to read! I only read my first Jane Austen 5 or 6 years ago (shame on me!) so no comment from me BUT, should you decide to try Anne Tyler, I recommend Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. It’s one of my all-time favorites.

270BLBera
Jun 14, 2020, 9:32 am

Too bad The Daughter of Time didn't work for you, Joanne. I love that one. But as others have observed, not all books work for everyone. Sometimes even the time can impact my response; I've picked up books I normally would love and had to put them down again and wait for another time.

I have Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant on my "read soon" pile. I love most of what I have read of Tyler.

271Copperskye
Jun 16, 2020, 11:03 am

>270 BLBera: Good morning, Beth. Oh, it definitely has to be the right time for a book. I've done the same thing. I hope you find the right time for Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant!

272richardderus
Jun 17, 2020, 7:57 am

Hi Joanne, dropping in for a minute. Hope all progresses well with y'all's reopening.

273Donna828
Jun 20, 2020, 12:45 pm

>260 Copperskye: "Constant thread of looming danger"... I loved that. I'm afraid that I am suffering Quarantine Fatigue. I get out very little except for my daily walks and yard work. I made a big exception yesterday and met some friends for lunch in a park. We practiced social distancing. I missed hugs, but it was great to catch up and see some friendly faces. We will go over to youngest son's house tomorrow for Father's Day so I will get a much-needed granddaughter fix. How are you faring these days? I hope you're able to get out and do some boating this summer.

Thank you for the Anne Tyler nudge. I enjoyed Clock Dance and will be getting Redhead by the Side of the Road soon from the library. It has been ages since I read Homesick Restaurant...I own a copy, maybe I'll do a reread for a treat. I too have fond memories of that one. Looking at my stats, I didn't rate it very highly. I think it was read well before LT and I just guessed at those ratings. Time for an update. My 4-star Anne Tyler books are: Saint Maybe, Celestial Navigation, and A Spool of Blue Thread.

274Storeetllr
Jun 20, 2020, 5:03 pm

>267 Copperskye: Yes, British history and historical fiction are favorite things of mine. After I read Daughter of Time, I read Sharon Kay Penman's Sunne in Splendour, which is set in the time of Richard's brother's long reign and Richard's sadly short-lived reign and which is probably my favorite historical fiction novel.

It's hard to stay socially distanced during these trying times. So far, I've stayed home with the baby while Meg and James went to BLM rallies/marches, so tho I'm not out there marching, I feel I'm doing something. I also miss getting out to Moms Demand Action events.

275Storeetllr
Editado: Jun 20, 2020, 5:06 pm

Aaand a double post! What the what is going on?

276msf59
Jun 20, 2020, 6:27 pm

Happy Saturday, Joanne. I hope you are enjoying the weekend. glad to hear you enjoyed Simon the Fiddler & Red at the Bone. I am a fan of both too.
I am just about done with Hum If You Don’t Know the Words. Keep this one in mind, I think you will like it.

277Copperskye
Jun 22, 2020, 12:35 am

>272 richardderus: Hi Richard, Yeah, fingers crossed with all the reopening going on. I'm not ready to head out but I guess a lot of folks are.

>273 Donna828: Hi Donna, Glad to hear you're getting out some! We skyped with Chris tonight and John's daughter stopped by for a porch sit this morning. Good times. Luckily we like to go to the lake during the week as the park is packed (along with most trail heads) on the weekends. No extended families allowed at the marina yet. I liked all of your Anne Tyler favorites, too. I think the only one I haven't read is The Slipping Down Life but there may be another. It's been decades for some of them.

>274 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, "Those also service who stay home and babysit", or something like that. I'm alternately sad and angry about everything Covid related but at least hopeful about the protests making some difference.

>276 msf59: Hi Mark! Thank goodness for good books during these trying times! Hope the week ahead is kind to you!

278karenmarie
Jun 22, 2020, 9:24 am

Hi Joanne!

>263 Copperskye: I’m sorry you didn’t like The Daughter of Time. I still recommend Miss Pym Disposes.

>277 Copperskye: Yeah, fingers crossed with all the reopening going on. I'm not ready to head out but I guess a lot of folks are. I got daring on Friday and went to the local (small) farm and garden to get 50 lbs of black oil sunflower seeds and 40 lbs of wild bird seed to keep my avian friends happy. Other than that I’m pretending we’re still in essential services only mode.

279BLBera
Jun 25, 2020, 11:05 pm

I recently read Redhead by the Side of the Road, Joanne, and it wasn't one of my favorite Tylers. I thought it lacked depth; I would have liked to see more of Micah's family.

280Copperskye
Jun 27, 2020, 12:57 am

>278 karenmarie: Hi Karen! I will try Miss Pym Disposes. I was ordering a couple books from Boulder Bookstore and went ahead and added it to my order. None of my libraries had it. Glad to hear your birds are essential. Mine are too, but now I buy seed from Chewy rather than the hardware store. I never thought I’d miss going to Ace Hardware. :(

>279 BLBera: Hi Beth! I agree that it was a bit light, but it really hit the spot for me. Right book at the right time, I guess. I think I’ll reread some of Tyler’s older books that I have on my shelves.

281Copperskye
Editado: Jun 27, 2020, 2:04 am

Mensagem removida pelo autor.

282Copperskye
Editado: Jun 27, 2020, 10:36 am



29. Writers & Lovers by Lily King

Thank you to Mark for recommending this one. What a treat!



30 Madame Maigret’s Friend by Georges Simenon

I’m enjoying this French crime series. The books are trim and to the point and the characters are charming. I’m picking up these series books at random which doesn’t seem to matter. Reminds me of Andrea Camillari’s Montalbano series.

283Copperskye
Editado: Jun 27, 2020, 10:39 am



31. Fair Warning by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly rarely disappoints. This third Jack McEvoy novel was excellent. Now I need to go back and read The Scarecrow.



32. Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles

In (mostly) post-Civil War Texas, young Simon travels with a group of fellow ex-soldier musicians, playing in bars and hotels, working to save money to purchase land and marry an Irish indentured servant who works as a governess for a Union officer living in San Antonio. Beautifully written but a little meandering and I never felt any affection for the main character. I thought some editing could have been done and whatever page count lost to that could have been added to the end where the story started to pick up just before the book ended. I was delighted to encounter Captain Kidd from News of the World which reminded me of just much more I enjoyed that earlier Jiles book. Still, a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction.

284Copperskye
Editado: Jun 27, 2020, 2:06 am

It’s double posting night, apparently!

285Copperskye
Editado: Jun 27, 2020, 10:49 am



33. Front Row at the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl

Meh. Nothing new here if you’ve been paying attention and the way news overflows these days, it actually seemed dated. But like a train wreck, I couldn't look away.



34. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Short, beautifully written story of a Brooklyn family, with changing perspectives. Interesting to have a character’s remembrance of the horrors of the Tulsa Massacre come up in the book at the same time it was in the news.

286PaulCranswick
Jun 28, 2020, 3:52 am

Happy Sunday, Joanne.

New thread nigh?

287rosalita
Jun 28, 2020, 12:18 pm

>282 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! That one's getting a lot of love around here. Meanwhile my place on the library holds list seems to barely budge. Sigh.

288Copperskye
Jun 28, 2020, 6:02 pm

>286 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! Yes, I should stop being lazy. I was going to do it last night and instead struggled trying to get book covers to post. Always something. Have a great week!

>287 rosalita: Hi Julia, I'm sorry to hear that. I was lucky in that one of my libraries had it available as a digital express which seems to be a new (and good) thing lately. The holds list was long.

289msf59
Jun 28, 2020, 7:42 pm

Hooray for Writers & Lovers! I am so glad you loved it, Joanne, although I am really not surprised. I am continuing to be completely captivated with A Burning.

290Copperskye
Jun 28, 2020, 7:57 pm

>289 msf59: I’m looking forward to A Burning, Mark! Heard nothing but good things.
Este tópico foi continuado por Copperskye’s Reading In 2020 - II.