Joanne (copperskye) Tries Again in 2018 - Part 4

Hi and welcome to my last thread of 2018! Where did the year go...

We drove up to Yellowstone last month for a few days (not long enough by a long shot) and so I’ll share some pictures. I was thrilled to see a wolf (it was far off and through a scope, but still). The weather was perfect although it was hazy from smoke when we drove home through the Tetons.


Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River


Abyss Pool at West Thumb


Bison in the Lamar Valley


Pelicans (I had hoped to see swans but it was nice to see these favorites of mine.)


Lake Hotel. I love this place and am always happy to wrangle a reservation although it’s ridiculously expensive.

Memorable books of 2017:

Favorites:
1. Old Filth Trilogy (Old Filth, The Man in the Wooden Hat and Last Friends by Jane Gardam
2. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
3. 11/22/63 by Stephen King
4. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
5. Commonwealth by Anne Patchett
6. Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada
7. Sudden Sea by R. A. Scotti
8. The Blue Hour by Laura Pritchett
9. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
10.The Tsar of Love And Techno by Anthony Marra

Most disappointing:
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Most entertaining:
Michael Connelly’s Bosch series

2018 Reading List (* = favorite)

JANUARY 2018
1. Cover Her Face by P.D. James OTS#1, 3.5 Stars
2. One Who Saw by A. M. Barrage OTS#2, 3.5 stars
3. On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder OTS #3, 4.5 stars
4. Thornhill by Pam Smy 2 stars
5. Fools Crow by James Welch OTS #4, 4.25 stars
6. A Mind to Murder by P.D. James 3.5 stars

FEBRUARY 2018
7. Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff
8. * Fox 8 by George Saunders 5 stars
9. The Poet by Michael Connelly 3.5 stars
10. * American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West by Nate Blakeslee OTS #6, 5 stars
11. This is the Place: Women Writing About Home by Margot Kahn 4.25 stars
12. Mrs Miniver by Jan Struther OTS #7, 4 stars

March 2018
13. * Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen OTS #8, 5 stars
14. The Long Arm of the Law by Martin Edwards 3 stars
15. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 4.5 stars OTS #9
16. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (reread) 4.5 stars OTS #10
17. The Country of Pointed Firs by Sarah Orene Jewett 4 stars OTS #11
18. Persuasion by Jane Austen 4 Stars OTS #12
19. White Houses by Amy Bloom 4 stars

April 2018
20. * Have Dog, Will Travel by Stephen Kuusisto 5 Stars
21. The Closers by Michael Connelly OTS #13 3.75 stars
22. River of Darkness by Rennie Airth OTS #14 4 stars
23. Tin Man by Sarah Winman OTS #15 4.25 stars
24. Planet of the Blind by Stephen Kuusisto 4.25 stars

May 2018
25. A Higher Loyalty by James Comey 4.5 stars
26. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison 4.5 Stars
27. Crusoe’s Daughter by Jane Gardam OTS #16 4.5 stars
28. Daytripper by Gabriel Ba 4 stars
29. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah OTS #17 3.75 stars
30. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths 3.75 stars

June 2018
31. The Blood-Dimmed Tide by Rennie Airth 4 stars
32. Echo Park by Michael Connelly OTS#18, 4 stars
33. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman OTS#19, 3.5 stars
34. * Into the Raging Sea by Rachel Slade OTS#20, 5 stars
35. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara OTS#21, 4 stars
36. The Overlook by Michael Connelly OTS#22, 3.5 stars
37. * Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi OTS #23, 5 Stars

July 2018
38. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee OTS #24, 4 stars
39. Palisades Park by Alan Brennert OTS #25, 3.5 stars
40. Clock Dance by Ann Tyler 4.25 Stars
41. In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson OTS #26 3.75 stars

August 2018
42. The Dead of Winter by Rennie Airth OTS #27, 4 Stars
43. The Drop by Michael Connelly OTS #28, 4 stars
44. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer OTS #29, 3.25 stars
45. The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve OTS #30, 3.75 stars
46. The Gunners by Rebecca Kauffman OTS #31 3.75 stars
47. Descent by Tim Johnston OTS #32

September 2018
48. * The Secrets Between Us by Thrity Umrigar OTS #33 4.5 stars
49. Dancing at the Rascal Fair by Ivan Doig OTS #34 4.5 stars
50. Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves OTS#35 4.5 stars
51. Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini 4.75 stars
52. Blankets by Craig Thompson GN 4 stars

October 2018
53. Transcription by Kate Atkinson 4 stars
54. * Don’t Look Now by Daphne du Maurier OTS#36 4.5 stars
55. Home After Dark by David Small GN 3.5 stars
56. The Black Box by Michael Connelly 3.75 stars
57. Bibliophile by Jane Mount 5 stars
58. Zeitoun by Dave Eggers OTS #37 4.25 stars
59. A Fearsome Doubt by Charles Todd OTS #38 3.5 stars
60. Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinor Pruitt Stewart (reread) OTS #39 4 stars

November 2018
61. Man of the Family by Ralph Moody OTS #40 4.25 stars
62. Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart OTS #41 4 stars
63. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa OTS #42 4 stars
64. Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott 3.5 stars
65. The Burning Room by Michael Connelly OTS #43 4 stars
66. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (reread) OTS #44 5 stars
67. Shade: A Tale Of Two Presidents by Pete Souza 4.5 stars

December
68. * Becoming by Michelle Obama 5 stars
69. Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny 4.5 stars
70. Homer and the Holiday Miracle by Gwen Cooper 3.25 stars
71. To Every Thing There is a Season by Alstair MacLeod OTS #45 4 stars
72. Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey
73. A Rumpole Christmas by John Mortimer
74. The Usual Santas by Soho Crime OTS #46
75. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (reread) OTS #47

53. Transcription by Kate Atkinson

The more I think about this WWII spy story, the more I like it. I don’t think it was as good as any of the other Atkinson novels I’ve read but it was light and fun and mostly interesting. The tone was kind of 1940s mad-cap romcom movie-like (if that makes any sense) which, for me, alternated between charming and annoying. Worth reading but not as your first Atkinson.

54. Don’t Look Now by Daphne du Maurier

I absolutely loved this NYRB classic edition, selected and introduced by Patrick McGrath. Of the nine stories, my favorites were Don’t Look Now, The Birds, Split Second, and The Blue Lenses. Unsettling and creepy and perfect for October reading!

Happy New Thread, Joanne. I LOVE the Yellowstone toppers. And hooray for the wolf sighting. How cool.

I have a copy of Transcription, waiting nearby. Did you hear she has a new Jackson Brodie coming out next year?

55. Home After Dark by David Small GN

Coming of age story of a young teen in the 1950s, essentially abandoned by his family and struggling with teenage issues and finding his place in the world. The story was just ok but I loved the artwork. I liked Small’s memoir, Stitches, much more.

Hi Mark! Welcome and thank you! Seeing the wolf, even so far away, was a thrill. Transcription was interesting and I hope you like it! I did read about a new Brodie book - I wish she’d write faster!

Happy new thread. Wonderful topper.

>12 figsfromthistle: Thank you and welcome!!

>7 Copperskye: I am on the world's longest reserve list for Transcription, so I went ahead and read your review. By the time I finally get my turn at it, I will have long forgotten the details of your review, and only remember that you liked it. :-)

Happy new thread, Joanne! Beautiful photos.

Happy New Thread, Joanne.

Love those Yellowstone photos.

Your description of Transcription fits with my experience of it. We just started watching the BBC series of Case Histories with Jason Isaacs as Jackson Brodie, and we're liking that a lot.

Happy new thread, Joanne. We always eat lunch at the Lake Hotel when we're in Yellowstone ("always" equals three times I think) but I've never stayed there. It is a lovely old place.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Joanne, lovely pictures at the top!

>14 rosalita: Sorry about your long wait for Transcription, Julia. I was lucky to get on the list early at my library. I had preordered it on Amazon and cancelled it when I got on the hold list so early. I liked it enough but glad I didn’t buy it. Just trying to be economical!

>15 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>16 jnwelch: Hi Joe, Thanks! I thought the Case Histories series was a lot of fun and glad you’re enjoying it too!

>17 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, I love the Lake Hotel dining room. I’ve never had lunch there but they set an elegant dinner table and the service is wonderful. Such a treat in the middle of nowhere! (Many years ago, while we were having dinner, a bison wandered up on the veranda right outside the window and hung out there at least until dark.)

>18 drneutron: Thanks Jim!

>19 FAMeulstee: Welcome, Anita, thank you!

Yay for Jason Isaacs.
I think I might have liked >7 Copperskye: more than you did.
And belated happy New thread wishes.

Happy new thread, Joanne. I love the photos! I was so happy to be able to visit Yellowstone this summer -- for the first time. The hotel looks beautiful.

I look forward to Transcription.

Catching up....I'm glad Boomer has recovered from her misadventure (or whatever SHE's calling it). I have a terrible time keeping my Molly's claws trimmed; she can tell if I'm even thinking about picking up a pair of clippers. I try to get a few at a time when she's sleeping in the right position on my lap, but sometimes I just have to give up and take her in to the vet for a full pedicure. (Where, of course, she's as docile as can be while they snip snip snip). I showed the the picture of Boomer, hoping it would persuade her that there are worse things than letting me cut them off...didn't help!

>20 Copperskye: OMG! There are usually bison hanging out on the lawn but I've never seen one come up on the veranda.

>21 charl08: Hi Charlotte! Welcome and thanks. It’s been so long since I’ve read Case Histories and watched the tv episodes, I should really watch them again. Jason Isaacs is much better looking than the Brodie I had in my head while reading the books. :)

>22 BLBera: Hi Beth! How did I miss that you were in Yellowstone this summer? It’s a special place! I think you’re going to like Transcription.

>23 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda, I do the same thing with Boomer’s claws - I have the clippers within easy reach and let her get all comfortable on my lap and clip what I can reach. She’s always been very good about letting me mess with her toes while she naps. My sister said she also showed her three (!) cats the photo of Boomer with her little bandage and e-collar as a kind of an object lesson. Lol. It’d be so nice if they could learn that way!

>24 RebaRelishesReading: I know, right! It was the wildest thing! (No, I take that back...a bear wandered into the lobby of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park one night a month or so ago...and then wandered out again. That was pretty odd!)

>25 Copperskye: YIKES!!

56. The Black Box by Michael Connelly

The 18th book in the Harry Bosch series and, as usual, an entertaining read. I find his teenage daughter to be a little too perfect at everything she does. I’m looking forward to her shipping off to college, hopefully soon.

57. Bibliophile by Jane Mount LTER

A beautiful book filled with all things bookish and starring Jane Mount’s charming book illustrations. There are book lists, beloved book stores, striking libraries, quizzes, author profiles, and more, and it’s an absolute treat for book lovers. This is probably the loveliest LT early review book I’ve ever won. (And there’s a ribbon. I love ribbons.) This would make a great gift for anyone who loves books. 5 stars

Here’s an example:

>27 Copperskye: I find his teenage daughter to be a little too perfect at everything she does. I’m looking forward to her shipping off to college, hopefully soon.

Ha! He doesn't even have a kid yet where I am in the series. Which reminds me, I need to get back to that!

happy new one, Joanne! Lovely topper photos! You are way ahead of me with the Harry Bosch series - I am currently reading The Brass Verdict, which is the second Micky Haller book and features Bosch.

I have Transcription out from the library, and I can't wait to get to it. Surprisingly, I just walked into the library here and picked it up off the New Fiction shelf.

>28 Copperskye: That does look like a very nice book!

>28 Copperskye: This does look like a great one, Joanne.

>29 rosalita: Whoops!! Sorry about that, Julia. I hope you don’t consider it a spoiler! :(

>30 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, Thank you! I didn’t read The Brass Verdict (not yet, anyway). I was getting a little confused about which books belonged in which series so I went to michaelconnelly.com and he lists his books there by series (and I figured he should know best!) so I’m going through the Bosch series only (we’ll, except for Nine Dragons, which I skipped) at the moment. I’ll get to the Mickey Haller books eventually. I hope you enjoy Transcription - it’s kind of fun!

>31 thornton37814: It’s a lovely book to leaf through, Lori!

>32 BLBera: It is Beth! I wholeheartedly recommend it.

>33 Copperskye: Oh no, not a spoiler at all, Joanne! In fact, I read all the Lincoln Lawyer books before I started the Bosch series, and I'm pretty sure he had the daughter in at least one of those.

>34 rosalita: Oh good! But does she ever leave for college....? :)

I guess we'll have to wait and see! Ha!

Hi, Joanne. Beautiful day in Chicagoland. These are the fall days I love. I have Transcription slated for next month and I just picked up Washington Black from the library. I should get to that one in a week or so. The books really pile up, don't they?

Oh, those are great pics of Yellowstone! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I am envious as I never managed to get there and now doubt I ever will. I did manage to go to RMNP for a couple of days the beginning of October, when the weather (and aspens) were still beautiful, but it looks like Yellowstone is way beyond that.

You're really whizzing through the Bosch series! Won't be long before you're all caught up.

>28 Copperskye: Not green at all.... What a lovely looking book.

>28 Copperskye:. Want!!

Joanne, you sure hit the jackpot with your ER book. That looks delightful. Thank you for including some photos.

I agree that Transcription isn't Atkinson's best yet still enjoyable. I can't wait until the new Jackson Brodie comes out next year. He is one of my favorite protagonists.

We are going to Brighton for Thanksgiving. No time for a meetup this time, darn it. We fly in on Thanksgiving morning, Hope's 5th birthday is the next day, and we fly home on Sunday. It will be a whirlwind trip but so much fun to spend a birthday with Hope. She is super excited!

>36 rosalita: Keep on readin’! :)

>37 msf59: That they do, Mark! And now I’m hopelessly behind on LT. Our weather has been beautiful, warm (nearly 80) and sunny but due to change tomorrow with a 40 degree drop and snow/rain. Boo!

>38 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, It’s a special place. I only wish YNP was a little closer! There are so many places on the east coast that I’m sorry I never got to. You’ll have a lot of exploring to do!

>39 charl08: It’s lovely, Charlotte!

>40 brenzi: Hi Bonnie, Get! :)

>41 Donna828: It’s the loveliest book ER book, Donna! And I absolutely agree with you about Transcription. That does sound like a really quick trip but you get to celebrate a birthday the same weekend - it’s a twofer! Have fun!

Colorado has an all mail-in ballot which makes it ridiculously easy to vote. I see images of early voting lines in other states and know people will also be standing on long lines on Election Day. I’m sorry other states don’t make voting a more simple civic duty. I dropped our (long) ballots off today (at the library, no less) and even got a sticker. :)

>43 Copperskye: Well done, Joanne! I always vote by absentee ballot as well, but I miss getting my sticker! I mailed my ballot on my birthday last week, which has become a tradition for me. Fingers crossed!

And good for you, too, Julia! I’ve been using a drop box the last couple of years while lamenting the sticker.

Happy belated birthday to you!!!

58. Zeitoun by Dave Eggars

I’ve been meaning to read this one for quite a while and I’m glad I finally got to it. The story recounts the horrific after effects of Hurricane Katrina on one New Orleans resident/family who was caught up, as well, in anti-Muslim sentiment. Zeitoun seemed to be a bit of a saint after a while, and curious, I googled him to see what happened after the end of the book. That was unfortunate, but the book remains powerful and shocking.

I always vote by mail and usually do so right after the ballot comes which means I have a lot of political ads to endure after I've already voted. Oh well... You're right though it makes it so much easier that if all states did it we might have a better turn-out.

>43 Copperskye: Good for you! I dropped off my ballot at the local library too but didn't get a sticker. I did take two last time I voted (in 2016) so I'm using the extra one for this election. ;)

Hi, Joanne. Hooray for Zeitoun. I loved that book. It would fit in perfectly with my AAC NNF, in November.

I am starting Washington Black tomorrow.

I loved Zeitoun as well, Joanne, and used it for class until the unfortunate events after. I had students displaced by Katrina and the story resonated with them. So far, I have liked Eggers' work best when it's based on a true story.

>47 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, Yay for early voting! We had some local issues I wasn’t sure about so I let the ballots sit while I collected info. Still not sure about one or two of them...

>48 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, This is the first time my library has been used as a voting site. Makes it so darn convenient!

>49 msf59: Hi Mark, It was very good, and a fast read, too. I was surprised by that. And once again, I’m out of step on a group read! :(

>50 BLBera: Hi Beth, It must have been interesting to get input from students who had lived through it themselves. While I was reading it I was thinking my son might want to use it with his older students, but never mind. :(

Jeez, it’s just after 8pm and we’ve only had 5 or 6 small groups of trick or treaters. I can only eat so many Almond Joys (ok, I can eat ALL the Almond Joys, but I draw the line there!)! :(

But anyway, Happy Halloween! And remember,

It's 7:35 pm here and we've had about 25 kids, in about 4 groups. Not that much . Happy Halloween!

Hiya Deborah! I think you had more kids than we did. Oh well, I love seeing the kids in their costumes so it was a little disappointing. I’ll console myself with leftover Almond Joys and Reeses..

>51 Copperskye: Love it, Joanne.

I also am a fan of Almond Joys, which is why I brought all leftover candy to school today. The students appreciated it.

>54 BLBera: This a treacherous time of year, Beth. I brought most of our leftover candy up to my son yesterday. I know he and his roommates will appreciate it. I held back a few choice bit though....

A wolf sighting and democracy all in one thread! Happy November!

Hi Pirate! I’m on pins and needles thinking about Tuesday... Always good to see you!

Hi, Joanne! I'm way behind on threads, but loving your Yellowstone photos!

Hi Terri, Thank you! I’m also very behind in checking out everyone’s threads. :( I need to update my reading and see what everyone else is up to!

59. A Fearsome Doubt by Charles Todd 3.5 stars

It’s been years since I picked up an Ian Rutledge mystery and I’m not sure why, except maybe too many books calling to me. This is #6 in the series and I liked it quite a bit - Rutledge is pressured by a widow into having doubts about someone brought to justice years before while he tries to find who is poisoning men along rural country roads before they find their next victim. Two good mysteries. I just noticed that I may have inadvertently skipped #5. Whoops!

60. Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

Elinore Pruitt was a young widow with a daughter when she chose to leave her job in Denver and work on a ranch, and perhaps, try homesteading in Burnt Fork, Wyoming. It takes place in the early 1900s and the book consists of her letters sent to her ex-employer in Colorado. The letters are breezy, humorous, and chatty, and Stewart is a natural storyteller. This was a reread for me. 4 stars

>61 Copperskye: I rated that one similarly when I read it.

>60 Copperskye: The Ian Rutledge series is one of my favorites, but I know exactly what you mean about losing track of series you want to keep reading. There are so many of them!

>61 Copperskye: I read that a couple of years ago. Thanks for reminding me of it...made me smile again.

>62 thornton37814: She almost made me sorry I didn’t live in Wyoming in that time period. Almost. :)

>63 rosalita: I’m definitely not going to wait a couple years to read the next one, Julia! Besides, I’m going to run out of Bosch books soon. :(

>64 RebaRelishesReading: I love when that happens to me, Reba! It’s such a nice feeling to share a well-loved, almost forgotten book.

Hi, Joanne. Letters of a Woman Homesteader sounds like an interesting read. I just watched "July 22" on Netflix, based on the book, One of Us, which I just finished. The film is very good. Very emotional. The book is quite good too. What a horrific tragedy.

>66 msf59: One of Us and July 22 both sound a little too bleak for me. Maybe one day.

I still need to check out “The Haunting of Hill House” and I’m looking forward to the second season of “Mrs Maisel” next month.

Once again, I think I let your thread get away from me...

Hi Joanne - I keep meaning to start the Rutledge series...But, as you say, too many books.

Letters of a Woman Homesteader sounds great. I'm adding it to my list.

Have a great weekend.

>68 BLBera: Hi Beth, happy weekend to you! It’s cold and damp and icy here - hope your weather is better!

61. Man of the Family by Ralph Moody

Around the time Elinore Pruitt (see my last book) headed out of Denver, CO for Wyoming, Ralph Moody’s mother was opting, after the death of her husband, to stay in Littleton, CO and try her best to support her family. It was 1910 and Ralph was a quick-thinking, industrious, and resourceful 11 year old. Man of the Family recounts his adventures and his family’s life in a small town. His mother was a true hero to her family and the stories he tells are full of warmth and love expressed both to her and to the people of the town. I live in Littleton and thought it was especially fun to recognize the street and place names that survive today and the family names that are still found around town. One of the elementary schools here is named for Ralph Moody.

62. Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart

This is the follow up to Girl Waits With Gun and I liked it even more than the first one. The series is fiction but based on a true character, the first female deputy sheriff in Bergen County, NJ. I just realized the time period is just about the same as my last two books, early 1900s. This is really turning into a fun, light-hearted detective series and I’m looking forward to the next one waiting on my shelf. I loved that the investigation took Constance Kopp to Rutherford, which is the town I grew up in, and she wandered around town and met the local doctor, Dr W.C. Williams. (Small, sly thing, but I liked that the doctor was only a doctor who seemed to like poetry.) It was fun, too, to see a friend and the town’s historian thanked in the acknowledgments.

63. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

Cat lovers will find Nana and Satoru’s road trip to be heartwarming and heartbreaking, especially the chapters that are narrated by Nana, the cat, himself. A sweet, tender story from Japan.

>72 Copperskye: That one was fun!

Joanne, I love the photos of Yellowstone. Having just purchased a little trailer to pull behind our truck and now living a mere 8 hours or so from that park, we are having conversations about a trip back there in the next year or so. I've been once, about 20 years ago, and it's one of the most remarkable places on earth!

>72 Copperskye: Hmm. Heartbreaking makes me nervous. But it also sounds really tempting!

Letters of a Woman Homesteader is particularly appealing! And a reread, the best sort of recommendation.

Happy Thanksgiving, Joanne. What do you guys do for the holiday?

Good review of Lady Cop. I enjoyed this one too. Looking forward to the third one.

>73 thornton37814: Hi Lori, Yes, I thought it was very sweet and I loved Nana’s thoughts!

>74 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! You should definitely go - 8 hours isn’t too bad! And having a trailer is helpful. We are a good 8 hours or so from Moran Wy, in the Tetons, but Yellowstone is closer to 12 hrs which makes for a long drive. (We stayed overnight in Cody on the way in but drove straight through home.)

>75 msf59: Happy belated Thanksgiving, Mark! I hope you and Sue had a lovely day! I cooked and there were 7 of us so totally manageable (although I don’t have a lot of practice because we used to always travel back east to family for the holiday).

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, Joanne.

>70 Copperskye: This one sounds like a lot of fun, Joanne.

I read Girl Waits with Gun and liked it but wasn't sure about a sequel. I guess I 'll have to check it out.

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend, Joanne.

>77 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul, and I hope your weekend was a good one as well!

>78 BLBera: I liked this second one more, Beth, and that, along with the setting which I really like, means I’ll certainly continue on with the series. Also, the author is really nice. She has an online book group of fans and got her publisher to provide copies of her books which she then signed and sent out. Now I have a nice signed hardcover of Miss Kopp’s Midnight Confessions waiting for me!

Happy Sunday, Joanne. I am glad you had a nice holiday with the family. I just snagged Becoming on audio. I might kick off the new year with that gem.

>80 msf59: I think you’re gonna love Becoming, Mark! I’m assuming Michelle narrates?

64. Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott

I prefer Anne Lamott on audio but this was still a good read (although not my favorite of her books). Totally not the type of book I usually read but there’s something about Lamott that appeals to me. 3.5 stars

65. The Burning Room by Michael Connelly

Book #19 in the Bosch series. This one seemed fresher than the last couple of books. It was nice that Bosch had a new partner he liked while working two crimes, both cold cases, that I found to be intriguing. 4 stars

>81 Copperskye: Yes, she does. This will be a bonus.

I do not think I have read Lamott. Bad Mark? I was interested in Bird By Bird.

66. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 5 stars

I can hardly believe that it’s been almost 10 years since I first read this little gem. I liked it even more the second time. I first read a copy from the library and then picked up a used copy at a library sale a few years later. Scrawled on the first page of my copy is a note from the previous owner - “A book for anyone who likes used books...at least that’s what the man at the store said. - Kim”. I couldn’t agree more.

>84 msf59: if I was still listening to audio books, I’d have loved this one in that format. Darn retirement! :)

I don’t think Lamott is for everyone - she’s kind of new age/spiritual without being overly religious or preachy. In this one she’s looking at hope in the age of Trump. I love her on audio and that’s what I’d recommend if I was going to recommend her. Funny, I haven’t read any of her fiction and I have a copy of Bird by Bird that I’ve never read...

Hi, Joanne! Glad all is going well in the Copperskye household.

>82 Copperskye: I loved Bird by Bird most of the Lamotts I've read, but all of her books have appealed to me. She's definitely spiritual but not at all preachy or woo-woo, which would have put me off her right away. Anyway, I think you'd enjoy Bird by Bird. You too, Mark!

>71 Copperskye: Thanks for the review - I didn't realize a sequel had come out and look forward to reading it. I'm currently reading Lyndsay Faye's new soon-to-be-published novel - The Paragon Hotel - about a young Italian American gun moll/smuggler from Harlem running for her life during Prohibition and ending up at an exclusive hotel for black folks in Portland. Horrifying picture of life during that era, especially for blacks, with excerpts from newspapers and books discussing "The Negro Problem." Very timely, considering what is going on today with the apparent rise of white supremacy under Drumpf. Wonderful writing, though, as I have come to expect from Faye. (Got it through First-To-Read.)

>87 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I used to have two copies of Bird By Bird until I got one signed and gave it to Chris! I really should read it.

There are actually 4 books in the Kopp Sisters series now so you have a few more than you thought to look forward to! I don’t know how I’ve missed trying any of Lyndsay Faye’s books but for some reason she has been on my radar lately so I plan on fixing that. I have a couple on my wishlist and promised myself that I’d buy a copy of Jane Steele after the holidays. I’m really glad to hear your recommendations!

Good luck with all your packing! Are you driving by yourself?

>82 Copperskye: I also love Lamott, Joanne. It's been a while. I'll have to check this one out.

I loved 84 Charing Cross Road - It would be a great reread, especially this time of year.

>89 BLBera: Hi Beth, I’d forgotten just how holiday-ish 84, Charing Cross Road is, with all the gifts from the heart. I highly recommend a quick re-read if you’re needing a boost of Christmas spirit!

Hi, Joanne. Add me to the list of people who loved 84, Charing Cross Road. I still haven't read the sequel, but I think I have it around here somewhere.

Give Skye some snuggles for me!

Hi Julia, I didn’t find the second book quite as charming as the first, but still, certainly, worth reading! I’ll give Skye a hug right now. We are about to set off on our walk - it’s a surprisingly sunny day since the weekend forecast was cloudy, cold, and wet.

I think you're right about the second one, Joanne. I loved the first one. Isn't there a third one? I haven't read that one yet.

>93 BLBera: A third? I’d have to look it up....
ETA: Q’s Legacy....how did I miss this one?!



67. Shade: A Tale Of Two Presidents by Pete Souza

In words and beautiful photographs, President Barack Obama’s official WH photographer starkly compares and contrasts the previous and current US Presidents. Witty, wise, and heartbreaking.

>94 Copperskye: I follow Souza on Twitter and he is remarkably snarky in addition to being a first-rate photographer. He was more subtle about the Obama/Trump comparisons at the beginning of our current national nightmare but he's not really trying to hide his contempt at this point, which I think we can all relate to!

Hi Julia, Yes, this book, too, was wonderfully snarky. Souza throws a lot of well deserved shade trump’s way. And, although the book was relatively upbeat, read in the wrong frame of mind, it could be pretty depressing....

Joanne, I'd never heard of The Travelling Cat Chronicles. It sounds like something I'd like for a change of pace. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! (Book bullet!)

Happy Sunday, Joanne. You did some great reading.

>85 Copperskye: Oh good, another fan of 85, Charing Cross Road. I also loved that one.

My brother-in-law had a copy of The Travelling Cat Chronicles on his coffee table when we visited this weekend. It looks so good.

>99 EBT1002: I read an ARC of The Travelling Cat Chronicles and enjoyed it.

>97 tymfos: Hi Terri, Yay! I think you’ll like it!

>98 Ameise1: Hi Barb! I think so too. Even though I may miss my 75 book goal again (darn it!), I’m happy with the books I’ve read.

>99 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, 84, Charing Cross Road is such a gem of a book, isn’t it! I recommend a reread every few years. Travelling Cat Chronicles is also a bit of a gem. Your BIL has good taste!

>100 thornton37814: Hi Lori, I like a good cat or dog book every now and then, especially when they aren’t too sad.

>101 Copperskye: I started one last night that I'll probably finish at the beauty salon while I'm waiting on that color to set in! I've also got a cookbook going and an audiobook (NF) going. I'm considering starting the audiobook for American Author Challenge also. The one I'm listening to is one that I won't confuse with the other . . . and I kind of need some breaks from it. I'll probably begin a mystery during the supper break at work, although I'll still need to be available to answer reference questions if we get any. Since finals are in the process of winding down, I doubt there will be many.

>102 thornton37814: You’ve got a lot of books going on there, Lori! When I was working, I usually had an audio and a kindle book going along with another one or two for around the house. I did just finish another cat book, picked up because I needed something small to toss in my bag while waiting at the post office and eye doctor, Homer’s Holiday Miracle. Recommended if you liked Homer’s Odyssey.

Hi, Joanne. I hope you guys are doing well. I plan on kicking off the New Year, with Becoming, on audio. Glad to see you gave it 5 stars. I just started Transcription. I love how easy her narrative flows.

If you are looking for a book gift for, Chris, give him Friday Black, if he doesn't all ready have it. It is just his cuppa.

Hooray, for 84, Charing Cross Road. I need to own a "keeper" copy of that one.

If you haven't seen it all ready, give "Bodyguard" a try on Netflix. A smart, British political thriller and it is only 6 eps.

>103 Copperskye: I tried one of the Homer books. I wasn't really a fan of the author's style. It was okay, but I'm not in a rush to read others by her--no matter how adorable Homer the Blind Wonder Cat is.

>104 msf59: Hiya Mark, Welcome back to the real world! Becoming will be fabulous on audio - enjoy! And I’ll be interested in your thoughts on Transcription. Good pick of Friday Black for Chris, but as he was traveling through Union Station a couple weeks ago, he stopped in at the TC and bought it for himself. Maybe he’ll let me borrow it some time! He’s neck deep in grad school apps so hasn’t been reading very much lately. He did have some interesting books on his wishlist. One was Severance which sounds pretty good. And you should definitely find a keeper copy of 84, Charing Cross Road!

>105 msf59: Thanks for the rec. of Bodyguard. We’ll give it a try. We’re almost finished with the rather disappointing 2nd season of Mrs Maisel. :(

>106 thornton37814: Oh well, Lori, there’s plenty more out there! :)

>107 Copperskye: - Noooooooooooooooooooooo!

(regarding the 2nd season of Mrs. Maisel)

I'm saving it to watch over Christmas.

>108 katiekrug: Your response may be different, Katie! We’re still having a good time watching it with one more episode to go. It continues to be very unique which is one reason why I like it so much and Tony Shalhoub has a larger role and he’s so much fun!

That's good to know. Tony Shalhoub is probably my favorite part of it :)

>110 katiekrug: Excellent! Enjoy!

>110 katiekrug: I enjoyed the second season of Ms. Maisel a lot. (I had the day off of work for GHWB's memorial the day it came out so I may have watched whole thing all in one go)
It does not have much of an overarching plot but I have learned not to care about that when watching an Amy Sherman-Palladino show.

There is SO MUCH Tony Shalhoub and just wait until you see what he wears....

>108 katiekrug: >112 norabelle414: Finished it last night. Looking forward to the next season. I would love a Tony Shalhoub/Abe spin-off...

Love your photos from Yellowstone! Wonderful :)

>114 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle, Thank you!



68. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Honest, open, and very apolitical. Fans will want to read it and non-fans really, really should read it. 5 stars

69. Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny

Fourteenth book in the Gamache series. Two very different story lines. Drugs. And murder. Penny’s choppy style occasionally grates, but I’m so looking forward to the next book! 4.25 stars

70. Homer’s Holiday Miracle by Gwen Cooper

I loved Homer’s Odyssey when I read it several years ago so it was fun to revisit little Homer in this slight holiday story. As a stand-alone, though, there’s not much here. 3.5 stars

71. To Every Thing There is a Season: A Cape Breton Christmas Story by Alstair MacLeod

A charmingly nostalgic Christmas story as a man recounts the Christmas when he was eleven and the family awaits the return of the oldest son. Beautifully illustrated, too. 4.25 stars

Hi Joanne -
>115 Copperskye: I LOVED Becoming as well. It made me feel more optimistic about our country than I have felt in a long time. I agree, everyone should read this book.

I'm still waiting for the new Penny. I've moved up to # 1 on the list...I'm hoping I get it after I get done grading, or I may never get the grades done!

>118 Copperskye: This sounds good.

You are closing in on 75.

I loved Becoming and really liked Kingdom of the Blind. You got me with a BB on To Every Thing There is a Season. I may need to make that one my last book of the year.

>119 BLBera: Good morning, Beth! Kingdom of the Blind will be perfect as a reward after finishing your grading (if you can wait that long). I’m sure your winter break can’t come soon enough at this point!

>120 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, The Alistair MacLeod is very short and I only discovered after I read it that it’s included in his short story collection, Island. I have Island on my shelves but I’ve only read a handful of the stories and not that one. So if you happen to own Island.... But I’m happy to have this little stand-alone book, with its lovely drawings, to add to my holiday collection!

>121 Copperskye: I didn't have anything by MacLeod but as soon as I hit "post" on >120 RebaRelishesReading: I went to Amazon and put this one on my Kindle. Since I just finished Unsheltered I'll move right on to the MacLeod :)

>121 Copperskye: I hope you like it, Reba! :)

I loved Kingdom Of The Blind as well Joanne. And really enjoyed the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

I am No. 3 on the waiting list for Kingdom of the Blind, Joanne. That's good timing because I will need something soothing after Christmas. It's always a hectic time and even more so this year as we are remodeling the master bathroom. It looks like it will be the middle of the week before it's done. Just in time for Christmas!

It looks like you will make the "magic" 75 books in good time. I try to read 100 but will fall a few short again this year. It's just a number, right? Quality always beats quantity. I am happy with the variety and substance of the books I've read this year. I'm always on the lookout for Christmas books…the MacLeod looks like a good one. Thanks!

Hi, Joanne! Thanks for your review of Becoming. I miss them so much!

Are you planning to,watch the Springsteen on Broadway special on Netflix?

Hi Joanne, I read To Every Thing There is a Season today and really enjoyed it. A very welcome BB that one :)

>125 Donna828: Donna, It is indeed just a number. Your new bathroom will make a nice Christmas-gift-to-self but I sympathize with the process. We did our bathroom in the last house 14 or so years ago -- what a disruption (but worth it).

>124 brenzi: I’m so glad she decided to continue the series, Bonnie, I love my annual visit to Three Pines!

>125 Donna828: Ooohh, a new master bath! So worth the work mess, I’ll bet! It’s on my list, too, for this spring. I suspect I’ll make 75 this year, Donna, but I’m maybe sabotaging myself by starting Jane Eyre. If I have to I’ll squeeze in another little book since I haven’t gotten to that magic number in a few years! And, I know, it’s just a number... :)

>126 rosalita: Yes, Julia, between Becoming and Shade, one could get a little misty eyed. And yes! I was thrilled when I heard it would be on Netflix - I watched the first 15 minutes or so on my iPad last night while football was on the TV, but of course, I want to watch it on the bigger screen, perhaps on Christmas, depending on how the day goes.

>127 RebaRelishesReading: Oh yay! So glad you liked it, Reba! I sent my copy to my sister today in her Christmas box, but ordered another for myself.

Happy Solstice, Joanne!



>115 Copperskye: I really need to read this, though I am already a fan.

>129 Storeetllr: Oh, that’s beautiful, Mary, thank you! Happy solstice to you, as well. It’s all uphill from here!!

I bet the audio is fabulous!!

Have a great holiday with the family, Joanne. Hope you get some bookish gifts.

Merry Christmas to you and Sue, Mark!

And Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Peaceful Good Cheer to anyone who happens by here!!

Hope Santa brings lots of books and the time to enjoy them!

>132 Copperskye: Too cute!



Hope you and John have a wonderful holiday! (Cards are in the mail but you won't get yours until after Christmas. Just know I was thinking of you, but with all the moving and shaking unpacking I've been doing, I didn't get to them until Friday.)

I'm looking forward to my January read of Michelle Obama's memoir.

Meanwhile...

Thank you for the lovely card! Happy holidays.

>132 Copperskye: So cute!!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Hopelessly behind on reading threads but glad to see you marked Becoming as a favorite. I am reading it now (finally got the hold from the library!) and it is like sitting with an old, wise friend.

Also stopping by to wish you a wonderful season of peace and light and a magical new year!

Happy holidays, Joanne

Merry Christmas! xoxo

Best wishes to you for a very merry Christmas!

I am determined to send out more holiday greetings before LT breaks down. I notice that Jim has recently posted the new group! I sure hope we can get together this next year for some book talk and catching up. Happy Reading in 2019, Joanne!

I hope you're having a great holiday season, Joanne. Speaking of Jane Eyre, have you read Reader, I Married Him, a collection of stories based on that phrase, loosely...? Would you like a copy? I just read it for my book club and am looking for a new home for it?

>133 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary, and wishing you a very happy and healthy New Year!

>134 EBT1002: Aw! Happy Holidays to you, too, Ellen!

>135 charl08: You’re most welcome, Charlotte! I’m glad it arrived before Christmas!

>136 Ameise1: Too cute! Merry Christmas, Barbara!

>137 ChelleBearss: And a happy new year to you, Chelle!

>138 witchyrichy: Greetings of the season to you as well, Karen! “Sitting with an old, wise friend” is exactly right!

>139 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, wishing you happiness and good health!

>140 PaperbackPirate: Merry Christmas to you, too, Pirate! May your new year be a good one!

>141 AMQS: Anne! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! Love seeing your kitty under the tree! :)

>142 Donna828: Happy holidays to you, too, Donna! Fingers crossed for a get-together this year! And I guess LT did break...I couldn’t post for days!

>143 BLBera: Sending New Years good wishes your way, Beth! I hope Scout had a great Christmas! I’ll pass on your book offer, but thank you so much for the kind offer and thinking of me!! I actually had it checked out of the library sometime last spring and although I only read a couple of the stories, I credit it for helping to nudge me to reread Jane Eyre finally. :)

I wish you from my heart a healthy 2019 filled with happiness, satisfaction, laughter and lots of good books.

Happy New Year, Lori, Barbara, and Mary!
Wishing everyone all the best in 2019!

I should start a 2019 thread, maybe today!