Anita ( figs) Reads in 2019 -Second Thread

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Anita ( figs) Reads in 2019 -Second Thread

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1figsfromthistle
Editado: Ago 5, 2019, 5:42 pm



Time for a second thread!

2figsfromthistle
Editado: Ago 6, 2019, 9:25 am




My rating system is as follows:

1 = Very Very bad. Either I could not finish the novel, or the plot was ill-conceived

2= Still bad. I managed to finish the book. It was probably boring, unoriginal or poorly written

3= Solid. There was character development, the pace was probably slow or parts of the book were well thought out. Still had the ability to make me think or at the very least want to continue reading, however, something was missing or could have been further developed.

4= Excellent read. I probably couldn't put the book down till it was finished. The pace was spot on, complex characters, made me think in a different way and so on

5= Does this ever happen? When it does, I will revise this section

Best books read this year so far:

Memoir: Tara Westover: Educated

YA: Robin Roe: A List Of Cages

Historical Fiction: Glynis Peters: The Secret Orphan

Book That deserves a re-read: Jim Crace: The Melody

3figsfromthistle
Editado: Ago 7, 2019, 7:30 am

Books read up until August

4figsfromthistle
Editado: Ago 5, 2019, 10:41 pm

Here is a photo of the carriage house that has consumed a lot of my time. It's attached to the existing house ( which is not shown). Still, a lot of work to be done....

5figsfromthistle
Ago 5, 2019, 5:44 pm

Welcome!

6FAMeulstee
Ago 5, 2019, 6:15 pm

Happy new thread, Anita!

7figsfromthistle
Ago 5, 2019, 6:15 pm

>6 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita!

8mstrust
Ago 5, 2019, 6:16 pm

Happy new thread, Anita!

9figsfromthistle
Ago 5, 2019, 6:28 pm

>8 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer!

10jessibud2
Ago 5, 2019, 6:51 pm

Happy new thread! That's some addition!

11drneutron
Ago 5, 2019, 7:39 pm

Happy new thread!

12Berly
Ago 5, 2019, 7:53 pm

>4 figsfromthistle: Wow! That looks awesome! Happy new thread and I love your topper, too. : )

13msf59
Ago 5, 2019, 9:06 pm

Happy New Thread, Figs. Love that colorful topper. I missed most of your last thread. I will try to do better, on this one.

14PaulCranswick
Ago 5, 2019, 9:47 pm

Happy new thread, Anita.

>3 figsfromthistle: Some very good books up there.

15figsfromthistle
Ago 5, 2019, 10:41 pm

>10 jessibud2: Thanks! By accident, it turned out a little bigger than planned.

>11 drneutron: Thanks!

>12 Berly: Thank you x 3 :)

>13 msf59: Thanks. This particular cactus had 20 flowers on it. Not bad considering it did not look too healthy in the spring

>14 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul!

16ronincats
Ago 5, 2019, 10:48 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita!

17figsfromthistle
Editado: Ago 5, 2019, 11:06 pm



56. Terry Fallis: One Brother Shy

Alex is a socially awkward man who is haunted by an incident that happened in high school. He is just trying to exist without bringing on too much attention or forming meaningful connections with others. However, something he discovers forces him to venture outside of his comfort zone.

Some parts were funny. A novel that touches upon bullying and the negative impact it can have on a person-way into adult life. This was the weakest novel by Fallis so far and yet showed strengths in unexpected ways. Too many things irritated me- ah well!

3/5

18figsfromthistle
Ago 5, 2019, 10:58 pm

>16 ronincats: Thanks, Roni!

19foggidawn
Ago 6, 2019, 8:18 am

Happy new thread!

20figsfromthistle
Ago 6, 2019, 9:21 am

>19 foggidawn: Thanks, Foggi!

21BLBera
Editado: Ago 6, 2019, 10:22 am

Happy new thread, Anita.

Lovely photo of the flower at the top.

>4 figsfromthistle: This looks amazing. Are you almost finished?

22figsfromthistle
Ago 6, 2019, 3:31 pm

>21 BLBera: Thanks! It's 3/4 of the way finished. There's still the stairs and retaining wall on the outside to do. The drywall is hung and the taper seems to be taking a long time since he is only working on the weekends. The siding and facia should be done by the end of the week. I spent my day off running around looking for flooring and tiles and lights ( with little success). So it is getting there.

23jnwelch
Ago 6, 2019, 5:22 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita. Lovely flowers up top - from a cactus, yes?

>3 figsfromthistle: Fun! Thanks for posting those. Of our shared reads, All the Light We Cannot See would be my favorite.

24EllaTim
Ago 6, 2019, 7:24 pm

Happy new thread, Anita. Lovely flower up there.

>3 figsfromthistle: Nice to see all those covers. Somehow they make me more curious to read the books, but it must have been a lot of work to show them like this.

>4 figsfromthistle: Is this your home?

25RebaRelishesReading
Ago 6, 2019, 8:27 pm

Happy new thread! I love the "books read" displayed that way.

26figsfromthistle
Ago 7, 2019, 3:37 pm

>23 jnwelch: Thanks! Yes those are from a cactus in my flowerbed:)
All the Light we cannot see was a 4 star read for me as well.

>24 EllaTim: Thank you, Ella. I like seeing covers lined up like that as well. Also, the picture of the house is an addition that I made to my home ( like a carriage or coach house).

>25 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks! The book covers displayed that way is kind of calming.

27tymfos
Ago 7, 2019, 10:45 pm

Hi, Anita! Happy new thread! I like the book cover display, too.

28figsfromthistle
Ago 8, 2019, 5:50 am

>27 tymfos: Thanks :)

29The_Hibernator
Ago 8, 2019, 10:02 am

>3 figsfromthistle: Great graphic Anita! Happy new thread.

30figsfromthistle
Ago 8, 2019, 3:17 pm

31figsfromthistle
Ago 8, 2019, 10:11 pm



57. Aja Gabel: The Ensemble

Four university music majors form a quartet with the short term goal of winning a prestigious competition. Emotions run high as the four members strive to achieve personal and professional goals.

A coming of age story where nothing seems to happen and yet the reader finds him/herself plunged into the trials, successes, and turbulences of the four protagonists chaotic lives.

Mixed feelings on this one.

3/5

32figsfromthistle
Ago 9, 2019, 10:27 pm



58. Barbara Kingsolver: Flight Behavior

Dellarobia is housewife living in a small spiritual centric town. Feeling suffocated by her surroundings she attempts to run away. However, in the depths of the forest, she sees something extraordinary that causes her to turn back and re-evaluate everything she believes in.

This is the first novel by Kingsolver that I have read. I did not know what to expect and ended up enjoying it. A great story about determination, challenge, and change. How each action has long-reaching effects and it is up to us to ensure that these effects are positive.

3.8/5

33Donna828
Ago 10, 2019, 9:11 pm

Hi Anita, I love the visual display of the books you've read. There are some excellent ones there. I also enjoyed Flight Behavior, although it's not my favorite Kingsolver book. Off the top of my head, I remember liking The Lacuna and Poisonwood Bible quite a bit. Also, her first book, The Bean Trees about a road trip from Kentucky to Tucson, AZ, and adopting a Native American baby girl was memorable.

Wow, you are adding an addition to your house. Makes my little project look, well, little. Do you have a completion date to look forward to?

34figsfromthistle
Ago 10, 2019, 10:27 pm

>33 Donna828: Hey Donna! I will definitely have to acquire more Kingsolver books.

As for the house, I have no set completion date however, I really would like to be done before the snow flies. The project did get out of hand as it was just supposed to be a garage addition *sigh*.
It looks like you have been quite busy with your remodel as well.

35kidzdoc
Ago 10, 2019, 10:48 pm

Happy new thread, Anita!

36figsfromthistle
Ago 11, 2019, 6:04 am

>35 kidzdoc: Thanks!

37msf59
Ago 11, 2019, 8:34 am

Hi, Figs! I am a big fan of Kingsolver but have not read Flight Behavior. It is on the list. I hope this one sparks you to read more of her work.

38BLBera
Ago 11, 2019, 9:47 am

Funny how projects get out of hand, Anita. :)

I also LOVED Flight Behavior, and it is one of my favorite Kingsolvers. You have a lot of good choices ahead.

39figsfromthistle
Ago 11, 2019, 3:17 pm

>37 msf59: Yes, I will definitely read more of her work.

>38 BLBera: I know :) I had Kingsolver's book in my TBR pile for a long time. Don't know why it took me that long to pick it up. Looking forward to more of her books.

40johnsimpson
Ago 11, 2019, 4:53 pm

Hi Anita my dear, happy new thread. Hope you are having a good weekend, I am slowly catching up on all the posts on the threads that I have not seen whilst being away. I am posting about our holiday but am not going to bore you all with the minutiae but hope to post some pictures when I get them from Karen. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

41figsfromthistle
Ago 11, 2019, 9:14 pm

>40 johnsimpson: Welcome back from your vacation! Can't wait to see the pictures you have taken :)

42Familyhistorian
Ago 11, 2019, 9:53 pm

Happy new thread, Anita. That is quite an addition. It definitely grew from just a garage! I love the topper. I don't think I have ever seen a blooming cactus before.

43humouress
Ago 12, 2019, 5:56 am

Happy new thread Anita!

I thought the photo in >1 figsfromthistle: was roses until I saw the leaves. The flowers look luscious.

>3 figsfromthistle: Not seeing most of the covers :0(

>4 figsfromthistle: Wow! You're doing that yourselves?

44figsfromthistle
Ago 12, 2019, 4:33 pm

>42 Familyhistorian: Thanks! This particular cactus blooms after the first year. I have another cactus that took 20 years to grow one bloom. I am surprised that they survive in the Candian climate. Quite beautiful.

>43 humouress: Hi! Sometimes when I have trouble seeing the covers I sign out of LibraryThing and back in and it seems to do the trick.

As for the addition, a lot was done by my father and I ( my mom helped where she could). I am lucky that my father is a retired construction engineer. We hired someone for plumbing, framing, heat and electrical. I also opted to hire a drywaller as this job is too heavy for my dad ( he has severe knee problems). The rest is all us. Not too long ago we completed the brick and stucco- that was a huge job for us. I forgot how it was like to build scaffolding and mix mortar!

45humouress
Ago 12, 2019, 11:24 pm

>44 figsfromthistle: I was wondering if you built the structure yourselves. I’m not sure I’d trust something that big if I built it; my dad is a bit of s DIY-er but my husband would rather get someone else in to do work. Especially as it’s more affordable in Asia.

Amazing job! Especially the bridge.

46figsfromthistle
Ago 13, 2019, 6:13 am

>45 humouress: We just hired someone to build the structure (framing). He worked off the design and engineered drawings that my dad made.

You are quite right to always be careful when building. Many aspects can go wrong and many people underestimate the knowledge needed. Here we have building inspectors that come at various stages to ensure all is well. Is it the same in Asia?

47mstrust
Ago 13, 2019, 11:38 am

Dropping in to say hi and find you deep into the house construction and still able to knock out some books!

48streamsong
Ago 13, 2019, 12:25 pm

I love your new carriage house and the walkway to it! It looks like there is living space above it? A new library for you, perhaps?

49figsfromthistle
Ago 13, 2019, 7:33 pm

>47 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! My reading keeps me calm :)

>48 streamsong: Thanks. Yes, there is a living space above that also extends to the back. I have already been eyeing a few locations for a library. Perhaps in the walkway/hallway leading to the original house. It would be wide enough :)

50RebaRelishesReading
Ago 14, 2019, 2:30 pm

I'm a Kingsolver fan -- glad you enjoyed Flight Behavior

51figsfromthistle
Ago 15, 2019, 7:19 am

>50 RebaRelishesReading: Yes, Kingsolver is a great author :)

52figsfromthistle
Ago 15, 2019, 7:23 am



59.Patrick deWitt: Under Major Domo Minor

Lucy Minor is a young man who has run out of opportunities in his home town. He decides to take on a job as an assistant to the majordomo who is Baron Von Aux's, right-hand man. He soon discovers the peculiarity of the townspeople and the rules concerning his stay in the castle are equally puzzling. Or course, Lucy finds himself in love and in dangerous and uncomfortable situations.

Somehow this story pulled me in. I was intrigued to see what happens on Lucy's journey. I enjoy deWitt's writing style, however, I was waiting for more to happen ( and I don't mean the grotesque scene in the middle).

3.5/5

53humouress
Editado: Ago 17, 2019, 2:14 am

>46 figsfromthistle: Hmm, don't know. Singapore is the most by-the-book of Asian countries but it's been more than a decade since we had our house renovated but I don't remember it being inspected. Of course, we didn't do it ourselves, so it's entirely possible that the inspectors came by and talked to the construction people.

I do know that there are a lot of regulations and our contractor had to stick to them. In England, for instance, we usually had a string to pull to switch on bathroom lights. In Singapore, you're not allowed electric points inside the bathroom and our electrician absolutely refused to put them up for me, even though a friend managed to find the switches and send them to me. (This is the same electrician who happily relocated lights at will, which caused the guys doing the construction to grumble about all the holes they had to patch up after him.)

ETA: >52 figsfromthistle: Haven't come across Lucy as a man's name; unless it's his surname and he's the younger brother (hence the 'minor')?

54figsfromthistle
Ago 19, 2019, 8:41 pm

>53 humouress: It is interesting how building codes vary. You would think that something that is a fire hazard in one country or even a province would still be a fire hazard in another. Sometimes I swear that the inspectors just make things up :)

Lucy is the protagonist's nickname. His real name is Lucien. The minor comes from the fact that he is the assistant to the majordomo who in turn is the assistant to the Baron. So Lucy holds the lowest rank and the castle.

55figsfromthistle
Ago 21, 2019, 4:39 pm

60. Peter Matthiessen: In Paradise



To find out about his family history, Clements Olin takes part in a one week retreat in Auschwitz. He encounters many people who are struggling with their grief and guilt. All have a story to tell and all of whom have differential reasons for taking part in the retreat.

Many issues were subtly touched upon here.

3.5/5

56bell7
Ago 21, 2019, 9:21 pm

>55 figsfromthistle: We had a really good discussion about that in my book club, but it was a tough one to read.

57figsfromthistle
Ago 22, 2019, 7:26 am

>56 bell7: It was tough in many ways. Matthiessen has a way of leaving enough space for the reader to reflect.

58karenmarie
Ago 25, 2019, 11:37 am

Hi Anita and a very belated happy new thread! Your carriage house is beautiful. I’m impressed at how much of the work you, your dad, and your mom have done.

>32 figsfromthistle: I loved Flight Behavior. I’ve also read The Poisonwood Bible – not quite as wonderful but still very good, IMO.

59paulstalder
Ago 26, 2019, 7:29 am

Wish you a good start into the new week

60figsfromthistle
Editado: Ago 28, 2019, 7:25 am

>58 karenmarie: Thanks! Doing most of the work is the only way that I am able to afford such an addition.

I have the Poisonwood Bible somewhere among my books. I've heard varying accounts as to which book is better. I will have to wait until I read it to make my own decision. If it's anywhere near Flight Behavior, then I'm in for a treat!

>59 paulstalder: Thanks, Paul. Enjoy the rest of your week :)

61humouress
Ago 28, 2019, 12:06 am

>60 figsfromthistle: Whereas if we needed anything like that done, it’d be more cost effective to get someone to come in and do it for us. Craft projects are about my limit.

62figsfromthistle
Ago 28, 2019, 1:22 pm

>61 humouress: Yes, everyone has different strengths. Every time I try to do an arts and crafts project it looks like an elementary kid's work.

63johnsimpson
Ago 30, 2019, 4:44 pm

Hi Anita my dear, hope that your week has been a good one and I hope you have a really lovely weekend dear friend.

64figsfromthistle
Ago 31, 2019, 9:02 pm

>63 johnsimpson: Thanks! The week just flew by. Have a relaxing weekend, John.

65johnsimpson
Set 1, 2019, 4:04 pm

Hi Anita, our weekend has been nice and relaxing but it goes to fast and suddenly we are in September, where did the previous eight months go.

Sending love and hugs dear friend.

66figsfromthistle
Set 2, 2019, 7:51 pm

>65 johnsimpson: It does seem that the summer months go by quicker than the winter months do. Also, the older I get, the faster the year seems to pass. Have a wonderful week :)

67johnsimpson
Set 3, 2019, 3:05 pm

>66 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita, I would agree with everything you posted my dear, I definitely think since I hit 40 that the years have got progressively quicker and now at 56 I need them to slow down so that I can read all the books I have on the TBR pile.

68Donna828
Set 4, 2019, 8:34 pm

Wow, you are a woman of many talents, Anita. I'm impressed that your new addition has so much of your hard work in it. Building scaffolding and brick and stucco work sounds pretty advanced. I am fairly handy with a paintbrush but that's about it. I'm looking forward to hearing where you are going to sneak that library in.

69figsfromthistle
Set 6, 2019, 3:28 pm

>67 johnsimpson: it would be nice if time slowed down to read all the books on the TBR pile! I think my friends and family thought that I have enough books to read, so I received no gift cards to bookstores on my birthday :(

>68 Donna828: Thanks! Although I must credit my dad as he is the one doing all the technical work. I am just there to help. I already mentioned bookcases however, I received a nice eye roll and comment about how many bookcases I already have and if it is quite necessary. I'll sneak some in somewhere :)

70johnsimpson
Set 6, 2019, 3:36 pm

>69 figsfromthistle:, I must admit Anita that both Rob and Amy now baulk at buying me books for birthday or Christmas as they want some other ideas from me. As I collect Fountain Pens I have had these of late so they may revert back to books now, lol.

71figsfromthistle
Set 6, 2019, 3:47 pm



61. Martin Walker: The Body In The Castle Well

A young, wealthy Ph.D. student is found dead in a well. Foul play is suspected and Bruno, the Chief of police is on the case to find the motive and the killer.

I did not realize that it is part of a series. Reads like a cozy mystery. I particularly enjoyed the description of food and recipes although it added very little to the overall plot.

3/5

72figsfromthistle
Set 6, 2019, 10:26 pm

>70 johnsimpson: OOh fountain pens are gorgeous! Do you have any favorites?

73humouress
Set 7, 2019, 5:59 am

>69 figsfromthistle: >70 johnsimpson: Oh no! Don't they know you can never have enough books?

74figsfromthistle
Set 7, 2019, 8:59 am

>73 humouress: I know right? My Birthday was on the 3rd this month and no books :( No worries though. I decided to treat myself anyhow :)

75RebaRelishesReading
Set 7, 2019, 9:12 am

>71 figsfromthistle: It's a fun series, especially if you like reading about life in Provence and French food. It's one Hubby and I listen to when driving cross-country because we both get a kick out of it and it's light enough to listen to while driving.

76BLBera
Set 7, 2019, 7:55 pm

>71 figsfromthistle: I read the first Bruno book and loved the setting and food. I need to figure out which one comes next.

77figsfromthistle
Set 8, 2019, 2:27 pm

>75 RebaRelishesReading: Yes it is a nice, light series.

>76 BLBera: I believe the second book is called The Dark Vineyard.

78figsfromthistle
Set 8, 2019, 3:31 pm



62. Ishmael Beah: Radiance Of Tomorrow

A novel that deals with the aftermath of war and the issues faced with returning home and rebuilding. Very well written.

" The sight of their wasted youth bothered him"

" Poverty is worse than nightmares. You can wake up from nightmares"

"Even horrible things can contribute in the creation of natural comedy. Even the most absurd situations can be punctured"


4/5

79figsfromthistle
Set 8, 2019, 3:35 pm

So yesterday, I went to St. Jacobs farmers market. I picked up a bushel of peaches for canning, a bushel of small plums and a half bushel of peppers ( to stuff). I woke up early this morning and now I am finally finished! Just have to clean up :)

80johnsimpson
Set 8, 2019, 4:59 pm

>72 figsfromthistle:, Hi Anita my dear, I do love my vintage pens but I also like modern pens and my current pens in use are a TWSBI eco-t that I got a year ago and is filled with Diamine Earl Grey, my Parker 25 which is always inked and a nice Jinhao X750 filled with Robert Oster Fire and Ice. I do rotate my pens in use and will fill my 1930's 'Unique' sometime this week along with my 1950's Pelikan M140.

I follow some pen websites, one or two from the USA. Goulet pens is nice and they have some lovely pens but the only problem I have is the current exchange rate and then the cost of shipping and the taxes when they arrive, this makes the pens excessively expensive and so I would use European sites when they Euro exchange gets better. When Brexit is finally sorted I don't know where I will be able to get pens that I cannot get in the UK.

Hope you are having a really good weekend and send love and hugs from both of us dear friend.

81brenzi
Set 8, 2019, 9:31 pm

Hi Anita, I finally tracked you down. And I see you're engaged in the kind of extracurricular work that I also spent my life doing. We never hired anyone when we didn't have to but since my husband was a home builder he knew what he was doing. I just followed instructions and played the part of gofer lol.

Where are you in Canada? I'm just the other side of the Peace Bridge.

82mstrust
Set 9, 2019, 10:22 am

>79 figsfromthistle: Are you getting ready for Winter? Our temps are still too high to go to our farmer's market (most of them shut down from June to Oct.) but we'll be back to attending soon. I don't know if we'd be able to find a bushel of anything there.

83humouress
Editado: Set 16, 2019, 12:00 am

>74 figsfromthistle: Belated happy birthday! And I hope you got some nice books in the end.

>80 johnsimpson: You get special inks too? I love those names.

I had to switch from biro to fountain pens when I went to boarding school and apparently my writing suffered for it. I just had a couple of good old Parker pens and I've only ever seen Parker ink that I can remember (except for coloured inks in art shops).

84johnsimpson
Editado: Set 16, 2019, 3:06 pm

>83 humouress:, Hi Nina, there are a wide range of named inks from a wide number of firms and Diamine are offering an Inkvent calendar for Fountain Pen enthusiasts this year, all new with names to match the season, it is not cheap though so I wont be bothering, lol. One chap on the Fountain Pen UK group has 500 different inks, I am not that bad, I only have about 30.

85johnsimpson
Editado: Set 16, 2019, 3:06 pm

Esta mensagem foi removida pelo seu autor.

86figsfromthistle
Set 17, 2019, 9:41 pm

Thanks everyone for keeping my thread warm while I was absent.

>80 johnsimpson: I do like different inks. Unfortunately, in school we were only allowed a plain blue. Currently, I am partial to the greens like Noodlers Texas live oak. I often change my ink based on my mood. Hope you are having a great week so far!

>81 brenzi: Hi! Gofers play an essential yet underappreciated role with such projects. As for my location in Canada, I reside in the Kitchener/Woodstock area :)

>82 mstrust: We are currently in our fall months. So harvest time for us. The leaves have already begun to change their colors. Luckily, we still have comfortable temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius right now.

>83 humouress: Thank you! I did end up treating myself to a book shopping spree :)

>84 johnsimpson: Wow! 500 inks! It would take forever to choose my ink for the day.

87humouress
Set 17, 2019, 10:28 pm

>84 johnsimpson: 30? 500! *raises eyebrows*

>86 figsfromthistle: ... obviously I've missed out.

88BLBera
Set 21, 2019, 9:09 am

>77 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita!

I read Beah's memoir about being a child solider and really liked it. I should give his novel a try.

89figsfromthistle
Set 23, 2019, 2:13 pm

>88 BLBera: I heard that Beah's memoir is a good one. I shall add it to my wishlist :)

90figsfromthistle
Editado: Set 23, 2019, 9:27 pm

91figsfromthistle
Set 28, 2019, 3:43 pm

Little update

I haven't been reading a lot. Mostly working and then when I get home I am working on the house. Lots of havesting and canning going on as well. Finished the final coat of paint yesterday.

92FAMeulstee
Set 28, 2019, 4:05 pm

>91 figsfromthistle: Finished the final coat of paint yesterday.
Does that mean the addition is finished?

93figsfromthistle
Set 28, 2019, 6:49 pm

>92 FAMeulstee: Ha! No. It just means that it is ready for tiles, flooring and hanging of light fixtures :) Also means that the bulk of the dust and mess is behind me now.

94paulstalder
Set 30, 2019, 7:26 am

So, wish a cleaner week :)

95PaulCranswick
Set 30, 2019, 10:53 am

>91 figsfromthistle: Sounds like you have been very busy; Anita.

96figsfromthistle
Set 30, 2019, 7:07 pm

>94 paulstalder: Thank you! It is nice to have a dust free week :)

>95 PaulCranswick: Ah yes, quite busy. It looks like you are running full tilt as well.

97richardderus
Set 30, 2019, 9:55 pm

NO WONDER I couldn't find you! New thread. Well, hardly *new* new, but new-to-me.

Anyway, hi Anita!

98figsfromthistle
Out 2, 2019, 9:08 am

>97 richardderus: Richard's here!! Glad you found me :)

99humouress
Out 2, 2019, 12:08 pm

>97 richardderus: Desultory old so and so ;0)

Anita, will you still be working on the extension through the cold season?

100figsfromthistle
Out 2, 2019, 1:44 pm

>99 humouress: Yes, I will still be working on the extension during the cold season ( mainly inside stuff). Hopefully everything will be completed before Christmas!

101Familyhistorian
Out 2, 2019, 8:32 pm

>100 figsfromthistle: Good luck with finishing before Christmas, Anita! You know how that goes.

102The_Hibernator
Out 5, 2019, 8:25 pm

Hi Anita!

>55 figsfromthistle: I read Matthiessen's In the Spirit of Crazy Horse. It was fantastic. So well researched. Is his fiction good too?

103figsfromthistle
Out 7, 2019, 1:16 pm

>101 Familyhistorian: Thank you! So far things are on shedule.

>102 The_Hibernator: Hi! I have not read anything else by Matthiessen to compare to however, in paradise was sell written. It is more sublte and slow though that will perhaps click long after you read it.

104mstrust
Out 10, 2019, 2:42 pm

Dropping in to say hi and find you've finished so much! Congrats on your dust free future!

105figsfromthistle
Out 13, 2019, 8:38 pm

>104 mstrust: Hi! Nice to see you here:) Less dust and mess is always welcome.

106jessibud2
Out 13, 2019, 8:56 pm

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita!

107richardderus
Out 13, 2019, 9:09 pm

Happy Thanksgiving, Anita!

108figsfromthistle
Out 13, 2019, 9:26 pm



64. Luis Alberto Urrea: The House Of Broken Angels

Big Angel is terminally ill. He decides to throw one last birthday party with his rather large, crazy family. Of course, as with any family gatherings, there is plenty of drama.

At times, it was hard to keep up with the narrator's pace. Sometimes a little jumpy. Once I got used to it ( and kept all nicknames and Spanish straight), I was able to enjoy it more.

A funny story about family, aging, immigration, and forgiveness.

3.5/5

109figsfromthistle
Out 13, 2019, 9:31 pm

>106 jessibud2: Thank you :)

>107 richardderus: Thanks! I have several people coming over tomorrow so it should be a great day.

110jnwelch
Out 15, 2019, 11:06 am

>108 figsfromthistle: I liked House of Broken Angels a lot, Anita, and I'm glad it went over well with you. I read it in print; I can imagine it being a bit tough in places in audio.

111BLBera
Out 17, 2019, 11:10 am

Hi Anita - I'd like to read The House of Broken Angels.

Great that the dirty part of your building project is done - we'll see photos of the finished project, right?

112figsfromthistle
Out 18, 2019, 8:42 am

>110 jnwelch: Hi! I heard that the audio is really good.

>111 BLBera: The dirtiest parts of the project's done, however, there will still be some dust coming from cutting hardwood and trim. Nothing major. Of course, I will post photos of the finished project :)

113figsfromthistle
Editado: Out 29, 2019, 12:45 pm



65. Louise Penny: Kingdom Of The Blind

While Gamache awaits the decision from the Sûreté du Québec, he finds himself named as a liquidator of an estate. A murder occurs and things get a little tricky.

A solid entry in this series, however predictable. Resolutions occur here from the previous novel in the series.

3/5

114figsfromthistle
Nov 2, 2019, 4:17 pm



66. Anita Shreve: The Stars Are Fire

Maine 1947, a massive fire leaves many families and individuals scrambling to find shelter. Graces husband Gene, is thought to have perished in the fire. Grace begins to rebuild her life with her two children and gains independence. Just as things are settling down, Grace's fortune takes another turn.

Easy and quick read. Grace's struggles and how she tries to overcome them seemed a little too easy.

3/5

115figsfromthistle
Nov 2, 2019, 4:29 pm



67. Kate Quinn: The Huntress

Anna, a German widow with a small child, travels to Boston to re-invent herself. She marries a Bostonian, with a teenage daughter ( Jordan) and tries her best to escape her past. However, there many others who are trying to expose her and as a result must be suspicious and on high alert at all times.

An interesting story. I also learned that during the war, Stalin allowed women to fly bomber planes.

3.5/5

116figsfromthistle
Nov 2, 2019, 4:49 pm



68. Michelle Obama: Becoming

A wonderful memoir that starts with Michelle's childhood and goes through all the stages of her life, including being the 44th first lady of the United States.

I knew little about Michelle Obama when I started reading her memoir. I am glad that she chose to honestly write about her failures, shortcomings, and successes. Sometimes, I felt the writing was more formal which created distance.

What a remarkable woman! It would be interesting if she would write a book about life after the white house.

4/5

117figsfromthistle
Nov 2, 2019, 5:00 pm



69. Heather O'Neill: The Lonely Hearts Hotel

A rather peculiar book about two orphans with talents that allow them to tour together and make money for the orphanage.

This novel was not what I had expected. At times crude, grotesque, cruel and filled with sex.

Not sure how I feel about this one yet.

3/5

118BLBera
Nov 3, 2019, 8:55 am

Hi Anita - I loved Becoming. It would be interesting to hear more about her life after the White House.

The Lonely Hearts Hotel sounds interesting -- I've heard good things about it even though it doesn't sound like you enjoyed it. I will have to think about that one.

Good description of the Shrive - I agree that her books are definitely on the light side.

119richardderus
Nov 4, 2019, 9:11 am

Good Monday, Anita! Have a lovely reading week ahead.

120figsfromthistle
Nov 4, 2019, 7:00 pm

>118 BLBera: Hi!

I can't really say that the Lonely Hearts Hotel was my favorite. I suspect many will enjoy it more than I did. I am on the fence about it. It has, however, lingered in my mind longer than I expected, so I may still change my opinion about it :)

>119 richardderus: Hello Richard! We are expected to receive colder weather, so I suspect that I will be reading more this week. Also, there is a book sale on Friday!! I just have to figure out how to sneak my books in the house without being seen :)

121figsfromthistle
Nov 8, 2019, 3:29 pm



70. Jessica Barry: Freefall

Ally Carpenter is on a private Jet when it crashes in the Colorado Rockies. The pilot does not survive the crash. Ally must find her way home. Badly injured, she can trust no one to help her out of the mess she has gotten herself into.

3/5

122figsfromthistle
Editado: Nov 8, 2019, 4:08 pm



71. Heather Morris: The Tattooist Of Auschwitz

Based on the true story of Lale Sokolov who ends up being sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. By accident, he receives work detail of tattooing the numbers on all prisoner's wrists. Here he falls in love with another prisoner ( Gita).

Alright, I enjoyed reading this novel, however, it seemed a little understated. It was interesting to read about how prisoners tried to keep each other's morale up and how they coped with the daily torture.

The keyword here is that the novel is based on Sokolov's true story. It would have been much more powerful if it were written as a memoir instead of historical fiction.

3.5/5

There is a sequel to this novel. Cilka's Journey

123jessibud2
Editado: Nov 8, 2019, 4:08 pm

I started listening to this one as an audiobook after it appeared that the CD player in my car, that died back in June, was suddenly working again. However, I got as far as the beginning of disc 2 when it died again. I returned the audiobook to the library and have not yet borrowed the book. I also wondered why it wasn't a memoir, given that the real names were used. Seems odd.

124figsfromthistle
Nov 8, 2019, 4:20 pm



72. Kate Morton: The Clockmaker's Daughter

Elodie Winslow, an archivist finds a satchel containing a sketchbook with letters and drawings. Somehow she feels drawn to the house in the sketch and goes digging for answers.

Alternate timelines (1990's, 1800's, 2000's) that sometimes came out of nowhere. Some sections were stronger than others, however, I did enjoy Kate's writing.

3.2/5

125BLBera
Nov 9, 2019, 3:57 pm

>124 figsfromthistle: I loved The Clockmaker's Daughter. I usually don't like ghost narrators, but I thought this one worked. Morton does know how to tell a story.

126figsfromthistle
Nov 11, 2019, 10:20 am

>123 jessibud2: I heard that the audio is supposed to be good. I hope you enjoy the novel :).

>125 BLBera: It really was good! I was also surprised. Morton's prose is quite exceptional.

127figsfromthistle
Nov 12, 2019, 1:48 pm



73. Sally Field: In Pieces

A very honest look at Sally Field's life from Childhood, to her adult years. A memoir about abuse, insecurities and the aftermath of dealing with all the trauma.

If you are looking for a happy memoir, this is not it. Sally was surrounded by a lot of abusive and passive people. The title of the memoir accurately describes her life and emotional state.

4.5/5

128SandyAMcPherson
Nov 13, 2019, 8:56 am

>127 figsfromthistle:, Hello. Just finally getting around to a few threads I 'lurk' on...
You were brave to read through Sally's memoir, I think. It is a book I couldn't read, although I enjoyed her acting and her screen presence. What an amazing woman. I wish she could heal fully, but those traumas in her childhood, such a scarring life for trying to cope.

129richardderus
Nov 13, 2019, 2:35 pm

>127 figsfromthistle: Oh dear. Never all it looks like, is it, the fame-go-round.

Happy (or happier, anyway!) reading.

130figsfromthistle
Nov 16, 2019, 4:37 pm

>128 SandyAMcPherson: Hi!

It was a tough memoir to read. I was waiting for a moment, any moment where she describes being happy. It is hard to break free from past traumas.

>129 richardderus: Hi Richard!

It would appear so. I did pick up another book that was quite a downer. I put it back on the shelf for a later time.

131figsfromthistle
Nov 16, 2019, 4:52 pm



74. Jennifer DuBois: Cartwheel

Lily Hayes is an American exchange student studying in Buenos Aires. After a night of partying, her roommate ends up dead. Lily is immediately arrested and others must try to muddle through half-truths.

At times this was well written. The beginning was strong and the midway point was uneventful. Certain characters were better developed, however, the majority of them were dull. The ending was frustrating.

3/5

132streamsong
Nov 24, 2019, 2:04 pm

Hi Anita!

I also really enjoyed Becoming and share your thoughts on Michelle Obama's story.

Looks like other than that, November has held several uninspiring books for you.

May the book fairy bless you soon with another that you love!

133karenmarie
Nov 27, 2019, 6:43 am

I hope you've had some better reads recently, Anita!

134figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 12:31 pm

>132 streamsong: Hi!

Thanks! I did have a couple of *meh* reads this month.

>133 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen! So far it's been a mixed bag or good and so so reads.

135figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 12:42 pm



75. Fredrik Backman: Us Against You

Beartown, a small hockey centric community is dealing with the aftermath of an unforgettable crime. Some are filled with anger, others are quick to blame and take sides. The divided town must learn to come together and it all is made possible through hockey rivalry.

This is the sequel to Beartown.

3.7/5

136Berly
Nov 30, 2019, 12:52 pm

Anita--Found you again! I really enjoyed both Obama's and Field's books, although very different. Looks like your housing project is coming along very nicely. Any idea when it might be finished?

137figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 12:56 pm



76.John Grisham: The Reckoning

Pete Banning, a WW2 hero kills a man in broad daylight and around several witnesses. He refuses to explain his motive and awaits sentencing.

The novel is split into three sections. The second section flashes back to his time at war in the Philippines. This section was interesting however almost irrelevant to the storyline. I thought the point of this section was that the author was going to show the effects of PTSD on soldiers long after they have come home. This was not so. The reasoning for the murder was underwhelming. So much build-up for really nothing.

2.5/5

138figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 1:00 pm

>136 Berly: Glad you found me!

I quite enjoyed both memoirs as well.

The addition is getting there.....Some delays and obstacles ,however I am crossing my fingers that early February everything inside will be finished

139Berly
Nov 30, 2019, 1:04 pm

Well, February isn't too far off. The end is in sight!! So, I have to ask a question. In the photo of the carriage house in >4 figsfromthistle:, what are the different sized doors for? Two small on the side and one big in the center...

140figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 1:11 pm



77. A.J. Finn: The Woman In the Window

Dr. Anna Fox has not left her home in ten months. Suffering from agoraphobia she passes her time drinking and watching her neighbors through a camera lens. It is only a matter of time when she witnesses a crime, one that the police do not believe has happened. She must sort out the real from the imaginary before its too late.

Very similar to Paula Hawkins Girl on the train.

Well written mystery.

3.7/5

141figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 1:15 pm

>139 Berly: Cross my fingers the kitchen installation comes on time! The two small doors are entrance doors. One for the main part of the house, the other for access to the garage. The big door ( where the wooden posts are) is the garage door. I shall have to take a picture with the outside stairs completed. The picture above was before the landscape and stairs were put in so it's a little harder to picture.

142Berly
Nov 30, 2019, 1:18 pm

>141 figsfromthistle: Got it! Okay, I have my fingers and toes crossed for you. ; )

143figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 1:23 pm

>142 Berly: Thanks :)

145humouress
Nov 30, 2019, 1:55 pm

>139 Berly: It's a carriage house: big door for carriage, small door for pedestrians ;0)

>140 figsfromthistle: Sounds a lot like Rear Window. Looks like this one is also being made into a film, with quite a star cast.

146FAMeulstee
Nov 30, 2019, 2:04 pm

>135 figsfromthistle: Congratulations on reaching 75, Anita!

147richardderus
Nov 30, 2019, 2:07 pm

>137 figsfromthistle: I found myself not caring much about Grisham's books about 10 years ago so I've stopped reading them. Too bad, isn't it.

>140 figsfromthistle: Derivative all, to a book, from The Man in Lower Ten by way of Strangers on a Train.

>144 figsfromthistle: I've missed hearing about this one altogether!

Happy Saturday!

148figsfromthistle
Nov 30, 2019, 6:26 pm

>145 humouress: Ha!

I did not know that it was being made into a film.

>146 FAMeulstee: Thanks!

>147 richardderus: Hi Richard! I used to be obsessed with Grisham's books when I was ten. At the age of 14, I stopped reading them as they became repetitive. This year I decided to see if I had missed anything-turns out I didn't :)

I shall edit post 144 when I have more time to put up a synopsis.

149figsfromthistle
Dez 1, 2019, 11:30 am



79. Ruth Ware: The Death Of Mrs. Westaway

Harriet is a young woman who has massive financial troubles. Her loan shark is badgering her for full payment. She has no one to turn to and all favors have been used up. So when a letter arrives that she has inherited money from a wealthy grandmother, she decides to visit the Trespassen house and see what exactly her inheritance entails. Easy money except, her grandparents died long ago. How could a lawyer make such a mistake? Harriet soon learns that there are many secrets her mother kept from her.

3/5

150karenmarie
Dez 1, 2019, 11:33 am

Happy Sunday and congrats on 75, Anita!

151BLBera
Dez 1, 2019, 11:50 am

Congrats on reaching and passing 75, Anita.

I agree about Grisham. I read a couple of his and felt I didn't need to read any more.

152figsfromthistle
Dez 1, 2019, 1:36 pm

>150 karenmarie: Thanks!

>151 BLBera: Thank you! I was unsure if I would make it to 75 this year.

153paulstalder
Dez 2, 2019, 6:02 am

You did well with the 75, congratulations.

How is kitchen coming on?

154SandyAMcPherson
Dez 2, 2019, 9:40 am

Hi Anita. Hope you're finding some enjoyable new authors to read.

I agree about Grisham. I haven't read much in his more recent novels because I felt he's "said what he had to say" long ago. I did like The Rooster Bar to the tune of 3½ ★s.

My favourite reading in the fiction category these last few months has been Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels (yes, they're flawed but engaging) and Natasha Pulley. I'm intrigued by that Ruth Ware novel. I didn't like The woman in Cabin 10, so haven't tried her others.

155figsfromthistle
Dez 3, 2019, 7:50 am

>153 paulstalder: Thanks!

The kitchen is on schedule so far. Installation should be at the beginning of January

>154 SandyAMcPherson: I do not believe that I have read one novel in the Ruth Galloway series. I will have to give it a go when I have the energy to start a new series. The Ruth Ware novel was a slow burner but had great moments. More of a cozy mystery.

156karenmarie
Dez 3, 2019, 7:55 am

Hi again. >149 figsfromthistle: I haven't had Ruth Ware on my radar before now, but all of her adult novels sound interesting and I'll be keeping an eye out for them!

157paulstalder
Dez 3, 2019, 2:29 pm

>155 figsfromthistle: Installation should be at the beginning of January ... hope, the old kitchen is still in place ...

158figsfromthistle
Dez 3, 2019, 10:13 pm

>156 karenmarie: I hope you enjoy her novels!

>157 paulstalder: It's actually a new build so there is no existing kitchen.

159humouress
Dez 4, 2019, 2:41 pm

160paulstalder
Dez 4, 2019, 2:45 pm

>159 humouress: happy cooking

162figsfromthistle
Dez 6, 2019, 4:11 pm



80. Jodi Picoult: A Spark Of Light

At a woman's reproductive health services clinic, a man enters, draws his weapon and shoots. He takes several hostages and so begins the stories of all those inside. Different perspectives, different thoughts, and ideas.

It is told in reverse timeline. This way worked for me, however, one thing that did not work was the sub-sections. It distracted from certain main storylines. Well researched and thought out novel!

3.2/5

163richardderus
Dez 6, 2019, 4:14 pm

>162 figsfromthistle: Ms. Picoult is absolutely to be commended for her fearless choice of subjects to write about. Amazing!

Sending Yuletide hugs.

164figsfromthistle
Dez 6, 2019, 4:17 pm

>163 richardderus: Indeed, Richard! This is the first novel of hers that I have read. I am looking forward to acquiring and reading her other novels.

165PaulCranswick
Dez 7, 2019, 11:43 pm

Sorry I missed your graceful passing of 75, Anita!

Belated congratulations and salutations for a super Sunday.

166Berly
Dez 8, 2019, 12:35 am

>162 figsfromthistle: Picoult is a favorite of mine. I enjoy both her topics and her storytelling. Read another one! :)

167Familyhistorian
Dez 8, 2019, 4:32 pm

Congrats on making it past 75, Anita, and with so much going on as well. Good luck getting the kitchen in on schedule.

168figsfromthistle
Dez 9, 2019, 4:04 pm

>165 PaulCranswick: No worries, Paul!

Thank you

>166 Berly: Yes ma'am! :)

>167 Familyhistorian: Thanks!

169figsfromthistle
Dez 9, 2019, 4:24 pm



81. Michael Connelly: Dark Sacred Night

Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch find themselves working together for the first time. Their case is about a fifteen-year-old who ran away from home, found a new home on the streets only to be kidnapped and murdered.

Book #21 in the Harry Bosch series.
The most interesting part of the novel was the last 100 pages. The rest was not as engaging as others in the series.

2.8/5

170figsfromthistle
Dez 9, 2019, 4:37 pm



82. Beatrice Culleton: In Search Of April Raintree

Two Métis sisters, April and Cheryl are taken from their family home and placed into foster care. All goes well until they are uprooted and placed with new foster parents who are mentally and physically abusive.

This is quite a powerful story of sisterhood, identity, ignorance, racism, mental health, and substance abuse.

Trigger warning: Sexual violence and abuse.

3.5/5

171figsfromthistle
Dez 10, 2019, 7:52 am



83. Diane Chamberlain: The Dream Daughter

1970, Caroline Sears is pregnant with her deceased husband's baby. The only problem is that the baby has a fatal heart defect. With help from her brother-in-law, Caroline travels to the future where she hopes she can find help.

I enjoy time travel novels so this worked for me. Certain events fell too neatly in place. Overlooking certain annoyances, it was a good novel.

3.2/5

172figsfromthistle
Dez 12, 2019, 2:36 pm



84. Iris Martin Cohen: The Little Clan

Ava Gallenter, 25 has the soul and demeanor of a 50-year-old. She works as a librarian for the Lazarus Club. When her friend Stephanie, returns from a two- year adventure, they decide to open a new literature club for "younger" patrons. However, as in any partnership, two different visions emerge.

The first half of the novel focuses on getting the space ready, and fundraising money. The second half focuses on the opening of the new literature club. There were many equally good and bad parts of the novel. In the beginning, Ava is likable enough. Her shyness, naivete seem to tire me out. Her friend Stephanie is a fraud, takes advantage of people and any opportunities she can find. Many things were left open and unexplored. Perhaps the author has a sequel in mind.

Overall not bad

3/5

173figsfromthistle
Editado: Dez 19, 2019, 1:33 pm



85. David Sedaris: Calypso

Sedaris buys a home on the Carolina Coast where he, his husband (Hugh) and his extended family come to vacation in the summer months.

Written in short essay segments. Each one touches upon relationships, aging, and personal life experiences. Some are funny and others are serious.

3.3/5

174figsfromthistle
Dez 19, 2019, 1:51 pm



86. Liz Harmer: The Amateurs

A high tech company ( PIMA) invents a technology where for a price, people can portal to the past or the
future. The only problem is that those who leave seem to forget to come back to the present. Those who choose to stay behind find themselves struggling to survive.

This seemed like a novel that I would enjoy however, I did not care for any of the protagonists. Nothing seems to happen and nothing is resolved. I understand what the author was trying to convey. In the end, it did not work for me.

2/5

175mstrust
Dez 19, 2019, 2:14 pm

You're numbers are moving up at a quick pace. Congrats on surpassing 75!

176figsfromthistle
Dez 19, 2019, 2:33 pm

Thanks, Jennifer!

It seems to take forever to get to 75. After 75 it feels like it goes quickly!

177witchyrichy
Dez 20, 2019, 2:40 pm

I took screenshots of your reading for the year. I love all the covers.

178Familyhistorian
Dez 20, 2019, 10:08 pm

>172 figsfromthistle: Good review of The Little Clan, Anita. I have that one on the shelves.

179richardderus
Dez 21, 2019, 3:55 pm

Soviet Santa says "Happy Yule!" Solstice Greetings to all. Read more here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/soviet-santa

180SandyAMcPherson
Dez 21, 2019, 6:20 pm

Greetings to my fellow biblio-geeks! It has been a privilege to chatter here with you.

A winter solstice is the moment in time when the Earth's tilt away from the Sun is at its maximum and the Sun's maximum elevation in the sky is at its lowest. Thus the ice crystals form magical lighting effects ~


Sundogs and a sunrise on the Winter Solstice

181mstrust
Dez 23, 2019, 2:41 pm

182karenmarie
Dez 24, 2019, 1:16 pm

Hi Anita!

>169 figsfromthistle: I got the second in the Ballard and Bosch series from a friend for Christmas, so of course had to go out and buy the first in their timeline, this one, #21 overall for Bosch. I’m hoping that I’ll get more time after tomorrow to do a bit more reading – daughter’s home, prep work is almost done, so I’m hopeful.

>173 figsfromthistle: I adored Calypso – got Sedaris to sign my copy at Quailridge Books in Raleigh NC. He was bored reading from it because he was at the end of the tour, so he read lots of other interesting things. I forget what he named his beach house, but it was so absolutely him and so absolutely NOT typical, that I had to laugh.


183johnsimpson
Dez 24, 2019, 4:15 pm

Merry Christmas Anita my dear from both of us dear friend.

184witchyrichy
Dez 24, 2019, 5:15 pm



Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

185streamsong
Dez 25, 2019, 2:10 pm

Merry Christmas from Montana!



>170 figsfromthistle: Coincidentally, I've just started a nonfiction memoir called Bitterroot A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption.

186ronincats
Dez 25, 2019, 6:40 pm

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, some other tradition or none at all, this is what I wish for you!

187PaulCranswick
Dez 25, 2019, 9:00 pm



Thank you for keeping me company in 2019.......onward to 2020.

188AMQS
Dez 26, 2019, 2:10 am




Merry Christmas to you and your family!

189Berly
Dez 26, 2019, 11:51 pm

Best wishes this holiday season!! See you in 2020!


190figsfromthistle
Dez 27, 2019, 9:24 pm



87. Rudolph Vrba: I Escaped From Auschwitz

A well-written account of Vreba's two years spent in Auschwitz and the planning of his escape.

Originally published under the title " I Cannot forgive"

191figsfromthistle
Dez 27, 2019, 9:35 pm

>177 witchyrichy: Glad you like the eye candy!

>178 Familyhistorian: Thank you! I hope this little novel works for you

>179 richardderus: Very neat, Richard!

>180 SandyAMcPherson: What a beautiful photo.

>181 mstrust: Hi Jennifer! I hope you had a great Christmas.

>182 karenmarie: The Bosch series is a good one. It's a good idea to read them in order.

Sedaris named his beach house 'Sea Section'

>183 johnsimpson: Thank you, John. May you have a wonderful New Year!

>184 witchyrichy: >185 streamsong: >186 ronincats: >187 PaulCranswick: >188 AMQS: Thank you for the Christmas wishes! I hope you all had a wonderful time surrounded by the people you love. May you all have an exceptional start to the new year!

192BLBera
Dez 28, 2019, 12:21 pm

>170 figsfromthistle: This one sounds good, Anita.

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season.

193figsfromthistle
Dez 28, 2019, 3:56 pm

>192 BLBera: It was short but honest. The last part of the book was filled with essays.

So far my holidays have been great! Hopefully, you are finding time to relax during this busy time.

194figsfromthistle
Dez 29, 2019, 4:35 pm



88. Stephanie Garber: Caraval

Two sisters live on a small island with an abusive father. They end up getting invited to play a magical game. One that has risks and is full of deception. The winner is granted one impossible wish. However, nothing is as it seems.

195karenmarie
Dez 31, 2019, 7:22 am

>191 figsfromthistle: You’re right! Now I remember. I was going to go back to my review and look it up, but you’ve saved me the trouble. It’s such a big thing to name beach cottages on the East Coast, with signs on each house. I’m sure it made the neighbors crazy.

196Ameise1
Dez 31, 2019, 3:57 pm



197figsfromthistle
Dez 31, 2019, 5:34 pm

>196 Ameise1: Thank you!

198Berly
Dez 31, 2019, 5:35 pm



Wishing you 12 months of success
52 weeks of laughter
366 days of fun (leap year!)
8,784 hours of joy
527,040 minutes of good luck
and 31,622,400 seconds of happiness!!

199johnsimpson
Dez 31, 2019, 6:14 pm

Hi Anita my dear, wishing you a very Happy New Year from both of us dear friend.

200figsfromthistle
Jan 1, 2020, 6:09 am

Thank you everyone for the New Year wishes!

Please join me on my 2020 thread!