Mdoris (Mary) reads in 2022, WELCOME!

Welcome to my thread in 2022.

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

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

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

WELCOME! Please come and visit!

Welcome back for another reading year! May 2022 be a great one for you.

I had a very, very good year of reading and high numbers for me in 2021. I read 73 books and would have surpassed the BIG 75 if I had included kids books as I have done a wonderful run on Oliver Jeffers books (what a marvel he is!). 35 of those were non fiction and my fav books this year would all fit into the non fiction category which is kind of a first for me. There are some amazing people bringing forth courageous and well researched writing that challenge the media narrative and I really like that! These are authors asking some very important questions. So here goes. Here are my favs and I could not keep them to 5.

non fiction
Apocalypse Never by Michael Shellenberger
Irreversible Damage The Transgender Craze Seducing our Daughters by Abigail Shrier ****
The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea
Unsporting by Linda Blade
Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women's Rights by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, by Jean Twenge
The Rise of Victimhood Culture by Bradley Campbell
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

fiction
The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting, thank you Donna!
Fight Night by Miriam Toews
This is Happiness by Niall Williams

>2 drneutron: Thanks Jim and thank for all the work you do behind the scenes! You must be very busy!

>1 mdoris: Please don't kick me out of this wonderful group!

Well, if they let me stick around, Mary, you should have no worries! Happy New Year!

>3 mdoris: Thanks for posting your list!

Happy reading in 2022, Mary!

Happy new thread and happy new year, Mary! I've starred you!

This group always helps me to read; welcome back to the group, Mary. x

Happy New Year Mary.

Vol 2 of the Mytting trilogy is out in the UK in March, can't wait.

Happy New Year, Mary.

I also loved Fight Night - the narrator was great. I'm currently reading and enjoying These Precious Days.

I look forward to following your reading this year. I hope you get to see the grandkids as well.

Hope 2022 is full of great reads for you!

> Mary, I am sorry that I lost your thread. I am delighted to find someone who also very much likes Illustrated books.

I find the artwork stunning. I have a top five list of illustrators. If you haven't found Pamela Zagarenski, you might want to find her stunning books.

I'm curious to know if you have favorite illustrators. And, yes, isn't retirement great.

I look forward to visiting here more frequently.

Hello to Stasia, Anita, Shelley, Paul, Caroline, Beth, Lori, and Linda. So great to see so many of you visit. Look forward to visits to all your new threads!

I found you! And thank you for the shout out! Wasn't The Bell in the Lake a terrific book? It makes me smile to think of that wonderful reading experience.

You got me with a book bullet by mentioning Fight Night. You've never steered me wrong, Mary, and I will continue to rely on you for recommendations. One of these years, we might even be in Denver at the same time...something to look forward to.

>12 Whisper1: Hi Linda, I am stuck in a time warp with kids books as my youngest is now 37 and it has been hard to keep up. I have been interested in following Brain Pickings because she seems to have a special interest in childrens books especially those with stunning illustrations. I must get back to reading that newsletter more consistently. Thanks for the hot tip of Pamela. Zagarenski. I will look for her work!

>14 Donna828: Hi Donna, It is so great to see you back from your sabbatical. You have been missed as many people have mentioned! Who knows when we will ever get to Denver but a meet up sure would be good. I have been having a peek at your reading over the year and like you I look forward (and like Caroline >9 Caroline_McElwee: too) to the next in volume in the Mytting trilogy. I keep checking to see if it is on the library list! The Reindeer Hunters: The Sister Bells Trilogy vol 2.

Dropping a star - I hope you'll have another great year of reading, Mary. I can see you keep track of the hot topics in today's culture. Interesting subjects.

>17 ctpress: Glad that you dropped by Carsten.

Bibliophile: Diverse Spines by Jamise Harper and Jane Mount V.I Regional Library p 143



This is hot off the presses and I think I am the first person to crack the cover from our library system. It is an illustrated listing of all the familiar categories of authors/illustrators and the "book" people mentioned are either Black, Indigenous or People of Colour.

As the intro says...."Reading won't solve all problems of course and you can never fully walk in another person's shoes but it offers a brilliant path to greater understanding and opens up a pathway for conversations. Plus it's just more interesting to read broadly to discover stories about other ways to exist, other worlds to inhabit."

This is a resource like the other Jane Mount illustrated book Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany. But I also wonder if identifying first by skin colour or racial characteristics is the best way forward? Lots to think about these days.........Ideas?

The Break by Katherena Vermette off the home shelves p. 350



This was read for my January bookclub selection and unfortunately it did not work well for me. I think I must be an outlier on this book as many reviews were 4 and 5 stars. I found there were too many people to follow (confusing) and the plot was quite limited and spun around a horrible event. It is a sad story that shows the endless cycles of challenges of the Metis community in Winnipeg. There is the hopefulness of family but still families struggling and divided.

Happy New Year, Mary. Finally dropping a star over here. Love the topper. I am currently loving These Precious Days on audio and I am tickled to see The Devil's Highway on your best of list.

Hi Mark, I was a little late in setting up the new thread this year (visits with grandkids took a priority). I know you will understand that! Wow, there was a major flurry of activity with this 75er group a few days ago. Great to see such enthusiasm! It was probably from you that I learned about The Devil's Highway so sending a big thanks your way! What an horrendous ordeal that was for the migrants.

>20 mdoris: Sorry to hear that the book was not better for you. I hope your next read is much better!

>23 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia, the next book sure was a good one!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DeCamillo V.I Regional Library p. 198



This wonderful author was discovered by me by reading Ann Patchett's new book of essays These Precious Days. Yes, a kids story and beautifully told about a china rabbit's life in many different circumstances and learning the lesson of how to love. Really a delightful book with stunning illustrations. I will definitely read more of her work!

Looks like you are off to a great start with your reading, Mary, except for the book club read. Did you get all your shovelling done? We got another dump of snow last night and by the time I got around to getting it off my car it had a crust of ice on it from the freezing rain. I'm looking forward to warmer temperatures and rain to wash all this white stuff away!

Hi Mary, it was lovely to see your message over on the end of last year's thread.
Thanks for visiting. As promised, popping in a bit here and there on the Talk threads.

I have rewritten my profile to shorten details and post my reading progress this year with succinct comments.
This plan has worked out well so far because look at the threads! They're on fire💥, as I've been saying on other threads.

I'm enjoying A Rising Man ATM. I didn't note where I caught the BB in my LT notes.

Hope the winter storms have not left you without electricity and you're having rain more than blizzards.

>25 mdoris: Thanks for the recommendation, Mary. I have only read one by DiCamillo - The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread. One I could easily read again.

Have a great weekend.

>27 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy, I have already been over to snoop on your new profile page and think that is a very clever idea to list your current reads without the time devoted to a thread. Thanks for the visit! i"ll be visiting your profile too over time. Happy reading to you! We still have hard as rock snow, bulky grey clouds and cold temps. All very unusual for us!

>28 ctpress: Hi Carsten. Thanks for the tip. I went to our library website and Dicamillo has 89 listings of her books, some in translation. I put the one you suggested (thank you!) on hold and there are 6 others to read it before I get my mitts on it. She is very popular!

I love Kate DiCamillo, Mary.

>31 BLBera: Hi Beth, any suggestions?

Raining over here now, Mary, but the snow is still hanging around and there are icy spots under foot. Hope your reads are treating you well.

The Fall of LIght by Niall Williams V.I. Regional LIbrary p. 382



This is my third N. Williams book and I sure will be reading more. He is such a gifted writer and story teller! It is about a family in Ireland, (perhaps the authors own family from generations ago,) who had lived through the times of the potato famine and then family was dispersed far and wide and it is their beautifully told story. Thanks for doing this as a shared read Stasia, my first.

>34 mdoris: I am so glad you liked it! This is the first Niall Williams book that I have read, Mary, but it is definitely not going to be the last.

>34 mdoris: I'm so glad you and Stasia loved The Fall of Light. Niall Williams is such a good author, and I'm so glad he doesn't read my thread. Haha. Sorry for the confusion. My head is thick with congestion and some wires got crossed...at least that's my story.

I am next in line for Bibliophile: Diverse Spines. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I loved the first one.

Enjoy the rest of your week, Mary.

The Fate of Fausto A Painted Fable by Oliver Jeffers V.I Regional Library



Here is another fabulous Oliver Jeffers kids book! He tells the tale of a man who wants to own/possess ALL until, in his lack of wisdom, he is defeated by the sea. On the last page he tells the true story told by Kurt Vonnegut in the New Yorker mag , 16 May 2005. Here goes.......

Joseph Heller, an important and funny writer now dead, and I were at a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island. I said "Joe how does it make you feel to know that our host only yesterday may have made more money than your novel 'Catch-22" has earned in it's entire history?" and Joe said "Ive got something he can never have" and I said " What on earth could that be Joe?" and Joe said, The knowledge that I've got enought" Not bad rest in peace!

>33 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, 2022 is off to a very good reading start for me and hope it is for you too! Yes snow is almost all gone now. I'm very pleased about that!

>35 alcottacre: So pleased Stasia that you liked the book. I will be reading more of his too!

>36 Donna828: Hi Donna, hope you are feeling much better! I look at the first Bibliophile book all the time and always plan more reading ideas from it and then the library books descend.

>34 mdoris: Hi Mary. I've added the The Fall of the Night to my tbr pile.

>25 mdoris: I am currently reading Ann Patchett's book These Precious Days. Long a fan of Kate DiCamillo, I've read most of her books.

>19 mdoris: I don't think that race is the best way to sort books into, Mary, or anything else for that matter. There seems to be an obsession with race in all things at the moment that overlooks the essential sameness and collectivity of people. That move towards separation and it is largely the work of those seeking racial "equity" and "justice"; is in my view one of the most pernicious things afloat today and will set race relations back a generation or three.

>34 mdoris: I really like the look of Niall Williams' book. x

>Paul, I agree with you totally.

>41 Whisper1: Thank you dear Linda, but I am afraid so many will not agree.

I agree with you both Paul and Linda. I'm not supportive of this approach. It will not be a book that I will purchase.

>40 PaulCranswick: I agree with you as well, Paul.

BTW - I think you would like the Niall Williams book.

Have a great rest of your week, Mary!

Hi Mary - I love Oliver Jeffries - LT is wrecking my resolution not to add books to my collection!

I know I have something by Niall Williams on my shelves, so I will try to get to him this year.

I loved Flora & Ulysses, but really anything by DiCamillo is great.

>37 mdoris: I really liked that poem (with homily) about Joe Heller. Thanks for sharing it.
In looking up this piece, I found a 2010 article in Psychology Today.
The author (Robert I. Sutton), had a postcard from Kurt Vonnegut authorizing use of this story in his published article and thus I dove down a rabbit hole. I guess it's now my lunchtime here... and I hardly visited any talk threads.

>45 BLBera:, >46 SandyAMcPherson: Hello Beth and Sandy. I love kids' books! I must say I learned a thing or two from them when our kids were young. Some in particular that spring to mind were It Could Always be Worse a yiddish folk tale (acceptance and contentment), The Lucky Old Woman (the value of staying positive}, Wild Robin (hold on with fierce love when your teenager is being horrid). I'm sure there are many more.

I will sure be reading more of Kate DiCamillo and I'm zooming through the Jeffers ones. And Beth I sure enjoyed those essays recently from your thread about content of kids books.

Mary, I read many of Kate DiCamillo's books, yet when I checked, the books aren't listed in my library. Where did they go?

She also finds such wonderful illustrators. Bagram Ibatoulline is one of my favorite artists!

>48 Whisper1: You have 12 books by her in your library, Linda, search for "Kate DiCamillo" in "All collections".

Abide With Me by Elizabeth Strout V.I. Regional Library p. 294



I recently added Oh William! to the list of wonderful books I have read, written by Strout and I thought i should try to complete the picture by reading her early ones. This one did not disappoint! It is the story of a young minister and his family in the mid 1950's in north eastern U.S. The story focuses on the minister living through personal tragedy and grief while working and trying to keep his family together and also dealing with the social environment of his parishioners of gossip, rumor, infidelities, war trauma and life's disappointments. Strout is able to write about these human conditions so well with such insight and sensitivity. It was comforting to know that the minster did not lose faith.

>48 Whisper1: Hi Linda, For sure I will be reading many more of {Kate Di Camillo. I have my list ready!

>49 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. Yes Linda sure has read a lot of her books! I have only read one so far.

>46 SandyAMcPherson: HI Sandy, Oh boy, it sure is easy and wonderful to dive down rabbit holes. I'm with you on that one! Thanks for the info!

>51 mdoris: How's the ol' rabbit hole doing today?

I just spent about 2 hours getting my thoughts sorted on two books today: A Rising Man and The Heron's Cry. Both rated 3*'s. I had a lot to say about Ann Cleeves' book (both reviews on their respective book pages).

Hi Sandy, You're getting lots of reading done! i must get back to reading Ann Cleeves books. I'll go hunt down your reviews.....Oh I did and gave you a thumb for the Cleeves review. You made a good point about giving resources for mental health care.

>53 mdoris: Thanks for that (the point about giving resources for mental health care).
And it was a pleasure to see 2 up-thumbs on my review. Again, thank you.
Cleeves did some good consciousness raising on that topic. Not enough funding goes to looking after mental health here (in Canada), either.

IMO, perhaps more important than physical health. I know that sounds strange, but so many physical ailments stem from mental/emotional aspects. Just look at the difficulties arising from the isolation and fears in this pandemic. (Getting off soap box now).

>54 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy. Yes, I want to read Michael Shellenberger's new book San Fransicko. I have seen some interviews and I think he delves into this about the very strong connection between mental illness and the greatly disturbing homelessness affecting all our cities. I imagine that it will be a very interesting read like his previous book Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All.

>50 mdoris: I've not read that one by Strout. Perhaps I'll get around to it some day.

The Gifts of Reading by Robert Macfarlane V.I Regional Library p. 34



This is a tiny book containing an essay by Robert Macfarlane about the value of giving and receiving of books as gifts. He tells some personal stories of this and describes some of his favourites that he continues to give time and time again.

>57 mdoris: - Ooo, I love that cover! I also love this author. Looks like a quick read.

>56 thornton37814: Hi Lori, I was planning to read the first novel she wrote Amy and Isabelle but today I got completely overwhelmed with library books that all came in at once so it got bumped. I'll have to read like crazy! Hope you like Abide with Me when you get to it!

>58 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. Are you snowed in? Hope you are well supplied! Yes a very quick read! I am slowly reading The Old Ways but library books are bumping it. Yes, I think he is a marvel too!

>60 mdoris: - We got wholloped (sp?) yesterday and the city pretty much shut down. I did a fair bit of shoveling this afternoon and am ready for bed! All that fresh air, sunshine and hard work did me in! Frankly, this was what I grew up with in Montreal, this type of volume of snow was typical winter there, at that time. We will get above zero briefly tomorrow, in time for a short melt then plunging down again into the deep freeze. That won't be fun. Oh well, c'est la vie...

I also have The Old Ways but haven't got to it yet. And ha! I just order The Gifts of Reading through Abebooks! I have a whole shelf of books about books and I just LOVE that cover! Got me with that BB, Mary!

>50 mdoris: I have yet to read that one. I really need to get it read!

>57 mdoris: Another MacFarlane book that I need to pick up. Thanks for the mention, Mary.

>57 mdoris: That looks like an interesting MacFarlane book but unfortunately my library doesn't have it. They do have a few others that I haven't read, though.

>50 mdoris: Ooh, I missed this early Strout novel. Glad to hear that Abide With Me agreed with you.

Sweet Thursday, Mary.

>61 jessibud2: Hi Shelley, I have always been captivated by little books and this one is no exception. Glad you tracked it down. i think it will take me a long time to finish The Old Ways but it should be savored I think!

>62 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, Sounds like you are a Macfarlane and Strout fan too!

>63 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, The cover on the tiny book looks like the cover on his book Holloways which I really liked. Arm chair traveling but good for now!

>64 msf59: Hi Mark, There is another early Strout that I have missed and hope to catch up at some point but right now I am completely overwhelmed with library arrivals. Some I have been waiting for for over 6 months and then they all come in at once. Jeeze.

The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith V.I Regional Library p 345



This is #22 in the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and I just had to have my fix! These stories are such a delight!

>57 mdoris: The McFarlane book sounds great; I love the cover.

>66 mdoris: Looks interesting!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Wishing you a lovely weekend, Mary.

>65 mdoris: Yes, I am indeed, Mary. I have a couple of MacFarlane's books I have yet to read and am extremely behind on Strout.

>67 BLBera: HI Beth, it's a tiny one, a single essay but I guess I would read anything written by Macfarlane!

>68 figsfromthistle: HI Anita. Have you read any of the Mma Ramatswe books? I am hooked and he amazes as he has written so many books in each of his series.

>69 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, wishing you a very good weekend too. It's really foggy here today, very grey!

>70 alcottacre: HI Stasia. For me the Macfarlane books take lots of time, needing to be read slowly. I must pick my time to read them and have a few left of his to finish. When reading his books he gives you ideas to read other books so that also happens like his good pal who has passed and wrote Waterlog, which was a gem too!

Hi Mary. I think I have you to thank for calling Robert Macfarlane to my attention for The Lost Words in 2020. Thank you so much. Then I was blown away by Underland: A Deep Time Journey and I was hooked. I will look for the little gem, The Gifts of Reading.

>71 mdoris: We don't tend to get much in the way of fog here, Mary. We get haze issues occasionally when Indonesia does its crop burning but that hasn't really happened for a few years. One of the very few benefits of COVID!

>72 Donna828: Hi Donna, Oh so glad I can return the favour. I am reading History of Rain and loving it and have you to thank for sending me in the direction of Niall Williams. A thank you to you!
I loved Underland: A Deep Time Journey too and read it with my computer open so I could see some of the amazing places he wrote about.

>73 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, Not too many benefits concerning the dreaded COVID (none that I can think of) but glad there was an attempt to control pollution where you live.

Have a wonderful week, Mary!

>57 mdoris: Thank you, Mary, I had forgotten about this McFarlane book. I just got it as an early birthday gift :-)
I am reading Underland: A Deep Time Journey now, and have enjoyed his previous books.

Remember: The Science of Memory and The Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova V.I Regional Library p. 246



This was a very handy and informative book. For those in the hmmmmm over 65 years of age group (I'm 73) memory becomes a bit of a concern or the looming threat of Alzheimer disease does. Genova has written many books, one was the popular Still Alice also made into a movie. She know her stuff having a PhD in neuroscience but she approaches the subject of memory with great knowledge and caring and writes in a way that is accessible, practical and full of suggestions and also includes current research. The big takeaway is to get lots of sleep (7-9 hours is needed), good nutrition based on the Mediterranean and DASH (diet approaches to stop hypertension) diets, get plenty of exercise, learn new things and also very important to keep stress levels low.

p. 217 In the U. S. one in ten at age sixty-five has Alzheimer's. At eighty-five it's one in three, fast approaching one in two. Half of us.

YIKES!

p 205 Through yoga, meditation, a healthy diet, exercise and practises in mindfulness, gratitude and compassion we can train ourselves to become less reactive to put the brakes on the runaway stress response, to stay healthy in the face of toxic anxiety.

I own this book, Mary and really need to move it up the tbr pile! I love her writing.

>75 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Sure hope you recover quickly!

>76 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita, I think you will like it. There are a few further reading ideas.

>77 mdoris: Hi Shelley. I waited for about 6 months for this book to sift to the top for me at the library but it was worth the wait. She is so practical and real.

The Tournament of Books brackets were listed today. I haven't read any of the books!

https://themorningnews.org/tob/2022/2022-Tournament-of-Books-Brackets.pdf

>80 mdoris: I haven't read any of them either, Mary.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillio V.I Regional LIbrary p. 185



Carrying on with my Kate DiCamillio books after being introduced to her by Ann Patchett's most recent and wonderful book of essays and this one was good. It was also a similar story to one I just finished about a minister by Elizabeth Strout. In this book a young girl (10) living with her preacher dad has moved to Florida and she finds a stray dog to love and care for and makes friends which helps to keep her sadness at bay for missing her mom who has left the family.

Lots of good reading here.

The only one I've read from the Tournament of Books is Klara and the Sum. Do you plan on reading any of them?

Hey, Mary! Just came by to say "Thank you" for visiting my thread while I have been sick.

Have a wonderful weekend!

>83 streamsong: Hi Janet. Right now I am so overwhelmed with library books and ideas for reading that i might wait until I see the write ups for the Tof B. I will come over for a visit and see what you thought of Klara and the Sun. I'm sure open to recommendations!

>84 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I am so glad that you are feeling well enough to come visit! It sounds like you and Kerry have been very sick. Our SIL has been very sick with it too, (post vaccination) with raging high temperature and horrible body aches and more. I have been following on your thread about how you have been sleeping so much.
I am still on a Niall Williams run and about to finish a book today that I have loved. I don't want it to end! I will write about it soon but you might be interested in the book!

History of the Rain: A Novel by Niall Williams V.I. Regional Library p. 358



Oh I didn't want this one to end! It is the 4th N. Williams book i have read in as many months and I am smitten. This one is a love letter to literature and poetry and to family. It is especially trying to figure out the father in the story, who he is and where he comes from with his family layers. It takes place in RAINY western Ireland and the writing is superb, playful, funny, fun, clever and most importantly it is heartfelt. The content is very bookish. It is also at times "meta" with the author/narrator talking directly to the reader. I like this when it happens and when it is done so well.

Happy weekend!

>77 mdoris: BB for me! I have read a few books by Genova. I have not heard of that one though.

>87 mdoris: Grrr! Another BB!

>87 mdoris: I must get to that book soon, Mary - it has been on the shelves far too long already.

Have a lovely weekend.

>88 figsfromthistle:, >89 PaulCranswick: HI Anita and Paul, I am in the honeymoon stage with the book and still floating!

Hi Mary.
>80 mdoris: I've only read two of the Tournament books: Klara and the Sun and The Sentence. I liked both of them. I don't care all that much for the books they choose; however, I think the commentaries are great. You can tell that the judges are very perceptive readers.

>82 mdoris: On a whim, I went to a book night at our church for all ages when this was the chosen book. After talking about it, we watched the movie. It was great fun and I liked that children were able to participate.

>87 mdoris: We agree once again! I loved your thoughts...and now I understand the literary meaning of 'meta'. Thanks. You may be in that "honeymoon" stage for quite awhile, Mary. I still swoon when I think of how transporting that book was.

>91 Donna828: Hi Donna, thank you for your kind words. I sort of made up "meta" as it relates to the book so don't quote me and I stand to be corrected but meta cognition is thinking about thinking so I figured that was the literary equivalent, the self awareness of a writer to the reader.

>87 mdoris: You got me with this one Mary. I have another of his near the top of the tbr mountain too.

>87 mdoris: I am going to have to get to that one at some point. Glad to see you loved it, Mary!

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Lots going on in Canada right now, but this sums it up for me.

>95 mdoris: - Nice thoughts, Mary, but I am very angry at those covidiots in trucks. They do not represent the vast majority of truckers, nor do they represent Canadians. Their behaviour has been disgusting, and disgraceful and the lot of them ought to be thrown in jail. They are truly a disgrace and I can only imagine how frightening it must be for those who live in the Ottawa area they are *occupying*. They do not deserve any *love* from anyone, in my humble opinion. What they are doing is displaying their *freedom* to behave like barbarians, and nothing more. Defecating on people's lawns, breaking into a homeless shelter and stealing food. Among other displays of idiocy. If they truly had a legitimate beef with the government, they should have thought of a civil and more intelligent way to get their message across. They can't honestly believe the government is going to listen to them when they behave this way, can they?

I am so sorry for the rant but I have found the last couple of days of watching them to be extremely disturbing.

>95 mdoris: & >96 jessibud2:

Globally the news is just so depressing isn't it, especially in the English speaking 'Western World'?

The UK has a buffoon of a Prime Minister who thinks he can do whatever he likes and the rules he imposed on people don't apply to him and his chums.

The USA seems to be at war with itself.

Australia had the fiasco of the Djokovic business.

New Zealand's PM cancelled her own wedding (OK I couldn't really think up anything much for NZ?!)

and now this quite awful unrest in Canada.

Stay safe ladies and I hope that these terrible times will soon be beyond us.

>96 jessibud2: Really Shelley, I couldn't disagree with you more. Our freedoms are disappearing as Canadians. I hazard a guess that you are watching very biased and state sponsored and financially supported media as the cartoon in >95 mdoris: demonstrates.

Actually, I am trying to read and watch a variety of reporting. On the CBC's Cross Country Checkup radio program on Sunday afternoon, people phone in from across the country. The topic yesterday was Ottawa. Several people who live in the downtown core phoned in, one woman almost in tears as she said she watched one of the truckers defecate on her lawn. People are afraid to leave their houses and the trucks honking their horns all night long so people can't sleep. These are citizens reporting this, not media.

If people don't want to get vaccinated, fine, they have the right to make those decisions. But by the same token as they don't want mandates imposed on them, they also have no right to interfere with the lives of other citizens in such a disgraceful manner. Why can't they just protest peacefully and like civil human beings, without the rhetoric, and the Nazi flags and boorish behaviour. That is so un-Canadian. I feel ashamed, watching them. Please tell me you don't actually believe that those are really *paid government actors*....

>93 Caroline_McElwee:, >94 alcottacre: Hi Stasia and Caroline. I sure hope when you get to read the book that you will like it as much as I did.

>97 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul,
Yes depressing is the word for world news these days. Thanks for the visit! x

HI Shelley, I have said what I need to say. You have to check your sources.

>98 mdoris: & >99 jessibud2: I think everyone knows where I stand on the subject of freedom but I don't hold truck with violence.

People have a perfect right to express their right of assembly and freedom of speech to demonstrate against the mandates. World wide there is complete ennui, frustration and anger about policies that don't seem to make sense. The jabs do not have a great record of providing anything close to immunisation and there seems no scientific basis to justify mandates - omicron has shown this indubitably. It is time to live with the virus and get on with put the world's economy right.

I took my jabs all three of them and I am not anti-jab because there is clear evidence that they help when you contract the virus but they don't stop you catching it in the first place. I have to wear a mask in shopping malls and in the office and I am fine with that as I can see the common sense in it. But mandates don't work - they put people on the street and a small minority will wreak havoc.

Justin Trudeau has been hoist by his own petard somewhat after lecturing India on the right of peaceful protest. He said that Canada will always support this but he is pretty quiet about it now. Anyone espousing violence or calling for violence or spreading race or other hatred should be dealt with and not allowed to detract from what is a an issue that many feel so strongly about.

>103 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, Two years is a long time to put up with such life changing restrictions and government contols. I understand the need for change.

Angus Reid
Majority of Canadians (54%) now say it's time to end Covid restrictions and leave responsibility for isolation to those at risk. This is up from 40% in early January.

>102 mdoris: - Mary, I am a person who usually avoids confrontation at all costs. That was never my intention here. I will not continue this conversation. But you should also check your sources. I think we will have to agree to disagree.

>106 jessibud2: HI Shelley, I do not have the faith in main stream media that you seem to have. This main stream media is hugely supported financially by the present government and what is covered on their shows for me is suspect. Is it theatre or plants? For example on the show you mentioned how can you know that the report is legitimate? Did someone see a trucker defecate and follow him back to his truck or could this be a local pet or a homeless person. Who knows? Like you I am not a fan of confrontation but you did the responses here and I will in no way try to convince you otherwise of your ideas but I have lost faith in the sources from which you quote.

>92 mdoris: Mary, whether or not you made up the use of "meta" in a literary sense, it works for me.

I'm sorry for the upheaval in Canada but it's comforting to know that the USA is not the only country with people acting out-of-control and being reported on by an overactive media. These are troubling times. I have to take news breaks occasionally. I like to retreat into my bubble of books when things get ugly. My spirit animal is the turtle. Haha.

>108 Donna828: Thanks Donna. I love your spirit animal THE TURTLE. Would you mind if we share it?

As a swimmer I think I will stick to water!

>109 mdoris: I’m happy to share, Mary. That is a gorgeous specimen. My turtle is a lowly box turtle. 🐢 It makes it easier to be inconspicuous. Haha.

>110 Donna828: Thank you Donna. That made me smile!

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal V.I.Regional Library p. 295



I read this for my RL bookclub February meeting. The story takes place in a suburb of London in a Sikh community where a young woman straddles the two cultures. She is employed part-time to teach English but the participants (all widows) would rather share and write about their erotic fantasies. In becoming friends with her students she becomes involved with their personal lives, while trying to figure out her own future occupation, education and romantic choices. Meanwhile she is involved in a murder mystery and danger. It is well done and gives a good glimpse at a culture trying to assimilate and the stuggles that women often have in the transition.

>103 PaulCranswick: Paul, I always value your input!

Sea Horse the Shyest Fish in the Sea by Chris Butterworth V.I. Regional Library



There is some curious coverage about this book on L.T. and I thought I would catch a glimpse. It is a gorgeously illustrated and informative book. What could the fuss be all about! Perhaps it's a good one to send to the grandkids!

Why We Sleep Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker V.I. Regional Library p. 342



I waited a long time for my turn with this wonderful book from the library. It is about sleep, every aspect and well studied by Walker who is a psychiatrist and PhD in neurophysiology. His thing is sleep and he knows his stuff. There are some great suggestions to get a good night's sleep and a strong recommendation to stay away from medication.

On Mercola today there is an excellent article about sleep that credits Walker's research.
HERE

>112 mdoris: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Mary.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wishing you a lovely weekend, Mary.

You will notice that I posted the eulogy we discussed over at my place. I'm still a little sad.

Is Trudeau still in hiding?

>116 alcottacre: HI Stasia, I might not have read this book on my own steam but that is the beauty of bookclub and of course of L.T. to lead to new books. I get lots of leads from your threads! Have a great weekend. Hoping you are feeling much, much better.......

>117 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I knew you would do a good job of the eulogy and I sure was right about that! Thank you.
I'm afraid I have no respect for Trudeau so try not to follow his whereabouts, but yes he is still in hiding I believe.
Hoping that you have a wonderful weekend Will you get lots of reading done?

>118 mdoris: I have lost respect for him too, Mary. It is worrying when a coward is running a country. How can he go into hiding when his country is in crisis. If he doesn't agree with the protestors face them down.

I hope to have a good reading day tomorrow.

Thanks for your kind words about my words. x

>119 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, right now I'm completely overwhelmed with library books. Why do so many come in at once? i know you don't have a library system you can tap into but I'm sure you are overwhelmed with your shelves......I see how many books you bring home! WOW. Good idea to have lots to choose from though! x

>120 mdoris: It is really good but there is such a thing as being spoilt for choice!

Have a wonderful weekend, Mary!

>121 PaulCranswick:, >122 alcottacre: Hello Paul and Stasia. Hope all is well in your necks of the woods! And hoping Stasia that you are feeling better every day. I know the perpetual napping is a drag! Reading is slow going these days for me. Not adding any books after a flurry in January. Oh well......

>112 mdoris: This looks interesting, Mary. Did your book club have a good discussion about it?

I am SO excited to hear that my Tuesday night book club that meets at the local library is reconvening on March 8 after a 2-year Covid hiatus. Woo Hoo! It's a small group of dedicated readers and includes my sister-in-law and best friend. We thought about just meeting with the three of us but got caught up in the doldrums. Hooray for Book Clubs!

>124 Donna828: Hi Donna, The book was such a different one from those we usually do and it was a fun discussion and got sidetracked as they often do. Very nice that you will be meeting in person very soon. That will happen to ours as well and then I will be no longer part of it as I live a distance away and have been included with Zoom for the short term. Oh well....The bookclub has been going for over 40 years with mostly the same readers.

>115 mdoris: Good that a book about sleep could keep you awake :)

A bookclub for 40 years. That’s impressive and will be hard to part with, I’m sure. Joined one last year, and it kickstarted my reading again. So great to meet and discuss books.

Hi, Mary. Just checking in. I hope all is well. It looks like the books are treating you fine.

>126 ctpress: Carsten, the book was very interesting, researched based but so readable. Lots about dreams too which always interests me.

>127 msf59: Hi Mark. The sun is pouring in and spring is trying to happen here. Yeah!

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart V.I.Regional Library p. 430



This is the March read for my bookclub and while I had leanings to do a "Nancy Pearl rule" on it early on I did not and I ended up being captivated. The book takes you deep into the poverty and struggles (alcoholism) of mostly single families in Glasgow, Scotland so parts are a "wee" bit grim but so heartfelt and intimate that it soon won me over. I loved it! What is interesting are the post reading interviews of the handsome and kind author as he describes how the book pivots his own life. It won the Booker and I can see why. There will be a movie from this book and he has a second book in the works! The captured dialogue is superb. The focus is on Shuggie (Hugh) who is ostracized and bullied for being a wee bit different (gay) and his life needing to support and keep his mother going. A hard but wonderful story.

>129 mdoris: I'm glad it worked for you Mary. I think his second novel is due out soon.

>129 mdoris: A hard but wonderful story, indeed, Mary.
Looking forward to his next book.

Your book club has made some interesting choices lately, Mary. I enjoyed Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows when I read it but haven't yet been tempted to read Shuggie Bain.

>130 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, Did Shuggie Bain work for you?

>131 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. It sounds like you were impressed with it too!

>132 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I had put off reading Shuggie Bain just because of the difficult subject, but now very glad that I read it and sure looking forward to his next book. I am enjoying looking at some of the author's video interviews.

The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore V.I. Regional Library p 454



This excellent biography is about the brave and courageous woman Elizabeth Packard, mother of six, from the 1860s Illinois, who was sent wrongly by her husband to an insane asylum for her robust opinions that were counter to her husband's opinions on religious matters. Her experience there was horrendous and it was at least 3 years before she could prove her sanity before the courts. She then urged legislation that paved the way for women's equaity and rights especially around mental illness. She really was a hero with endless energy and accomplishments. The book is written by the same author of The Radium Girls, a book I must read soon. I read about this book first on the website https://www.amightygirl.com which suggests inspiring books and toys for girls but also suggests books for adults concerning women's accomplishments. I have not posted this review on the main page as there are many wonderful reviews to be found there with many of them giving a 5 star rating! This was a wonderful book, very inspiring!

Here is an interesting list.
The 2021 Mighty Women Reading List for Adults.
https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=35152

Delurking to say 'Howdy'.
I'm wending my way through winter, reading a lot and like you, some good 'uns.
My March plans are to visit "home" for 10 days, a winterized rental cottage on the Island. I hope there's no snow.

I am so worn out with coping in a prairie winter. Looking forward to spring flowers and budding trees and shrubs, the beach and walking without needing my parka.

>135 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy you will LOVE your visit in March to the island. Just in from gardening and there is lots pushing up and even blooming. The sun even feels warm. I know winter is a long haul, especially the last few winters with all our restrictions and controls. Enjoy your time. The cottage sounds perfect! 'Howdy' back to you!

Sweet Thursday, Mary. I am so glad you loved Shuggie Bain. It is such a good novel. I have The Woman They Could Not Silence on my audio WL. Glad to hear you loved it.

>137 msf59: HI Mark, Big gas leak outside so lots of drama. Someone was digging in their garden as spring is trying to happen here. Yes, i loved Shuggie Bain. i thought it was a remarkable book and have been watching video interviews and he is such a kind and thoughtful man. i am looking forward to Young Mungo and have put it on reserve at the library for an April publishing release. I have been reading some wonderful books!

>129 mdoris: I have this one on my shelf. Perhaps this will be the month I read it.

>134 mdoris: That looks to be an interesting read as well.

Hope you have a great weekend!

>133 mdoris: Yes Mary, it did work for me. Despite the grit and relentlessness I felt it had heart.

>134 mdoris: This goes on the list.

>138 mdoris: Sorry to read about the gas leak, Mary. Is it fixed now?

Mary, I'm sorry that I haven't been spending much time here on LT.

You've been doing some really interesting reading. Three Gotcha's for me: History of the Rain, The Woman They Could Not Silence and Why We Sleep.

I do not understand why the US truckers are now convoy-ing when many of the Covid restrictions are now lifted.

A Brush With The Past by Shirley Hughes



On the "In Memoriam" thread Richard (richardderus) wrote of the recent death of Shirley Hughes. She has always been a big fav of mine of children authors/illustrators. What an artist she was. I read this book years ago but remember it well. In it she made amazing drawings decade by decade for the years 1900 to 1950 to reflect the history. It is worth having a good look! Just having a peek at Wikipedia and she wrote over 50 books and illustrated over 200 winning many prizes. . Dogger will always be a favourite!

>139 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, I hope you have a good weekend too! Good to have you visit.

>140 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, Glad you liked it too! In a way I found it very difficult and almost gave up but sure glad I didn't. I have really enjoyed his podcast interviews. What a sincere, natural and interesting person.

>141 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. It was a big incident with many fire trucks and firemen and the road of course was blocked off. All fixed now!

>142 streamsong: Hi Janet, That's fun for me to know there were 3 GOTCHAS! I'm just paying you back for all the ones I get over on your thread.

It is hard to follow the rationale about the truckers as the news papers and t.v. are not straight forward. I think we are told what to believe not necessarily what is reality. But I can see what you are saying. Here in B.C. the grip on mandates simply gets tighter not looser so maybe that's true state by state as well. We have all had enough.

>129 mdoris: Mary, I love your thoughts on Shuggie Bain. It was in my Top Twelve last year, but I had a hard time getting past the sheer misery of Shuggie's life. It's one I'm glad I read though I won't return to his world. Some books are like that for me.

>134 mdoris: I enjoy books with strong female protagonists and Elizabeth Packard certainly meets that criterea. I also need to read Radium Girls. Thank you for that "mighty women" list for future reference. There are some intriguing titles on there.

Have a lovely weekend. Gardening? It's too early to think about that here in the heartland but I did see a few crocus stalks pushing up on my afternoon walk. We've had a few pleasant days but winter will rear its ugly head once again next week.

>136 mdoris: Thanks for the reassurance that there are actually bulbs with flowers and some warmth to the sun.
Drove in a snow squall this afternoon. Couldn't see more than a block ahead. When I set off, just a few flakes and then a whiteout. Didn't last more than 20-25 minutes, but I was sure glad I was in town and not trying to drive down an open road or the highway!

>146 SandyAMcPherson: Oh Sandy, that sure sounds like winter weather,

Just caught up, Mary.

See Biden realised how "popular" his mandates are and started to scrap them after encouraging his little cowardly puppy to go in the opposite direction. Hope things are a bit less polarised in Canada at the moment and that the fascists have released people's bank accounts to allow them to eat.

Have a lovely weekend.

>148 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, nice to see you visit! One of the trucker protest leaders has been in jail now since things ended in Ottawa and has been denied bail on her "mischief" charges. For her last court appearance she was shackled, can you imagine! Her first judge had run for the Liberal party but failed to mention this conflict of interest/bias. Now the court cases will unroll to challenge the recent fed. gov't illegal acts against our constitutional rights. Fingers crossed. I am greatly concerned about my country.

Enjoy your weekend too and hoping you are feeling much better.

>149 mdoris: It is ridiculous, isn't it? Talk about using an elephant gun to deal with an ant!

>150 PaulCranswick: Yes Paul, very good analogy!

The Winter Wives by Linden MacIntyre V.I. Regional Library p. 330



I was tempted to read this book because I had loved his non fiction book The Wake about Newfoundland and know that he is a prize winner The Bishop's Man but you can't win 'em all! It is a story about men's friendships and deception and what I thought was pretty passive relationships and a bit of a mystery. I really disliked the cover and don't think it represented the story at all. On to the next book!

>129 mdoris: Good description of Shuggie Bain: "a hard but wonderful story." It is one of those books that I am glad I read, but doubt I will ever read again.

>134 mdoris: Dodging that BB as I have already read it. Whew!

>152 mdoris: Sorry you did not enjoy the book and hope your next read is a better one for you!

I hope your next read is a better one, Mary. At least we're no longer stuck inside with the books because of the weather.

The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer V.I. Regional Library p. 395



This is a sequel to the book The Things We Cannot Say as the author develops characters lives from that original book. It takes place in Poland with first the occupation of the Germans and then of Russians and the devastation of Warsaw and the devastation of the citizens lives, enduring war time horrors. It is also a love story and a story about the power of family. There is a focus on the Warsaw Ghetto and the life that Jewish people had to endure there. Rimmer has done considerable research to capture the times. These stories are important to read "lest we never forget".

>153 alcottacre: Stasia I am such a slow reader that I rarely read a book for a second time.

>154 Familyhistorian: I don't know Meg, It was freezing here today so lots of book time inside.

-American Robin

Happy Saturday, Mary. I hope you are enjoying a book-filled weekend.

>155 mdoris: I need to get The Things We Cannot Say read yet!

Love Mark's robin, but I haven't seen one yet here in Montana. Our weather has varied from 0 F to +55 this week. Today is rainy and in the 40's. Maybe I'll get some housecleaning done!

>157 msf59: Hello Mark, wonderful robin, thank you!

>158 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, hope you enjoy the books when you get to them!

>159 streamsong: Hi Janet. Nice to see you visit and hope you are enjoying the beginning of spring.

Cloud Cuckoo Land b Anthony Doerr V.I. Regional Library p. 622



This was a very inventive and intriguing book. It was a whopper containing what felt like 6 stories creatively woven together although greatly different in place and time. This was an imagination feast! I liked the themes, the power of books and history but wasn't so sure about the theme of environmental and societal decay. I know these are current themes but not so well appreciated by me. I look forward to what others have reviewed as this is a unique and curious book. For me it was a bit cold and intellectual like viewing a Christopher Pratt painting or Alex Colville rather than viewing a warm light filled painting of Mary Pratt.

>161 mdoris: I have heard mixed reviews of that one, so I am not sure if I am going to get to it despite loving Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, especially since it is so long!

Cloud Cuckoo Land sounds intriguing, but I am reading so few books right now, that a long one .... well.... winter is coming (eventually). In the meantime, less indoor time for me.

Hi Mary. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Cloud Cuckoo Land, especially how you compared it to different styles of art. The book was way *out there* for me, but I must have been in the mood for "an imagination feast" as I loved it once I got used to jumping between the various timelines.

I hope all is well in your world.

>162 alcottacre: & >164 Donna828: I have been toying with whether and when (as the latter is pretty much always going to happen) but, having two ladies whose opinions I esteem, give it a thumbs up, decides me more quickly.

Have a lovely week, Mary.

Have a marvelous Monday, Mary!

>162 alcottacre:, >166 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Hope you are having a good start to the week! It will be interesting if you get to Cloud Cuckoo Land what you think of it. Yes it is a bit of whopper! But I am impressed looking on your thread what you can read and finish each day.

>163 streamsong: Hi Janet, I can imagine that there will be less indoor time for you with all the outside work that you do. I know you have many beautiful creatures to look after!

>164 Donna828: Thanks Donna. I think it was your enthusiasm that got me hooked!

>165 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, wishing you a very good week too. I know there is lots going on in your world right now and thinking of you!

>161 mdoris: BB for me! Have a great week

Commiserations on your weather, Mary. You are due for some good days.

Pastoral Song by James Rebanks V.I. Regional Library p. 285



I loved his first book The Shepherd's Life so I rushed to put a hold on this book when I found out he had published a new one. Rebanks, with his busy family, works a mixed farm in the Lake District U.K. It sounds stunning and challenging and difficult to make ends meet. He is opposed to industrial farming techniques and acts more as an advocate for positive environmental practices to keep the land fertile and the creatures that inhabit the land, those wild and domesticated to be healthy and flourishing. He writes in little snippets as if he had to go and deliver a calf from a needy mother cow. ............I'll be write back with a thought after my time in the barn! Like many books these days, trees are presented as a character much in need of replanting due to historical obliteration and the need to bring back the wild creatures. Recommended!

>171 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita. Hope you like it when you get to it!

>172 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. Great day today but I worked too hard outside and now so tired. We had so much wind that it brought down a lot of branches and greatly needed tidying up. Forecast for snow on Sunday. Can you believe it!!!!

>173 mdoris: My local library does not have that one, but it does have The Shepherd's Life so I will see if I can get hold of it soon.

Happy weekend, Mary!

>175 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. That is a good plan! In some ways I liked the first book more. It was a bit more subtle (re environment and farming practices) and it had wonderful info about Beatrix Potter who was an ace farmer and raiser of sheep. I am a softy for kids books so of course I am smitten with her books so welcomed additional info about her life. Hope you like it when you get to it. But no wonder he has to write to make ends meet. Going the environmental farming route is a tough one financially. We NEED!!!! to pay more for food. It should be the end of cheap, massively produced empty food.

By the way I love reading your menu plans. It is opening my eyes.

>176 mdoris: Well, it is a good day for reading meal plans today: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad for lunch, Jumpin' John for dinner, and Vegan Caramel Apple Cake for dessert :)

I am vegan, BTW, if you had not guessed.

Thanks for the input about the first book. I am hoping to get to it in May. I completely agree with you about cheap massively produced empty food. I have never understood why healthy food costs so much more when it is better for the population than the empty food is. We end up paying for it at any rate because of high health care costs.

A friend sent me this photo this morning of a local owl hanging out nearby. Isn't it fantastic!

>178 mdoris: Wonderful! I love owls.

Sweet Thursday, Mary. Glad to see that you loved Cloud Cuckoo Land. I plan on reading it early next month. I also really enjoyed Pastoral Song.

>178 mdoris: That is a great shot. Those eyes. I love barred owls.

>173 mdoris: I must look for that one, Mary!

>178 mdoris: You're right - what a great photo.

My keyboard woes continue to hamper my ability to get aro\und the threads as much as I would like.

>178 mdoris: What a beauty it is Mary.

>177 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Yes I did have it figured out that your diet is a vegan one. It is very interesting to me!

>179 alcottacre: Stasia, yes, I love owls too. I remember once sighting a snowy owl in the garden of a house we were renting many years ago and I will never forget that magical moment.

>180 msf59: Yes Mark it was a great shot and wish I could claim it is mine but I can't!

>181 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, sure hope your keyboard woes get sorted out soon!

>182 Caroline_McElwee: HI Caroline. Do you have owls around where you live?

My all time favourite Easter books for kids. These are old ones and gems!

In Daddy Long Ears there is line where it says he tried to impart his philosophy of life ( to his bunnies) that even he wasn't too sure about. By the way mama bunny takes off with a muskrat and leaves daddy bunny 38 baby bunnies to bring up. Oh boy!

>183 mdoris: Sadly none Mary, I live in the urban jungle on the edge of London, though as a child I do remember hearing one at night in bed, though never saw it. We had a couple of large trees in the garden. It may have strayed from the local park.

>185 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline but what a great memory to have. A few years ago on a local Gulf Island P startled a barred owl in the woods. It had a massive wing span 43". Quite a spectacle at the time and I sure wish I had been there.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak V.I. Regional Library p. 343



This book is presently on the long list for the Women's Prize for Fiction. It takes place on Cyprus and it is about the troubles there between the Greek and the Turkish population. Shafak does a good job of explaining the history of this island along with the geography and natural history. Lots of creatures speak to us including a very insightful fig tree, a mouse, a bee, butterflies and a parrot. There is a tender love story between a Greek Cypriot /Turkish Cypriot couple that shows the complexity of the situation. The writing is excellent showing the underbelly of human behaviour in times of war. Interesting that this is another book that makes a focus on trees!

I do love me a good tree book, Mary, as you well know. This one has been on my radar for a bit now. I will probably read it sometime this year. I knew about the fig tree narration, but not the critters. Sounds like fun. Thank you for that excellent review.

>183 mdoris: No chance at all of snowy owls here, I am afraid. We rarely get snow!

>187 mdoris: I need to see if my local library has that one. I very much enjoyed her 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World when I read it earlier this year.

>188 Donna828: Thank you Donna. Hope your family have had a wonderful Easter weekend.

>189 alcottacre: Hello Stasia, I will be reading more of her books especially the one you just mentioned. Thank you! Just checked and our library system has quite a few of her books.

>187 mdoris: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks for your review which enticed me to add it to the tbr list. It is always good to find a new (to me) author.

>187 mdoris: Counts to the Asian Book Challenge, Mary, I don't bother about which month it is read in - Asia January was Turkey.

>191 Whisper1: Hope you like it Linda when you get to it.

>192 PaulCranswick: Asian Book Challenge Paul? I don't belong to any challenges but greatly admire those who do!

The Abolition of Sex How the "Transgender' Agenda Harms Women and Girls by Kara Dansky off the home shelves. p. 128



This is a very important book and should be read by all especially women. Yes it is controversial to challenge the transgender position but it must be done as so much legislation is being passed that will forever change reality for women i.e. prisons, fairness in sports, crime statistics, women's only spaces (change rooms), centers for women fleeing domestic violence, the imposing of compelled speech and the current challenges for lesbians being pressured to accept biological male partners (transgender women).

p.128 "gender ideology is a war on the material reality of biological sex"

p. 118 "If anyone can be a woman than no one is a woman and if a man can claim to exist as a woman by simply announcing that he is one, that is a complete mockery of womanhood."

These days people can't/won't even define what a woman is. How ridiculous is that!

>194 mdoris: Very apt that I've just read The Abolition of Man! Very interesting topic. One wonders where all this transgender ideology will lead to - much of this is indeed a "mockery of womanhood".

>195 ctpress: Thanks Carsten for your comments. Because of the bullying behaviour, the intimidation, the threats, the canceling, it is a very difficult subject to discuss but the discussion needs to happen as this movement is so divisive and destructive to women of our rights and our safety.

Women's Prize for Fiction short list announced today!

The Elif Shafak is going to be one of my next reads Mary.

>198 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, it was GOOD!

>197 mdoris: I have actually read two of those! I loved The Sentence, but Great Circle was only very good for me, not great. Unfortunately for me, the only other one of the books my local library has is The Island of Missing Trees, which I hope to get to soon. Thanks for posting the list, Mary!

>197 mdoris: I've quite a few posts about The Sentence on the threads but haven't heard much about the rest of the short list for the Women's Prize for Fiction. I hope the weather is more to your liking now, Mary.

Small Things Like These by Claire Fuller V.I. Regional Library p. 114



i have been waiting for ages on the library list for this book and it arrived today. There have been many positive reviews about this book on L.T. Yes it was a good one, a sort of Christmas story as well as an exposé of the Catholic Church and the Magdalen laundries in Ireland. I knew about these ugly, atrocious places from a fabulous film I saw almost 20 years ago and have never forgotten its riveting content called The Magdalene Sisters. The book was a milder version of this most awful story that continued and was in place until 1996.

>202 mdoris: Pleased you liked it, Mary.

>194 mdoris: I read your review with great interest and will look for the book. I think the issue is one of balance surely. I believe very firmly that trans people should not be prejudiced against and should be allowed to live their lives without fear or discrimination but at the same time their rights must not me imposed upon others to the extent that they undermine those rights and freedoms. Women's rights being a case in point. Sensitive issue and I am in no way qualified to comment in detail but it does seem to me that people have to try harder to understand each other and make accommodations to each other rather than seek to decry or cancel. The so-called trans lobby does seem very aggressive in taking offence against people who are more often than not mainly on their side.

>203 PaulCranswick: Very well said Paul!

>200 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Very glad that you liked The Sentence. i will be getting it soon from the library. Hope all my hold don't come in at once!

>201 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, grumble/ugh about a week's rain forecast and cooler weather. Oh well. Lots of reading time. I hope to get through the Women's Prize short list one by one! And you?

>202 mdoris: Remember the movie about the Magdalen laundries I watched years ago. Gruesome, but a great film.

>206 ctpress: Carsten it was very much an eye opener for me and never to be forgotten. And what continued to shock was how recent these laundries were in operation until (1996). The girls were imprisoned, some for forever for the crime of having a baby without being married or even the hint of being sexually active. I'm glad that you saw it too and remember it. Yes it was an outstanding film.

>202 mdoris: I loved that one when I read it earlier this year, Mary. Glad to see that you enjoyed it too.

>205 mdoris: Yeah, it happens to me all the time - every single hold comes in at once. Then I am scrambling to get them all read - like I am doing currently.

Have a wonderful week, Mary!

>208 alcottacre: I guess we are all in the same boat but a very good boat it is! Thanks Stasia. I hope you have a wonderful week too and that your energy is coming back.

Hi, Mary. Good review of The Island of Missing Trees. I have added it to my TBR. I am also a big fan of Small Things Like These.

>210 msf59: HI Mark, I have been following you with your bird watching in Arizona. It sounded wonderful! I was very pleased that The Island of Missing Trees made the short list. Now I would like to read all the others on the list. How big is your TBR pile? I get so many ideas from LT that there is never a shortage of choices!

A hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st. Century by Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein off the home shelves p. 249



I have been following this evolutionary biologists couple for some time and wanted to read their new book. They are of the fame of the Evergreen College in Oregon fiasco of student rebellion against authority that was near to very concerning violence some years ago. They also have a podcast that is interesting, The Dark Horse podcast. In this book they discuss concerns about where our global culture is heading, us as the top dog animals and of course they understand things from an evolutionary perspective. It was interesting! Hoping that what they suggest is the Fourth Frontier will help us out of this mess we have created. They do understand extinction and life's processes.

I looked out the window this morning and saw sunshine. Are you getting some of that bright shiny stuff where you are too, Mary?

Small Things Like These look like an interesting and concerning history.

>213 Familyhistorian: Yes Meg, there was some wonderful sunshine today. Cold though still but the sun is so appreciated after all the grey days we've had.

The Fell by Sarah Moss V.I. Regional Library p. 182



I liked this book. It is the 3rd book (2nd fiction) of Moss' that I have read. Earlier I tried to read Summerwater and found it perplexing but maybe I should try it again. Anyway this one is so good at portraying the pressures on individuals of all the mandates and restrictions imposed during the Covid pandemic in the U.K. She does a good job of showing the stresses and strains and the challenges to comply. Moss has a unique way of writing and she is good at getting inside the thoughts and feelings of her characters.

>212 mdoris: Hooray for reading "off the home shelves," Mary! The book sounds interesting too.

>215 mdoris: Dodging that BB as I have already read it. Whew.

Have a wonderful week, Mary!

The weather has been hit or miss. In Port Coquitlam they held the first May Day parade in three years and it didn't rain! We lucked out there. Now if only it would warm up!

>217 Familyhistorian: Your comments are making me pine for four seasons again!

>216 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I am not much of a book collector. My loyalty is to the library. i am a slow reader so do very little re-reading so the library suits. But when I get a chance to read off my home shelves I do and then donate to a Free Library which is right next door. It is very convenient. i hope you have a wonderful week too!

>217 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, Yes, yes and yes we want to have warm weather NOW! I was teased the other day by a neighbour for my "cross country ski look" as I was still wearing wool scarves and wooly hats. So glad that you had some decent weather for your local parade. In our former community there was the best and hokiest parade on the first Saturday in June. Always great fun and afterwards lots of arts and crafts displays and music and dancing and a beer garden. i miss it!

>218 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul., What is your plan? Will you be heading back to the U.K. and season variety soon?

Mary, I was dressed just like you last week. I looked like I was off for a walk on the tundra when I set off early in the morning for a walk with Penny. And then...almost overnight we are hit with summer temps. It looks like we might break the record of 90 degrees (Fahrenheit) today.

I'm glad you liked The Fell. Sarah Moss takes a little getting used to with her spare writing, but I do enjoy her books.

Thanks for posting that picture of the Women's Fiction books that made the short list. I recently finished the Ozeki and I have The Island of Missing Trees and Great Circle home from the library. I'd better get busy reading now that I'm getting over my second dose of Covid. Not much else I can do...

>220 Donna828: Oh Donna I am so sorry that you are sick again with Covid. Hope that you are feeling much better soon. I have a number of friends who are sick with it right now and they are so dreading the continuing isolation required.

Now I am jealous with your hot weather! We have rain and cold temps right now close to winter temps. The weeds are going crazy and much to do in the garden.

Sarah Moss is a bit hit and miss for me. I did like The Fell and I really liked her non fiction about Iceland. I know the theme of the very dominating/abusive husband/father in Ghost Wall was so troubling for me. But she does a good job telling the story and you are in her world. I will definitely read more of her work and just wish the library had them all!

Good luck with your reading of the Women's Fiction books! I will be following what you think of them.

>220 Donna828: I am starting The Island of Missing Trees tomorrow, Donna. Maybe we can compare notes?

Happy Friday, Mary!

>221 mdoris: I probably won't get to the complete shortlist, Mary, but have started the intriguing Great Circle. It's a long book and due back at the library in a few days.

You must check out The Sixteen Trees of the Somme again and read it. It will be no surprise that I loved it. Now I have to wait patiently for the reindeer book...

>222 alcottacre: You read too fast for me, Stasia. I just saw your comments on your thread. I have no problem with a talking tree!

>22 mdoris: HI Stasia, I'll come for a visit and see what you think of The Island of Missing Trees. After a visit on your thread I want to start reading some Dostoyevsky

>223 Donna828: Hi Donna, just finished another from the short list. The Book of Form and Emptiness. It was unique and a heartfelt read! Yes, I'll put The Sixteen Trees of the Somme on reserve at the library after your positive review.

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki V.I. Regional Library p. 542



This is the 3rd book of Ozeki's that I have read and I think her books are powerful in a quiet way. The book is unique and tells a heartfelt story of a mom and teenaged son in the grip of grief trying to make their world work. The author has a crack at psychiatric care, diagnosis and pharmaceuticals and at consumerism. There are many themes in the book such a hoarding, social isolation, social shaming and the value of friendship and art and literature and more. The author is also a Buddhist priest and I was wishing I knew more about Buddhism to understand how she wove some of the principles with meaning into her story. The narrator of the story is a book and for those of us who love books and libraries there is an intimacy and reverence in the telling. Maybe we all have a story to tell!

Hi Mary!

Thanks for the rec for The Woman They Could Not Silence which I am reading now. I'm finding it a fascinating look at not just insane asylums in the mid 1800's, but women's rights and the attitudes of women as chattel belonging to their husbands. It's horrifying to see some of these same attitudes cropping up in the far right today.

Thanks also for sharing the Women's Prize shortlist. I haven't yet read any of them, although several of them are on my 'waiting to be read' list.

I've enjoyed both Sarah Moss and Ruth Ozeki although I haven't read either of the books you've reviewed. More wonderful reading in my future.

Several years back, I started watching a reality show called "I am Jazz" about a transgender then teenager named Jazz Jennings. Until then I had not really understood many of the issues; I had not made the leap that every trans or other is first of all, a real person and not part of a group of issues. The hate directed at trans people, the high number of trans people murdered and those who commit suicide in the face of a hateful society are all mind boggling. Our society condemns what we don't understand; and once condemned and made other than individual people, it's far too easy to act out against them

HI Janet,
Yes, The Woman They Could Not Silence was an eye opener. i read about it first on the web site The Mighty Girl which has some interesting recommendations. Hope you like the Sarah Moss book and Ruth Ozeki books when you get to them. I will pm you about "I am Jazz'. Enjoy your weekend, hope you have some fabulous weather! We got our first real sunshine and warmth today. It felt great!

>219 mdoris: It certainly is my plan to relocate back to the UK at the first reasonable opportunity, Mary. With Hani's mum now at our home and not looking well at all, I think, very sadly, I must wait on events before relocating.

Have a lovely weekend, dear lady.

>228 PaulCranswick: Thinking of you Paul and your family. No doubt things are busy and demanding and hope you get to take care of yourself too! Try to get some rest!

That is exciting news that you will relocate back to the UK at some point. If any of your photos tell a story it is that you will relocate to a beautiful place!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend too! Finally it has turned warm and sunny here, and it is simply wonderful!

Happy weekend, Mary! Sorry it's taken me so long to stop in on your thread.

Both Sarah Moss and Ruth Ozeki are authors I've never read but would like to try. Your reviews of their latest books make them sound quite appealing, though I may wait on that Moss a bit as I'm not quite ready to delve into Covid much in my reading.

>230 bell7: Good morning Mary, Nice to see you visit! I'll come and have a snoop on your thread to see what you are reading these days!

I am glad you are having the nice warm sunny weather I sent your way. I am currently dressed in jeans, turtleneck covered up with a hooded sweatshirt. My nose and fingers and toes are cold, but I refuse to put on the heat this late in May. We attended an outside graduation (No. 2 granddaughter) yesterday in Kansas City. We all wore winter jackets!

>232 Donna828: Congratulation Donna for #2 granddaughter graduating. Well done! Well this bit of warm weather for us might just be a tease as colder weather is predicted again. Sorry that it was cold for the outdoor graduation. I have not put my winter woolies away yet either.

Janet this is a picture of the back of the house while it was being built but it might give you the idea of the stave church influence.

Love that look! Thanks for sharing!

>235 streamsong: Thanks Janet!

>233 mdoris: Thank you for the congrats. I wore a light jacket on my morning walk. At least I could leave the gloves and winter head covering at home.

>234 mdoris: I love the Stave influence on your house, Mary. I also fell in love with the Stave Churches of Norway thanks to Lars Mytting.

This is delighful!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UfiCa244XE
The Queen, Paddington and their marmalade sandwiches.

>235 streamsong: Thanks Janet!

>237 Donna828: Hi Donna, I think we both can hardly wait for the next Lars Mytting book!

And A Dog called Fig Solitude, Connection, The Writing Life by Helen Humphreys V.I. Regional Library p. 245



I loved this book as I do all of HH's books. It was a gobble, a little book to hold in your hands and short and lovely. It is a book about dogs, about getting a new puppy and about remembering previous dogs in our lives. It is a love story and part memoir! It is also a book about writing and the experience of other writers having dogs and the meaning in life they provide. It is about the central and huge hook of nature and what it means for us. Wow, what a wonderful book!

The War on the West How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason by Douglas Murray off the home shelves p. 273



This is the 3rd book of D. Murray's that I have read and like the others it did not disappoint!
He writes about very topical subjects with courage and a great deal of research to back up his opinions. In this book the focus is on the self destructive behavior and opinions that the west is putting forth concerning race, racism, CRT, culture, history and historical figures and religion to its own great detriment. He emphasizes the need for gratitude as there is much to be grateful for in our traditions. Perhaps this book seemed a little scattered but Murray is always passionate and most concerned where our society is heading.

Sweet Thursday, Mary. Several of my LT pals have loved The Book of Form and Emptiness, so it looks like I need to get to that one this summer.

A reminder- It looks like we will be doing a Group Read of Arctic Dreams starting, around the 3rd week in June. I will probably start a separate GR thread.

>243 msf59: HI Mark, I have been following your wonderful travels! I am still looking for a copy of Arctic Dreams and way down the list for a library copy. Fingers crossed I will find one and thank you for thinking of me!

>239 mdoris: It was fun wasn't it Mary.

>245 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, Yes, I loved it. Her Majesty is such a good sport, such an impressive person.

>239 mdoris: Thanks for sharing that link!

>241 mdoris: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary!

>242 mdoris: That one too.

>247 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, Glad you are home and hope that you had a wonderful visit with your mom. Hope too that you are feeling better, not needing so many naps.

>234 mdoris: Interesting pictures of your house and the similarities in style to the church, Mary.

I enjoyed the clip of the Queen and Paddington with their marmalade sandwiches.

>248 mdoris: This last flare up seems to be over now, thank goodness. I really hate the things!

Have a wonderful weekend, Mary!

Happy Tuesday, Mary!

>249 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg!

>250 alcottacre:, >251 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. Glad that you are feeling much better with some energy coming back and a very happy Wednesday to you tomorrow! We have company and not much reading happening. Oh well!

Reading list by Ruth Ozeki of books that have inspired her, (recent winner of the Womens' Fiction Prize).
https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/women-s-prize-winner-ruth-ozeki-s-top-reads?mc_cid...

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart V.I. Regional Library p.390



I found DS's first book Shuggie Bain such an interesting, intense and riveting read that I quickly put this brand new book on reserve at the library. DS also tells such an intense story of a coming of age boy in Glasgow dealing with a dysfunctional family and the intensity of falling in love in an environment where the love was forbidden. Wow, this author can tell a story as he weaves 2 threads of the story together. I might have had an edge of preference for his first book just because it was so fresh to me and told such a story with the focus on the mother but this book was no slouch! DS is a very talented writer.

The Swimmers by Julia Otsuka V.I. Regional Library p. 176



This is a beautifully written book about aging, daughter/mother relationships, dementia and the riventing culture of swimming pools and swimmers. I will read more of her work and a big thank you to Charlotte to steering me in the direction of this book.

>254 mdoris: I am looking forward to read Young Mungo later this year!

Here is Canadian hero completely ignored by the mainstream media. James Toop walked from Vancouver to Ottawa and here seen at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He is protesting against vaccine mandates. He arrived in Ottawa yesterday having been walking since Feb. James you are a hero of the best kind.

>256 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. I will be very interested to see what you think of Young Mungo when you get to it! Enjoy your day!

Happy-Go- Lucky by David Sedaris V.I. Regional Library p. 259



I like David Sedaris! This is his new volume of "me" stories and they are good. Of course they are personal and full of his family secrets but this time there is lots about the death of his father and the complex/difficult relationship Sedaris had with him. He is such an observer of human behaviour and this makes his stories sad and funny. I look forward to more of his stories.

>257 mdoris: Vancouver to Ottawa is some walk, Mary. Kudos to him!

>253 mdoris: Thanks for posting that list, Mary. Some interesting choices there.

>254 mdoris: Already in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again, just because of the author if nothing else.

>255 mdoris: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Mary! I have heard good things about The Buddha in the Attic although I have not read that one. I have read her When the Emperor Was Divine and can recommend it.

>257 mdoris: These are the kind of heroes we need: people who actually "walk the walk." (No pun intended)

>259 mdoris: I am not sure that I have read any of David Sedaris' books. I am going to have to remedy that.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

>260 PaulCranswick:, >261 alcottacre: Nice to have you visit Paul and Stasia. I will be out of commission for the next 2 weeks. We have 2 daughters and their families of little daughters each visiting each with a 3 year old and a 1 year old so it will be very busy at the old hacienda for us and I know very little reading will be done! I look forward to catching up on your news after the dust settles!

>253 mdoris: This list reminded me that I should start reading some Murakami. I've not read fiction by him yet, but heard good things.

Hope summer is treating you well, Mary.

Hi Mary! I just added And A Dog Called Fig to my library hold list. It sounds exactly the sort of book I am looking for right now. I haven't read anything by Helen Humphries and I love discovering new authors.

Hope you're having a great visit with family, Mary! I'm off myself in a couple of days to spend time with sisters and my 7-year-old niece and 5-year-old nephew. I expect not much reading will get done (well, except TO the kids) for me, either.

Virginia Woolf's Garden by Caroline Zoob V.I. Regional Library


I have someone to thank on L.T. for recommending this beautiful book but I can't remember who but "thank you"! I do love gardens and I do love this type of garden, sort of wild and wooly and yet organized. Zoob the author lived on the property as a tenant and restored the garden to it's former glory along with help from the National Trust.. The photographs are beautiful and all the descriptions of Virginia and Leonard's lives lived at Monk's house were very informative.

I think I remember now that the book recommendation was from Caroline_McElwee, Thank you!

>263 ctpress: Hi Carsten. How is your summer going? Are you having some adventurous trips as you often do in the summer?

>264 streamsong: Hi Janet. I think you will love the new Humphreys book loving animals as you do!

>265 bell7: Hi Mary, Nice to see you visit! Enjoy your visit with family and I can appreciate that no reading will be done!

>262 mdoris: I hope your visits were awesome, Mary!

>268 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia. One and three year olds are very busy and very fun so yes the visits were awesome and the house is back to normal from baby proofing and the fridge reloaded and the washing machine finally empty! And back to reading. No books read except for kids books while they were here. Almost all the time was spent outdoors in boats, in kiddy pools and at the beach. I will post a few pictures!

>270 mdoris: Looks like everyone is having a great time! Thanks for posting the pictures.

>271 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia!

Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez V.I. Regional Library p 415



It is really hot here right now on the west coast of B.C. so reading this snow/ice book of Lopez's maybe cooled me down a bit. I had wanted to join the group read but I did have a library wait that didn't let that happen. Oh well! Yes it is an amazing book, one that I can see deserves all the accolades that it receives. It is big! There are so many parts to it, parts about animals, history, geography, exploration, explorers, natural wonders, philosophy, art, personal insights and struggles, figuring out what is important, survival stories, tragedies, geology and more. Oh my this is a big book! I bookmarked about 5 passages or more that were stunners and I lost all my bookmarks so that will not happen. Yes the writing was very good! I have wanted to read this book for a very long time and feel pleased that I have now done so.

Looks like you had a great visit with family, Mary. Good but exhausting. Enjoy your time back with the books and the fine weather. Sometimes it can be too much of a good thing, can't it!

Happy Saturday, Mary. It looks like I haven't stopped be in a while. I hope you are doing well. Love the photos of the grandkids. Such cuties. I have a library copy of Young Mungo winging its way to me so I should get to it soon. Glad to hear you liked it. I am so glad you joined us on the Arctic Dreams shared read. I thought it went very well.

>274 Familyhistorian: HI Meg, Yes, I am loving this hot weather. Maybe I am part lizard! Hope you are enjoying your books these days!

>275 msf59: Hi Mark. Thank you about the grandkids. I follow your pictures of Jackson on your thread and they are wonderful. What a cutie-pie! We are both lucky!

I have been watching Jane Austen films on Netflix. First Possession and last night Emma. I think I will steam through them all. I love the costumes and the sets, the jewelry and the hair styling. There are some very famous actors involved.

>273 mdoris: BB for me!

>197 mdoris: Thanks for posting the list of Women's Prize for Fiction short list. Most of them are on the tbr list. Now, I will hope to obtain them earlier than planned.

>270 mdoris: What cute photos.

Dropping by to wish you well my friend and to comment that I am slightly surprised that neither The Swimmers or Young Mungo made the Booker Longlist.

>270 mdoris: Your grandchildren are beautiful. It looks as though a good time was had by all. Thanks for posting these lovely photos. I love all the blonde curls!!!

>273 mdoris: Glad to see you enjoyed Arctic Dreams too! I very much enjoyed it as well.

>278 figsfromthistle: HI Anita, Hope you like the BB when you get to it!

>279 Whisper1: HI Linda, How many of this year's Womens Prize for Fiction have you read? Do you have one you would recommend?

>281 Whisper1: Thank you Linda, you are very kind!

>280 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, thank you for your comment about the grandkids! Yes, the long and short lists for these prizes do surprise!

>282 alcottacre: Hi Stasia, It was great to follow the thread of the group read!

Please come and visit at my new thread!

https://www.librarything.com/topic/343342

>266 mdoris: Pleasure Mary. And having stayed in the garden cottage I can testify to the accuracy of the photos.

>270 mdoris: Love the photos.

>285 Caroline_McElwee: Lucky you Caroline to see those gardens in person. They looked so beautiful in the pictures.

Hi Mary, pretty quiet over here.

>287 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, i guess I never posted the next thread here!

Come over and visit!
https://www.librarything.com/topic/343342#n7979886