fuzzi Made it To 2021...Part 2 (wow!)

It's an amazing thing...I have read 28 books and have over 200 posts in my initial thread, in early March. That's never happened before.

So, here's my SECOND 75 Book Challenge thread for 2021!

~~~

I review EVERY book I read, it’s an OCD sort of thing.

I don't "spoil" either, so read my reviews without fear!

Here's my ticker:



My Reading Register for 2021 is here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/327963#

Thanks for coming by, please leave a comment as you feel led. 😊

Happy second thread, Lor!

Happy new thread!

>2 FAMeulstee: >3 quondame: thank you!

I'm slowly reading two books right now, we'll see which one (if either) gets to be #29:

Conan of Cimmeria
These Old Shades

Happy new one!

Happy new one, Fuzzi. Great to see you reading so prodigiously and posting so frequently. xx

>5 figsfromthistle: >6 PaulCranswick: good to see you!

I've had some help with the post count from those of you who have taken the time to stop by and visit me, and comment on my reviews.

And my next book is one I just received today...and my first of the year!


#28 Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares

This book is about the origins and history of the Tomb of the Unknowns and those who guard it at Arlington National Cemetery, a place that I have had the privilege to visit. There are emotion-evoking paintings illustrating the text on every page, and I felt myself succumbing to tears as I read.

While it is a picture book, the subject matter would be understood better by those who are 8 or 9 years old and up.

Happy new thread

>9 fairywings: thank you! Glad you stopped by this morning.

Happy new thread!

Hi fuzzi, I hope your reading is keeping you in a good frame of mind.
I just started a new series, Death in Provence and it is proving mildly amusing. I saw the title on Meg's thread (Familyhistorian).

>11 CassieBash: thanks!

>12 SandyAMcPherson: that's my problem, I see books on other threads...

A bit late, but happy new thread!

Any more Hammond Innes reads planned, Fuzzi?

>14 harrygbutler: thanks for stopping by!

>15 PaulCranswick: I tentatively have Puppet on a Chain (MacLean) for this month, but my planned reads are subject to change with little notice!

#29 Martha by Gennady Spirin

Charming story about an injured crow that comes to live with the author's family. Love the detailed illustrations, too.

>16 fuzzi: I'll keep my eyes peeled then Fuzzi!

😁😁😁

>19 fuzzi: Hahaha it is a near likeness of me indeed!

Sigh, I almost lost you. Wow, I love the cover of "Martha" - and I am a big fan of crows. But if I start to buy picture books as well I will have to extend my home. :) ...I put it on my list.

>21 PersephonesLibrary: glad you found me!

"I once was lost, but now am found..." :)

See if your local public library has Martha. My copy is headed for my granddaughters!

>22 fuzzi: It would be great if LT would show new threads when the topic is continued. Or at least it would be easier for me. :) "I got you, babe"... wait no, wrong song.

Unfortunately, my library doesn't have many English picture books but I found a copy on ebay.. so maybe.

>23 PersephonesLibrary: LT has it at the top of the page:

fuzzi Made it To 2021...and Looking Forward to Another 75 Books to Read?
This topic was continued by fuzzi Made it To 2021...Part 2 (wow!).

#30 Locked Rooms by Laurie R. King

I love this book, I've read it more than once, twice, maybe even more than thrice. The author does a fantastic job of not only giving us a twisty plot, but also developing the characters even more so, beyond the previous installments of the series. I don't think there is anything I can fault in this one.

>25 fuzzi: That love of the Laurie King book and a twisty plot *and* character development. What a real hook to inveigle me into adding it to the TBR list (To Be Requested).

>23 PersephonesLibrary: If you star a thread, you will also have the continuation starred. That's how I keep track of all these serial threaders...

>26 SandyAMcPherson: hahaha! You could do worse that Locked Rooms, for sure. If you read the books in order you'll understand the characters better, but it's not necessary.

If you're not going to read them all in order from the beginning, I'd recommend:

The Beekeeper's Apprentice (#1)
A Monstrous Regiment of Women (#2)
O Jerusalem (takes place during #1)
Locked Rooms

I've reread The Moor too, and some of the others I'd like to revisit since I read them ten or more years ago. I recall The Game was very involving, couldn't put it down.

I want/need to reread O Jerusalem again, that one made me cry at times, but in a good way.

Laurie R. King's later installments in the series aren't as good as the earlier books, but still better than most mysteries that I've read. I love Russell and Holmes, and their repartee.

Regarding Sherlock Holmes: I read a couple of the original Doyle stories in my youth, wasn't impressed. However, I fell in love with Jeremy Brett's interpretation of Holmes in the television series of the 1980s, and he's the face I see as I read King's books.

And I since have gone back and read all the Holmes books after reading Laurie R. King's pastiche, and found she did an excellent job of fleshing out what was a somewhat two dimensional character, while being kind to the original.




Jeremy Brett

>25 fuzzi: I eventually want to read this series and give it a try. My older sister has book 1 and she really enjoyed it; like you, she doesn't care much for the original stories by Doyle, but does appreciate the derivative works. I suggest, if you would like a more steampunk fantasy approach to this world, to give The Clockwork Scarab a try; a team-up of Sherlock Holmes's niece and Bram Stoker's sister. Fair warning--it's book one of a series, lol!

>30 CassieBash: thanks for the recommendation. I've not been enamored of steampunk, but I'm sure some in that genre are good reads.

The Holmes pastiche by Nancy Springer seems to be pretty good, at least the first book The Case of the Missing Marquess. I'm familiar with the author, having read some of her books back in the late 1970s.

>28 fuzzi: This so helpful. Thanks fuzzi. I copied your whole post to my TBR series info.

Edited to ask:
What is the difference, chronological order versus Book 1, Book 2 etc. order?

Actually, there are three orders. Book 1, Book 2, etc is often but not always publishing order - the order the books were put out/written. Chronological order is internal universe order - so if someone writes a book that (like O Jerusalem) happens before, or during, a previously published book, chronological order differs from publishing order. And sometimes an author has a preferred order for books which is neither publishing order nor chronological (though that's rare, and usually involves overlapping books/timelines).

Chronological order is, in my opinion, the richest way to read - but if the author is still writing, it's often not possible because they write a book late that fits chronologically very early (prequel).

C.S. Lewis is another example of publishing v. chronological; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was first to be published BUT if you want to read them chronologically, The Magician's Nephew, published 5 years after "Lion", should come first as it sets up the creation of the world of Narnia. And of course Anne McCaffrey's Pern series jumps all over the timeline if you look at publication date.

I usually try to read chronologically if the author doesn't set a particular order, whenever possible.

>32 SandyAMcPherson: glad to be of assistance!

Most of the Russell/Holmes books were written in chronological order, with the exception of O Jerusalem. It takes place at a point during The Beekeeper's Apprentice where the trip to Jerusalem was not fully described. I'm tempted to say that O Jerusalem is my favorite in the series...but read The Beekeeper's Apprentice first.

>34 CassieBash: I originally read the Narnia books out of order due to a lack of availability in our local library, but upon rereads I always go by the published order. :)

This publishing v. chronological order discussion is very enlightening.
The situation (for me) generally arises with fantasy series.

One of my favourite authors is Sharon Shinn. I have the Samaria series but the author suggested (on her website) that chronologically, a reader might prefer to read the titles out of publishing order.

I agree fully and rather than the order by date, I was glad I read the books in this order:
Archangel (1996)
Jovah's Angel (1997)
Angelica (2003)
Angel-Seeker (2004)
The Alleluia Files (1998)

The plot reveals in the 1998 book would have somewhat spoiled the rest of the series suspense and mystery. In fact 10-years later, I re-read the series even more out of sync (1996, 2003, 1997, 2004, 1998) and liked that a lot, too. I was surprised how much I'd forgotten in the stories. It was a great escape at the time.

#31 Guns of the Timberlands by Louis L'Amour

A stranger arrives in a small western town with a score of lumberjacks on payroll and the intent to cut down a growth of virgin timber before the government can stop him.

While a little slow to start, I felt this is one of the author's better stories.

>27 jjmcgaffey: Thank you. I realized that later. :) I haven't worked with stars but rather with booking the threads by commenting them. But I see now that this was a mistake.

>29 fuzzi: I haven't really dug into Sherlock... can't really say way. One day I'll manage to read them for sure.

#32 Up Periscope by Robb White

Wow. Described as a young adult book, this adventure story read more like a Hammond Innes or Alistair MacLean tale. Good plot, enough suspense to keep the pages turning, and just the right amount of details to make it plausible. I'm looking for more works by this author.

>39 fuzzi: I like the cover design a lot, Fuzzi! Though I don't happen to read a lot about warfare. War - yes, people in war - yes, but not warfare.

Apologies for changing the subject, but as promised (some time ago), new She-Shed photos, taken during the day this time. Oh, and some interior shots. Pardon the mess--it's still functioning solely as winter storage right now.

From the southwest. The railing is to help mom balance, especially since there is a small step down.



From the south. It's even labeled as a she-shed! Shout-out thanks to Dad for making the sign and the stained glass window insets in the door.



Interior shots. Mostly storage, though the Christmas stuff will be moved out in due time. It lives elsewhere, but it was handy to stick it in the shed while we worked on cleaning up ice storm debris.

>39 fuzzi: I remember reading that story!
I had the book on my shelves (as an adult) for years and years. It was a big favourite. I think I was still in my teen-Tom-Boy stage and it was a great story.
I completely agree, fuzzi, it *is* like a Hammond Innes-style adventure.
The book disappeared into a donation box (along with many, many others) when we had an inter-provincial move.

>41 CassieBash: I am entirely envious of this space. I've been campaigning for a rebuilt "potting" shed with windows, for years. I would be unlikely to sew there, but I'd love a well-lit place in the spring to start plants for the garden because we have such unpredictable spring frosts.

>41 CassieBash: ooh, pretty!

You can share your she shed and critter pictures here, or link us to your thread if you'd rather. :)

>42 SandyAMcPherson: it was a nice surprise, I didn't expect it to be that good.

I have been looking for other books by Robb White, but they're rare or a bit expensive ($15 for a paperback in "acceptable" condition???) except for one reprint from a few years ago. This particular copy I found in a local thrift store...guess a return trip soon is warranted!

>43 fuzzi: With mom's health and the transition at work--Ancilla College is merging with Marian University of Indianapolis--I haven't had time to do my own thread except for the 75 and occasionally my cat's thread.

Thrift store finds are the best, right up there with used bookstore finds! :)

#33 Native Dancer: Thoroughbred Legends by Eva Jolene Boyd

A well-written biography of a thoroughbred champion, whose many descendants continue to exhibit the winning traits they inherited from the original Gray Ghost, Native Dancer.

Note: if you're interested in a little bio of Native Dancer and his progeny, this one is pretty good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE6OlhxumUs

>39 fuzzi: I have Up Periscope - not sure I've read it - and another by him I'm not sure I've read (and can't remember the name at the moment). I also have The Lion's Paw which is _fantastic_, and a many-times-reread for me...and I haven't read it in years and should do so. That one's not warfare, it's a couple youngsters looking for a particular sea shell, and sailing in a small ship to find it. Pacific islands, I think, though it _might_ be set in the Caribbean - warm water and lots of islands, anyway. Yes, clearly time for a reread, I can't remember all the details!

>46 jjmcgaffey: hold on to your copies, they're expensive on eBay and elsewhere. I was able to find a copy of Torpedo Run for less than $10, but Lion's Paw was over $20, so I decided to not buy it. I don't usually spend that much for a book I'm not sure I'll keep, or even like!

Happy New Thread, fuzzi.

We used to love those Laurie King pastiches of Sherlock with Mary Russell, but fell off the bandwagon after a half dozen or so of them. We were following the lead of our Holmesian daughter, and she grew disenchanted at some point.

>48 jnwelch: thanks.

Your point is understood. Locked Rooms was SO GOOD, then came the letdown. The hive/bees books were not my favorites, and Pirate King was meh, but I really liked Garment of Shadows, thought the author had gotten back on track with that one. Dreaming Spies was pretty good, too. I'm two books behind at this point, but have Riviera Gold on reserve at the library.

>47 fuzzi: Torpedo Run is the other one I have. Yeah, I'll hang on to them, and keep an eye out for more - thank you for reminding me of Robb!

Interesting comments about the Laurie R. King books - I've never fallen for any version of Holmes in books or movies/tv, but there's always the possibility!

I dislike (the original) Holmes, and have avoided most of the versions of him. I find several of the Laurie Kings quite good. It is a very different depiction of Holmes, on many levels.

>51 ursula: check out my reviews of the Laurie King books, there are NO spoilers in any of my reviews.

If you want to try the series, I recommend starting with the first, Beekeeper's Apprentice, which I have reread several times. I've also bought used copies and passed them on to friends to "try", I like it that much.

ETA: here's my review:

This has been and remains one of my favorite reads. I have perused Sherlock Holmes stories in the past, and was unimpressed, but Laurie R King takes the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle character and adds dimension, breathes life into a well known detective. She also adds a foil for Holmes, a young girl, orphaned, but independent, a teen with similar wit and mental ability to challenge the great detective to leave retirement in order to apprentice her.

Sounds silly, unrealistic, contrived? Doesn't matter, because it works. And for the hours it takes to finish the book, I am there with the unlikely pair, seeing their faults and strengths, learning to love them for who they are.

Highly recommended.

>53 fuzzi: I'm familiar with the conceit... the series was very popular back when I used to work in bookstores. But I do appreciate your thoughts on the first one!

Hi Fuzzi, just dropping by to see what's new here.
I'm an outlier and didn't finish Beekeeper's Apprentice. I think it was a case of "a book to try another time".

I recently found a copy of Bob in the used books store. I think I wanted that title from something you wrote last year, is that right? I didn't start it yet. Nor did I note where I got the idea...

>55 SandyAMcPherson: not every book is right for every time. There are books I've started, stopped, put down, then when I picked them up again I said "Why did I put this down????"

Bob isn't familiar to me, at least not with that Touchstone.

>54 ursula: you're welcome. :)

#34 The Greyhound by Helen Griffiths

Jamie wants a dog, but his mother says no, there's not enough room or money at home. When a dog he's befriended is suddenly for sale, a classmate lends the money to Jamie, but at a price. Is all the deception and trouble to keep Silver worth it?

Good story, showing how breaking one rule can lead to bigger troubles, but the author conveys the moral without being preachy.

>56 fuzzi: Touchstone is correct... Maybe I noted the author as one you like?
Now I'm curious whose thread I saw this book mentioned.
I didn't find any notes in my LT folder about where the I saw the comments.

I'm reading really slowly these days and still on The Way of All Flesh. I can only take a couple chapters at a time. Not that light a read, but the plot is keeping me engaged.

>58 SandyAMcPherson: I've not even heard of the author, sorry. I don't think it was mentioned on one of my threads, either, hmm.

When I get hit with a book bullet and add it to my Recommended to Me category, I usually remember to put who recommended it to me in the Comments section. Then I can go back and say "Sandy! I finally read the book you recommended!" :)

>55 SandyAMcPherson: Me, I reviewed it back in 2018.

>61 quondame: DING DING DING!!! We have a winner!!!

Happy Friday!

#35 The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame and Ernest H. Shepherd

Whimsical story of a dragon who isn't interested in fighting, even when the infamous St George arrives to remove "the scourge". Adults will appreciate the subtle humor.

#36 Margaret Pumphrey's Pilgrim Stories by Elvajean Hall and Margaret Pumphrey

This was an old favorite from my childhood, so when I recently saw a copy on the shelves at a thrift store, I immediately snagged it. I completed my reread, and I was not disappointed, feeling it held up well as an adult read.

The authors tell the story of a group of English who wish to worship God as they believe, not be forced into a "state" church, and suffer persecution including imprisonment for it. Their journeys are told in a fictionalized account based upon actual records, and in a young adult friendly manner: deaths are mentioned, and there are some accounts of skirmishes, but nothing graphic.

It's well-written and worth a read by anyone interested in a fuller account of the Pilgrims, the kinder, gentler and Native American friendly settlers who are not to be confused with the Puritans, those of The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible fame.

#37 Horse of Two Colors by Glenn Balch

Two young captives escape their Spanish masters, each taking a horse as they flee on foot. One of the horses is a prized stallion, a horse of two colors, sporting dark spots on its rump. But the youths know well that they are in danger, pursued by vengeful men. Can they make their way home safely ahead of angry soldiers and through the territory of enemy tribes?

This is an engaging story with minimal violence, appropriate for pre-teens and up.

I have been working and then visiting my parents but I am home and settled and visiting threads to say hello!

So...hello!

>66 witchyrichy: hello! Glad you stopped by.

What is your current read?

#38 Tracker by Gary Paulsen

John is 13, raised by his grandparents since he was orphaned. But now his grandfather is dying. John is struggling with the unfairness of it all when a beautiful doe seems to beckon him to follow her.

Intriguing look at how a family faces impending death, and not depressing at all.

#39 Tiltawhirl John by Gary Paulsen

Short coming-of-age story, told from the perspective of a 16 year old runaway who winds up working as a carnie. There are some touching moments as well that made the characters more human than caricature.

>61 quondame: Oh thanks, Susan!
I was just new to LT and still learning about the conventions and features.

I didn't start looking at the Talk threads until someone mentioned on my then-2019 profile that I'd probably enjoy the 75-book challenge threads/group. That was Lucy, in case you wondered.

Anyway, I have some titles to catalogue and Bob is one of them.
I should read it RSN, since it is a juvie book so I can review it while it is topical.

Fuzzi, Horse of Two Colors looks to be a good story. Christmas Horse was recommended to me last year when I was looking for an engaging book for my grandson. I think that might be when Susan suggested Bob.

>70 SandyAMcPherson: I probably mentioned Christmas Horse, though any of the Tack Ranch books are entertaining.

As I read Horse of Two Colors I kept thinking the characters were familiar...and then realized that Spotted Horse was what happened prior to HOTC. I created a series here on LT to clarify the connection.

>71 fuzzi: Series lists are so helpful. Thanks!

A page of series titles easily clarifies what titles are connected and how they are ordered. When I jump in to the middle of a series, (unknowingly) to read a book review, then see it is "part of a series", it is such a help sorting out the sequences. I especially like the clarity between publication and the titles ordered as an actual chronology, which makes more sense (or more of a satisfying progression).

>72 SandyAMcPherson: you're so welcome!

It also helps when a series is listed in correct order. It aggravates me to no end when the publisher has the books improperly sequenced.

#40 The Story of Rose by Jon Katz

Jon Katz has written many books about his life and animals on Bedlam Farm, but this book is all about Rose, his partner during the early years of Katz' journey of discovery. I loved reading about her management of all things within the farm's boundaries.

#41 The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars

Sara is restless, unhappy with her life, angry at the world. Her older sister is beautiful and has a boyfriend, and her younger brother Charlie is a burden, a pest. He hasn't spoken since he had a high fever six years ago. When Charlie wanders away overnight Sara's priorities change, and she discovers friendship in those she considered enemies. Realistic, not overly-whiny as some teen stories tend to be, recommended.

#42 The Moved-Outers by Florence Crannell Means

A gripping tale of Japanese-Americans forced to leave their lives and their homes, sent to internment camps after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. While most are discouraged about their current situation, some exhibit perseverance and hope for the future.

The plot is handled skillfully, never becoming melodramatic, always keeping the characters fresh and real.

>76 fuzzi: Stories related to the Japanese internment camps always distress me so much. Your review sounds very thoughtful.

You've so many vintage books, fuzzi. It's a treat to visit and enjoy the historical covers. Are these all in your personal collection, if I may ask? I'm admiring such a big selection. Maybe with some envy, hey? because my tidy-up Mother gave away so many of our childhood books to other families, thinking we'd out-grown them.

>77 SandyAMcPherson: thank you. This was my first read about the internment camps. I found it thoughtful, and am glad that my review reflected that.

I'm also glad you enjoy the thread! Most of the books I read are in my personal library, very few are ebooks. I find my books at thrift stores, library sales, and at our local used book store, but if there's a particular book I want to read I usually can find it on eBay or through bookfinder.com.

And the covers I use all match the books I read.

We moved a lot while I was a child, so I only kept my absolute favorite books. Unfortunately I lost most of those to mold, stored in a damp basement. Since then I've been attempting to find and replace them, within my budget!

ETA: last year I decided to read Newbery medal and honor books I'd missed, so the selection of my reads probably reflects that. If you've not yet discovered it, here is my Newbery challenge thread:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/316991#7074730

After I read and review each book, I either return it to the used book store for credit, save it for my granddaughters, or keep it for a future reread...

>78 fuzzi: For another book on the internment camps, I recommend the YA book Weedflower, which also goes into a little bit about not just how Japanese Americans were treated unfairly during this time, but also the Native Americans on the reservations, which we often don't think of in connection with WWII.

>78 fuzzi: Oooh! Fuzzi, thanks for the Newbery challenge thread link. I am going over and mooch around, for sure.

>80 SandyAMcPherson: yippee!

Let me know if you start your own thread.

I think the only book I've read about Japanese internment camps was When the Emperor Was Divine. I was out of California during the years everyone had to read Farewell to Manzanar in school.

>82 ursula: I've not read either of those, though the Farewell to Manzanar title is familiar.

Thanks for stopping by!

I've been reading the same book for a week. Some nights I am too tired to read more than a chapter, but the book is quite good and will be finished hopefully by the weekend: Riviera Gold by Laurie R. King.

>84 fuzzi: I'm the same way at night right now, too. Granted, I got the "one and done" vaccine on Monday and it wiped me out, but even so I can only manage a few pages it seems before having to call it a night.

>85 CassieBash: I'm busy with being a caregiver (part-time) to both my father and my husband, who recently went on disability.

I'm not an "anti-vaxxer" by any means, but I'm not taking the shot. I've read too many medical journals and have too many allergies to do so.

>86 fuzzi: Allergens are a good reason to avoid it. Normally I even pass on flu shots but our oncologist and pulmonologist (and our GP) really want my sisters and I to do them next year, staggered, so we don't bring home anything to mom. I'm guessing that the pandemic is bad enough that the vaccine may be mandatory for students, faculty, and staff (with some exceptions for those in your situation where getting the vaccine may be a risk) by fall, so I've already got it out of the way.
I got the Johnson & Johnson because too many people I knew either had bad reactions or had families/friends who had with the other 2. I do know a couple who didn't have serious reactions but too many horror stories of the other two made me wary. Plus I don't like needles so if I'm going to get one, I'm--you know--going to get one. Everything I read suggested that J&J's vaccine had fewer serious reactions (I can handle a few days of flu-like symptoms and a sore arm), it fit my tightly scheduled, very-little-free-time lifestyle, and I only had to get one hole in my arm instead of two.

Now I understand they're working on different delivery modes, including a pill that's gone into clinical trials. I'll take a pill over a needle any day.

>87 CassieBash: the problem with making the Covid shot (not technically a "vaccine") mandatory, is it contradicts the CDC's own policies. Since it is not an approved vaccination, it cannot be mandated to the general population, as it is considered a trial or experimental treatment. Making experimental treatments mandatory is also prohibited as per the Nuremberg Code.

There are some concerning studies of what happens six months down the road when whose given the shot then are exposed to wild variants, mutated viruses. In animal studies it was lethal to most of the test subjects, with many of them sustaining liver damage.

So since I'm in the 99.7% survival group, and I have many allergies including one to the MMR vaccine, I'm going to pass.

>88 fuzzi: There are already campuses requiring proof of immunization for fall (they are taking into consideration health issues such as your reactions to MMR vaccine and making exceptions, but I can't claim that). Of course, there's also litigation. I haven't heard of these studies; can you cite one or two for me? I'd love to read one.

>89 CassieBash: I've a lot of them saved to my computer, on my phone right now.

The Covid shot is an experimental treatment, not approved yet, so by the CDC and Nuremberg it can't be mandatory. Period.

Here's a short list:

The Truth About Covid 19 Vaccination:
https://lbry.tv/@Arkeadius:a/nwnw20210114:c

Human Guinea Pig Vaccine
https://coronanews123.wordpress.com/2021/02/19/when-the-human-guinea-pig-vaccine...

Dr. Simon Cole About Vaccines
https://youtu.be/oA-fTaGadyc

Masks Don't Work
https://fee.org/articles/texas-has-fewer-covid-cases-than-michigan-despite-nearl...

Vaccination Dangers
https://doctors4covidethics.medium.com/

There's a ton of information out there, and much of it backed by scientific articles. I suggest you start with these and let your internet search engine lead you further. I also recommend you use DuckDuckGo as a search engine as they don't censor results as much as Google does.



And from the CDC website:



I'm fairly busy with Real Life right now or I'd dig up more for you. But if I could find them with my phone while waiting in doctors' offices, you can too!

#43 Riviera Gold by Laurie R. King

Extremely satisfying entry in a series that seldom fails to delight me. The mystery was not simple, the guilty were not obviously so, and the methods of investigation weren't preposterous or far-fetched. Enjoy.

#44 Alida's Song by Gary Paulsen

A young teen receives an invitation from his grandmother to spend the summer working on a farm where she is employed as a cook. It turns out to be a turning point in his troubled life. And it made me smile, well done.

#45 #46 Just Grandma, Grandpa, and Me by Mercer Mayer

A two in one edition of Just Grandma and Me including Just Grandpa and Me, both amusing reads. The storylines are simple enough: going to the beach with Grandma, and going to the city with Grandpa. And the pictures are delightful, too.

#47 The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer (Newbery Honor 1952)

Ronnie's uncle was a lighthouse keeper for many years, so when the current keeper comes to Aunt Martha with a request for her to watch the lighthouse for just a couple weeks, he's happy to go along. But his feelings change when transportation fails to return on the appointed day, or after, and they are marooned on the lighthouse rock.

Good story with emotional depth.

#48 The Quilt by Gary Paulsen

During World War II a young boy lives for a time with his grandmother in northern Minnesota. Most of the narrative takes place on a farm, where the boy learns about animals, chores, and experiences new life as well as loss. Very touching.

>96 fuzzi: That looks like one I'd really enjoy. I'm ordering my own copy!

>97 thornton37814: woo!

BTW, you don't have to read the first two books in the series, but you might want to. The Cookcamp is about "the boy" (Paulsen) going to stay with his grandmother for the first time, about age 5. The second book Alida's Song is about him visiting her when he is 14, and then this one goes back to when he is 6.

They're all good, and I hope you enjoy them as much if not more than I have.

#49 Warden Force: Masters of Destruction and Other True Game Warden Adventures by Terry Hodges - (Early Reviewer)

This book contains a series of stories about the experiences of game wardens, based upon true events. I enjoyed it quite a bit; it reminded me of the old Cops television show.

>98 fuzzi: I found the first two in Overdrive/Libby, so I'll try to read them in order.

>100 thornton37814: great! Hoping you enjoy them as much as I did.

#50 Buckskin Run by Louis L'Amour

I feel that Louis L'Amour excels in the short story format, and this collection is a good example of entertaining and interesting stories set in the 1800's American west. I especially enjoyed Jackson of Horntown and Down the Pogonip Trail, and one other story in which the ending surprised me. Recommended.

This was a favorite of my children's, so I searched until I found a copy online. And of course I just HAD to read it once again...


#51 The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Ellen Rudin

A delightful retelling of an old tale, and the illustrations are wonderful, too!

Off to the grands it goes!

#52 Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells

A short story that continues the narrative from Exit Strategy and reveals a little more about how Murderbot thinks. I love the humor that subtly bubbles to the surface throughout this book.

>103 fuzzi: My childhood edition of that was wider than it was tall and was a paperback. I'm pretty sure it's one we ordered when I was in Kindergarten from the book fair papers we used to take home. I'd get to pick one book each time. I was always jealous of the kids whose parents let them choose more than one.

>105 thornton37814: the one I found on eBay was a "hardback", and appeared to be the same edition my children had 30+ years ago.

I couldn't resist reading it myself using the wee and middle and big voices I used to use when I read aloud to them!

And using the "growly" voice of the troll, too!

>105 thornton37814: I remember that same feeling when it came to those Scholastic book orders; it was a treat when mom and dad let us place an order--but what a treat!

>106 fuzzi: Well, of course you have to do the voices--that's a given! :)

>107 CassieBash: I hope to be able to read it to my girls the next time we visit, tentatively planned for July!

#53 Westward the Tide by Louis L'Amour

Fairly standard yet entertaining story of a wagon train headed for destruction.

#54 The Adventures of Maya the Bee by Waldemar Bonsels

Vintage yet enjoyable story of a bee who decides to explore instead of work gathering nectar. Maya's defection results in a number of adventures, both good and bad. Not for the youngest reader due to some depictions of death, as is common in the natural world.

Hi Fuzzi.

I added #28 Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares
to my tbr book. It sounds fascinating. Your review is great!

I've also added The Quilt by Gary Paulsen And Riviera Gold by Laurie R. King.

I've added three book bullets in a few minutes.

>111 Whisper1: yippee! Or should I say "sorry..."? :D

#55 Brian's Hunt by Gary Paulsen

It's early autumn, and Brian is canoeing his way north to visit with friends when he makes a horrifying discovery, leading to a resolution that could cost him his life.

This is a worthy and suspenseful addition to the Hatchet series.

#56 Last Stand at Papago Wells by Louis L'Amour

A renegade group of Apaches are on the warpath, killing as they go. Meanwhile strangers converge at the only water hole for miles, hoping their numbers will hold off the attacks until help arrives...but will it?

A bit slow starting, but a solid middle and ending to this tale.

#57 White Water Still Water by J. Allan Bosworth

An engaging story of an ill-prepared teen who finds himself in the wilderness with no skills to survive except for what he's read in adventure books. It's not a typical survival story and I appreciated the author's balance between a slightly whiny kid and the emerging adult. Nicely done.

#58 Flight of the White Wolf by Mel Ellis

A pet wolf has killed a valuable show dog, so now posses are scouring wooded areas nearby to execute the animal in the name of justice. A young teen decides to lead his pet deeper into the Wisconsin wilderness where the vigilantes cannot locate him.

Another boy in the wilderness type of story but without as much emphasis on survival techniques. There is some violence and blood but it is not described in a graphic manner, so this should be okay for pre-teens and up. Overall a good read, a "gotta find out what happens" page-turner for me.

I detect a pattern here...

Yes, you do seem to be on the survival adventure kick, huh? :)

#59 How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay

A nicely illustrated but surreal book about making a bird from bits and pieces of bones, feathers, and sea shells. It was too strange and weird for my tastes, and I didn't enjoy it on the second read either.

Three stars for illustrations, two for storyline.

Anyone else hesitate to continue a series when there are only one or two more books and the author has passed on?

I can't be the only one who does that.

I've really enjoyed Stuart Kaminsky's Rostnikov mysteries, and have dragged my feet in picking up the next one in the queue: Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express. I started it a couple days ago, am halfway through and thoroughly enjoying it (as I thought I would).

I've a few Brother Cadfael's still unread, too...

>120 fuzzi: Ah, yes, it's like the end of an era and you want to savor it for as long as you can. I get it. :)

>120 fuzzi: Fuzzi, this reluctance to finish a series troubles me. Do not take counsel of your fears; finishing a series only means that there are other series yet to be discovered and enjoyed.

But they won't be the same series, will they? When I finished reading Allen Drury's "Advise and Consent" series as a teenager, I was devastated: whenever one of those books came out, I literally couldn't sleep until I'd finished it. He surprised me, later, by writing a few more books that were related, and were a delight, but eventually the well dried up. To a lesser degree, as an adult, I've been transfixed by some of Harry Turtledove's series.

On the other hand, some series are torture, and we only read them (admit it!) out of a sense of obligation. I struggled through the first two books of C.S. Lewis' "space trilogy," enjoying them not at all, only to be surprised by the final volume, which is now one of my favorite books.

You never can tell. No, let me rephrase: You can't always tell. If I had read "Fifty Shades of Grey" (which I didn't, thank God), I would have known that I didn't want to read any sequels. To do so would have been a kind of masochism that the author would have appreciated.

>121 CassieBash: yippee!

>122 WilliamMelden: hello friend, glad you made it over to my little thread!

I recall reading the space trilogy by Lewis, about 20 years ago...but can't remember anything about it. You can take that as good or not-so-good.

#60 The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

The discussions between the characters remind me of Winnie the Pooh books. The ink illustrations are lovely, worth at least 4 stars, but the handwriting made the text difficult to read. Still worth a look.

#61 Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express by Stuart Kaminsky

Inspector Rostnikov is sent on a mission which involves following a suspect on the famous Trans-Siberian express, but he is not expected to return. Sasha Tkach is trying to keep on the straight and narrow while Karpo seems to have a death wish. And in the meanwhile Elena Timofeyeva and her fiance Iosef try to prevent another murder in the subway system.

Not as much a mystery as a solid story about the post-Soviet society. Good entry in the series.

#62 The Foxman by Gary Paulsen

A young teen, transplanted from the city to the northern woods of Minnesota, discovers an old man living by himself, and a friendship between the two develops.

This one is special, recommended.

>126 fuzzi: I think we've been in this pandemic too long; the shadowy man in the background seems to be wearing a mask, and even though there are at least a dozen different reasons he could be wearing a mask, the first thing I link that to is of course the pandemic, lol!

>127 CassieBash: yes, he is wearing a mask, but not due to disease but disfigurement. That won't spoil the story.

#63 The Potter's Field by Ellis Peters

The remains of a woman are uncovered as an unused field is being plowed. Was she the estranged wife of a man who recently took vows to become a monk? The weave is tangled in this one, indeed, and I wasn't sure whodunit until the end, when I discovered how wrong I was. Good twisty mystery.

>129 fuzzi: Every time someone posts one of the Cadfael mysteries I say I need to get back to my re-read/read of them. I read many in the 1980s, but I didn't remember which ones. I usually remember some of them by their plot as I begin reading them, but I'm trying to do the series in order. I'm just not very far along because other books call!

>130 thornton37814: I'm on my first read of all the Cadfael books, reading one every two or three months as I'm getting close to the end...

Stopping by to say hello...have been AWOL from LT lately. I started the Cadfael series and plan to continue it. Hope all is well.

>132 witchyrichy: thanks for stopping by!

I have two mystery series that I am working through, slowly: Cadfael and Stuart Kaminsky's Rostnikov stories. I only have two or three books left to read in each series, so I am dragging them out. I don't want them to end...

Comfort reread last night...


#64 Christmas Horse by Glenn Balch

Ben and his family live on a ranch in Idaho, where they breed and raise horses and cattle. It's the only life he has known, but now that he's 14 he has to go to school in Boise, several hours' drive from home.

When he goes home in December, his Christmas present is a 'green broke' horse he had his eye on, to train as his own cow horse. But in a week he has to go back to Boise? How can he train his horse, "Inky", while at school?

Ben does some growing up in this book as he works hard to balance school and the challenge of finding time and money to take care of his horse.

This book is suitable for either adults or juveniles. I read it when I was about 12, but it was just as good as a reread, some 45 years later.

#65 The Pinballs by Betsy Byars

Three children arrive at a foster home on the same day, angry, disappointed, and scared. How they learn to cope with their family issues and each other isn't portrayed in a contrived manner, but more realistic...with a touch of hope. Satisfying read, wish it were longer.

#66 Annie and the Wild Animals by Jan Brett

The story is cute, the illustrations are the best!

Just stopping by to catch up, Fuzzi and see if Hammond Innes was close to your reading pile again. I will read The Wreck of the Mary Deare next month I think.

>137 PaulCranswick: thanks for stopping by! I've been sick and recovering since June 5th. I've had NO interest in reading until a couple days ago.

I would LOVE to share a Hammond Innes read with you, stay in touch!

Hope you’re feeling better.

Hope you’re feeling better, fuzzi.

Finally, I finished my FIRST book of June...


#67 Venetia by Georgette Heyer

Venetia is 25, unmarried, and happy to be running her elder brother's household in absence of a husband, content to be a spinster rather than to be married to someone she doesn't love. And then she runs into a long absent owner of a nearby manor, a rake who is a love-em-and-leave'em type of man.

I enjoyed Venetia, though it seemed a bit overlong.

Standard good read by Heyer, just not her best.

>140 CassieBash: thank you, friend! I'm not the only one here who picked up some sort of virus. I'm better, back at work, I just tire easily.

Glad to hear you’re better. I’m tiring easily too but my problem is extreme heat and humidity.

#68 Art & Max by David Wiesner

What a delightful feast for the eye and funny bone! This one is headed for my grandchildren's bookshelves.

>144 fuzzi: Book bullet! I've got it requested at my library! Thanks!

Karen O.

>145 klobrien2: blame Whisper1, she shot me first!

>144 fuzzi: Weisner is always awesome. :)

#69 The Summer of the Danes by Ellis Peters

Brothers Cadfael and Mark head into Wales on a diplomatic mission that escalates into conflict between Welsh royalty and Danish invaders. Not so much a mystery as an interesting story about 12th Century politics and relationships.

Hello! Happy Saturday!

I love coming to see what you are reading. I have not read any Heyer: what would you suggest for the best first read?

>149 witchyrichy: I really enjoyed Frederica and Sylvester. Either of those would probably be a good way to start Heyer.

>149 witchyrichy: >150 fuzzi: I like those two too. The Unknown Ajax and The Toll-Gate are my favorites.

Yippee, I finished my first book for July!


#70 Castle Shade by Laurie R. King (release date 6/8/21)

Slow to start but another enjoyable entry into the Russell/Holmes series.

#71 They Looked for a City by Lydia Buksbazen

This is the story of a family of Russian Messianic Jews and how their faith sustains them through trials in the early to mid Twentieth century. This read was interesting, engaging, but not too preachy.

#72 Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer

Lucinda is a different child, not conforming to certain "standards" her parents and Aunt Emily think she should. While her parents are away for a year Lucinda stays with less restrictive guardians and discovers that life offers good and bad, happy and sad experiences that will guide and mold her into adulthood. Worthy of the Newberry medal it won.

#73 Hondo by Louis L'Amour

Hondo is a loner, a dispatch rider for the Army, avoiding warring Apaches through his knowledge and wits. Angie is a woman living alone on her ranch, with only a young child to keep her company, deserted by her husband. When Hondo shows up one day without a horse but toting a saddle a friendship between the two solitary people is begun.

I liked this much better than I'd recalled from a read of about 30 years ago. Lots of character development without all the self-reflection and angst that is found in some later L'Amour novels. The native tribes are presented as people too, not stereotypes. Good read, recommended.

#74 Network Effect by Martha Wells

Another adventure with Murderbot, her human charges, and a new friend.

#75 Little Fuzzy by H Beam Piper

A re-read of an old favorite. It's dated, but who cares? Love those fuzzies!

>157 fuzzi: Congratulations on reaching 75, Fuzzi!

>158 FAMeulstee: thank you!

It's been a few crazy weeks, I've not been reading much.

>157 fuzzi: Have you read John Scalzi's version, Fuzzy Nation? Same...well, same-ish events (at least at the beginning), very very different story. Part of it is that Scalzi was writing an...ecological SF story? Certainly not Piper's legal drama. I found it interesting but greatly prefer the Piper books.

>160 jjmcgaffey: I have not read Scalzi's version, having been happy with the original non-PC version, which is actually an ecological positive story.

Is and isn't. There is utterly no question in the Fuzzy books that the company, and freelancers with/under the company, will (is entitled to) take everything from Zarathustra - mining sunstones, clearing forests, killing animals - that's just the way things are, unless an area is _specifically_ and legally reserved for other use (for Fuzzies). And I didn't even notice it until I read Scalzi's, where that is a concern and a question. As I said, I prefer Piper, and it's mostly a matter of its time - that was the way things were in the 50s-60s when Piper was writing, it wasn't until late 60s that ecology (meaning, not everything is primarily for human usage) became a general concept. Scalzi is writing much later when it is a standard thing.

Same sort of thing as - a Regency romance that talks about sexism because a woman is not allowed a career is indulging in anachronism. It just wasn't a concept in period.

Whoohooo! 75!! Appropriate title for that special number. ; )

Congrats!

75!!! Huzzah!!!!

Congratulations for 75!

Congratulations on 75!

Thank you, all!

Life's been very hectic, mainly with family issues but I'm still reading, albeit slowly.

We took 9 days vacation to go see the grands in Chicago, and visit family in Alabama. I'm still recovering from driving 2500+ miles...

Someone in a thread asked for pictures from our vacation, but my laptop is still in the shop.

I uploaded a couple photos at work (shh) and edited them enough to share:


American bison from our visit to The Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky


My son and his niece (Ruthie)

Nice pics!

Those pics make me smile! :)

>152 fuzzi: Happy newish thread! I am enjoying listening to the Russell/Holmes series. I am very early along but like the mix of history and religion as well as the Holmes stories.

>172 witchyrichy: I love that series! My favorites are probably The Beekeeper's Apprentice, A Monstrous Regiment of Women, O Jerusalem, and Locked Rooms.

#76 The Journals of Lewis and Clark by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, edited by John Bakeless

I recalled very little about Lewis and Clark's expedition from my school days, so I when I saw this little paperback at a yard sale I thought I'd give it a read. And I'm glad I did.

While some might feel that reading journal entries from over 200 years ago would be boring or tedious, I found them fascinating. Yes, some of the attitudes could be considered old fashioned or out of date, but many of the interactions between the native tribes and the exploration team were refreshingly respectful and compassionate.

And I was never bored.

It could be that the huge volumes produced on this trip by Lewis and Clark might be tough to get through, but the editor waded through the mountains of information to create a satisfying read.

#77 Warden Force: The Worst of the Worst and Other True Game Warden Adventures by Terry Hodges

Another thoroughly engaging series of true stories about the lives and adventures of game wardens.

The latest addition to the family, Deborah...aka "Little Debbie"...

#78 The Burning Hills by Louis L'Amour

Pretty good read about a posse trying to eliminate someone who killed a cattle baron, even though it was done in self-defense. The interesting portion of this story is who comes to his aid, though some of the scenes might cause modern readers a little discomfort.

>176 fuzzi: Adorable, and beautiful colored!

>176 fuzzi: Looks like "Little Debbie" is making herself right at home!

>178 FAMeulstee: >179 thornton37814: thank you!

She's developing longer hairs, like feathers, on her hind quarters...might be she's going to be long haired?

#79 A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck

What a delightful read! This book consists of short stories about two children's summer visits with their grandma in 1930s Illinois, told from the perspective of the older brother. Their grandmother is an original, a non-conformist, and the children learn to love and emulate her.

The local library has the other two books in the series. I've put in a request to borrow them, and plan to enjoy more about these characters this weekend.

congrats on reading past 75 books!

>182 figsfromthistle: thank you. And I'm happy that my reading slump appears to be over.

#80 A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck (Newbery)

It's 1937, and Mary Alice is now 15 years old. She has been sent to live with her grandmother while her father searches for employment. Things are tough all over, but Grandma Dowdel hasn't changed from her eccentric ways, using atypical methods to keep them both clothed and fed. Wonderful, smile-inducing book, and worthy of the Newbery it won in 2001.

>174 fuzzi: In 1998, my husband and I spent the summer following the Lewis & Clark trail and it was amazing. I have read most of the journals as well as lots of the nonfiction written about them and their relationship to the indigenous peoples and the environment.

>Little Debbie is just wonderful! We acquired a stray cat last year and she has subdued the dogs and settled into the household quite nicely. Enjoy!

>185 witchyrichy: thank you!

I think a summer spent following Lewis & Clark's journey would be fantastic!

Debbie is a true joy, and makes me laugh every evening when I get home from work.

#81 A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

A preacher and his family move into a house next door to an eccentric elderly lady, who soon becomes an important part of their lives. Another delightful entry in the Grandma Dowdel books.

I generally like Richard Peck’s stuff. I’ve read (some time back) A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.

Happy Monday! Just added a bunch of Richard Peck books to my TBR list. Thanks!

>188 CassieBash: I found the first book at a yard sale, grabbed it because it had a Newbery medal on the cover and I'm working on reading all the Newbery Medal and Honor books. Wow, what a find, loved it and the other two.

>189 witchyrichy: gotta watch out for those book bullets...

#82 Unreported Truths About Covid-19 and Lockdowns: Part 4: Vaccines

Former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson has written a well-researched and thought provoking book about the origins, testing, and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. He includes references to medical journals so the reader can compare what is written with the source documents. Fascinating read for anyone interested in both the pro and con positions regarding the novel mRNA vaccines.

We’ll, that sounds like it would work nicely for one of my infamous “disturbing” reads….

#83 The Holy Thief by Ellis Peters

Decent addition to the Brother Cadfael series. This time I guessed the actual murderer, but not the motive. Interesting.

>192 CassieBash: bwahaha!

Truth can be very disturbing...

>150 fuzzi: >151 quondame: Thanks for the Heyer suggestions. Added them all to the TBR.

>152 fuzzi: I am working my way through the Russell/Holmes series via audio. Really enjoying it! Looking forward to a long drive to Roanoke today to get in more listening!

>195 witchyrichy: I am SO glad!

#84 The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman (Newbery Medal 1996)

Engaging story of a 13th century homeless waif who winds up living with a midwife and learning the trade.

>197 fuzzi: I really enjoyed Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy. I'll have to check out this one.

>198 Storeetllr: I have that one on my shelves to read as well, seems the author won more than one Newbery!

#85 The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

Delightful continuation of the first book in the series. Rosalind starts to worry when her father is coerced into a blind date, Skye and Jane make a pact with disastrous results, and Batty keeps claiming she's seen a "bugman". It's a funny, touching, believable story.

I had heard of Richard Peck before, Fuzzi, but not really familiar with his writing.

I will re-read The Wreck of the Mary Deare next month. I can't remember if you got that one with your Innes wholesale last year but, if you did, it would be nice to compare notes.

Hey Paul! Thanks for stopping by.

I've been making an effort to find and read Newbery award books, so when I saw that Richard Peck at a yard sale I bought it. And I'm glad I did.

I do have that Innes book, and will put it on my October list of TBR. :)

EDIT: here it is on my October reading list https://www.librarything.com/topic/333431#7545447

#86 When Dementia Can Be Cured: 1 in 10 Dementia Patients Have NPH And Could Be Cured in Days by Dr Vernon Coleman

This booklet was given to me by a dear friend who knows about my spouse's early onset dementia. It thoroughly described a condition that mimics Alzheimer's and that can be cured if treated early enough. Not too technical, easy and short read that I'd recommend for anyone with a family member facing a dementia diagnosis.

>197 fuzzi: >198 Storeetllr: Both books were very popular with my middle school readers! I miss lots about teaching middle school but mainly getting to read and talk about great books with my students!

I'm in a slump again, I think I need to go back to the young adult/children's books...

>205 fuzzi:. Go for it; you know you want to!

>206 CassieBash: I think I need to stick with smaller and more uplifting books for now.

My dog was tentatively diagnosed with Cushing's earlier this year, but I couldn't continue the testing to confirm as it was too expensive and time consuming. I've an elderly father, a disabled husband, a full time job, and there's only so much of me to go around. Apparently Cushing's is not treatable, the medicine is mainly to make the dog more comfortable so I made the hard decision to not do any more tests, without which they would not prescribe medicine for her discomfort. She's been declining recently and I anticipate I'm going to lose her shortly.

Yep, children's books it is.

>207 fuzzi: All of the declining pets make me so sad. I still expect to trip over my little Gertie in the mornings or pull her close while I'm reading in the bed, and nope, she's not there.

>208 quondame: we have them for too short a time.

But Little Debbie makes me laugh!

>209 fuzzi: Laughter is one of their many gifts. Gertie was constantly amusing us, as does Nutmeg. Zette is even a bit amusing in her grumpy way.

Now I'm sad, Gary Paulsen just passed away.

https://www.npr.org/2021/10/14/1045981769/gary-paulsen-hatchet-author-obituary

He started publishing his stories at a time when I was busy with children, and I didn't know about his works until about ten years ago.

I've really enjoyed his books, am sorry that he's gone.

>211 fuzzi: Sad!

#87 Kitten and the Night Watchman by John Sullivan

Captivating tale of a watchman doing his rounds at night, hearing the sounds of the evening, all while being followed by a small kitten...until she suddenly isn't there. Lovely tale for young and not-as-young, wonderfully illustrated, too.

#88 Miss Meow by Jane Smith

Miss Meow likes to pretend she's a cat, but when her play mouse is damaged she's sure it was her little brother who did it...or was it?

Nice illustrations, mildly amusing.

>211 fuzzi: Bummer. But at least you know of him now and can look for all his books. Better to discover a good author late than to never have discovered them at all, to paraphrase.

>211 fuzzi: That is so sad!

#89 The Wreck of the Mary Deare by Hammond Innes

Ripping good yarn of men and the sea, with lots of technical jargon and nautical excitement. The author kept the tension and suspense going even through the official courtroom enquiry portion. The romance did seem to be casually tacked on, but it didn't ruin the story for me.

(shared read with PaulCranswick)

>217 fuzzi: Glad to see that you liked the book well enough, Fuzzi. Not sure which ones you have left but let me know and I'll seek out some of my others to join you when you are ready for another one.

>218 PaulCranswick: I have a LOT left, ha! You may recall I got a box full on eBay, about 20 in all I think.

ETA: yep, it was 20, though one was the same story with a different title, I checked. This is my 4th Innes read, after Atlantic Fury, The Strode Venturer, and The Doomed Oasis.

#90 The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

It's vacation time and the younger Penderwicks are headed to Maine with Aunt Claire. With Rosalind in NJ visiting a girlfriend, Skye is put in charge but feels inadequate. While Jane is researching love for her latest book, Batty has taken an interest in music. It won't be a boring two weeks in Pointe Mouette, the Penderwicks are in residence! Fun read.

#91 Lonigan by Louis L'Amour

Good, solid set of stories about people and situations in the west.

#92 People of Darkness by Tony Hillerman

Jim Chee is a young Navajo, contemplating a law enforcement career with the FBI, when he's hired by a local woman to find an item taken during a burglary. And suddenly he faces pushback, evasions, and bullets.

I liked the characters in this mystery, and how the author skillfully interweaves Chee's heritage into the story.

>219 fuzzi: I do have most of them somewhere about and I can always shoehorn a read of his. Let me know when you are up to reading another one.

>222 fuzzi: I loved the Leaphorn and Chee books back in the day. I don't remember which ones I read and which I didn't at this point as I wasn't consistently tracking reads back then. I hope to revisit all of them in order one of these days.

>223 PaulCranswick: I'm trying to do one at least every other month...trying. I will let you know.

>224 thornton37814: I've enjoyed every Hillerman Chee/Leaphorn book I've read so far, and I've been trying to collect them all from the used bookstore in town, at which I have a fairly large credit. :D

Would a relaxed Hillerman read challenge interest either of you?

The next one in the series for me is Dance Hall of the Dead.

>225 fuzzi: Although I'm interested in re-reading the series, I don't think I can commit to it at the moment. I want to finish the Brunetti & Bruno group read, but I still want to whittle down my other series without spending quite as much time in a single series. If I added Hillerman to the mix, I'd get further behind on other series or neglect my non-fiction TBRs which need attention too!

Deborah, aka "Little Debbie" has discovered the big bed and is sleepy! She's 14 weeks old in this photo.

She spent the day yesterday at the spay clinic. This morning she was running around as if she'd not just undergone major surgery, ha!

#93 Utah Blaine by Louis L'Amour

One of my favorites by this author. A young gunfighter finds himself hired to manage a huge ranch in the middle of a range war. Interesting characters, plenty of action, fun read.

>227 fuzzi:

*sees cat picture after long day, gives sigh of happiness* Awwwwww!

>229 CassieBash: this morning she was so happy to see me that she attacked my hand...

*thinks about how her own cat does this too* Aaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!

Not even going to try and catch up, but hopefully I will keep better track from here on out!

>232 alcottacre: long time, good to see you!

>231 CassieBash: she was so good today...I took her to the vet for her second series of vaccines, and we waited three hours, it was that busy! She quietly watched the waiting room view through the pet taxi door, never meowed or fussed. Once we got home, though...

DNF, Pearl ruled at 25 pages...


Why Some Animals Eat Their Young by Dallas Louis

No rating, I'm 25 pages in and haven't felt even slightly amused. Perhaps if I'd not read books by Peg Bracken and Erma Bombeck in the past I might have appreciated this more.

>235 CassieBash: Maybe it’s time to send it out the door and read something more fulfilling?

Aw, good kitty! We’re working towards getting one of the neighbor’s barn cats used to us; he’s a big, handsome tabby. We want to get him to the point where we can catch him and take him to the vet to get his vaccines and neutered.

>235 CassieBash: it's already gone, brought it to work. One of my coworkers has a sister on disability who loves to read.

Do you have a humane trap (like Havahart)? I've captured many feral cats that way in order to have them neutered. Tuna works great as bait...

>234 fuzzi: Sorry to hear that you had to DNF one, Fuzzi. I always hate to do that. Here's hoping your next read is better for you!

#94 Sargasso of Space by Andre Norton

Although written in the 1950s, Sargasso of Space did not read like a stereotypical early SciFi. The plot flowed along nicely with the technical aspects only vaguely described, which not only made the book more timely but more believable. I enjoyed reading this, and will look for other books in the Solar Queen series.

Yeah, the Solar Queen series is really good. There's a set of newer ones - the last three in the series, mostly written by PM Griffin, which...aren't bad, and do tie up some loose threads from the original series. But while I very much enjoy PM Griffin's writing on their own books, they aren't Andre...it's rather a switch of style.

>222 fuzzi: I haven't read a Hillerman in forever. I should!

>227 fuzzi: Hello Little Debbie!!

>228 fuzzi: Dang. And the L'Amour. You are dangerous. LOL

>239 jjmcgaffey: I've added book #2 and #3 to my Wishlist, hope to find them at reasonable price. The one I have is an original from the 1950s, but doesn't look it!

>240 Berly: bwahaha! Sorry about the book bullets...I get hit by them a lot.

A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)

In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road

At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.

Fuzzi, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving

Fuzzi, I wish you (and yours) happiness and health on this day of Thanksgiving. And cookies. : )

>236 fuzzi: We’re bribing him right now; he’s to the point where he will let us touch him on his back and sometimes on the top of his head, but he still tends to duck away when you do that. We gave him de-wormer today in pill form, tucked into some canned food. Next step is getting him used to eating in a carrier, then bam! To the vet he goes. :)

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Fuzzi!

>242 PaulCranswick: thank you, that was really unexpected...and sweet.

>243 Berly: and cookies!!!

>244 CassieBash: try tuna...in oil. I catch them every time with that as bait.

>245 alcottacre: it was very nice, my friend.

And to my friends: a belated but sincere Happy Thanksgiving back atcha!

Will do!

#95 Brother Cadfael's Penance by Ellis Peters - (ROOT)

I've been putting off reading this, the last of the Brother Cadfael series, but I'm glad I finally did take the plunge. Without spoilers: Brother Cadfael finds himself having to leave his duties in order to assist in brokering a peace between Empress Maud and King Stephen. There's also some unfinished business from previous books that is being addressed, so don't read this until you've read the previous entries. Nice swan song.

>248 fuzzi: I'm re-reading the series (very slowly). I'm hoping to read at least one and maybe two installments this year.

>249 thornton37814: I've been rehoming the series as I read it, so it'll be a while before a reread...which I do plan on doing!

>250 fuzzi: I'm mostly getting them from the library's ebook collection.

Reread, review is from 2012:


#96 The Homecoming by Earl Hamner

If you've seen the television movie "The Homecoming" starring Patricia O'Neal then you know the story, because the movie is very similar to the original book. The television series "The Waltons" was based upon the characters in this and other books by the author, Earl Hamner, Jr.

It's Christmas Eve, 1933, and snowing in the mountains of Virginia. Clay Spencer is expected home from his job but is running late...and finally his wife sends their eldest, Clay-Boy, to see if he can find someone to help him find his Daddy.

Great characters, a pleasant and heartwarming read. Recommended.

>252 fuzzi: Clay-Bob obviously became John-Bob in the TV series. I don't think I've ever read the books, but I might need to add those to a reading list.

>253 thornton37814: I've read this one and Spencer's Mountain, on which a 1963 movie was based.

The books are more earthy than the television adaptations, but not graphic.

#97 Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl - (Early Reviewer)

Cute story of a little girl who loves the two trees in her yard that she insists are friends. Dad and big sibling pooh-pooh her thoughts but Nana agrees. And together they try to help when one of the trees appears to be ailing.

#98 Quadrille by Marion Chesney

Subpar Regency romance with too much angst and drama even for Marion Chesney. I finished the book despite its faults.

>252 fuzzi: Isn’t it nice when the movie follows the book? I’ve seen some adaptations that are so far removed from the original that it might as well be a totally different story. Good luck with the 100 books goal!

>144 fuzzi: I love illustrated books. David Wiesner is a Caldecott award-winning illustrator. I read most of his books. In particular, I liked Tuesday

Scrawling through all the books you posted on this thread reminds me of years ago when I primarily read YA, and Newbery books. So many you read, I have as well.

>258 Whisper1: you recommended Art & Max and I loved it...and my Grands love it, too. I've read a lot of your recommendations!

>257 CassieBash: agreed!

There are very few movies I've read that are better than the book, but three come to mind: The African Queen, To Have and Have Not, and Logan's Run. The source books were awful (imo), but I loved the totally different movies.

>248 fuzzi: That is a series that I have only dipped into. I really need to read it at some point!

Have a wonderful weekend, fuzzi!

>260 alcottacre: it's one of the few mystery series that I've not lost interest in.

You too. It's crazy weather today, 75F right now!

>260 alcottacre: & >261 fuzzi: I also need to take up that series, Fuzzi.

Have a great weekend.

>262 PaulCranswick: It's a great series. I like Derek Jacobi as Cadfael, though he never looked to have been a soldier he made a great monk.

#99 War Party by Louis L'Amour

(Review from 2014)
War Party continues to be one of my favorite collections of short stories by this author. The story that gave this book its name was later expanded into Bendigo Shafter, in which one of the key characters is a strong and resourceful widow. The Gift of Cochise was eventually expanded into a full length story, Hondo, which is a good novel in itself but I prefer the simplicity of the shorter version. Even virtually unknown stories such as One for the Pot, about a mail-order bride's role in a land war, remain my favorite "comfort reads", to be read and enjoyed over and over. If you want to see why some of us enjoy Louis L'Amour's books so much, this would be a good place to start reading.

Note: for this War Party reread I skipped the story Trap of Gold, as it just about gives me heart palpitations every time I read it...

#100 Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen

Interesting premise, not executed as well as I would expect with this author.

Newly acquired slave arrives and starts teaching others to read, with some horrible results.

Congrats on book #100! I'm sorry it wasn't more enjoyable.

I should read The Homecoming. I never have, although I vividly remember watching The Waltons TV show.

>267 streamsong: thanks! I'm glad it wasn't a DNF.

The Homecoming is definitely worth reading at least once. I think this was my third reading.

>266 fuzzi: I haven’t read that one yet but I came across a used copy of the film adaption of this book—which I haven’t watched yet, either. I am kind of curious now based on your review on how well it’s executed. Maybe a rare case where the movie is better than the book? I’ll let you know what I think of the movie once I see it.

>269 CassieBash: I'd give it a try.

For me movies that were much better than their books include To Have and Have Not, The African Queen, and Logan's Run.

#101 A Year With Friends by John Seven and Jana Christy

Cute book about the months of the year and what to do during each one. Whimsical simple pictures perfectly illustrate each month's page. Well done!

Best wishes to you and yours for now and the new year!

>272 witchyrichy: thank you!

Merry Christmas, Judy! Have a wonderful holiday. I got your Christmas card. Thank you very much.

Have a lovely holiday, Fuzzi.

Happy Holidays Fuzzi!

Wow, thank you all for the lovely messages!

It truly was a bookish Christmas!

The Young Country Doctor, Book 1 by Vernon Coleman
The Young Country Doctor, Book 2 by Vernon Coleman
The Young Country Doctor, Book 3 by Vernon Coleman
The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers
I'm a Good Dog by Ken Foster
Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures
An Amish Husband for Tillie by Amy Lillard
Plague Ship by Andre Norton
Voodoo Planet by Andre Norton
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett
Jack London's Canine Heroes Collection

Where do I start???

>279 fuzzi: Start at the top and work your way down :)

>279 fuzzi: Score!!!



These were our family ornaments this year and, despite COVID, a merry time was had by all. I hope the same is true for your holiday and here's to next year!!

Merry belated Christmas!

>280 alcottacre: >281 Berly: >282 CassieBash: thank you, all!


#102 I reread Conagher, finished it today. I wanted a comfort read.

Also read one of my Christmas gifts:


#103 The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers

Magical story about a transformation of a community. The illustrations are jaw-dropping amazing, I could study them for hours.

Thread for 2022 is here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/337704#7686913

>283 fuzzi: I love the covre of The Night Gardener! I will have to see if I can find a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, fuzzi.

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year, Fuzzi.

>285 alcottacre: you're welcome. Whisper1 recommended it to me.

Pass it on...

>286 PaulCranswick: Happy New Year, thank you.

See you in my 2022 threads...

My 2022 threads!

Main Journal:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/338001#7706270

75 Book Challenge:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/337704#

100 Book Challenge:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/338344

My ROOT Progress:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/338007

Books Rehomed:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/338009

Newbery Award Thread:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/316991#n7360207

Come join us!

>283 fuzzi: The Night Gardener looks beautiful.