Whisper1 Third thread of 2021

É uma continuação do tópico Whisper1 Second thread of 2021.

Este tópico foi continuado por Whisper1 Fourth thread of 2021.

Discussão75 Books Challenge for 2021

Aderi ao LibraryThing para poder publicar.

Whisper1 Third thread of 2021

1Whisper1
Editado: Fev 27, 2021, 4:48 pm

These illustrations are those of Pamela Zagarenski who is an incredible artist!


2quondame
Editado: Fev 27, 2021, 5:18 pm

Happy shiny new thread!

>1 Whisper1: I picked up The Whisper at the library on Thursday!

3figsfromthistle
Fev 27, 2021, 5:27 pm

Happy new one!

4msf59
Fev 27, 2021, 5:58 pm

Happy New Thread, Linda! And hooray for Mary's Monster. Looking forward to your review.

5Whisper1
Fev 27, 2021, 6:10 pm

>2 quondame: Hi, and I hope you enjoy the artistry of this incredible woman!
>3 figsfromthistle: Thanks!
>4 msf59: Mark, I discovered that I made a mistake in noting the number of books read. I had to post the review of Mary's Monster on my second thread. It is listed as book #36 Thanks so much for recommending this one!

6SandyAMcPherson
Fev 27, 2021, 6:24 pm

>5 Whisper1: Hi Linda, it is so delightful that you enjoy the artwork in the illustrated children's genre. Such a rich source of inspired work.

Leaving wishes here for you to have a happy springtime reading.

7fuzzi
Fev 27, 2021, 7:37 pm

>1 Whisper1: love this artist...

8drneutron
Fev 27, 2021, 8:18 pm

Happy new thread!

9jessibud2
Fev 27, 2021, 8:34 pm

Happy new thread, Linda. Gorgeous toppers!

10PaulCranswick
Fev 27, 2021, 8:38 pm

Happy new thread, dear Linda.

11brodiew2
Fev 27, 2021, 8:50 pm

Happy new thread Linda. I hope you're able to work things out with the doctor's office. You shouldn't have to take that kind of attitude.

>1 Whisper1: excellent toppers. I especially lime the fox.

12Familyhistorian
Fev 28, 2021, 1:26 am

Happy new thread, Linda. I've been remiss at visiting but hope to do better in the future.

13Berly
Fev 28, 2021, 2:19 am

Happy new thread, Linda!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Love the artist up top. : )

14BLBera
Fev 28, 2021, 10:41 am

Happy new thread, Linda. I love the Zagarenski illustrations.

15PersephonesLibrary
Fev 28, 2021, 3:59 pm

Happy new thread, Linda! It's great that you share the illustrations - there are so many talented and awesome illustrators I'd never get to know if I wasn't on LT.

16Whisper1
Editado: Mar 3, 2021, 9:04 am

BOOK #39

Barnabus Project Written and illustrated by The Fan Brothers


I never knew about the fan brothers, until, I found this book the same day I discovered the first book I read that was illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

This is a beautiful tale of those not quite perfect, and thus are hidden away from others who are perfect. The imperfect manufactured pets that live in the basement aren't deemed sellable, are under glass jars.

Those differently made, live below and far away from upstairs in the pretty store with boxed pets that look like stuffed animals, and come alive.

It appears that a non inclusive world sets others aside who are not like them, or therefore, not "perfect." Those who are "defective" or "failed" are hidden.

This book is another example of a strong statement that is made, with both written words and incredible illustrations blending to make an marvelous creation.

Barnabus becomes the ring leader. He developed into a half mouse and half elephant, and he is but one of many other shelves of failed projects. The large men in green rubber suits watch over the failed projects and feed them.

When Pip the cockroach, who has been above in the real world tells Barnabus about skies and lakes and stars, he encourages the other failures to escape with him. The others also break their glass boundaries and now they chirp, hoot and sing. How nice it was to jump for joy!!!

Looking up, they found a large failed one-eyed green metal contraption that they knew others called a failure. It was this large contraption that helped them escape. As the water valve opened, the pressure pushed the failures to the top and they saw the world of non-failures.

Now, they live together and are free to watch the sky, the stars, the green grass and all the wonderful things they never saw before.



Now, I am on a journey to read all the illustrated books of the Fan Brothers!

17Whisper1
Fev 28, 2021, 6:30 pm

>6 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy, soaking up the beauty of an illustrated book, helps to forget that it is yet another rainy, overcast day. At least, there is no snow.

>7 fuzzi: Fuzzi...Pamela Zagarenski truly is an incredible artist! I found a few more of her books to read. I felt like a child at Christmas, waiting for the next present.

>8 drneutron: Jim, Hello and thanks for stopping by

>9 jessibud2: Shelly, Happy Sunday evening. I hope you are having a lovely evening with your husband and girls.

>10 PaulCranswick: Happy Sunday Paul!

>11 brodiew2: Hi Brodie. I've calmed down, but a steady residual of righteous indignation still exists. I have an appointment this Friday to receive trigger point injections, at that time I will talk to the surgeon who is the doctor that owns the practice. I've known him a long time, I believe he will understand my feelings.

I hesitate leaving the practice because he is able to get the injection/needle between all the hardware and into where the medication can bring relief. Not many are able to do that.

>12 Familyhistorian: Meg, I've been remiss in visiting threads. I hope all is well with you.

>13 Berly: Kim, As always, I smile when there is a post from you! I hope you have some down time tonight.

>14 BLBera: Beth, Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are reading some good books. Happy Sunday evening.

>

18Whisper1
Fev 28, 2021, 6:33 pm

>6 SandyAMcPherson: - >15 PersephonesLibrary: I sent an individual message, and then lost the post. Ugh.. Hello, and Happy Sunday evening to all. I hope you are reading and resting, and/or doing something you love.

19Whisper1
Editado: Fev 28, 2021, 8:45 pm

BOOK #40 OF 2021



There Is A Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith

A wild haired boy tries to fit in with the tribes of various animals he explores, And while he finds joy, entertainment and company to play with, he feels that there has to be a tribe for him somewhere.

Whereas the author explored elder years in Grandpa Green, this book is written with the lovely adventures of children in mind.

The child enjoys the animal tribes, but is most happy in a tribe of kids.

20FAMeulstee
Fev 28, 2021, 6:52 pm

Happy new thread, Linda!

How is Lilly doing?

21Whisper1
Fev 28, 2021, 6:58 pm

>20 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita It is always good to see you here. Lilly is doing much better. She has a post operation check up tomorrow morning with the vet. He will be taking out the surgical stitches.

I hope your Sunday night is restful and provides opportunities to read the books you love.

22Whisper1
Fev 28, 2021, 7:01 pm

>15 PersephonesLibrary: Kathy, It is always amazing how many different genres and authors I find from reading the threads of others.

I've been a member of this group since 2008. It is an amazing group of wonderful people, including you.

23Whisper1
Editado: Fev 28, 2021, 8:14 pm

BOOKS READ IN FEBRUARY 2021


The Whisper Written and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Illustrated Book, I Own


Disosaurs: With Special Reference to the American Museum Collections by W.D. Matthew
I Own, Purchased from Thriftbooks.com


Judy & Liza & Robert & Freddie & David & Sue & Me by Stevie Phillips
I Own, Purchased February 2021 from Thrftbooks.com


Bomb by Steve Sheinkin
I Own, Purchased from Thriftbooks in February 2021


The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander with illustrations of Kadir Nelson
Library Book, Illustrated Book


Red Sings from Treetops a Year In Colors written by Joyce Sidman incredibly illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
I Own, Purchased in February from Thrift books, Illustrated Book


The Fabled Life of Aesop by Ian Lendler illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
I Own, Purchased in February from Thrift Books, Illustrated Book


Burnt Mountain by Anne Rivers Siddons
I Own, Book Off The Shelf, Gave Away


Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
I Own, Book Off The Shelf, Gave Away


On Market Street Written by Arthur Lobel illustrated by Anita Lobel
Library Book


The Scarecrow written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers
Library Book


A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Book Off the Shelf, Gave Away

24Whisper1
Editado: Fev 28, 2021, 8:50 pm

BOOKS READ IN FEBRUARY 2021 CONTINUED


Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
I Own, Purchased in February 2021 from Thriftbooks.com


Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
Book Off The Shelf, Gave Away


The Last Train to Memphis by Peter Gualnick
I Own, Purchased in February 2021 from Thriftbooks.com


Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
I Own, Young Adult, Purchased from Barrnes & Noble


Mary's Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lita Judge
Library Book


Barnabus Project Written and illustrated by The Fan Brothers
Library Book, Illustrated Book


There Is A Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith
Own, Purchased from Thrift Books, Illustrated Book

25ronincats
Fev 28, 2021, 8:52 pm

The Barnabas Project sounds amazing--I've got it on order from the library.

Thought you might be interested in these.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

This exquisite book is gorgeously illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera and recounts the life of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize, receiving the award for poetry in 1950. Her poetry, about “real life”, included themes of love, loneliness, family, and poverty. This is a captivating picture book about a captivating writer.

A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice by Jasmine A. Stirling, illustrated by Vesper Stamper (March 16, 2021, Bloomsbury)

Most people know Jane Austen as the witty writer of many books. As a young girl, she delighted in making her family laugh with tales that poked fun at the popular novels of her time, stories that featured fragile ladies and ridiculous plots. Before long, Jane was writing her own stories–uproariously funny ones, using all the details of her life in a country village as inspiration. Her books are now some of the most beloved around the world.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This has got to be one of my favorite books about a writer… and it’s written by the writer herself! Jacqueline Woodson is my literary hero, and her early life is fascinating. Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. I particularly love those poems that touch on her early desires to be a writer. So powerful!

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of the Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

As a young girl, Zora Neale Hurston wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by stories. Her mama always told her that if she wanted something, “to jump at de sun”, because even though you might not land quite that high, at least you’d get off the ground. So Zora jumped from place to place, from the porch of the general store where she listened to folktales, to Howard University, to Harlem. Her stories included tales about people that no one had paid attention to before, until she wrote them down.

Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet

This incredible book follows the life of E.B. White, the legendary author of Charlotte’s Web and The Trumpet of the Swan (my personal favorite of his stories). Melissa Sweet does an incredible job distilling his life for young readers, and her illustrations are fantastic. Check this one out!

26Whisper1
Fev 28, 2021, 9:03 pm

Roni. Thank you for all the marvelous recommendations. I read Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson soon after it was published. She is one of my favorite authors. She has authored some incredible illustrated books, that brought tears, they are:

This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration
Each Kindness
Show Way

I continue to think of you and send all good wishes for the ability to complete the project of going through everything before you move.

27curioussquared
Fev 28, 2021, 10:31 pm

Happy new thread Linda! Echoing others -- thank you for posting all the gorgeous illustrations!

28fuzzi
Fev 28, 2021, 11:27 pm

>16 Whisper1: the Island of Misfit Toys...

29Whisper1
Mar 1, 2021, 12:32 am

>27 curioussquared: Natalie, many thanks for your kind words.
>28 fuzzi: Fuzzi, yes, now that you said it, The Barnabus Projecct misfits would be very comfortable on the Island of Misfit Toys!

30johnsimpson
Mar 1, 2021, 3:22 pm

Hi Linda my dear, happy new thread. Hope you had a good weekend and wish you a good week ahead, sending love and hugs from both of us dear friend.

31SandyAMcPherson
Mar 2, 2021, 8:42 am

Hi Linda,
I was way behind on your thread already! Many interesting books and lots of thoughts worth pondering.
>16 Whisper1: seems an amazing story. A bit of a parable, no?
>28 fuzzi: wrote "the Island of Misfit Toys..." is that another take on the story?

Hope Lilly is thriving...

32fuzzi
Mar 2, 2021, 10:34 am

>31 SandyAMcPherson: there's an old television special from the 1960s "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer". In the fanciful storyline there's an island where toys that aren't perfect go to live, like a train with square wheels, and a Jack-in-the-box named Charley. That's what the book in >16 Whisper1: reminded me of.

33Whisper1
Mar 3, 2021, 9:16 am

Sandy, I certainly understand about being behind on threads. I vow to take a chunk of time this weekend to post on threads.

I did a very unsafe thing this week. I went upstairs to go through some books, and to clean up a bit. I put things I wanted to give away in a plastic wash basket. When I had new carpet installed, I bought the best padding.

Thee padding is more dense. I forgot that! I carried the basket of items downstairs, and misjudged the amount of steps yet to go. I slid down four steps, landing on the bottom on the tile. I've nursed the knee all week. It is better now, just in time to take Lilly to the vet today and get her stiches removed.

Now that i live alone, I am going to make a list of things not to do. That recent mistake is on the top!

Regarding Fuzzi's response above. There were some wonderful Christmas television specials when I was young. They still are shown on some channels before Christmas.

My favorite Christmas movie is a newer one. The Polar Express is breathtaking!

34Whisper1
Editado: Mar 16, 2021, 8:29 pm

CONTINUATION OF BOOKS PUCHASED IN 2021

#23 #24 #25 #26 #27 #28 #29#30 #31 #32 #33 #34 #35 #36 #37 #38 #39 #40 #41 #42 #43 #44

35m.belljackson
Mar 3, 2021, 11:19 am

>33 Whisper1:

Linda - Hope you and Lilly both have a smooth recovery day!

36Carmenere
Mar 3, 2021, 12:26 pm

Happy new thread, my friend!

Ooof, sorry to read of that spill. I've become cautious about what I do when I'm alone like using step stools which I save for when Will's home from college.
Hahaha, I was at my SIL's yesterday and heard a couple of texts on my phone but ignored them. Just when I stepped through the door Will called me. Since I didn't answer my texts he wanted to make sure I didn't fall in the shower or something. Love that kid!

Nice collection of books you've purchased this year. How fun!

37brodiew2
Mar 3, 2021, 1:30 pm

>33 Whisper1: Sliding down stairs is no fun at all. I'm glad to hear you are recovering nicely.

>34 Whisper1: I greatly enjoyed Monuments Men on audio. Excellent story.

One my absolute favorite picture books to read to the kids was Niccolini's Song. Beautifully painted artwork and such peaceful prose. If you are not familiar, I think you would love this one.

38PersephonesLibrary
Mar 3, 2021, 1:39 pm

All the best to you and Lilly. 💛

39Caroline_McElwee
Mar 3, 2021, 3:53 pm

>33 Whisper1: Sorry to hear about the tumble Linda. That will have certainly shaken you up. Glad you are on the mend now.

40Whisper1
Mar 3, 2021, 4:25 pm

Happy Wednesday Marianne. It is sunny! I returned from taking Lilly to the vet for removal of her stitches. Everything went well.

Thanks for caring.

41Whisper1
Mar 3, 2021, 4:30 pm

>36 Carmenere: Isn't it wonderful when it is confirmed that all the love, patience and devotion we gave our children, comes back at us they grow older.

My daughter who lives in Beavercreek, Ohio, asks me a few times a year if I would like to come and live with her in her big house with many rooms. I love her, but there are times we tug at each other. For now, I like my quiet room with my large chair and lots and lots of books to read.

Thanks for posting your message.

42Whisper1
Mar 3, 2021, 4:33 pm

>37 brodiew2: hi Brodie. Thanks for stopping by. I added Niccolini's Song to the tbr list.

Thanks for your recommendation. I joined LT in 2008. I've added quite a few books since then. I hate to think what life would be like without the wonderful people in this group!

I hope your day is a good one.

43Whisper1
Mar 3, 2021, 4:35 pm

>39 Caroline_McElwee: Caroine, How is the weather in your area today? I think of London as foggy and rainy. Is it true that you have more of those days, than those of sun?

Thanks for your post.
Today, Lilly had her stitches removed,
And, I'm healing from my fall.

What a pair!

44fuzzi
Mar 3, 2021, 5:15 pm

>41 Whisper1: small world. I have good friends who live in Beavercreek, have stopped to visit on our trips to Chicago and back, and even stayed there overnight a couple times.

45quondame
Mar 3, 2021, 9:18 pm

>33 Whisper1: Ouch! I pretty sure that one day I'll trip over Gertie and fall down the stairs. I try to be mindful when I'm going downstairs but I am easily distracted.

46EBT1002
Mar 3, 2021, 11:25 pm

Linda, those are beautiful toppers! I agree that is an incredible artist.

>33 Whisper1: Yikes! I am glad you were not hurt more badly.

47magicians_nephew
Mar 4, 2021, 7:19 am

Glad the fall was not too serious, Linda.

A lot of folks who live alone keep their cell phones in their apron pockets so they can call for help if they fall or get stuck somehow.

The Rankin-Bass stop motion Christmas specials were something else, for sure. "Rudolph" is always charming.

48curioussquared
Mar 4, 2021, 12:28 pm

Sorry to hear about your fall, Linda, and glad that you are healing up!

49jessibud2
Mar 4, 2021, 1:57 pm

{{Linda}}. Hope you and Lilly are both feeling better today!

50cyderry
Mar 4, 2021, 2:53 pm

>33 Whisper1: Linda, maybe you should get one of those buttons "I've fallen and I can't get up" just in case. I have one - makes me feel safer just in case something happens when Tim is at work or on the golf course and I can't reach a phone. Hopefully, I'll never use it just like the security system, but it's nice to know there's someone who can help if I ever need it.

Please be careful.

51Caroline_McElwee
Mar 4, 2021, 4:41 pm

>43 Whisper1: Ha Linda. Well London rarely now gets the heavy fog or 'pea soupers' as they were called, the last dense one I remember was in the 1980s. We get occasional mists when it gets colder, but being such an urban area, it doesn't get as cold as the more rural areas.

We can get a lot of rain. Some years though, most of it is at night. This year it has been a real mix. We just had three beautiful blue skied sunny days, but are back with grey damp ones now.

Glad Lilly is stitch free, and you are recovering too.

52johnsimpson
Mar 4, 2021, 4:46 pm

Hi Linda my dear, i am glad that you are OK after your fall and that Lilly is stitch free and you are both recovering well. Sending love and hugs from both of us dear friend.

53Whisper1
Mar 4, 2021, 8:52 pm

>44 fuzzi: Fuzzi. Beavercreek is a lovely area. The area where my daughter lives seems to be laid out on a grid. I'm very glad that my grandchildren are able to live in an area where the school district is good.

>45 quondame: Susan, the house has a large downstairs bedroom with a large bathroom. I spend most of my time downstairs. It is rare that I trek up the steps as I know they are steep. It was a mistake I will not make again. It was unthinking to carry a full basket down newly carpeted stairs that have heavy padding underneath.

>46 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, Thanks for stopping by!

>47 magicians_nephew: Hi Jim. A smiled reading your post. My grandmother always wore an apron. I'll carry my phone in my jean pocket. Thanks for your frequent visits. !

>48 curioussquared: Thanks Natalie. I appreciate your kind comments. I sat in a chair, propped my leg up with a bag of frozen peas underneath, and read all day. It was a lesson that I have learned not to do again.

>49 jessibud2: HI Shelley! Thanks for stopping by, and for leaving kind thoughts!

>50 cyderry: Hi Dear Cheli! My grand daughter is usually here three days a week. I will be sure to ask her to carry things downstairs from now on.
Thanks for the suggestion of obtaining one of those "help I've fallen, and can't get up" devises.

Spring is arriving soon...right?

>51 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, My visiting London is still on the bucket list. As one who lives there, do you tire of the tourists looking for directions?

>52 johnsimpson: Hi John. Always good to hear from you! I found a new dog food for Lilly. I saw a site by "Dr. Marty," a vet to the dogs of stars. Anyway, he had a good speech about dog food and the fact that over the counter dog food, even the best kinds, contain a lot of filler. His dog food has no by products and contains veggies, organ meats, and ginger for inflammation, and other vitamins.

I can honestly say I am surprised at how good is it for Lilly. I was skeptical, but now I am a believer. Lilly has a lot of arthritis in her hips and for the past few years has not been able to get up the two steps leading to the deck. Since eating this food, she jumps up the steps, and seems more puppy like. This morning she got ahold of the newspaper and shook it back and forth while taking bites of the paper. She hasn't done that since she was a puppy.

54quondame
Mar 4, 2021, 9:14 pm

>53 Whisper1: I drag the laundry basket behind me after I've descended a couple of steps and only pick it up when I'm all the way down and it's 3 steps up.

55Whisper1
Mar 5, 2021, 9:04 am

>54 quondame: Good idea to drag the basket behind. I will use that idea wisely.

56BLBera
Mar 5, 2021, 9:25 am

Take care, Linda. Every time I carry my laundry to the basement, I think about the possibility and wonder how long I would lie on the basement floor before someone would miss me. Cheerful thoughts.

57Whisper1
Mar 5, 2021, 9:43 am

>56 BLBera: Thanks Beth! My grand daughter is here with me a few days a week. I think I will be sure she carries the basket down the steps. She is a great help to me!

58Caroline_McElwee
Mar 5, 2021, 11:49 am

>53 Whisper1: No Linda, mostly I'm happy to help. Not that I have been in central London much over the past year, maybe 8 times. But most of my working life I have been there 5 days a week. I live on the outskirts of the city. Very little worth a tourists attention.

59m.belljackson
Mar 5, 2021, 12:24 pm

Hi - for Laundry to and from the basement:

1. Order medium to large lightweight cloth bags;
tie them loosely and toss them down the stairs -
then wash the bag along with the load of laundry.

2. For bringing clothes back up, I use the Free-With-Purchase
(from Sierra Club or one of the Wildlife organizations = WWF?)
super light weight polyester wide-top opening rectangular bags
(neither my daughter and I can figure out what to call them) =

mine are decorated with Bees and Penguins.

3. Both of these work better than heavy, awkward, and
ultimately, dangerous to us, baskets.

4. You can carry both bags in one hand and hold onto a railing with the other.

60Whisper1
Mar 5, 2021, 5:56 pm

>59 m.belljackson: Thank you! You are incredible!

61quondame
Mar 5, 2021, 10:07 pm

>59 m.belljackson: This does make sense. Of course last time I threw my comforter over the stair rail (I live on a split level and the stairway is open to all levels) I tore a favorite painting off the wall and the glass broke. Mike mostly brings the laundry upstairs.

62PaulCranswick
Mar 5, 2021, 11:17 pm

>41 Whisper1: Don't be the last one to realize when you need a little bit of help, Linda. I also like my solitude, but also need the comfort of loved ones fairly close to hand.

Have a peaceful and stressless weekend. xx

63Whisper1
Mar 7, 2021, 8:27 am

>61 quondame: Sue, What a shame that you lost a favorite painting and broke the glass.

>62 PaulCranswick: Paul, My grand daughter is with me 3-4 days a week. I will rely on her more than usual now that I've learned fears can indeed come true.

Happy Sunday!

64Whisper1
Editado: Mar 7, 2021, 8:53 am

BOOK #41


Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari

I recently watched Hulu and the incredible movie The United States vs. Billie Holliday.

I noted this book at the end of the show in the credits as the one used as reference .

This book was jam packed with details of why the war on drugs did not work, and the fact that Billie Holliday was used by the government to hound her and rather than show compassion, even took away things that might have helped her as she lay dying in withdrawal and kidney failure.

It would be difficult to cover all the information. Basically, the premise that hounding people and placing them repeatedly in jail, is proven to be the least effective way of facing the drug crisis head on.

There was a bright light shone on the backgrounds of many addicts such as Billie, who was raped at the age of ten, abused by men who were in her life, and was used rather than loved.

As I understand the book, the author made a very strong case that compassion is lacking in the way in which we deal with people who are addicted, and the horrific life that many faced on their way to death.

Any review I attempt would not do justice to this very well researched and in depth look at why America's war on drugs failed.

It took a long time to read all the details, but it was worth the journey of trying to understand what does and doesn't work. As a side note, I will say that I've read many books regarding the civil rights movement and the Jim Crow era in the United States. Billie was arrested for singing Strange Fruit, a very strong song that was a statement regarding the bitter horror of lynching.

Here are the words to the song she felt compelled to sing, even though she was arrested under the guise of her drug addiction.

Strange Fruit
sung by Billie Holliday:

Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees

Pastoral scene of the gallant South
The bulgin' eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burnin' flesh

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather
For the wind to suck
For the sun to rot
For the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop

Five Star Read

65PaulCranswick
Mar 7, 2021, 9:20 am

>64 Whisper1: How can anyone with an iota of human feeling read those lyrics and not be moved, shocked and angered by them?

66Whisper1
Editado: Mar 7, 2021, 9:35 am

BOOK #42


John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith

This is yet another outstanding book written by Lane Smith and illustrated by his highly talented wife Molly Leach

As I read this book, I laughed out loud. This is so very clever, and the title alone, brings a sense of The Beatles. Yet, it is homage to those who were instrumental in the colonies breaking away from the British.

John Hancock, who was depicted through his teacher who said, his penmanship was refreshing, but egotistical because he wrote his name so very wide and large.

Paul Revere was a noisy lad who spent hours practicing the ringing of the bells in Boston's Old North Church. Paul was depicted as a bullhorn in a china shop.

George Washington was an honest lad, and in fact when the term King of the United States of America, noted they were escaping the tyranny of England, and the last thing needed was another King, thus the title President was chosen.

Ben Franklin was clever and had a saying for every situation, anywhere, any time.

Thomas Jefferson was an independent man who used this trait to write the Declaration of Independence

The clever ending pages of the book titled "Taking Liberties" outlined the record was set straight regarding the truth or false of depictions of John, Paul, George..Thomas and Ben!

It is true that John Hancock had the biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence.

Paul was in the bell-ringing clue of the Old North Club.

George did not chop down his father's cherry tree. He was the only president to serve his term in New York, and not the White House.

Ben Franklin did indeed love pithy phrases and published "the Poor
Richard's Almanack (1733-1758)

Thomas Jefferson believed every kid should enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

67Whisper1
Editado: Mar 11, 2021, 9:02 am

BOOK #43


The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers

INCREDIBLE! Beautiful images to tell the story of a little boy living in the Grimloch Orphanage where outside his window there is a topiary wise owl appearing overnight. William spent the day staring at this unique happening. The next morning, the town noticed a topiary of a cat. The next days contained a topiary of a rabbit, a beautiful parakeet, an elephant, and then the townspeople jointly traveled to a space where there was a quite large and beautiful topiary of a dragon.

The townspeople where united and the topiaries brought them together. One night, William saw an elderly man with tools and a ladder. As he walked into Grimloch Park, he told William he could use some help. And, thus William became the assistant to the Night Gardener. And, as the final beautiful images of the Night Gardener and William working together into the night!

Such an incredible book. This is yet another stellar book rendered masterfully by Terry and Eric Fan!

68curioussquared
Mar 7, 2021, 10:16 am

>64 Whisper1: This one looks like a tough but important read, Linda. This is why I was glad to see that Oregon voted to decriminalize use and possession (I believe) of hard drugs during the last general election. It was definitely a controversial move, but I don't think our current strategies for combatting drug addiction are working so I'm interested to see how it works in their state.

69SandyAMcPherson
Editado: Mar 7, 2021, 10:43 am

>67 Whisper1: Gorgeous book, and illustrations. Thanks for posting the images.

I've skimmed here today trying to be a little caught up on the fast-moving conversations amongst the 75-ers. And yeah - not going to happen (being caught up).

A comment about laundry and stairs~ one of my grandparents lived in a huge old, 1920's house, 4-bedrooms and so forth. I well-remember being fascinated with the laundry chute. It was a small door in the wall of the upstairs hallway and in the kitchen on the main level. Granny would just fling the laundry down the chute where it landed in the basement!
I have no idea who was tasked with bringing the dried (out on a line) laundry back up.

Modern houses could surely do with that added feature because some of us are *not* fans of having a washing machine upstairs. We don't fortunately. It's in the basement where there's a floor drain should we be hit with a flood.

OK that was off topic for a book thread.... glad you weren't severely injured with your tumble.

70jayde1599
Mar 7, 2021, 12:05 pm

>67 Whisper1: I will have to check this book out, Linda! I am sure my little will love it.

71Whisper1
Editado: Mar 7, 2021, 3:07 pm

>68 curioussquared: I don't want to misinterpret, but I think that what Oregon did in decriminalizing drugs, is what the author, who did intensive research, and I believe that is also what he came to know. Basically, the author was saying, the war on alcohol was a failure, followed by a system that had a war with people who were deeply hurt by situations in their life, or perhaps were self medicated.

But, the answer is NOT to look people up in cells, showing them no compassion.
The model that seemed to "work" according to the author was one started as a open house/community where people could come, not to be punished, but to be helped!

The author also said something that his research showed, and that is taking marijuana did not create a need for more, higher drugs. And, in many ways, when that open house concept was in place, people got off heavy drugs. They felt impowered to not only be thankful for the chance they had, but also to care, and to help another.

72Whisper1
Editado: Mar 7, 2021, 3:16 pm

>69 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy! My grandmother had a washing machine in the basement. It was a large tub of hot water that went back and forth. When done, my grandmother had to take each peace of clothing and run in through the wooden ringer.
I remember helping her, and how we would take Saturday morning for the chores, and the afternoon was to go to the drug store for ice cream, and a coloring book.

"OK that was off topic for a book thread,/i> I've participated in this group since 2008. It really is ok to go off topic and post about our health, our families, and our opinions. I think most are very careful about opinions.

Thanks for stopping by. I like you story of putting the wash down the chute. I chuckled out loud. I thought of my sister, two years younger than I am, with a personality very different than mine. The first image I got when I heard you describe the chute was that my sister would put herself in the chute and hope it acted like a slide in the park.

73Whisper1
Mar 7, 2021, 3:20 pm

>73 Whisper1: Jess, it really does have a magical feel about it. The topiaries are completed in the night. And, like Christmas morning, the surprise is there!

74Whisper1
Editado: Mar 8, 2021, 6:48 pm

BOOK #44


The Antlered Ship
Written by Dashka Slater with incredible illustrations of The Fan Brothers

The illustrations was incredible, as all books I've read that were illustrated by the Fan Brothers are!

This book gets five stars illustrations and only a few stars for the lack of a well- written story.

An antlered ship appears in the harbor. It is rendered huge and beautiful, and the animals have unique facial expressions as though you know they are talking. Again, thanks to the incredible Fan Brothers artistry.

Before the ship appeared, Marco, the philosophical wise fox had many questions about life that he wanted answered. He sails away with deer and pigeons who don't seem to connect in any way with the questions of the fox. They simply go along for the ride. There is wind and high waves and a huge storm which they overcome.

The ending seemed to want to wrap everything up, but the lack of cohesion negated the ability to do so. Having said that, I do recommend the book. I believe this is one of the times the stunning images overcame the story.

75quondame
Editado: Mar 7, 2021, 4:45 pm

>63 Whisper1: Oh, the picture is unharmed, just not displayable. Once it's statistically safer to go out and have interactions I'll get the glass replaced in it and another long unhung picture.

76figsfromthistle
Mar 7, 2021, 9:35 pm

>67 Whisper1: Oh wow! Quite beautiful illustrations. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

77PersephonesLibrary
Mar 8, 2021, 5:57 am

>67 Whisper1: Marvellous illustrations! I haven't realized that this one is by the Fan brothers again. I really have to look up their work!

78magicians_nephew
Mar 8, 2021, 10:51 am

>64 Whisper1: There was a wonderful book a few years ago about the song "Straight Fruit" written by a white guy strange to say and of course powerfully rendered by Billie Holliday.

>66 Whisper1: The Book about the Revolutionary war days sounds like a good one. I will always remember the scene in "The Addam's Chrolocles" where John and Abigail get elected President and show up to take over the {rented} space the Washington's were living in in New York. Turns out the canny Martha had taken everything to the bare walls and they had to start over - and of course soon moved to The Executive Mansion in Washington.

Love the story about Abigail hanging her washing out in the West Wing. And Abigail DOING her own washing - not having a fleet of servants.

Thomas Jefferson believed every kid should should enjoy life liberty and so forth . . . except HIS kids by the slave Sally Hemings. Probably too much to go into in a book for younger readers.
The images from The Night Gardener are breath taking.

Thanks for the tip. Hope you (and Lily!) are feeling better

79Whisper1
Editado: Mar 11, 2021, 10:42 pm

BOOK #45


Strange But True by John Searles

When Highschool football player, and all around good guy, Ronnie, dies in a nasty car crash that occurred on the way home from the senior prom, thhe facts are that the limo driver was way above the alcohol level that was safe, all the money from law suits cannot bring him Ronnie back.

Ronnie leaves behind a community, a school, his grieving parents, his brother, and Melissa, a girl friend who, five years after the accident, is pregnant and claiming through divine intervention, Ronnie is the father.

While the plot is twisted, it is easy to follow. Ronnie's parents are divorced. His surgeon father remarried and moved to Florida. Ronnie's mother cannot help but be incredibly, darkly bitter.

Ronnie's brother is the narrator of the story, and we follow him as he leaves Radnor, PA and moves to New York City in the hope of writing a best seller book of poetry.

Melissa finds a run down cottage owned by a husband and wife who look after her. The husband become just a bit too friendly. There are three cottages. The husband and wife who own the properties live in one cottage, the other is rented to Melissa and the third, unbeknownst to others, contains the bodies of some of the husband's targets/

He previously belonged to the Radnor, PA police force, but because of a scandal regarding a young woman who claims he physically exploited her, he is asked to leave his job.. In support of him, his wife Gail who worked at the police station, leaves as well.

Various characters are in states of grief or denial. The ending is very suspenseful.

I've read three other of John Searle's books, all of which are excellent.

Four Stars

80fuzzi
Mar 9, 2021, 7:38 am

>57 Whisper1: put the laundry in a large plastic trash bag, let it drop down the stairs. Stairs have a railing for a reason, my friend, be careful!

81fuzzi
Editado: Mar 9, 2021, 7:46 am

>67 Whisper1: ow! Stop hitting me!!!! :D

ETA: wrong Touchstone on that book, might want to fix it.

82BLBera
Mar 9, 2021, 9:30 am

We love The Night Gardener here as well, Linda. Have you read The Curious Garden? That is a favorite of ours as well.

83Whisper1
Mar 11, 2021, 9:05 am

>81 fuzzi:
fuzzi I've tried t fix it, but nothing's working. I try again later today. Thanks for letting me know the correct title link isn't working.

>82 BLBera: I Beth, I haven't read The Curious Garden, but it is now on the tbr list. Thanks for this recommendation.

84karenmarie
Mar 11, 2021, 9:30 am

Hi Linda, and a very belated happy new thread.

>33 Whisper1: Whew! I’m so glad you didn’t cause any lasting damage. You’re wise to make a list of things not to do. I stupidly promised my daughter I wouldn’t go into the attic by myself – the stairs are particularly steep – and now have to keep it. I always hold the rails going up and down the stairs to the bedrooms, and am very careful around the house in general. And I always watch my feet – the kitties like galloping up and down the stairs when I’m on them.

>40 Whisper1: Glad to read that the stitches are gone and everything went well.

>67 Whisper1: I love the cats in the cat trees.

85PersephonesLibrary
Mar 11, 2021, 4:19 pm

As I am usually always coming over and only swoon about the illustrations I thought I'd stop by to wish you a lovely reading weekend with lots of amazing books (and great illustrations, of course!)!

86Whisper1
Mar 11, 2021, 10:32 pm

>84 karenmarie: Hi Karen. Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with severe degenerative disk disease. Nine surgeries later, my back from C1-T2 is totally fused, with additional help of rods.
I have a good spirit, but a day like yesterday when the spinal injection was painful and rendered me vomiting on the way home in my friend's car, I am weary of it all.
The injection was a more than usual one regarding the amount of steroid. My neighbor and friend, Cathy, found two neighbors to help me get out of her car and up the incline of my driveway to inside and into a chair where I sat for over an hour waiting for the numbing agent to wear off.

I haven't been on LT for a few days. Today, I was able to do some work around the house, and outside. My little six year old buddy visited and he put dinosaur puzzles together and chatted away.

I think your daughter's request was one of love. I know both my girls tell me that if it gets to the point I cannot highly function, my daughter and son in law who live locally will either take me to their house, or come and live here. I am not ready for that.
My other daughter who lives in Ohio has asked often if I would please come and live with her and my grandchildren in her very large (I call it, McMansion) home.

Neither option is going to happen at this time in my 68 year life. But, just as I am sure you like that your daughter cares and watches over you, we still cling to independence.

Thanks for you kind words regarding Lilly. She is nine years old, and I really want her with me for awhile yet. Shetland Sheep dogs are loving, intelligent, and very special.

I hope you have a good weekend. We are slated for 67 degree weather tomorrow. I will take Lilly for a walk, and watch my little buddy ride his new bike.

I really love my neighbors.
I very much like the image of the kitties frolicking along the steps.

87Whisper1
Mar 11, 2021, 10:34 pm

>87 Whisper1: Hi Kathy

Thanks for visiting. It always brings a smile to see a post from you. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, filled with things and people you love.

All good wishes

88Whisper1
Editado: Mar 16, 2021, 5:05 pm

BOOK #46



The Big Pets written and illustrated by Lane Smith

This is yet another illustrated book by Lane Smith. He is incredibly creative in matching the lovely images with the humorous, fun story.

There is a world where the children are small and the pets are large. Together, they find many ways to play together. The small girl rode the large cat to the mild pool, where he smiles gleefully in the milk while the large tiger-striped cat lapped at the lovely milk. Soon other night children joined in the fun.

And, another arrival of a small boy riding on the back of a very big dog as they waved en route to the bone gardens. He played while the dog gnawed on the large and small bones.

And a mile away a dozen kids or more rolled around their very large, multicolored pet snakes. A little bit away children galloped on the back of the hamsters who found they hamster holes.

There is a forest -- a large one -- with trees that the large cat can scratch her paws against the lovely wooded trees that reach high to the sky. Here there were stringy vines that little girl and big tiger cat can feel softly embraced by the greenness.

And as they rode way up high into the milky way, the stars awaited as the huge balls of yarn held fast while the children unwound large folds to keep them tethered.

This was a magical book, but I admit, not one of my favorites of Lane Smith. Still, the imaginative premise and special illustrations held my interest and it is very readable and worth of the time spent enjoying the fun.

89quondame
Editado: Mar 12, 2021, 12:26 am

>86 Whisper1: Oh that does sound like quite an ordeal. I hope your Friday is lovely.

>88 Whisper1: That sounds like a delightful expression of the huge importance of the animals in our lives and the enchantment of our lives with them.

90PersephonesLibrary
Mar 12, 2021, 2:04 am

>87 Whisper1: You, too, Linda. :)

91jessibud2
Mar 12, 2021, 7:34 am

>86 Whisper1: - {{Linda}}. I hate that you have to go through so much pain so frequently. I hope that this round of injections gives you relief for a long stretch of time. I am also happy to hear that you have such goods family, friends and neighbours. I know they mean the world to you.

92m.belljackson
Mar 12, 2021, 12:23 pm

>86 Whisper1: Hi Linda - so sorry to hear about your reaction to injection -

My daughter, with RA, had a really bad (shortness of breath, etc.)
reaction to a pneumonia shot which she needed before starting Humira.
She was taken from pharmacy to ER, given drugs, and has slowly recovered.

Her doctor has prescribed allergic medications for a COVID shot (whenever it actually happens)
Maybe these could help you in the future.

93Caroline_McElwee
Mar 12, 2021, 2:47 pm

>86 Whisper1: So sorry to hear about your injection Linda. I hope, at least, it finally afforded some relief. Glad you had good friends there to support you.

94Whisper1
Mar 13, 2021, 9:05 am

>91 jessibud2: Hi Shelley. Thanks, as always, for your kind words. My excitement yesterday was watching my six year old friend Andres, try to navigate his brand new bike with his father's assistance.

His father had a very bad accident at work, and now has bulging disks. While his employer paid his salary for a few months, suddenly, he stopped. Andres has not received income for three months. He hired a lawyer to pave the way for disability, but the progress is slow.

I watched little Andres speeding around on his tiny red bike he had since he was two. Now, his little knees stick out the side as his feet pedal along. He needed a new bike. I gave his father the money to buy one, with the statement, that it was a gift that I wanted to freely give without credit, and asked him not to tell the little guy I bought it. Somehow, that message was lost, and yesterday, two small hands knocked on the door as his body jumped up and down thanking me for the big bike he was going to obtain.

I live singly with a house that always seems to need something repaired. The little ones father has helped me tremendously over the last two years since Will died. Buying a bike was a little gesture to help a family that could not afford to buy a bike.

Today, he wants Lilly to walk along side of him as he pedals his bike. I'm not sure his experiment will work, but we will see if Lilly cooperates.

The sun is out this morning; the air is crisp, and the snow is melting. All is well!

>92 m.belljackson: I remember watching Will with compromised lungs, trying to breathe. I know the agony it brings to both the one who cannot breathe, and the ones who are trying to help.

RA is a very serious, nasty illness. I am so sorry your daughter has to live with this.

95Whisper1
Editado: Mar 14, 2021, 8:20 am

BOOK #47


Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

Told from the perspective from the very intelligent daughter who is in her sixth year of a Ph.D. program in neuroscience, this is a powerful tale.

While Giffy experiments in her lab with mice who are addicted to ensure, and sustain a might shock when their tiny pays push the level for more, more, more. Giffy is watching the mice and hoping to know the workings of the human brain that craves drugs despite the risk of overdose, a struggle she and her mother watch as her once bound-for-success basketball star brother is in the throes of a heroin addiction.

The family of four came from Ghana to the United States. When her father returns to Ghana, looking to resume the longed for the life of friendship and love they had in Ghana, Giffy and her mother are left to watch as daily Nana tries to kick his habit to no avail.

Life is difficult in the U.S. Giffy's mother finds work as a home health care worker, taking care of those at end stages of life while Giffy is consumed with trying to understand the inter workings of addiction.

Their mother is deeply religious and feels as though God will solve everything, if only she prays hard enough. Members of a conservative church in Alabama, there are no answers via the church. When Nana was a star basketball player, there were circles of church members who called him to the front so they could envelope him while praying for a win at the next game.

However, when it is known that Nana struggles with addiction, there is no envelopment, only judgement. The only people of color in an all white church, they long to belong and find solace.

When Nana is found by police, dead in a parking lot, dead of an overdose, Giffy's mother spins deep into depression. Staying in her bed day and night, she refuses to find purpose.

When Giffy is praying in a room at church, she overhears the white women basically say, that it was inevitable that Nana would die of drug overdose, after all, that is what happens to "those people of color. It is the way they live."

Struggling for answers both from God and from the mice who endlessly tap the lever delivering ensure despite the nasty shock, we are invited into Giffy's journey of pain and lack of understanding.

Superbly written, without a word wasted, this is a book worthy of many honors!

96Whisper1
Editado: Mar 16, 2021, 4:55 pm

BOOK#48


Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet

I loved this book! E.B. White wrote Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan. The author is a very talented Caldecott honor winner. This is a beautifully illustrated book of the life of the author of beloved children's books, inspired by living on a farm in Maine where he found solace and beauty.



97Whisper1
Editado: Mar 16, 2021, 5:01 pm

BOOK #49


Creation The Master Illustrator Series by Gennady Spirin

Gennady Spirin is one of my favorite illustrators. Many of his books have a beautiful religious theme, and this one is no exception.

As noted in the description of the book, "Gennady Spirin's intricate and alluring illustrations, the creation unfolds in breathtaking splendor."
Spirin lived in Russia, and now resides in Princeton, NJ. All of his beautifully illustrated books carry a magical rendering of the topic he unveils.


98Caroline_McElwee
Mar 13, 2021, 5:39 pm

>95 Whisper1: I'm going to read this one soon Linda. Glad it was a hit with you. Have you read Homegoing? I loved that novel.

99PaulCranswick
Mar 13, 2021, 9:50 pm

>95 Whisper1: I am awaiting its availability in Malaysia in paperback and very much want to read it too. I think you are right, Linda, if her other book is anything to go by she is due some major awards soon.

100PersephonesLibrary
Mar 14, 2021, 7:33 am

>95 Whisper1: ...adding to my list. :)
>96 Whisper1: I want to get that. :)

How are you feeling, Linda? Have the effects of the shot calmed down? Have a nice Sunday!

101BLBera
Mar 14, 2021, 10:16 am

Hi Linda. I also loved Transcendent Kingdom and I am adding Some Writer! to my list; it sounds lovely.

102magicians_nephew
Mar 14, 2021, 11:22 am

Heard good things about Transcendent Kingdom Thanks for reminding me of it

Knowing what a big deal having a bike is to a kid i think you did good here Linda. Your make me smile every time i visit your thread

103msf59
Mar 14, 2021, 11:29 am

Happy Sunday, Linda. I hope you are doing well. Good review of Transcendent Kingdom. It didn't work as well for me, which was surprising since I absolutely loved Homegoing.

104jessibud2
Mar 14, 2021, 11:58 am

Linda, I just went to my library's website to reserve Some Writer and there are actually 2 books by that title, both bios of EB White but by different authors. How odd. I requested both!

105SandyAMcPherson
Mar 14, 2021, 8:14 pm

>72 Whisper1: Truth to tell, I remember thinking of that and my mother *sternly* admonishing me about the very idea!

Way behind on my reading objectives this year. You are achieving great inroads on a wide-variety of genre. Well reviewed, too!

106Whisper1
Mar 14, 2021, 10:13 pm

>98 Caroline_McElwee: Hi Caroline, I haven't read Homecoming. I am on the waiting list at the library.

>99 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, so good to see a message from you!

>100 PersephonesLibrary: Hi Kathy. I went to your home page and note the lovely image of a book case with books in order by color of the binding! Thanks so much for asking if the injections have calmed the pain. I am feeling a bit better. I've accomplished some things around the house that I would not have tried when I was is such pain. Thank you for asking!

>101 BLBera: Beth, Transcendent Kingdom was a strong book that took awhile to read. I hope your weekend was good. It was sunny here. The fox is back roaming from the woods in back now down into the yards. I am not sure if he would hurt Lilly, but I don't let her outside unless I am there watching.

>102 magicians_nephew: Jim what a lovely thing to say! I'm smiling!

>103 msf59: Mark, I understand why this book might not work for many. It too a lot of time to read, and there seemed to be very scattered at time.

>104 jessibud2: Shelley, I hope you like Some Writer Roni mentioned this one, and I was glad my library had it. I read it in one sitting. It is a book I want to buy and have on a shelf on my favorite books.

>105 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy, you are always so very kind! Thank you!

107ChelleBearss
Mar 15, 2021, 9:45 am

Happy Monday! Hope you are doing well

108Whisper1
Mar 16, 2021, 12:21 pm

Hi Chelle! Thanks for your visit. I had the first injection of the Maderna vaccination. My arm is sore today, but I am fine. I hope you are well. I imagine your girls are growing so quickly. All good wishes,

109Whisper1
Editado: Mar 16, 2021, 12:54 pm

BOOK #50


The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

This book requires suspension of belief, and that is what children crave when reading magical scenarios .

Sam Beaver is eleven. Each year he and his father spend time camping in the deep woods of Maine. They fish, hike and enjoy time together.

Sam took a walk without his father, and he discovered the sheer joy of observing the habits of a male white swan, and his mate. He watched as a next was meticulously made while the father of the upcoming birth of the signets, swam back and forth, back and forth in an endeavor to protect his family.

Five tiny beautiful signets poked their heads out of their mother's feathers. One could not talk and could not make the usual sounds that echoed over the water and woods.

As Sam observed, he noted a fox attempting to kill the mother. He threw things at the fox and the mother survived.

Louis , who cold not talk, soon was a favorite of Sam. Providing a small chalk board and chalk that were around his neck. His distraught father knew the sounds that swan's make sounded like a trumpet. He flew through the glass of the music store and made away with a beautiful trumpet.

Finding his way inn the world Louis, went to school with Sam, played the trumpet in clubs where his notes mesmerized all.

Soon, Louis fell in love with another female swan.

The life of Louis was full and rich. He made enough money to repay the owner of the store for the damages and the trumpet.

While this may be a boring story for adults, it is perfect for small children.

I enjoyed the beauty of E.B. White's writing.


110curioussquared
Mar 16, 2021, 2:21 pm

>109 Whisper1: I read this one for the first time last summer, Linda, and agree with your comments. It was a little slow as an adult, but I love the images of Louis going to school and playing in clubs, and it was beautifully written.

111Whisper1
Mar 16, 2021, 2:49 pm

Hi Natalie. I agree, the images of Louis made me smile! My local library also had E.B. White, The Points of my Compass and Essays of E.B. White. I'll be reading those in the next few days.
Thanks so much for stopping by!

112Whisper1
Editado: Mar 24, 2021, 3:17 pm

BOOK #51


After The Fall How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat

This is so highly creative that I read it three times in order to allow the stunning images to sink in! Humpty Fell off a high wall, we learned that in kindergarten. In this creative spin of the story, we learn that Humpty Dumpty, while remaining incredibly afraid of heights, was cracked and that was that. But, weary of it all, he gained confidence to try to get back up high on the ledge.

Until, he overcame his severe fear of getting up and climbing back on the top of the wall! And if he sat still and didn't jump around, he could remain where he belonged -- right on top.

This is such a wonderful story for little ones who might by bullied, or fell down hard enough to hurt themselves, an later, after awhile, with fortitude, learn to overcome.



Highly creative!

113Oregonreader
Mar 16, 2021, 9:04 pm

Hi Linda, I'm so sorry I haven't been in touch for awhile. I fell outside and hit my head on a sharp rock and ended up with a mild concussion and cracked rib. I wasn't able to focus enough to read and visit here. But I am on the mend. My children want me to get a medic alert system and I've been resisting it. Frankly, it made me feel old. But I'm 77 years old and should face reality. So I'm looking for a good one.

I'm so sorry to hear of your reaction to the shot. I hope it ultimately helped to some degree. It's nice to visualize your little neighbor riding his bike around.

114fuzzi
Mar 17, 2021, 11:03 am

>112 Whisper1: owie owie owie!

>113 Oregonreader: sorry to hear about your injuries, glad you've better now.

115thornton37814
Mar 17, 2021, 6:26 pm

116LovingLit
Mar 18, 2021, 5:26 am

>66 Whisper1: I guess there's no Ringo in the history of the USA!? ha ha. A lot of those references are lost on me, but it looks like a cute book.

>112 Whisper1: and this one too! What a take on the classic Humpty Dumpty. Seems an obvious follow on story...like all the best ideas do in retrospect :)

117fuzzi
Mar 18, 2021, 8:12 am

>116 LovingLit: there was, but he wasn't a very nice person:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Ringo

Michael Biehn did an excellent job portraying Ringo in the movie Tombstone (1993).

118magicians_nephew
Mar 18, 2021, 2:01 pm

Congrats on getting your first "dose" Linda.

119johnsimpson
Mar 18, 2021, 5:40 pm

Hi Linda my dear, Congrats on getting your first vaccine shot, we both get our first shot on Sunday, yay. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

120m.belljackson
Mar 24, 2021, 2:22 pm

Linda - there's a lot of concern about you and Lilly when we don't see a post for so many days...

hope it is just a computer malfunction.

121Whisper1
Mar 24, 2021, 3:32 pm

>113 Oregonreader: Jan, I can only imagine the pain a cracked rib brings. I send prayers and all good healing wishes.

Hello to all. I hate focusing on the pain that occurred as a result of surgeries at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. The most dramatic was an osteoectomy. I have rods from C2=T2. After that surgery, I was left with continual pain.

Last week, I was in the hospital for a few days because of uncontrollable pain. Thus, no posts from me.

I'm back and reading once again.

122Whisper1
Editado: Mar 24, 2021, 5:36 pm

BOOK #52


Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Griffin with lovely illustrations by Maribel Lechuga

This is yet another illustrated book where the story and illustrations weave together to create magic.

Lilly is moving far away with her grandmother. The reason why this is occurring is not mentioned. But, when her grandmother arrives at her doorstep, she knows that Lilly is sad and confused. When I was a child, my grandmother was my rock. She always found a light in the darkness.

This book holds a special place in my heart. I also had a grandmother who knew when I was sad. And just as Lilly's grandmother found a way out of the darkness, I too was fortunate to have someone who cared and made the rain feel like sun!

As the trip progresses, to cheer her, Lilly's grandmother tells her they will find ten beautiful things as their journey continues.

I will search for more books by this author.

123jessibud2
Mar 24, 2021, 5:41 pm

Linda, I am sorry to hear that your pain levels put you in the hospital. I hope that being home now means you are feeling better.

gentle {{hugs}}

124Whisper1
Mar 24, 2021, 7:05 pm

Thank you Shelley. You are a good friend!

125Whisper1
Mar 24, 2021, 7:13 pm

BOOK #53

Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals

In 1954 The Supreme Court Ruling Brown v. Board of Education made it law that non white people were indeed equal in ability to attend public school. Melba Patillo Turned sixteen in 1957. She and eight others were the first to test the Supreme court ruling.

They did so at the very expense of their lives. When they carefully walked up the steps of Little Rock Central High School. With the assistance of military guards who were not on the side of the Lille Rock Nine, but they had a job to do.

The year began and ended in hell. Melba was taunted and called "nigger" many times every day. She was told she stank. She was spit upon. Someone threw acid at her face. There always was the threat of a rope that the students told her would fit around her neck.

All to soon the nine black students realized they truly were alone. When reports of the terror they experienced, they were told to not make a big deal of it!

Page after page, Melba tells of the daily horror. They were not wanted, and they were going to pay for their upittyness!

126Whisper1
Editado: Mar 24, 2021, 7:36 pm

BOOK #54


Abe Lincoln's Dream written and illustrated by Lane Smith

As always, the illustrations of Lane Smith are exquisite. I've read many of his books, and, I am on a quest to read all.

On a school tour of the White House in Washington, DC, Quincy wandered away from her group, and finds the ghost of Abe Lincoln. She initiated a conversation. Remembering that he liked to tell jokes, she provides a few of her own.

Weaving trivia about Lincoln's ghost haunting his bedroom, the author notes that misc. dogs of various presidents, would not go into or near that bedroom. FDR's dog Fala would not enter that room, neither did Lyndon Johnson's dog Yuki, and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel of Ronald Reagan barked like crazy when nearing the room.

As he held Quincy's hand, honest Abe flew over the "Executive Mansion," now called the White House. He asked questions an she answered. "Are the states united?" he asked, she told him yes, indeed it did work out fine. And, "how about equality of all?" "Yes. that's working out too." replied Quincy.

Filled with fun, including jokes told back and forth between Abe and Quincy, this is a creative and wonderful story.

127Whisper1
Editado: Mar 24, 2021, 8:06 pm

BOOK #55


The Greatest Dinosaur Ever written by Brenda Z. Guiberson and illustrated by Gennady Spirin

If I were a little girl or boy, I would be afraid while reading this highly detailed book of very scary and huge dinosaurs. Spirin and Guiberson devote a two-page spread to each dinosaur. The question is always "Who Was The Greatest Dinosaur That Ever Lived?" Followed by incredibly vivid detail the author tells the story of the specific dinosaur while Spirin's illustrations of each are graphic, scary and incredible!

Spirin and Guiberson are a wonderful team. It is always my hope that including the incredible artwork will entice you to read the books of this duo.

128bell7
Mar 24, 2021, 7:54 pm

Linda, I'm so sorry you've recently been in such terrible pain, and am glad you're home now and reading some excellent books. Your bicycling friend sounds absolutely charming :) I'm starting to get to know my neighbors a little as well - the woman across the street actually knows my parents (we discovered this after I moved in), and someone across the main road on the side of my house but on a different side street (I live on a corner) used to work for the same town that I do (different department/building). Small world, no?

I hope to read Transcendent Kingdom at some point, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it so much.

129Whisper1
Editado: Mar 24, 2021, 11:06 pm

>127 Whisper1: Mary, It is wonderful to slowly learn about the commonalities of your neighbors and get to know them. And, you are making amazing progress in claiming the lovely home as our own!

My bicycling friend is quite charming. He now has a helmet and training wheels on his big bike. When he is weary of riding, he pulls at his dad's shirt and brings him down to his height, then softly whispers "I want to go to Linda's house!" I laugh and off we go. I love reading to him. And, he loves to bake.

Last week, he told me we should do something cool, like filling a large bowl with water and shaking pepper into it and watching if it went to the bottom or floated. That is for another day!

Marianne (m.belljackson) sent a large box of books, mainly items regarding dinosaurs. Little Andres loved the wooden puzzles she sent. As he put the pieces back together he said "Now this is neat!" He put five together and save the sixth for another time.

Slowly, the basement is clearer, cleaner, more orderly. When checking a large crawl space, my son in low found a box of an old, old train set. Little Andres was in heaven as he took every piece of track out of the box, put them together, taking space in both my dining room and living room. Then, he wanted me to get it to work. Alas, it was too old and rusted. Still he had a blast playing with it.

Thank you for your kind words!

130thornton37814
Mar 25, 2021, 8:35 am

Glad you are back home and enjoying the solace of those beautiful picture books!

131karenmarie
Mar 25, 2021, 8:47 am

Hi Linda!

>86 Whisper1: You’ve got quite a network of people who love you and help you when you need it. Fortunately neither Bill nor I have the same kind of physical problems you have (yet?) and the minor ones we do have we rely on each other for help. Jenna’s request was definitely one of love.

Keeping your independence is a good thing. My 86-year old friend and neighbor Louise is fiercely independent. She’s slowing down though, and it’s going to be tough when she needs to ask for more help. Her daughter/son-in-law live 2 miles away and her son lives about 50 miles away, so at least she’s got family close by.

>94 Whisper1: Such a loving gift to a sweet boy. In a way it’s too bad he found out, yet his obvious joy in thanking you is wonderful.

>108 Whisper1: Congrats on getting your first dose of the Moderna. I’m all Pfizered up.

>110 curioussquared: I’ve always loved Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan equally, and have a slipcased set of all three.

>121 Whisper1: I’m so sorry about the pain and hospital visit. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

132curioussquared
Mar 25, 2021, 1:43 pm

I'm sorry to hear about your hospital visit, Linda, and glad you are home now!

133Berly
Mar 25, 2021, 3:17 pm

>95 Whisper1: Transcendent Kingdom. I have this one on my soon-to-read list and the author is talking at Literary Arts in May. So glad you liked it so much!

>112 Whisper1: After the Fall and Humpty Dumpty sound awesome. Now I just need a kiddo to read it to. LOL

>121 Whisper1: Oh no! I am so sorry. I know you deal with pain on a continual basis and you handle it so well! For you to need to go into the hospital to get relief...dang it!

>129 Whisper1: And many thanks for your lovely neighborhood kiddos and all the joy they bring you (and you them -- bikes, puzzles, trains and baking!).

Gentle hugs to you my dear friend. Be well. : )

134quondame
Mar 25, 2021, 6:55 pm

>121 Whisper1: I'm sorry to hear that you were so seriously afflicted and glad that you were able to return to your normal activities. Such lovely books.

135BLBera
Mar 25, 2021, 9:23 pm

Hi Linda: I'm so sorry to hear you were in the hospital. I hope you're feeling better. Take care.

Ten Beautiful Things sounds lovely, as does the dinosaur book.

136Whisper1
Editado: Mar 26, 2021, 10:19 am

Thanks to all. Energy is low today, another rainy one!

I'm better. I hate to dwell on this degenerative condition. Others have it much worse.

Life is good. Four beautiful grandchildren, two lovely daughters, lots of books, great neighbors, a nice home, enough food to share, a loyal dog, and wonderful friends.

137MadisonHowells
Mar 26, 2021, 9:57 am

Este utilizador foi removido como sendo spam.

138jessibud2
Mar 26, 2021, 10:35 am

>136 Whisper1: - You are an inspiration, Linda.

Rainy here today, too. Relax, be good to yourself. The rain is good for the gardens...:-)

139m.belljackson
Mar 26, 2021, 12:54 pm

>136 Whisper1:

Linda - Good you are feeling well enough to appreciate it all!

Still, it might be nice if doctors could hand out Coca Leaves or restore the original Coca-Cola,
to relieve pain as needed.

You asked about recent books - I've been keeping SUMER: THE DAWN OF ART on my couch...
after reading it for NF Challenge, it's welcome just to go back and look at all the photographs.

At two ancient 3rd-5th Millenia BC locations, Hasunna and Samsara,
the pottery is nearly identical to U.S. Southwestern pottery. An unexpected surprise.

140SandDune
Mar 26, 2021, 4:22 pm

>121 Whisper1: So sorry to hear about your hospital visit Linda!

141PersephonesLibrary
Mar 28, 2021, 1:52 pm

>121 Whisper1: Hi Linda, I am sorry to hear about the hospital stay. But I am glad you are slightly, slowly better. Take care!

When I went through your latest reads I was like - I want this, I want that. Great choices!

Have a nice, painless start of the week!

142Whisper1
Mar 28, 2021, 8:08 pm

>138 jessibud2: Thanks, as always. for your kind words Shelly!
>139 m.belljackson: HI Marianne. I remember walking through the Metropolitan Art Museum in NYC and slowly studying this art.
>140 SandDune: Thanks Rhian, hospitalizations because of uncontrollable pain rarely occur. Thanks for your kindness. I've learned to live with pain. And, I truly believe I'm ok. I own my own home, which takes a lot of work. But, I know my limits. I take projects slowly.
I hope your weekend was a good one.
>141 PersephonesLibrary: Thanks Kathy. Illustrated books tend to be pricey. I found a site titled Thriftbooks.com. I usually can find the illustrated books I like, and they are at good prices.

I hope your week is a good one. It rained steadily all day into the night. I planted marigold and zinnia seeds yesterday, so I bless today's rain.

143Whisper1
Editado: Mar 28, 2021, 8:58 pm

BOOK #56


The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion, illustrated by
The Fan Brothers

This is the true-life story of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. As a small boy, his parents spent every summer at a cottage on Stag Island in southern Ontario. Chris had a vivid imagination, but his imagination had a "dark" side.

At night the moon was bright, but the surrounding area was black, dark, and fearful. Christ built cardboard ships to take him to the moon. His play time revolved around games of flying high, high into the sky to be on the moon!

When he went into his bedroom at night, he saw creatures that were there with him. He usually ran into his parent's room and hid under their covers. His life changed when he and his family went to the family whose cottage had the only tv on the island.

The room was full of people watching the Jul 20, 1969, incredible event of Neil Armstrong stepping out of the darkness and onto the moon. As he grew older, his dream of being an astronaut became true. After graduating from military college, he bcame a fighter pilot, then a test pilot who helped make aircraft more safe.

In 1992, 23 years later from the life changing event of watching Neil Armstrong, The brand new Canadian Space Agency chose Chris Hadfield to be a major part of their plan.

Chris learned to love the darkness dark.

144jessibud2
Editado: Mar 29, 2021, 12:37 pm

>143 Whisper1: - Oh, I loved this kids' book by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. He is an amazing man, so accomplished in so much and just a very *down to earth* guy. A musician, too. I can't read the tiny print from the pic you posted but if memory serves me correctly (I read it several years ago, when it first came out), isn't it illustrated by the Fan Brothers? I remember hearing Hadfield talk about the book after it came out and he said they got it all so right, down to the tiniest details (like his childhood dog and the items in his bedroom. It's a delightful book.

145Whisper1
Editado: Mar 28, 2021, 9:00 pm

>144 jessibud2: I had to play around a bit to import the images. I think everything works now. Wow, you hears him speak? Incredible!

146jessibud2
Editado: Mar 29, 2021, 12:25 pm

>145 Whisper1: - Linda, I just did some googling and found the interview. Here it is. Sheilagh Rogers has a book program on CBC radio. I love her show and she is a great interviewer. Here she is talking to him about the book and more. Scroll down a bit to just under the pic of the book cover. It's 14 minutes long:

https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-darkest-dark-1.4060174

I also learned that the Fan Brothers live here in Toronto. If I knew that, I had forgotten.

147Whisper1
Mar 29, 2021, 10:08 am

>146 jessibud2: What a fantastic way to begin the day! Thanks so much for providing the link of Chris Hadfield and his thoughts of the book, his interactions with the Fan Brothers, and the major point Hadfield notes was his life as a child living in the fear of dark. To go on and become a pilot way out in space where the air is the darkest dark.

Thanks so much Shelley!

148Whisper1
Mar 29, 2021, 10:20 am

I feel as through I've fallen into a wonderful pool of incredible artists and writers. When both meld together, it is a wonderful journey.

I set a goal of reading all books containing the artistry of Lane Smith, The Fan Brothers, and Genady Spirin.

These artists lead to authors, thus the quest is also books written for illustrated books!

149Whisper1
Editado: Mar 29, 2021, 10:59 am

BOOK #57


Princess Hyacinth The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated
Written by Florence Parry Heide with illustrations of Lane Smith

Saddened that she cannot play with other children on the palace lawns, she realizes she is not able to walk. Instead, she floats. Unless something very strong is holding her down, she floats way, way up high.

Her parents the King and Queen had weights sewn into the hems of her gowns, diamond pebbles were sewn into the top of her socks. Her crown weighted her down from the top of her head with a crown that contains heavy jewels, and while these items kept her on the ground, they rendered her unable to move.

She floated upward in her bedroom at night where she was un incumbered.

One day she note a redheaded boy who flew a kite that he could control how high it would go. (Note that Lane Smith cleverly used topiaries from another book -- Grandpa Green

As the redheaded boy waved, Hyacinth waved again. As she drug herself through the palace, she came upon a balloon man. She asked the balloon man to tie a string around her ankle. Away she flew up, up, up where she could flip in the air, and had so much fun.

Suddenly, the boy with the kite entangled her in his string.

Hyacinth now had a friend who allowed her to fly each day, and controlled when she needed to land. They met everyday in the palace with tea and popcorn.

This is a silly book, with a story and illustrations that would make most children laugh.


150m.belljackson
Mar 29, 2021, 11:34 am

>143 Whisper1: >144 jessibud2:

The Astronomical Society of the Pacific has a Storytelling feature - I'll send them a recommendation for THE DARKEST DARK.

Their most recent book, What Miss Mitchell Saw (illustrated by Diana Sudyka)
was read to a group of kids online by the author, Hayley Barrett.
Kids followed with questions.

151Whisper1
Mar 29, 2021, 12:17 pm

Marianne, The Darkest, Dark is a story of overcoming our fears! Perhaps the Stronomical Society of the Pacific will like the book. I hope so..

152BLBera
Mar 29, 2021, 12:31 pm

The Darkest, Dark sounds wonderful, Linda. I'll add it to Scout's list.

153jessibud2
Mar 29, 2021, 12:42 pm

>147 Whisper1: - Linda, if you haven't already, click also on the shorter link beneath the interview. Chris himself talks about the book, the premise behind it, and the Fan Brothers talk about their participation, as well. Very cool.

154LizzieD
Mar 29, 2021, 1:56 pm

Dear Linda, I'm seldom here more than a few minutes at a time, but I do think about you often and remember you in my prayers.
Goodness! Falling is the big monster crouching in wait for all of us. I'm glad that your fall resulted in nothing worse, and I trust that your knee is completely healed. I do things that I know are dumb from time to time, but I do try to be sensible about what I can and can't do now. I'd love to hear that both you and Jan and Beth and anybody else who lives alone have invested in an emergency alarm system for yourselves. How old are you going to be if you fall and can't get help? My mother has one, which gives me some security when I leave her at night. (I've arranged a toilet chair beside her bed, so she doesn't have to walk to the bathroom. It's the best I can do, I think.)
Likewise, I'm sorry that the pain of the pain-reliever is so great. I hope that it gives you good results for a long, long time. You remain one of my heroes and inspirations.
I've loved whirling through your lovely illustrations. Keep reading and reporting, my friend!

155weird_O
Mar 29, 2021, 2:27 pm

Hello, Linda. I'm embarking on a grand tour of my starred threads. I want to thank you for your messages after Judi died. My daughter moved in for about six weeks, and she superintended most of the routine tasks. Now she's back in Mass. So I'm getting reorganized for my new life. Why, I'm even doing laundry. (!) Life goes on, as they say. I value your occasional visits to my thread.

Oh, and I especially hope your pain will be manageable.

156fuzzi
Mar 29, 2021, 5:33 pm

>149 Whisper1: STOP IT, NOW!!!!!

Oh, my poor book shelves...

157Whisper1
Mar 29, 2021, 9:10 pm

>155 weird_O: I think of you often Bill. How are you doing? We all grieve in various ways. My grief was primarily centered around the three months post Will's surgery when he simply could not breath. It was hell for him, and difficult for our family.

I'm not sure there is a "right" way to die. Either fast or prolonged, still we miss them.

Know that I send prayers and all good wishes every day.

158Oregonreader
Mar 30, 2021, 1:30 pm

Linda, I hope your pain has eased and, at some point, you'll see a lasting benefit of the surgery.

I just finished West with Giraffes and loved it. Thank you so much for the recommendation. It is a charming book.

159Whisper1
Mar 31, 2021, 5:37 pm

Jan, How are you feeling?

It is a rainy day. I am going to read tonight. Sadly, I haven't felt like reading in awhile.

This happens periodically. I'll snap out of it. Soon, I hope!

All good wishes!

160Oregonreader
Abr 2, 2021, 1:38 am

I'm feeling like my old self, Linda. When I don't feel like reading, I go back to some old familiar books and ease into it. For me that's Georgette Heyer and I have read her books multiple times.

Hope some sunshine is headed your way.
Este tópico foi continuado por Whisper1 Fourth thread of 2021.