alsvidur's 2020 list

Oh, here we go again: year number eleven in the the 75ers!

My predictions for this year are a lot of horse books, some romance/genre reads, and kid's books. The depth of my reviews really depends upon how busy I am that month, so it's hit or miss. Some years I read more than 300 books, other years I only get to 75. I foresee a lower number year this year, but who knows? Some times LT gets you into a new genre and it takes over your life. Other times, life pushes LT out of the way. You know how it goes, I'm sure.

Anywhoooo, I'm Emilie. I'm a veterinary technician at an emergency hospital in metro-Detroit, MI, when I'm not riding my pony Cici, reading, or gardening. Sometimes I sleep. I share my home with my partner, a house rabbit, and a cat. Maybe I'll eventually come up with something interesting to put here, but I really just want to throw down my first book of the year and get on with things.

Book #: 1
Title: Dressage for No Country
Author: Paul Belasik
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 798 / SF
Acquisition: 3 weeks ago
Rating: 4

The first half of this small book is a memoir of travel. Belasik writes about his trips to Portugal, Germany, and France in search of dressage training. He compares the different philosophies between the countries/theories. The second half is more inspirational. I saved several passages to reread when my horse and I hit a block, and also made note of a few books the author recommended. The book is only about 100 pages and ended as it was gaining steam, but it made it an easier read.

Welcome back!

Welcome back and enjoy your reading year!

Another resolution is to keep up in 2020 with all my friends on LT. Happy New Year!

Happy reading in 2020, Emilie!

Happy new year and happy new thread!

Book #: 2
Title: An Enchantment of Ravens
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2017
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Library (!)
Rating: 3

Isobel is a great portrait artist - so great that the fairies use her for their portraits. When she accidentally paints a human emotion on the face of a fairy prince, she doesn't know that it puts his throne and life at stake. He abducts her to stand trial for her deed, but something is amiss in fairyland.

It's rare for a YA fantasy story to be a one-off instead of a series. So rare, that I felt some details lacking simply because there weren't 7 books to tell the story. The romance felt a bit rushed and the world felt a bit superficial; I was just taking the author at her word that the characters loved each other deeply, because there weren't a lot of side gestures to show it. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the book - it was a good read - but I just didn't feel it.

Book #: 3
Title: Fight or Flight
Author: Samantha Young
Genre: Romance, contemporary
Publication date: 2018
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 6 months ago
Rating: 4.5

Ava is having a terrible day, and then a hot Scottish guy steals the last first class seat on their flight. That starts off a long string of getting thrown together, but they fight all the time - until they end up getting together for a one-night stand. They both have no-strings rules, but when Ava starts falling for Caleb, she has some choices to make.

The cover suggests this will be a chick lit/rom com, but heed my warning: this is a romance novel and has lots of steamy scenes. Even though this wasn't what I expected, it turned out better than I thought a romance could be. Ava was incredibly well-rounded and had significant character development. I actually was pulling for her to *not* end up with Caleb, just so I could continue to read more about her and her development in another book.

Book #: 4
Title: Love Her or Lose Her
Author: Tessa Bailey
Genre: Romance, contemporary
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

Rosie has been married to Dominic for a long time, but they have drifted away from each other. Rosie's sick of it and ready to make some changes - including leaving him. Dominic has to fight for their relationship - even if it means going to couples counseling. (This summary is extremely poor, but I can't explain it without making it seem more of a bummer than it really is.)

As someone who has also been in a relationship forever, I know things can change. It was interesting to read about options for making sure things don't get off track too far. It's an interesting take for a romance - not many romances are built upon a failing marriage. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, even if so far Wes seems like a cowboy caricature, since Bailey can keep you so interested.

Book #: 5
Title: The Five Love Languages
Author: Gary Chapman
Genre: Self-help?
Publication date: 1992
Catalog: 646 / HQ
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3.5

In the same week, a friend mentioned this book and it was mentioned in the book I just finished, so my curiosity got me going.

Chapman's theory is that every person values a certain method of communication of worth: praise, action, time, touch, or gifts. If you've been telling your partner how awesome they are, but words don't mean as much to them as spending time together, your partner is still left feeling neglected.

It's an interesting theory and it did spark some communication between myself and my partner. There weren't too many concrete ideas, but this book was meant to be a springboard and not an instruction guide. It does have a religious bent, but it wasn't overpowering.

Book #: 6
Title: Truth or Beard
Author: Penny Ried
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2015
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 4 years ago
Rating: 4.5

Jess is staying with her parents for a year while she pays off some of her college debt. While there, she bumps into her childhood crush - or so she thinks.

Love the characters - just enough quirks to sell it, plus I didn't mind the smart heroine or guy who's into cars. The side characters were terrific. Overall, a very nice contemporary.

Book #: 7
Title: Neanderthal Seeks Human
Author: Penny Reid
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2013
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 4 years ago
Rating: 2.5

Janie falls for a hot guy she sees at work, and the hot guy likes her back. (Yeah. That's the summary.)

Drastic swing in rating here. It felt like a romance between an autistic person and a chauvinistic robot. I couldn't get a feel for the hero, and the heroine kept blurting out random facts that made me go 'duh' - either she was slow and thought these things were fascinating, or she was condescending and thought that no one else would know them.

Book #: 8
Title: Grin and Beard It
Author: Penny Reid
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3.5

Jethro rescues a lost woman one day while out being a park ranger. The woman happens to be an actress, but Jethro only knows that she's pretty and funny.

We're back on track, but it still wasn't as explosive as the first in the Winston Brothers series. It was nice to have a non-white character done well without making a big deal out of it.

Book #: 9
Title: Beard Science
Author: Penny Reid
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3

Cletus appreciates secrets. He collects and uses them to manipulate his town. Jennifer, the town's Banana Cake Queen, manages to get a secret of Cletus's and uses it to blackmail him into helping her.

These are all interesting reads about things I don't have much experience with, stemming from southern living. Although aside from the first book, these are not steamy romances, I'm very OK with going through all of them. (Except maybe the one about the vet student - I may try something new and skip a book I know I'll be peeved with.)

>11 alsvidur: That's a classic!

Book #: 10
Title: Beard in Mind
Author: Penny Reid
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2017
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3

Mechanic Beau falls for Shelly, a mechanic with OCD. Family drama ensues.

Starting to get a bit bored with the series - I let this one sit half-read for a long time.



Book #: 11
Title: The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner
Author: Carley Roney
Genre: Non-fiction, weddings
Publication date: 2013
Catalog: 395 / HQ
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

Borrowed from my mom since my books are all 20 years old

It helps you gather your thoughts and write a few options in, but I think this would be better served in binder-format.

So! Life update. Earlier this month I got engaged and instead of a ring I got a horse! The last few weeks have been trying to catch up on horse things, although everyone is more concerned about wedding details. No, I don't know when or where or what my dress looks like (the week of the engagement? really?!?), but I did track down my horse's certificate of title, make a vet appointment, and get some tack.

I'm a bit surprised - Kyle and I have been together for 14 years - and I kind of gave up on a wedding a few years ago. All of my wedding reference books are around 20 years old and even my non-reading father commented on how out-of-date my stuff was. Anyone have any recommendations on wedding resources?

Congratulations on your engagement, Emilie!

I would also prefer a horse over a ring :-)

Congratulations!

How am I just now finding your 2020 thread?!?! Congratulations and what a fantastic engagement gift! I know the Knot.com was very helpful to me, if only for keeping a list of wedding attendees.

Posted 3-21-20, edited to put in photos

There has been no change to my lifestyle. I go to work, I go take care of my horse, and I sit at home. I was really hoping for a big chunk of time to get some reading done, but alas. Emergency veterinary care is still being provided - and some day practices are closing for the next few weeks, leaving us with additional patients to take care of. I had even started a Throne of Glass reread in hopes that I could slam through them, but I'm slogging through on my days off only since I'm working even more shifts than usual.



Book #: 12
Title: Dr. Strange Beard
Author: Penny Reid
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2017
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 2.5

Roscoe has always had a crush on Simone. When she returns to town, he tries to start dating her, but why is she really in town? Is it because she is an undercover FBI agent going after Roscoe's biker father? Yes, yes it is.

I set this one down for awhile and didn't miss it, but was able to finish it.



Book #: 13
Title: A Practical Wedding, 2nd ed
Author: Meg Keene
Genre: Wedding planning
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 395 / HQ
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4.5

A breath of fresh air! Highly recommended for when you get stressed by everything while planning a wedding. Keene reminds us to calm down, stop being influenced by the wedding business, and that having a full Caribbean steel band play your entrance is not necessary if you don't want it. I want my mother to read this one, but I don't want to give up my own copy. As an aside, the cover for the first edition was fairly off-putting. This is not your typical wedding guide with the same old suggestions.



Book #: 14
Title: Mustang: From Wild Horse to Riding Horse
Author: Vivian Gabor
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3

Lots of photos along with a general outline of what Dr Gabor, a behaviorist, worked with on a mustang she imported from America. It wasn't terribly detailed on what I was looking for, but it was still a nice book to add to my collection. I love Trafalgar Square Books; they're always designed so well and lovely.



Book #: 15
Title: Assassin's Blade
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2015
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Reread
Rating: 3.5



Book #: 16
Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2012
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Reread
Rating: 3.5



Book #: 17
Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2013
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Reread
Rating: 4



Book #: 18
Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2014
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Reread
Rating: 4

Slow starting series, but it picks up.

Book #: 19
Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2015
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Reread
Rating: 4



Book #: 20
Title: Empire of Storms
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: Reread
Rating: 4



Book #: 21
Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2017
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 3 years ago (!)
Rating: 4

Although I was a bit miffed that I would have to put off the bulk of the story to go to another continent and follow a different character, I really enjoyed this one. The world building was great. Horses aside, though. Non horse people should not write horses in detail, and if they do, they need a better editor. Panting like dogs? Chestnuts with night-black manes? Ugh. I get writing what you don't know personally, but when you describe the process of dismounting or mounting in such detail, you better get that detail right. (Battle-hardened soldiers dropping reins on their new raging wild horses while dismounting? And I think *I* take too many risks....)



Book #: 22
Title: Kingdom of Ash
Author: Sarah Maas
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2018
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 5

Finished the series!! I put it off when I was in school - I knew if I started reading, I would refuse to stop - sleep, school, work, and life be damned. It made me so sad. But I finished! Now I'm totally in a book funk. Everything else is either too serious or too superficial. It was tough getting through the last few books; this is not a happy-go-lucky series. The last book twists EVERYTHING into it - I get it now when people say telling stories is like weaving tapestries; every little beat throughout the series (even the prequel side stories) is important and is woven together at the end.

Book #: 23
Title: Twisted Twenty-Six
Author: Janet Evanovich
Genre: Chick lit
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 4 months ago
Rating: 3

We're treading water in this series, but the author realized it and made this a 2-parter: the next book isn't a by-the-numbers book, but will continue a plot point in this one - Stephanie's crazy grandmother marries on a whim, the guy drops dead, and the guy's mafia partners are after the 'keys' that they think Grandma has.



Book #: 24
Title: Life in the Galloping Lane
Author: David and Karen O'Connor
Genre: Memoir
Publication date: 2004
Catalog: 798 / SF
Acquisition: 1 year ago
Rating: 4

Although it skips around a bit, this is a nice autobiography of both of the O'Connors. It's really interesting how you can get a feel of what they are like in real life. There are little tidbits of riding hints at the end of each chapter.

I wanted my message this year to be fairly universal in a time we all should be pulling together, whatever our beliefs. Happy Celebration, Happy Sunday Emilie.

Thanks, Paul!



Book #: 25
Title: The Right Swipe
Author: Alisha Rai
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publication date:
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 4

Rhiannon is taking over the dating world by storm with the app she developed - and now she wants to buy out another. The issue? Their new spokesperson is an old one night stand.

Comforting chick lit with a little smut thrown in.



Book #: 26
Title: Hate to Want You
Author: Alisha Rai
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publication date:
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 3

Much darker and more soapy than The Right Swipe, featuring fairly dysfunctional people. Yet, if you'll notice, I did keep going to finish the series. Nicholas and Livvy are from competing rich families and were high school sweethearts until business and family drama broke them up. They visit each other one night every year until they decide to try to get their acts together.



Book #: 27
Title: Wrong to Need You
Author: Alisha Rai
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publication date:
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 3

I really think the drama in this series comes from watching a million hours of soap operas. Livvy's brother Jackson, wrongly accused of arson 10 years ago, comes back to town.



Book #: 28
Title: Hurts to Love You
Author: Alisha Rai
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publication date:
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 2.5

The steam has escaped a bit in exchange for wrapping up the series drama. Nicholas's sister Eve falls for the son of the help.

Book #: 29
Title: The Flatshare
Author: Beth O'Leary
Genre: Chick lit
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 823 / PR
Acquisition: 5 days ago
Rating: 3

Desperately needing a place to live, Tiffy answers an ad for an apartment share - she will get the apartment on nights and weekends, and the apartment's workaholic night-shift owner will get the apartment during the day. To communicate, they write each other sticky notes.



Book #: 30
Title: Blitzed: Playbook series #3
Author: Alexa Martin
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 3 months ago
Rating: 3

Brynn loves owning her feminist-centric sports bar and falls in love with Maxwell, one of the pro-football players that frequent her bar. Brynn has issues with her mother and Maxwell has issues with his brother. I enjoyed the previous books in the series much more; this one seemed a bit anti-climactic and flat.



Book #: 31
Title: In the Middle Are the Horsemen
Author: Tik Maynard
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2018
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 3 weeks ago
Rating: 4

Tik wants to learn, so he sets out for a year as a working student. His catch is that he will only work for a particular trainer for 3-month stints, so he can learn from many people. (I get that's not longer than many make it in barns, but still, that would be irritating - to train someone only to have them leave.) As he goes, he writes about what he learns and how. A lot of this is lower level horsey philosophy, but it's a very flowing read and easy to speed through. It might even be a book to recommend to the non-horsey-set: a lot of the specifics are explained clearly and it's a good story that might provoke some thought.

First Third Stats

Best book(s): Not even counted as a read: America Ferrera's Save with Stories read aloud of Dragones Y Tacos. I've forgotten pretty much all of Spanish, but this was still a kick. I love people who can read stories like America can, and the story was cute to boot. The telling was so great that I looked online to see if America has any audio books out. No such luck. I still totally recommend looking this up if you have instagram - it'll give you such a huge smile!

For those that haven't heard of this, a bunch of celebrities are reading picture books aloud on instagram to raise money to feed kids during the pandemic.

Some celebrities have become more beloved, and other have lost a bit of respect. My koala-fications for a good read aloud: Is the book not sappy AF? (You're reading to strangers, yo, not your mini DNA.) Are you able to show the book as you read it? (This takes talent to read upside down or to know the story so well that you don't need to read it.) Can you sound like you enjoy reading and inject some emotion into this? (I know you probably care more about being a celebrity and doing good, but I don't care that you're starred in a TV show if it sounds like this is the first time you've read something in 20 years. You're an actor. Do a better job. Emote.) Can you set up a camera to show both yourself and the book? Bonus points to those like Martin Freeman who toss in a bit of kid's book philosophy on the end (Why *does* Hop on Pop have such lasting appeal when the book makes no sense and tells no story?) or who use funny props like Jon Hamm. Extra bonus points to those who read from a paper book instead of an iPad.

Seriously though - America Ferrera should be narrating more audio books. Get on this, Amazon.

Total books read: 31
Books acquired: 33

Non-fiction, animals: 4
Non-fiction, other: 3
Fiction: 24
Pony books: 0

Re-reads: 6
TBR Pit books read (over 6 months): 6
Time spent in TBR: 1 day - 4 years
Library/borrowed: 1
% not new books: 42% (nice! but still need to stop buying new books...)

Genre:

10 – YA fantasy

13 - Romance, contemporary
2 - Chick lit

4 - Non-fiction, horses
3 - Non-fiction, domestic

Classification:

2 - 395
2 - 636
1 - 646
2 - 798
23 - 813
1 - 823

3 - HQ
1 - PR
14 - PS
9 - PZ
4 - SF

Book #: 32
Title: Choosing the Right Bit for Your Horse
Author: Jessica Jahiel
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2001
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 2

How much can you really cover in 32 pages when it's not limited to a type of riding or type of bit? Not too much, but this has all the basics. It could have done with a few more illustrations.

I am just now finding your thread, Emilie. Congratulations on your engagement - and your new horse!

Book #: 33
Title: The Long Pony Race
Author: Rolf Lengstrand
Genre: Juvenile fiction, horses
Publication date: 1963
Catalog: 839 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 year ago
Rating: 2

Fia loves a foal at a nearby barn and spends all of her time with it. When the foal is sold, Fia is determined to get a job so she can buy the foal back. She starts working at a large horse farm and ends up representing the farm in a local pony race.

Is it common for large stud farms in Sweden to breed both thoroughbreds and ponies? It seems odd to me, but I'm not familiar with the horse traditions in Nordic countries. Perhaps it was just the time period.

Book #: 34
Title: Bridal Boot Camp
Author: Meg Cabot
Genre: Contemporary romance, novella
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 5 days ago
Rating: 3

Super short novella. A fitness pro's Bridal Boot Camp class is crashed by a cop in need of yoga.



Book #: 35
Title: No Judgements
Author: Meg Cabot
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 5 days ago
Rating: 3

Bree decides to stay on her little island in the Florida Keys in the face of a hurricane. When the hurricane is over, she realizes that a lot of people left heir pets behind and now can't reach them, so she decides to take care of the island's pets.

I don't know why, but Meg Cabot is always so fun. I risked a romantic fiction books that featured pets and didn't throw it away in disgust. The animal bits were nothing to write home about, but I think the fact that I finished it was enough to recommend it to others.



Book #: 36
Title: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Author: Abby Waxman
Genre: Fiction
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 month ago
Rating: 3

Nina is overly anxious. When she learns she has a father (I mean, she knew she had a father, but she finds out who he was), her life goes into a tailspin. Combined with being attracted to a member of a competing pub trivia team, she gets overwhelmed.

The omniscient narration style is uncommon enough to have thrown me. It made it difficult to get into the book. Compounding the issue was that my nook would freeze every chapter break while trying to process the images of Nina's planner as chapter headers. Although I wasn't a big fan of the main characters, the side characters were great.



Book #: 37
Title: The Governess Game
Author: Tessa Dare
Genre: Historical romance
Publication date: 2018
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 year ago
Rating: 3.5

Alex the clock minder has been mistaken for a governess. She takes the job and ends up falling in love with the girls and their ward. (Is that right? I thought the girls would be the wards of the gentleman, but I can't seem to make my brain work today.)

I love Tessa Dare - she's hilarious.



Book #: 38
Title: Cold-Hearted Rake: Ravenels #1
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical romance
Publication date: 2015
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 3 days ago
Rating: 2.5

Devon inherits a title - and with it, his cousin's bride, Kathleen, and sisters. Devon has a history of being a rake, but with his brother's help, they try to restore the crumbling house and land - while falling for the grieving widow (who had been married a whole 3 days).



Book #: 39
Title: Marrying Winterborne: Ravenels #2
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical romance
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 3.5

Helen, the prim and quiet older sister, is the only one who can calm the (physically) wounded Mr Winterbourne. I think this one was the most entertaining of the Ravenels series I've read so far.



Book #: 40
Title: Devil in Spring: Ravenels #3
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical romance
Publication date: 2017
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 3

Quirky Pandora is caught in a compromising position with a gentleman. She was just trying to retrieve her friend's earring, but now she must marry this rando if she wants to keep her social standing. The random dude happens to be the son of one of The Wallflowers (a previous Kleypas series), so that was fun.



Book #: 41
Title: Chasing Cassandra: Ravenels #6
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical fiction
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3

I did something I never do - I skipped ahead in a series. I wasn't as interested in reading about the characters in books 4 and 5 as I was Pandora's twin Cassandra.

Cassandra is pursued by the railway magnate Tom Severin, but she just wants a quiet and traditional life.



Book #: 42
Title: Mine Till Midnight: Hathaways #1 and Wallflowers side
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical fiction
Publication date: 2007
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 4

There was this side character in the Wallflowers that I really wanted to read about. Bonus find: this one's about him!

Cam has always lived a half-and-half world. He's a gypsy, but he stays in one place with one job. Amelia moves in next door with her family.

I liked this one more than the Ravenels series. It sets up the other books in the Hathaways series well too. I moved on to other authors only because I needed a break from Kleypas. She's great, but the romance got a bit tiresome by book 5 in a row. I have to remember to come back to Hathways #2 though!

In this difficult year with an unprecedented pandemic and where the ills of the past intrude sadly upon the present there must still be room for positivity. Be rightly proud of your country. To all my American friends, enjoy your 4th of July weekend.

Thanks, Paul!

Well. Broke - no, "shattered" per medical staff - my arm and wrist while riding. Had surgery. Typing one-handed. Also in a case of bad timing got a puppy. We've been waiting for years for a Rhodesian ridgeback from this one breeder; Rory will be shown when she's older. I'll be putting cute pictures up in a few weeks when I'm out of a cast. Multiple times i've lost the post-it where i've been keeping track of books, so i need to type them before the note is gone for good - usual details to come later.

Twice Lucky
How good riders get good
Way to go
Wallflower wager
Showing kunga
Dog show judging
Winning Edge
Miranda and me
Girl gone viral
Serpent and dove
Beach read
Best turned out
Repair saddlery
Grooming

Oh no - I'm so sorry to hear about your wrist! And the surgery too! :(

So sorry about your wrist and arm, Emilie, sending healing thoughts.
Enjoy your long awaited puppy, the cast can be handy against sharp puppy teeth ;-)

Yikes! Sorry about the broken bones. Enjoy the new puppy!

Thanks guys!

The dog in my life
A day at the gate
Dog showing for beginners
The care and repair of rugs
The forsyth guide to successful dog showing

Sloppy Firsts
Second Helpings
Culture Clash
Brain training for riders
mind games for dogs
fit for life puppy
encyclopedia of k-9 terminology

arm still in dynamic splint, hopefully will get some/most function back by christmas. puppy is growing and pony is enjoying her time off work.

Typing is getting a bit easier, but is still a struggle. It doesn't hurt unless I'm fatigued or try to use shift, but I can't hold my hands like I used to so it's slow going.

Can you tell which Netflix movie I watched that inspired last week's reads?



Book #: 69
Title: The Case of the Missing Marquess: Enola Holmes #1
Author: Nancy Springer
Genre: YA historical mystery
Publication date: 2007
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3

Enola's mother disappears one day. Enola vows to track her down, goes to London, and finds a missing boy on the way.

Very different from the movie. Very little side characters or romance (the ages here are 14 and 12, so....good....?). The first half feels much fuller/meatier than the second. It's borderline middle grade instead of YA, I think.



Book #: 70
Title: The Case of the Left-handed Lady: Enola Holmes #2
Author: Nancy Springer
Genre: YA historical mystery
Publication date: 2007
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3

A young lady is missing and Enola wants to find her to build up her new business.

Much like the first, it seems a bit skimpy, but there is nothing really wrong with it.



Book #: 71
Title: A Study in Charlotte: Charlotte Holmes #1
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Genre: YA mystery
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

James Watson plays rugby at a private boarding school in Connecticut. He bumps into a descendant of Sherlock Holmes, who conveniently *also* goes to that school. A student that neither of them like winds up dead and both are suspects. They try to solve the mystery together.

This is more what I was looking for. It's a bit darker, involved, and older. The characters were a bit more fleshed out - it was less about the flash of 'ooo a disguise! ooo a mystery! what novelty!', and more about the characters and whodunit.

And time to back-track as I can to ease my memory later on when I forget all of these that I read earlier.



Book #: 62
Title: Sloppy Firsts: Jessica Darling #1
Author: Megan McCafferty
Genre: YA contemporary fiction
Publication date: 2001
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: reread
Rating: 4

Jessica's best friend moves away her sophomore year, leaving Jessica to navigate high school, her sister's wedding, the stoner boy, cross country, etc, by herself. Jessica is much like Dorothy Parker.



Book #: 63
Title: Second Helpings: Jessica Darling #2
Author: Megan McCafferty
Genre: YA contemporary fiction
Publication date: 2003
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: reread
Rating: 4

The continuation of Sloppy Firsts is more of the same. I had to stop reading though, because her and Marcus's growth through the next two books is so painful/realistic that it's not worth it to reread just to get to the 5th and final book.



Book #: 64
Title: The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Dogs
Author: Jean Donaldson
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 1996
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: >10 alsvidur: years ago
Rating: 4

Dog training/behavior basics

Confession: I've never read this classic before. I've read sooo many other good training books that I never needed this one/felt the urge for some reason. It's a good book: if someone were only going to read one dog training/behavior book ever, I would recommend this one. It's still not my favorite, but at least I can cross it off my mental TBR. It's been there for 20 years.....



Book #: 65
Title: Brain Training for Riders
Author: Andrea Monsarrat Waldo
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 798 / SF
Acquisition: 2 months ago
Rating: 4

Sports psychology for riders. Contains explanations, exercises, and chapters on riding after a big accident, not meshing with your horses, and other common riding issues. Well done, really enjoyed it.



Book #: 66
Title: Mind Games for Dogs
Author: Sarah Whitehead
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2012
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3

Super basic booklet about activities you can do with your dog without much physical effort.



Book #: 67
Title: Fit for Life Puppy
Author: Chris Zink
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

Short booklet on what activities when are safe for growing puppies. I think this is much more for competitive agility teams that really want to start training ASAP than regular dog owners. Still useful. Wish it were more detailed, but to get more details, you need to buy the Fit for Life program.



Book #: 68
Title: Encyclopedia of K-9 Terminology
Author: Edward Gilbert Jr
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2013
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3.5

This is a door-stopper of a book: 832 pages. The organization might not have been what I would have chosen, but each entry is detailed and the index is thorough.

NOTE TO SELF: THIS IS AN UPDATE - LOOK UP FOR CORRECT NUMBERS

I was updating a book by Hallie McEvoy when I saw you listed as also owning a copy, and I said, "Where has alsvidur been?"

Caught up, totally missed your thread this year, sorry.

I'm also sorry to hear of your injury, but hoping you continue to heal and improve.

Would love to see puppy pictures!

Book #: 57
Title: The Dog in My Life: Thumper of Walden
Author: Kurt Unkelbach
Genre: Juvenile fiction
Publication date: 1966
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 5

This was one of my favorite books as a child, and I haven't read it since then. I was worried how it would hold up; all I remembered was the information about dog shows and the sister having a pet skunk. No fear - it holds up well! Kurt writes a fictionalized story about his daughter Cary and her Lab Thumper, who she shows in conformation. I still love this book.



Book #: 58
Title: A Day at the Gate
Author: Edward Nowak
Genre: Memoir
Publication date: 2006
Catalog: 798 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 2

Less humor, more memoir. Yes, horse people can be selfish and stupid, especially at horse shows, but when it's not made funny, it's just a long gripe.



Book #: 59
Title: Dog Showing for Beginners
Author: Lynn Hall
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 1994
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 9 years ago
Rating: 4

I appreciate the down-and-dirty information on dog shows, dated as it is. There is again a bit too much 'the world is against me and judges are all dirty' but otherwise, Hall is pretty direct. I picked this one up a long time ago because I am a fan of Hall's juvenile fiction books about horses and dogs. She was writing YA drama before there was a YA.



Book #: 60
Title: The Care and Repair of Rugs
Author: Robert Steinke
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 1996
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 5

I don't even own the style of horse blanket that the author writes about, but THIS is the type of information I want: nitty gritty grooming and horsemanship information. It contained detailed instructions on how to patch up blankets. It was so perfect that I put one of the author's out-of-print import books that costs about $150 on my wishlist and I'm seriously thinking about it. This is also the first 24-page Allan guide that's worth it for adults.



Book #: 61
Title: The Forsyth Guide to Successful Dog Showing
Author: Robert Forsyth
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 1975
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 8 years ago
Rating: 4

I can't remember this one, sadly. It was probably good given the authors, but who knows?

NOTE TO SELF: THIS IS AN UPDATE, LOOK UP FOR CORRECT NUMBERS

Book #: 43
Title: Twice Lucky
Author: John Francome
Genre: Memoir
Publication date: 1988
Catalog: 798 / SF
Acquisition: 18 months ago
Rating: 3

Memoir of an English jockey in the 1970s/1980s.



Book #: 44
Title: How Good Riders Get Good
Author: Denny Emerson
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 798 / SF
Acquisition: 2 weeks ago
Rating: 5

Emerson has a casual writing style that is very readable. I read the updated edition, so I think it had a few updates and additions, but I can't recall what they are. I think that a lot of his advice can be applied to anything you want to accomplish, not just horseback riding - other sports, personal life/goals, etc.



Book #: 45
Title: Way to Go!: How to Housetrain a Dog of Any Age
Author: Patricia McConnell
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2003
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 5 years ago
Rating: 4

Short booklet with the basics of housetraining dogs. Love everything by McConnell. Wish some of my friends would have read this when their dogs were puppies.....



Book #: 46
Title: Wallflower Wager
Author: Tessa Dare
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 1975
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3.5

The Duke of Ruin has bought the house next to Penny and intends to sell it at a profit, but it's hard for him to find buyers when Penny's menagerie of animals keeps going wild. He tries to help her find homes for the animals. Tessa Dare is my favorite - there's always lots of humor.



Book #: 47
Title: Showing Kunga: from Pet Owner to Dog Show Junkie
Author: Jessica Addams
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2012
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 3 years ago
Rating: 4

A woman writes about showing her first great Dane. Can't remember it. :(



Book #: 48
Title: Dog Show Judging: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Author: Chris Walkowicz
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2009
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 5 years ago
Rating: 5

Walkowicz explains how to become a dog show judge, and in doing so, gives lots of tips to show contestants too. Easy read, good info.



Book #: 49
Title: The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets
Author: George Alston
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 1992
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 2 weeks ago
Rating: 2

Secrets, indeed. There's a lot of skirting the rules in this one.



Book #: 50
Title: Miranda and Me
Author: ("Peggy") aka Miranda Hart
Genre: Humor
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 823 / PR
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 3

The British comedian writes a book from her dog's point-of-view.



Book #: 51
Title: Girl Gone Viral
Author: Alisha Rai
Genre: Romance, contemporary
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 4 days ago
Rating: 3

A wealthy young widow with agoraphobia gets made into a viral video clip by a sleezy dude. Her bodyguard whisks her away while she works on her issues.



Book #: 52
Title: Serpent and Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 4

A witch needs to go into hiding and the place where she ends up is as the wife of a witch-hunter.



Book #: 53
Title: Beach Read
Author: Emily Henry
Genre: Chick lit/romance
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

A woman inherits a beach house and her neighbor ends up being a former classmate and fellow author. They swap genres to get out of their blocks.



Book #: 54
Title: Best Turned Out!: Tips for a Well-Groomed Horse
Author: Angelika Schmelzer
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2003
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

Another one that I can't really remember



Book #: 55
Title: The Care and Repair of Saddlery
Author: Robert Steinke
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 1999
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 5

Yet another great tack care book!



Book #: 56
Title: Grooming: Simple Solutions
Author: Elizabeth Moyer
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2007
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 2

Super basic - like, 'buy brushes and this is a curry comb' basic.

NOTE TO SELF: THIS IS AN UPDATE, LOOK ABOVE FOR NUMBERS

OK, here's three months worth of puppy. Rory, aka Tifari's In Omnia Paratus, is a recently-turned-5-months-old female Rhodesian ridgeback.

Book #: 72
Title: What's Your Angle: Understanding Angulation and Structure for the Performance Dog
Author: Helen Grinnell King
Genre: Non-fiction, dogs
Publication date: 2012
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 4 years ago
Rating: 4.5

Super helpful with simple how-to's demonstrated by lots of photos.

What a cute puppy!! And, a Rhodesian Ridgeback - they're so unusual!

The Francome books looks interesting: I'm always up for a good jockey memoir. And, I've added Beach Read to the TBR pile.

What a cute puppy!! And, a Rhodesian Ridgeback - they're so unusual!

The Francome books looks interesting: I'm always up for a good jockey memoir. And, I've added Beach Read to the TBR pile.

Aww, puppy! She looks adorable!

The Feancome book was a quick read. He's fairly humorous and there are some funny illustrations in my copy.

Book #: 73
Title: Among the Beasts and Briars
Author: Ashley Poston
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 3 days ago
Rating: 3

Cerys has grown up in a village protected from the evil forest. When her friend gets crowned the new queen, the spell that protects the village is broken, and Cerys must cross the cursed forest to get to the ancient fairy queen with a fox for company.

I usually really like this author, but I couldn't quite get into this one for some reason.



Book #: 74
Title: Till Death
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Genre: Fiction, suspense
Publication date: 2017
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3

Sasha survived a serial killer 10 years ago, but it seems like there's a copy-cat-killer out to get her when she returns to her hometown. She starts dating FBI agent Cole, whom she was dating at the time of the first kidnapping.

Is anyone else getting really cranky that their Nook isn't working? I was patient for a few weeks, but I would really like to be able to access things again. I don't want to support Amazon enough to buy a Kindle; is there any other alternative left now? I was cool with things until I tried to contact their customer support for a different issue with my Nook and CS was completely inept at solving anything but typing in their script for the main system error.



Book #: 75
Title: Midnight Sun
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Genre: YA fantasy
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 4

Re-write of Twilight from the male vampire's perspective

Surprisingly kept me interested



Book #: 76
Title: Solutions and Other Problems
Author: Allie Brosh
Genre: graphic novel
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 302 / PN
Acquisition: 2 weeks ago
Rating: 2

A memoir about depression told through comics



Book #: 77
Title: The Truth About Horses
Author: Andrew McLean
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 2003
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 5 months ago
Rating: 4

Horse training and behavior broken into the fundamentals as told by a behaviorist

Each little section has enough information to unpack to need at least a day to process and work on it. It's hard not to get overwhelmed or lost when attempting things, but I think the companion book, Academic Horse Training, is supposed to be more of a guide than this one.

>53 alsvidur: Congratulations on reaching 75, Emilie!

Congrats!

Book #: 78
Title: No Offense
Author: Meg Cabot
Genre: Fiction, chick lit
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 months ago
Rating: 3

A librarian finds a baby abandoned in one of the bathroom stalls. She and the sheriff end up in a relationship.

Standard Meg Cabot - a fun, fluffy read.



Book #: 79
Title: Dear Girls
Author: Ali Wong
Genre: Memoir
Publication date: 2019
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 1 month ago
Rating: 3

Comedienne Ali Wong writes to her girls about succeeding in life, comedy, and as an Asian-American. Not as funny as her stand up, but amusing all the same.



Book #: 80
Title: Tools of Engagement
Author: Tessa Bailey
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 3 weeks ago
Rating: 4

Bethany seems to have it all together, but inside she is deeply insecure. When she leaves the family house renovating business and starts out on her own, construction man Wes comes along with her.

I was actually dreading this book, as much as I love the author, because in the previous books in the series the male hero is a cardboard cutout caricature of a cowboy that was so terrible that it made me cringe. Thankfully, the hero becomes a person from page 1 and the "Aw shucks, miss" is gone. I liked this one.



Book #: 81
Title: On Dublin Street
Author: Samantha Young
Genre: Romance, contemporary
Publication date: 2012
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 2.5

This is not a fluff romance; this is an Issues romance. Joss's family died when she was young. As soon as she could, she moved to Scotland. After she graduates college, she moves to a new apartment. Her new roommate helps her to connect with people more, and her roommate's brother wants a relationship.

This was a bit darker than I was looking for, but it wasn't a bad book.



Book #: 82
Title: Seduce Me at Sunrise: Hathaways #2
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Romance, historical
Publication date: 2008
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 3.5

Winnifred has always loved Kev, the gypsy boy that came to live with them, and he her, but she falls ill with scarlet fever. She never really recovers until she goes to a clinic in France. She returns with the doctor Julian, who is interested in courting her. Kev doesn't think himself worthy, but Win sets out to prove him wrong.

I loved the bit of mystery involved, but Kev and Win get a bit tiring.



Book #: 83
Title: Tempt Me at Twilight: Hathaways #3
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Romance, historical
Publication date: 2009
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 2

Poppy comes from an unconventional family. A hotel owner falls for her but has to grapple with her family and the fact that Poppy wants to have a relationship and not just be an object he collects.

The romance fell flat for me in this one. I never really got on the hero's side and Poppy suddenly seemed very generic after the first few chapters.



Book #: 84
Title: Married by Morning: Hathaways #4
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Romance, historical
Publication date: 2010
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 3.5

Leo lost his fiance years ago from scarlet fever. Since then, he hit the bottom and came back up. He's fallen for someone for the first time since then - the companion to his little sister. Catherine is trying to hide her past for some reason and doesn't want to trust Leo due to his reputation.

Although I didn't think I would like this one, it really wasn't bad. I guess I love a tinge of mystery and suspense with my romances.



Book #: 85
Title: Love in the Afternoon: Hathaways #5
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Romance, historical
Publication date: 2010
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 4

At last we come to Beatrix - the wildest child in the Hathaway family. She has grown up preferring animals and nature to polite society. Although she's wealthy and pretty, no suitor dared to press a suit due to her unconventional family, her menagerie of animals, and her disregard for social etiquette of the time.

Beatrix starts writing to a friend's suitor off at war, just so SOMEONE will respond to his letters, but writes as her friend Prudence. Too bad she ends up falling for the soldier through his letters. She ends the correspondence, but when the soldier returns, he starts to realize that Pru wasn't the one who wrote him.

This story flowed so well, you get 100 pages in and are shocked that you're still not in the first chapter. I just wanted a bit more. Although the 'romantic' scenes in this series weren't the greatest, the stories made up for it.

My mother is clearing things out of her basement and found a pile of books we used to have as children. My ratings might be skewed by nostalgia, but some books held up better than others.



Book #: 86
Title: The Nightgown of the Sullen Moon
Author: Nancy Willard
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1983
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4

The moon wants a pair of pajamas for her birthday, but no one can see the moon when she wears them.



Book #: 87
Title: Twenty-Six Starlings Will Fly Through Your Mind
Author: Barbara Wersba
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1980
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 3

Lyrics take you through the alphabet. I think the author may have been high as a kite when she wrote this, but it was entertaining.



Book #: 88
Title: I'm Telling You Now
Author: Judy Delton
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1983
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 3.5

A boy listens to his mother, but his mother is not exact enough to keep him out of trouble.



Book #: 89
Title: That New Baby!
Author: Patricia Relf
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1984
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4

A new baby comes to the house and big sister deals with it.



Book #: 90
Title: The Bears' Christmas
Author: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1970
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4

Papa Bear takes Little Bear out to skate, sled, and ski. Papa Bear recalls to Little Bear how great he is at these activities, but usually ends up messing things up. Amusing as an adult.



Book #: 91
Title: The Jacket I Wear in the Snow
Author: Shirley Neitzel
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1980
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 2.5

Using shapes and pictures, a boy complains about his winter wardrobe.



Book #: 92
Title: Little Bear's Visit
Author: Else Holmelund Minarik
Genre: I-Can-Read
Publication date: 1961
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4.5

Little Bear visits his grandparents. Each of them tell him a story.



Book #: 93
Title: My Goodnight Book
Author: Eloise Wilkin
Genre: Picture book/board book
Publication date: 1981
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4.5

Told sparingly, a girl goes through her bedtime routine.



Book #: 94
Title: The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Author: Beatrix Potter
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1987
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4

Peter Rabbit disobeys his mother to go into MacGregor's garden, but MacGregor catches Peter eating his vegetables and chases him out.



Book #: 95
Title: Talkabout Starting School
Author: Ethel Wingfield
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1977
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 5

It's amazing how much the illustrations and activities have stayed with me. This series is amazing as an adult and was fascinating as a child. Each page has a simple activity or story for a child, but really it's meant as a starting point for conversation with a child. The illustrations are incredibly dated, but still very real.



Book #: 96
Title: Talkabout Baby
Author: Ethel Wingfield
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1974
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 5



Book #: 97
Title: Talkabout Animals
Author: Ethel Wingfield
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1973
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 5



Book #: 98
Title: Talkabout Bedtime
Author: Margaret Keen
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1977
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 5

More of the clean-out from mother:



Book #: 99
Title: Prayer for a Child
Author: Rachel Field
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1941
Catalog: 242 / BV
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 4

An illustrated children's prayer



Book #: 100
Title: A Tale for Easter
Author: Tasha Tudor
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1941
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 2.5

Gentle illustrations show what children might dream of the night before Easter.



Book #: 101
Title: First Graces
Author: Tasha Tudor
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1981
Catalog: 242 / BV
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 3

Pretty graces and gentle illustrations, but I'm not sure many kids now will 'get' Robert Burns's accent, etc.



Book #: 102
Title: First Prayers
Author: Tasha Tudor
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1981
Catalog: 242 / BV
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 3

As above.



Book #: 103
Title: More Prayers
Author: Tasha Tudor
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1981
Catalog: 242 / BV
Acquisition: 1 month ago/reread
Rating: 2

The prayers aren't as popular as the ones in the first book.

Book #: 104
Title: A Very Punchable Face
Author: Colin Jost
Genre: Humor, memoir
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 791 / ??
Acquisition: 1 month ago
Rating: 3

Jost writes of his upbringings and experiences as a comedian through his time on Saturday Night Live. It gave a few chuckles and a belly laugh, but also bummed me out when he mentioned leaving SNL soon.



Book #: 105
Title: A Wallflower Christmas
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Genre: Historical romance
Publication date: 2008
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 years ago
Rating: 2

As much as I enjoy Kleypas and historical romances, this one was off the mark. The hero forced himself on the heroine, despite her protests, within the first 45 pages, and continued to do so for the first act. I couldn't really enjoy it after that, although catching up with the rest of the Wallflower characters was nice. This one wasn't even that Christmas-y, either, aside from decorating a tree and reading A Christmas Carol to children.

>59 alsvidur: Book 104 has a very interesting cover and title. I'm not sure what makes a punchable face but I don't believe he has one!

Have a great weekend, Emilie.

This Brit wishes to express his thanks for the warmth and friendship that has helped sustain him in this group, Emilie.

I think his coworkers gave him a hard time about being an Ivy League-educated WASP-y guy who is a professional comedian. He looks like a frat boy who had an easy life (and this is coming from someone who likes his work). I'm not sure the cover photo sells the title; he often has more gel in his hair.



Book #: 106
Title: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Author: Eric Kimmel
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 1990
Catalog: 394 / PZ
Acquisition: reread
Rating: 4.5

This is one of my favorite holiday stories. Hershel comes to a village haunted by goblins. To get rid of the curse, he must stay 8 whole nights in the synagogue, light the menorah nightly, and have the Goblin King himself light the candles on the last night. The illustrations are wonderful (Caldecott Honor book) and the story is great too.



Book #: 107
Title: Starlight Christmas: Saddle Club #13
Author: Bonnie Bryant
Genre: Pony book
Publication date: 1991
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: reread
Rating: 4

Carole knows that the first Christmas after her mother passed away will be hard, but tries to keep herself busy by knitting socks for her father's present, looking forward to her stable's Christmas Eve trail ride, and shadowing the local veterinarian on farm calls. Carole learns a lot while helping and encounters different horse-keeping styles. She's so glad to help out that she doesn't mind being stuck at a neighboring barn on Christmas Eve and missing the big ride, but the veterinarian (and Carole's friends and family) have a big surprise for Carole.

This is a sentimental favorite and doesn't *really* deserve four stars, but I was so excited for Carole. Even as an adult, I teared up a bit at the end.

Found some books I read but neglected to log here:



Book #: 108
Title: Fire in You
Author: Jennifer Armentrout/J. Lynn
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2016
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 3 weeks ago
Rating: 3

Jillian is mostly recovered from being shot in the face in a mugging gone wrong, but she's actually more traumatized by earlier that night being shot down by her longtime crush. Jillian is starting to get her life back together, but her family pushes her to work with her crush Brock.

From what I remember, this book is less steamy romance and more drama.

I don't think I read this this summer, but it's not logged anywhere. Did I read it last summer? This summer? Who knows.



Book #: ---
Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy
Author: Jenny Han
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Publication date: 2013
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: unknown
Rating: 3

Belly goes to the beach every summer and hangs out with the neighbors who have two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly has always had a crush on Conrad, but what happens when both brothers start to pay attention to her?

Was there character development? I don't think much of it, if at all. Still, a fluffy summer read.



Book #: ---
Title: Kiss Quotient
Author: Helen Hoang
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2018
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: unknown
Rating: 4

What is with these books that I never logged? I know I didn't read this this year.

Stella has Asperger's and needs to learn how to have a relationship, so she hires an escort to teach her. This was so surprisingly good that I ended up reading more of the author's works.

OK, I think maybe there was a post that got lost, or I stuck my finger in a light socket and forgot to log a huge pile of books last summer, cause I keep finding more in my catalog. At this point, I'm not going to make up a post and try to remember things about books I read a year ago, but list them instead.

Love & Gelato - Jenna Evans Welch
Fix Her Up - Tessa Bailey
The Bride Test - Helen Hoang
My One and Only - Kristan Higgans
The Princess and the Fangirl - Ashley Poston
The Good Luck Charm - Helen Hunting
The Unhoneymooners - Christina Lauren
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord - Sarah MacLean
Master the Veterinary Technician National Exam - Peterson's Guide

All of these were decent. Bailey's series starter got me on a whole series and Helen Hunting's book was nice too. I don't remember the Unhoneymooners being that great, but I still enjoy the author.

Book #: 109
Title: Snapped: Playbook #4
Author: Alexa Martin
Genre: Romance
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 813 / PS
Acquisition: 2 days ago
Rating: 4

Elliot just got the job of her dreams - doing PR for the local pro football team. When the QB starts taking a knee during the national anthem, the team owner assigns Elliot to do the player's PR and 'handle' the incident, but Elliot learns the Quinton has some good points about retired NFL player treatment and more. Elliot herself has some baggage to unpack around race, since her Black mother died when she was young and she was raised by her white family in a white neighborhood. Elliot needs to keep her job with the Mustangs while also supporting Quinton's personal beliefs. Yes, some romance is involved, but not nearly as much as other books in the series. This was definitely more of a 'cause' book, but it was really well done. I was so bummed when I learned that the author's contract was only for four books in the series. I hope really she writes more; I love this series.

Book #: 110
Title: Rugs and Rollers
Author: Jane Holderness-Roddam
Genre: Non-fiction, horses
Publication date: 1994
Catalog: 636 / SF
Acquisition: 10 hours ago
Rating: 3

I really just bought this for the illustration on the lower right cover - I want to show some of the girls in the barn how to properly fasten blankets; blanket safety is my personal pet peeve. This is pretty standard for a Threshold Guide - it's only 24 pages and filled with simple illustrations, so it's suitable for kids but not chock full of information for professional grooms. Most of the information was geared towards blanketing habits in the UK in the 90s, so much of it isn't applicable or useful, but I like learning weird things. The illustrations are clear and easy to follow.

Book #: 111
Title: Black Beauty
Author: Anna Sewell
Genre: Fiction, pony book
Publication date: 2006 (1877)
Catalog: 823 / PZ
Acquisition: 10 years ago
Rating: 3

It's been a good 20 years since I last read Black Beauty. The moralism is a bit more apparent as an adult, but it was still a nice read.

I hope you get some of those at least, Emilie, as we all look forward to a better 2021.

Book #: 112
Title: Those Darn Squirrels!
Author: Adam Rubin
Genre: Picture book
Publication date: 2011
Catalog: 813 / PZ
Acquisition: 1 day ago
Rating: 4

The old man wants nothing more than to watch the birds, but squirrels keep eating his bird seed.

Emilie

As the year turns, friendship continues

Book #: 113
Title: Snug: A Collection of Comics About Dating Your Best Friend
Author:Catana Chetwynd
Genre: Comics
Publication date: 2020
Catalog: 741 / PN
Acquisition: 1 week ago
Rating: 3.5

Catana Comics is a web comic featuring a girl and her boyfriend. It's cute and oftentimes is spot on enough for me to send to my partner so we can have a chuckle.

I've seen a lot of these comics, but there were some new ones thrown in this book.

And that's the last book of 2020! Stats and 2021 thread will come sometime.

edit: That was a big fat lie. I found a book sitting on my 'to log' pile while cleaning today.



Book #: 114
Title: The Talent Code
Author:Daniel Coyle
Genre: Non-fiction, psychology
Publication date: 2010
Catalog: 153 / BF
Acquisition: 2 months ago
Rating: 4

This was recommended by Denny Emerson in his latest book. It's about the right kind of practice to become proficient at something. Although it was a fun read, it didn't go into depth about exactly how to create that deep practice for yourself - because 'skill' as a concept is so broad, the book gave you the framework for you to apply to your own thing. It references Ericsson's book 'Peak' a lot; that will be one I'd like to read next year.