Banjo Bookin' It in 2023 --thread # 2
This is a continuation of the topic Banjo Bookin' It in 2023.
Talk75 Books Challenge for 2023
Join LibraryThing to post.
2banjo123
Welcome to my 2nd thread for 2023, book friends! You all probably know me already, in case you don't, I am a 64 year old social worker, working in the field of geriatric mental health, and living in Portland, Oregon with my wife (Mrs. Banjo), our 26 year old daughter (Banjo, jr) and 3 cats.
I read pretty eclectically, but mostly literary fiction. Aside from reading and working, I enjoy some outdoor time, good coffee, a little beer, and following women's soccer (football). We are planning a trip to New Zealand for the World Cup, which is coming RIGHT UP.
Today's the 4th of July, which usually I like to celebrate in some way, but today I have nothing planned.
I read pretty eclectically, but mostly literary fiction. Aside from reading and working, I enjoy some outdoor time, good coffee, a little beer, and following women's soccer (football). We are planning a trip to New Zealand for the World Cup, which is coming RIGHT UP.
Today's the 4th of July, which usually I like to celebrate in some way, but today I have nothing planned.
3banjo123
And here's my poem for the thread, "A New National Anthem" by Ada Lemon
The truth is, I’ve never cared for the National
Anthem. If you think about it, it’s not a good
song. Too high for most of us with “the rockets
red glare” and then there are the bombs.
(Always, always, there is war and bombs.)
Once, I sang it at homecoming and threw
even the tenacious high school band off key.
But the song didn’t mean anything, just a call
to the field, something to get through before
the pummeling of youth. And what of the stanzas
we never sing, the third that mentions “no refuge
could save the hireling and the slave”? Perhaps,
the truth is, every song of this country
has an unsung third stanza, something brutal
snaking underneath us as we blindly sing
the high notes with a beer sloshing in the stands
hoping our team wins. Don’t get me wrong, I do
like the flag, how it undulates in the wind
like water, elemental, and best when it’s humbled,
brought to its knees, clung to by someone who
has lost everything, when it’s not a weapon,
when it flickers, when it folds up so perfectly
you can keep it until it’s needed, until you can
love it again, until the song in your mouth feels
like sustenance, a song where the notes are sung
by even the ageless woods, the short-grass plains,
the Red River Gorge, the fistful of land left
unpoisoned, that song that’s our birthright,
that’s sung in silence when it’s too hard to go on,
that sounds like someone’s rough fingers weaving
into another’s, that sounds like a match being lit
in an endless cave, the song that says my bones
are your bones, and your bones are my bones,
and isn’t that enough?
The truth is, I’ve never cared for the National
Anthem. If you think about it, it’s not a good
song. Too high for most of us with “the rockets
red glare” and then there are the bombs.
(Always, always, there is war and bombs.)
Once, I sang it at homecoming and threw
even the tenacious high school band off key.
But the song didn’t mean anything, just a call
to the field, something to get through before
the pummeling of youth. And what of the stanzas
we never sing, the third that mentions “no refuge
could save the hireling and the slave”? Perhaps,
the truth is, every song of this country
has an unsung third stanza, something brutal
snaking underneath us as we blindly sing
the high notes with a beer sloshing in the stands
hoping our team wins. Don’t get me wrong, I do
like the flag, how it undulates in the wind
like water, elemental, and best when it’s humbled,
brought to its knees, clung to by someone who
has lost everything, when it’s not a weapon,
when it flickers, when it folds up so perfectly
you can keep it until it’s needed, until you can
love it again, until the song in your mouth feels
like sustenance, a song where the notes are sung
by even the ageless woods, the short-grass plains,
the Red River Gorge, the fistful of land left
unpoisoned, that song that’s our birthright,
that’s sung in silence when it’s too hard to go on,
that sounds like someone’s rough fingers weaving
into another’s, that sounds like a match being lit
in an endless cave, the song that says my bones
are your bones, and your bones are my bones,
and isn’t that enough?
4banjo123
Favorite Books from 2022
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zanier
The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen}}
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Marten Martin by Brian Doyle
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zanier
The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen}}
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Marten Martin by Brian Doyle
5banjo123
Books read in 2023:
Books read 2023
1. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
2. By The Sea by Abdulrazak Gurnah
3. In The Country of Men by Hisham Matar
4. Eyes of the Rigel. by Roy Jacobsen
5. An Island by Karen Jennings
6. Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett
7. Horse by Geraldine Brooks
8. The Sojourn by Andrew Krivak
9. The Tender Grave by Sheri Reynolds
10. The Keeper Kelcey Ervick by Kelcey Ervick
11. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen
12. The Book of Chameleons by José Eduardo Agualusa
13. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
14. Bright by Duanwad Pimwana
15. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
16. Hotel World by Ali Smith
17. Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz
18. Burning Questions by Margaret Atwood
19. To End All Wars by Adam Hochschild
20. The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob
21. Unspeakable by Meghan Daum
22. Rooted: Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Haupt
23. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
24. Aue by Becky Manuwatu
25. It Goes So Fast by Mary Louise Kelly
26. Hamnet. by Maggie Farrell
27. Cutting for Stone. by Abraham Verghese
28. Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston
29. Quicksand by Nella Larsen
30. Dead End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto
31. Fieldwork: a Forager's Memoir by Iliana Regan
32. Dawn Raid by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith
33. The Childhood of Jesus by J.M. Coetzee
34. Weasels in the Attic
35. Like The Appearance of Horses by Andrew Krivak
36. Eventide by Kent Haruf
37. A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi
38. The Many Daughters of Afong Moy. by Jamie Ford
39. Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
40. The Other Mother by Rachel Harper
41. Unaccustomed Earth
42. The Angel of Rome
43. The Latecomer.
44. Playing the Long Game by Christine Sinclair
45. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie Farrell
46. The Education of a British Protected Child by Chinua Achebe
47. Dangerous Love by Ben Okra
48. The Long Corner by Alexander Mask
49. Whispers at the Door by TJ Klune
50. Our Wives Under the Seaby Julia Armfield
51. Upgrade. by Blake Crouch
52. Greta and Valdin by Rebecca Reilly
53. The Doomsday Book By Connie Willis
54. The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck
55. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
56. The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin
57. I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
58. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily Danforth
59. The Words for Her by Thomasin Sleigh
Books read 2023
1. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
2. By The Sea by Abdulrazak Gurnah
3. In The Country of Men by Hisham Matar
4. Eyes of the Rigel. by Roy Jacobsen
5. An Island by Karen Jennings
6. Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett
7. Horse by Geraldine Brooks
8. The Sojourn by Andrew Krivak
9. The Tender Grave by Sheri Reynolds
10. The Keeper Kelcey Ervick by Kelcey Ervick
11. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen
12. The Book of Chameleons by José Eduardo Agualusa
13. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
14. Bright by Duanwad Pimwana
15. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
16. Hotel World by Ali Smith
17. Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz
18. Burning Questions by Margaret Atwood
19. To End All Wars by Adam Hochschild
20. The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob
21. Unspeakable by Meghan Daum
22. Rooted: Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Haupt
23. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
24. Aue by Becky Manuwatu
25. It Goes So Fast by Mary Louise Kelly
26. Hamnet. by Maggie Farrell
27. Cutting for Stone. by Abraham Verghese
28. Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston
29. Quicksand by Nella Larsen
30. Dead End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto
31. Fieldwork: a Forager's Memoir by Iliana Regan
32. Dawn Raid by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith
33. The Childhood of Jesus by J.M. Coetzee
34. Weasels in the Attic
35. Like The Appearance of Horses by Andrew Krivak
36. Eventide by Kent Haruf
37. A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi
38. The Many Daughters of Afong Moy. by Jamie Ford
39. Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
40. The Other Mother by Rachel Harper
41. Unaccustomed Earth
42. The Angel of Rome
43. The Latecomer.
44. Playing the Long Game by Christine Sinclair
45. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie Farrell
46. The Education of a British Protected Child by Chinua Achebe
47. Dangerous Love by Ben Okra
48. The Long Corner by Alexander Mask
49. Whispers at the Door by TJ Klune
50. Our Wives Under the Seaby Julia Armfield
51. Upgrade. by Blake Crouch
52. Greta and Valdin by Rebecca Reilly
53. The Doomsday Book By Connie Willis
54. The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck
55. On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
56. The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin
57. I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
58. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily Danforth
59. The Words for Her by Thomasin Sleigh
7banjo123
The reading report/mini-review
I finished Unaccustomed Earth a book of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri, which was for book group. She is a good writer. All of the stories are about Indian immigrant families, and parent/child relations in some way, as well as exploring love and marriage. The first story, I think my favorite, was about a young mother, living in a Seattle suburb, as a stay-at-home mother, who is visited by her widowed father. The story alternates between their two viewpoints; she asks him to move in with them, but he doesn't want to.
In general there is a distance and a negativity between the characters; all of whom are financially privileged and graduates of top colleges. There is very little lightness or levity, and I ended most of the stories feeling sad and a bit hopeless. Fair enough, life can be sad, and the immigrant experience is hard.
But in contrast, I am about half way through another collection of short stories, The Angel of Rome by Jess Walter. All of the characters are a bit of a mess, and dealing with hard stuff. But there is lightness, a sense of humor and hope. So I am enjoying this book a lot more.
I finished Unaccustomed Earth a book of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri, which was for book group. She is a good writer. All of the stories are about Indian immigrant families, and parent/child relations in some way, as well as exploring love and marriage. The first story, I think my favorite, was about a young mother, living in a Seattle suburb, as a stay-at-home mother, who is visited by her widowed father. The story alternates between their two viewpoints; she asks him to move in with them, but he doesn't want to.
In general there is a distance and a negativity between the characters; all of whom are financially privileged and graduates of top colleges. There is very little lightness or levity, and I ended most of the stories feeling sad and a bit hopeless. Fair enough, life can be sad, and the immigrant experience is hard.
But in contrast, I am about half way through another collection of short stories, The Angel of Rome by Jess Walter. All of the characters are a bit of a mess, and dealing with hard stuff. But there is lightness, a sense of humor and hope. So I am enjoying this book a lot more.
9BLBera
Happy new thread, Rhonda. When do you go to New Zealand?
>3 banjo123: I love the Limón poem.
I've heard good things about The Angel of Rome; I need to reserve it.
>3 banjo123: I love the Limón poem.
I've heard good things about The Angel of Rome; I need to reserve it.
11vancouverdeb
Happy New thread, Rhonda! I also like the poem at >3 banjo123:.
13banjo123
>8 FAMeulstee:. Thanks, Anita! I need to post some more pictures.
>9 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth, we leave on July 25th, I think.
>10 PaulCranswick:. Thank you Paul! Ada Limon is a treasure.
>11 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah
>12 drneutron:. and thanks for stopping by, Jim!
>9 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth, we leave on July 25th, I think.
>10 PaulCranswick:. Thank you Paul! Ada Limon is a treasure.
>11 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah
>12 drneutron:. and thanks for stopping by, Jim!
14msf59
Happy 4th of July, Rhonda. Happy New Thread! You leave for NZ on my birthday. Hooray! But I am also very jealous. I LOVE the Limon poem!
I also loved both Unaccustomed Earth and The Angel of Rome. Walter Rocks!!
I also loved both Unaccustomed Earth and The Angel of Rome. Walter Rocks!!
15banjo123
Thanks so much, Mark! And glad that you also liked the Jess Walter book. I am thinking I should read more short stories.
16banjo123
Some pictures from our Anacortes trip. I was also going to post some camping photos, but am being techno challenged, and losing patience. Later, maybe, I will do some cat pictures, as that's always important.
17RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread, Rhonda. Lovely Anacortes pics. We keep talking about getting up to the San Juans but haven't managed to actually act on that yet.
18banjo123
>17 RebaRelishesReading:. Reba, there is so much to do and see in the northwest!
I got a new phone with a fancier camera, thinking of New Zealand, and so am trying to use it.
I got a new phone with a fancier camera, thinking of New Zealand, and so am trying to use it.
19PlatinumWarlock
>3 banjo123: That's a beautiful poem, Rhonda - thank you for sharing it.
20EBT1002
Happy New Thread, Rhonda!
I have such wonderful memories of going out on the little boat with P and her parents. We'd drive up from Corvallis, they'd pilot the boat from Olympia to Anacortes, and we'd launch from there to the San Juans or the Gulf Islands. I LOVE that corner of the world!!!
I have such wonderful memories of going out on the little boat with P and her parents. We'd drive up from Corvallis, they'd pilot the boat from Olympia to Anacortes, and we'd launch from there to the San Juans or the Gulf Islands. I LOVE that corner of the world!!!
21PaulCranswick
Wishing you a great weekend, Rhonda and hopefully less leaden skies.
22figsfromthistle
HAppy new one!
23msf59
Happy Saturday, Rhonda. I love your Anacortes pic. I wish we had your lovely vistas to camp in. I might never leave. I hope you have a nice R & R weekend.
24WhiteRaven.17
Happy new thread Rhonda.
25banjo123
>19 PlatinumWarlock:. Thanks, Lavinia!
>20 EBT1002:. It is super lovely, Ellen. I have never done much boating (and I get seasick really easily); but sounds so idyllic.
21. Thanks, Paul! It's lovely here this weekend---the week was a bit too hot, but now it's just about perfect.
22. Thanks Anita!
23. Thanks, Mark, this is really a gorgeous part of the world. I am trying to enjoy our summer here, because when we get to New Zealand, it will be winter!
24. Thanks, Kro! (so funny, my computer first autocorrected your name to Bro. Do you get that often?)
>20 EBT1002:. It is super lovely, Ellen. I have never done much boating (and I get seasick really easily); but sounds so idyllic.
21. Thanks, Paul! It's lovely here this weekend---the week was a bit too hot, but now it's just about perfect.
22. Thanks Anita!
23. Thanks, Mark, this is really a gorgeous part of the world. I am trying to enjoy our summer here, because when we get to New Zealand, it will be winter!
24. Thanks, Kro! (so funny, my computer first autocorrected your name to Bro. Do you get that often?)
26banjo123
And for the reading.
I finished The Angel of Rome by Jess Walter. Loved it. Funny, insightful, sweet.
I finished The Angel of Rome by Jess Walter. Loved it. Funny, insightful, sweet.
27banjo123
And The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
I didn't like this at first, the narrative voice seemed kind of removed. But as I read further, I got into the plot. (although parts were a bit too melodramatic) and toward the end you understand the reason for the narrative voice. It's about triplets, born to a wealthy Jewish family in New York, through IVF, and 18 years later, their sister, who was born through an embryo frozen at the same time. So an interesting concept, and parts are very funny. Overall, a book about family ties forged through trauma and dishonesty. But there is a hopefulness here also, and I appreciated that the author doesn't take herself or her subjects too seriously.
I didn't like this at first, the narrative voice seemed kind of removed. But as I read further, I got into the plot. (although parts were a bit too melodramatic) and toward the end you understand the reason for the narrative voice. It's about triplets, born to a wealthy Jewish family in New York, through IVF, and 18 years later, their sister, who was born through an embryo frozen at the same time. So an interesting concept, and parts are very funny. Overall, a book about family ties forged through trauma and dishonesty. But there is a hopefulness here also, and I appreciated that the author doesn't take herself or her subjects too seriously.
28BLBera
>26 banjo123:, >27 banjo123: Both sound good, Rhonda.
29banjo123
>28 BLBera:. I think you'd like both, Beth, and probably you'd be more patient with the beginning of The Latecomer
30banjo123
Some cat pictures to make my thread more complete. In the first, Francis is helping me watch soccer. In the second, Banjo and William cuddle.
31jessibud2
>30 banjo123: - Rhonda, Banjo and William remind me of my Theo and Owen!! :-)
32The_Hibernator
Wow, those are some cuddly cats. Mine keep clear of each other! One even gets routinely bullied by the other two. Not sure why.
33WhiteRaven.17
>25 banjo123: Lol! No, not as often as you would think. >30 banjo123: Cute cat photos. :) Your Banjo & William look a lot like my Naro & Junior, who are brothers and very cuddly with each other as well.
34ursula
>30 banjo123: Aw love to see the kitty-human and kitty-kitty cuddles. We get a lot of those around here too.
35banjo123
>31 jessibud2: aww... sweet, Shelli I see that autocorrect got one of my cat's names wrong though. It's Willi, short for Wilbur, and not William.
>32 The_Hibernator: Yeah, cat's behavior is always a mystery! Not sure why ours are so lovey-dovey, but we do enjoy the cuddliness. (although sometimes they jump each other as well.
>33 WhiteRaven.17: Oh well, I seem to be having lots of auto correct problems. And yay for cuddly cats!
>34 ursula: Thanks, Ursula.
>32 The_Hibernator: Yeah, cat's behavior is always a mystery! Not sure why ours are so lovey-dovey, but we do enjoy the cuddliness. (although sometimes they jump each other as well.
>33 WhiteRaven.17: Oh well, I seem to be having lots of auto correct problems. And yay for cuddly cats!
>34 ursula: Thanks, Ursula.
37jnwelch
Happy New Thread, Rhonda! Love the photos of Francis, Banjo, and William. I’m Banjo to our grandkids - in my case it came from a difficulty saying “Grandpa Joe”.
38vancouverdeb
>32 The_Hibernator: Such sweet Kitties, Rhonda! I love your name choices too . I just read your thread more carefully and I realize that while my son's name is William, your cat is Wilbur, Willi for short. Still a great name!
39banjo123
>36 jessibud2: it is awesome, Shelley, that we have so many cute LT cats.
>37 jnwelch:. Banjo is a great name, Joe! Our Banjo was named by my brother in law, who is a musician, and then I stole his name when I joined LT. My sister and BIL were going to take Banjo, but we kind of stole him. We kitten sat while they were out of town, and Francis and Banjo got along so well, we ended up keeping him. (My Sis and BIL ended up with Banjo's brother and sister, plus several other strays, so they did not end up cat-less.)
>38 vancouverdeb:. Thanks, Deborah! We can take no credit for the names, in all cases we kept the names they had when we adopted them.
>37 jnwelch:. Banjo is a great name, Joe! Our Banjo was named by my brother in law, who is a musician, and then I stole his name when I joined LT. My sister and BIL were going to take Banjo, but we kind of stole him. We kitten sat while they were out of town, and Francis and Banjo got along so well, we ended up keeping him. (My Sis and BIL ended up with Banjo's brother and sister, plus several other strays, so they did not end up cat-less.)
>38 vancouverdeb:. Thanks, Deborah! We can take no credit for the names, in all cases we kept the names they had when we adopted them.
40banjo123
and book read... Playing the Long Game by Christine Sinclair
A good read to get ready for our World Cup trip! Christine Sinclair went to the University of Portland, and now plays for the Portland Thorns, so she's a local hero, and also the leading international goal scorer (for men or women). She's a very private person, so this memoir doesn't have many personal details, but lots of info about the Canadian Women's team, and the history of international women's soccer (football).
A good read to get ready for our World Cup trip! Christine Sinclair went to the University of Portland, and now plays for the Portland Thorns, so she's a local hero, and also the leading international goal scorer (for men or women). She's a very private person, so this memoir doesn't have many personal details, but lots of info about the Canadian Women's team, and the history of international women's soccer (football).
41msf59
Happy Sunday, Rhonda. Love the pics of you and the kitties. Hooray for The Angel of Rome. Walter Rocks!!
42The_Hibernator
Happy Sunday Rhonda!
44banjo123
>41 msf59:. Thanks, Mark! and Jess Walter is amazing.
>42 The_Hibernator:. Thanks, Rachel.
>43 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth, we are getting ready; leaving on Tuesday.
>42 The_Hibernator:. Thanks, Rachel.
>43 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth, we are getting ready; leaving on Tuesday.
46RebaRelishesReading
Have a wonderful trip! I'll be thinking about you and look forward to hearing about your adventures when you get back.
47banjo123
Thanks Shelley and Reba! Super exciting now, and anxious about various travel details. I will be mostly off-line for the next several weeks, but when I get back I should have adventures to tell, photos to show, and books read.
48PaulCranswick
I'm guessing that you will be back pretty soon, Rhonda. I hope that your holiday has been going wonderfully and I am looking forward to hearing all about it.
49Berly
Looking forward to the trip recap!!! And be glad you missed the 108 weather! I'm in WI, so happily missed it too. : )
50RebaRelishesReading
Indeed you both timed your trips extremely well but it's cooled off to lovely now so come on home :)
51banjo123
Thanks, Paul, Kim and Reba! I am home from the trip, but suffering with the jet lag, and also from the wildfire smoke here in Portland. New Zealand was great, and we had lots of fun, but unfortunately, Banjo,jr and Mrs. Banjo both came down with covid towards the end of the trip. Mild cases, it seems, but it's hardtop be sick so far from home. They are both still in New Zealand, needing to recover and recuperate before the long flight.
It was hard to leave them, but they were doing OK, and I needed to get back to real life. I have continued to be negative for COVID, and so was in a separate hotel room from them, and thus of limited help.
I am going to try to catch up here a bit, but I imagine it will take a while.
It was hard to leave them, but they were doing OK, and I needed to get back to real life. I have continued to be negative for COVID, and so was in a separate hotel room from them, and thus of limited help.
I am going to try to catch up here a bit, but I imagine it will take a while.
52banjo123
I'll start with a soccer (football) update. Overall it was just fun to see lots of first class athletes doing their thing, and also to have so many people excited about women's sports. It seemed like everyone in New Zealand was following the tournament. Huge crowds at all the games, so that's awesome. I was sorry that New Zealand didn't make it out of the group stage, but New Zealand has never before been a soccer country, and this was the best they have ever done, so their future is bright.
Sorry, also, that the US didn't do better. And in PKs? But that's sports, and I imagine the team will near from the experience. We didn't get to see the US play, actually. We had tickets for the US/Netherlands game, but missed it due to a missed airline connection. We were able to watch the games in the FIFA fan zones, which was fun.
The games we saw were Japan/Spain; with Japan winning 4-0. Japan is a fun team to watch, and they have a large, and very polite fan base; so I was rooting for them. But Spain was also fun to watch with all their calm passing. And we saw them play Switzerland next, and win. We watched Japan/Sweden in the quarter-finals and then Spain/Sweden in the semi's. Poor Banjo, jr missed the last game due to COVID, too bad as it was the best and most exciting game.
In the end, I was cheering for Spain, despite the politics of it, because they are just fun to watch. And this morning (or last night, the whole time thing is so weird) they won!
Sorry, also, that the US didn't do better. And in PKs? But that's sports, and I imagine the team will near from the experience. We didn't get to see the US play, actually. We had tickets for the US/Netherlands game, but missed it due to a missed airline connection. We were able to watch the games in the FIFA fan zones, which was fun.
The games we saw were Japan/Spain; with Japan winning 4-0. Japan is a fun team to watch, and they have a large, and very polite fan base; so I was rooting for them. But Spain was also fun to watch with all their calm passing. And we saw them play Switzerland next, and win. We watched Japan/Sweden in the quarter-finals and then Spain/Sweden in the semi's. Poor Banjo, jr missed the last game due to COVID, too bad as it was the best and most exciting game.
In the end, I was cheering for Spain, despite the politics of it, because they are just fun to watch. And this morning (or last night, the whole time thing is so weird) they won!
54BLBera
It sounds like you had a lot of fun, Rhonda. I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Banjo and Banjo Jr. I hope they are able to come home soon. I was cheering for Spain as well.
55banjo123
>54 BLBera:. They are doing better, and are leaving tomorrow. Hopefully they have a smooth flight back. Mine was really as smooth as could be, given that it was 16 hours, from their to home.
And hooray for Spain! That Paralluelo is an exciting player, we loved watching her live.
And hooray for Spain! That Paralluelo is an exciting player, we loved watching her live.
56banjo123
New Zealand is beautiful. It feels a little surreal, it's so green and lush that it seems like the Pacific Northwest, but then you look, and all the trees, plants, and birds are different.
The people were nice, and very diverse. Great food and coffee.
We really enjoyed learning more about Maori culture and history.
The people were nice, and very diverse. Great food and coffee.
We really enjoyed learning more about Maori culture and history.
57banjo123
Mt Victoria in Wellington
Boat tour at the Bay of Islands. We saw dolphins!
I will post more pictures, and reports on book reading and bookstore visits, later.
Boat tour at the Bay of Islands. We saw dolphins!
I will post more pictures, and reports on book reading and bookstore visits, later.
60FAMeulstee
Looks like you had a good time, Rhonda!
Sorry about Mrs Banjo and Banjo Jr, hope they wil be home soon.
Sorry about Mrs Banjo and Banjo Jr, hope they wil be home soon.
61RebaRelishesReading
I'm so glad you had a good trip to New Zealand. It's a lovely place in my experience. Sorry Mrs. B and B Jr. got Covid but glad it was fairly light and that they'll be home soon. Hope you stay clear.
62banjo123
>58 jessibud2:. Thanks, Shelley! 61.
>59 BLBera:. Really it is a gorgeous place, Beth.
>60 FAMeulstee:. Thank you, Anita. It was fun.
>61 RebaRelishesReading:. Such a lovely spot, and so interesting. I am hopeful that we will all be home and healthy soon.
>59 BLBera:. Really it is a gorgeous place, Beth.
>60 FAMeulstee:. Thank you, Anita. It was fun.
>61 RebaRelishesReading:. Such a lovely spot, and so interesting. I am hopeful that we will all be home and healthy soon.
63banjo123
and some more pictures
Black Sand beaches
Auckland Farmer's Market
Ferns in the Auckland Rain Forest
Black Sand beaches
Auckland Farmer's Market
Ferns in the Auckland Rain Forest
65RebaRelishesReading
Love the photos. Thanks for sharing.
66banjo123
>65 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba!
It's been a week, I've been back at work, which actually went OK, but I was TIRED by Friday. Mrs. Banjo and Banjo jr came home, they are doing well, but still dragging a little from the COVID.
Today I have a quiet day---I went to Zumba but otherwise mostly chilling, and I even took a nap.
I do need to catch up on my reading... I have a number of reviews to post, so let's get to it.
It's been a week, I've been back at work, which actually went OK, but I was TIRED by Friday. Mrs. Banjo and Banjo jr came home, they are doing well, but still dragging a little from the COVID.
Today I have a quiet day---I went to Zumba but otherwise mostly chilling, and I even took a nap.
I do need to catch up on my reading... I have a number of reviews to post, so let's get to it.
67banjo123
It looks like I forgot to review The Marriage Portrait by Maggie Farrell, which I read (actually listed to on audit) before my trip.
Farrell is such a fun historical fiction writer. She really makes it come alive, what it would be like to be a young, sheltered teen, married off, away from family, with a husband she does not; cannot trust.
Not as good as Hamnet but still very good.
Farrell is such a fun historical fiction writer. She really makes it come alive, what it would be like to be a young, sheltered teen, married off, away from family, with a husband she does not; cannot trust.
Not as good as Hamnet but still very good.
68banjo123
Education of a British Protected Child by Chinua Achebe
Essays by Achebe, published in 2009. Lots to learn about Pan Africanism and colonialism.
I was struck by this phrase, which he quotes from the late Milan Kundera:
"Those who seek power passionately do so not to change the present or the future, but the past---to re-write history."
Essays by Achebe, published in 2009. Lots to learn about Pan Africanism and colonialism.
I was struck by this phrase, which he quotes from the late Milan Kundera:
"Those who seek power passionately do so not to change the present or the future, but the past---to re-write history."
69banjo123
Dangerous Love by Ben Okri
Well-written, interesting to get a picture of live in Nigeria in the 70's. The amount of casual violence against women was hard. Though not seeming to be condoned by the author, it seemed an intrinsic part of life and not questionable.
Well-written, interesting to get a picture of live in Nigeria in the 70's. The amount of casual violence against women was hard. Though not seeming to be condoned by the author, it seemed an intrinsic part of life and not questionable.
70banjo123
The Long Corner by Alexander Maksik
Somehow a compelling read; I don't know much about Art Criticism, and if I did, not sure I would agree with the. book's premise, which is based on the work of John Berger. But the writing is good and I was sucked in.
In this book our narrator, Solomon, an art journalist turned advertising exec visits an art community run by a rich patron who provides support for struggling artists, but at a cost. Themes include how patrons and critics can influence artists and the role of art in our lives. A good companion read, actually, with The Latecomer
Somehow a compelling read; I don't know much about Art Criticism, and if I did, not sure I would agree with the. book's premise, which is based on the work of John Berger. But the writing is good and I was sucked in.
In this book our narrator, Solomon, an art journalist turned advertising exec visits an art community run by a rich patron who provides support for struggling artists, but at a cost. Themes include how patrons and critics can influence artists and the role of art in our lives. A good companion read, actually, with The Latecomer
71banjo123
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
The writing here is YA-ish, though the book is about grief and loss and not exactly for teens. The hero dies of a heart attack, and ends up at "Charoln's Crossing", a tea-shop designed as a way station for those who have died but are not quite ready to cross the "door'". I appreciate the effort, but a bit too sweet and silly for me.
The writing here is YA-ish, though the book is about grief and loss and not exactly for teens. The hero dies of a heart attack, and ends up at "Charoln's Crossing", a tea-shop designed as a way station for those who have died but are not quite ready to cross the "door'". I appreciate the effort, but a bit too sweet and silly for me.
72banjo123
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
More grief and loss, not sure what I was thinking when I picked these two back to back. This was a bit too confusing and poetic for me, but it is very well written. Mira's wife Leah has returned from a deep see research trip, but she is not the same as when she left. Told in alternating voices, between Miri and Lean, seems to be about letting go.
More grief and loss, not sure what I was thinking when I picked these two back to back. This was a bit too confusing and poetic for me, but it is very well written. Mira's wife Leah has returned from a deep see research trip, but she is not the same as when she left. Told in alternating voices, between Miri and Lean, seems to be about letting go.
73banjo123
Upgrade by Blake Crouch
A Sci-Fi Thriller about gene editing. Fun read; though limited in emotional complexity and with a heavy-handed message.
A Sci-Fi Thriller about gene editing. Fun read; though limited in emotional complexity and with a heavy-handed message.
74banjo123
Greta and Valdin by Rebecca Reilly
This is a New Zealand book that I bout at a fun bookstore in Wellington (Good Books) at the recommendation of a very enthusiastic bookseller. It's about a brother and sister of mixed Maori/Russion heritage, struggling with love, identity, carrier and mental illness. It's and easy, funny read on one had, with deeper issues about cultural and queer identity.
At times it was a bit too cute. (Example, a quote from Valdin: "At the moment, for personal reasons, I don't like reading things about people being in love with each other.). But over-all, I liked it, the New Zealand references are fun, the sibling's and their family are warmhearted and entertaining.
Recommended.
This is a New Zealand book that I bout at a fun bookstore in Wellington (Good Books) at the recommendation of a very enthusiastic bookseller. It's about a brother and sister of mixed Maori/Russion heritage, struggling with love, identity, carrier and mental illness. It's and easy, funny read on one had, with deeper issues about cultural and queer identity.
At times it was a bit too cute. (Example, a quote from Valdin: "At the moment, for personal reasons, I don't like reading things about people being in love with each other.). But over-all, I liked it, the New Zealand references are fun, the sibling's and their family are warmhearted and entertaining.
Recommended.
75msf59
Happy Saturday, Rhonda. Your NZ trip sounded amazing. I followed along a bit on FB. It is very high on my bucket list. I sure hope we can make it there.
76banjo123
The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
This has been on my list for a while, and due to travel stress, I thought that a time-travel sci-fi would be a good idea. Not remembering that this is a time travel book about PLAGUES! However, so well written, I tore through it and did learn lots about the Middle Ages as a result.
In some places Willis was prescient (toilet paper shortage!) considering that this was written in the 90's. The one thing that stuck out (I've also seen this in other books from the 80's and 90's) is not realizing the impact that cell phones would have on our lives. A bunch of the plot in the 2050's resolves around miscommunication and fighting over the use of telephones. A reminder of how cell phones have changed our lives.
I was also a bit irked when I realized that this book has a traditional Christian message, in the end. Not sure why that irked me so much, I read other books with a Christian perspective and it's fine for me, but I think because I wasn't expecting it.
This has been on my list for a while, and due to travel stress, I thought that a time-travel sci-fi would be a good idea. Not remembering that this is a time travel book about PLAGUES! However, so well written, I tore through it and did learn lots about the Middle Ages as a result.
In some places Willis was prescient (toilet paper shortage!) considering that this was written in the 90's. The one thing that stuck out (I've also seen this in other books from the 80's and 90's) is not realizing the impact that cell phones would have on our lives. A bunch of the plot in the 2050's resolves around miscommunication and fighting over the use of telephones. A reminder of how cell phones have changed our lives.
I was also a bit irked when I realized that this book has a traditional Christian message, in the end. Not sure why that irked me so much, I read other books with a Christian perspective and it's fine for me, but I think because I wasn't expecting it.
77banjo123
>75 msf59:. You would have a blast in NZ, Mark, hope you make it there.
78banjo123
I have a couple more books to report on, I read The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck.
He, his brother, and a dog named Olive Oil, travel the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by mules. I learned a lot about history, and about mules in this charming book.
He, his brother, and a dog named Olive Oil, travel the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon pulled by mules. I learned a lot about history, and about mules in this charming book.
79banjo123
On The Come Up by Angie Thomas.
Thomas is the author of The Hate U Give, an excellent YA book about police violence. This book is set in the same neighborhood, the protagonist is Brianna, a young rapper. It's not as good as Thomas's other books, but I did enjoy reading about a female rapper, and Thomas really illustrates the issues.
Interestingly, Brianna comes off more negatively than the main characters in Thomas's other books; she's a bit of a brat. I think that's because Thomas (who is also a rapper) sees herself in the character and thus was harder on her.)
Thomas is the author of The Hate U Give, an excellent YA book about police violence. This book is set in the same neighborhood, the protagonist is Brianna, a young rapper. It's not as good as Thomas's other books, but I did enjoy reading about a female rapper, and Thomas really illustrates the issues.
Interestingly, Brianna comes off more negatively than the main characters in Thomas's other books; she's a bit of a brat. I think that's because Thomas (who is also a rapper) sees herself in the character and thus was harder on her.)
80banjo123
The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin
This is a historical fiction set in the Pacific NW, I read it for book group. I really liked the book, will maybe have more to say after the group meets.
This is a historical fiction set in the Pacific NW, I read it for book group. I really liked the book, will maybe have more to say after the group meets.
81PaulCranswick
Great that you obviously loved NZ as much as I did when I was there, Rhonda. I am sorry though that for some reason I cannot see any of your photos.
I hope that Mrs Banjo and Banjo Junior are doing ok and glad that they are back with you already.
I hope that Mrs Banjo and Banjo Junior are doing ok and glad that they are back with you already.
82vancouverdeb
I enjoyed the pictures a day or so ago while lurking on the threads from my phone, but now for some reason they have disappeared, Rhonda.
83RebaRelishesReading
Wow, lots of reading!! Glad your family is reunited and hope you get a chance to rest-up this weekend.
84banjo123
>81 PaulCranswick:. Sorry about the photos, Paul. I was trying to update them, but ended up in a dropbox rabbit hole. Maybe I can manage later?
Mrs. B and B jr. both are home, and mostly recovered, so that's all good.
>82 vancouverdeb:. Sorry about the photos, Deborah. I think it's because I copied them from Facebook. I will try to fix it later.
>83 RebaRelishesReading:. Reading is my go-to on long plane rides, Hopefully I won't have any trouble getting to 75 now! Lots of rest this weekend; but I am still tired so guess that's what I needed.
Mrs. B and B jr. both are home, and mostly recovered, so that's all good.
>82 vancouverdeb:. Sorry about the photos, Deborah. I think it's because I copied them from Facebook. I will try to fix it later.
>83 RebaRelishesReading:. Reading is my go-to on long plane rides, Hopefully I won't have any trouble getting to 75 now! Lots of rest this weekend; but I am still tired so guess that's what I needed.
85banjo123
And happy Labor Day to all! Life seems to be busy here, mostly just getting back to work and routine after a long vacation. We went to a wedding Saturday, which was pretty fun, but tiring as it was out in the gorge, so a drive. We have known the bride since the day she was born, so it's nice to see her so happy. (though she and the groom both cried through the ceremony.).
I am afraid I am not able to re-post my NZ photos; so if anyone wants to see more, friend me on Facebook; I don't post much on Facebook, but I did for the trip.
I am afraid I am not able to re-post my NZ photos; so if anyone wants to see more, friend me on Facebook; I don't post much on Facebook, but I did for the trip.
86banjo123
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Hmmm. I loved The Great Believers, and so was looking forward to this. It hooked me in right away, so I had to read to the end, yet I ended the book unsatisfied.
This novel covers the "me too" movement, and maybe it was just too close for Makkai? Our narrator had gone to a boarding school in the 90's, and her roommate was murdered there. In the book she returns to the boarding school and in a convoluted manner involving current students and podcasts, begins investigating the murder.
Our narrator seemed to be making lots of bad decisions, and first I was worried for her, then I just got annoyed. In the end, she seems to get away with her bad decisions, but I stopped caring about her or about the 90's murder.
But the writing is good!
Hmmm. I loved The Great Believers, and so was looking forward to this. It hooked me in right away, so I had to read to the end, yet I ended the book unsatisfied.
This novel covers the "me too" movement, and maybe it was just too close for Makkai? Our narrator had gone to a boarding school in the 90's, and her roommate was murdered there. In the book she returns to the boarding school and in a convoluted manner involving current students and podcasts, begins investigating the murder.
Our narrator seemed to be making lots of bad decisions, and first I was worried for her, then I just got annoyed. In the end, she seems to get away with her bad decisions, but I stopped caring about her or about the 90's murder.
But the writing is good!
87BLBera
I was also disappointed by I Have Some Questions for You, Rhonda. I thought there was too much going on.
Happy Labor Day to you. Are all now healthy in your household?
Happy Labor Day to you. Are all now healthy in your household?
88msf59
Hi, Rhonda. I hope you had a nice holiday weekend. I also really enjoyed The Oregon Trail. I am a big fan of The Great Believers so I will have to still give I Have Some Questions for You a try.
I hope you can find time to read The Gift of Rain. It's a good one.
I hope you can find time to read The Gift of Rain. It's a good one.
89banjo123
>87 BLBera:. Thanks, Beth! All healthy here. There was a lot going on in the Makkai, and it didn't really pull together.
>88 msf59:. Hi Mark! I just started The Gift of Rain. He is a really good writer, but it's going to take me a bit to figure out the plot. And I hope you like the Makkai--it definitely has good parts.
>88 msf59:. Hi Mark! I just started The Gift of Rain. He is a really good writer, but it's going to take me a bit to figure out the plot. And I hope you like the Makkai--it definitely has good parts.
90banjo123
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily Danforth
This was for the Lesbian book club and it was LONG. Otherwise, OK, but not my favorite. It's one of those books with a contemporary and an older storyline, the older story line is about a group of women and girls in a Rhode Island Boarding School in 1902-ish; the contemporary story involves 2 actresses, one a young lesbian social media phenomenon named Harper Harper, and a young writer who had written a book about the boarding school. I found myself more drawn to the more recent story. The 1900's characters seemed pretty 2 dimensional.
It got mixed reviews in the book group, but some folks REALLY liked it, so if it sounds good to you, give it a try.
This was for the Lesbian book club and it was LONG. Otherwise, OK, but not my favorite. It's one of those books with a contemporary and an older storyline, the older story line is about a group of women and girls in a Rhode Island Boarding School in 1902-ish; the contemporary story involves 2 actresses, one a young lesbian social media phenomenon named Harper Harper, and a young writer who had written a book about the boarding school. I found myself more drawn to the more recent story. The 1900's characters seemed pretty 2 dimensional.
It got mixed reviews in the book group, but some folks REALLY liked it, so if it sounds good to you, give it a try.
91PaulCranswick
>89 banjo123: I do hope that you get the plot, Rhonda. I love that book!
92msf59
Hi, Rhonda. I hope you are locked into The Gift of Rain. I am currently locked into Tom Lake. She is such a good writer.
93banjo123
>91 PaulCranswick:. It's coming together, Paul, but moving slowly.
>92 msf59:. Oh, I do love Ann Patchett! I am looking forward to that one, but trying to work on the books on my shelves right now.
And happy weekend, everyone! Mine is going pretty well, yesterday was mostly quiet, with time to read, and last night we got to watch our soccer team (the Thorns) beat our rival, the Seattle Reign. Super fun!
>92 msf59:. Oh, I do love Ann Patchett! I am looking forward to that one, but trying to work on the books on my shelves right now.
And happy weekend, everyone! Mine is going pretty well, yesterday was mostly quiet, with time to read, and last night we got to watch our soccer team (the Thorns) beat our rival, the Seattle Reign. Super fun!
94banjo123
The Words for Her by Thomasin Sleigh
I picked up this book in New Zealand. It's a sci-fi sort of dystopian novel about a future where some people are "going out". In that case, they don't appear in photos or videos, and old photos of them have blank spaces where they used to be. This causes practical ramifications (no photos on passports) but somehow even more emotional ramifications, where people don't feel real if they can't be photoed, and there starts to be discrimination against the "gaps."
It's a bit thin of a plot, Sleigh makes it work, and the writing and characters are good, but over-all I'd say a good, not great book.
I picked up this book in New Zealand. It's a sci-fi sort of dystopian novel about a future where some people are "going out". In that case, they don't appear in photos or videos, and old photos of them have blank spaces where they used to be. This causes practical ramifications (no photos on passports) but somehow even more emotional ramifications, where people don't feel real if they can't be photoed, and there starts to be discrimination against the "gaps."
It's a bit thin of a plot, Sleigh makes it work, and the writing and characters are good, but over-all I'd say a good, not great book.
95RebaRelishesReading
>93 banjo123: Happy weekend Rhonda! Glad to hear the Thorns won. I went to bookstore the other day and the only thing I came home with was Tom Lake planning to start it this afternoon.
96vancouverdeb
Just stopping by to say hi, Rhonda. I keep seeing Tom Lake in the bookstores, but I a seem to be on Booker Longlist run right now. Those that I can find, that is.
97PlatinumWarlock
>93 banjo123: ...our soccer team (the Thorns) beat our rival, the Seattle Reign...
Boo!! (Seattle fan here. 😀) Although yes, seeing them in person is always fun.
Boo!! (Seattle fan here. 😀) Although yes, seeing them in person is always fun.
98The_Hibernator
>93 banjo123: I love watching Soccer. It's so much better than baseball to me.
99msf59
Happy Sunday, Rhonda. I wanted to let you know that I am reading Eyes of Rigel. I know that you have also been reading this series. Have you read the third one?
100charl08
I'm way behind Rhonda. Your travel adventures sound wonderful (except for the covid of course).
Plain Bad Heroines appeals, I'll add it to the list.
Plain Bad Heroines appeals, I'll add it to the list.
101banjo123
>95 RebaRelishesReading:. I am also looking forward to Tom Lake, but I am trying to read from some of my piles first!
>96 vancouverdeb:. The Booker nominees are generally a good lot, aren't they?
>97 PlatinumWarlock:. And boo for the Reign! It was Rapinoe's last regular season game at Providence Park, so exciting, and a sell-out crowd.
>98 The_Hibernator:. I like both soccer and baseball, but we don't have a MLB team in Portland, so that makes it harder to follow.
>99 msf59:. Oh, that's exciting, Mark! I did read Eyes of Rigel and I liked it, but not as well as the earlier books. I think I don't know enough about the history of that area, and got confused at times. How do you like it? There is also a 4th book in English now, Just A Mother which Wendy read, but I haven't yet.
>100 charl08:. Thanks, Charlotte, it was really fun.
>96 vancouverdeb:. The Booker nominees are generally a good lot, aren't they?
>97 PlatinumWarlock:. And boo for the Reign! It was Rapinoe's last regular season game at Providence Park, so exciting, and a sell-out crowd.
>98 The_Hibernator:. I like both soccer and baseball, but we don't have a MLB team in Portland, so that makes it harder to follow.
>99 msf59:. Oh, that's exciting, Mark! I did read Eyes of Rigel and I liked it, but not as well as the earlier books. I think I don't know enough about the history of that area, and got confused at times. How do you like it? There is also a 4th book in English now, Just A Mother which Wendy read, but I haven't yet.
>100 charl08:. Thanks, Charlotte, it was really fun.
102banjo123
The Gift of Rain by Tan Tan Eng
Thanks, Mark, for getting me to read this book, off of my bedside pile. I really loved The Garden of Evening Mists, when I read it a few years ago, so had been meaning to read this for some time. This wasn't as good, but definitely very well written and interesting.
The middle part of the book was the best, such an interesting and intense time and place. And Eng gives us complex characters, that I cared about even when I didn't always like them. The book covers the Japanese occupation of Malaysia during WWII. Our narrator is English-Chinese, the son of a prominent English businessman living in Malaysia. Before the occupation, he had met a Japanese Aikido master, and became his student, leading to somewhat divided loyalties, and perspective.
Thea first quarter of the book was a bit slow for me; and the end was so difficult, violent and felt a bit disjointed. Possibly my problems with the end were due to my own squeamishness, though.
Overall, I will rate as a 4, but the middle of the book was a solid 5.
Thanks, Mark, for getting me to read this book, off of my bedside pile. I really loved The Garden of Evening Mists, when I read it a few years ago, so had been meaning to read this for some time. This wasn't as good, but definitely very well written and interesting.
The middle part of the book was the best, such an interesting and intense time and place. And Eng gives us complex characters, that I cared about even when I didn't always like them. The book covers the Japanese occupation of Malaysia during WWII. Our narrator is English-Chinese, the son of a prominent English businessman living in Malaysia. Before the occupation, he had met a Japanese Aikido master, and became his student, leading to somewhat divided loyalties, and perspective.
Thea first quarter of the book was a bit slow for me; and the end was so difficult, violent and felt a bit disjointed. Possibly my problems with the end were due to my own squeamishness, though.
Overall, I will rate as a 4, but the middle of the book was a solid 5.
103RebaRelishesReading
>101 banjo123: I have that goal all of the time ... just don't actually do it all that often.
104msf59
I liked Eyes of Rigel well enough but it is easily my least favorite of the first 3.
Hooray for Gift of Rain. I am so glad you joined us on this shared read. We are doing a shared read of The House of Doors in December.
Hooray for Gift of Rain. I am so glad you joined us on this shared read. We are doing a shared read of The House of Doors in December.
105The_Hibernator
>102 banjo123: I loved Garden of the Evening Mists, too. I'd like to read this one, but I probably won't have the time. ☹️
106banjo123
>103 RebaRelishesReading:-- Yes it's hard! I am trying to remind myself that I picked up these books in the first place because I wanted to read them.
>104 msf59:. I would have agreed with you, Mark, on Eyes of Rigel, but oddly it's been a book I have thought about quite a bit since finishing. I do want to read House of Doors, but I might put it off, as I really am trying to read from my piles.
>105 The_Hibernator:. Someday, Rachel, you will have more time!
>104 msf59:. I would have agreed with you, Mark, on Eyes of Rigel, but oddly it's been a book I have thought about quite a bit since finishing. I do want to read House of Doors, but I might put it off, as I really am trying to read from my piles.
>105 The_Hibernator:. Someday, Rachel, you will have more time!
107banjo123
Reading wise:
I finished Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Bangarembga, which was pretty good, not great. Nice to read about the impact of colonialism from a female perspective. It had been sitting on my shelves for a couple years, so one step closer to my reading from the shelves goal!
I picked up Poverty by America for my next read. So far it's really good! But I probably need a little fiction book, to balance.
I finished Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Bangarembga, which was pretty good, not great. Nice to read about the impact of colonialism from a female perspective. It had been sitting on my shelves for a couple years, so one step closer to my reading from the shelves goal!
I picked up Poverty by America for my next read. So far it's really good! But I probably need a little fiction book, to balance.
108banjo123
And happy Saturday, everyone! We have a good weekend planned. Yesterday Mrs. Banjo and I went to see the remix of Stop Making Sense. So much fun, and a time capsule since I last saw it almost 40 years ago. Tonight we have a soccer match; if the Thorns will, they clinch the playoffs. But, honestly, could go either way and our most dynamic player, Sophia Smith, is off with an injury. And Sunday we are going apple picking in the Columbia Gorge. Yum!
109BLBera
It sounds like a great weekend, Rhonda.
I hope you can find time to get together when I am in Portland for the Book Festival. I think Kim will be in touch.
I hope you can find time to get together when I am in Portland for the Book Festival. I think Kim will be in touch.
110RebaRelishesReading
>108 banjo123: I've been wondering when the apples would be ready. Sounds like a little trip is in order this week :)
111banjo123
>109 BLBera:. It was fun, Beth. The Thorns lost, so that was sad, but I guess you gotta lose sometimes. Apples were great!
And I would love to see you at the book festival. I am planning to go, at least for part. Last year, one of our favorite things was the book fair the night before. The book fair is open the whole time, but on Friday night it's not as crowded and you really get to talk to publishers, which is fun.
>110 RebaRelishesReading:. It was beautiful, and the honey crisps are ripe! We went to Kiyokawa Orchards, in the gorge, which is our favorite; so many apples and such an amazing view!
And I would love to see you at the book festival. I am planning to go, at least for part. Last year, one of our favorite things was the book fair the night before. The book fair is open the whole time, but on Friday night it's not as crowded and you really get to talk to publishers, which is fun.
>110 RebaRelishesReading:. It was beautiful, and the honey crisps are ripe! We went to Kiyokawa Orchards, in the gorge, which is our favorite; so many apples and such an amazing view!
113BLBera
Apples are my favorite fruit, and my mouth is watering looking at the trees. I'll talk to Kim about times.
114RebaRelishesReading
>111 banjo123: Honeycrisps!! I may have to approach Hubby about going there this week (maybe today?). We've been each fall since we arrived and always go to Kiyokawa. So now I'm getting all excited!!
115banjo123
>113 BLBera:. Great! I am trying to figure out my Book Festival plan, because I want to hear Michael Lewis and also Luis Urrea, and I can't do both.
>114 RebaRelishesReading:. The apples have been yummy, and Mrs. Banjo made an apple crisp, which was yummy.
>114 RebaRelishesReading:. The apples have been yummy, and Mrs. Banjo made an apple crisp, which was yummy.
116RebaRelishesReading
>115 banjo123: We went today and picked a box of Honey Crisp and bought a bag of Granny Smith from the bins. They're all safely stored in the fridge -- eating to start tomorrow :)
