Ellen (EBT1002) reads her way to retirement - 1

Hello! I will be celebrating my 10th Thingaversary on January 20 (an auspicious day all around!) and I'm truly grateful for the friendship this group has provided for the past decade. My reading horizons have expanded and my lifelong love for reading has been made even richer. Thank you all for being part of that!

I'm a clinical psychologist by training and worked most of my career in college mental health. For the past several years I've been an associate vice president, first at a large public university in Seattle and more recently as a land grant university in eastern Washington. At both institutions I have overseen student well-being and engagement efforts and a variety of compliance-related matters.

I've had a wonderful career and have (mostly) loved my work, but 2021 is the year in which I hope to retire. I'll be topping off my threads with countdowns to August 1. It's not yet official but I'm 90% decided so I might as well start acting like it's real.

I live with my spouse of 25+ years, fondly known in these parts as "P" (which was originally for "partner" but her name is Prudence so sometimes I just call her that), and our 4-year-old ginger cat, Carson. We brought him home in April during the pandemic and he has settled in very nicely. He's a high-maintenance cat and is very attached to me; he often occupies my lap which interferes with my LibraryThing participation (I can't have two laptops at once!).

Happiest of New Years to us all!

.

Carson was a wonderful companion during the early weeks of my recovery from knee replacement surgery. And he likes to sleep on my head.

I'm a bit ambivalent about rating books. I feel like my ratings are nonscientific and therefore inconsistent. Also, I too often find that I rate a book based on my immediate reaction but am later surprised as I recall it with either more or less affection than the rating seems to indicate. But I do like being able to look back and get a sense of how a book landed on me at the time I read it, so I persist with these stars in most cases.

= Masterpiece, took my breath away.
= Stunning.
= Excellent.
= Very good.
= Good.
= Average.
= Bad.
= Very bad.
= Don't bother.

Of course, it still holds true that I'm rarely going to complete a book earning fewer than two stars but I reserve the right to rate them based on my experience.

I've completed 89 books in 2020. Looking back since I discovered LibraryThing:

2011 = 82
2012 = 89
2013 = 103
2014 = 85
2015 = 101
2016 = 107
2017 = 113
2018 = 88
2019 = 96

My hope is to more consistently read at least 100 books each year once I am able to retire.

5-star reads of 2020
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
City of Thieves by David Benioff

4.5-star reads of 2020
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Spring by Ali Smith
So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell
The Tidal Zone by Sarah Moss
Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Weather by Jenny Offill
These Women by Ivy Pochoda
Apeirogon by Collum McCann
Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon

Honorable Mentions
These may not have gotten the star ratings of those above, but as I peruse my reading list for the year, these stand out as memorable and worthwhile (they each got four stars).
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Girl by Edna O'Brien
Dominicana by Angie Cruz
Tracks by Louise Erdrich
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui - Graphic Memoir
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Books by Wendy Lesser

COMPLETED IN JANUARY

1. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell 5 stars
2. Jazz by Toni Morrison 3.5 stars
3. Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir by Natasha Trethewey (audio) 5 stars
4. Magical Negro by Morgan Parker unrated (poetry)
5. Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen 4 stars
6. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson 4.5 stars
7. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones 5 stars
8. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls 3.5 stars
9. News of the World by Paulette Jiles (reread) still 5 stars

AlphaKIT (my only formal challenge this year)

January......P M
✅ -- Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey
✅ -- Jazz by Toni Morrison
✅ -- Magical Negro by Morgan Parker

February.....T K
How Late it Was, How Late by James Kelman ??
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood ??

March.....U R
April.....A W
-- Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Washburn, Kawai Strong
-- Homeland Elegies by Akhtar, Ayad
May.....I N
-- Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
June.....C D
-- The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
July.....S O
-- The Death of Vivek Oji by Emezi, Akwaeke
August.....V J
September.....F L
October.....H E
November.....B Y
December.....G Q

Yearlong.....X Z
-- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
-- How Much of These Hills Is Gold by Zhang, C Pam

Personal Reading Challenge: Every winner of the Booker Prize since its inception in 1969

1969: P. H. Newby, Something to Answer For
1970: Bernice Rubens, The Elected Member
1970: J. G. Farrell, Troubles (awarded in 2010 as the Lost Man Booker Prize)
1971: V. S. Naipaul, In a Free State
1972: John Berger, G. -- DNF
1973: J. G. Farrell, The Siege of Krishnapur
1974: Nadine Gordimer, The Conservationist ... and Stanley Middleton, Holiday
1975: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Heat and Dust
1976: David Storey, Saville
1977: Paul Scott, Staying On
1978: Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea
1979: Penelope Fitzgerald, Offshore
1980: William Golding, Rites of Passage
1981: Salman Rushdie, Midnight's Children
1982: Thomas Keneally, Schindler's Ark
1983: J. M. Coetzee, Life & Times of Michael K
1984: Anita Brookner, Hotel du Lac
1985: Keri Hulme, The Bone People
1986: Kingsley Amis, The Old Devils
1987: Penelope Lively, Moon Tiger
1988: Peter Carey, Oscar and Lucinda
1989: Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day
1990: A. S. Byatt, Possession: A Romance
1991: Ben Okri, The Famished Road
1992: Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient ... and Barry Unsworth, Sacred Hunger
1993: Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
1994: James Kelman, How late it was, how late***
1995: Pat Barker, The Ghost Road
1996: Graham Swift, Last Orders
1997: Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things
1998: Ian McEwan, Amsterdam
1999: J. M. Coetzee, Disgrace***
2000: Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin
2001: Peter Carey, True History of the Kelly Gang
2002: Yann Martel, Life of Pi
2003: DBC Pierre, Vernon God Little
2004: Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
2005: John Banville, The Sea
2006: Kiran Desai, The Inheritance of Loss
2007: Anne Enright, The Gathering
2008: Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger
2009: Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall
2010: Howard Jacobson, The Finkler Question
2011: Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending
2012: Hilary Mantel, Bring Up the Bodies
2013: Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries
2014: Richard Flanagan, The Narrow Road to the Deep North
2015: Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings
2016: Paul Beatty, The Sellout
2017: George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
2018: Anna Burns, Milkman
2019: Margaret Atwood, The Testaments, and Bernardine Evaristo, Girl, Woman, Other
2020: Douglas Stuart, Shuggie Bain

***On my shelves

I'm going to keep this post going so I can keep track but I admit I'm less committed to finishing the whole list than I once was.

WELCOME!

Happy new year, Ellen!!! I'm looking forward to chatting books, cats, and retirement with you this year.

It's the last day of 2020 and I am hunkered down for the long weekend. We got about 7" of beautiful fluffy snow yesterday -- it was beautiful!! but today it is 36F and raining lightly. SLUSH. Prudence and I took our glass stash to the recycling place, ran a couple errands, and we're in for the rest of the day. We're planning to enjoy French 75s and pizza this evening and -- wait for it -- we're doing Dry January. We did it once before, probably a decade ago. The pandemic has frankly led to looser principles of self-care when it comes to eating and drinking, so this is a restart. I don't do New Year's Resolutions but a month-long clear-out just feels right. Less red meat, no alcohol.... and as much reading as I can fit in!

I am currently in the middle of The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell and quite enjoying it. Set in 1913, it's an interesting juxtaposition with our current era and the tension between those who are angling for the return of an oligarchy and those who wish for a more equitable society.

I'm also listening to Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey which is painful, honest, and beautiful. Narrated by the author, it is an unflinching memoir about Natasha's relationship with her mother, growing up and living as a biracial person in America, and her mother's murder by Natasha's stepfather.

>11 lauralkeet: did I mess up your flow here? If so I will delete and move my greeting here.

A happy 2021 to you, Prudence, and Carson. That second picture is perfect.

I have a hard time keeping up with threads, but I’m seriously going to try to do better this year.

Happy tenth Thingaversary! Are your eleven new purchases already selected?

Happy new year, Ellen!

Dropping a star, Ellen. I have caught up with your 2020 threads just in time to transition to this one. Very exciting news about retirement (even though it isn't official yet) - I am SO happy for you.

And I am completely jealous of your snow. Please soak some of it up for me.

We are doing various appetizers from local restaurants this evening. Usually we play a game and/or watch an old movie - very low key stuff, but it works for us. I am doing Dry January, too, so it's nice to know I will have company. And hooray for five years since your stroke - that is amazing.

That photo of Carson sitting on your head always cracks me up! Cats are so great.

Hope 2021 is kind to you!

>11 lauralkeet: and >13 lauralkeet: Hi Laura! You definitely did not mess up my flow (but thank you for checking). I would only put "WELCOME" if I meant it. :-) I just decided to copy and paste a post from the end of my last thread to give people an update on my last day of this crazy year. I'm glad to see you and delighted to have you show up as my first visitor to the new thread year!

>14 Matke: Hi Gail! I fell desperately behind on the threads in 2020. I hope to do better this year but I know that work -- and a cat who likes to occupy my lap -- may make it hard to do. I've been trying to think of a rhythm that would work, along the lines of "if I commit to visiting every thread at least once a month, would that do it?" It seems so pathetic but it may be what I can do until retirement date arrives. In any case, you are very welcome whenever you can make it.

>15 richardderus: Thanks Richard and not even close. I will relish the process of deciding what eleven books I get to purchase. I don't need eleven more books in the house but this is a particularly special Thingaversary for many reasons!

>16 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie!

>17 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie. Okay, I LOVE knowing someone else is doing Dry January so thank you for sharing that. I have been terrible about keeping up with threads (I can hardly wait for that retirement date!!) but I'll try to do better in 2021. I will certainly come by and cheer you along as we both abstain for the month.

It occurs to me that Dry January means no bubbly on January 20. Oh well, I will celebrate nonetheless.

>18 ChelleBearss: Thank you, Chelle. I hope 2021 is kind to us all!

Welcome back, Ellen.

>21 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! I may be scarce at times, but I am always here in spirit and heart.

Hi Ellen, I'll be greenly watching your countdown to retirement and the adventures you have when you get there.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year Ellen! Love that photo of Carson on your head.

Happy new year, and welcome back!

Happy reading in 2021, Ellen!

And keep up with my friends here, Ellen. Have a great 2021.

Happy new year!

Counting up the books and down the days (to retirement)! Happy New Year, Ellen!! You are such a positive presence here on LT--thanks for being who you are. : )

Happy New Year Ellen!

Exciting news about your work plans, Ellen. Wishing you (and us all) a better 2021.

I wish you a Happy New Year. May it be better than the old one.

Happy New Thread, Ellen. Happy New Year! Glad we are turning the page on that one. Looking forward to sharing another year of books, with one of my very favorite LTers. I hope these next few months fly by for you.

Happy new year and new thread, Ellen. I look forward to following the books that will get you through to retirement! :-)

Best wishes for a better 2021!

Happy new year!

Happy new year to you and P!
You are right, you've got a great companion. My kitty Lev likes to sit on my head to wake me up in the morning but unfortunately he also likes to nibble on my straw-like hair. So I put a pillow over my head in order to get a few more minutes of sleep.

Happy new year Ellen!

I was going to start heading back to Alabama today, but the snow and ice in Kansas City and all the way across Missouri to St. Louis made me change my mind. I will be leaving tomorrow.

My mother is OK. She is just having to deal with the post-Covid downer. She is fatigued and has the muscle aches and pains. Because she doesn't feel at her best she is also grumpy. She will do better as time goes on. My sister has major health problems and just wasn't able to deal with her while she was sick, so I came home.

My little community was hit harder by Covid than they thought they would be. Lots of people tested positive when they went in to the Doctor's for what they called "winter colds." Of course, they wouldn't wear masks either. My cousin tested positive right after Thanksgiving and thought he was over it. Yesterday morning he passed out and later discovered that 10% of Covid victims have problems with balance and vertigo because the virus settles in their inner ears. Turns out that was his problem. He said he had no idea that Covid would last for 6 weeks. He thought you get it and then you are immune. They also said that he would have to have a vaccine when it is available. He thought he wouldn't need the vaccine. I listened to this and thought - can't you read up on this? Then he told me that the doctor's office sent him home with a packet of written brochures about Covid-19.

I will still have time to self-isolate before the semester starts on January 13th, so I will be OK. I hope.

Happy New Year, Ellen. I love the retirement countdown!

Great list of best reads for 2020. It was a good year for reading, at least. I wish you all the best in 2021. Maybe we'll have a face-to-face visit?

Enjoy Carson and your books in 2021 as you enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

>23 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline! You can see in >2 EBT1002: that I'm counting down....

>24 SandDune: Thanks Rhian. Carson is a sweetie. But when he sleeps on my head, I get pretty warm in the night.

>25 drneutron: and >26 FAMeulstee: and >27 PaulCranswick: Thanks Jim, Anita, and Paul!

>28 quondame: Thanks Susan, and thanks for visiting.

>29 Berly: Kim! Happy New Year to you, as well, my twin/friend.

>30 SandDune: and >31 charl08: and >32 Ameise1:
Happy New Year, Rhian, Charlotte, and Barbara!

>33 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. I'm excited to see what the new year brings -- in books, conversation, and hopefully meetups.

>34 jessibud2: Shelley, that's a great way to think about my reading for the next few months: what do I want to read to get me through to retirement?

>35 DianaNL: Thank you Diana! Indeed, may 2021 bring us all better things.

>36 witchyrichy: Thanks Karen. Cute pooches!

>37 Carmenere: Every once in a while Carson nibbles on my hair, too, Lynda. I try to get him to stop. 😀

>38 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel!

>3 EBT1002: Oh my, you're reading Ordinary Grace in that photo which I'm reading and loving right now Ellen. Lol. Serendipity.

Happy New Year and happy reading and, eventually, happy retirement. You'll love it.

>39 benitastrnad: I'm glad you're mom is doing ok Benita. Your family has certainly seen it's share of covid-19. I hope you have plenty to read during your quarantine. 😉 Our semester starts January 19 but arrival testing for RAs and other student employees starts on Monday. I've enjoyed this break from managing all things pandemic.

>40 BLBera: Hi Beth and happy new year! 2020 did bring some good reads so I guess we must say it wasn't a total loss. Still, I'm happy to see 2021 arrive!

>41 thornton37814: Thanks Lori!

>47 brenzi: Ordinary Grace was one of my top reads in 2020, Bonnie. Enjoy!

Happy New Year Ellen!

I’m so excited for you and your upcoming retirement! I’m approaching 2021 as a do-over on my first year of retirement because 2020. Maybe it was my gap year between working full time and really kicking off retirement? ;-)

Happy New Year!

Wow! 10 Years on LibraryThing. It is a wonderful place :)

>50 SuziQoregon: That's a great way to think of 2020, Juli. May 2021 be a more appropriately wonderful "first" year of retirement for you!

>51 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita. And LT is indeed a wonderful place!

I'm still reading The Women of the Copper Country but I also started reading Jazz and I'm loving it. It's my first time reading this Toni Morrison.

Hi Ellen, and Happy Near Year! I know I visited yesterday, but forgot to leave a message.

>3 EBT1002: I love those pics of Carson. If ever a kitty looked like he was in heaven, it’s Carson. Congrats on the retirement countdown.

>53 EBT1002: if you can find the PBS "American Masters" documentary on Toni Morrison Its real good! Judy and I caught up with it on New Years Day.

>54 karenmarie: Hi Karen and welcome! Yes, Carson scored pretty big when we picked him out on the humane society website. He is so funny following me around the house much of the time. I like how attached he is.

>55 magicians_nephew: Thanks Jim. I will check it out, see if I can find it via our library or other means. And Happy New Year to you!

Dropping off my and wishing you the best of new years in 2021!

1. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell


Yep, five stars for this wonderful historical novel. My commitment has been that any book that brings tears to my eyes gets five stars. It's not scientific but it reflects how special and rare it is for a book to move me that deeply.

Set in Calumet, Michigan, in 1913, this is a well-researched fictionalized account of the copper miners strike, the Christmas Eve Italian Hall disaster, and the role women played in the labor fights of the first half of the 20th century. It is also a poignant illustration of the tension that continues to this day between those who would see the vast wealth of our nation sit in a very few pockets and those who would see the fruits of our innovation and labor distributed more equitable among those who contribute. The cold-hearted smugness of mine manager James MacNaughton seems, as Ms. Russell herself notes, almost overly dramatic. But it is accurate and consistent with the historical records. And, to my mind, that kind of self-righteous elitism is really not so very rare. Almost unbelievable, but common.

Still, the novel is a perfect blend of realism and optimism, romance and tragedy. Highly recommended.

>57 ronincats: Hi Roni! It's always good to "see" you and to know you're staying connected. I am looking forward to your adventures of 2021. I know it's born of difficulty and grief but my hope is that the move back to Kansas brings joy and peace in its own way. It has already brought a beautiful new home to look forward to! xo

Currently reading:

Jazz by Toni Morrison
Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey (audio)
Magical Negro by Morgan Parker (poems)

>58 EBT1002: Wow! You started the new year with a 5 star read! I did that a couple years ago. I kept wondering when I was going to find one to top it. I don't think I found one more compelling the entire year although I probably had another 5 star read or two. I started this year with one I gave 4 stars, but it was closer to 4.25.

>58 EBT1002: Great way to start off the year!!! Hope your 5-star trend continues.

>58 EBT1002: I keep forgetting about this one! I need to get round to it soon; I love Russell so much.

>61 thornton37814: I know, right, Lori? I debated the five stars, wondering if I was being too generous. It's not a masterpiece. But it was compelling -- I had to force myself to stop reading and turn out the light last night -- and it made me weep with all kinds of emotion at the end. The young character, Eva, who is a sort of protégée of Annie Clements (the heroine), ends up carrying the hope forward in a really powerful way.

>62 Berly: Ha ha, thanks Kim. Last year I only gave 5 stars to 3 books. (Can you believe we're saying "last year" to refer to 2020????) I try to be restrained in this designation.

>63 scaifea: Yes, she is a brilliant writer, Amber. Doc was the first of her works that I read and I do believe it was a 5-star read for me, as well.

>58 EBT1002: I have deeply appreciated all MDR's books to date. A THREAD OF GRACE is probably my favorite, still, but it's a tough choice.

Happy happy!

>58 EBT1002: Ellen, I loved The Women of the Copper Country (4.5 stars from me), and your excellent review reminded me of why it was so good. I especially enjoy history told from a woman's perspective, and MDR's books are always so well-researched as well.

Hey Ellen, Happy New Year and thread! I'll try to pop on throughout the year.
Love that you got a cat, he is SO SO SO cute (love cats!)
Congrats on the decision to retire!

Happy new year, Ellen! And good reading already, I will have to look for Women of Copper Country.

Happy New Year to you, Prudence and Carson!

I love your retirement count down. Hooray! Here's hoping that time will fly by.

I read Women of Copper Country last year and enjoyed it, but not quite as much as you did - 4 stars from me. I do love historical fiction from a well-researched woman's point of view and MDR is so good at that.

If you add your review, I'll thumb it.

Great start to your reading year, Ellen. I have this on my WL.

>58 EBT1002: BB. Sometimes I like MDR.

>65 richardderus: I’ve not yet read that one, Richard.

>66 lauralkeet: I’m glad I finally got around to reading TWotCC, Laura. And I’ve more MDR to explore.

>67 vikzen: Thanks Victoria! Carson is a very vocal cat, which can be challenging, but he’s also terribly sweet.

>68 banjo123: I think you’d appreciate TWotCC, Rhonda.

Great review of The Women of the Copper Country! If you post it, I will Thumb it! I think you liked it even more than I did. MDR Rules! I remember really enjoying Jazz but that was BLT. I should do a reread and I really want to read and reread more Morrison, period.

>58 EBT1002: So. Your first book, my first BB on your thread. Sigh.

I’ll just add that I’m still loving my retirement. I think it helps, honestly, if you retire while you can enjoy it and thrive on the free time.

>69 streamsong: Morning Janet. I made notes from a list of "the best historical fiction" of 2020 and I need to find where I left it. I also generally love it, especially when it is well-researched and I feel like I learn something. I hated history as a subject in school (one of my only Cs in college was Western Civilization -- the professor was a dud!). I wish I had encountered a teacher who was effective at helping me get to the story in what I was learning. I think I would have enjoyed it more.

I posted my "review" and I always appreciate thumbs!

>70 BLBera: I think you will like The Women of the Copper Country, Beth. Prudence wants to read it but I can send it to you after that if you'd like. It was a 2019 Christmas Swap gift from fuzzi.

>71 quondame: Glad my "review" hit you, Susan. I loved Doc but was disappointed by Epitaph. I've read and given four stars to The Sparrow but I admit I don't remember much about it.

>74 msf59: My "review" is now posted, Mark. Thanks for the thumb!

I also want to just read and reread more Toni Morrison, period. I think it's cool that Laura is reading all her works in order of publication. And that some of us are joining along for some of those reads. I'm enjoying Jazz.

>75 Matke: Hello Gail! Sorry, not sorry, about the BB. Heh.

I'm glad you are enjoying your retirement. Your comment about doing so while one can really enjoy it resonates strongly for me. P is 6 years older than I, and while she is healthy and comes from a long-lived family, we've talked about wanting me to retire while we are both young enough to enjoy travel and hiking and all the things we enjoy. Also, that stroke from 5 years ago does hover over my shoulder and I just don't know what the future will bring. So, we'll tighten our belts a bit and see where this retirement adventure goes.

Folks may think I'm nuts but one of my fantasies is to work 15 hours (plus or minus) in a Trader Joe's during my retirement. It would bring in a bit of spending money (books!) and I think the extrovert in me would enjoy it. I worked retail a lot during high school and college so I know what it entails. We'll see.....

I'm reading along in Jazz and quite enjoying it. Over on Beth's thread we had a little conversation about structure and I keep thinking about that. The narration of Jazz seems to shift and it feels like part of the structure (different instruments taking lead, doing solos during an improvised jazz number?). There are sections when the narrator feels imbedded in the story, like an unnamed and unknown character who is watching from the corner, who was actually there as the story unfolded, and other times when the narrator feels more like a "traditional" omniscient third-person narrator. And then I wonder if I missed something, if that first narrator's identity has been disclosed but I missed it. Regardless, the language and the rhythm are classic Toni Morrison. I just finished the section about how Joe and Violet met and their decision to move to the city. The scene when Joe fell from the tree was sweet and funny.

Ellen, if you missed the narrator's identity, so did I :) I'm hoping the narrator remains unnamed, as it fits a prompt in one of my reading challenges - ha!

I have about 50 pages left, and it's certainly a very "full" novel for one so slim.

Late to the party, but I'm here to celebrate. Happy New Thread, Ellen! Happy New Year to the three of you!

I'm delighted that you were so impressed with *Copper C* because I spent my hoarded $ on a Kindle copy but am slow to get to it. I will. AND I'm glad for more encouragement to read Jazz. I always know that a T. Morrison is going to be a challenge in one way or another, and I'm always glad when I step up.

Happy New Year, Ellen! August 1 ain't far away!

Love those photos of Carson. A five star book to start the year - yes!

I saw you're reading Magical Negro. I'll look forward to your reaction. I'm reading a big collection of Louise Gluck poems right now.

Oh my I'm glad to see your excellent review of The Women of Copper County Ellen. I also loved it. I'm looking forward to reading Dreamers of the Day this year which is one of the few Russells that I haven't read.

Review duly upgethumbed.

Have as low-stress a week as you're able to have. *smooch*

I am bout a third of the way into Jazz and I loved the conversation over on BLBera's thread about the musicality of the writing. I can totally feel it now when I am reading. Waiting to see where the storyline is going...

>80 katiekrug: I will keep my fingers crossed along with you, Katie, so you can use this for one of your 2020 prompts. I need to come visit your thread to see what challenges you are doing this year. I know I came by with HNY wishes but haven't really caught up on your reading plans yet.

>81 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. Oh yes, I think you will like The Women of the Copper Country so I'm glad you acquired it. Jazz is not challenging in the same way some of Toni Morrison's works are. I am trying to slow down my reading, though, and give it more thought than I sometimes do when I read.

>82 jnwelch: Hi Joe and Happy New Year to you, as well. I do know the next 7 months will go by at the pace they always do, and I can hardly wait! I'm trying to be very zen about it and stay in the moment, moment by moment. We'll see how that goes after tomorrow when I'm back at work "full time" (read: 50-55 hours a week).

I have only read one poem in Magical Negro so far. I'm going to take it slow. I want to read some of Louise Gluck's work; Have not yet read any.

Read a lot of Louise Gluck i Like her a lot

>83 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. I have not read Dreamers of the Day, either. Maybe I'll put it on hold at the library and read it this year, too.

>84 richardderus: Thanks so much, Richard, for both the upthumb and for the low-stress-week wishes. You know that I start back to work full time tomorrow so you also know I am fighting the Sunday afternoon blues. Prudence and I went for a very chilly and windy walk today and I just said to myself "stay in the moment, enjoy what you can, and don't let the turkeys get you down."

>85 Berly: Hi Kimmers. I am halfway through Jazz and I feel the same way. The bit I just read gives some more background on the early days of Joe and Violet's relationship and the two of them really took on some depth for me.

>87 magicians_nephew: Jim, what work by Gluck might you suggest I read first?

>76 EBT1002: I wonder how much of my distaste for American History stems from the high-school about to retire good old boy teacher who gave us little other than war stories (WWII).

I mentioned up there that I had seen a list of the "best" historical fiction of 2020. It was from LitHub, I think, and these are the ones I wrote down on my bright pink post-it note:

The Abstainer by Ian McGuire (I ordered this one and it arrived today)
Black Bottom Saints by Alice Randall
The Blind Light by Stuart Evers
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter (on hold at the library)
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
The Everlasting by Katy Simpson Smith
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (read this and gave it five stars)
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
Still Life by Zoë Wicomb
Tyll by Daniel Kehlman

Thoughts or comments, anyone?

>90 quondame: A teacher can make or break one's love (or tolerance) for a subject, right, Susan? I had a tenth grade algebra teacher who made me LOVE algebra. I don't really remember much of it at this point in my life but it was great to have a teacher who brought that level of math to life for me.

>79 EBT1002:, >80 katiekrug:
I, too, wondered if I missed the narrator's identity somewhere. But now I think not, because I can't imagine we all did. I love it being a bit of a mystery, possibly never revealed.

Ellen, I also really like your thoughts about the narrative shifts being like jazz, where an instrument will take the lead and solo for a while. I'm 150pp into my edition and the story has shifted from Joe and Violet back into Violet's ancestry and I'm wondering if the current "soloist" connects to Joe and Violet. Even if there isn't a direct connection it's a fascinating segment of the book.

I'm just loving it, and actually trying to pace myself because I don't want it to end!

>91 EBT1002: The only book I have read from that list is Tyll. I think Kehlman did a good job re-creating Tyll Eulenspiegel, set in the Thirty Years' War.

>92 EBT1002: The high school algebra teacher was a gem. He read selections of Fantasia Mathematica and was about the only teacher I could not bribe with my moms cookies and candies, though he had a soft spot for her hard candies. His housemate who taught Latin was fairly easily bribed, and besides I made his costumes for the Roman banquet, so he had to stay on my good side.

>93 lauralkeet: Laura (and Katie, too!), it's interesting to have the narrator so present but not present at all.

I've gotten caught up in football and roasting a turkey today so I will resume my reading this evening. I, too, am perfectly happy to let it unfold slowly. And both my reading and LT-ing will get cut into starting tomorrow when I return to work full time. *sad face*

>94 FAMeulstee: Thanks for sharing that, Anita. I admit I know nothing about Tyll Eulenspiegel but the novel looked interesting.

>95 quondame: I love that we both had terrific high school algebra teachers, Susan. Mine was a ham. He would get up on the desk in front of the class and recite poetry to us. With fervor. I think a lot of my classmates just laughed at him but I both admired his pluck and appreciated his commitment to keeping the hour interesting. I don't think I ever tried to bribe a teacher but I did love it when my high school chemistry teacher told me he wanted to give me a C because I skipped class so much (senior year was a pretty bad year for me, for lots of reasons) but that he had to give me a B because I had earned it.

>96 EBT1002: He would get up on the desk in front of the class and recite poetry to us.
Wait, like this guy?

>96 EBT1002: The civilians on the military base were a fairly small stable community in which many of the long term teachers participated, so some of them taught all 4 of us spread over 9 years and some were prejudiced one way or the other, depending on how they appreciated bright unruly students, though one hated both girls and adored our brothers, while one who came a bit later was just indifferent to all girls but made a big deal of the boys. I was told "Shut up Paddy" quite a lot by one of my English teachers, though I was a much better student than my sister ever was. Paddy was what Florence went by in the family and school, a grandmother's whim.

>97 lauralkeet: LOL. Well, sort of, except it was 1976 and my teacher was already much older than that guy! He was probably, you know, all the way up in his 50s.

>98 quondame: I love that story, Susan. I also lived in the shadow of my older brother and whether that was "good" or "bad" depended. Also, it was a small stable community, too, and my father's reputation as an English professor at the local college sometimes had an impact. Again, it was a mixed bag. My 10th grade English teacher had him when she was in college and hated him. She and I actually got along very well and she was one of the best teachers I ever had but she did raise her eyebrow at me a time or two when I rebelled in ways that apparently reminded her of my dad.

>91 EBT1002: I saw several lists. I also gave Hamnet 5 stars. A couple of the others were already on my TBR list.

>97 lauralkeet: I love that movie.

>91 EBT1002: I wanna read Tyll. The others IDK about, except the Jess Walter which I will cross the street, hang garlic from my neck, hold a sterling crucifix up to, and cast into the Lake of Fire after the last experience with his stuff.

>99 EBT1002: Oh, the business with your teacher having been in your father's class does sound a bit fraught. My dad was kind of a known eccentric, and my mother had conflicts with the high school administration, all of which added a certain flavor to our educational environment, but our favorite teachers were often dinner party guests and the dinners were very good indeed, so that helped.

I'm about halfway, and the narrator hasn't been revealed yet. There are hints, but no name. Or I have also missed it.

Hi Ellen: I would love The Women of Copper Country when P. is done. No hurry. I do have some books on my shelves. :)

Hi, Ellen! I am loving all the teacher stories here!
My junior high math teacher was good friends with my dad; they were both farmers, plus my teacher also owned the local Dairy Queen, and years earlier (way before my time) when my dad worked in the only men's clothing store in town, he'd walk the few blocks to the DQ every day on his lunch hour, and Mr. Thomas would have a chocolate milkshake waiting for him.
All the other kids were terrified of him (the math teacher, not my dad (although, yeah, my dad, too, come to think of it)), except for me, because I'd known him all my life. And he helped me out when I was being bullied in gym class by a couple of mean boys - put the fear of god in them and they never came near me again!

ETA: Best of luck with your return to work! Sending good thoughts that the semester will start out smoothly for all of us.

Morning, Ellen! I am thinking about you today and sending you positive energy - you know how I feel about Mondays, and they are especially yuck when they involve going back to work.

>58 EBT1002: Excellent review - I will add my thumb to that. How lovely that your very first book of the year was a 5 star read for you. Adding it to The List.

The ongoing discussion of Jazz on various threads is so interesting and making me want to get to that one. The only Morrison I have read is Paradise, and it was excellent but a lot of work.

>91 EBT1002: I have not read any of these. I do have Hamnet in the stacks and I will definitely get to the Mantel - loved the first two books in that trilogy.

>89 EBT1002: "Faithful and Virtuous Night" is a good starting point

>90 quondame: How American History is taught in High School is a disgrace.

Cute stories and the "Great Man theory" instead of flow and "how we got from here to there"

Pfui!

Liked Conjure Woman a lot!

I was lucky to find a course in college called "Lucy in the Sky with Mathematics"

Taught me that what i had been learning up until then was just arithmetic and that there was a great world out there.

Thank you Professor Dawn - again

>100 thornton37814: Yeah, Lori, I think LitHub did several different "best of" lists for 2020. I looked at their fiction pics, of course, but this category is one to which I want to dedicate more of my reading time. I love all the lists!

>101 Caroline_McElwee: I haven't seen it in eons; maybe I'll try to get it (DVD) from the library.

>102 richardderus: Um, so, you didn't enjoy your last read of Jess Walter's, Richard? Not even a teeny weeny itty bitty bit?

>103 quondame: Thankfully, she handled it pretty well, Susan. My dad was also known as a bit of an eccentric, although he was much beloved by most of his students. I went to the university at which he taught (free tuition...) for my undergraduate education and I would have classmates exclaim "Dr. Taylor is your dad!!??" They almost universally loved him. I suspect his sexism put this particular teacher off but many of the students at that fairly conservative private university were perhaps a bit oblivious to that element.

>104 BLBera: I'm at 70% now, Beth, and still no reveal. As I have said, I love some of the ways the narrator is "present." This morning I noticed two comments by the narrator as they were telling some backstory: "In my own opinion,..." and "I think he...." It's interesting for the narrator to be expressing "opinions" about the characters like that.

I'll put a post-it note with your name on my copy of The Women of the Copper Country, Beth.

>105 scaifea: Thanks for sharing that teacher story, Amber. I figure in a group like this, everyone has a variety of stories of teachers: both horrors and the more wonderful kind. I feel like I was lucky to have mostly good teachers along the way but I did have a couple who fell far short of the mark. And I love the chocolate shake bit!! I'm also glad you had an advocate when the mean boys were bullying you. Thank goodness for that!

>106 Crazymamie: Thanks for the thoughts, Mamie. Mostly today has been less difficult than Mondays can often be. School hasn't officially started yet so we're still in ramp-back-up mode. I even had a couple of zoom meetings get canceled! Another urgent one got added, but still. I'm ahead by one. :-)

I love that my year started with a five-star read, too. I hope I have a few more before the year is out! And thank you for the thumb.

Jazz is a great read so far and I'm glad to be participating in an informal group read of it. It's enhancing my enjoyment. I highly recommend Beloved. It is also a bit difficult but I have read it three times and it's well worth it.

Read Hamnet, Mamie!!!!

>107 magicians_nephew: Okay, thanks, Jim. I'll note that.

I love that you had a class called "Lucy in the Sky with Mathematics"! I remember a computer science teacher in college telling me that "the most interesting things in math still haven't been discovered yet." I was flabbergasted.

Keeping Conjure Women on the list. Thank you!

>110 EBT1002: seconding your rec of Beloved. One of the comments I posted on my thread, taken from a Morrison essay, was how in both Beloved and Jazz she was showing us eras in African American history and culture. She also mentioned visiting a large university where they told her that Beloved figured in something like 23 different courses: some literature, some history (with the novel being perhaps an easier way to learn about an era), and who knows what else. I thought that was interesting.

>3 EBT1002: How is your recovery from knee replacement surgery? And, good wishes for impending thoughts of retirement. I retired two years ago. I do not wish work in academia at all.

>91 EBT1002: I've read a couple of these Ellen and right now I'm reading Cold Millions but the only one I haven't read that I'd like to is TYLL which is on my Overdrive list. I follow LitHub pretty closely and love their reds as well as their Crime Reads section.

>108 EBT1002: Ya know what, not so much.

In fact if I could sue him for the pain and suffering it caused me to scream "OH FFS" at the top of my lungs, I would.

I have about 70 pages left, Ellen. While I find the structure is like music, one tune starts and others join in, I am finding her style a little repetitive here. She lists a LOT, and in some places it's starting to bother me. Then, in other places, she has an absolutely breathtaking description.

I think this is better than Tar Baby, though.

>112 lauralkeet: That bit about how many college courses include some consideration of Beloved is interesting, Laura. Can you say "classic"?

>113 Whisper1: Hi Linda. My knee is coming along nicely. I'm just past the 4-month mark and I am quite mobile, able to walk a few miles. I'm still a bit slow going down stairs but even that is making progress, just this week! I'm very pleased and feeling very lucky to have had such a successful elective surgery in the middle of a pandemic.

The retirement countdown is feeling more and more real. P and I have been looking at our finances and I am sure we can do this. There is always risk in making this kind of shift but I am ready!

>114 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. I need to add TYLL to my library queue. And I get the LitHub daily newsletter but when I'm working I don't always find time to read it. I will check out their Crime Reads section more closely.

>117 EBT1002: - When I retired, Ellen, I think I saw my financial advisor more times in the few months before the big day than I had in years. He was very patient about explaining and reassuring me (over and over) that I could do it. And, in the first couple of months after I retired, I was nervous, and extremely careful and watchful of my finances but after awhile, and after a few little changes and lifestyle adjustments, I settled into it and haven't looked back. It's been 5 years, I think, and feels fine.

I think you have to also consider what it's costing you mentally and emotionally to NOT retire. I hope you go for it, Ellen.

>115 richardderus: Which work was it, Richard? I know I read Beautiful Ruins and thought it was less magnificent than most people did. I didn't throw it across the room, though.

>116 BLBera: Interesting, Beth, about the lists. I'm not noticing that.... Or I'm ignoring it. I will admit that there are passages I feel like I don't connect with at all, but others that almost take my breath away.

>120 EBT1002: It was Beautiful Ruins that elicited a mental response from me. Just could.not.believe. this was something people were mad for, when it was pedestrian-minus to me; then I got to a bit with basic errors of geography (no, can't remember where) and katy bar the door!

>119 Crazymamie: YES. This. All of this.

>120 EBT1002: I felt the same way, Ellen. I did have some issues with Golden Grey. I don't quite think he worked.

TwinE--Hope being back at work goes okay. I am about 85% done with Jazz (hope to finish it tomorrow) and I still don't know who the narrator is. I am having trouble with Golden Grey and the girl he finds. But I did get a copy of Paradise so I can read the next Morrison in February.

Glad your knee is doing so well! The cortisone shot I got has done wonders for my knee. I am no longer limping and I think I can go quite a bit longer before I'll need surgery again. Yay! And I am also glad to hear that you're feeling more comfortable with the Retirement idea. I think work is wearing on you a lot. Take care of yourself!! : )

>91 EBT1002: I love Zoe Wicomb. Not least because she came along to speak for a book event I organised and was super kind and gracious. I did not know she had a new book. Thank you!

I enjoyed The Abstainer too: not a location or a vp I had come across in historical fiction before. I have Conjure Women in the (of course, overflowing) digital TBR pile.

Happy Thursday Ellen!

Hi Ellen!

I’m glad that your knee surgery recovery is coming along so nicely – even going down stairs.

>78 EBT1002: Folks may think I'm nuts but one of my fantasies is to work 15 hours (plus or minus) in a Trader Joe's during my retirement. It would bring in a bit of spending money (books!) and I think the extrovert in me would enjoy it. I worked retail a lot during high school and college so I know what it entails. We'll see..... Quite a few people told me just before I retired to not commit to anything the first 6 months after I retired. I’m glad I took it to heart but was ready for some volunteer work when the offer to join the Board of the Friends of the Library came long just in time for the new FoL calendar, 5 months after I retired.

>91 EBT1002: My ignorance is showing – I’ve only heard of 3 of the authors. I’ve got the first two of the Wolf Hall Trilogy by Mantel on my shelves. Decided to not read Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter and so am not particularly interested in Jess Walter. I’m currently reading Hamnet, a Christmas present, and am loving it.

2021 is turning out not to be all that different from 2020 in so many ways. One of those ways is the occupation of my time, energy, and screen-tolerance by my job. I'm here. I'm well. I'm reading. Sometimes I'm watching "Death in Paradise" (mind candy if ever such a thing existed). I'm reading. I'll check in more this weekend.

What a week.

>118 jessibud2: I can relate to that, Shelley. We keep looking at where our retirement accounts are, and we need to make another appointment with the guy at the credit union. It's interesting how nervous-making it is to think about retiring!

I won't commit to anything right away, either. It is hard to know how boredom will or won't affect me.

>119 Crazymamie: You are spot on, Mamie. I'm so aware of the stress associated with my job and the effect on my health.

Yesterday I had my annual review and my boss described me as "exceptional" (she said I'm an 11 on a 10-point scale) and talked in broad generalities about the role I might play in the coming few years. It was certainly gratifying to hear her praise but it was also unsettling. We'll see how the next 1-2 months unfold.

>129 EBT1002: - Everyone asked me if I wouldn't be bored after retiring and if I wasn't worried about that. Truth: it hasn't happened yet. Part of that is because I seem always to have something to do, hobbies, reading, gardening, cultural stuff in the city (pre-covid, that is). And part of it is, retirement suits my inner slug just fine. I actually like not having a schedule set by someone else. Like having nothing to do sometimes.

As for that boss of yours, take the praise, say thank you but don't let it sway you. You have given them a lot, and they should be thanking YOU. Retirement is yours and you deserve it, and you've earned it! Don't ever forget that. You will adjust, you will be fine and believe it or not, they will survive without you. Really. :-)

>121 richardderus: I didn't have the same reaction you did, Richard, but I do remember being underwhelmed by Beautiful Ruins compared to all the hype it got. Geography errors can easily go over my head as it was never my best subject in school. P always "beats" me in geography-related categories when we watch Jeopardy!.

>122 scaifea: Yes, I agree, Amber. With my boss praising me and clearly having big plans for my role in the organization, I have to be careful not to get seduced by my own ego. Just because I'm good at what I do, and just because I can do something doesn't mean I have to do it. Right?

>123 BLBera: I'm so glad you said that, Beth. I hadn't thought about it with great clarity but I also felt like Golden Gray didn't quite work.

>124 Berly: Interesting that several of us had some trouble with the Golden Gray section of the novel, Kim. I don't think I've read Paradise so maybe I'll put it on hold at the library and read it with the crew next month.

I'm glad to hear that the shot helped your knee so much. I have ridden the stationary bike every day for the past four days (including today) and I'm feeling pretty committed to some movement/exercise every day. It helped that I had a good audio book to listen to -- Memorial Drive which was a 5-star memoir -- and today I had the first quarter of the Seahawks game to watch.

"I think work is wearing on you a lot." Yes, it is. I need to remember that when I get sucked into the feeling that I'm making a positive difference. You all can remind me!

>125 charl08: Thanks for sharing some notes about the books on the list, Charlotte. I'll make note of the Zoe Wicomb -- I always like it when authors are also nice people!

I've got a copy of The Abstainer so I'll read that one this year.

>126 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel! This was an amazing week and I was glad to get to the end of it.

You're making a positive difference, Ellen! Thank you on behalf of everyone you're helping.

>127 karenmarie: Hi Karen. My plan is definitely not to commit to anything for the first several months of retirement whenever I get to it. I know I want to take some kind of art class but other than that, no specific plans.

I'm glad you are enjoying Hamnet. It was one of only three 5-star reads for me in 2020. I usually have more than that; I think I was particularly stingy with the stars last year.

>130 jessibud2: Thank you so much for that post, Shelley. The second paragraph is just what I need to hear. I may ask you to repeat it now and again. :-)

>134 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks Linda! And I want to fight the part of me that can get seduced by praise and the part of me that struggles with prioritizing my own needs above those of others and the organization. I think there is also a part of my that gets into "I'm young, why do I think I deserve to retire early?"

Ellen - You will be missed when you retire. You have and are making a difference. Hold on to that -- and check your clicker at the top. :) It's probably a good idea not to plan anything for the first bit of retirement.

Do join in for Paradise! The more the merrier, at least that's what the Boss (Laura) says.

>136 EBT1002: - I just edited in another word that I somehow forgot: you not only deserve it, but you've EARNED it. You have paid your dues, did a spectacular job, and yes, you are young and that is the best reason to retire now, while you have the health and energy to appreciate and enjoy it. If the finances work out (and they should), then don't look back. Be proud of your contributions and look forward.

>137 BLBera: Hi Beth. Yeah, I will keep an eye on the clicker. I can imagine stretching it to maybe December of this year, but we'll see.

Okay, going to the library website to see if I can reserve an e-copy of Paradise.

>138 jessibud2: Thanks again, Shelley. I guess I never expected to be in a position to be able to even consider retiring early! The move from Seattle, selling a house there and being able to buy this one with no mortgage, made a huge difference.

Well, the Seahawks played poorly on offense today. Really poorly. They are getting beat by a Rams team that came to play. Oh well. It's only football. But sigh.

I should do a bit of a reading update. I finished reading Jazz and listening to Memorial Drive this week. Memorial Drive, narrated by the author, was another 5-star read for me.

I've also been reading Magical Negro, a poetry collection by Morgan Parker, too much of which is going over my head but some of which is read-aloud-worthy.

I started reading Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen and it's a fun read, especially for a native Floridian.

Now Carson wants my lap so I have to set this computer aside. More later.

Happy weekend, Ellen! I am so impressed that you have read Beloved several times. I read it when it came out, and it was amazing, but so hard that I could never bring myself to read it again, or to see the movie.

>142 banjo123: Hi Rhonda. I think I've read Beloved three times which is more times than I've read almost any other book (especially if we don't count my annual reading aloud of A Christmas Carol). I think I got more out of it the second and third times.

>143 EBT1002: I've read Beloved a few times as well, Ellen, and I think I've gotten more out of it each time. For sure, when I reread Song of Solomon, I got a lot more from it. I hope you can read Paradise with us. I've only read that once, and think I'll get more out of it this time.

Isn't Memorial Drive wonderful? Trethewey is amazing.

I'm reading a strange little book that you might like Those Who Knew. I read Ways to Disappear a couple of years ago and liked it, and Novey isn't disappointing this time either.

>139 EBT1002: - I never expected to be in a position to be able to even consider retiring early! . Me too. It took me probably a full year to relax into it but I have a terrific guy for a financial advisor and I trust him completely. And he told me I could do it and it would be ok. And he was right. I will likely have my mortgage for the rest of my life and I am ok with that, so you already ahead of me there! Just keep your eye on the prize!

>136 EBT1002: I want to fight the part of me that can get seduced by praise and the part of me that struggles with prioritizing my own needs above those of others and the organization. I think there is also a part of my that gets into "I'm young, why do I think I deserve to retire early?"

Spoken like a true psychologist, and with heaps of self awareness! There's lots to unpack there, and all the right things to be thinking about.

A comment on "prioritizing my own needs above those of others and the organization": the organization will carry on. As much as you've had a positive impact and they have expressed value for your leadership, they will find another person to do the job. And maybe your departure will open up a career opportunity for someone else.

I don't mean to sound callous, just trying to assuage the guilt a little bit.

Happy Sunday, Ellen. Sorry about your Seahawks! What a uneven season they had. The Rams looked really good though. I am sure my Bears will end their season today too. No question, they didn't deserve to be in the playoffs.

Whenever you are ready, I have The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek in the queue.

Hi Ellen. Just dropping by to wish you a Happy New Year and happy new(ish) thread before it speeds off into the distance.

>3 EBT1002: Nice hat; very helpful in winter, at least.

>129 EBT1002: Have to remark that when i retired in 2019 I had lots of ideas of things i wanted to put my hand to, and then the COVID rock rolled down the mountainside, and a lot of them just ain't happening.

Some days I wish i was back at the office - just to be keeping busy

>143 EBT1002: charmed to hear you do an annual read aloud of "A Christmas Carol". Good on ya! Never get tired of that story. Years ago Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek) came to New York to do a one man reading/acting version of the Carol on Broadway. Brought tears to my eyes.

>141 EBT1002: Squeeze Me is sitting on my night table and is next up in the queue! Reading it with my Dad, who is down in Florida. Wishing you a very happy Sunday.

>144 BLBera: I've read Song of Solomon twice, Beth. The first time was in 1981 (I remember this because I was in Poland at the time -- it makes it quite distinguishable from the rest of my early 20s) and I read it again in 2017. It's another one out of which I think I'd get more if I read it along with some friends.

I've never read Paradise so I'm looking forward to the discussion we'll have.

Ways to Disappear and Those Who Knew are going on my watch list. Thanks, as always, for the tip.

>145 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. I looked at my countdown this morning.... my target date (the actual date could vary by a couple weeks or even a month in either direction, depending on logistics and accrued leave and such) is 28 weeks and 4 days away.

>146 lauralkeet: I love it when my psychologist self shines through, Laura. I love this part of myself but it does have its down side -- nothing is ever simple!!!! And you don't sound callous at all. I probably should start putting a warning at the top of my threads along the lines of "if you choose to join me here, you may find yourself called upon to encourage my progress toward retirement." Ha.

>147 msf59: Hi Mark! I will start Book Woman of Troublesome Creek later today. I have just one chapter left in Squeeze Me, which has been a hoot.

The Seahawks did indeed have an uneven season. At times they looked unbeatable and Russell Wilson was in all the chatter about MVP. At other times they looked like they had never played together at all. And yes, the Rams are the real deal. It will be interesting to see how they fare as they move ahead. I agree with you about the Bears, too. As we sports fans always say, there's always next year!

>148 humouress: Thanks Nina -- and I'm glad you like my hat. :-)

>152 EBT1002: Whew. I'm glad we're still friends Ellen! 😀

>152 EBT1002: Hey, I'll happily, enthusiastically, wholeheartedly encourage you along the road to retirement! I was forced out of my job about six months before I intended to retire, and while I felt some pretty strong resentment over the treatment I received after 39 1/2 years working for the same guy, I got over it in a hurry. There's nothing I don't love about retirement.

>149 magicians_nephew: I hear ya, Jim. As stressful as it has been to be working during this pandemic, and especially with lots of responsibility related to managing said pandemic, I watch P struggle with boredom and lack of structure and a wee part of me is grateful to have something I have to do. But as the vaccines get out and we return to whatever the new normal will look like, I don't want to go back to the office!

I would LOVE to see Patrick Stewart do a one-man reading of A Christmas Carol!!!

>149 magicians_nephew:, >155 EBT1002: We have Patrick Stewart's reading/performance on audio cassettes! Haven't listened to them in years, although we do still have a player in the "radio shack" downstairs.

>150 Berly: Kim, Squeeze Me is a fun read. It's weird to see how he sort of predicted the rest of 2020 would unfold, what with the pandemic and 45 and such. And your dad being down in Florida will make for an extra layer of enjoyment!

>153 lauralkeet: It will take more than a caring nudge toward retirement to damage our friendship, Laura! 😊

>154 laytonwoman3rd: Well, to start with, the way it happened is really awful, Linda. My older sister experienced something similar that sent her into retirement before she planned to. But I see "There's nothing I don't love about retirement" and it makes me happy -- for you and for the future me!!!

>149 magicians_nephew: and >156 laytonwoman3rd: Hmmm, I wonder if I can get my paws on this for next year. I thoroughly enjoy reading it out loud. I take four nights (Stave 5 just has to happen immediately upon completing Stave 4) and it's a fun tradition. But Patrick Stewart is, you know, a pro!

Well, damn. I broke a tooth during dinner tonight. And we were having pasta! (Homemade ravioli). It feels so weird!!! I guess it means an emergency trip to the dentist, hopefully tomorrow.

>159 EBT1002: I'm impressed by the homemade ravioli. Those little pillow are a lot of effort and mess! I wish you a painless dental experience!

>160 quondame: Thanks Susan. This recipe was SO delicious. We think of pasta making as a kind of crafting activity - with dinner at the end! :-)

>159 EBT1002: Dang it! Hope you get in and get a quick fix.

So, I started Squeeze Me and I am already laughing at all the snide comments about POTUS Pussies and owls in his hair. I am not sure how my Dad is going to react, but he is the one who turned my onto Hiaasen in the first place, so its all his fault and at least I am going to have fun!

>161 EBT1002: Ravioli is defiantly a team effort - even in my family where my mom emphatically did the cooking it was the one main dish she'd require more hands for - though she had done the kreplach on her own. The one time we did fried ravioli we decided there was a dish that was more work than it was worth. I still miss the restaurant that served them with pesto dip.

Broken tooth, ouch! But the ravioli sounds delicious and I love that you look at it as a craft with dinner at the end.

Good luck getting the tooth sorted today.

Oof, I hope you can get into the dentist tout de suite, Ellen!

>152 EBT1002: Oh, good. I have a story collection to finish up and then I will start The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, along with you.

Anyone else interested in joining in?

>162 Berly: Oh, you'll have fun and maybe there will be some good conversation as the entire book spoofs the current POTUS and FLOTUS. Neither of them comes to serious harm, though. As a native Floridian, I love Hiaasen's honoring of the environment and his clear disdain for how badly that unique ecosystem has been permanently damaged. Also, his riff on the high-money, all-about-image culture. Very fun.

I will call the dentist first thing this morning. It occurred to me that, because of the relatively recent knee replacement, I may have to take antibiotics before he can tend to the broken tooth. Sigh.

>163 quondame: We have the same philosophy around ravioli, Susan, and fresh pasta in general. P does the lion's share of the cooking in our house and that will undoubtedly remain true even after I retire. But pasta making is one of the things we do together. It's like making cookies; it's as much about the activity as it is about the fact that we need or want something to eat!

>164 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I'm not happy about having a dental emergency.

>165 katiekrug: Thanks Katie.

>166 msf59: YES! I started Book Woman of Troublesome Creek last night before bed. I read the first four chapters. I can already see why it's getting a good bit of LT love.

Re Homemade ravioli:

Mum: Wouldn’t you like a pasta maker for Christmas?

Self: No, thank you, Mum.

Mum: Why?

Dad: Because it means that much more work for her, that’s why.

Yep.

mmmmm fresh ravioli! Yum!

My job had devolved into something I wasn't crazy about. I didn't wake up in the morning looking forward to work - rather the opposite. So when the opportunity came for me to retire early, I went my own way.

I knew at least two people who worked many years after their retirement age - and then passed away shortly after they retired. If they love what they are doing, (go Anthony Fauci!) hooray! But especially if there are other options you'd like to explore, early retirement is, as Karen says, the bees' knees.

I had two five year plans in mind - the first five years with the horses (while I was young(!) and active), and then doing some sort of Senior Volunteer (like Peace Corp for oldsters).

My knee injury and Covid have slowed down the plan - I may continue stage one for another year or two. But it gives me a general guidance of where I'm going.

>159 EBT1002: Sorry to hear about the tooth, Ellen. Was the pasta al dente? My attempt at a joke? You remind me of Scout. When she lost one of her teeth, I asked her what she was eating, and she said, "Lemonade." (It was really loose.)

I thought you had read Ways to Disappear -- oh well. Novey is a little quirky, and I think you might like her.

>170 Matke: LOL, Gail. Prudence and I agreed that making fresh pasta alone, or as a routine element in making dinner would NOT be fun. Doing it together on a weekend afternoon, treating it as a shared craft activity works for us.

>171 streamsong: That all makes so much sense, Janet. I love parts of my work and feel lucky that my career has been so gratifying and fulfilling. But I am ready to do other things with my time and energy. I like the idea of two five year plans; I'll think about that some. I agree about Dr. Fauci!

>172 BLBera: Thanks Beth. You are only the second person to make the al dente joke. :-)
On the up side, my dentist called and had a cancellation so they can see me today instead of tomorrow. Whew.

It turns out that I did read Ways to Disappear in 2016. I gave it 3.5 stars but I don't much remember it.....

Glad your dentist appoint was nudged forward Ellen. Dangerous pasta maker that you are!

My broken tooth remains jaggedly in place, so I empathize with the breakage and am jealous your dentist will even see you sooner! *nyah*

How did the dentist visit go?

Dental update:
I saw the dentist briefly yesterday. I'm scheduled for a new crown tomorrow. No temp, they just do it all on site and in one sitting. One long sitting....

Reading update:
I am reading and quite enjoying The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. The author's turns of phrase are occasionally overwrought. More often they hit that amazing mark of making me reread the passage, admiring her use of language, imagery, and all five senses to create a palpable moment.

I accidentally brought my kindle instead of my book from the bedroom to my reading chair this morning. Since I had a ginger cat curled up on my lap in no time, I could not disturb him to go retrieve the book. So I started The Only Good Indians which I have on my kindle from the Seattle Public Library. First chapter: excellent!

So I have two wonderful reads going at the same time. It is a rare and special occasion for celebration.

Off to my 7AM meeting.....

I'm glad you get the tooth fixed soon, Ellen. Do you have a long weekend?

I don't remember much about Ways to Disappear either, but when I saw Novey's name, I remembered that I liked it. I'm off to search for my comments.

I found two references on Ways to Disappear:

How could I resist a book with a paragraph like this on the first page:
"The domino players were about to break for lunch but didn't think it right to leave a woman sitting in an almond tree with a cigar and a suitcase. Julio, the ladies' man, was elected to investigate. To prepare for the task, he gave a pinch to the tips of his mustache and checked the alignment of his suspenders. At the base of the tree, he looked up and found the woman's ample behind looming directly over his head." - The thing I remembered was the woman sitting in the tree.

And final comments:

Ways to Disappear is a great first novel. Emma, a translator, rushes to Brazil when she hears that Beatriz Yagoda has disappeared. She has been translating Yagoda for years.

In fact, as the title indicates, there are many ways to disappear. Emma has a recurring dream in which she is turning to mist. And her job as a translator has rendered her invisible. Language and its ability to prove our existence is central to this fascinating, beautifully written novel.

Emma realizes the power of words: "She pulled out her notebook to steady herself with a little fantasy, to disappear for just a moment in to the relief of make-believe -- into the plea hidden in every fiction for immortality."

Sorry about the broken tooth, Ellen. I just did that last year. Wishing you good luck with your appointment tomorrow - may it go as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

>177 EBT1002: Oh Man! Sorry about the dentist thing. I hope the dentist office is one of those modern ones where you can watch TV while you sit in the chair.

It occurred to me that, because of the relatively recent knee replacement, I may have to take antibiotics before he can tend to the broken tooth. Sigh. That would be a Roger, ace pilot Taylor. At least in my neck of the woods. I have to take antibiotics before every dental appointment even though my last hip replacement was almost a decade ago. I checked with my surgeon a couple of years ago, and he said, based on then-current research, I'd be doing that for the rest of my life(!).

Out of fear, I also take them before getting shots (breaking the skin). That has disqualified me from giving blood. They won't take donors who have taken antibiotics that day. Oh well.

>182 jnwelch: The antibiotics are probably a good idea. I'm told my father's death was most likely due to the immediately preceding dental work carried out without antibiotics.

I will be starting Book Woman of Troublesome Creek as soon as I finish Silence of the Girls which should happen this weekend.

Retirement has no downside Ellen, believe me. And yes antibiotics for life.

>182 jnwelch: Yep. Craig has to take antibiotics before every dental appointment, too.

Happy Friday, Ellen!

>174 Caroline_McElwee: and >175 richardderus: and >176 Berly:
Thanks Caroline, Richard, and Kim. Richard, I wish you could get in sooner!

>178 BLBera: I do have a 3-day weekend, Beth, and I intend to take full advantage of it. Walking, reading, and watching Bridgerton. :-)

>179 BLBera: Thanks for posting that, Beth. It sounds like something I would love and I still don't remember anything about it! It might warrant a reread....

>180 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie. The appointment this morning was both brutal and awesome. It's the molar on the upper left, aaaall the way in the back, and the break went down under the gum line, so the prep was brutal. I'm a pretty good dental patient; I clench my hands through every appointment but I'm also stoic and thankful for the care. For this, I had tears streaming down my cheeks. I wasn't crying, per se, but I was SO tense. Then I sat for about 30 minutes, read a chapter in The Only Good Indians (thank goodness for the fact that my iPhone syncs with my kindle!) and made some progress on today's NYT Spelling Bee. Then they came back in, tested the crown (it's perfect), and installed it. Five minutes. All done. My jaw muscles are sore from being so wide open for so long but otherwise I'm fit as a fiddle.

>181 figsfromthistle: My dentist has a Peaceful Great Outdoors feed running on the television monitor. His dental techniques are very high tech. :-)

>182 jnwelch: You are correct, copilot Welch. Actually, my dentist says I don't have to take the antibiotics for routine cleanings since I bleed very little, but for today's crown, etc., I definitely had to take them. It was a pretty invasive procedure. (see comments to Mamie above.)

P got to stop taking the pre-dentist antibiotics about a year after her hip replacement. I wonder if you're at the place where you could back off some? Caveat: I'm not a doctor nor have I ever played one on tv.

>183 quondame: Well, yikes. I take back my thought that Joe could back off ^^ Sorry that happened that way, Susan.

>184 benitastrnad: I got caught up in Book Woman pretty quickly, Benita. Then it lagged just a wee bit. I'm past the halfway mark now and I had a very hard time putting it down this morning. I was in the "just one more chapter" mental space, a favorite experience for all us book lovers!

>185 brenzi: I'm glad to hear that retirement has no downside, Bonnie. In at least two meetings today, I found myself fantasizing about not doing this after another 198 days or so. Heh.

Interesting that my dentist has said I don't need to use the antibiotics for routine cleaning (I bleed very little). He certainly wanted me to take them before today's invasive procedure!

>186 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie and Happy Friday to you, as well!

>188 EBT1002: My dad was 94, hadn't taken care of his teeth for years, and really wasn't hoping to live any longer. Still it was a shock. We knew he had abscesses and were expecting that they would have him loaded with antibiotics before starting work. I'm pretty sure most of us here aren't as dentist avoidant as he was.

>190 quondame: That makes sense. I'm definitely not dentist avoidant and, especially with the knee replacement and all, I will probably be extra quick to call if I sense something out of ordinary in my mouth. I still have many years of reading in front of me! :-)

Infections are interesting. Many years ago, I got stung by a bee/yellow jacket in between my toes while messing about in the yard (wearing Birks, perhaps a lesson in there). I thought little of it and rubbed some anti-itch cream into the spot. The next day my foot was red and painful and so swollen I couldn't put any weight on it. I got in to see the doc that day, she noted that I had essentially rubbed dirt (and bacteria) into a puncture wound, and that if antibiotics had not been invented yet, I'd probably die. It seemed a bit, um, pointed and melodramatic, but I got the message loud and clear!

>187 EBT1002: That is the exact same one that I broke, Ellen!! Hooray for it being all over now.

Craig has to take the antibiotics even for cleanings. And forever his doctor says. You might want to ask your doctor and not just go by what your dentist says.

Your dentist is high tech. I agree with Mamie regarding the antibiotics; your doctor might have a different opinion.

>191 EBT1002: My mom was forever getting her hands infected because of psoriasis even when she had unbroken skin on her hands and lower arms the skin was super thin. Eventually she learned to soak the infected hand for fairly long periods in hot water at the first sign of infection and was able to avoid the antibiotics 4 times out of 5. It's amazing what heat will do for fighting shallow infections on extremities. I don't think it would have been advisable if she had been diabetic though. She gardened and cooked pretty constantly while I was growing up. Funny, once we were all out of the house and financial security was pretty locked in she very rarely had those issues.

Happy Saturday, Ellen. Due to distractions, I have not got very far into Troublesome Creek but I hope to make up some ground this weekend. I hope you get plenty of R & R in.

Hi Ellen!

>155 EBT1002: P struggling with boredom and lack of structure makes me forever grateful for the Friends of the Library for giving me just enough structure 5 months after I retired. The demands have grown, of course, but so far so good. Plus more books, of course.

If you already know this, I apologize, but you do know there’s a Patrick Stewart A Christmas Carol movie, right? 1999. Not the same as a reading, but still Patrick Stewart and A Christmas Carol.

I’m sorry about the broken tooth and brutal and awesome visit to get the crown.

I am glad you could get your tooth fixed so quickly; broken teeth are so annoying.

It's great that you have retirement to look forward to so soon! I must admit that there are parts of this work-from-home lockdown that I will miss once I am back in the office. I have a few years before retirement, and am not sure that complete retirement is for me. But I am thinking of looking at more flexible and less stressful work options.

>196 karenmarie: sorry to say that the Patrick Stewart MOVIE of "A Christmas Carol" is a very low budget affair, and the corner cutting shows.

Stick with his audio only one man reading of the text if you can lay your hands on it

So glad you could get that tooth taken care of. Tooth pain is the worst.

I admit to not being super organized after four years of retirement, and a lot of the projects I had a mind to do are still not done. But I've been able to put a little structure in - exercise, violin lessons, etc. - and some days I have to remind myself that doing one significant thing a day is quite enough. And there are books!

>117 EBT1002: Ellen, regarding affording retirement, I retired two years ago after teaching and advising publications for 36 years at a local college. I went to the social security office in person rather than on line. I was surprised when the person I talked to noted that I will receive more than most. Still, it was a hit to what I made in academia for those long years. My pension with TIAA CREF comes in handy.

Sadly, after five months of retirement, my partner of 18 years passed away. Amid the sadness, I worried if I could keep up with the expenses. I found I am ok. I don't need to buy new clothes. What I spent for gas in one week, is now what I pay in more than a month. Because of Covid, I don't spend money going out to eat. And, my grocery bills aren't all that high.

Go ahead and jump in the waters of retirement. You will enjoy the swin.

Retirement is wonderful, Ellen! Don't let anyone tell you differently. Of course, I am an introvert and currently making great progress on my goal of becoming a hermit, thanks to circumstances and COVID, but I still NEVER run out of things to do, and neither will you!

Happy Sunday, Ellen. I received Music For Wartime yesterday. Yes, these 3 books were on the WL but you sure picked the perfect trio. Thanks again. I am close to the halfway point in Troublesome Creek. I am enjoying it.

>192 Crazymamie: Good advice, Mamie. I will do that. The dentist prescribed the antibiotics for this procedure and it gave me three doses. So I do have two doses left and I may just use them for any upcoming appointments I have to be on the safe side, and until I can check in with my regular PCP.

>193 BLBera: Yep, I agree with you and Mamie. I'm going to check with my doc and not just take my dentist's word for it. I'm a fan of using antibiotics only when necessary but, when necessary, I'm all for them.

>194 quondame: I love that the issues with your mom's proneness to infections reduced when you all got out of the house, Susan. And yes to heat and soaking. I soaked that foot in warm water with Epsom salts most of the day. I'm sure that helped, along with the drugs.

>195 msf59: Hi Mark! I finished TBWoTC last night (4.5 stars) and today I've been absorbed in The Only Good Indians. Both have been un-put-downable but I do understand the distraction issue. I have tomorrow off so I'm relishing my 3-day weekend.

>196 karenmarie: P was doing much better with the retirement pre-pandemic, Karen. She went to a water exercise class every weekday morning, often walked down to the library in the afternoon and bussed back home after a while. With the library and the community center both closed, it has been really hard. It's probably exacerbated to some degree by the fact that I am SO busy. The contrast is hard for both of us.

I have just learned that there is a Patrick Stewart A Christmas Carol and I have every intention of searching it out next December. I'll still read it aloud myself, most probably, but I'd love to hear him perform it!

>197 banjo123: Rhonda, I agree that it's weird to think about going back TO work, showing up in the office every day. There are things I miss about that routine but I have settled into the work-from-home thing quite well now that we've been doing it for 10 months. I like the length of the commute. :-)

>198 magicians_nephew: Thanks for the tip, Jim. For me, A Christmas Carol lends itself so wonderfully to being read aloud, that is what I will look for.

>199 ffortsa: Hi Judy. I think I'll try not to be too organized in retirement. My vision for retirement is one or two art classes each week, some kind of exercise routine (I envision swimming and hiking as my go-to activities), and lots of reading. If we move back to the town in Oregon we are considering, there will be plenty to do and it will be great to reconnect with old friends. It's one hour from the Oregon coast, two hours from the Oregon Cascades, 90 minutes from Portland (Powell's City of Books!!), has a terrific Saturday market in the summer, etc.

>200 Whisper1: Thanks for all of that, Linda. I am relieved that we don't have to rely solely on Social Security. I've been a fairly conservative "investor" all my life. And yes, I figure I won't need new clothes very often, our plan is to move to a walk- and bicycle-friendly community, and we have saved a lot more than we otherwise would have this past 10 months. We get take-out every once in a while but with no real eating out and no travel, we've just been putting money in savings every paycheck.

I love the image of diving in and enjoying the swim!

>201 ronincats: Yes, I think you are right, Roni. I will find plenty to do and will enjoy the freedom!

>202 msf59: Hi Mark and Happy Sunday. I'm glad the third book arrived. It was fun choosing them for you.

I thought Book Woman really picked up about a third of the way in and it kept me interested all the way to the end. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is my sixth completed book for 2021. I gave it 4.5 stars (it's probably really 4.25 but I don't do quarters).

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a well-researched novel set in the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. It's the story of Cussy Mary Carter, a Pack Horse Librarian and a Blue. Treated as "other" because of the color of her skin, she is also beloved because she brings reading material to households and schoolrooms steeped in isolation and poverty. She lives with her Pa, a coal miner who is determined to get Cussy married off before he succumbs to his lung illness. Richardson's descriptions of the Kentucky mountains and of Cussy's internal experience are vivid, rich, and visceral and the characters are memorable. Every time I thought the narrative was about to slow down into mundane descriptions of scrapbooks and old magazines, it picked right up again, keeping me in that idyllic "one more chapter" mental space. Cussy is bold, independent, and vulnerable. Her relationship with Junia, the mule on which she makes her deliveries, is a sweet accompaniment to the trials she faces due to poverty and discrimination. Highly recommended.

>207 EBT1002: Oh oh....

Just gotten caught up, Ellen.
Dead Poets Society is a favourite movie of mine too and toothache is the pits.

Solid reading start dear lady.

>207 EBT1002: yay. Glad to see it was a hit with you too Ellen.

>207 EBT1002: This does sound good, Ellen. My library does have a copy although there is quite a long list.

Hi, Ellen!

...and we have saved a lot more than we otherwise would have this past 10 months. We get take-out every once in a while but with no real eating out and no travel, we've just been putting money in savings every paycheck.

That's what we've been doing, too, and it's so nice. We're hoping we can keep up at least some of this frugality in post-vaccine times.

Amazing what a difference being out of the way of temptation makes to spending, eh what? "Oh look, there's a holiday package..." just can't happen.

Yayboo and Hisswhee

Us too with the saving. But I am planning a big trip when it becomes possible again... :)

>207 EBT1002: Mark was just warbling at me about that one. It immediately went on the TBR.

>207 EBT1002: You may have liked that one a little better than I did. It was an interesting read though.

>205 EBT1002: >213 richardderus: Alas, if it isn't eBay, it's Etsy or other online purveyor of small treasures. Not being 50 feet from my computer 24hrs a day hasn't saved me any money at all!

Just checking in, Ellen. It’s wonderful that your tooth is taken care of, even if it was difficult I hate going to the dentist but have made great strides from the days when I’d have to take two Valium and have my husband drive me back and forth. And that’s all because an excellent dentist took his time and helped me work through some old traumas.

I’m pretty sure you’ll love retirement. You’re proposed schedule sounds a lot like mine, although all my classes have been on,one (so far) and I walk instead of hike. I didn’t hate my job when I left, but I was awfully tired of it.

And isn’t today a great day?

"Madam Vice President." I've waited for this day since 1984.

Happy inauguration day! My daughter called and told me that they are celebrating with ice cream. :)

SO glad the tooth is taken care of! And I am thrilled that we have an intelligent person leading the US again. And "Madam Vice President" has a nice ring to it!! Progress all around. : )

7. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones


Being classified as a horror novel by the author himself as well as critics and readers, this is not my usual fare. And it was excellent. Four young Blackfeet men were involved in a pretty ugly hunting incident ten years ago. Over the decade, they have moved on their lives, grown up and largely grown apart. This novel is the story of how that long-ago incident finds them, haunts them, and affects them. It is a tale of revenge, of the settling of scores. It is also a tale of family, of hope and heart. Suspend your disbelief and dive in, but perhaps not late at night when your alarm will go off early. It is definitely not a cure for insomnia.

Thank you, Richard, for the recommendation!

>222 EBT1002:

I am *so*delighted* that you enjoyed the read!

Hi Ellen - just thought I'd recommend the newest Sarah Moss to you since I think I remember that you're a fan of her earlier works. I'm loving it so far: interconnected stories of vacationers in a Scottish holiday park. It's called Summerwater and I thought of you also because the first story is about a runner and her interior monologue. So far there's lots of humor (even one chapter that had me laughing out loud), gorgeous descriptions and also a little underlying menace. I can't wait to hear what other Moss fans think!

>224 vivians: I'm a bit more than halfway through Summerwater, and I'll finish it later today. Unless I'm mistaken I think I know which chapter had you laughing!

>222 EBT1002: Excellent review - if you posted that I will add my thumb. I resisted Richard's warbling only to be hit by yours. I mean, how can I resist when both of you say it's full of fabulous? Onto The List it goes.

>224 vivians:, >225 kidzdoc: I have Summerwater in the stacks, and you are making me want to get to it.

>224 vivians: Good to know, Vivian. I have it reserved at my library.

>222 EBT1002: >223 richardderus: I'm hit! I'm hit! : )

>224 vivians: >225 kidzdoc: Twice!! LOL

>208 richardderus: Turnabout is only fair play, after all, Richard.

>209 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. So far January is going pretty well, a series of momentous Wednesdays notwithstanding.

>210 Caroline_McElwee: Book Woman is getting lots of well-deserved love in this group. I'm glad to see that you are one of the fans, Caroline.

>211 BLBera: It will be worth the wait, Beth. I'd send you my copy but I already promised it to my BIL in Palau. :-/

>212 scaifea: Hi Amber. I know, wouldn't it be great if we all developed somewhat more frugal habits that lasted post-pandemic? I must say, though, that I look forward to going into a restaurant, sitting at the bar, and watching the bartender make me a cocktail. But maybe I'll do it less often. :-)

>213 richardderus: Yayboo and Hisswhee are exactly my sentiments, Richard!!

When we were moving from the small town in Oregon to Seattle, we had a friend who said "there are just so many ways to spend your money in a city like that," like that was a bad thing. My sister reframed it as "so many opportunities for fun!" I liked that approach better.

>214 katiekrug: We're certainly hoping we can take our trekking trip to Peru in September, Katie!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Off to take P to the doctor for her first shot of COVID vaccine!! Yay! (I'm not eligible yet.)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>231 EBT1002: Yay!

>229 EBT1002: No problem, Ellen. I can wait for the library copy. I do have other things to read. :)

Fingers crossed for your trip to Peru.

>215 drneutron: Yeah, Mark and I read Book Woman "together" and we both enjoyed it. I hope you do, too, Jim!

>216 thornton37814: Hi Lori. So you were more lukewarm in your reaction to Book Woman. What about it didn't sit well with you? Or maybe that is too strong since you said it was an interesting read.

>217 quondame: LOL. I've managed to resist many small treasures, I guess. Honestly, having P home (retired) and not working at the office where I could sometimes have books, you know, shipped to me without her necessarily knowing about it has probably slowed down my on-line purchases. I say that, even though she is really quite good-humored about my book-buying habits (as well as my pen-buying habit). :-)

>218 Matke: Hi Gail! So nice to see you. I'm glad you had a good dentist who took the time to help you get more comfortable. That is a gift since dental work is a necessity through the life span.

I hate my job less now that I have hired an excellent executive director so I'm only doing the one job. But I am definitely tired of it, to use your words. I find myself caring less and less about things that used to feel of great import. I think I still bring my best to what I do, but it is with less heart.

And yes, Wednesday was a great day!

>219 richardderus: "Madame Vice President" -- YES!!!

>220 BLBera: Hi Beth. We celebrated with ice cream, too! Dry January has been particularly tough this year....

>221 Berly: I agree on all fronts, Kim. I'm especially enjoying the new press secretary. You may have heard this: she was asked if President Biden was going to change the color scheme of Air Force One. (Apparently this was an important thing for the now twice-impeached former president.) She said she didn't know and would get back to the journalist who asked this question. The next day she reported back: "The president has not spent one moment thinking about the color scheme of Air Force One."

>223 richardderus: *smooch* and *smile*

>224 vivians: Oh Vivian, you totally got me with that nudge! I have been eyeing the new Sarah Moss but now I know I want to buy it, hardcover be damned. It sounds perfect for me: Scotland, a runner's inner dialogue, laughing out loud, a favorite author.....

>225 kidzdoc: Sounds like you agree with the praise, Darryl?

>226 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie. I will post my "review" of The Only Good Indians. I find the offer of an up-thumb irresistible. :-)

I'm going to order a copy of Summerwater. I still have one or two Sarah Moss novels on my TBR shelves but I really need this one.

>227 BLBera: I can put it on hold at the library, too, I suppose, but I just want to buy it.

>228 Berly: I love that my thread is hitting you with so many book bullets, Kim. And I'm not even responsible!

>232 BLBera: LOL. I'm glad you have a few other things to keep you entertained, Beth. :-)

Best wishes on making your retirement decision Ellen. Today is officially day one of my retirement, so I am very excited!

>224 vivians: I haven’t read Summerwater yet, but Mr SandDune loved it. He’s a big Sarah Moss fan, as am I.

So much talk about Summerwater. I might have to cave in and buy that one.

Ellen, I'm *shocked* you would secretly buy books and have them shipped to your office. Positively *shocked* 😀

Love the story about Air Force One!

"The president has not spent one moment thinking about the color scheme of Air Force One." - LOVE it!

I'm trying to not think too much about Summerwater; I do have other books by Moss that I haven't read yet, but you are tempting me...

>233 EBT1002: My bro has to sneak some of his book purchases through the door too, but his partner thinks reading is lazy, and only does it on holiday. To be fair, my bro has quite a lot of books, but reads less because he knows his other half doesn't, though he watches hours of junk tv, which apparently isn't lazy!

>233 EBT1002: I think JoJo Moyes' book The Giver of Stars gives better coverage of the horsepack librarians. I think The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek gives better coverage of the blue people. As a librarian, I think I was more interested in the librarians. Both books are interesting, but for different reasons.

>242 thornton37814:
Interesting comments about Giver of Stars and Book woman of Troublesome Creek. I also have copies of both books and want to read both of them. thanks for that bit of information.

>233 EBT1002:
I am trying to get myself to work more at home as that takes so much of the on-the-job pressure off of me. However, I know that my working life is coming to an end. I just feel less and less interested in it. That tells me that I am getting mentally ready for retirement as soon as I am old enough to get that wonderful SOCIALIZED health care plan we call Medicare.

Hi, Ellen.

I'm so glad you enjoyed Book Woman of Troublesome Creek! Bit of an underdog book deserving wider recognition? Nice review - I liked all the things you did. Plus the thought-provoking treatment of her when she turned back to "white". Didn't matter; most of them had already categorized her and weren't going to change. I never knew about the "blue people" before this book.

Elderly dental problems: when my dad was the age of Susan's (94), he needed a lot of dental work. He'd taken care of his teeth, but mistakenly starting gnawing on gummy cranberry chews every day to help with his urinary tract. That sticky sugar wreaked havoc. We quickly realized the first dentist he saw took no interest - his transparent view was that my dad would die soon anyway, so why put him through the discomfort of working on all those teeth. Jerk. So we found one that cared, and she cleaned it all up, and he had an enjoyable year before finally heading on to wherever we all go.

>241 Caroline_McElwee: & >233 EBT1002:

My adventures sneaking books into the family home were the stuff of military planning. My much loved driver Azim and maid, Erni were entirely complicit in smuggling them in with me with a precision that was a thing of some beauty!

>236 EBT1002: I wrote a review of Summerwater on Saturday morning. I gave it 4 stars, which is 1/4 and possibly 1/2 of a star too low of a rating. I've read four of Sarah Moss's novels so far, and all have earned at least 4 stars from me, with Bodies of Light and The Tidal Zone being my two favorites.

>238 SandDune: I'm glad that you and A. are also huge Sarah Moss fans, Rhian!

Hi Ellen! That's great that you hate your job less. Hopefully your remaining time there will be reasonably peaceful

Hi Ellen,

My apologies for having disappeared for so long! I am dealing with a 76 yo back, which decided late November was just the right time to pinch a nerve which resulted in my right leg experiencing pain which sent the message to my brain, "do not walk"! For a couple of days I was literally limping my way to the bathroom, and back to bed. It was scary. Went to "Urgent Care" first in the middle of the night, and next late the same day. Had a MRI done which revealed an aged back with slipping and sliding discs and good reason for the pain. Since then, I've struggled to do PT, and have experiened slow improvement. Today I can actually walk a ways before saying "uncle" and walking back to the chair in the living room. Lucky dog, she gets walks from two neighbors so she can have a good long walk a couple of times each day. The rest of the time, I take her out for about 20-30 feet in one direction, and then turn around and return to my chair.

I thought to catch up with LT because I have #1 bought an unreasonable number of political books which I need to add to my library; and #2 I just finished reading a Gary Paulsen book which I loved. He writes for kids and generally writes adventures which I think will appeal to boys, and advernturesome girls, middle school age. He just published Gone to the Woods which is a change in subject matter if not pace and environmebt. He writes a fictionalized autobiography of his very tough childhood and gives the reader clear understanding how he could write books about kids being resilient and capable of surviving difficult situations. Hatchet was the first book I read of his, and I recommend it, as well as recommending Gone to the Woods. They are kids books, but are suitable for adult readers, too.

BTW, I love retirement! Yes, having some structure, but not too much is a great idea. Here at Silver Glen I see clearly that those who structure some exercise in every week are those who are thriving. Reading is also very popular.

Happy New Year! And hip hip horray for Madam Vice President!!! and aren't we grateful for our very reasonable and hard working new President.

Reading Update:

Last night I finished a reread of News of the World by Paulette Jiles. Still a wonderful novel, perhaps even better the second time around.

I have started The Boy in the Field by Margot Livesey. I can't remember who recommended this one. I have had it on hold at the library, let it go dormant, put it back on hold.... It is magnificent so far!!!!

>250 EBT1002: - I loved The Boy in the Field when I read it last year, Ellen, but lots of people did, so I can't say the credit is mine!

>250 EBT1002: I must get to News of the World soon, it's been in the tbr mountain range for a while.

>251 katiekrug: I went to check and I hadn't even put the book on my wish list (I had just put it on hold at the library) but I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was your warbling that put The Boy in the Field on my radar. I'm enjoying the shifting POV from Matthew to Zoe to Duncan. It's not really "about" the boy in the field; it's about these three siblings.

>252 Caroline_McElwee: It's a worthwhile read, Caroline.

>238 SandDune: Rhian!! Day One of your retirement! Congratulations!!!!!

>239 lauralkeet: I feel a little silly about the book-buying thing, Laura. P would never tell me what I "can" or "cannot" buy but she is generally more frugal than I am. It's my own projected guilt about my book-buying habit that leads me to that *shocking* sneaky behavior. ;-)

>240 BLBera: Ha. Maybe we can do a mass buying of Summerwater and then, I don't know, have a whole bunch of us read it together. *wink* It's still sitting in my amazon shopping cart.

>241 Caroline_McElwee: Luckily, Prudence is also a very avid reader. She's just better than I am about using the library whenever possible. But she is actually very supportive. She just notes, accurately enough, that I already have hundreds of books I have not yet read. She would buy a book if she was ready to read it right at the moment. Otherwise, she will wait in the library queue. I tend to want to have books for when I can get to them.

>242 thornton37814: That is very interesting, Lori. I haven't read The Giver of Stars yet but now I'm kind of interested. I learned about both the Packhorse Librarians and the Blue people of the Kentucky hills from Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

We interrupt this thread for a quick story. Okay, two quick stories:

Yesterday I volunteered at a local vaccination clinic. Over 450 residents of our rural county got vaccinated, most of them over 65 years of age. It was a wonderful day!! I was on the checkout station, making sure folks felt okay after their 15 minute post-vaccine wait and scheduling them for their booster shot three weeks out. Everyone was polite, appreciative, upbeat, excited.... Only one couple asked for how long after the booster they will need to keep wearing the mask. I had to explain that it will be a while yet because, while they are protected, I (for example) have not been vaccinated so they will keep wearing their masks to keep people like me safe. They seemed to totally understand this.

That is story number one. It was such a feel-good day.

The second part of the story is that I met the director of our local public library. I got introduced to her (the introducer said "I think Ellen is probably pro-library"). I confirmed this and we chatted a bit. When the director asked me if I have my library card yet, I cracked up (behind my mask). She misunderstood and started to talk about how she could help me get my card. I politely stopped her and said, "no, wait. What is the first thing I do when I move to a new community?" The answer is of course that I get my library card! It was a fun conversation and she is, as you would expect, a lovely person.

>255 EBT1002: - Very cool! And fun.

>243 benitastrnad: Yes, now I want to read Giver of Stars. I've not read anything by Jojo Moyes.

>244 benitastrnad: I feel much the same way, Benita. But I simply cannot wait to be eligible for Medicare to retire; my sanity and health are too much at risk. I've been squirreling away money in one savings account I called "COBRA." I started it with my eyes on August 2022 for retirement; I may have to just suck it up and find enough to cover one more year of health care premiums. I also just need to learn more about how all that works! I have an appointment with the university retirement specialist on February 5.

>245 jnwelch: Oh yes, Joe, I agree with your spoiler comment. That was a very well-managed element of the story.

I'm glad you were able to find a dentist who felt (rightly so!) that your dad deserved good care regardless of how much time he had left on this Earth! Dental pain is pretty horrific and it's good that he didn't have to include that in his last year of human experience.

>246 PaulCranswick: That's what I need! An assistant smuggler! :-D

>247 kidzdoc: I'll go check out your review of Summerwater, Darryl. You are the one who turned me on to Sarah Moss and I am so glad you did. I also loved Tidal Zone and Bodies of Light. I still have Signs for Lost Children on my tbr shelves. I have been waffling on whether to add Ghost Wall to this week's planned purchase of Summerwater.

Liebe Doktora T...I haben eines Frage...I slid Ask Again, Yes into a plastikbaggen so it wouldn't get soaked w/COVID. Found the bag. (When I thought I was gonna die, I left your name and address inside, so someone would get it to you!) Do you still want the hardcover?

*ein smooching gegeben*

>255 EBT1002: Ha! I'd've laughed like hell, too.

>248 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda.

>249 maggie1944: Karen!!! It's so great to see you!! I am so very sorry to hear about your back. I wish I were still around and that we weren't in a pandemic, I would so love to come visit. And I could take the lucky dog for a walk, too. I'm glad you have mobile and kind neighbors who are willing to help with that.

I am not familiar with Paulsen, but I'm adding both Hatchet and Gone to the Woods to my wish list.

And yes, happy new year, happy new president, and happy new Madame Vice President!!!

>256 jessibud2: I'm glad you enjoyed my two stories, Shelley. It was so great to be part of the early stages of getting us OUT of this pandemic!! I will get covid tested this Friday since I was around more people yesterday than I have been since early March.

>259 richardderus: Hiya Richard. And YES please!!!! And I am so freaking glad you did not die. xoxo

Hooray for a perfect Feel Good Day!! You can never get enough of these, right? I hope the rest of the week goes this well, Ellen.

5 stars for The Only Good Indians? Wow! You don't give out many 5s so this must be a real winner.

>255 EBT1002: Those are great! I am excited for when we can start getting shots here. I'm not essential so it will be a while

My neighbour asked me today for a book recommendation and I recommended one I'd read recently. She asked if she could borrow it and I told her she'd have to put a hold on at our library because they are closed and only available for curbside pickup. She then informed me that she doesn't have a library card!

>255 EBT1002: What a great day, Ellen, certainly well deserved.

I loved The Boy in the Field, precisely for the siblings' relationships.

Well, we might have to wait until I get my LIBRARY copy of Summerwater. :) I am trying to be better about buying books...

I read the Moyes book; I know many loved it, but I thought it was OK, and I don't know that I would search out other books by her.

I'll just echo Mark's words Ellen, about The Only Good Indians but that horror label will probably scare me off.

Great that you could help out with the vaccinations. I'm excited to be getting mine on Thursday.

I read actually listened to the audio version of The Boy in the Field a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed it.

>255 EBT1002: >259 richardderus: I've been known to get library cards when I'm visiting somewhere and could give a local address.

>262 msf59: Hi Mark. Yes, it was a great feel-good day and I agree that we need as many of those as we can get.

Yes, five stars is generous for me, and it may be too generous in the instance of The Only Good Indians but it was a compelling, expertly paced story with so many layers.

>263 ChelleBearss: It was great to be part of providing the first dose to this group of mostly older folks, Chelle. And I love that I'm not the only one astounded by anyone who doesn't have a library card!

>264 BLBera: Hi Beth. I'm glad I got to have such a great day. It was a nice change of pace in many ways.

Ah, another fan of The Boy in the Field. I'm guessing I saw a number of my best reading buddies here commenting on it and that led me to put it on hold at the library. I keep saying I'm going to get "better" at noting why I put a book on hold or on my wishlist -- review in the newspaper, friends' recommendation, award nominee, etc. But I tend to just quickly put them on hold or toss them into the shopping cart and get on with whatever is next.

How long is the queue for Summerwater and what is your position in said queue? :-)

>265 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. The Only Good Indians is not "horror" in the usual sense but it is definitely dark.

Yay that you are getting your first dose of vaccine this week!

I'm glad to hear about another fan of The Boy in the Field. I'm glad I'm reading it.

>266 quondame: Really? I guess that makes sense if you're visiting long enough to take advantage of the local library. Hmmm, you have me thinking. I have this fantasy about spending a month or so in some wonderful place (Kauai?) so I will think about the library card idea.