On My Nightstand February 3, 2024

This week seemed really long, and I couldn’t figure out why. Finally I realized both of my kids had gone to school for five days straight for the first time since November. I’m not used to having so much time to get things done (and I did kind of miss them.)

I had meetings and kid’s sports this week at night, but I’m still trying to get in my mint tea and reading time each day. It really helps me get through some longer books that I probably wouldn’t finish otherwise. Of course the best thing I can do to get through books is to leave my phone in the other room, but we won’t talk about that.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“It seems so, Nasima said, nodding sagely. But you and me, we know what’s going on. We do, Firuzeh said, not having the faintest idea.”

— On Fragile Waves by E. Lily Yu

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle: I have four more days to finish On Fragile Waves by E. Lily Yu before the library takes it back. Luckily it’s a good and fast read!

Audio: I’ve been listening to Glowing Still by Sara Wheeler. It’s a look back at her travel writing career. I’m enjoying the parts about motherhood while traveling the world.

Paper Book: I’m about to start Lead Through Anything. Seems like a good choice for this year!

Make it a good one everyone!

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Walking Wednesday January 31, 2024

This week I’ve had to walk home on the opposite side of the road than I’m used to because of construction. It’s amazing how that changes my perspective! There’s a life lesson in there somewhere I’m sure.

It’s still a gray time of the year, but I’m seeing more and more green popping up here and there. I’m hoping for one more good snow storm though. Fingers crossed.

A back episode of The Overdue Podcast has me interested in Percy Jackson, so I’m listening to The Lightning Thief. I listened to this in the car years ago when my kids were small, but I don’t really remember what happened. I might make it through the series this time, but there’s a 22 week wait for each of the books at the library! So it will be a long haul if I do listen to the rest.

February 2024 TBR

January starting TBR: 376

January ending TBR: 369

Celebrating here because my TBR actually went down for the first time since I’ve been tracking. If I keep going at this rate I should be done by…2030 or so.

Here’s my rough reading list for February. It’s a short month, but I’m hoping to get through 20 books or so.

1) The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (reading a chapter a day-expect to finish in March)

2) The Brother Gardners by Andrea Wulf

3) Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

4) Whale Rider by Ihimaera

5) On Fragile Waves by E. Lily Yu

6) Love and Death In Kathmandu by Amy Willesee

7) A library book from my list (depends on what comes in)

8) You Are Your Best Thing

9) Koala : A Natural History and an Uncertain Future by Danielle Clode

10) Book club book

11) In the Weeds by Tom Vitale

12) In Extremis by Lindsey Hilsum

13) A Plus One For Murder by Laura Bradford

14) Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers

15) The Longest Line on the Map by Eric Rutkow

16) Lead Through Anything Dustin Seale & Ed Manfre

17) This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

18) Any ARC

19) The County Line by Steve Weddle

20) Glowing Still by Sara Wheeler

On My Nightstand January 28, 2024

How is your first reading month of 2024 going? Other than taking all month to read Erika Fatland’s High I’m making good progress on my goals so far. We still have a few days to go, but I think I’ll be happy with my month end wrap up.

That said I have already dropped out of a few challenges. In general I read more when I allow myself to stop reading what I don’t like. Sometimes I make myself feel like reading is my second job, but the truth is I’m not making money doing this, so I shouldn’t feel like I’m letting anyone down.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“Besides, nowadays, almost all capable people are terribly afraid of being ridiculous, and are miserable because of it.”

— The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle: Reading His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie for #FoodAndLit on Litsy. I’m enjoying this one. It’s just taking me longer than usual because I haven’t had a lot of kindle time this week.

Audio: I started The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost yesterday. The intro made me laugh out loud, so that’s a good sign.

Paper Book: Almost done with High by Erika Fatland! I made good progress this week thanks to my nightly quiet time at the kitchen table. I’m glad I stuck with this one.

Make it a good one everyone!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

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Cookbook Review: Zoe's Ghana Kitchen: An Introduction to New African Cuisine – From Ghana With Love

Now that the holidays are over, and we have our health under control (fingers crossed real hard) I am excited to break out of the struggle meals rut I had been in through most of last year.

#FoodAndLit is a challenge on the Litsy app that I love, so of course it was that challenge that sent me back to the cookbook aisle at my library. This month we’re reading and eating from Ghana, and I was thrilled to find Zoe's Ghana Kitchen: An Introduction to New African Cuisine – From Ghana With Love by Zoe Adjonyoh.

This whole book was a pleasure to read. The recipes were well laid out, and the pictures were vibrant. I really enjoyed my time with it.

I ended up making two recipes: mango & pineapple salad and veggie jollof rice. This is such a great combination! I loved the spice mix in the rice, and the salad was so refreshing on a cold winter’s afternoon. (Full disclosure I am somehow out of paprika so my spices were different from the original recipe.)

I packaged up the rice and the salad for my lunches this week. Is there anything better than a week of rice? Maybe two weeks of rice?

Give this cookbook a try! It’s a winner!

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Walking Wednesday January 24, 2024

Even though we had snow TWICE last week there are small signs of spring starting to appear. It’s the good part about living in Virginia. Even when it’s so cold the outside hurts your face the second you step outside spring is never far away.

I’ve been plowing through the audiobooks this month. Right now I’m listening to We’ve Got You Covered. I try to listen to a book that will help me at work each month and this is my January pick. So far it’s interesting.

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On My Nightstand January 21, 2024

I don’t know if it’s the weather or what, but my cats have been absolutely bonkers this week. They’re climbing on everything, and no hair tie or stuffed animal is safe. I’m looking forward to a more normal week this week when hopefully everyone goes to work and school every day.

I dropped all of my normal reading plans this week because All The Sinners Bleed came in from the library and I was OBSESSED. I’ll admit I skipped my walks a couple of nights so I could read, and I haven’t kept up with my non-fiction reading at all. So worth it though.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“We all choose to be skeptics when the truth is inconvenient.”

— All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle: Reading His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie for #FoodAndLit on Litsy. Never started this last week because of my above mentioned obsession. I’ll start today and hopefully finish before the library needs it back.

Audio: I started Main Street by Sinclair Lewis, but am not sure I’ll finish. Change my mind?

Paper Book: Time to get back to High by Erika Fatland! Still hoping to finish this month, but time is going fast.

Make it a good one everyone!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

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Walking Wednesday January 17, 2024

Getting out for walks hasn’t exactly been convenient lately, but I am enjoying the novelty of snow. I have been listening to a bunch of shortish books since I finished the Covenant of Water. Right now it’s Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I always forget how good this one is!

Happy walking!

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On My Nightstand January 14, 2024

This week has been wild weather wise. We lost power at one point. Luckily I had all my candles out from Christmas still. Now they’re calling for two snow storms next week. Plus lacrosse games start for my son and drama rehearsals for my daughter. I’d say a trip to the grocery store is in order today.

I started the year reading two big chunky books- The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese and High by Erika Fatland. They’re both worth the time, but it feels weird to not have read more books by now.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“Roses would be annoying weeds if the blooms never withered and died. Beauty resides in the knowledge that it doesn’t last.”

— The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle: Reading His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie for #FoodAndLit on Litsy. I’ve had this on my TBR forever!

Audio: Next up is Mobility by Lydia Kiesling. I’ve heard mixed reviews, but the premise sounds so good.

Paper Book: Still working on High by Erika Fatland! I try to read for an hour each night before bed, but these days have been a little nuts and I confess to falling asleep at the table some night. Making progress though, and I am determined to finish this chunkster by the end of the month.

Make it a good one everyone!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

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Show Us Your Books January 2024

Is everyone used to writing 2024 yet? It still takes me a minute. It sounds so in the future.

My December reading was heavy on the re-reads. It’s not Christmas to me without my favorite books. I did have a few new winners though:

Five Stars

Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas - Wow, what a ride. I usually avoid books about teenagers and/or 9/11, but my library had this one and it‘s on the #LitsyTOB24 list. I really enjoyed it after all. My last read of 2023- love ending on a high note!

Four Stars

Lights by Brenna Thummler - The third book in a trilogy of graphic novels. I didn’t like it as much as the other two, but I was glad to get closure on Wendell’s story.

Nora Webster by Colm Toibin - Nora is a new widow and mother of four when we meet her. Not only is she dealing with grief she must make changes to support her family. This book was a quiet look at life in Ireland around the 60’s. The audiobook was beautifully read.

March by Geraldine Brooks - Little Women told mostly through the eyes of Mr. March. A friend recommended this knowing Little Women is a favorite, not knowing that I really can’t stand Mr March. BUT this book did such a great job of explaining why he was such a pompous know it all without making him sympathetic. I loved it. Warning this book largely takes place in the south during the Civil War so it’s not a gentle book.

Happy reading everyone!

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Waking Wednesday January 10, 2024

It was a weird walking week- we had floods and some nice days in between. I’m slowly getting stronger and increasing my step counts day by day. We’re supposed to get snow next week so we’ll see what that will do to my walking.

I finished The Covenant of Water earlier this week, and now I’ve moved on the Oceana by Ted Danson. (Yes, that Ted Danson.)

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On My Nightstand January 7, 2024

We’re well in the New Year now, and everything Christmas is coming down today. I’ll miss the extra lights, but I’m looking forward to getting the space back. Sports start again for the kids this week, and I’m almost looking forward to that too. (Full disclosure- looking forward to the sports, not the driving and the laundry.)

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week:

“For every one person who spends their last day romping through wildflowers and bestowing tender messages on their beloveds, praying words of thanksgiving as the sun falls into the ocean, there are two people who on their last day will order everything on the drive-thru menu at Taco Bell and chase it with a bottle of Wild Turkey. Urgency never makes a good life, or a good death. No one flosses on their last day on Earth. But there is something to be said about realizing stability is always a temporary situation, and that your dreams and plans will not pulsate within you forever. A life of denying them, for the sake of security and stability, won’t get you where you think it will.”

— Blood From A Stone by Adam McHugh

On My Nightstand This Week:

Kindle: The Dark by Emma Haughton - I didn’t get to this from my December list, but Antarctica in the winter has better December vibes anyway.

Audio: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese - I have about 10 more hours in this audio, and just like the last time I read it I hope it never ends.

Paper Book: High by Erika Fatland - My new work night routine is to sit in the kitchen with this book and some mint tea for an hour each night. It’s a chunkster, so by reading a bit each night I’m hoping to finish by the end of the month.

Make it a good one everyone!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

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Walking Wednesday January 3, 2024 (I'm back!)

After about a month of recovering from covid and flu I’m back to walking! I’m pretty weak so I had to cut my step totals back, but the important thing is I’m outside moving most days. I even saw some spring bulbs coming up. I guess the bulbs didn’t get the memo that it might snow this weekend!

I started listening to The Covenant of Water again. I just love this book so much.

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On My Nightstand December 31, 2023

Happy almost New Year! I am not a New Years Eve person (cold dark nights are not things I engage with willingly.) However I LOVE New Year’s Day. I love the feeling of wiping all the Christmas clutter away and starting fresh.

This year is a little different because of illness and travel- we’re doing our family Christmas on January 1. It’s just the four of us so it should be a low key day with a meal that pleases no one but ourselves, a few presents, and hopefully a hike or at least a long walk outside.

As for reading I’m finishing up my 2023 reads today, and looking forward to starting all new reads in 2024.

Quote of the Week:

“They didn’t understand what they were doing.
I’m afraid that will be on the tombstone of the human race.”

— Prey by Michael Crichton

On My Nightstand This Week:

I’m not sure really. I’ll take a look at my January list and see where I want to go with it.

Make it a good one everyone!

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January (and 2024) Reading Goals

December beginning TBR: 367

December ending TBR: 376

I feel like I hit a good reading stride in November and December, and I’m excited to carry that forward into 2024. I just need my kids to go back to school first. (Is it just me or have kids not been in school since October?)

I joined a few challenges on Litsy for 2024, and I have my usual goals of reading a book set in each state and Canadian province, as well as trying to read books I already own or on my LibraryThing TBR.

Litsy geographic challenges

I started some of these a few years ago, but they’re too big for me to finish in a year. I just keep them going!

Reading Oceania 2024

Reading The Americas 2023

Reading Africa 2022

Reading Asia 2021

Other Litsy Challenges:

192025 - Read a book published each year between 1920 and 2025

Litsy Tournament of Books 2024 - Litsy’s member voted version of the Tournament of Books short list

Food and Lit - My favorite- pick a book and a recipe from a different country each month

Author A Month - Read at least one book from a member voted author each month

Hashtag Brigade - Reading through the classics a chapter a day

And now my January reading list where I attempt to work on each of these goals and challenges bit by bit:

Brothers Karamazov (a chapter a day between Jan 1 and whenever in March we finish)

Ultra Processed People

Author A Month - something by Jane Austen

His Only Wife

When in Vanuatu

Random physical library book that comes in on hold

The Covenant of Water

High

The Glass Universe

Oceana

The African Queen

In Extremis

Main Street

Sea Wife

We’ve Got You Covered

Mobility

Any ARC

Henry Huggins

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I Read A Book Set In Each State (2023)

In about an hour I should finish my last book from my 2023 Reading USA challenge. I started doing this with a group on Litsy about five years ago. I’m not sure anyone else is still doing this challenge, but I keep going each year. For me it’s a fun way to give direction to my random reading. I don’t always finish the challenge, but this year I did.

I don’t have hard and fast rules about what I count as “set in a sate.” For books that cover multiple states I usually just want at least one memorable scene set in a state. Year after year Delaware and Indiana are the hardest states to fill. And it might be my imagination, but it seems like every other book is set in Maine these days.

Results from my 2023 Reading USA challenge:

Alabama - To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Alaska - Tree Line by Ben Rawlence

Arizona - Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Arkansas - They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

California - Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

Colorado - The Shining by Stephen King

Connecticut - A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

District of Columbia - Yellowface by RF Kuang

Delaware - Keep Calm and Collie On by Lane Stone

Florida - Duma Key by Stephen King

Georgia - Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Hawaii - Moloka’i By Alan Brennert

Idaho - The Big Burn by Timothy Egan

Illinois - Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala

Iowa - The Butterfly Effect by Rachel McKenny

Kansas - Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Kentucky - Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

Louisiana - Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck

Maine - Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Maryland - What The Moon Saw by Laura Resau

Massachusetts - Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

Michigan - When Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings

Minnesota - On The Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mississippi - Dispatches From Pluto by Richard Grant

Missouri - Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Montana - Death Al Dente by Leslie Budewitz

Nebraska - The House Without A Christmas Tree by Gail Rock

New Mexico - Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu

Nevada - Prey by Michael Crichton

New Hampshire - Nothing But The Truth by Avi

New York - Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

New Jersey - Close to Shore by Michael Capuzzo

North Carolina - From Here To Eternity by Caitlin Doughty

North Dakota - The Beet Queen by Louise Erdrich

Ohio - Mr Mercedes by Stephen King

Oklahoma - The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Oregon - Walking Home by Rick Rogers

Pennsylvania - If It Bleeds by Stephen King

Rhode Island - Down City by Leah Carroll

South Carolina - My Losing Season by Pat Conroy

South Dakota - I Survived The Children’s Blizzard, 1888 by Lauren Tarshis

Tennessee - The Coal Tattoo by Silas House

Texas - Looking Up by Matthew Cappucci

Utah - Feral by Emily Pennington

Virginia - A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson

Vermont - Happy Place by Emily Henry

Washington - The Last Word by Taylor Adams

West Virginia - Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee

Wisconsin - Our Stories Carried Us Here Ed by Tia Rozman

Wyoming - The Last Ranger by Peter Heller

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On My Nightstand December 24, 2023

It’s here! I hope everyone who is celebrating Christmas is able to relax a bit.

Sit down and read a book!

Quote of the week:

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

— A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

On My Nightstand:

Audiobook: Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry - I’m about halfway through but not into this one yet. So many people rave about it, but I’m just blah. Maybe I will change my mind.

Kindle: The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden - Still working on this one. I love it, but just haven’t been making the time.

Physical Book: Prey by Michael Crichton - I thought I had read all of his books, but then I found this!

This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

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On My Nightstand December 16, 2023

I am just wrapping up my annual cookie baking extravaganza. I didn’t make as many this year as I usually do because of an intervention from certain family members, but I did get to spend a late night in the kitchen listening to audiobooks. Now I’m sampling my wares and washing them down with some mulled wine. Life is good.

Next week I’m hoping to get some time to finalize my 2024 goals. I have so many ideas! First and foremost though I need to read some of the books I already own. (Are you even a bookworm if you don’t make this vow every year?)

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the week:

“The world was hers for the reading.”

— A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

On My Nightstand:

Audiobook: An Unfortunate Christmas Murder by Hannah Hendy - The British lunch ladies who solve crimes in these books crack me up. They’re fun to listen to as I go about my December madness.

Kindle: The Bear And The Nightingale by Katherine Arden - I read this when it first came out and have wanted to read the rest of the trilogy since. I needed to re-read this one before I got started though as I don’t remember much.

Physical Book: The Winter Garden by Alexandra Bell - Magical realism isn’t always my thing, but this book is working for me.

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Show Us Your Books December 2023

Last book write up of the year. Where did it go?

I’ve been quiet this month as I recover from covid and flu, but I’m trying to get back into the swing of things. It was fun looking back on my books from November. I did a mix of non-fiction November and mood reading over Thanksgiving. The TBR holiday was a nice treat, and I’m thinking of repeating it for Christmas.

Here’s the best of the best from November:

5 Stars - How Not To Drown In A Glass of Water by Angie Cruz - I absolutely loved this book. It had nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but it had great Thanksgiving vibes. Even though the characters were flawed I fell in love with them. Highly recommend.

5 Stars - Reign by Katherine McGee - I just really loved this series. It‘s an alternate reality where America has a royal family instead of elected officials. I was worried about how the series would end, but it was a satisfying conclusion. Great reading/listening for busy times.

4 Stars - One Man’s Wilderness by Richard Louis Proenneke - This was a great book. I loved the descriptions of the lakes and the wildlife. I was constantly wondering if I could live off the land like Proenneke, and I added seeing, or at least hearing, a wolf in the wild to my bucket list.

4 Stars - North To Paradise by Ousman Umar - This treasure was buried among the free books on my Kindle. It was a hard read, and really makes you think about the people who left home to find a better life that we celebrate on Thanksgiving and those that we refuse to help. This short book by Ousman Umar describes his journey from Ghana to Spain between the ages of about 13-17. We should all read this book.

4 Stars - Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - I thought this was as good as the first. I‘m hoping for more dragon stuff in the 3rd one.

4 Stars - The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle - How to review this book. It was extremely well written and informative, but so sobering. It looks at migration patterns mainly in the US of people after devastating natural disasters. I spent all month reading this because it was a tough topic.

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On My Nightstand December 3, 2023

Well this was supposed to be a really busy weekend filled with holiday fun, but then I got Covid. I’ve been hiding from the world in my basement for a couple of days now sending emails backing out of all of the commitments I made. It’s sad to miss out on things, but at least I could see fireworks last night from my porch. I am scheduled to give two presentations next week at work, and I’m really hope I’m up for that because I’ve been preparing for months and I want them done.

Quote of the Week

“I’ve always imagined paradise as something like a library.”

— March by Geraldine Brooks

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle- March by Geraldine Brooks
This is Little Women told by Mr. March, one of my least favorite men in classic literature. So far this book is well written, but I still don’t like Mr. March.

On Audio- Homecoming by Kate Morton
For the Author A Month challenge on Litsy. Her books are hit or miss for me. I hope this is a hit!

Physical Book- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
I had been trying to cook through this book earlier this year but got distracted. I was excited when a bookclub I’m in picked it for their December read.

Have a great week!

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