Mdoris (Mary) reads in 2023 WELCOME #1

Welcome to my thread in 2023.

Hello, my name is Mary. I live in Comox, on Vancouver Island. I have been a member of LT since 2011 and I love it here. It is great to see what people are reading, to follow threads and to make new friends. I am a slow reader (it will be a miracle to reach 75!). Please don't kick me out of this wonderful group!

Almost all my books are from the library. I love cookbooks and do get lots of them too but do not list them in my grand total count.

I have 4 daughters who have all flown the coop. They are all living far away and they now have little ones. Now I am Gramma to 9, 4 boys and 5 girls. I was passionate about kids' books when our kids were little and still read lots of the newly published ones too. I am a retired Speech/Language Pathologist and loving retirement.

WELCOME! Please come and visit!

In 2022 I read 53 books, 16 non fiction and few kids books and the rest fiction.

Best Fiction for 2022
Demon Copperhead
History of the Rain
Shuggie Bain
The Book of Form and Emptiness
The Colony

Best Non Fiction of 2022 (I cheated I added 6!)
Material Girls
Woke Racism
San Fransicko
The Woman They Could Not Silence
Pastoral Song
Free Speech

Just putting my cushion down Mary.

Welcome back, Mary! Like we’d ever kick you out. 😀

Wishing you a comfortable reading year in 2023, Mary.
If you got kicked out, I would leave too in protest!

Hi, Mary - dropping a star - wishing you a blessed New Year and happy reading.

A wonderful quote by one of my favorite authors. So true.

>1 mdoris: I like that!

I am so glad to see you back for 2023! Let's make it a good one!

Hope you enjoy your 2023 reads!

Happy New Year, Mary! We are closing out another wonderful year of books and banter and I am looking forward to sharing another with you. Keep enjoying all those grandkids. 😁

Happy New Year, Mary. I hope 2023 is a good year for you.

>3 Caroline_McElwee: Great to see you visit Caroline!

>4 drneutron: Thanks Jim for all that hard work you do here on L.T.

>5 PaulCranswick: Good laugh to start the year Paul, as if you could ever leave L.T.!

>6 ctpress: Hi Carsten, I'll be following you in 2023 and so impressed you made the magic 75 number in 2022. Well done!

Happy reading in 2023!

>7 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I'm starting out the year with Niall Williams book, one you liked I think!

>8 thornton37814: Hi Lori, I sure hope you enjoy your reads too in 2023!

>9 msf59: Hi Mark, books and banter. L.T. is such a great place! Hope you are enjoying Demon Copperhead!

>10 BLBera: Hi Beth. Sure hope 2023 is a great reading year for you too! I will be following your thread!

>15 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, wishing you a wonderful year of reading in 2023 too!

I'm dropping my star to follow along in 2023, Mary.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver V.I. Regional Library p. 548



This book looks at the pure evil of drugs introduced to communities, to people, to individuals, to families, the wreckage that is caused by the pharmaceutical companies for profit. Kingsolver does an amazing job showing this. Her characters come alive as the story unfolds.

In the past several years there have been more OD deaths in British Columbia than there have been COVID deaths.

While this books mirrors Dickens' David Copperfield, for me the pull of the book is about the opportunity of birth and what our culture is allowing to happen to the huge detriment of children and their health. Have we made any progress since Dickens time?

recent NPR interview with B.K.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_m4FNBlicY

>21 Familyhistorian: I wil be following you too Meg, already starred I think. So much visiting is going on at the start of the year, what a flurry of activity!

Hi Mary! Happy New Year.

Dropping my star. Thank you for visiting my thread.

>22 mdoris: Thanks for coming by my thread, Mary. I have added your thread to my starred topics, but I may do more lurking than posting.

My plan to manage the thread conversations this year, is to focus on book discussions and related chatter. I'm going to set aside part of one day a week as my exclusive LT time, even if it is mostly reading the comments. I have to make sure I don't allow myself to be swamped to the point I neglect the other activities I have in my life.

Your comments on the Kingsolver book are a revelation to me. What a sad statistic. I think you're right, and the answer seems to be a No, we have *not* made any progress since Dickens time.

>22 mdoris: For a split second, I did read it as David Copperfield - well, I read that book last year - and watched a movie adaptation, so I guess my subconscious....

It is indeed a sad statistic.

Happy New Year, Mary! Dropping a star.

>22 mdoris: Interesting review! I have Demon Copperhead on my library hold list, but have no idea when I'll get it. I have contemplated trying to reread David Copperfield first since it's been oh so many decades since I read it in high school.

>24 karenmarie: Welcome Karen, wonderful to see you visit!

>25 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, I'm a bit of a lurker too. You are always welcome over here! I'll visit your threads as well. Thanks for the Kingsolver comments!

>26 ctpress: Yes I believe B.C. has the very worst stats for overdosing in Canada. It is a very sad thing. i was very interested in the Michael Shellenberger book San Fransicko about the research about the various approaches internationally for managing addiction and we don't have it right here at all.

>27 streamsong: HI Janet. I would like to (re) read David Copperfield some time as well. I know I read it when I was a kid but yup....that was a long time ago!

You Are Not Too Late by Nikki McClure V.I. Regional Library



This stunning book of art images and short descriptions around a theme such as: bewilder, escape, test, linger etc. form a wonderful new book of McClure's work of previously published calendars from 2015 to the present date. The images are gorgeous. I have followed McClure's work for many years now as she captures so well the feeling of west coast living in serene moments. I know it was daughter Sarah who directed me to this talented artist in the first place. McClure lives in Olympia, Washington.

"I cut my images from black paper with an X-Acto knife. Everything is connected. It is all one piece of paper, yet now it holds a story."

This one is called Liberate
And she writes....."All the books! My favorite used book stores are labyrinths of shelves where every book that was ever made are stacked and jumbled. Each book is both a story of the self and a contribution to the collective tale. There are so many ways to be.

>32 mdoris: What an amazing book. Great review and I sure want to see those images in its real artbook setting.

Sandy it's a tough one to have to return to the library!

>16 mdoris: Yay! I am slated to read Williams' History of the Rain this month and am hoping to get through his entire ouvre, slowly but surely.

>22 mdoris: I am currently hip deep in that one and loving it! Glad to see it was a good read for you too.

>32 mdoris: Adding that one to the BlackHole! Thanks for the recommendation, Mary. My local library has it as a downloadable resource, but I think that it would be better in hard copy. Do you agree?

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Hi Stasia, yes for sure a book in the hand is the way to go for this beauitful and unique art work. i am trying to figure out how she does it. I figured out the patience part! Hope you can find it. And I looked at Niall Williams website and the library website and there are a few of his books that I didn't know about. I will be interested to know what you think about History of the Rain Oh my, in As it is in Heaven, it never ever stops raining. (Maybe I should look outside my windows in coastal B.C. to commiserate.

>36 mdoris: I will let you know about History of the Rain when I get to it.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Happy New Year of Reading, Mary. You've gotten off to a great start with Demon Copperhead, which may be a tough act to follow from what I've heard. I have it home from the library but won't be able to get started until later next week.

I was so excited to see History of the Rain on your favorites list. I adored that book when I read it a few years ago. We do enjoy our Niall Williams' books, don't we?

>22 mdoris: wow- I had no idea this book was about *all that*. I must read it.

As it is in Heaven by Niall Williams off the home shelves p. 310



I am a Niall Williams fan and slowly making my way through all his books. This was his second (1999) novel and for me a bit odd but captivating. It is a love story (and about grief) told without much plot but with lots of atmosphere. It takes place in rain soaked west of Ireland with some blasts of gorgeous sunshine too (what a relief!) in small communities of large hearted people and small minded people. I would say Williams is a very gifted writer and can capture the feel of a place and the people. He gets into the heads and heart of his characters with skilled writing. The classical music theme that wove through the book was wonderful.

>37 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I think we are on a Williams mission! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

>38 Donna828: HI Donna. I will be interested in what you think of the new Kingsolver book when you get to it soon. And yes you are another Williams fan!

>39 LovingLit: Wonderful to see you visit Megan. I will come visit your thread and hope to get some news of your growing boys!

A good reading start, Mary. I must also read something by Niall Williams and will definitely get to Demon Copperhead in the first quarter. Has to have a chance of the Pulitzer Prize along with Cormac McCarthy?

Have a lovely Sunday, dear lady.

Hi Mary. I'm stopping by to add my star for your threads. Happy New year of reading!

Happy reading in 2023, Mary!

>40 mdoris: I really liked that one when I read it last month. I am glad to see that you did too!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

I'm not sure that I could read books about rain right now. I hope like us you have a few days respite, Mary.

Delurking to say howdy.
I don't like the loooong prairie winters, but equally, I don't miss the rainy coastal climate either. I love the sunshine and days of overcasts are so gloomy. However, you'll be seeing the shoots that precede early spring flowers before long.
I finished 3 books and am floundering getting them reviewed. More fun to swoop around the threads this week!

>42 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I just picked up a John Steinbeck book and it is just so incredible and really enjoying it. It calls for very slow reading!

>43 Whisper1: Hi Linda, Very nice to see you visit. I have your thread starred too!

>44 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. Hope your eyes are better very soon and can get back to your full schedule of reading.

>45 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, Yes, I plan to read all the Niall Williams books. Sounds like you are a fan too!

>46 Familyhistorian: Meg there was even a bit of blue sky noticed today but you're right it has been a very grey wet couple of days. Ugh.

>47 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy we lived in Saskatoon our first year of marriage and I worked in the sub sub basement (no windows) of the hospital so never saw that fabulous winter sunshine Saskatchewan is famous for. I guess you have experienced the best of both worlds!

>40 mdoris: I have read and enjoyed a couple of his Mary, and have another couple on the shelves.

>50 Caroline_McElwee: Hello Caroline. I've read 5 of his now and so running out of what the library has to offer. I may have to wait until he writes a new one! Glad you have liked his books too!

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck off the home shelves.



Rainy cold day, fighting a chest cold under a blanket, cough, cough, this was the perfect book for the day. Read very slowly, trying to see it all. Boy's emotions, boy's place in his world all described so perfectly.

I just had a visit at Deborah's thread ( arubabookwoman ) and because of her analysis I then checked my reading from last year. 83 % were from the library and 17% were from the home shelves with all those being non fiction recent purchases to try to also understand the political climate. It is so interesting to visit other threads!

>40 mdoris: This sounds divine! Onto the wish list it goes.

>52 mdoris: I'm sorry about your chest cold, Mary. I hope you are feeling better. I'm so glad you had a good book to keep your mind on other things. I thought I had read most everything Steinbeck has written... The Red Pony sounds good. Hooray for slow reading. I tend to be a fast reader and feel like I am missing out sometimes.

P.S. I just checked and found The Red Pony was read by me in 2012. If I had read it slower, I might have remembered it!

Hi Mary--Returning your visits to see what you're reading. I don't think I've ever read The Red Pony, though I've read many of Steinbeck's books, including The Winter of Our Discontent which I read late last year and was one of my top reads of the year. The Red Pony sounds like one I would also really like.

I'm not doing much better so far this year at percentage of library books vs. percentage of owned books read, but I think (at least so far) I'm choosing "better" library books.

>40 mdoris: I have his This Is Happiness on my Kindle, I believe. Perhaps I'll get to it soon. It is very highly rated.

Raising Lazarus by Beth Macy Library


I have been reading content about addiction for a while (Dopesick, San Fransicko Demon Copperhead). This is a complex and disturbing subject. This present book looks at individuals behind the scenes trying to make a difference for those who are addicted. There is lots to consider here i.e. harm reduction, jail vs.treatment, black incarceration (War on Drugs), white priviledge (to hire lawyers to reduce criminal sentences of offspring), vulnerability of communities (Appalachia), the bankruptcy laws that allowed pharma giants (Sacklers) to hide their money after they made millions/billions on desperate people from falsely claiming the drugs were safe. The book wasn't the best fit for me. I found it jumped around and I would have preferred a more fact based science approach. I want to know what will work and how to get governments motivated to make it happen. This is so tragic. There are some very amazing people who are dedicating their lives to helping others.

>54 Donna828:, >55 Donna828:, Hi Donna, you made me laugh. Maybe we should start a slow reading movement!

>56 arubabookwoman: Hi Deborah, I don't think I 'll ever do much better at reading books off the home shelves. I am a huge fan of the library and all the temptations when reading the threads here just puts more pressure on the library reserves (as you know!!!). I will put Winter of our Discontent on my list. Thank you! Travels with Charlie is one of my all time favourites. I must read it again soon. I'm also a big fan of standard poodles.

>57 thornton37814: Hi Lori. I really hope you like it when you get to it!

>52 mdoris: The Red Pony is quite dear to me, Mary. We studied it in Middle School (about 11 years old) and when we wrote essays our teacher used to ask us to illustrate the front page of our essay as a form of book cover. It is the only time I ever did a proper drawing for my cover that looked as it was intended.

>60 PaulCranswick: What great memories Paul that you have from reading that book! Thank you for sharing.

>61 mdoris: One thing that I find very interesting, Mary, was how ridiculed the Nobel Committee in awarding the Prize to Steinbeck when actually it proved to be one of their very best and most enduring selections.
Sinclair Lewis, Pearl Buck, Saul Bellow, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, I.B. Singer amongst American novelist winners he would hardly feature bottom of any ranking of that eight.

Personally I would place him at the top.

My Ranking of the American Novelists who won the Nobel Prize:

1. John Steinbeck
2. William Faulkner
3. Toni Morrison
4. Ernest Hemingway
5. Saul Bellow
6. Sinclair Lewis
7. Pearl Buck

I find Isaac Bashevis Singer difficult to rank as an American novelist, given that his works were mainly written in Yiddish and have a profoundly European flavour. I would probably put him level with Bellow if forced to decide.

>62 PaulCranswick: Paul, interesting! What are your favourite Steinbeck books? I must read more of them. I picked up The Red Pony (grabbed more like it) when I saw it in my next door neighbour's little free library outside her house.

>63 mdoris: I like several of his books very much but probably my favourite three (not always in this order):

1 Of Mice and Men
2 In Dubious Battle
3 The Grapes of Wrath

>64 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul!

Interesting discussion going on here...
Chiming in with my fave Steinbeck's (in publication order because it's been too long since I read these). They stand out as faves, because they're still on our "family shelves".

1. Tortilla Flat
2. Sea of Cortez
3. Cannery Row
4. The Log from the Sea of Cortez
5. Sweet Thursday
6. Travels with Charley

Yes, I read several other Steinbeck novels, as did most high school students (back then?), because it was on the curriculum. None ever appealed enough to re-read.

The Red Pony broke my heart when I was in eighth grade. It broke my heart again when I reread it as an adult.

I have a treasured copy of The Grapes of Wrath with a gift inscription from my favorite aunt to the uncle who was my godfather from 1941.

But I should definitely read more Steinbeck. And more Pulitzer prize winners.

Hi Meg, I so appreciate your Steinbeck enthusiasm and wonderful to have a treasured copy. I read some of his books in my youth but need to do more re-reading again soon. Me too, I should be looking at the Pulitzer prize winners. Thanks for the idea!

>49 mdoris: Oh, I am definitely a fan!

>52 mdoris: I am not sure I have ever read that particular Steinbeck. I will have to give it a shot. I hope you get to feeling better soon!

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe Library p. 434



The reading of Demon Copperhead has encouraged further reading. This is an exceptional book, well written, well researched, captivating, shocking and exposing a family that made billions of dollars on the suffering and tragedy of many, many people, families and communities. It is a scandal. I now must read his book Say Nothing!

p.354 "Allen Frances the former chair of psychiatry of Duke University School of Medicine said in the article. "Their name has been pushed forward as the epitome of good works and the fruits of the capitalist system. But when it comes down to it, they've earned this fortune at the expense of millions of people who are addicted. It's shocking how they have gotten away with it"
($9 billion over 2 decades)

p 370 "According to the CDC the opioid crisis was costing the U.S economy nearly $80 billion a year."......We re losing more than fifty thousand of our citizens every year One hundred and fifty Americans are going to die today, just today ......In Ohio, by 2016 2.3 million people in the state- approximately 20% of the total population in the state received a prescription for opioids. Half the children who were in foster care across the state had opioid addicted parents."

This is another story of corruption at the highest levels.

>69 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. It was a stinker of chest congestion but I'm much better, have some energy back and back to the kitchen and P is happy about that. Even back to a bit of swimming. I know your energy has been zapped again by your CFS and sure hoping you're feeling better very soon.

>70 mdoris: Looks like an interesting book, Mary.

Problems piled on top of problems for your neighbours.

Hi Paul, Not just our neighbours. There are dire addiction problems in British Columbia. There were more overdose deaths than deaths from Covid here.

>73 mdoris: It is scary. My son lost his best friend a couple of years ago when he got high at a party and fell from a multi-story car park. Recreational drug use is a problem upon the 'privileged class' of youngsters here in Malaysia too.
I like my single malt and real ale (I cannot get the latter here) and the occasional glass of wine with a Cuban cigar once in a blue moon. I have never even smoked a cigarette in my life otherwise never mind anything else.

How is the coverage in Canada over Biden's mishandling of classified documents and the amazing double-standard that the mainstream media are complicit in?

Hi, Mary. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Glad to see your appreciation for Empire of Pain. I plan on getting to it next month. Say Nothing was excellent. Just sayin'...

>74 PaulCranswick: Paul, that is such a sad story about your son's friend. We don't have to think very far and we are familiar with just such a story or a story like that could have easily happened. Years ago one of our daughters was given the date rape drug in a bar and her friends managed to come to her rescue.

It has been a very long time since I have followed the mainstream media so I can't report on the double standard but imagine that it is predictably there! The stories of corruption and mishandling are coming so fast and furiously that one is reported and another is waiting in the wings. It is very troubling times.

>76 mdoris: Indeed, Mary.

Do you fancy reading any Steinbeck anytime soon. I have a couple of his I haven't got to yet:

East of Eden or
Travels With Charley

and want to read one them in February.

Hi Mark Yes I remember your glowing recommendations for Say Nothing and I did have it home from the library years ago and somehow never got to it. i will though! I will be very interested to see what you think of Empire of Pain. Will you be doing it as a group read?

>77 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, for sure I'm up for more Steinbeck reading. I read Grapes of Wrath last year.

East of Eden is the only of his major novels I haven't yet gotten to. Up for that one?

Yes, that would be great!

Oh my goodness, many holds at the library. i will check the used book store!

>70 mdoris: Empire of Pain is near the top of my TBR pile. I am looking forward to that read next month with Mark. And I am a big Steinbeck fan. Not feeling the need for a reread yet, but someday!

Revenge of the Librarians by Tom Gauld ebook, library



This was fun and clever.

>83 Berly: Hi Kim, great to see you visit! I will be following your planned read with Mark of Empire of Pain. I have been following your thread for ages but a bit silent over there! Hope all's well.

>84 mdoris: I do love Gauld, Mary.

This was a favourite:

>86 Caroline_McElwee: That's perfect Caroline!

Love the librarian trap. I'm waiting for that one from the library but there is a large hold queue.

Empire of Pain looks interesting, Mary. I enjoyed his Say Nothing.

The 2023 contenders for Canada Reads 2023 are:

Jeopardy! super-champ Mattea Roach champions Ducks by Kate Beaton
Actor Keegan Connor Tracy champions Greenwood by Michael Christie
Bhangra dancer Gurdeep Pandher champions Hotline by Dimitri Nasrallah
TikTok creator Tasnim Geedi champions Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Actor Michael Greyeyes champions Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

The debates will take place March 27-30, 2023.

>88 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, There was no hard copy, only an ebook and so I was quite disappointed about that. i wanted to have the book in my hot little hands!

Empire of Pain was fantastic (and shocking) and I imagine Say Nothing will be too!

>90 mdoris: Too bad there was only an e-book, Mary. I would have passed if that was me. I haven't yet read an e-book to the end. My library has Empire of Pain in audio, e-book and print, so I'm set.

>91 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, I'm discovering a few books on the Big Pharma theme but I think this is a good start because as you know his wriitng and research is excellent!

Elizabeth Finch by Julian Barnes Library p. 179



This is an odd book but I liked it. Like others on L.T. (reviews) I found the first and last parts approachable and the middle part not so much. I think if I had a richer sense of history and knowledge of how religion played out that I might have appreciated it more. But it does look at relationships and big questions of purpose and life's accomplishments and Barnes has such a good way of flirting (I mean this as a compliment) with these ideas. This is my sixth Barnes book and I will read more.
p.150
Does civilization progress? Elizabeth Finch liked to ask us that question. Undoubtedly it does in terms of medicine , science, technology. But in human moral terms? In terms of philosophy? In terms of seriousness?

Gracie the LIghthouse Cat by Ruth Brown Library


This is a beautifully illustrated book. I love Brown's art work! I have greatly enjoyed the childrens' books of James Herriott stories with her illustrations and was probably reminded of them on Linda's thread which has such great illustrations from childrens' books. Thanks Linda!

The Undertaking by Audrey Magee Library p. 287



I recently read Magee's book The Colony and wanted to read more of her work. She's terrific! This book was almost completely done in dialogue and letters and has the feeling of a play. It is in ways a type of a love story that helped to keep two people alive, one a German soldier fighting in Russia (WW2) and one a young woman trying to keep her family together in Berlin. It showed the extreme underbelly of war. There were very chilling aspects of the Nazi power structures and acceptance of the treatment of Jews. It was quite a riveting read but in ways a difficult one.

Very good interview with the author.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOJquB4TgCQ

>95 mdoris: I just received a copy of The Colony last week (at least I think it was last week!) and am now adding The Undertaking to the BlackHole as well. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary.

>95 mdoris: Very good review, Mary. I must read her books!

I may read John McWhorter's book this month if I get chance and certainly by next month. He is an important voice.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry library p.250



Addiction. I have recently read fiction, several non fiction and now a memoir trying to figure out this most dreadful "Big Terrible Thing". I am not a memoir fan but I have always been a fan of the Friends TV series so curious about Matthew Perry's experience. He is the excellent "Chandler Bing" actor of the Friends series. Even after reading his difficult story of addiction to opioids and alcohol, I'm afraid that I am not much closer to understanding what drives addictions. It really boggles the mind how a person can destroy their body, destroy their relationships, destroy their enjoyment of living. I wish that the book had delved more into treatment theories and approaches.

I found it very interesting Perry's use of hypnosis to successfully give up a 3 pack a day cigarette addiction.

>96 alcottacre: Hope those are good reads for you Stasia when you get to them.

>97 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, Ii'll be very interested to see what you think of the John McWhorter book! Have you read anything else by him? I read his book on swear words (kind of fun!). I would like to read more of his books on language. But I think he says some very smart things about race.

>99 mdoris: No, apart from articles etc. I understand he is also a linguistics expert and has written also on that subject.

>89 mdoris: I read two on that list. I quite enjoy the Canada reads debate. I am looking forward to Mattea's arguments.

>95 mdoris: That one looks interesting. I will put it on my list.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday, Mary. You asked if I was doing a group read of Empire of Pain. No plans yet- I am just doing a shared read of it with Kim. Probably next month. Hooray for Revenge of the Librarians. I am reading it now.

>98 mdoris: I think addiction is a disease Mary. It is a cancer in a way. Many people suffer from milder versions of it, in some ways, at some time in our lives we may all do so, but some people are hard wired addicts in one or more areas, and for them I think never a cure, only if they are lucky, management.

>100 PaulCranswick: Paul as you can tell I think he is a pretty special person. i have watched many of his interviews and presentations and he is always so articulate and I love his delivery, funny and clever.

>101 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, I have read only one on the list Greenwood but have 3 more tbr from reserves at the library. Happy Sunday to you! I am making a roast chicken and and apple pie for dinner. How about you?

>102 msf59: Hi Mark, Isn't it great the number of shared reads and group reads happening? I sure like the book talk here on LT (not the political talk)!

>103 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline. Completely agree but it is still so perplexing to me. You get a disease and you try your upmost to get better. The grip is just so awful. Also from reading the non fiction books and reading about the behind the scenes enabling of the drug companies by the government, the huge misleading of the public and all done for profit is unacceptable. Addiction is a huge problem in B.C. and the provincial government here has just started on a big experiment (de-criminalizing smaller quantities of hard drugs). The drug scene on Vancouver's east side is tragic. It is a huge concern.

One book leads to another. I guess I'm not finished with this topic yet.

Unsettled How the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Failed the Victims of The American Overdose Crisis by Ryan Hampton library p. 307 This book is a MAJOR eye opener about the bankruptcy process against the Sackler family. Lawyers earned $1340/hr. on all sides (Purdue, States, and victims) and the victim non profits came away with nothing in the end. Bones picked clean by the power structures.
p. 234 Between 2006 and 2015 opioid companies and their advocates spent more than $880 million on political contributions and lobbying both state and federal officials.

American Fix Inside the Opioid Addiction and How to End It by Ryan Hampton library p. 267



From the back flap. Ryan Hampton is a national addiction recovery advocate, community organizer author and person in long-term recovery (active opioid use) and is a leading voice in America's rising recovery movement.

>105 mdoris: It isn't really one of my main hobby-horses, Mary, but perhaps it should be. I will look out for those. xx

>106 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, It's not my main hobby-horse either but sometimes curiosity leads you in another direction. I still have the Michael Pollan book sitting on my shelf that I want to read How to change Your Mind that talks about addiction. Sure wish I could read faster.....

Waving as I go through a few threads today, Mary.

Regarding addiction, I know that I have the personality for it. As the daughter and granddaughter of alcoholics, I will say that is one of the reasons I do not drink.

Hello Stasia, Yes I have heard that before. i have a good friend and both of his parents were alcoholics and he has chosen not to drink too. I think it is a very wise plan.

I also know someone who was doing consistent, daily large quantity drinking for years and stopped on a dime, no supports, just made his mind up and has not had a drop since for over two years. So was he not an alcoholic? He certainly was drinking like one. So all this seems perplexing to me.

Stasia, sure thinking of you these days. xx

Hi Mary. I love how you dig into a topic to try and understand it. As far as I know there are no addicts in my family, although some might say I’m addicted to reading. I am happy to have found my group of fellow reading addicts here!

Feel free to consult the lists of “lite” reading that others have suggested on my thread if you need a break from the heavy stuff. I do “enjoy” reading on the dark side but find I need the dose of lightness to brighten my outlook.

In that vein, I’ll report that I saw a dandelion in full bloom this morning on my walk. We had a major ice storm last week, so it was good to see a reminder that spring is on the way. Have a great week!

Hi Donna, For sure I have been reading on the dark side but I am up next at the library for The Reindeer Hunters. No challenges with addiction in my family either but I just know how devastating that it is and B.C. is off to quite the experiment with de-criminalizing small quantities of hard drugs (fentanyl and more) right now and I find that so frightening. We have all those grandkids between us who are facing a world different than the world we faced and with lots of pressures.

Garden news! I have white primulas in full bloom, gorgeous pink hellebore about to burst and yesterday I saw my first purple crocus in full bloom in my garden. So this wonderful time of year is just around the corner. You sound busy and happy. That's good!

Yes on L.T I think we are all addicted to boooks and reading. It is astonishing what some of our members can read in a year. I am always gobsmacked by that! Hope you are having a great week too!

I've been seeing Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible thing in a lot of stores lately and wondered about it. Addiction is hard to deal with and is often hereditary. When I did the family history research on my ex's family I uncovered information that confirmed alcohol addiction in his paternal grandfather which he passed on to his son who passed it on to two of his sons. I'm not sure that book is something I want to read.

Hi Meg, I don't blame you. I'm not really a big fan of memoirs and this one does such a battle over such a long period of time but amazingly he was able to perform so well for the T.V. show. He seems to have things under control for now. Fingers crossed.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt library p. 355



Feel good octopus story with lots of enthusiastic reviews on L.T. For me it provided some relief after all my addiction reading above!

>114 mdoris: Great with a diversion, Mary - so you'll not get addicted to all the addiction books :)

You have really started 2023 with a lot of reading.

Hi Carsten, nice to see you. I think we're all addicted to books around here!

>111 mdoris: Hi Mary. I hope you like The Reindeer Hunters as much as I did. That's great news about life in your garden. I keep checking on my daffodil bulbs but nothing yet. They usually bloom in March so I am just going to have to work on my patience.

Remarkably Bright Creatures was one of my bright spots of reading last year. Definitely in that "feel good" category.

The Reindeer Hunters by Lars Mytting library p. 430



This is the 2nd and newly published in the expected trilogy series by Mytting. Mostly it takes place in a remote mountainous village in Norway with story ties to Germany and England. The time period is the early 1900's but with another riveting story tied to the 1600's of cojoined twin sisters who were very accomplished weavers and were able to predict future events. This is the second in the series that I have read and really enjoyed them both. The Bell in the Lake was the first.

>117 Donna828: Yes Donna, it will be a long wait for the 3rd in the series to appear. i really enjoyed book #2!

>118 mdoris: I have got the first volume on the shelves and must get to it soon, Mary.

Have a lovely weekend, my friend.

>114 mdoris: I picked up a copy of that one the other day because of all the good reviews here on LT. Glad to see you enjoyed it too!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Sunday, Mary.

Hooray for The Reindeer Hunters love. We will just have to be patient as we wait for Book #3. I think we both can find plenty of books to read until then.

I spotted some tiny daffodil shoots on our walk this cold sunny morning. 🌼

Ahhh - daffodils. I miss those spring bulbs. Only May tulips and Muscari survive here.

>120 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, great to have you visit! HOpe you had a wonderful weekend. It zipped by so fast!

>121 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Hope you like the book when you get to it Remarkably Bright Creatures . I have been following your Doig read with Paul and I MUST read more of his books! Stay well!

>122 Donna828: Hi Donna, Patience is a virtue (I guess!!!) but yes lots of book temptations in the meantime.

>123 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy Youl will greatly appreciate those tulips and muscari when they bloom. I planted all sorts of bulbs last fall and I know some creatures got to lots of them and nibbled away. I probably didn't plant them deep enough.

>118 mdoris: I must get to this soon, I really liked the first volume Mary.

>125 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, I sure hope you like the 2nd book in the triloigy. It will be a long wait for the 3rd one!

YOu Are What Your Grandparents Ate by Judith Flinlayson library p., 293



This is one of the best books on nutrition that I have read. Thank you Meg! {Familyhistorian}

>126 mdoris: Thanks for making me smile, Mary :-)

>129 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. It's kind of an adorable picture!

Anticipated Canadian books to be published in 2023. I see Elizabeth Hay has a new one Snow Road Station and M.Atwood has a new one of short stories Old Babes in the Woods

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-the-top-30-canadian-books-to-...

>128 mdoris: Wasn't that a good one, Mary. I really appreciated how she got into the science and epigenetics in the beginning of the book which was why I picked it up in the first place, DNA and genetics being a big interest for me. She sold me on the nutrition part too.

Haven by Emma Donoghue library p. 252



Authority, arrogance, control, dominance, cruelty, intolerance,
Servitude, submission, obedience, relinquishing freedom of thought and speech, subservience, vulnerability,

Wow, this book was riveting. It takes place on a remote isolated island in 7th century Ireland by 3 monks in the capture of faith. What relevance does this to present times? Plenty!

This is the 5th book of Donoghue's I have read. She is a master story teller and gifted with language.

>132 Familyhistorian: Yes Meg it sure was a good one. The impact that nutrition makes several generations later is a very interesting idea.

>128 mdoris: >133 mdoris: You got me with both of these Mary.

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges library



I have friends on LT who were enthusiastic about this book to thank! It is mostly photographs, stories and recollections by Ruby Bridges, and others who supported her. She was the brave, courageous little girl who was the first to attend school in grade one to start the educational process of racial integration that started in New Orleans (1960). It is such an impressive story and described such awful times.

>135 Caroline_McElwee: Hope you are having a wonderful day Caroline!

>137 mdoris: Yes Mary, thank you. A productive day today, a social day yesterday. Now some time for some tv. More reading tomorrow, not done much of that this weekend (Monday is part of my weekend, I work Tues-Fri).

>133 mdoris: Glad you enjoyed that one. I quite liked it as well and it is still quite fresh in my mind.

Happy week ahead :)

>70 mdoris: Mary, I feel as though I need to get this book right away. Your review is excellent. And, the Sackler's certainly are very responsible for feeding the opioid crisis. Interestingly, there is a Sackler wing at the Metropolitan Art Museum. Now, when I visit the museum, I am aware that they are crooked and millions of their money made off of those who became addicted as a result of their policies.

As someone who needs pain medication after thirteen neck and spine surgeries, I have never taken one single extra pill throughout these years. I deeply react to those who abuse the medications vs. those like me who certainly need, and never abuse the pills prescribed. Yet, at the risk of sounding defensive, I am well aware of justified efforts to curb addictions and overuseage. I simply am not one of those people and there seems to be a broad brushstroke vs those like me who need and don't abuse and the abusers.

The Sackler's somehow slipped through the ability to take responsibility. Their millions certainly helped fight the law suits.

>138 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, Sometimes we need to take a reading break to re-charge I guess. Glad you had a good weekend and that it continues tomorrow. YES!

>139 figsfromthistle: HI Anita, for some reason I can remember Donoghue's books better than most book I read. Maybe because her descriptions are so vivid and her characters so strong. This one is really staying with me. I want to know the characters made it back to shore and survived. I thought it was an amazing book!

>140 Whisper1: Hi Linda, Yes the book was disturbing and yet important to read. It does make the reader upset and cynical that the system is rigged for the elite/wealthy and they manage to squirm through the loopholes of the laws. Really the lawyers were the ones who greatly benefited financially from the proceedings. The Sackler family had art wings named after them all over the U.S. and the U.K. and medical schools named after them with their massive donations. Some changed the names and agreements with the family eventually and some did not. As you say "crooked" money.

Linda I am so sorry what you are dealing with such ongoing pain and all those surgeries and recoveries are just hard for me to fathom. Please take good care of yourself!

I have done lots of reading recently trying to figure out what drives addictions and I don't think I am much closer to understanding it.

Do you have more than a dusting of snow now, Mary? It's still snowing here even though they keep promising rain.

>142 Familyhistorian: Just wee bits of snow left in the shade Meg. I'm not unhappy about that! The sun is shining and it is gorgeous at the moment, lots and lots of blue sky.

>143 mdoris: That sounds nice, Mary. It's a whole different story over this way.

HI Meg, we get our fair share of "horrible" here too! Lots of intense wind.

Jacques Art of the Chicken by Jacques Pepin library p. 215


This was a great book for me because it was a memoir from a very accomplished chef, because it was about food and in particular about chicken (which I love!) and because it was about his talent as an artist with all the most wonderful examples of his chicken art work. Pepin grew up in Bresse France (land of the best chickens!) son of many relatives who where pro chefs (all women) and off to being a young chef apprentice at 13 years of age. He has many cookbooks to his credit and I will look for them now from the library. This books has lots of memories of his cooking life in restaurants and cooking for friends and a good story of his friendship with Julia Child as well as many wonderful descriptions of delicious ways to make meals with chicken or eggs. Most of all I loved his chicken art which was fun, colourful and a bit bizarre.

>146 mdoris: What lovely chicken portraits! Thanks for sharing, Mary.
I have noting with cooking, but I would like to see more chicken portraits by Pepin.

Hi Anita, yes, aren't they fun!

>145 mdoris: Wind storms are pretty scary, Mary. In the Lower Mainland, we've had a few that fell on houses killing people.

I'm hoping that our winter weather is over. It's melting out there now.

Hi Meg, The sun is pouring in at the moment. Off for the dog walk this morning it felt for the first time like spring, lots of robins about and lots of birds singing. When we bought the house we were told that it is positioned to be hit by the wind and it sure is. Sometimes it feels like we are the three (2) little pigs (especially after dinner!!!).

Sweet Thursday, Mary. Hooray for lots of birds singing. We are getting plenty of that birdsong here. Yah.

I hope to get to Haven sometime this year. I love her writing.

Hi Mark, Haven was a gripper for me. Agree, her writing is amazing! Hope you are having a very good week!

Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher library p. 214



The title for this books comes from an essay by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. It explores the value of faith in extremely trying times, times like Christians and priests endured during communist Russian times. It was an eye opener for me. The author expresses concerns for people of Christian faith in present times.

Women's Prize for Fiction onglist announced today. Shortlist to be announced April 26th, winner to be announced June 14th. What did you love?



Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris
Children of Paradise by Camilla Grudova
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Fire Rush by Jacqueline Crooks
Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo
Homesick by Jennifer Croft
I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
Pod by Laline Paull
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
The Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzie
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin

I've only read one of the books on the Women's Prize long list but it was a good one, The Marriage Portrait. I should dig out The Bandit Queens to read as well because I have that book.

>155 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I have read 2 The Marriage Portrait and Demon Copperhead and not familiar at all with the rest. It is always interesting to see what others on LT are familiar with and have enjoyed reading.

>156 mdoris: Demon Copperhead is popular on LT threads! I intend to get to it this year. There are a lot on the list I haven't heard of.

>157 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, Do you follow Tournament of Books? I think it should be happening soon and that is always an interesting thing to follow with current books.

https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/2023-brackets
https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/2023-books

Today is day #1 of the Tournament of Books. Today was a pre-contest day of 3 books being judged. There is lots of interesting book talk here and it will be fun to follow over the next two weeks.
https://www.tournamentofbooks.com/2023/play-in-match

>146 mdoris: Hi Mary, I'm hoping my library can obtain this book via interlibrary loan. I'm heading there tomorrow.

>153 mdoris: I've added Live Not By Lies to my TBR list. This is another book I will try to obtain via the library tomorrow.

Thanks for your conversation regarding art.

>136 mdoris: Ruby Bridges was indeed a brave little girl. To have grown white women spit the N word daily was beyond terrible. I cannot even imagine it! I particularly liked her teacher who stayed in class with her during lunch time.

>105 mdoris: I was able to obtain both of these books via thriftbooks.com. I was surprised that they arrived in pristine condition within a week.

They are both on the top of my list.

>154 mdoris: There are some interesting books on the list, Mary. I have only two on the shelves currently and am reading Demon Copperhead right now. There are nine debut novels on the list which I hazard is a record.

>133 mdoris: One more added to check at the library tomorrow. I'll be looking for Haven by Emma Donahue. I note that you and I are similar in our reading habits. I also binge read a particular subject. Last year, I read as many civil rights books I could find.
This year, I'm all over the place. I've added so many of your books from this thread. Thanks for your great reviews.

>160 Whisper1:, >162 Whisper1: Linda thank you for your wonderful enthusiasm. Yes I agree, I think we do approach our reading in a simialar way and love the kids books and love the art work and love intensely exploring/researching areas of interest. While not a big horoscope person I was born at the end of September and justice or injustice for me is BIG! I'm not quite finished yet with the interest in drug use/addiction and have started the Michael Pollan book How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us.... which is a unique and updated look at drugs (like mushrooms and LSD) which may provide a huge benefit for various conditions. This is very interesting to me. Many library book holds came in at once so I have had to put it aside. I do want to read more Emma Donoghuebooks. I look forward to reading your reviews about these books and sure hope you like them!

Mary, I added the Michael Pollan book to the tbr list. I need to read Emma Donoghue. I haven't read anything of hers yet.

>161 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, I read your book review ALWAYS and look forward to any of your opinions of the longlist of the current Women's prize books. Are you having less reading time now that Hani is home?

>164 Whisper1: HI Linda, I have read maybe all of Michael Pollan's books and am pretty interested in his point of view.

>154 mdoris: The only books and authors I am familiar with our The Marriage Portrait & Demon Copperhead. I will have to watch for details on the others.

Sweet Thursday, Mary.

>157 Familyhistorian: Me too Mark I am not familiar with the rest. I am going to follow the Tournament of Books. I think it starts today and it is always interesting to follow the discussions. Wishing you a wonderful day today!

>98 mdoris: I find it hard to want to pick up a book that has someone's face so BIG all over the cover :) But I bet his story is interesting, and I guess we all had no idea at the time Friends was airing that he was going through so much. I wonder how his co-stars thought of it all?

HI Megan, So nice to see you! I'll come over for a visit very soon. Matthew Perry talks lots in his book about the concern that the other members of Friends had for him. He hugely fluctuated in his weight over time (with his roller coaster challenges) but he always managed to show up and know his lines but he was leading a very difficult life for many years during filming. It is such a difficult story and hard to imagine that someone who has so much positive going on was on such a self destructive mode.

The Darkness Knows by Arnaldur Indridason library p. 338



This is the 13th Indridason mystery that I have read and I guess I just wasn't in the mood as it didn't really grip me. As always though I did like the setting of Iceland, seeing the glaciers and experiencing the wind and cold. Konrad is the investigator and although he is now retired he is still involved in trying to resolve an old and complicated case.

>171 mdoris: Probably not only your mood, Mary. I had the same with The Darkness Knows.
I liked the next Konrad book way better.

>172 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. I look forward to the nest one now!

Mary, I laughed when I saw the above image and description of the puppies! I was able to obtain The Sackler book last night when I visited the down town main library. I also brought home Emma Donahue's Haven.

Thanks for these recommendations. Remarkably Bright Creatures has a waiting list of twelve people.

>174 mdoris: Love it.

Foster by Claire Keegan library p. 92

This is a short and intense story of a little girl shown love and care by relatives when there is little of that to be had from her own family. The book was a gem!

>175 Whisper1: Hi Linda, Glad you liked the puppies! Hope you enjoy the books!

>176 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, I loved it too! Aren't they adorable!

>177 mdoris: I couldn't agree more, Mary. I just read Foster a couple of weeks ago and loved it. I'm on the lookout for the film adaptation, The Quiet Girl. I'll be surprised if it comes to a local cinema, but we should be able to stream it eventually.

Happy Wednesday, Mary. Hooray for Foster. I loved it too. It was made into a film called "The Quiet Girl". I hope to see it one of these days.

>158 mdoris: Hi Mary, I've never checked out Tournament of Books before. Looks like a different premise.

Hi Mary! I wanted to let you know that Raidergirl, aka Elizabeth has created a list where we can weigh in on our Women's Prize Longlist. It's here - https://www.librarything.com/list/44469/2023-Womens-Prize-for-Fiction-Longlist

Everyone is welcome to weigh in. It's a dynamic listing, so it will change over time. I've only read Demon Copperhead so far, but i have just started Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. I hope to get to a few others.

>179 lauralkeet: Thank you Laura for mentioning The Quiet Girl. I will be on a look out for it.

>180 msf59: Hi Mark. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, no doubt with some fabulous Jackson time. It's finally warming up here and spring is happening, thank heavens. I thought Foster was a gem and i like Darryl's list of Irish writers/books, posted I think on Lauralkeet's thread.

>181 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I have been following Tournament of Books for years and I always find it interesting what they have to say about the books I have read. It can also be a little intimidating that I have read so few of the books.......

You must be happy, like I am, with this warmer weather. We sure had to be patient! My daffs almost all open.

>182 vancouverdeb: Nice to see you Deborah! I had noticed that list and put it as a favourite but thank you for thinking of me. I must read more on the list and look forward to when they annouce the short list. So far I have only read two on the long list. Will you be reading lots of the books? Hope all's well in your world!

I have copied and pasted Darryl's (kidsdoc) favs, from Lauralkeet's thread. Hope that's okay. Nice to have the reference! I too really like Irish literature!

Kevin Barry: Night Boat to Tangier
Sebastian Barry: On Canaan's Side
Emma Donoghue: Room
Roddy Doyle: Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha; The Deportees: And Other Stories
Anne Enright: The Green Road
J.G. Farrell: The Siege of Krishnapur; Troubles; The Singapore Grip
Claire Keegan: Small Things Like These
Bernard MacLaverty: Midwinter Break
Audrey Magee: The Colony
Colum McCann: Let the Great World Spin; Everything in This Country Must
Martin McDonagh: The Cripple of Inishmaan (I saw this play in London, which starred Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role.)
Maggie O'Farrell: I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death
Donal Ryan: From a Low and Quiet Sea
Colm Tóibín: The Blackwater Lightship; Brooklyn; Homage to Barcelona; The Testament of Mary
William Trevor: Love and Summer
Niall Williams: History of the Rain

Birds by Robert Bateman library p. 175



Mark has got me all fired up about birds. My eyesight and my hearing are not ship shape so I'm better viewing through a book. The book is stunning. Bateman gives lots of interesting details and personal stories in his pursuit of knowledge about birds. His paintings are incredibly beautiful, captivating and detailed. While this is a coffee table book it is so much more. It brought back memories of our trips i.e. horseback riding in the Gila National Forest (New Mexico) where there were amazing numbers of hummingbirds, Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson where there are so many bird varieties. Home here where we watch the eagles and GBH daily and seabirds galore.

Victoria, B.C. has a Bateman gallery and there are beautiful paintings of his at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole and I'm sure many elsewhere. Thank you Mark!


Stretching Canada Goose

Hi Mary!

>154 mdoris: I always look forward to the Women's Prize for Fiction (although I miss calling it the Orange Prize). Thanks for posting the list. I picked up Glory and Pod at the library yesterday as there was no waiting list for them. Our book group discussed The Marriage Portrait last Tuesday. Mostly we all liked not loved it... Like many others on LT, I was a fan of Demon Copperhead.

Also, thank you for reposting the list of Irish authors and books. So many good ones there. I'm glad to know that I will never run out of interesting books.

I think I should go look for my Robert Bateman book. I bought it many years ago for my husband because he is the one who told me about RB after seeing his work in an airport gallery somewhere. He unwrapped it and said: "Who is this guy?" LOL

(Edited to fix the links to Glory and Pod.)

Hi Mary! As far as the Women's Longlist for fiction goes, as I mentioned I read Demon Copperhead in January of this year. I just started Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. I have The Marriage Portrait on the home shelves, waiting to be read . I put a hold on Wandering Souls at the library, so I guess we'll see how far I get.

Life is going well, thank you, yes. We were over at son William's and family yesterday for granddaughter Melissa's 5th birthday and we had a lot of fun. Miles is now 2 1/2 and quite shy outside his own home, but very fun inside the house. They just moved into their new place this past week. They owned a townhouse , but purchased an older house in Richmond in June 2022. At last they are finished the renovations - nearly - but have now moved into the house. Serenade's parents are going to live in a suite downstairs. They are quite close to us, so I hope to see them more often. My brother Robert and his wife have lived in Calgary and most lately Barrie Ontario , as my brother's job as an airline pilot with Air Canada kept him away from the Vancouver area. So they bought a house in Ladner and have moved back to " the family'. It's great to have them back! They have two kids, Samy in his first year in aviation college in ThunderBay - he is planning to follow in his dad's footsteps and my dad's footsteps as a commercial pilot . Their daughter is in Berlin, Germany studying Veterinary Science. But both Samy and Sophia were home for Christmas . So it's been really great! Just one brother - Edmonton brother and wife to convince to move back to the Coast. Hugh tells me it will be when he and his wife retire in 10 years time. They have 4 kids, two at University so far, two still in high school.

I trust life is going well for you too. When I'm out on my very frequent dog walks and I see a standard poodle, I always think of you!

>184 mdoris: I will have to warble about a few of these: Night Boat to Tangier, Room, Troubles & Let the Great World Spin. All were fantastic. I want to get to The Colony.

Happy Spring, Mary. The Bateman book looks absolutely beautiful.

>186 Donna828: Hello Donna, Very nice to see you visit and glad to know that you are feeling better after your flu bug. I will keep track on your thread to see what you think of more of the Women's (Orange) Prize books on the long list. I have been following the Tournament of Books. So many books.......I want to read more of the books on Darryl's Irish favs too!

Hi Deborah, You are a great source for wonderful books. i often do a stroll by your profile page to see what you are reading. Thank you for the update about family. That is very wonderful news that the family is moving closer and I can't believe that Melissa is now 5. Where did the time go? Thanks for the info about the Women's Prize books that you have read so far. Are you ever tempted to start up a thread again? I'm sure you are missed around here! Glad that all is well my friend!

Hello Mark, I will put your "warble" books on my TBR list promptly. I do love Irish books. Agree, Room and Let the Great World Spin were amazing books. Enjoy your day! Rain here and not looking very inviting outside.

>183 mdoris: I hadn't read any of the books for the Tournament of Books so I know what you mean about it being intimidating. I saw some daffodils showing their colours today and there are crocuses blooming all over - I love being here in the spring. It looks like they are predicting some balmy temperatures this week too. Can't wait!

>190 mdoris: Mary, wanted to add my voice to " Are you ever tempted to start up a thread again? I'm sure you are missed around here!" because I drift by Deb's profile page too, in order to check out the titles. I had some dandies a few times back in my first couple years with this group.

I haven't made much progress on my reading plans for this year. I keep finding new titles that call out and then I borrow them from the library or on Overdrive. I'm always impressed when folks take a category list and read the books from the title lists.

>192 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, I can't wait either. But then I read that there is still lots of snow for many back east and then tell myself to be thankful! I'd better go and check on the Tof B. I goes on for a couple of weeks. Who will be the grand winner?

>193 SandyAMcPherson: Well Sandy, maybe Deborah will take our advice and start a thread again. Peer pressure!

My reading plans are randomly orchestrated by the library. Some holds take forever and we have unlimited number of holds with no charge so I'm afraid I'm a bit of a book pig. Tomorrow i will return about 8 and pick up another 8. I will come visit and see what you are reading at the moment. Hope it's a good one!

"Cause Unknown": The Epidemic of Sudden Deaths in 2021 & 2022… by Edward Dowd p. 203 library



This in a way takes the form of a graphic novel with much visual and photo representation with symbols that take you to specific web articles (amazing!). It shows the deaths and disability post vaccination of young people (5 to 45). It gives the stories, the graphs from many countries, given by a very capable person Ed Dowd well acquainted with statistics and how to show data in a form easy to understand. This tragedy must be acknowledged and dealt with and the perpetrators identified and justice done. There is a very interesting afterward by Gavin De Becker who wrote the book The Gift of Fear which i have just put on reserve at the library after watching a riveting recent interview with him.

>185 mdoris: I love Bateman's work. It may have been you who led me to him Mary. I bought a couple of his books a few years ago.

>197 Caroline_McElwee: So pleased to know that Caroline. It was hard to take the book back to the library!

>196 mdoris: Interesting, Mary. The tide of public opinion has certainly changed hasn't it? I believe publication of this book would have been suppressed a few short years ago. I have to say that despite not really having a say in the matter in Malaysia, I would have weighed the risks and taken the jab and boosters given my own physical condition in the face of the pandemic. No regrets on that at all and I would hope that it did help to alleviate the symptoms when I did catch it.

I don't believe that there was ever really a case for the young (those under 30) and otherwise healthy to take the jabs as the cost/benefit analysis was never in favour of it and I have been consistent on this from the beginning.

There was never any evidence of the jabs leading to the prevention of the spread or stopping others from catching the virus and the misinformation by many to the contrary including Joe Biden to the contrary was dangerous. Big Pharma seized on this to make some very serious levels of profit. With the reins of power I would be confiscating that profit. Nor were the restrictions in public freedoms that is served to justify, in fact in any way merited - the so called pandemic of the unvaccinated was a disgraceful lie.

>199 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul for your thoughts on this. The book is impressive, an another eye opener and it looks at those 45 and under who died or met very serious challenges after the vaccination. I think we will be looking at this in years to come like we are viewing the opioid crisis now but this will be even worse. I think you are right that we can be grateful that books like this would have been supressed but fingers crossed that truthful information can find it's way to the public. As we know mainstream media has been pitiful at reporting any of this. They are in the pockets of big business and government.

>200 mdoris: The politicizing of the mainstream media has been one of the creeping ills in society and it is a canker that needs to be rooted out but I am not sure how we get back to sincere, factual and unbiased news reporting.
Trump is blamed for the polarization in many quarters and he is certainly divisive, but he was ratings manna for the liberal media who fed off him as much as they abhorred him.

>201 PaulCranswick: Yes, it is very worrisome.

Thanks for stopping by my new thread to say a warm hello, Mary! So kind of you! Poppy does say hi to Loki, yes . I'm sure you will hear of her adventures as I will hear about Loki and his busy life. Beautiful image of the Canada Goose, Mary. Well, in part you and Sandy did tempt me back to the 75's, and my excitement over my reads this year helped me decide to start a new thread. Happy reading!

>203 vancouverdeb: Well Deborah, I know you were missed so great to have you back with the 75ers!

Horse a Novel by Geraldine Brooks library p 390



This story about Lexington, a very famous racing horse, has been praised and popular on L.T. recently. The story is told in 2 parts, one from 1850 and one from 2019 with both stories devoted to many aspects of this famous stallion. There is much content about the intricacies of horse racing, breeding, care and treatment of horses and also the horrendous racism that existed at the time in 1850 and that continues to exist in current time. I was hoping to be more enthusiastic about this book but sadly found it slow and predictable in the plot lines. Beware of cruelty to humans and to animals that may make the reader uncomfortable. It did give me more insight into the world of horse racing.

Happy Sunday, Mary. I hope you are having a good weekend. Sorry, Horse fell flat for you. Unfortunately, that happens from time to time.

>206 msf59: Happy Sunday to you Mark. I really wanted to like Horse more than I did as there was so much enthusiasm for it here on L.T. Maybe it was a cultural thing as it was such an American story. Oh well, on to my next book!

What are your reading plans for the next while Mary? Do you plan ahead very much or read whimsically, letting appeal drive your choice in the moment?

I've only recently discovered I fall into the latter category. I will remember that for the next time I try to set objectives in the January onslaught of enthusiasm.

>208 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, thanks for asking. Almost all my books come from the library. I am able to do unlimited reserves (often 60&) and sometimes have a very long wait for books so I never know when books will arrive. I keep a close look on book prize lists, books my fellow readers here on LT are enthusiastic about, books that are mentioned in podcasts, books that try to sort out what is going on in our world. I used to be a member of a bookclub (over 40 years) but since our move to another city that is no longer the case. I sure read some wonderful books with the club! I do have book shelves of owned books that languish on the shelves that I hope to get to if ever the library doesn't produce a weekly "gift" I am a slow reader so I try and plan carefully. I read lots of non fiction, don't worry if it is written by a woman or a man. Not too concerned about country of residence of the author.

How about you Sandy. How do you plan?

Just about to start the new John Boyne book All the Broken Places I do like his writing. And non fiction Andrew Doyle The New Puritans. I read his book on free speech and was very impressed. Free Speech And Why It Matters.

>209 mdoris: Nice to hear how you arrange your reading.
As I said at #208, I'm in the "read whimsically, letting appeal drive my choice in the moment" category.
ATM, I'm indulging in two alternative mystery series: one by Cora Harrison, her Burren mysteries set in 16th century Ireland and the other is a Sloan and Wrexford series, set in the Regency era (London, UK), by Andrea Penrose.

Clearly I'm escapist reading! My non-fiction keeps faltering. I've ditched Visual Thinking for the time being. Since I own the book, I tend to focus on the library loans. This is a pitfall as I don't feel compelled to get on with the story when there's no due date!

>210 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy. Me too! I have put aside a Michael Pollan book that I own How to Change your Mind and who knows when I will get back to it. He is such a great writer with such interesting ideas but the pressure from the library is there. I am about to renew a great book about Beatrix Potter and her love of gardening. Hopefully no one else wants it. It is a juggle. I have read Temple Grandin books but not the one you mentioned. I worked as a SLP with many kids with autism and the subject greatly interests me.

I would like to read the mysteries that take place in Ireland! Sounds good.

>211 mdoris: I would like to read the mysteries that take place in Ireland!
I hope you enjoy the saga. I've liked the mysteries very much (only read 3 so far) and even more appreciated that the author not only accurately relates the history but also conveys how it felt to live in those days and in that community.

Hi Sandy, Sorry for mentioning about the daffs. I bet you remember when you lived on the island what a tonic it was to see them after a long rainy grey winter. They will be popping up soon where you are I'm sure!

>209 mdoris: Interesting thoughts on how to plan or not plan your reading, Sandy and Mary. For the most part I am an unplanned reader. Right now though, I am trying to make a bit of a dent in the Women's Prize Long list. Demon Copperhead, Trespasses are behind me and I'm currently half way through Bandit Queens. I'm enjoying The Bandit Queens much more than I expected. I am planning to read Wandering Souls soon and I have The Marriage Portrait waiting for me. I maybe take a break from my Longlist reading and find more of an escapist read.

I enjoy Irish Literature too. I have All The Broken Places on hold at the library, but when will I get it?

Back again to say hi, Mary. Had a couple of lovely days of sun and walking with Poppy, once across from the YVR, watching the planes take off and today into Steveston . It's great to see the daffodils all of the other plants. Today I headed into the library to pick up a hold for Dave and found that All The Broken Places was also waiting for me. I'm not sure what I will read after The Bandit Queens which I think I will finish this evening. I might go for something light and fun.

Speaking of Irish Literature, do have a hold on Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. It's on the Women's Prize Longlist and I enjoyed it most of all the 3 Womens's Prize list so far.

>214 vancouverdeb:, 215 Good morning Deborah. Great to have you visit and share your wonderful reads. I worked hard in the garden yesterday. i thought I had better spread those bags of garden soil before the rains hit. So today is a day off, a day to go to the library and pick up my next load. I am reading All the Broken Places and about half way there. John Boyne never fails for me. It is a very interesting topic about guilt. Also reading Ducks Two Years in the Oil Sands that just won the last round of Canada Reads. I don't follow it closely, it just happened to be my turn from the library and I have waited for it for ages. I too LOVE the daffs. I must take a picture of the ones blooming in my garden. I especially like the tiny ones. They have caught my heart! You are probably right about the need for Poppy and Loki to have some variety in their walks. We always head to the ocean to see the birds. Mostlty there is a pair of eagles perched high on a tree top looking for their lunch that I always look for. Have a great day! For sure I will put Trespasses on reserve. Thanks for the hot tip! Just checked and I already had it on hold but 47 holds for 4 copies. Yikes. I will have to wait (im)patiently!

A new thread has been started. Please come over for a visit!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/349837