Mamie's 2021 Madness, page 10

Late Night Thriller - Cat Reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Lucia Hefferna

Keeping this topper because I love it so much.

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December Reads:
108. Still Life by Sara Winman, library hardback and audiobook narrated by the author acquired in 2021, historical fiction/relationships/art/ A Room With a View - 5 stars - read this one with Mark

November Reads:
100. Winter Flowers by Angélique Villeneuve, translated by Adriana Hunter, Kindle, historical fiction/WWI/France - 5 stars - recommended by Charlotte
101. Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie, trade paperback, crime fiction/mystery, (Hercule Poirot, book 35, Ariadne Oliver, book 7) - reread
103. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust, translated from French by Lydia Davis, trade paperback acquired in 2018, French literature/classic (In Search of Lost Time, Volume I), shared read with Mark et al - 4.5 stars
104. The Wardrobe Mistress by Patrick McGrath, Kindle acquired in 2021, historical fiction/post WWII, grief - 4 stars - Richard mentioned this on Katie's thread
105. The Wizards of Once: Never and Forever by Cressida Cowell, Audiobook narrated by David Tennant, borrowed from Audible Plus Catalog, children's literature/magic/witches - 4 stars
106. Possession by A. S. Byatt, Kindle acquired in 2020, historical fiction/academia - 4.5 stars
107. A Cornish Christmas by Lily Graham, Kindle acquired in 2021, contemporary romance/grief - 3..5 stars - Richard mentioned this on Katie's thread

January:
1. River of Darkness by Rennie Airth, trade paperback acquired in 2014, crime fiction (John Madden, book 1) - 4 stars
2. The Yellow Wallpaper: a graphic novel by Charlotte Perkins Gilmore, illustrated by Sara Barkat, paperback acquired in 2020, horror - 4.5 stars
3. The Tortoise and the Hare by Elizabeth Jenkins, trade paperback acquired in 2014, literary fiction (Virago) - 4 stars
4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos, Kindle, acquired in 2020, humor - 3.25 stars
5. The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith (Illustrator), Mike Dringenberg (Illustrator) - paperback acquired in 2013, GN, horror - 4.5 stars
6. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher, audiobook narrated by James Marsters, acquired in 2020, urban fantasy (Dresden Files, Book 17) - 4 stars
7. Medieval People by Eileen Powers, Kindle, acquired in 2020, non-fiction/social history/Middle Ages - 4.25 stars
8. Bloody January by Alan Parks, Kindle, acquired in 2020, crime fiction (Harry McCoy, book 1) - 2.5 stars
9. Paper Girls Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan (Author), Cliff Chiang (Artist), Matthew Wilson (Artist), Kindle, borrowed, GN, time travel - 3.5 stars
10. The Weirdies by Michael Buckley, borrowed audiobook narrated by Kate Winslet, juvenile fiction/humor - 5 stars
11. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Kindle, acquired in 2020, gothic horror - 3.5 stars
12. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls, Kindle, acquired in 2021, novella/grief - 4 stars
13. Babette's Feast by Isak Dinesen, Kindle, acquired in 2020, short story/food - 4.5 stars
14. Mary's Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lita Judge, Hardback, acquired in 2021, graphic biography in verse/books about books - 5 stars

February Reads:
15. Paper Girls: Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan (writer), Cliff Chiang (artist), Matt Wilson (colors), Jared K. Fletcher (letters), paperback, acquired in 2021, GN/time travel - 4 stars
16. Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer, audiobook narrated by Katherine Kellgren, acquired in 2021, YA/historical mystery (Enola Holmes, book 1) - 4 stars
17. Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto, translated by Megan Backus, Kindle, acquired in 2020, novellas/grief - 2 stars
18. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, Kindle, acquired in 2020, Polish fiction/animal rights - 4 stars
19. Summerwater by Sarah Moss, Kindle, acquired in 2021, contemporary fiction/linked vignettes - 4.5 stars

March Reads:
20. The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, paperback (with deckled edge pages!), acquired in 2016, travel writing/Nepal/Tibet/Buddhism/grief - 4 stars
21. A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourne, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical mystery (Veronica Speedwell, book 1) - 4 stars - recommended by Chelle
22. Paper Girls: Volume 3 by Brian K Vaughan (writer), Cliff Chiang (artist), Matt Wilson (colors), paperback, acquired in 2021, GN/time travel - 3 stars
23. I Will Have Vengeance by Maurizio de Giovanni, translated by Anne Milano Appel, police procedural/Naples/1930s - 4 stars (Commisario Riccardi, book 1)
24. Death in August by Marco Vichi, translated by Stephen Sartarelli, Kindle, acquired in 2018, police procedural/Florence (Inspector Bordelli, book 1) - 3 stars
25. Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon, Kindle, acquired in 2019, police procedural/Venice (Commissario Brunetti, book 1) - 3 stars
26. Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/Florence/ just pre-WWII - 3 stars
27. West by Carys Davies, Kindle, acquired in 2020, historical fiction/western/novella - 4.5 stars - Katie's Dirty Dozen
28. Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola, translated by ?, audiobook narrated by Kate Winslet, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/classic - 3 stars

April Reads:
29. Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars by Miranda Emmerson, Kindle, acquired in 2021, mystery/amateur sleuth - 4 stars (Anna Treadway, book 1) - recommended by Charlotte
30. Injury Time by Beryl Bainbridge, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/infidelity/dark comedy - 3.5 stars
31. Passing by Nella Larson, hardback, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/race/1920s - 4 stars
32. Destroyer by Victor LaValle (writer), Micaela Dawn (cover art), Smith Dietrich (artist), Joana Lafuente (colorist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/sci fi/Frankenstein retelling - 4.5 stars - recommended by Roberta
33. Descender Vol. 1: Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire (author), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/space opera/AI - 5 stars - recommended by Joe
34. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, translated by Thomas Teal, Kindle, acquired in 2020, literary fiction/linked vignettes - 4.5 stars - recommended by Helen
35. Descender Vol. 2 by Jeff Lemire (author), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Kindle Fire, borrowed, GN/space opera/AI - 4.5 stars - recommended by Joe
36. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, Kindle, acquired in 2019, literary fiction/Catholicism/religious persecution - 4 stars
37. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Sparks, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/coming of age/1930a - 3.5 stars

May Reads:
38. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi, hardback, library book, literary fiction/mother-daughter relationships/dementia - 3 stars
39. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/relationships/infidelity/grief - 4.5 stars
40. Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion, Hardback, library book, non-fiction/essays
41. All Systems Red by Martha Wells, Kindle, acquired in 2018, sci fi/AI/space opera - reread
42. Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor, Hardback, library book, sci fi/death - 4 stars
43. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, hardback and audio narrated by Kenneth Danzinger, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/classics/humor
44. Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/gothic/psychological thriller - 3.75 stars
45. Body in the Castle Well by Martin Walker, trade paperback, acquired in 2020, police procedural/France (Bruno Courrèges, book 12) - 4 stars
46. The Shooting at Chateau Rock by Martin Walker, trade paperback, acquired in 2021, police procedural/France (Bruno Courrèges, book 13) - 3.5 stars
47. The Sandman, Vol. 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg (Illustrator), Malcolm Jones Iii (Illustrator), paperback acquired in 2013, GN/horror - 3.5 stars
48. Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry, Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/noir/private detective - 4.5 stars - recommended by Jennifer (mstrust)
49. The Man with the Golden Typewriter edited by Fergus Fleming, narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt, audiobook, acquired on 2018, non-fiction/letters/Ian Fleming/James Bond - 5 stars
50. Restless by William Boyd, audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pike, acquired in 2015, thriller/espionage/WWII - 4 stars - recommended by Bonnie and Donna
51. Descender Vol. 3: Singularities by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars

June Reads:
52. Sandman Vol. 3: Dream Country buy Neil Gaiman, Kelley Jones (illustrator/artist), borrowed, GN/horror/mythology - 3 stars
53. The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire by Molly Harper, Kindle, acquired in 2016, paranormal mystery/romance (Half Moon Hollow, book 3) - 3 stars
54. Mediterranean Mood Food by Paula See, hardback, library book, cookbook
55. The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths, hardback, acquired in 2018, police procedural (Harbinder Kaur, book 1) - reread
56. The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths, Kindle, acquired in 2021, police procedural (Harbinder Kaur, book 2) - 4 stars

July Reads:
57. The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths, Kindle, acquired in 2021, police procedural/forensic anthropology (Ruth Galloway, book 13) - 3.5 stars
58. The Empire of the Sun by J. G. Ballard, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical fiction/WWII - 4 stars
59. Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller, hardback, library book, literary fiction/poverty/grief
60. Descender Vol. 4 Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars
61. Up in Honey's Room by Elmore Leonard, Kindle, acquired in 2021, crime fiction/WWII/humor - 3 stars
62. Dead Man in a Ditch by Luke Arnold, 2021 acquired audiobook narrated by Luke Arnold, fantasy/private detective/noir - 3.5 stars

August Reads:
63. Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri, library hardback, translation, literary fiction/linked vignettes/solitude - 4 stars
64. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, audiobook narrated by Simon Vance, acquired in 2020, classic/shipwreck/survival - 3.5 stars
65. Ankomst by Gøhril Gabrielsen, translated by Deborah Dawkin, Kindle, acquired in 2021, psychological thriller/novella - 3 stars, recommended by Helen
66. The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson, Kindle, acquired in 2021, biographical novel/journalism/Puerto Rico - 3 stars
67. A Wizard's Guide To Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher, Kindle, acquired in 2021, Children's literature/fantasy/wizards - 4 stars - recommended by Richard
68. Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant, Kindle, acquired in 2021, novella/horror/mermaids - 4 stars
69. Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, translated by ?, Kindle, acquired in 2021, linked vignettes/Marco Polo/Kublai Khan - 2.5 stars
70. Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books by Cathy Rentzenbrink, Kindle, acquired in 2021, memoir/books about books - 4 stars - recommended by Helen
71. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Audiobook narrated by Juliet Stevenson, classic/literary fiction/industrialism - 5 stars
72. Remake by Connie Willis, Audiobook narrated by Christopher Kipiniak, acquired in 2021, sf/Hollywood/futuristic - 4.5 stars
73. Essential Welty by Eudora Welty, Audiobook narrated by Eudora Welty, acquired in 2017, short stories/Southern fiction - 4.5 stars
74. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, Kindle, acquired in 2013, crime fiction/classic - 4 stars
75. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark, library hardback, fantasy/steampunk/1912 Cairo - 4 stars
76. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, Audiobook narrated by Fenella Woolgar, acquired in 2013, historical fiction/alternate lives - 4.5 stars
77. Descender Vol. 5: Rise Of The Robots by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 4 stars
78. Descender Vol. 6: The Machine War by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen (Artist), Kindle Fire, acquired in 2021, GN/space opera/AI - 5 stars

September Reads:
79. Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warren, Kindle, acquired in 2021, literary fiction/feminism - 3 stars
80. Memento Mori by Muriel Spark, Audiobook narrated by Nadia May, borrowed from Audible Plus Catalog, literary fiction/old age - 4 stars
81. The Window Seat: Notes from a Life in Motion by Aminatta Forna, library hardback, non-fiction/essays - 4.5 stars
82. A Room with a View by E. M. Forster, Audiobook narrated by Rebecca Hall, borrowed from Audible Plus Catalog, literary fiction - 5 stars
83. All the President's Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, Trade Paperback acquired in 2021, non-fiction/politics/Watergate/Washington Post - 4 stars, buddy read with Susan and Birdy
84. Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical romance (Spindle Cove, book 4) - 4.5 stars, Katie's Dirty Dozen
85. Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare, Kindle, acquired in 2021, historical romance (Spindle Cove, book 5) (Castles Ever After, book 4) - 4 stars
86. Hickory, Dickory, Dock by Agatha Christie, trade paperback, acquired in 2012, crime fiction/mystery (Hercule Poirot, book 29) - 3.5 stars, read this with Birdy
87. My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones, library hardback, horror - 5 stars - recommended by Richard
88. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal, Kindle, acquired in 2021, immigration/assimilation/feminism - 3.5 stars, Katie's Dirty Dozen
89. Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie, trade paperback acquired forever ago, crime fiction/mystery (Hercule Poirot, book 27, Ariadne Oliver, book 3) - reread

October Reads:
90. Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser, Audiobook narrated by Xe Sands, feminism - 3 stars
91. The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs, Audiobook narrated by George Guidall, acquired in 2018, children's literature/magic
92. Optic Nerve by Maria Gainza, translated by Thomas Bunstead, Kindle, acquired in 2021, autofiction/art history/linked vignettes - 4 stars
93. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie, trade paperback, crime fiction/mystery (Hercule Poirot, book 17, Colonel Race, book 3) - reread
94. Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O'Keefe, Kindle, acquired in 2021, space opera (The Protectorate, book 1) - recommended by Jim - 4.5 stars
95. Interview With a Vampire by Anne Rice, audiobook narrated by Simon Vance, horror/vampires (The Vampire Chronicles, book 1) - 4.5 stars
96. Orwell's Nose: A Pathological Biography by John Sutherland, Kindle, acquired in 2016, literary criticism/biography - 4 stars - Charlotte told me about this one
97. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, Audiobook narrated by Susan Jameson, crime fiction/detective (Jackson Brodie, book 1) - reread - 4.5 stars
98. The Coldest Case by Martin Walker, library hardback, crime fiction/police procedural (Bruno Courrèges, book 14) - 4 stars
99. Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin, audiobook narrated by Mia Farrow, horror - 4 stars
100. The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. - Richard

Katie’s Dirty Dozen - That’s right, folks, KAK’s reserved spot is back for a seventh year, let’s see what she hits me with this time.

1. Siracusa by Delia Ephron
2. Blessings by Anna Quindlen
3. When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
4. Island of the Lost by Joan Druett
5. The Plot by Jean Hand Korelitz
6. Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
7. You Deserve Nothing by Alexander Maksik
8. A Burning by Megha Majumdar
9. I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti
10. Falling by T.J. Newman
11. Lizzie & Dante by Mary Bly (Eloisa James)
12. Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare read 9/2021 4.5 stars
13. The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
14. Bookmarked: Reading My Way from Hollywood to Brooklyn by Wendy W. Fairey (daughter of Sheila Graham) - go with the print version
15. The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman - linked short stories
16. What is Left the Daughter by Howard Norman
17. All The Young Men by Ruth Coker Burks
18. Matrix by Lauren Groff - she gave this the full five stars

The List: (this is a list LT book bullets from this year)

1. A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill - Shannon (sturlington)
2. Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex von Tunzelmann - Susan
3. Cove by Cynan Jones - Richard - "...this is the book I wish The Old Man and the Sea had been, but was not."
4. The Riddle of the Third Mile by Colin Dexter - Jennifer (6th in the series)
5. A Lear of the Steppes by Ivan Turgenev - Paul
6. Summerwater by Sarah Moss - Caroline - "Moss communicates the dark undertow of the ordinary through a group of characters confined by weather to their cabins in a Scottish forest." (acquired 1/11/21) read Feb. 2021
7. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell - Ellen gave this the full 5 stars
8. Sidewalks by Valeria Luiselli - Charlotte
9. The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon - Judy (ffortsa)
10. The War Widow by Tara Moss - Meg
11. Blood and Oil by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck - Susan
12. Childhood by Tove Ditlevsen - Käthe
13. A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler - Luanne (clue)
14. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls - Karen, and Richard liked this one, too (acquired 1/11/21) read Jan. 2021
14. The Bells of Old Tokyo by Anna Sherman - Charlotte - travel writing
15. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar - Mark
16. Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry - Jennifer read May 2021
17. Those Who Knew by Idra Novey - Beth
18. The Steam Pig by James McClure - Kerry - crime fiction series set in apartheid-era South Africa
19. Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines - Richard
20. Harriet by Elizabeth Jenkins - Rhian
21. Unfinished Business: notes of a chronic rereader by Vivian Gornick - Charlotte
22. The Historians: Poems by Eavan Boland - Charlotte again
23. A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris - Linda (laytonwoman3rd)
24. Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut - Julia
25. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones - because Ellen because Richard

The List, continued:

26. A World Beneath the Sands by Toby Wilkinson - Erik
27. Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu - Charlotte "...really clever (and funny) way of making a powerful point about stereotypes..."
28. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell - Leslie (leslie.98)
29. Milkman by Anna Burns - Richard
30. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw - Chelle (YA)
31. The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer - Mark - memoir
32. Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O'Keefe - Jim (acquired 1/26/21) read 10/2021
33. Mystery, Inc. by Joyce Carol Oates - Jennifer
34. The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton - Jennifer (jpaul22)
35. The Man Who Walked Through Walls by Marcel Aymé - Pam
36. Telephone by Percival Everett - Kay
37. Monogamy by Sue Miller - Kay again
38. Destroyer by Victor LaValle - Roberta read April 2021
39. A Little London Scandal by Miranda Emmerson - Charlotte (this is the second in the series)
40. Written in Bone by Sue Black - Susan
41. The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville - Laura on Katie's thread!
42. A Natural History of Hell by Jeffrey Ford - Richard
43. Shooting Midnight Cowboy by Glenn Frankel - Mark
44. Pandora's Jar by Natalie Haynes - Helen
45. Dear Reader by Cathy Rentzenbrink - Helen again read 8/2021
46. Sicily by John Julius Norwich - Helen is on a roll!
47. The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith - because Richard said so
48. Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So - Richard again
49. Know My Name by Chantel Miller - Susan
50. The Good Lord Bird - Mark said so

The List continues:

51. The Eternal Audience of One by Rémy Ngamije - Richard
52. Lust and Forbidden Fruit Tomato Rhapsody: A Fable of Love by Adam Schell - Judy
53. The Changeling by Victor LaValle - Richard again
54. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey - VictoriaPL
55. Radiance by Catherynne M. Valente - Richard says this is a similar theme to Remake
56. Madness is Better than Defeat by Ned Beauman - Richard again
57. Boxer, Beetle by Ned Beauman - Richard is on a roll
58. Medusa's Web by Tim Powers - Susan (quondame)
59. Experimental Film by Lewis Jacobs - Susan (quondame) again
60. Hot Money by Dick Francis - Karen
61. Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams - Beth
62. Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins - Beth again
63. Twenty-Five to Life by R.W.W. Greene - Richard
64. Adrift by Rob Boffard
65. My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones - Richard - read 9/2021
66. Ariadne by Jennifer Saint - Beth
67. Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell - Roberta
68. The Gadfly by Ethel Voynich - Richard on Karen's thread
69. Heating & Cooling: 52 micro memoirs by Beth Ann Fennelly - Charlotte
70. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell - Reba
71. Monkeewrench by P. J. Tracy - VictoriaPL
72. NEVER SILENT: ACT UP and My Life in Activism by Peter Staley - Richard
73. Dialogues with Rising Tides by Kelli Russell Agodon - Mark - poetry collection
74. Winter Flowers by Angélique Villeneuve - Charlotte - translation - read 11/2021
75. Death at Whitewater Church by Andrea Carter - Richard

The List continues:

76. The Dancing Face by Mike Phillips - Helen
77. The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji, translated by Ho-Ling Wong - rabbit princess
78. Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala - Richard
79. Middlegame by Seanan McGuire - Amber
80. Conditional Citizens by Lala Lalami - Beth, essays
81. Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer - Juli
82. The Sentence by Louise Erdrich - Beth
83. The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. - Richard

Happy new one!

>11 Crazymamie: Thanks, Jim!

Happy New Thread, Mamie. Looking forward to our little group read of Swann's Way.

>14 msf59: Thanks, Mark! Me, too.

Happy new thread, Mamie!

>16 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie!

Happy New Thread, Mamie!

i probably missed your comments on it. How'd you like Case Histories? Isn't Jackson Brodie a good character?

Last night I made the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie - the new recipe I have been wanting to try from the Iowagirleats blog. I used the gluten free mini-gnocchi that she recommended, and we liked it! This recipe is a keeper, but I want to switch up the spices - it was good, but there was a bit of a funk to the taste, and I think it's from the poultry seasoning used in the recipe. I am going to make it again and pick my own spices. But everything cooked perfectly, and it was so quick and so easy, and I loved that it all cooks in just the one pot. Tonight we are making the Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup and I will report back on how the slow cooker version compares to the stove top recipe.

On the reading front, I didn't get much reading done yesterday. The dentist and getting my water turned back on and making dinner and watching Griffin ate up my day. By evening, I just wanted to get into bed and watch tv. We watched one episode of Buffy and one episode of West Wing. Tried to go to bed early, but I could not fall asleep, so I read some in Lud-in-the-Mist. I need to pick my next audiobook, and I am thinking with my other reads, I need something light, so maybe the next one up for me in the Her Royal Spyness series.

>18 jnwelch: Thank you, Joe! Case Histories was a reread for me - I have read it probably three or four times now, and I never get tired of it. LOVE Jackson Brodie!

I'm sooo excited about this new thread of yours, Mamie. I'm expecting great things of it.

I just bought a book with deckled edges. I thought you'd want to know. :-) It's Swann's Way, Lydia Davis translation. Delivers tomorrow. You know what this means.

Happy new thread!
Glad the gnocchi went well.

Hurray for yummy gnocchi, and a new recipe in the rotation. I've been searching out main dish recipes calling for sweet potatoes and/or butternut squash -- our CSA has been supplying more every week! -- and have made a couple of nice stews and curries that I'd make again, even if I wasn't being inundated with orange autumn veg.

Glad you loved the gnocchi-laden semi-pot-pie recipe! That's a very creative way to get the same effect as crust but without gluten.

So you loathed Winter Flowers, good good good, I can dodge that book bullet as I take aim at you tomorrow. Two, count 'em two!, graphic novels...one of which I think you'll *love* and the other kinda-maybe but not really.

Happy new one, Mamie. Too bad about the problems with your son and DIL's potential new home. I can see why they didn't want to take all of that on.

The soup looks good. It's definitely soup weather here now.

Happy new thread, Mamie!

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Mamie.

Happy new thread, Mamie and love to all at the Pecan Paradisio.

Morning, Mamie. Sweet Thursday. My convalesce continues...Hey, at least I am getting some quality reading time in. I am glad we all landed a Penguin copy of Swann's Way. Yah! I know you are a movie buff. I watched The Misfits the other day. Not a perfect film but that star power sure makes it worth watching- Gable, Monroe, Clift and Wallach. A sense of tragedy pervades too- Gable died before the film was released. Monroe, just a year later and Clift 5 years later. He was only in his early 40s.

>21 weird_O: I will endeavor not to let you down, Oh Weird One.

*squee* I DO know what that means! I have that same gorgeous edition. Most exciting!

>22 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen!

>23 lauralkeet: We love sweet potatoes, Laura, but I have not cooked much with butternut squash. We used it is a sheet pan recipe, and everyone liked it, so I should be looking for more recipes, too. Feel free to share your favorites if you are so inclined. I made note of the red pizza sauce link that you posted on Katie's threads and we are going to use that next time we make pizza.

>24 richardderus: I think a crust is so much tastier, but you are right, and the recipe was so quick and easy to make.

HAhaha! I think you should take the BB because you have been hitting me all year, and I have already read several of your bullets. I can't wait to see what the graphic novels are!

>25 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg! Yeah, I was sad for them, but I know something that is a better fit will come along eventually.

I love me some soup. Or stew. Or chowder.

>26 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita!

>27 quondame: Thanks, Susan!

>28 BLBera: Thank you, Beth!

>29 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! The Pecan Paradisio sends our love back to you.

>30 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday! Every time you post Sweet Thursday, it takes me back to the Steinbeckathon, which was the very first shared read that I participated in here.

Glad you are taking it easy after your fall. I bought my copy of Swann's Way back in 2018, so I am happy to be getting to it - I just can't resist those Penguin Deluxe Classics. Unless they are by Dickens - then I can resist, although I think I do have one or two of those. Heh.

I am trying to remember if I have watched The Misfits - I think so with my Dad years ago. My memory has not been quite the same since I had Covid, so... I should watch it and report back - thanks so much for sharing. You are right that I love the movies - especially the older ones.

>31 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! My SIL recently sent me this recipe, and it was delish. I know you have some dietary restrictions so not sure if there's anything to be concerned about but here goes:
Cozy Butternut, Sweet Potato, and Red Lentil Stew

The only thing I don't like about butternut squash is peeling them. The internet recommends roasting the squash first, which doesn't work when the recipe calls for raw squash. I use a giant knife and cut the peel away.

Hooray for the Steinbeckathon! That sure was a favorite around here and an inspiration for the AAC. I hope you can track down The Misfits, directed by the great John Huston.

Morning, Mamie!

Hi Mamie! Happy new thread!

Wow. I ‘go dark’ for less than 24 hours, and I’m 52 messages behind across two threads.

From your previous thread, sorry about the water being turned off and glad it’s back on – man, they sure don’t waste time, do they?, first-time Swann’s Way read noted.

>19 Crazymamie: Looks yum to me, but There Are Peas In It. Mushrooms, too. My husband, the picky eater, would pick each one out. I know – I could substitute other vegetables…

So yesterday I made that slow cooker broccoli cheese potato soup. Um...no. The texture was very off-putting, and something I did not think about but should have is that broccoli stinks when it is cooking. Also, and this is funny, I was mixing up the Iowagirleats soup with the Skinnytaste soup, which is the one we like. Heh.

Last night we watched the David Suchet version of Hallowe'en Party, and we were disappointed. I know that they cut characters and change stuff around so that the book fits into the smaller time frame, but I don't understand why they change stuff that doesn't need to be changed. Anyway, in this case, the book is so much better, and the book is not even one of my favorites. Still fun to watch, but yeah. We also watched a couple of our favorite Bones episodes - Birdy and I feel compelled to check on episode 1 periodically to see which music it features. The original song (that we heard) that plays while Temperance is assembling the shattered skull is Collide> by Howie Day, and this is the PERFECT song not just for this episode but for the entire show. Unfortunately, sometimes it is replaced with Broken Bridge by Daughter Darling. Funnily enough, whatever song plays, if you have the subtitles on, the lyrics to Collide are what appears. Anyway, there is Great Joy at the Pecan Paradisio if Collide is the featured song, and then we must watch that clip multiple times.


On the reading front, I started listening to One Good Turn (the second book in the Jackson Brodie series) on audio narrated by Steven Crossley - this is my third time reading this book, but my first time on audio. I also read some from Why Read the Classics.

>34 lauralkeet: Thanks so much for that! I will check it out.

>35 msf59: It was a lot of fun, Mark! I am sure I can track down The Misfits. If all else fails, I can rent it from Amazon.

>36 katiekrug: Morning, Katie!

>37 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Thank you. I hear you - the thread are very hard to keep up with. I am struggling myownself.

Yeah, the water was a major pain just because it took so long on the phone to sort it out.

Yep. We love peas and mushrooms. You could totally substitute other veggies. Potatoes would work nicely, and I would add them up front with the carrots and celery. You could use frozen corn in place of peas or just leave them out. But I get totally just skipping it, too.

100. Winter Flowers by Angélique Villeneuve, translated by Adriana Hunter, Kindle, historical fiction/WWI/France - 5 stars - recommended by Charlotte

The writing in this was gorgeous. The author has written other books, but this is the first and the only on to be translated into English so far. Here's the Amazon blurb:

"It’s October 1918 and the war is drawing to a close.

Toussaint Caillet returns home to his wife, Jeanne, and the young daughter he hasn’t seen growing up. He is not coming back from the front line but from the department for facial injuries at Val-de-Grâce military hospital, where he has spent the last two years.

For Jeanne, who has struggled to endure his absence and the hardships of wartime, her husband’s return marks the beginning of a new battle. With the promise of peace now in sight, the family must try to stitch together a new life from the tatters of what they had before."

What is so well done here is that we are given a glimpse into both sides of the story. First, the wife who remained at home struggling to provide for herself and her young daughter. She makes and sells artificial flowers, which is where the title comes from. There is a lot of detail about the flower making, and it is fascinating. We also get to see into the husband's story and understand that he has experienced things that he cannot share properly with someone who wasn't there. They wrote during the war, but in order to spare each other, they did not write of the horrors they were each experiencing. They did not share their struggles. And when her husband is injured and he writes telling her not to come, she is hurt and angry.

"She always woke with a start first thing in the morning. She should have stirred herself, gone straight back to work, but for many months Toussaint's words tore at her. They were dark words.

I want you not to come.

Over time, the unusual construction so intrigued her that she tried to read into it what hadn't been said. Why hadn't he added 'my little darling', as he so often did, why hadn't he written, 'It's better if you don't come for now'? Or 'We need to be patient', or 'The doctor would rather we waited before you visit', or worst of all, 'I don't want you to come'? Touissaint hadn't chosen any of these. Perhaps he's had enough of not wanting, because no one ever listened to him. He had told his wife what he wanted, not what he didn't want.

I want you not to come."

When he finally does come home, bridging the gap seems too big an ask. This, for me, was a perfect read. Thanks so much to Charlotte for bringing it to my attention.

>40 Crazymamie: - Adding to the list! I must have missed this one on Charlotte's thread...

101. Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie, trade paperback, crime fiction/mystery, (Hercule Poirot, book 35, Ariadne Oliver, book 7) - reread

This is not my favorite Agatha Christie, but it is still fun and it features Ariadne Oliver in addition to Hercule Poirot. The murder takes place at a Hallowe'en party. Earlier in the day a young girl said that she had seen a murder. It was years ago, and at the time she did not realize it was a murder. She is mentioning this because Mrs. Oliver, the famous murder mystery author is present and she wants to impress her. No one takes her seriously because she is always making up stories, but later when she turns up dead Mrs. Oliver remembers her confession and calls in the great Hercule Poirot.


We watched the corresponding episode of Agatha's Christie's Poirot, featuring David Suchet - you can find it in Season 12, episode 2. We were disappointed with this adaptation/version of the novel - they cut some characters and added some that did not seem to bring much to the story. And they completely changed Mrs. Goodbody. Still loads of twists and turns, but the book is so much better.

*Next up is Murder on the Orient Express and Rae and Abby will joining in with Birdy and me. Abby was reading the last few chapters of Hallowe'en Party out loud to us as Birdy and I were making dinner. We didn't get it all finished, and after dinner we moved to the bedroom, and Rae settled in for the rest of the story. SO much fun that they decided they wanted to read along, too.

>41 katiekrug: You'll be glad you did, Katie!

>40 Crazymamie: Wow, Winter Flowers, besides having a lovely cover, must be great. This is the second five-star review I've seen. Maybe this should be my next read...

...such a pity your entry into triple-digit-dom was with a 0.5-star read...

>42 Crazymamie: Mrs Goodbody was the one change I did not agree with in the adaptation. Otherwise, the filmed version suits me so much better than the book!

*smooch*

>44 BLBera: Yes, Beth! Make it your next read - it just pulls you right in.

>45 richardderus: You are cracking me up, BigDaddy!

Really?! Interesting.

*smooch back*

Morning, Mamie. Happy Friday! Still on the mend, but getting better. I am heading over to Bree's to sit with Jackson for a few hours. She has returned to work this week, starting with 5 hours, but can do it all from home. She has had help from other family members too, at least for this first week. I hope to read to him and get some of my own reading in, as well.

Happy Friday Mamie! I hope everybody at the Pecan Paradisio is doing well.

Happy Double-Thursday! *smooch*

Happy Friday, Mamie! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Happy...um...it's Mmmday again, isn't it, but if I know my pal Mamie there's a good book and a cool porch summoning forth the happy.

*smooch*

>47 msf59: Morning, Mark, although It's a totally different one. Hope you are starting to feel better - it takes ribs forever to mend. Bree is probably very happy that she can do the work stuff from home, and how lovely that she can return slowly like that. I remember going back to work after I had Rae, and I went from staying home with her to working full time again on evening shift, and it was really tough.

>48 karenmarie: We are all good here, Karen. Rae is finally getting over her cold, and we had a lovely weekend full of the lazy.

>49 richardderus: Thank you, kindly!

>50 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia. Hoping the weekend was kind to you.

>51 richardderus: Right, we are back to that day again. Luckily, I don't need to go anywhere, so we are just hanging out. We are back to the high 70s for the next four days, and then we are supposed to get some 60s. It was nice and cool over the weekends though, so we soaked it up.

You know me so well - my plans exactly. *smooch back*

Mamie! I was checking in to see if there have been any additions to your family in the last year (?) since I've really paid attention to the threads.

I was excited to see that, yes, there was! A grandson named Griffin! I thought they had that baby pretty fast (or has time gone that quickly?) yet life is meant to be worth living, eh?

Then I saw the picture of Griffin and *LAUGHED.*

Happy new one!

Hiya Mamie! Happy new thread, Happy hump day!

Morning, Mamie! Happy Wednesday! You don't seem to be posting much lately, so I hope you are doing okay. I finally got out with my birding buddies yesterday and it felt great. Still stiff and sore at times but I am moving in the right direction.

Permaybehaps a pastry buffet will lure her out....


ETA size

>53 Morphidae: Morphy! Hello there! Too funny - yes, Griffin is a dog. He is usually a very good boy, but he does have his moments. He is so big, I have to remind myself that he is still a puppy. After our toy poodles, he seems like livestock. Heh.

>54 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita!

>55 Carmenere: Hello, Lynda! Thank you!

>56 msf59: Morning, Mark! I need to catch up with the threads. Craig was out of town for several days, and the girls and I were hanging out together, so my online time and reading dropped off. Also tomorrow is Daniel's birthday, so we have been prepping for that.

I'm glad you are feeling better and are able to get back out there. Tale it easy, my friend, and don't over do it.

>57 richardderus: YUM! You know me too well! *smooch*

Hope the offspring has a good birthday, Mamie.

>60 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen! He was here this morning to drop off Griffin - Kaitlyn was asked to pick up an extra shift, so we have him this morning. He really wanted to eat my bunny slippers, so I had to change them which cracked me up.

Morning, Mamie!

*Chimes in with Katie*

Morning, Mamie!

>62 katiekrug: Morning, Katie!

>63 scaifea: Morning, Amber!

Nothing to add to that...so *smooch*

Today is Daniel's 27th birthday. He has requested his usual birthday dinner - cheesy chicken roll-ups with dressing and mashed potatoes and gravy. For dessert, I am making his favorite cookies and Kaitlyn is bringing her banana pudding, which is to die for. Daniel said Kaitlyn asked if I would mind that he asked both of us to do dessert, and he told her that no, I would be so proud of his working the system. True! I look at him, and I am amazed at the young man that he has become - I am so proud of his character and so thankful that I got to have a hand in helping to shape it. I think about all the wonderful people that have helped to make him who he is today, and I am grateful. I wish my Dad could see him.

On the reading front, not much has been happening. The girls and I have started Murder on the Orient Express. I have multiple books going on the Kindle, and I just read whichever one calls to me in the moment. Still working on my Orwell reads. Mostly we have been goofing off and playing Animal Crossing. And getting the house ready for the holidays, which I am SO ready for - BRING IT! I went to the library earlier in the week, and here's what came home with me:

Matrix by Lauren Groff - from Katie's Dirty Dozen
The Plot by Jean Hand Korelitz - ditto
Still Life by Sarah Winman - this is her new one. I loved both Tin Man and When God Was a Rabbit
Renegades Born in the USA by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen - this is a gorgeous coffee table sized book:

>65 richardderus: Hello there, darling! *smooch back*

Morning, Mamie! Sweet Thursday. Happy Birthday to Daniel. I am sure he will enjoy those cheesy chicken roll-ups. I like your on-deck books. I am waiting for my library copy of Matrix to come in. It will be awhile. If you can hold off about 2 weeks, I can join you on Still Life, which I also have a copy of.

Are you getting geared up about Swann's Way? I may start dipping into it on Saturday.

>68 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sweet Thursday! And thank you for the happy wishes for Daniel. I think I can hold off on Still Life if the library lets me renew it, so I will wait for you.

I have Swann's Way sitting here all ready to go, and I also have Eric Karpeles' Paintings in Proust: A Visual Companion to In Search of Lost Time, which Abby has already claimed for when I am finished with it. Saturday sounds perfect - I will stat then.

Daniel's birthday dinner and desserts sound delicious. Enjoy!

>70 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! He has been requesting the same birthday dinner since he was five. It always feels like a rehearsal for Thanksgiving to me.

Happy birthday to Daniel! Hope dinner and dessert are a lot of fun for all involved.

>72 bell7: Thanks, Mary!

Cookies and banana pudding - he *does* know what he's doing and I like his style. Very happiest birthday wishes to him!!

>69 Crazymamie: This will give me the perfect excuse to read Still Life. We will touch base later in the month, on that one.

>75 msf59: Gotcha.

>66 Crazymamie: Happy birthday to Daniel! It sounds like his way of gaming the system is dangerous to the waistline :)

Morning, Mamie. Happy Friday. The cold and the damp will keep me off the trails for a few days. More book time. I am also Jackson-sitting this AM, while Bree works. Hey, I miss the kid.

My glide-path didn't lead me back yesterday, so I'm late wishing you a happy Daniel's birthday!

And, of course, a happy Fri-YAY to you and all yours...*smooch*

>77 alcottacre: Thanks, Stasia! It was an excellent birthday dinner, and Birdy and I have decided absolutely no cooking of anything today. Dessert was delicious - I went with the banana pudding. Daniel, of course, had both. Luckily, he is very active, or you are right that his waistline would suffer.

>78 msf59: Morning, Mark! Friday happiness to you. You would love our weather today - bright and sunny and going to a high of 77F. It's 65F right now, and I wish that were the high because it's perfect out there right this moment. Hooray for Jackson time - soak it up!

>79 richardderus: I just came from your place! Thanks for those happy wishes - he had a very nice birthday.

And yes! Hooray for Friday! We are doing takeaway from a burger joint today, and later we will watch the latest episode to drop from the GBBO. *smooch back*

Is there a Swann's Way readathon? I own that book!

>81 The_Hibernator: Rachel, a small group of us are reading it together this month - Mark, Karen (karenmarie), Bill (The Weird One), Caroline (Caroline_McElwee) and myself. Mark and I are staring tomorrow. Feel free to join us - there is not a dedicated thread.

>82 Crazymamie: I'll consider it. I tried reading it a while back. If I recall, it's a long, dense book, so I'd have to set aside Moby Dick (which is my current long, dense book).

Happy weekend, Mamie!

Hi Mamie, I enjoyed catching up with you and, of course, I managed to get hit by a BB. I have picked up a kindle copy of Winter Flowers. I have been planning my 2022 Category Challenge but not that it's done, I can relax and enjoy the rest of 2021!

>58 Crazymamie: How does Griffin get along with your four-legged crew?

*****

Swann's Way, hmmm? How fast do you think you all will be reading it? 100 pages a week? Less?

I don't think I could do it alone. Slowly and as part of a group? Maybe.

>86 Morphidae: Great to see you posting Morphy. Missed you loads.

Wishing you a weekend full of fabulous, Mamie and wishing a slightly belated birthday greeting to Craig.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Saturday. I enjoyed my time with Jackson and even got to read to him a bit. I plan on going to see the new version of Dune today, with a friend. I wanted to see it on the big screen. Have you ever read the book? I have not.

Saturday orisons, Mamie me lurve. Pot #2 of Lavazza dark-roasted coffee is slidin' down a treat. (Valerie bought me a couple bags of it when she visited...I'd never indulge myself that way!)

Happy Saturday, Mamie! I hope it has been a good one.

>83 The_Hibernator: Oh! Don't set aside Moby Dick - I loved that one. Swann's Way will wait for you - that's the lovely thing about books.

>84 alcottacre: Thank you, Stasia!

>85 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I think you will love Winter Flowers - I thought the Kindle copy was an excellent deal. I am still working on the finishing touches of my 2022 Category Challenge. I need to come check out what you came up with - I always love your themes!

>86 Morphidae: Griffin and the kitties are still negotiating territory, Morphy. Mayhem is the most laid back around him - the girls will come closer if he remains absolutely still, but puppy, so this hardly ever happens unless he is snoozing. We have a gate blocking the stairs, so the kitties have complete run of that when he is here. They like to observe him from the balcony seats.

I have no idea how fast people will be reading Swann's Way - I guess I figured we would each go at our own pace and compare notes. I started this weekend and have read the first 160 pages.

>87 PaulCranswick: Thanks, so much, Paul - it was Daniel's birthday, not Craig's - his is coming up in December.

>88 msf59: Hello, Mark! I am SO wanting to see that new Dune. Yes, I have read the book, and I loved it - just read it for the first time last year. It's one of Craig's favorite books, and he has the gorgeous Folio Society edition, so it was a treat to read.

>89 richardderus: Thank you, Bigdaddy! Indulgence is full of fabulous - glad you have something worthy of the word and that you have a lovely memory to go with it. *smooch*

>90 alcottacre: Thanks. Stasia! The weekend was good. Got a lot done but also managed some down time for a bit of the lazy.

Happy That Day, Mamie!

Morning, Mamie. I hope you had a good weekend. I enjoyed Dune. It was so nice to see it on the big screen. I also got to hang out with Jackson yesterday. Such a precious boy. I am 50 pages into Swann's Way. It is definitely going to be a slow read but I have to admit I am enjoying it.

I started reading Swann's Way this weekend and was surprised by how much I got read - I guess I was just in the right mood for this very dense but beautifully written novel. I have read the first 160 pages so far - almost all of Part One. I will be sure to at least finish up Part One today. Penguin Random House has a very nice intro to it with a reader's guide - you can find it here Swann’s Way Reader’s Guide

>94 katiekrug: Thank you, Katie!

>95 msf59: Morning, Mark! Hooray for Jackson time - he is so very lucky to have you. I never got to meet my grandmothers or my paternal grandfather, as they dies before I was born. My maternal grandfather was a dear, but he died when I was five. He had fought in WWI and was gassed, so his health was never the same after that.

I am also enjoying Swann's Way and was surprised by how much I read in one sitting. The physical book itself is lovely with good quality paper, and that makes it a treat to hold. I did have to use my book pillow, though, to help me out.

>96 Crazymamie: It's not a small reading project, is it. I think the beauty of the book's bookness is underrated in the satisfaction scores we assign to our reads.

>98 richardderus: I was just over at your place!

So true. But, if you can slow down and just immerse yourself, it will pull you into it.

>66 Crazymamie: Such nice words about Daniel. I'm so happy, he's happy and found a great match and that you like her too.

>97 Crazymamie: I really need to get myself a better copy of Swann's Way. The copy I have has such tiny print in it that I can only read a few pages at a time.

>100 Carmenere: Thank you, Lynda! Me, too, with the happy.

>101 alcottacre: Oh, dear, Stasia! Yes - mine is the Penguin Deluxe Classics edition, and the font is a good size. Too tiny would be most annoying, and if you can only read a few pages at a time, it is going to take you ages to get through it.

>96 Crazymamie: I tried. I really did.

I went to Amazon which has the first few pages. I started to read. I got a couple paragraphs in. Blinked rapidly and started the third paragraph over. My mind started to fog but I plowed on - fourth paragraph, fifth - my eyes were glazing over and refused to do anything but skim. Sixth paragr- Then my body came to a shuddering halt, and as my brain screamed, "Nooooooes, I can'ts dos this!" my eyes snapped shut in relief.

I have finally realized in my mid-50s that I can't read a book just because it's beautifully written as much as I may want to add it to my Read list. I thought it was because I was somehow a "lesser" reader but I now know it's because of my ADHD. A book can't hold my attention on beauty alone. Not that beauty alone is an issue. It simply means that my brain is unable to cope with reading it. I have to have something "interesting" enough to keep my focus, i.e. plot or character driven stories.

It's a concept that is both frustrating and freeing.

>103 Morphidae: No worries, Morphy. I admire your honesty. For me, it's all about mood - I am a mood reader and tend to pick up way more books than I actually finish, sometimes even reading more than halfway through before setting it aside. I may return to it later or I may not. I know this about myself, and I don't worry when it happens - it's just my own personal reading style. I have also gone through seasons of reading where I go down the rabbit hole following a particular type of read. These past two years I have been wanting to read more of the authors that I have read about but never actually read, and so I have folded them into my reading when the mood strikes.

Morning, Mamie. I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since my tumble and I am still a bit sore. I think I am going to go out and stretch my legs though. Chilly out but dry. You are doing great with Swann's Way. Are you enjoying it? I am just over a 100 pages so I probably won't start Part 2 until later tomorrow. The lovelier spots easily make up for the drier ones.

>105 msf59: Morning, Mark! I can believe it with the soreness - it took forever for me to recover from my Fall.

I am liking Swann's Way - it's easy to immerse myself in. I love how he thinks about memory and time.

Morning, Mamie!

>107 katiekrug: Morning, Katie!

Morning, Mamie!

I liked but didn't love Proust. I can appreciate the language, but in other respects I mostly thought it was a bit of a slog. So I can sympathize with Morphy here, but I'm also happy that you're enjoying it so far!

Morning, Amber! I like the writing and the language, and I love the thinking parts of it about time and memory, but the story itself does not rock my world, if that makes sense. If it was just the plot, you could transfer it into novella format, and it would still not be riveting.

It's Tuesday afternoon, my Wednesday review is done, my Friday review is not even read yet...next week is That Day, I need to write the annual explanation of Booksgiving...

...but I don't have a job.

Hah.

Good luck with Proust, Mamie!

>104 Crazymamie: I'm glad you are enjoying it and, honestly, I wish I were more like you as far as reading goes. I really wanted to read along with you. And there are other books I've tried to read or want to read that I simply can't focus on.

I always thought it was all a matter of preference. I also never understood people who couldn't read because they couldn't focus on more than a page or two. However, I've been doing a ton of work on research on ADHD and it was eye-opening to attempt to read a book I *really* wanted to read at the least the first few pages of and couldn't.

I made a joke out of it, but honestly, it was rather unnerving. I'd think to myself, "I can do this. It's only the fourth paragraph." I'd slow down more concentrate on each word. That didn't work. I tried reading at my normal pace. I'd forget what I'd read and have to start over.

It's not physical either. I'm feeling the best I have in 6 months!

>102 Crazymamie: I actually finished the book, Mamie, but it took me a while.

Happy Wednesday, Mamie!

>111 richardderus: Oh, the irony. I have no idea how you do it all, but I am so very thankful that you do. I love reading your reviews. *smooch*

>112 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! I did not read any yesterday, so I need to make sure to get to it today.

>113 Morphidae: I'm sorry, Morphy. I get what you are saying - Rae has ADHD in addition to her Aspergers, and Daniel also has ADHD. Rae tends to hyper focus on what she reads, and she loves to read the same book over and over again. Daniel loves audiobooks, and mostly listens to books because then he can do something else at the same time. When I am reading something that I am having trouble getting into, a lot of times I will listen to the audiobook while reading the print book, and that helps to focus my attention and make me feel immersed in the story. I also think it's okay to read something and not get everything the first time though - just let it wash over you and pick up what you can, get a feel for the writing and the style. BUT, I know it must be so frustrating to want to read something and not be able to focus on it enough to do it, and I am sorry that is what you are experiencing. I would love to read another book with you if there is one that you are currently reading and enjoying - tell me the title, and I will get a copy and join you.

On the bright side, HOORAY for feeling the best you have in 6 months!! I am so happy to hear that.

>114 alcottacre: Stasia, my bad - I misunderstood what you were saying. That must have been a slightly painful process.

Happy Wednesdaying to you!

Morning, Mamie. Happy Wednesday. I had a very nice stroll in the woods yesterday. I am supposed to do some volunteering this AM but it may get called off because of rain. I am only at 160 pages in Swann's Way. I was hoping to read more but this one takes some focus and as the day went on, I began to lose it. Hope to get back on track today.

>116 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Wednesday to you. Glad you were able to get a walk in yesterday. I did not read any in Swann's Way, so I'm hoping to get back to it today.

Okay...three reviews today...Friday's now the Booksgiving/Jólabókaflóð (yo-la-bok-a-flot) explanation...and the Friday book I was so bored by I can't be arsed. Maaaybe a Burgoine.

I *do* like to stay busy. Boredom is physically painful to me.

>115 Crazymamie: Thanks for understanding.

Huh. Interesting about Rae and rereading. There are books, even entire series, that I've read a half-dozen times or more. And I'm not talking about a small list.* I wonder if it has to do with my ADHD? Things to ponder...

I'm part of a Facebook group called ADHD for Smart @$$ Women. (It's AWESOME.) I'll ask there to see if anyone there experiences it. People ask questions like that all the time, "Is it ADHD or me/neurotypical?" You can get a good feel from the answers. You always get a bunch of yeses, of course. But if you get a significant number of nos, the issue/quirk just makes you an average Schmo. Sort of like the Reddit group Am I the @$$h0le?**

I'd love to read a book with you. I'm in the middle of a sort of book funk. Too many choices, I think. I may post a dozen or so on my thread and have LTers decide. I know I have some chunksters or more challenging books I'd love a buddy for. Give me a couple of days to come up with a few choices?

* Ooooh, project!

** "A catharsis for the frustrated moral philosopher in all of us, and a place to finally find out if you were wrong in an argument that's been bothering you. Tell us about any non-violent conflict you have experienced; give us both sides of the story, and find out if you're right, or you're the @$$h0le."

>118 richardderus: I hear you on the boredom though instead of physical pain, it's anxiety for me. The longer the boredom goes on, the worse the anxiety gets.

>115 Crazymamie: No worries, Mamie. It is no big deal.

Don't you fret about not reading Proust yesterday or today. Just think of me. I didn't read Proust yesterday. Or today, for that matter. In fact, I haven't read any Proust at all.

Ah hahahahahaha. Weird, innit?

Afternoon, Y'all! Yesterday was very productive but not very exciting. I now have Thanksgiving sorted with lists and everything - I have no idea what happened to the master list that I usually just pull out as a reference. I have been to the Publix, where they are completely out of frozen shredded hash browns, frozen pie crusts and the sausage we like. There is a limit on bacon. Next week it will be completely insane in there, but I will have to go back for the missing items and the fresh produce. On the bright side, everyone was in a good mood.

On the reading front, I am about to finish up two books - Swann's Way and The Wardrobe Mistress. I have started the GN In Search of Lost Time: Swann's Way and Paintings in Proust: A Visual Companion to In Search of Lost Time - I will probably finish these before writing a review of Swann's Way, as I want to let it marinate a bit. And what has happened to Orwell, you might ask - I have set him aside just until I finish with Proust, as I did not feel I could focus fairly on both. Sorry, George.

Mexican takeaway for late lunch, as it's Friday. I'm hungry and not waiting very patiently for it, but Craig and Rae are still working and will pick it up on their way home.

>118 richardderus: I like to be not bored but also not necessarily busy. *smooch*

>119 Morphidae: Morphy, it would indeed be interesting to see what responses you get to that question.

I had no idea you had a thread! I will have to check the thread book when I finish here. Feel free to take your time making a decision - I am happy to read anything with you but self-help. Self-help and I don't get along usually. Also no Faulkner or Franzen. Preferably no Dickens or Twain. Other than that...

>120 alcottacre: Happy Friday, Stasia!

>121 weird_O: I actually did read Proust yesterday and the day before, just not on Tuesday. I have almost finished it, and no one can be more surprised than I am. I felt like there was a bit of slog in the middle section - just too long for me, but other than that, I liked it pretty well. I am letting my thoughts settle on it before I make my report.

No worries if it is not calling to you right now even though you have that beautiful copy on hand. I myownself am a mood reader, and I think that waiting until you want to read it is the best plan. You be true to you, Oh Weird One.

Our grocery store had signs up about breakfast food shortages due to supply issues... I hope you can get your missing items next week!

Enjoy your Mexican. We are having pasta fagioli soup from our favorite Italian place, with crusty bread :)

Hiya smoochling...Hell of a Book won the National Book Award for Fiction, and I can't even be arsed to write a review...even a Burgoine...because why? The Prophets deserved the win. Hell of a Book is...decent. Nothing special, really. He's got wordsmithing deficits in comparison with Jones, Jr. The story's ordinary, does nothing new or all that interesting with its jumping around.

But you, my sweet pal, are clearly in the throes of A Pash! Proust has a new gal pal, I'm so delighted to say. The stories will be with you for good.

I'm *not* hungry, but *am* looking forward to your takeaway report.

Hungry and not very patient is my general modus operandi, to be honest.

Sorry about the missing stuff at the store. I was honestly shocked that mine had everything I needed.

>124 katiekrug: Interesting, Katie. Luckily, these days I never count on actually getting everything on my list. The pandemic has taught me to roll with it. Thanks for those good wishes.

I love pasta fagipoli soup - I have not had that in ages. And crusty bread is always a winner.

>125 richardderus: Bummer about The Prophets not winning - I have not read either book, but your lovely review of The Prophets made me add it to The List.

I am liking Proust more than I thought I would. I think it takes a moment to get into his rhythm and his cyclical way of telling a story. You kind of just have to embrace his style and not worry about how long his sentences are - I feel like he uses punctuation more as a narrative flow device than as structure, if that makes any sense. It's about cadence. He uses words like a painter uses brushstrokes. Each one fleshing out the bigger picture. The writing is gorgeous. And thought provoking.

I am starving.

>126 scaifea: *fist bump* Amber, I can be very patient with a lot of things, but waiting is not one of them.

Hooray for your market having everything on your list. I am just hoping they have what I need when I go back on Monday - otherwise we are doing without it because there is NO WAY I am going to the Publix between Monday and Thanksgiving. It becomes a complete mad house both inside and out right before any major holiday.

>128 Crazymamie: Oh I don't blame you for wanting to stay away from the madness. I will not be venturing back into a grocery shop until the Thursday *after* Thanksgiving. Just...nope.

Happy Friday, Mamie! I hope you found some sustenance, before you fell out. I was on Jackson duty for a few hours this morning and loved every moment of it.

I am so glad to hear you powered through the Proust and it seems like you were happy with the experience. I still have 200 pages to go, so too early to call but I am definitely not regretting it.

Hoping the mexican turns up and turns out to be as anticipated. >:-)

>127 Crazymamie: Congratulations on finishing Swann's Way, Mamie! I read the complete cycle over a several-year period. My other half has actually read it twice, the second time with a discussion group that met every week or so. I was a bit envious but not enough to join the re-read. 😀 I love the way you describe his writing in >127 Crazymamie:. And Paintings in Proust book is an excellent companion book. Do you plan to move on to the next book at some point?

>128 Crazymamie: Thanksgiving grocery shopping. Gack. I do my weekly shopping on Fridays, so I went yesterday. It wasn't crazy at all, everything was in stock, and I was feeling proud of myself for getting it all done. And then I reached the dairy aisle and found they were completely out of heavy cream. They had just about every other dairy product known to humankind, but not heavy cream. Dammit! Then when I got home my dear hubs gently reminded me that I'd meant to pick up some beer and cider. Double dammit! I am going to brave a second trip today. Hope your shopping goes well on Monday!

Hi Mamie!

Skippety-skip-skip ...

>96 Crazymamie: Good for you, glad you’re liking it and the mood/timing was right. (It’s amazing what some people will do to get out of reading something they say they’ll read, right? *smile*)

Skippety-skip skip ...

Congrats on finishing Swann’s Way.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend at the Pecan Paradisio.

>129 scaifea: I would love to do that, but fresh produce and Georgia do not exactly get along. So, I will venture out on Monday, and get what I can get and not throw a fit about what I can't. I can roll with it even though I would prefer not to. Heh.

>130 msf59: Mark, it was a close call. Rae and Craig got home with the food about 2:45pm. On the bright side, it was delicious and much appreciated. Hooray for Jackson duty!

I ended up loving the Proust - the ending is full of fabulous. Just so perfectly expressed.

>131 Helenliz: Indeed it did, Helen! Most yum!

>132 lauralkeet: Thank you, Laura! I bet that discussion group was interesting. Paintings in Proust is full of gorgeous - not just the art but the actual pages and the font and the presentation. My only complaint about it is that it is slightly hard to read because the beautiful font is slightly too small and the ink slightly too light for me to read in anything but a very well lit space. Luckily this is Georgia, so the glaring sunlight is just waiting for me to take advantage of it. Abby has already asked to have the book as an art reference when I have finished with it. I do plan on continuing - not sure I'll read the entire thing, but I will at least read the next book. Unfortunately, it looks like Lydia Davis only translated the first book - I noticed that the other books in the Penguin Deluxe Classics series are by different translators. Weird. So In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower: In Search of Lost Time, Vol. 2 is translated by James Grieve.

Oof to braving the market on a Saturday - I wish you good luck in getting in and out quickly and smoothly. May the odds be ever in your favor with getting your remaining items.

>133 karenmarie: Karen, I'm so happy that you are just skipping and skimming the threads and not trying to catch up - that is always slightly overwhelming to me. YES - in future feel free to just say you have changed your mind - no need for all the drama, young lady.

Thank you! I felt slightly giddy with finishing it so quickly - it just really pulled me in. A weekend full of wonder sounds awesomesauce - wishing for ou the same, my friend. And let Bill do the marketing. *looks sternly over the top of her glasses*

>135 Crazymamie: James Grieve...In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower...someone has a warped sense of humor. They're Only Human's author? Hmmmmmmmmm

Saturday orisons, my dear friend. *smooch*

>136 richardderus: I know nothing about James Grieve. So no?

Saturday happiness to you, dear one. *smooch back*

>137 Crazymamie: All's I know is that his most famous book's about a girl, um, involved with her teacher...and the adolescent-angst-fest that is In the Shadow...well.

I don't want to put you off it! I don't know, maybe it's brilliant!

>138 richardderus: Oh, dear! I will have to ponder this one.

Happy Saturday, Mamie!
I purged Swann's Way a couple of years ago without even reading it. Glad you enjoyed it.
I'm setting up a group read of Winesburg, Ohio for March. It's been said Ray Bradbury was influenced by Sherwood Anderson's book thus a reread for me would be nice after my recent Bradbury binge.

>140 Carmenere: Happy Saturdaying to you, Lynda! If it wasn't calling to you, no need to keep it.

I would be happy to join in that group read of Winesburg, Ohio - I have not read that one. You are making me want to get back to Bradbury - I need to see what I have unread by him on the shelves.

Great, Mamie! I have two here yet to read, October Stories and Now and Forever, which I will read soon as it's loaned from the library.

>135 Crazymamie: Mamie, I read the Lydia Davis translation followed by the new translations of the second and third books. At the time the remaining volumes were not available in a new translation, so I finished the cycle with the Moncrieff-Kilmartin translation. I'll enjoy following your journey through the newer volumes, if and when you get there.

Also, good news on the grocery front. Beer, cider, and cream have been procured. I panic-bought an extra pint of cream, based on vague thoughts that I might need it for another recipe over the holiday week.

>142 Carmenere: So, I just looked, and I have The Illustrated Man and Death is a Lonely Business in the stacks. Interestingly enough, I first heard of the second title when it was mentioned in another book - Total Chaos, and I have been wanting to read it ever since. I'm thinking I'll be sure to get to that one before the year is out.

>143 lauralkeet: What did you think of the Grieve translation? I don't know if I should give it a go or go with the earlier translation, but the beauty of the newer edition is tempting because deckled edge pages and excellent paper and gorgeous cover. Yes, I am shallow like that. Deckled edge pages get me every time.

Hooray for a successful grocery store run!!! You can never go wrong with extra cream.

Hi Crazy--Just here catching up on Proust love and food shortages. Happy weekend!!

>145 Berly: Hey there, you!! Lovely to see you here, Kim! Happy weekending to you as well. I need to come catch up with you.

>144 Crazymamie: It was a while ago, so I'm afraid I don't remember much about the translation. I do recall feeling like the modern ones were a bit easier going. And yet there are some parts of the work that are a slog no matter who translated them ... ha.

Happy Saturday, Mamie! We are watching Jackson again tonight, while the lovebirds have a date night. Win, win, I say.

I am so glad you loved Swann's Way. Honestly I am struggling a bit in this tedious section of Swann and Odette but I will hang in there.

>147 lauralkeet: Ha! I hear you. I thought there was a bit of slog in the Swann in Love portion of the one I just read.

>148 msf59: Hey, Mark! Happy Saturday! So everyone gets a treat tonight, right?! How lovely for all of you - Sean and Bree are so very lucky to have such great grandparents for Jackson.

That middle section is definitely too long, so I feel your pain. I just powered through it because I really wanted to finish it before Thanksgiving stuff interrupted my reading vibe. I will be interested in your final thoughts.

>122 Crazymamie: Glad you are on the Proust bandwagon!

Have a great Sunday!

>150 figsfromthistle: Ha! Thanks, Anita! Happy Sundaying to you!

Morning, Mamie! Happy Sunday. We got more Jackson time in last night and Sue gave him a bath. He is 3 months old today. It goes by so fast. I should finish Swann's Way today. I am pretty sure you will end up liking it more than I did. I am so glad we did the Davis translation, otherwise I may not have finished.

Were you still up for doing Still Life together, or will you not have enough time? I have one book ahead of it but could start it by the end of next week.

>152 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday. I can't believe Jackson is already 3 months old - how did that happen?!

I'm glad that you gave me the nudge I needed to finally get to Proust. I'm guessing that I liked it more than you, too - I ended up giving it 4.5 stars. I picked the next one up on audio since Lydia Davis did not translate the rest - a slight sadness about that.

Yes, I still want to so Still Life together. Just say when, and I will read along with you, my friend.

Good morrow to you, Goody Mamie of Pecanland. (Reading medieval scholars' obits does things to one's brain....) I trust you are well, and well caffeinated. I send unto you my sincerest smoochings.

>154 richardderus: I was just over at your place!! I love your greeting - nicely done. I am well and truly caffeinated - I have just finished my second cup. Went down nicely with the lemon coconut biscotti with white chocolate that I made yesterday. Sincerest smooching are most appreciated. *sincerest smooches back, good sir*

>155 Crazymamie: What a great-sounding biscotti batch! Do you grow meyer lemons on your porch? They'd make ***awesome*** lemon-coconut biscotti!

Sadly, no lemons growing here although we do have a lime tree. I do love me some Meyer lemons!. The biscotti is delicious - wish I could share it with you:

>157 Crazymamie: Oh GAWD yes! Just pop it in the mail to:

>158 richardderus: *grin*

Hi Mamie! Happy football Sunday!

>135 Crazymamie: Yes ma’am. No drama, and let Bill do the marketing. I did read the intro and notes on the translation…

>140 Carmenere: I’ve never read anything by Anderson, and made a note in my next year’s calendar, Lynda. It’s one of my favorite time periods, and sounds wonderful.

>157 Crazymamie: Yum. Just…. yum.

>158 richardderus: And pop it to…

>160 karenmarie: Hello, Karen! Sunday football happiness to you!

Good girl. And now your homework is done if you ever do decide to dip into Swann's Way - I totally understand not wanting to tackle it now. It was a kind of magic that I was in exactly the right mood for it, and still the middle bit was slightly mind-numbing, which is why I had to subtract half a star.

I have also not read Anderson, so I am looking forward to it.

Indeed - it's my favorite of the biscotti that we make. Craig's favorite is butterscotch biscotti.

Hi, Mamie. Happy Sunday!

It’s been fun reading the Proust and Swann’s Way comments on your thread. I’m glad you enjoyed it; I was a quiet member of the group read, and finished Swann’s Way this morning. I agree with you and Mark that the second section was overly long (“really? You’re still going on about that?”). I actually had trouble staying awake through much of the book. I’d get a big, eye-closing yawn, and then have to find my place again. He does write beautifully though. I was agog more than once, particularly with the madeleines and tea, and the flowering hawthorns. His reading under the tree in an idyllic setting was another highlight.

I’m impressed that you’re going to read the next one. I’m ready to read something action-packed. I’m glad I read the Lydia Davis translation, and it’s a shame she didn’t do any of those that followed. I look forward to hearing about your experience with the next one.

What a good idea to get the Proust art book to accompany your reading. I was surprised at how many paintings were referenced! What would have happened with Odette if not for Botticelli?

>157 Crazymamie: Ah biscotti! For a while I treated myself to packages of hazelnut biscotti with my coffee. So good. Discontinued, of course.

I've still not wandered near Swann's Way.

Just keeping current here...happy Sunday!

>87 PaulCranswick: Missed you up there, my friend. And missed your warm heart as well. I'm working very hard to be more social. Part of that is coming back to this community which has always held me in its arms with acceptance, warmth, love, and joy no matter how long I've been gone. (No matter how many times I've said, "This time I'm back for real this time," either.)

"Really. I mean it!"

"..."

"Stop laughing!" 😆😆😆

>115 Crazymamie: It's going to be a little bit longer before I come up with a book list. Ahem. You know how I am. First, I went to the list of the books we share then I sorted by rating. I matched any with no stars against books that I would like to read and checked your tags to make sure there weren't any like "DNF" - there was one. Now I going through the list of a dozen(?) or so against your full list of books to make sure none of them are duplicates against something you already read (like I think you had two copies of Jane Eyre) - one rated, one not.

Once I'm done with that, I'll send the list. You want it posted here or in a DM?

Then I get to try to brainwash bewitch beguile charm you into reading one a month with me. (Is it working?)

>123 Crazymamie: I have a thread. It's dead. I'll try to perform some CPR before the end of the month.

Personal history stuff both bad and good - I know some people aren't interested so... The last few years have been absolutely miserable for me with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and then acute pain. When I found out I had ADHD, so much of my life and struggles made sense and I started using the skills and tools but they were half-hearted because of pain.

I'm wondering now how much of that was a bad bed. (I have a bariatric bed now.) I'm not having near the amount of pain as I did before. Plus I'm not on prescription pain meds because I'm not sleeping on my right side where all the wounds are. Nine days and counting!

So I *finally* have enough mental energy to do the things I want to do. Now I need to figure out how to get them done around things like time blindness, a need for external motivation, and forgetfulness. Anyone reading this successfully using ADHD skills and tools? Would love to chat with an LTer about it. Hey! Maybe I'll start an ADHD group.

Ugh, no. I have far too much mental energy and I can't seem to focus right now. Been writing walls of texts on various social media platforms for the last couple of days and not getting done what I want getting done. (Yes, another ADHD trait - problems with hyperfocus and task shifting - whoo hoo!) Focus, Nora, focus!

No worries on our tastes matching. You and I have enough in common that I was easily able to make a list. About the only thing that I didn't see much of in your library that I read was paranormal romance and, occasionally, erotica. Oh, wait. I'm repeating myself. Bwhahahahaha.

>133 karenmarie: *throws herself to the floor and throws a tantrum so glorious an angry toddler would stop in their tracks to watch in awe*

Oh, wait. *glances between karenmarie and Crazymamie*

You weren't talking about me, were you? *mutters, "Dagnabbit."*

*gets up off the floor, dusts herself off, and shoos off the crowd*

Nothing to see here, folks. Move along, now, move along.

@#@#@#@#@#@

Lordy, lordy, I best wrap this up for now. I'll end on not only a positive note but an AWESOME note.

I've lost 100 pounds in the last year.

*

*

*

♦(One book every other month?)♦

😄 :D

>162 jnwelch: Happy Sunday, Joe!

I am thrilled to learn that you were our sleeper! Well done. Yes, that middle bit has some slog to it, but the writing is gorgeous and so many lovely images and thoughts. I think I was just in the perfect mood for his meandering style. I do plan on reading the next one, but I will read some other things first - I might not start the next one until the new year. I always have multiple books going, so probably just whenever the mood strikes. I'm with you about Lydia Davis - I really wish she had done the others, but I imagine that would feel like a huge commitment. I was surprised to see that they were translated by different people - seems like that could be disruptive to the narrative flow.

The art book is amazing - like a work of art itself, and I am so glad that I purchased it to accompany my reading. "What would have happened with Odette if not for Botticelli?" That is an excellent question! We would have a very different story, I think.

>163 quondame: Hazelnut is one of my favorite flavors, Susan. The cookies I make for newest daughter contain hazelnuts and a maple flavor, along with chocolate chips and toffee. She has requested them for her birthday dessert this week, and I had to order the hazelnuts online and have them shipped to me because I could not find them in the local stores this year.

I say if Swann's Way is not calling to you, then let it alone.

>164 Berly: Hello, Kim! Happy Sunday to you!

Happy Sunday, Mamie!

>148 msf59: Okay. I need to check to be sure I have it right this time. (I was so sure with Griffin!) Jackson is human and not canine, right?

LOL. j/k

>152 msf59: >153 Crazymamie: I've been pondering a reread of Still Life as I finished the second book and got distracted. I'd like to try the series again. If you don't mind a third wheel. And if you are reading the one by Penny and not Byatt as your touchstones are linking to. (I'm assuming Penny as that's what in both of your libraries.)

>165 Morphidae: No worries, Morphy - take your time. And it does not have to be a book I already own - I am bad with cataloging Kindle books that I have not yet read. And yes, there are many books that I own multiple copies of - sometimes if one copy is rated and another is not, it's just that I have not read that particular copy. I have loads of Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, Nineteen Eighty-Four...and when I enter them, I forget to mark the rating. I love to reread, so I am happy to read Jane Eyre with you if that is one you are wanting to get to. However you want to post the list when you finish it is fine by me - post it here or PM me, whatever works best for you. I would be happy to read one a month with you - sounds like fun.

I am sorry that the past year or so has been such a rough journey for you. I bet a new bed is making a big difference. And hooray for being able to decrease your prescription meds. I always think knowledge is a powerful thing, so knowing your have ADHD means you can tackle learning how to deal with it and understand how it impacts your life. Forward progress is always good. I'm so happy to see you posting here, and no worries about your thread - I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing an active thread you had running.

You tantrum post made me laugh! And HOORAY of rolling 100 pounds - that is SO awesome!!! You are amazing.

I am seriously fine with reading one book a month with you or every other month - whatever you are wanting. You are right that we have plenty of books in common, so coming up with a list that suits us both should not be difficult. *hugs*

>167 alcottacre: Happy Sunday, Stasia!

>168 Morphidae: Morphy, I would happily reread Still Life with you. The one Mark was talking about is the new book by Sarah Winman:



Too many books with the same title! But seriously, I would be perfectly happy to reread the Louise Penny one you are talking about. Want to make that our first read?

>165 Morphidae: Getting optimal sleeping support surely does lower the next day's, sometimes the next few days', pain. I have a jury rig of supports that protects my shoulders while coddling my back and it helps enormously with the discomforts and agonies of being a 70something of large poundage. But nothing has been much help with low energy and highdistraction levels.

>166 Crazymamie: Those cookies sound fabulous. I love maple almost as much as hazelnut.

>171 quondame: Kaitlyn does, too! That's why I adapted my BigCookie recipe for her for her birthday a few years ago, and her whole family loves the cookies. So I use 1 T of maple syrup instead of 1 tsp of vanilla, and use chopped, toasted hazelnuts instead of pecans. We have fallen in love with this syrup:

>168 Morphidae: Hi, Morph! Nice to see you posting again. Yes, Jackson is our baby grandson. Our bundle of joy. Of course, I can't stop posting photos of the kid.

Morning, Mamie. I hope you had a nice Sunday. My Bears lost again. Ugh. What a bad team but I did finish the Proust. I liked it less than you I am glad I read it and the Davis translation was the way to go. I know it was a very informal group read but I may not have read it otherwise.

>173 msf59: Mark, please don't stop posting photos - we all love seeing them.

>174 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sunday was good. Got a lot done and also enjoyed a bit of the lazy. Sorry about your Bears - our Falcons are in the same boat.

I know I would not have gotten to the Proust so soon without the GR, so thanks for suggesting it.

>172 Crazymamie: Good goddle mitey! $20 for syrup!?! Too rich for my blood.

Happy Monday, Mamie me lurve. Do you keep that stuff under lock and key?

>176 richardderus: I buy mine from the Walmart. Actually I make Craig go because I really hate shopping at Walmart. It's not $20. And I just buy the small bottle as I only use it in baking, not over pancakes and such. I actually don't use syrup as a condiment, although Birdy has big love for syrup. But she is a cheap date - she likes Hungry Jack. Heh.

Thank you for those good wishes even on This Day. *smooch*

>177 Crazymamie: I'm the only one in this house that loves syrup, and like Birdy, I prefer the fake stuff (Mrs. Butterworth for me). Charlie likes the real thing, but uses so little of it that it's hardly worth the effort to unscrew the cap, honestly. I like my pancakes and waffles drowning in syrup.

>178 scaifea: Too funny, Amber. I like mine leftover, cold, and naked. Birdy makes FABULOUS pancakes.

>179 Crazymamie: I've never had a leftover, cold, naked pancake. Interesting. That makes me thing that it would be fun to try using them to make breakfast soft tacos, with scrambled eggs and sausage at the filling...

>180 scaifea: You can absolutely do that! Birdy makes these buttermilk pancakes that have banana and mini chocolate chips in them, and they are so full of fabulous straight out of the fridge the next day.

>96 Crazymamie: Mamie, thanks for the link to the Reader's Guide to Proust. I'm just starting the Lydia Davis translation - hearing so much about people reading it, I had to jump in. Not very far yet, but it's on my Kindle and it's a library book, so I'd better keep pace. The GN sounds very interesting as well.

and Morphy, so nice to hear from you again!

>181 Crazymamie: Ooooh, yes! Charlie always requests chocolate chips in his pancakes. I don't put them in mine very often, but when I do, I substitute peanut butter for regular butter (and then still drown them in syrup). Delicious.

It’s been years since I had pancakes. Now I’m thinking maybe I should change that.

Pancakes!! Yum!! Any way at all.

>182 ffortsa: You are welcome, Judy! I am so happy you are reading it, too. Can't wait to see what you think of it. The GN is very well done - I am amazed at what it captures without being able to use his actual prose since it is just so long and full of detail. And the artwork is a perfect fit for the story, IMO. I need to get back to it - my time has been greatly taken up with Thanksgiving prep and birthdays. Yesterday was Kaitlyn's birthday, and tonight we will be having her and Daniel over for her birthday dinner with us.

It is so great to see Morphy posting again, isn't it?!

>183 scaifea: I love the peanut butter for butter substitution! Fun.

>184 Familyhistorian: Yes, Meg, you need to get on that right away.

>185 Berly: Ha! I would probably also take them anyway at all, Kim, but my favorite is cold and naked straight from the fridge. If I am eating them fresh from the griddle, then I like to make a fried egg to put on top of them.

Morning, Mamie! Looks to be a nice day, once it warms up. Bree and I are planning on taking Jack on a hike. Looking forward to it. BTW- The Power of the Dog is turning out to be a terrific western.

>187 msf59: Morning, Mark! Our weather has been a bit cooler lately, and it has been lovely. Have fun hiking with Jack and Bree.

I am not huge on westerns, but there have been some I have absolutely loved - thinking of Lonesome Dove, True Grit, The Sisters Brothers...

Hi Mamie! Happy Tuesday to you.

>166 Crazymamie: I had to order hazelnuts online several years ago. Those cookies sound fabulous.

>177 Crazymamie: Lucky for you Birdy doesn’t need real maple syrup. Bill and I do, and I’m afraid that I gave the expensive habit to Jenna, too. Scratch buttermilk pancakes and scratch waffles with real butter and marple syrple, as my Dad used to call it.

>188 Crazymamie: Have you watched Longmire, based on the Craig Johnson series? We’re watching it again and are loving it all over again. I’ve read the first book but haven’t felt compelled to read any more of them so far.

>189 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Happy Tuesdaying!

The hazelnuts I ordered are most YUM, and they are already toasted, so that saves me a step. The cookies are probably my favorite of the chocolate chip variety that I make. Although, I do love them with make syrup as the flavoring and toasted pecans as the nuts, too.

Birdy makes all of her waffles and pancakes from scratch, too. She is a wizard with them. I love marple syrup - sounds like an Agatha Christie themed breakfast!

I have watched Longmire, and I love Robert Taylor as the lead - he is perfect in that roll. Who it took me a while to get used to is Lou Diamond Phillips as Henry Standing Bear because that is my favorite character from the books, and I had pictured him so differently - much bigger! Also the writers changed his character a lot. I loved the books. - I read the first eight books and the short stories, too. My favorite of those is Hell is Empty.

I also prefer the fake to the real but best of all I like no syrup and a LOT of butter. :)

Cinnamon syrup, please, and a whole cow-load of butter. Oh, and pumpkin pancakes, if you please.

I mean, without butter, why bother eating?

*smooch*

Pancakes (US translation: crepes) go with lemon & brown sugar. But himself has to cook them. I can make batter, but I can't turn a pancake for love nor money.

>191 RebaRelishesReading: *grin* I put butter on them if I am eating them hot. Otherwise, nakedness rules.

>192 richardderus: OH! I do love me some pumpkin pancakes! Pumpkin anything, really.

No butter if I am eating them cold because messy - I just fold them in half and eat them with my hands right out of the fridge.

>193 Helenliz: When Abby's hand and arm are working, and she is having a good day, she makes the most beautiful and delicious crepes. Like a work of art. We also love to make egg crepes to go on sammies.

My favorite pancake style were the German pancakes heavily sprinkled with powdered sugar and squirted with lemon juice. When I was able to wrangle cast iron I'd make them for myself.
For regular pancakes I like butter and maybe a spot of syrup to dip them in.

>195 quondame: Those sound most YUM, Susan. Most of my pans are cast iron - cast iron is kind of like deckled edge pages to me in that it makes me giddy. When I developed my CT, we had to get some lighter pans that I could use when I am having a bad day.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Wednesday. I spent some quality time with Jackson yesterday, both on the trail and right here at the house. Yep, he is perfect company. I have Trail Watch duties this AM. First time since my tumble. Book time this PM. Life is dandy.

Morning, Mamie! Are you in Thanksgiving prep mode or do you do everything the day of?

Morning Mamie! Happy day before T-day!

>197 msf59: Morning, Mark! Hooray for perfect company. Good luck with the trail watching, and remember not to fall down.

>198 katiekrug: Morning, Katie! We are in Thanksgiving prep mode. Yesterday we celebrated Kaitlyn's 30th birthday (her birthday was on Monday) with her and Daniel - she had requested baked potato bar for dinner, so we have the leftovers from that which we can use in our regular dressing (this goes in the stuffing balls).

Today Birdy and I are making the stuffing balls, the cornbread that will be used in the spicy cornbread dressing with chorizo, the sweet potato casserole (which we fully assemble and then just pull out and put into the oven tomorrow), the pumpkin buttermilk pie, breakfast casserole (for tomorrow morning), and Birdy's pancakes (also tomorrow morning - we like them cold out of the fridge). I have a list so I can keep everything straight and a bottle of wine for when I have accomplished it all.

Tomorrow we will make rice with mushrooms, mashed potatoes and gravy, and the spicy cornbread dressing. Craig is in charge of the turkey. Daniel and Kaitlyn are bringing mac and cheese (because this is a traditional side down here), and the corn casserole. We really need some green, but I keep getting vetoed on that.

>199 Carmenere: Morning, Lynda! Thank you - Happy Wednesdaying to you!

>200 Crazymamie: - Hi Mamie. Can you share your sweet potato casserole recipe? I am always looking for one that is good (and easy!) Your menu sounds amazing!

>200 Crazymamie: - who's in charge of reinforcing the dining room table to support that load?!?!

Mamie! MAMIE!! Say it isn't so! You're having THANKSGIVING DINNER WITHOUT COLLARDS?!?

*faints*

Why even *I*, stuck up here in the Nawth, am having rice and collards! (My preferred prep here since it's perfect for canned collards.) Used to be I'd saute onions with bacon slivers and then pressure-cook the greens with the whole shebang.

...no...collards...on...*brain explodes*

>201 jessibud2: Hello, Shelley! I am always happy to share - the recipe comes from an old church cookbook that my sister's church put together ages ago. Here it is:

Sweet Potato Casserole:

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup melted butter
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ginger
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup coconut

I use about 4-5 good sized sweet potatoes, which I scrub and boil until you can easily insert a fork easily. Then I mash and measure out 3 cups worth - add the rest of the ingredients in the top section to that and stir to combine. Place that into a buttered casserole dish - I like to use a buttered cast iron pan (mine is 2 3/4 quart round pan). Combine the ingredients for the topping and spread that over the top of the sweet potato mix. Bake 30-40 minutes at 350F.

You can make this up a day ahead and just pop it into the fridge overnight if you want - that's what I do.

>203 richardderus: Right?! We serve it buffet style, so you heap your plate up and then come to the table. When we had the whole extended family over for Thanksgiving in Indiana, we made a beautiful presentation with all the dishes on the table, but down here it's just us and we go for the easy right now.

>204 Crazymamie: Richard, we are Yankees. We have never served collards on Thanksgiving. In Indiana, my sister would bring green bean casserole, but my kids all hate that dish, so we don't make it. Last year I made a fresh arugula salad with wild rice, roasted carrots and goat cheese in it, but Abby and I were the only ones who ate it. Apparently Thanksgiving is all about the starch.

Thanks, Mamie. Sounds great. Would it still be ok sans the coconut and pecans?

>205 Crazymamie: Nonsense! You've lived in the South too long to pretend you're not hybrids. And your kids are settled in, not going back to Indiana.

Collards. The Good Twin to kale's Evil Twin.

‘Morning, Mamie!

>200 Crazymamie: Everything sounds wonderful, yay for being so organized AND having a bottle of wine ready as a reward.

>204 Crazymamie: That recipe is almost identical to the one I just shared with my sister – Bill’s step-mother’s mother’s recipe. Only cinnamon, and no coconut, but otherwise almost identical. We’ve cut the sugar in the sweet potato part down to ½ cup.

>205 Crazymamie: We’ve always served buffet style here in NC because of the usually large number of folks at two separate tables in different rooms. Much, much, easier.

>207 richardderus: Kale and collards are both evil. Of course, dark leafy greens are not so good if one’s prone to certain types of kidney stones…

>206 jessibud2: You're welcome, Shelley. And yes, you can skip the pecans and coconut, it will just be less like streusel.

>207 richardderus: Nope. I am so not a hybrid - I am 54, and I have only lived in the Deep South for 9 years, so I am still very much a Yankee. And we are not staying in Georgia - we are moving when Craig retires. Not back to Indiana but definitely further North where they have actual seasons. And the kids are saying they will move, too - even Daniel and Kaitlyn. You will be happy to know that Kaitlyn's family is serving collards for Thanksgiving.

>208 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! We have completed the cornbread, the dressing for the stuffing balls, the breakfast casserole, and the sweet potato casserole so far. I love me a list - especially one where I get to tick things off, so ...

My kids would kill me if I changed anything about the sweet potato casserole - everyone loves it big time. It's a dessert, really.

When we had a big crowd, I loved a beautiful presentation with all the fancy table setting stuff, but since it's just us, I prefer buffet style, and we no longer have a big enough table to put it all on anyway.

Kaitlyn just stopped in to drop off the chorizo that Daniel found for me at the other Publix, and I was asking her what her family is having and she mentioned a broccoli cauliflower salad and Brussel sprouts with candied bacon - she is going to get that second recipe for me, and we are going to do it next year.

>209 Crazymamie: Well, of *course* they hated green bean casserole. It is the polyester bedsheet of food...does what it's designed to but gives pleasure to no one with an ounce of taste.

But collards! Collards, once a year for those like Horrible with kidney-stone issues, are divinely scrumptious! Well, it's all down to parenting, isn't it. Such...things...always are. *sad sigh*

>211 richardderus: Exactly. My sister loves it for some reason, but I just cannot even. Polyester bedsheet of food made me laugh!

Ha! Should I just admit now that I have never had collards?

Did I offend you in >202 katiekrug:? *grin*

I'd love to have Kaitlyn's family's recipe for the brussels with candied bacon. We are doing ours with (uncandied) bacon and balsamic, but I love me some candied bacon...

>213 katiekrug: Oh, dear! Nope - my counting is just off. Richard's message is meant for you and instead of Richard I posted to myself.

I will be sure to post the recipe when I get it.

>204 Crazymamie: I’m sure it tastes lovely but to a British eye your sweet potato recipe looks very unusual! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ‘sweet’ sweet potato recipe before. I cook sweet potatoes quite a lot, but all the recipes we get here are savoury.

>215 SandDune: On GBBO in series 5 there was a sweet-potato pie, I think Glen made it? specifically for the American pies category.

>214 Crazymamie: - I shouldn't have doubted you!

>215 SandDune: Rhian, it's a very traditional dish for Thanksgiving Day here. I love sweet potatoes, and this is the only dish we make that has them sweet. Usually we roast them and eat them with a little butter and salt, but I will eat them almost any way they are served. What is your favorite way to have them?

>216 richardderus: I can't remember that one, and I know I have seen that season. I will have to look it up.

>217 katiekrug: *grin*

>213 katiekrug: Me too for the Brussel sprouts with candied bacon recipe, please!

>219 Crazymamie: That's because I got the season wrong! It was season 3...on Netflix, it's separate from the other seasons, they call it "GBBS: The Beginnings", and it's James's choice for showstopper in episode 5.

>220 RebaRelishesReading: Yes, ma'am.

>221 richardderus: That makes sense - I have not watched that yet. Thank you!

>218 Crazymamie: I do cook sweet potatoes on their own (as baked potatoes or mash) sometimes but I’m more likely to put them in things. I make sweet potato soup, sweet potato, spinach and lentil dahl, and sweet potato curry. I make quite a lot of vegetarian/ vegan recipes and they are a useful ingredient for that.

Just popping my head 'round the door to say that I'm a quarter of the way through North and South and it's growing on me. I was supposed to read it for book club some years ago and didn't get into it. Doing much better this time around.

>205 Crazymamie: For some years we were 7 for Thanksgiving, the three of us who don't like leftover turkey, and my friend Valerie's family who all rejoice in the meals from that ungainly carcass.
One year other members of my family were in town and at his request I invited a co-worker and his mother to the largest Thanksgiving at our house - at least 8 extra. So we served buffet style. Apparently this offended my co-worker's mother who expected to be waited on. There's no pleasing some folk, that's for sure, but I did have a big batch of cranberry chutney to keep me in a good mood.

>207 richardderus: >208 karenmarie: Greens darker than spinach are a nope. And aren't all of them bad for gout sufferers?

A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)

In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road

At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.

Mamie and all at the Pecan Paradisio, to friends in books and more this Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, Mamie! Have a great holiday with the family. We are going over to my cousins for dinner. We don't see that side of the family often and my cousin's wife is a wonderful cook and host.

Hope you and yours are having a lovely Thanksgiving :)

Crazy, I am so very grateful for you, my wonderful friend here on LT. Thanks for the fun, the food, and for growing my WL!!

I wish y'all happiness and health on this day of Thanksgiving. And cookies. : )

Happy Thanksgiving, Mamie, to you and yours

I hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving, Mamie! Happy Friday!

Hi Mamie, and happy left-overs Friday to you.

Morning, Y'all! We had a Thanksgiving full of fabulous. And feasting. And we were even able to fit all of the leftovers into the fridge, which is just shy of a miracle. We were exhausted by the day's end, but it was the good kind of exhaustion. And we all gave a shout out to Mark, whose Bears won yesterday. The best part about the day after Thanksgiving is pie with my coffee for breakfast. Abby and Craig's pumpkin buttermilk pie with streusel topping sure hits the spot.

Today we have a replacement part for Rae's bed being delivered (a nonstructural part of the bed was damaged in shipping, and they have finally gotten the replacement part in). Other than that, we will be doing a bit of cleaning, taking down the Fall decor, maybe putting up some of the Christmas decor, and definitely a lot of the lazy.

On the reading front, I am continuing my Proust reads and have started Matrix, which is one of Katie's Dirty Dozen - off to a great start. I didn't want to put it down yesterday, but the mashed potatoes weren't going to make themselves, so... Today I will finish up Possession, which I have been working on for a longish time. Very good but also very long.

>223 SandDune: I am wanting to try more recipes like that, Rhian. One of our goals for the New Year is to cut back on our consumption of meat. Everything you mention sounds good!

>224 Helenliz: Helen, I am so happy it is growing on you. I loved that one.

>225 quondame: Sounds like the co-worker's mother needs to get over Herself. Your house = your rules. Cranberry chutney is indeed a consolation. When we lived in Indiana, my two oldest sisters and their families would come for Thanksgiving, and they both love turkey more than I do, so I was happy to send home most of the leftovers with them. We used to do quite the spread with appetizers and everything.

Craig's turkey yesterday was so flavorful and so moist, but alas, I am just not big on the bird.

>226 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much for that, Paul. This group has gotten us through a lot of ups and downs, that's for sure.

>227 msf59: Thank you, Mark! Hoping yours was also full of happy. Sounds like an excellent plan and also avoids all the mess in your own home. Heh. Although, if you are in your own home, then jammies and beer are close at hand, so either way there are perks.

>228 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you, Reba! Hoping your Thanksgiving was full of fabulous.

>229 Berly: Kim, those cookies are so elegant - little works of art. And what a lovely and thoughtful post - than you, my friend. Excellent wishes that are most appreciated.

>230 jessibud2: Thanks, Shelley!

>231 alcottacre: Thank you, Stasia! Happy Friday to you!

>232 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen! This Thanksgiving I am very thankful that you are still with us. Leftovers abound, so no worries about what to eat for the next few days. Heh.

>225 quondame: If I had low-excretion gout, I'd be more affected by diet...I'm an overproducer of uric acid, so it's not really a factor to be concerned about.

Happy Leftoversday! I'm so so so so so jealous of y'all's buttermilk punkin scrumminess. Kaitlyn is herewith required to send one Nawth as reparations.

*smooch*

>233 Crazymamie: Now that's a pumpkin pie I might enjoy eating (not a pumpkin fan in any form usually). I'm not a big fan of turkey either but sliced turkey breast on white bread with mayo is a nice side benefit of Thanksgiving for me. Since we were guests this year I'm left with a lot of leftover dressing (I made way too much but we'll eat it up with chicken) and no turkey to make sandwiches with.

‘Morning, Mamie!

>233 Crazymamie: That pie looks wonderful.

>234 Crazymamie: Too bad you're not big on the bird. I prefer dark meat and Bill's all about white meat, so when I do cook a bird we don't squabble.

>236 Crazymamie: One of the joys of cooking a large meal is that exhaustion and leftovers go well together.

So. COLD. Today! I had to stuff a pillow into the window!

Have a Saturday for the Ages, sweetiedarling.

Happy Saturday, Mamie. I am back from my whirlwind Milwaukee trip and now I am trying to squeeze in some reading time. I started Still Life and hope to rip off 60-70 pages today. I am not sure if you started it yet but it begins very well. Lovely characters.

>237 richardderus: We have been only eating leftovers - one of the best things about Thanksgiving. A ton of work in the kitchen, but then you also get the down time that it takes to consume the leftovers. That pie is just so yum. Abby combined two different recipes and then added the streusel topping to get us just what we wanted in a pumpkin pie. Your demands sound fair - I will let Kaitlyn know.

>238 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I absolutely adore pumpkin anything - it's one of my favorite flavors. Bummer about too much dressing and no turkey because sammies with the leftovers are always a yes. I had too much dressing, too - Kaitlyn took some to freeze, but the recipe makes a HUGE batch. Next year, I will see if it works when you cut the recipe in half. Not sure why I didn't think of that this year - I kind of forget how much it makes.

Our new fridge delivery is just around the corner, and I am very excited about it. Thanks again for your help with selecting the model.

>239 karenmarie: Hello, Karen! The pie is delish, and the awesome thing is that the recipe makes two pies. *happy dance* And I did not have to make them. *happy dance* Abby talked Craig through the making of the pies, since she was not up to making them herself. Abby and I make a good pair in the kitchen when her arm is working because she loves to bake and I love to cook.

I eat turkey, it's just not my favorite. I would much rather have chicken - more flavorful, IMO. Turkey does pair so well with cranberry anything, though, so there is that.

"One of the joys of cooking a large meal is that exhaustion and leftovers go well together. " SO true!

>240 richardderus: We are still in the 60s -70s with our daily temps, but we are getting colder nights. I'm waiting for winter. Heh. Sorry you had to stuff a pillow in the window - too bad we can't split the difference.

I don't know about for the Ages, but I did manage a nap this afternoon, and it was lovely. Must have been your good wishes, so thanks for that. *smooch*

>241 msf59: Happy Saturday, Mark! I have not started yet as Craig decided we needed to get all the Christmas up Right Now. Hopefully, I will start it tomorrow - I love how she writes, so I am really looking forward to it.

>242 Crazymamie: We fixed the no-turkey problem by buying a boneless skinless frozen one in a bag and baking it yesterday. It turned out really well and now we have turkey to go with the left over dressing and to make sandwiches. I made cream cheese, cranberry/raspberry sauce, turkey on toast for lunch today and it was delicious.

I'm excited about your fridge too. Think of you almost every time I open mine :)

>244 RebaRelishesReading: I was just over at your place! Good thinking with the frozen turkey. I would love to have the recipe for that sauce if you are in a mind to share it.

I cannot wait for the fridge! Our current one continues to leak, and the day before Thanksgiving, Craig had to haul out that bottom freezer drawer and break up a HUGE plate of ice that had formed there and was hindering the opening and closing of the drawer.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Sunday. Still Life is off to a great start. Not sure how much reading I will get in today. I am hoping to spend some time with Jackson this PM. I miss that kid. Enjoy your day.

>246 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday. I plan on starting Still Life today - I love the cover. Have fun with Jackson - I know you will!

'Morning, Mamie!

Congrats on a new fridge - I must have missed the bit about which brand/model you're getting. The last fridge I remember really liking was 3 fridges ago, alas.

Happy new fridge day, or is it still to come? Thank goodness you could get one with the supply-chain issues in the country.

>245 Crazymamie: Cranberry sauce is 1 C apple juice, 1bag cranberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Mix together and cook at light boil for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberry skins start to pop. Add 6 oz. raspberries and continue cooking until you like the thickness. Frozen cranberries and/or raspberries can be used (says the recipe) but I have never done that.

Your old fridge sounds like the Samsung I replaced -- same problems -- puddles and huge chunks of ice. Is it the 6th that you get your new one?

>248 karenmarie: Hello, Karen! I'm getting the same model that Reba has:



It's an LG "26.9 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Internal Water Dispenser in PrintProof Stainless Steel". The lower two drawers are freezer drawers. It makes ice, but this drops directly into a freezer drawer, and the filtered water dispenser is inside the refrigerator. I am very excited about it and cannot wait until it arrives, Our current refrigerator has an internal leaking problem inside of the water line that causes a HUGE block of ice to form inside of the lower freezer drawer. We have to remove the drawer and hen break up and remove the ice shelf. It's kind of crazy, and yes, we have had it repaired - it's a Samsung. *sigh*

>249 richardderus: It's arriving on December 7th. *crosses fingers* We are ever hopeful. We are still awaiting an assigned delivery date for our new living room furniture which was supposed to arrive by November 19th. Again, we are ever hopeful. We are nothing but hope. (please read this with a Derry Girls' Accent)

My gift from the gods of Thanksgiving was a fritz in the dish washer. How it could fit in there alongside all the dirty dishes and utensils is beyond me. I plan to remove the stuff and wash it the old-fashioned way. Sounds like a plan, huh? (Yes, of course I'll telephone repair central in the morning.)

Sounds like a bit of fabulous engulfed your place. Thumbs up!

Happy Sunday, Mamie. Congratulations on the new fridge.

I am heading to Joplin tomorrow and will be out-of-pocket for a week or so. Behave yourself while I am gone!

I'm revoltingly jealous of your new fridge.

Glad for you! Still jealous.

Morning, Mamie. I had a good Sunday with my owl hunt and a little Jackson time. Feeling a little under the weather this AM, so I think I am just going to curl up with Still Life. I didn't get much reading in yesterday but completely loving this book. Did you crack it?

'Morning, Mamie!

>251 Crazymamie: That would be my choice for a new refrigerator, too - lots of refrigerator space and just enough freezer space for a few things since we have a full-size upright freezer in the garage. Fingers crossed for the 7th!

>252 weird_O: OH, no! Do you remember our dishwasher debacle? It took almost a full year for us to get the dishwasher of our dreams delivered. I will say, though, that for the first time in my life I absolutely love my dishwasher. A huge thanks to Rhain for mentioning the brand Miele -it's gorgeous and sleek with interior lighting and a well thought out layout. And very quiet. Hoping your dishwasher fix is cheap and easy.

Thank you kindly for the kind words, Oh Weird One.

>253 alcottacre: Hello, Stasia! Thank you - we are hoping it arrives when scheduled and is not damaged. Wishing you safe travels and a trip full of fabulous. I cannot make any promises about behaving myself. *blinks*

>254 richardderus: I totally get that. But thanks for also being glad for me. *smooch*

>255 msf59: Morning, Mark! Sunday sounds full of happy. Sorry to read you are feeling under the weather - hope you're feeling better very soon. I did start on Still Life - not very far in yet, but I will have more time for it today. I am loving it so far.

>256 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! It's amazing how much more refrigerator space there is when you take out the indoor ice and water. We currently have a side by side on our garage - it was the fridge from the previous owners. We plan to switch it with our crappy Samsung since once the Samsung is not longer hooked up to the water line, we won't have the leak issue. I like the layout of the Samsung better than the side by side. We don't freeze a lot of stuff, so we don't need a ton of freezer space, and I like the freezer drawer on the bottom which means that all the fridge space is up top, so no bending to get what you want. Thanks so much for those crossed fingers!

Hi, Mamie. Love the Thanksgiving photo with the slice of apple pie and The Big Sleep in the background. :-) Sounds like you had a mighty fine Thanksgiving, and congrats on the new fridge.

Isn't Matrix great? I'm reading The Man Who Died Twice, the second one with Elizabeth and her elderly crime-solving gang.

>259 jnwelch: Morning, Joe! The pie is, sadly, all gone now. I have a small collection of those Penguin mugs - The Big Sleep, A Room of One's Own, and Nineteen Eighty Four. Thanksgiving was indeed very good to us this year. And I am Most Excited about the new fridge.

Yes, Matrix is excellent! And I have the first book in that mystery series in the stacks - Rae gifted it to me for my last birthday.

>258 Crazymamie: I've always abominated side-by-sides. And I love the "best-for-spare" treatment of the fridge!

*smooch*

>261 richardderus: Me, too, with the side-by-side loathing. Makes the space so choppy, and then you have to play fridge Tetris just to get your stuff in there. *smooch back*

>251 Crazymamie: Fingers crossed here too! I can't wait for you to get it. Also, we have a Miele d/w too and I agree they're wonderful. We bought one for our Chautauqua house which, obviously, had to stay there but this house came with the same one so we were good to go on that score.

>263 RebaRelishesReading: I am over the moon excited about it, Reba. The dishwasher is a thing of beauty, and I am so glad we splurged in it - in this case, you do get what you pay for. I would not even have thought to look at Miele is Rhian hadn't mentioned them because they are not a brand that you see a lot of in the US, except for their vacuums (which we also have). How delightful that your new house came with one already installed!

That pie does look delicious, Mamie, but I am consoling myself with my apple pie leftovers. Glad you all had such a great holiday.

Crossing fingers for a safe and timely refrigerator delivery!!

>265 ronincats: Hello, Roni! I love apple pie just as much, and we used to also have apple pie on offer for Thanksgiving, but Kaitlyn is allergic to apples, so we skip it now.

>266 Berly: Thanks, Kim! Much appreciated.

>253 alcottacre: It's Tuesday, Mamie. Are you behaving yourself? Lol

Happy Tuesday from Joplin!

>268 alcottacre: Happy Tuesday, Stasia. So far, so good with the behaving, but the day is young.

>269 Crazymamie: Ack! That does not bode well :)

>269 Crazymamie: *grin*

Morning, Mamie!

>272 katiekrug: Morning, Katie!

Here's the list! It has books from your library that are not rated that I also have on Mount TBR - either actual or in the recesses of what I use for a brain.

Anything pop out at you for December? I either own or have easy access to all of them.

I'm looking forward to this! (Especially after days of online Christmas and household shopping. Ugh.)

The first set of parenthesis is what collevtion you have the book in.

*******

Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank (To read) (4.5 stars - One of my top rated books and I've been meaning to read it again. It's been over ten years since I read it.)

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (Not rated) (Read The DaVinci Code fifteen or so years ago - even got the illustrated version. Been thinking about reading the entire series but wonder if it holds up.)

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan (Katie's Dirty Dozen) (I think I picked up this book bullet from you ages (4 years) ago!)

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (To read) (Love Trevor's show though I don't watch it regularly. Have heard nothing but good things about this memoir.)

Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart (Wishlist) (Another 4.5/5 stars for me and wanting to do a reread. I read this back in 2011 and adored it. I can't remember a thing about it (same with most books I've read only once more than a couple years ago) so it will be like a brand new book!)

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (To read) (Love love love this book - 4 stars. Have reread a few times. Would enjoy another reread. It'd been long enough.)

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra (To read) (Got it from a Secret Santa and it's been languishing (Love than word - not the concept - just how it sounds and how it feels coming out of the mouth. I know. I'm a weirdo.) on a shelf.)

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Wishlist) (Been on my TBR for 7 (!) years. I think it was an LT recommendation from... someone. (Whisper1? foggidawn? katiekrug? All had reviews about that time.)

The Curse of Chalion by Lois Master Bujold (To read) (OMG!!! You haven't read this one yet? I'm so excited for when you do. This is one of my top rereads. It gets one of my super rare 5 stars.)

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross (To read) (Read this series eight years ago. I've been wanting to reread it as I liked it (3.5 stars - perfectly acceptable to me. I rate low.) and I've totally forgotten what it's about. LOL.)

Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stephenson (To read) (This is the first book I put on my eReader 8 years ago and I still haven't gotten it read. About time, don't you think?)

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman (To read) (Read it 7 years ago and gave it 4 stars. Been meaning to read it again.)

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (To read) (One of the extremely rare audiobooks I've listened to. After eleven years, I wonder if reading the words will hold up to the smooth voices of the ladies who engrossed me in this tale?)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (To read) (Every time I've read this book, I've loved it. Been thirteen years since the last time. Maybe I should write notes this read through so I remember why. Ha!)

Upstairs at the White House by J. B. West (To read) (Got this through Kindle Unlimited five years ago because I love stuff like this. Just haven't gotten a round tuit. Hmm, I also have Below Stairs. I think I'm going to read them the same month.)

Wow, Morphy! I appreciate the time and effort that you put into this, and how easy you made it for me to reference the books. I think for our first book up, we should read something new to both of us. Maybe Born a Crime or The Bookshop on the Corner? All of the books would be new to me, although two of them I have read part of and set aside because I am a mood reader, so I do that.

I checked my notes on your choices, and I can provide the following insights:

Alas, Babylon - I really want to read this one soonish.

Angels and Demons - This is actually Craig's book, and I will read it with you if you are really wanting to reread it, but otherwise let's skip it. When I first joined LT, and before I was on the threads, I just logged all of our joint books into my catalogue as a way of keeping track of them. I have stopped doing this, but there are still a few stragglers that I have not gotten around to removing.

The Bookshop on the Corner - Indeed a Katie's Dirty Dozen, and I have had good luck with her recommendations, which is why I keep a separate list for her. This could be a good starting place from us since I probably listed it on my thread in Katie's Dirty Dozen list, and you got a BB from that.

Born a Crime - All of us here have Big Love for Trevor Noah, and Abby loved this one

Bridge of Birds - this was a recommendation from Heather, and I noted that Roni mentioned on Jim's thread (in 2017) that this is THE Asian epic fantasy

Cloud Atlas - I purchased this one in 2012 because everyone was saying how great it was, and I remember you explaining things about it years ago. It's always kind of intimidated me, so reading it with you would be awesomesauce.

A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon - this was also recommended by Katie, probably before I started keeping a separate list, so I have added it to her Dirty Dozen

Counting by Sevens - Katie again so ditto the above

The Curse of Chalion - love her Vorkosigan books (which I need to get back to, and might just start at the beginning and reread the beginning of the series). Anyway, this was recommended by Heather and Judy

The Girl in the Steele Corset - Picked this up as a Kindle Daily Deal. Craig has read the series and enjoyed it.

Miss Buncle's Book - this is one that I have started but not finished. I liked what I read but just got distracted and never got back to it. Recommended by Katie and Joe

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt - I don't actually have this book even though it is listed in my library. I donated it because it sat for so long. If you want to reread it, I can get it from the library.

The Thirteenth Tale - Oh! It's good on audio?! I'm making a note of that. This one has been in the stacks forever - the hardback version of it moved with us from Indiana. Abby has claimed that one, and I picked it up in a Kindle deal.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - there was a GR of this one years ago, and I made it over halfway and then put it aside when it wasn't calling to me and I was distracted by other books. I loved the writing, though, and would love to give it another go - I remember liking the first half better than the second. The first half is pure magic.

Upstairs at the White House - picked this up in a Kindle deal, and like you, I love stuff like this.

Now I am off to snoop in your library!

>275 Morphidae: >276 Crazymamie: I can not recommend A Constellation of Vital Phenomena high enough. I think it was my favorite novel of that year. My warbling two cents...

Hi, Mamie. I am further along in Still Life than you, about the 260 page mark and it continues to deliver in aces. I love these characters. I do not think I will forget them for a long time.

It's fun watching you zipping around, Mamie. I'm drifting with what current flows past. Although, although. Tomorrow I'll navigating a mission of Book Mercy. My librarian pal Gig will be piloting us to Bethlehem, where stacks and stacks of discarded books wait in peril. The shredder is...well...shredding. And we rescuers must...well...uh...rescue. You know what they say: It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

Roddy Doyle. I wrote his name on my thread, and you asked what of his writing I would recommend. Start with his "Barrytown trilogy": The Commitments, The Van, and The Snapper. All have been made into fillims. Paddy Clarke, Ha Ha Ha won him the Booker Prize. I also like The Woman Who Walked into Doors, about spousal abuse.

Bridge of Birds is such a marvelous book!!

If you can save Cloud Atlas to next year, I would most certainly re-read it with you. Loved that book. Such a different reading experience. Some authors struggle to write convincingly in a single voice, he manages to write convincingly in 6 very different voices.

>277 msf59: Hey, Mark! Thanks for your warbling - duly noted.

I got to The Sweet Life section when I stooped for the night in Still Life, so page 243 - I ended up picking it up on audio, knowing I would want my own copy. Winman narrates it herself and she is full of fabulous. My book is rapidly filling up with book darts.

>278 weird_O: Trying to keep up with the threads is impossible for me this year, but I am trying. Hoping I will do a better job next year. Wishing you luck and safe travels on your Mission of Mercy. Such a kind and generous heart.

Oh, thanks for that on Roddy Doyle. I will follow your advice and start with his Barrytown trilogy - much appreciated, Oh Weird One.

>279 ronincats: Noted, Roni! Morphy is pulling some great titles that have been languishing in the stacks.

>280 Helenliz: Hello, Helen! We can definitely save Cloud Atlas until next year - we'd love to have you along for the ride. This will be my first by that author, so I am looking forward to it.

>281 Crazymamie: Happy Wednesday, Mamie. Glad you are moving along in Still Life. Cool, that you switched to the audio. I am page 273. I have not read anything yet today but the rest of the PM will be devoted to the books.

**Still Life Update- 345 pages. We are in 1969. I should finish this sometime on Friday.

>282 msf59: Hey, Mark! Wednesday and Thursday were packed with errands and household stuff, so I am finally checking in here today - my favorite day of days, Friday.

I made it to page 331 (1967-1968) yesterday, and I would love to finish it today. If not today, then Saturday for sure.

Morning, Mamie! Happy Friday. Sounds like you have been busy. I only have just over 30 pages left in Still Life . I will miss these wonderful characters. I hope you are also having a good time with it. Jackson time this AM. Yah!!

>284 msf59: Morning, Mark! Happy Friday. I have been busy - slightly busier that I would like, but it's all good. I will be sad for the book to end - I have BIG love for Cress.

Hooray for Jackson time! He sure is a cutie!

Hi Mamie! Happy Friday to you.

I'm drinking coffee and feeling a bit groggy from what Jenna and I are affectionately calling my fish medicine - the label on the prescription says 'tylenol/cod'. I also have pink footballs - another of my new meds. Gotta put some joy in all of this, right?

Morning, Karen! Happy Fridaying. I just came from your place.

I am on my second cup of coffee. I love the fish medicine!! And pink footballs - fancy! Humor has gotten me through many a rough patch, so yes, I am all for the joy finding.

Morning, Mamie. Happy Saturday. I enjoyed reading Still Life with you. I have to give it 5 stars, even though it faltered a bit toward the end. I liked Evelyn's character but I sure hated being taken away from the rest of the gang. I loved Cress too and Uly and Peg and...

BTW- Great time with Jackson yesterday. We can't get enough of this kid.

>288 msf59: Hello, Mark! I have not finished it yet, but it's looking like 5 stars from me, too. Hoping to finish it up today, but things have been busy here at the Pecan Paradisio, and tomorrow is Craig's birthday, so...

I love how much you love Jackson - lucky kid!

I'm finally coming up for air! *gasp wheeze* I was swamped with Black "Friday" shopping (more like Black Entire Week of Thanksgiving!) then needed to catch up on everything I fell behind on while doing all that shopping!

It wasn't just holiday shopping but stuff for ourselves we had been putting off for weeks or months knowing we'd get them cheaper if we just waited. And we did! Nothing from "wishlists" rather things like a bedroom TV and wall mount, sheets, a wall light, and humidifier.

But now I'm caught up and baaaaaaack.

>238 RebaRelishesReading: Oh, yum. I had one of those this year but it had both white and dark turkey meat on white bread and Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise.

>257 Crazymamie: I didn't know dishwashers even came with interior lighting. The only lighting my "dishwasher" has is a flashlight and then the rate of washing is cut by more than half as he has only one hand free. Ha!

>276 Crazymamie: I'd like to go with something light so let's go with The Bookshop on the Corner? Let me know when you want to start. I'm wide open.

I also want to read Alas, Babylon soonish. And I REALLY REALLY want to do a shared read of The Curse of Chalion. I adore that book and can't wait to have you read it. These are my "A-listers."

That leaves us with Born a Crime, Bridge of Birds, Counting by 7s, The Girl in the Steel Corset, and Upstairs at the White House as "B-list" stars.

Cloud Atlas, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, The Thirteenth Tale are my "C-list" stars.

Take the "A," "B" and "C" with my intent in mind though. They aren't meant to define quality but rather when I'd prefer to read them - Now, Soon, Later.

I'm iffy on Angels and Demons so have no problem dropping that one. We can put off Miss Buncle's Book, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

This doesn't have to be a definitive list either. I'll eventually come up with a Mount TBR list for you to peruse.

>280 Helenliz: I would love for you or anyone else to join us in reading Cloud Atlas next year!

Hello, Morphy. Congrats on surviving Black Friday Week! We have been crazy busy here, too, so I get it. Your dishwasher comments made me laugh!

I can start any time after Tuesday, so if you want to start this Wednesday with The Bookshop on the Corner, let's so that. I like you list rating system, so let's make Alas, Babylon our second read and The Curse of Chalion our third. Then we can reassess and make new choices after that. I am looking forward to reading with you - such fun!

Morning, Mamie. Happy Sunday. Happy Birthday to Craig! We are having a birthday dinner for my FIL today. He turned 79 on the 1st. Bree & the gang are coming over. More Jackson time. Yah! Not far into Matrix but I am enjoying it.

Have a great day with the family.

Morning, Mark! Happy Sunday, and a belated Happy Birthday to your FIL. Thanks for the birthday wishes for Craig; he is 57 today. We are getting pizzas for lunch from The Mellow Mushroom, which I am very excited about.

Hi Mamie, and Happy Birthday to Craig! Yay for special pizza.

Birthday wishes to your absolutely significant other, Mamie. Are there other December birthdays in your family? For me—both my sister and brother, a cousin, both daughters in law. Have an enjoyable Sunday.

Go Falcons! Beat them Bucs.

Or not.

>294 karenmarie: Morning, Karen! Thank you for those good wishes!

>295 weird_O: Thank you, Oh Weird One! Yep - we have a calendar full of December birthdays - tomorrow is my sister Julie's birthday, the 13th is Craig's brother's, the 21st is my sister GayLynn's, the 31st is a BIL on Craig's side.

Hoping your Sunday is also full of enjoying. Go Falcons, indeed!! I am not holding my breath, but this is the season for miracles, right?!