RebaRelishesReading 2023 page 5

Welcome Fall -- my very favorite season!

I joined LT in 2007 because I wanted to catalog my library but didn't truly appreciate the full wonder of the place until I found the 75'ers in 2012 (I think that's the year). It's a favorite part of my morning now. I also love meeting other members in person when possible.

For those of you I don't know, I'll introduce my self a bit. I'm a Californian by birth and have lived there much of my life but late in 2020 Hubby and I decided it was time to leave our condo in the Uptown district of San Diego and move to some place quieter and, most importantly, nearer our youngest grandchild. We have two older grandchildren who we adore but Ally is away at college and Kyle is a high school senior so they probably won't be living near us anymore even if we had stayed in San Diego. Quinn will turn four in January so we will have many years enjoying him growing up as we did the other two. So I've added Washington State to the list of places I've lived at various times in my life (California, Arizona, Connecticut, the Netherlands, England, the Netherlands, California, Ireland, California) and I'm enjoying becoming a north-westerner.

I'm a retired city planner who travels a lot (or did pre-Covid). We spent 11 summers at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York but among our recent changes we have sold our place there. We have plans to go back for two weeks in summer 2023 however :)

I read mostly fiction with a helping of biography or history thrown in. A couple of years ago I finished a personal challenge to read all of the Pulitzer Prize winning fiction and now I'm working on National Book Award fiction winners.

I recently joined a real-life book club, Women with Spines, and am excited to see what reading adventures this bring

My ranking system:
Superb *****
Excellent ****1/2
Very good ****
Good ***1/2
Average ***
Don't bother **
Terrible *

I try to keep this in mind when I'm assigning stars but I know I'm also influenced by my current mood, etc. so don't take it too very, very seriously.

JANUARY
1. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens****
2. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver****1/2

FEBRUARY
3. The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston****
4. A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny****1/2
5. Moonrise Over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks****1/2
6. Violeta by Isabel Allende***
7. Horse by Geraldine Brooks*****
8. We Are the Light by Matthew Quick***
9. Zorrie by Laird Hunt****
10. Het Nieuwe Land by Eva Vriend****

MARCH
11. The Ways of My Grandmothers by Beverly Hungry Wolf ***1/2
12. A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier ****1/2
13. A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay*****
14. Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward*****
15. The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin****
16. The Round House by Louise Erdrich*****
17.Carnegie’s MaId by Marie Benedict****
18. The Friend by Sigrid Nunez****
19. The Centaur by John Updike****
20. Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen*****
21. Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann ****

APRIL
22. The Guest Book by Sarah Blake****
23. Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank***1/2
24. Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon**
25. The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty**1/2
26. Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie*** (audio)
27. Maame by Jessica George****
28. Secrets of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander*** (audio)

MAY
29. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell****1/2
30. The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict***1/2 (audio)
31. Aunt Bessie Assumes by Diana Carissa***(audio)
32. Princess Margaret: A Life of Contrasts ***1/2 (audio)
33. The Winners by Fredrik Backman ***1/2
34. Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan****
35. The Golden Hour by Beatrice Williams *** (audio)
36. A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie ***1/2 (audio)

JUNE
37. A Country You Can Leave by Asale Angel-Ajdni ****
38. All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie****(audio)
39. The Snow Storm by Triana Walsh****(audio)
40. Trust by Hernan Diaz *****
41. Autism Spectrum Disorder by Chantal Sicile-Kira****1/2
42. I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai****
43. Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris*****

JULY
44. The Postcard by Anne Berest ***1/2
45. To Kill a Troubadour by Martin Walker ****(audio)
46. Grandparent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders by Nancy Mucklow*****
47. Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan.***** (audio)
48. Between Two Moons by Aisha Abdel Goad ***1/2
49 The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray ****1/2
50. Somebody's Fool by Richard Russo ****1/2

AUGUST
51. Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult****
52. A Future We Can Love by Susan Bauer-Wu*****
53. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama****1/2(audio)
54. In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl ****
55. "G" is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton ***1/2(audio)
56. "H" is for Homicide by Sue Grafton ***1/2(audio)
57. "I" is for Innocent by Sue Grafton ***1/2(audio)
58. "F" is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton ***1/2(audio)
59. The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen****(audio)

SEPTEMBER
60. Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson****
61. Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict****
62. "K" is for Killer by Sue Grafton ***1/2 (audio)
63. The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins ****
64. Brigid of Kildare by Marie Benedict ***1/2(audio)
65. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett ****1/2
66. L is for Lawless by Sue Grafton **(audio)
67. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt**** (audio)
68. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See****1/2

Glad you followed me over to my new page. Look forward to having you visit often. This site is now open :)

Happy new thread, Reba!

Hi Diana -- I was just reading your thread when I noticed I got a message! Thank you for stoping by. If I was Richard I would have a beautiful crown to award you but I'm not and I don't -- I am most happy to have you open my new thread however. Welcome!

We're expecting rain today (and for several days to come) and we have nothing on the calendar for today so I've declared it a "sea day" (term from cruising -- on land it's a day when I don't leave the house and stay in my robe all day) -- some knitting, some TV, some reading ahhhhhh.

L is for Lawless by Sue Grafton** (audio)

In this one Kinsey gets herself involved with things she never should have gone near and the outcome is not pretty. No thank you.

New 🧵 orisons, Reba. The latest ear-read doesn't sound like it was a hit... better luck with the rest of the weekend.

Happy new one, Reba!

Happy new thread Reba!

You found a very fine topper!

Happy new thread, Reba. Great picture of your new car on your previous thread. Have you been able to drive it yet?

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Reba xx

Happy new thread, Reba!

Like you, fall is my favorite season. Sadly this year summer doesn't want to end over here.

Connections
Puzzle #105
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Wordle 827 3/6

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>10 richardderus: Indeed Richard it was not however the rest of the weekend is going well. We have tickets for the symphony this afternoon :)

>11 katiekrug:, >12 quondame: Thank you Katie and Susan

>13 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. Yes we brought it home on Thursday and did a couple of errands with it on Friday. We still have our old car too because the friends who bought it are out of town and left it with us until they return.

>14 figsfromthistle:, >15 PaulCranswick:, >16 FAMeulstee: Thank you and welcome Anita, Paul and Anita!

Happy new thread, Reba!

>18 RebaRelishesReading: I hope you had a good time at the symphony!

Symphonic sounds to replace the tedious ear-read...lucky coincidence, or crafty plan...?

Happy new one, Reba. You are zipping through the Grafton series. My next one is "I".

Wordle 828 5/6

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>19 atozgrl: Thank you, Irene. The symphony was wonderful as always. We have a local orchestra that plays about 10 minutes from our house. It's so pleasant to go with no stress involved in travel or parking plus they're really good :)

>20 richardderus: lucky coincidence, Richard -- especially since I'm now ear-reading Remarkably Bright Creatures which is charming.

>21 BLBera: Hi Beth. Nice to know we're walking the Kinsey path together :) I skipped J is for Judgment because I wasn't able to download it even though I bought it and it shows in my "library". I have since discovered that I can get to it on my laptop so I guess I'll just do it that way. It's less portable but I often knit while I'm listening and no need to move around for that.

Little grandson and Mom were supposed to come over for a visit this morning but we just heard he's under the weather and they won't be coming. He started kindergarten this year but she was going to keep him home today anyway because the school was going to have its "first active shooter drill" this morning!!!! I can't really express how much it upsets me that in this country we won't control guns and, instead, subject 5 year-olds to "active shooter drills"!!! One of several things that make me spitting angry!!!

>23 RebaRelishesReading: I'm so glad you're enjoying Remarkably Bright Creatures! I was very, very fond of it.

Enjoy the week-ahead's reads, Reba.

>25 richardderus: Thanks Richard -- you too :)

Connections
Puzzle #107
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>24 RebaRelishesReading: Five year olds???
This leaves me speechless...

>28 FAMeulstee: Yes, his entire school which includes "kindergarten" classes which are for 5 year-olds!! Schools are now being built with high fences and gates and special locking doors -- all in an attempt to stop mass shootings at schools. Some have armed guards.

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It's been raining gently for two days now making both me and the garden very happy. Keeping my fingers crossed that this really is the beginning of fall!

*smoochiesmoochsmooch*

>2 RebaRelishesReading: I joined LT in 2007 because I wanted to catalog my library That is the same reason that I joined LT! I lucked out with the 75ers and joined the year of the group's inception, 2008.

>24 RebaRelishesReading: One of the reasons I homeschooled my girls was because of school shootings. I do not blame you at all for being spitting mad!

Happy new thread, Reba!

>32 richardderus: Good morning Richard dear :)

>33 alcottacre: Hi Stasia. I find myself shaking my head in disgust with the world more and more...which makes me feel older and older :(
LT is a bright spot though :)

>34 RebaRelishesReading: I find myself shaking my head in disgust with the world more and more...which makes me feel older and older :(

You are not alone there.

Wordle 830 5/6

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Connections
Puzzle #108
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt**** (audio)

Cameron is thirty and his life is a mess. He has never held a job for more than a couple of weeks and his girlfriend just kicked him out of their apartment. He heads to Modesto to visit the aunt who raised him and then heads north to a small community on Puget Sound where he meets Tova, a 70-year-old widow who works nights cleaning an aquarium where she has made friends with Marcellus, a very bright octopus. The book is the story of all three of these characters, their separate lives as well as their connections. It's a good story over-all but Marcellus is the charm that makes it a four-star read.

Went for Covid/flu shots this morning and hoped to get an RSV while I was there but they don't have it in yet. Then we stopped at TJ's where we got several things including Chicken Piccata (thank you Katie) and chicken pot pie (Hubby loves c.p.p - hope he likes this one). Also picked up some Broccoli/Kale Slaw which I love and a few other odds and ends that jumped into the cart as we passed by including a half-dozen roses for $5.99. These are tiny roses with a lot on each stem -- 45 blooms in total actually!! Final stop was Costco where we first indulged in a dog-deal lunch and then I faced the mega crowded store to pick up some sale items we use plus a rather long list of "wants" from D2 who doesn't have a membership. It now almost 3 p.m. and I'm exhausted!!

That is a very full day! I hope the chicken picatta is a winner for you. I like to make a bit of pasta on the side, tossed with some of the sauce...

>37 RebaRelishesReading: Marcellus rawks! Cute read, ain't it.

*smooch*

>38 RebaRelishesReading:
I had the same experience last Friday when I went to get my shots. I got the Flu and the Pneumonia shots, but no RSV or COVID available. They told me to call back after October 1. They MIGHT know then when it would be coming in.

>39 katiekrug: Hi Katie. I was thinking about making some mashed potatoes but pasta sounds better. I have some Amish noodles my cousin brought us when they visited -- maybe those. We have some left-over pork tenderloin that we should eat tonight so I'm planning the piñata for tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

>40 richardderus: Hi Richard -- indeed he does and indeed it is :)

>41 benitastrnad: Hi Benita -- as shocking as it seems, Oct. 1 is only next Monday so not so far away. We got the Covid and flu (one each arm -- flu was the more sore one) and I don't need Pneumonia. Our provider will email us when they have RSV.

I'll be having a somewhat quieter day today. I signed up for a pickle ball "drill" at the gym. I haven't played since stopping lessons over a year ago and have hesitated to show up for the "open play" hours at the gym since I don't know what level of play to expect -- either from the group or from myself. I hope I haven't forgotten everything I learned.

D2 may come over today (or maybe tomorrow) to pick up her Costco order.

Otherwise it should be a quiet day. It's still raining softly most of the time and is a brisk 57/14 degrees outside right now (9:37 a.m.). I LOVE FALL!!!

Second good day in a row with Connections:

Puzzle #109
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Struggle with Wordle:

Wordle 831 5/6

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>42 RebaRelishesReading: - I hope you enjoy the piñata ;-)

I'm getting my COVID booster tomorrow. I was going to wait to get the flu so both arms wouldn't hurt, but maybe I'll just bite the bullet and go for it...

>44 katiekrug: LOL -- didn't notice that typo Katie. Actually by the time I went to bed my arms only hurt if I actually pressed on the band aid covering the injection site -- so really no problem -- but then reactions differ. Hope you have an easy one.

>42 RebaRelishesReading: I didn't know TJs sold these ... 😂



I've served piccata with plain old spaghetti before. The pasta gets all lemony and it's delicious.

>46 lauralkeet: LOL - maybe they do in So. Cal :) Good idea! I think I'll make some pasta to go with the chicken and sauce.

Connections
Puzzle #110
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Connections
Puzzle #111
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⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩Now I'm having trouble with Wordle :( least acrid peony baddy faddy waddy

A music venue in Portland is offering a program today for kids from "0-10" to explore musical instruments. Our little grandson (age 5) is totally nuts about music so we're hoping to take him today. He did end up at the doctor yesterday with an ear infection but hopefully the meds will have kicked in and he will be OK to go.

Here's the description of the event: "The Reser has partnered with local arts providers to create a day of fun, interactive musical experiences designed to empower, build community connection, and inspire creativity. The Musical Playground aims to provide an interactive and inclusive experience where children and families can create music together in a fun and carefree way. There will be a variety of music stations that will allow children of all ages to play drums, guitars, pianos, violins, and ukuleles with the support of trained instructors."

>50 RebaRelishesReading:. This looks like tons of fun, and I've heard good things about the Reser.

For Louise Penny fans who are active in their local libraries--she has written a play which can be used, royalty free, for library fund-raising purposes. She talks about it on her blog at
contact@louisepenny.com.

>51 banjo123: Hi Rhonda. The event was a success!! It was fun and quite engaging for the kids (also noisy and a bit intense but even our 5-year-old OSD kid was just fine. The Reser is really beautiful. I wish it wasn't in Beaverton (rather far for us) but we might go there for a concert sometime anyway just because it's so nice. The highlight for me was a display of classic international instruments.

"petting" the sitar


assortment of classic international instruments available for "petting"


The man who owns Backbeat Music Academy provided these instruments and was available to talk about them -- even to grandmothers (me) who were interested in them :)

What a cool event!

When my girls were preschool age, we did a weekly program/class together at a local music school. Lots of singing, movement, and props. It was so much fun.

>52 RebaRelishesReading: That's a terrific idea for an event. The sitar "petting" pose is so adorable!

>53 lauralkeet:, >54 richardderus: Hi Laura and Richard. It was fun. He is totally absorbed by music and instruments now so it was pretty much made for him but I learned some interesting things like the relationship between balalaikas and sitars (who knew?). We also saw a two-necked ukulele -- guy said it was the only one in existence.

Today being quieter I'm spending some time at my computer and trying to do the NYTimes puzzles. So far I surprised myself with Connections
Connections
Puzzle #112
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Dreams of Joy by Lisa See****1/2

When Pearl and her younger sister, May, escape from China to the U.S. about 1940 unmarried May is pregnant. Pearl raises the child, Joy, as her own and May becomes "Auntie". When Joy is 19 she finds out and then runs away from home to China, which she believes to be a socialist utopia, to find her biological father and move to the countryside to participate in this great new society. The Great Leap Forward is just beginning and things in rural China are changing as we follow Joy in her new life. Pearl travels to China to search for Joy more of the early life of Pearl and May is revealed. In the background the book reveals a great deal about China in during The Great Leap Forward. Very interesting.

Morning, Reba! Here's hoping all your reads this week are like >56 RebaRelishesReading: and >37 RebaRelishesReading:!

*smooch*

>57 richardderus: Ah, thanks Richard. Hope yours are too :)

Connections
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Wordle 835 5/6

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Rhonda's post pushed me to finally do what I'd been thinking about for a week or more ... we took the new car on its first little road trip and went apple picking. It was overcast and a bit rainy (not like the beautiful day Rhonda chose yesterday) but it was fun, we have a couple of months supply of apples and we've tested travel in the new car a bit. (Yes, I know those are pears, not apples, on the rim of the box).

We had a lovely dinner of TJ's Chicken Piccata, thank you Katie for the recommendation!! It was enhanced by adding some noodles to share the sauce with the chicken, great suggestion Laura!! This will be added to the rotation frequently.