On My Nightstand April 21, 2024

I don’t know where this month has gone! How is it April 21st already? It feels like the school year just started.

This has been a busy day. When you are involved in Care For Creation ministries Earth Day is intense! This morning we started by picking up brush, then we went and cleaned a stream, then home to bake desserts for a talk, and then dinner and the talk itself. So good stuff, but no reading. Sunday should be calmer, but we do need to go pick up more brush. Then it’s back to work where I’m supposed to act rested and refreshed.

Have a great week!

Quote of the week

“Actual fact: you could make an entire second world out of what people throw away. The landfill is where I figured out one of my main philosophies, that everybody alive is basically in the process of trading out their old stuff for different stuff, day in day out.”

— Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle - The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun - My aunt used to drop off grocery bags full of these books when I was a kid. They’re what started me on reading mysteries. I’m re-reading for the nostalgia.

On Paper - The $64 Tomato by William Alexander - I’m almost done with this one. A fun start to the gardening season.

On Audio- Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger by Lisa Donovan - Need to start this for a book club this week. I love the title.

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April 2024 TBR

February starting TBR: 369

March ending TBR: 437
(I found a big cache of books I had saved on Everand and hadn’t added to my TBR)

I completely forgot to post at the end of February so I’m just picking up where I left off. March was a slow reading month, but I know April will be better because soon it will be front porch reading season!

Here’s my planned list:

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

2) File M For Murder by Miranda James

3) The Women by Kristin Hannah

4) Built To Last by Jim Collins

5) Murder at the Marina by Ellen Jacobson

6) Eight Bears by Gloria Dickie

7) Tales From The Torrid Zone by Alexander Frater

8) The $64 Tomato by William Alexander

9) Climate Resilience by Kylie Flanagan

10) Fancy Bear Goes Phishing by Scott J. Shapiro

11) Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

12) Something by Ruth Ozeki

13) Book club book TBD

14) Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly

15) The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

16) Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani

17) Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

18) Things Are Never So Bad That They Can’t Get Worse by William Neuman

19) A New Song by Jan Karon

20) Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

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On My Nightstand March 30, 2024

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Our plan is to go out for a nice lunch then a hike. I gave up bringing new books into the house for Lent so bookstore and library trips are in my near future! I’m also looking forward to getting started on my April reading list, and planning for summer reading. (Yes I’m a little bit intense with my reading lists.)

Have a great week!

Quote of the week

“Wasn’t that the definition of home? Not where you are from, but where you are wanted.”

— Abraham Verghese, Cutting for Stone

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle - If Nuns Ruled The World by Jo Piazza - Because Nuns get stuff done.

On Paper - The Birthday of Eternity by A.D. Price - This is an ARC from LibraryThing. I really need to catch up on my reviews!

On Audio- The Stand by Stephen King - Been listening to this for going on two weeks now. I forgot how long it is!

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On My Nightstand March 23, 2024

a stack of books teetering on the edge of my nightsand

It’s a cold and rainy Saturday to start spring break. I have a lot to do, but this day just calls for reading under blankets so we’ll see. Maybe I’ll split the difference.

I have some time off this week so I’m hoping to get through a big stack of books! I’m finally seeing the end of Brothers Karamazov in the distance, and I want to make some progress on my challenges. March has not been an easy reading month for me. Hoping for better things in April.

Have a great week!

Quote of the week

“Opportunity did not knock until I built the door.”

— Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle - Death in the Sunshine by Steph Broadribb - Sometimes you just need a cozy mystery to get past your concentration issues you know?

On Paper - The Physicist’s Daughter by Mary Anna Evans - For a book club. So far so good.

On Audio- The Stand by Stephen King - I’ve been wanting to re-read this for a while, and found out I had the audio version hiding on my phone.

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On My Nightstand March 17, 2024

This has been a great weekend so far. We hiked yesterday morning and then I spent hours reading in the yard. Today I’m hoping to get in the garden and do some more outdoor reading. These are my favorite weekends. A few things planned, but mostly just puttering around and plenty of rest.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week

“Everyone has been so kind to me. I’m not going to waste their kindness.”

— Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle: I have The County Line by Steve Weddle up next. I got this from on Amazon a few months ago, so I’m not sure what I’ll find.

Audiobook: I’m nearly done with Treating People Well by Lea Berman & Jeremy Bernard. It’s written by two former White House social secretaries and talks about the lessons they learned about dealing with people.

Physical Book: I just finished The Survivors by Jane Harper. Up next is The Physicists Daughter by Mary Anna Evans.

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Show Us Your Books March 2024

I can’t believe it’s March already! (Maybe I say that every month. I don’t know.) Either way I’m grateful that I got in the habit of tracking my books on LibraryThing and Litsy so I can go back and see what I read in these months that seem to move at light speed.

February was a great month. I’m still keeping up with my challenges as you can see here- I’m reading about the environment, reading from the Tournament of Books Long List, and reading from across Oceania. All of this has led me to some great reads I wouldn’t have read otherwise, and to some stinkers which we won’t discuss here.

Five Star Reads

On Fragile Waves by E. Lily Yu - Wow, this book was a punch in the gut. I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about this book about refugees in Australia and Nauru.

Four Stars

The Girl In The Tower by Katherine Arden - I enjoyed this one- it was a lot more action packed than the first in the series. I also liked the changing relationships between the siblings and loved the horse. I’ll read the 3rd but I’m going to wait until November at least because these are definitely cold weather books.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - The first 30 pages of this took me two days to read because it was so slow, and then I finished the last 400 or so in 24 hours. I’m glad I didn’t give up! The story of 4 orphans trying to make their way to St Louis by canoe was a good one.

Koala by Danille Clode - A natural history of the koala. I really enjoyed this. Who knew reading about the different types of eucalyptus trees could be so interesting?

The Death of Expertise by Tom Nichols - This book was as depressing as it was interesting. Notably it was written before the pandemic so today’s reader is left feeling like there’s a lot missing from the discussion. However the points made still feel spot on as someone who works for a firm where thought leadership used to be a big part of our business.

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On My Nightstand March 2, 2024

Quick post for a busy weekend. We’ve got pre-season lacrosse, a soccer tournament, volunteer work, and a ton of paperwork for various things going on here. And of course I feel like I’m coming down with something (please be allergies, please be allergies…)

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week

“‘When they start to mature and hit puberty’ one wildlife officer said about wombats, ‘they just hate everybody and everything.’”

— Koala by Danielle Clode

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle: I had bailed on Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano last month, but picked it back up this weekend and am enjoying it now.

Audiobook: Making my way through Julia, a 1984 re-telling. It would be better if I had paid more attention in high school, and remembered the original. Sorry Mr. Baker.

Physical Book: I’m about two pages in on The Survivors by Jane Harper. I think this will be my nightime tea break book for the next week or so.

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On My Nightstand February 15, 2024

The weekend’s here are we’re soaking up any bit of sun we can find. Why is this time of year so gloomy? I need the sun, stat.

My latest evening snack obsession has been cinnamon toast made from Dave’s Killer Bread. Not actually healthy, but the grainy bread lets me pretend. I’ve been back in reading mode after a mini slump and am hoping to finish the month strong!

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week

“Koalas have perfected sitting in trees. They do not merely sit, as we do, in unnatural posture on the edge of a chair, never sure where to put our legs, how to curve our back, where to hold our shoulders. Koalas sit with ease and aplomb, and sleep with absolute confidence on their precarious spot.”

— Koala by Danielle Clode

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle: Still reading a chapter a day from The Brothers Karamazov. What a trip.

Audiobook: Started The Pants of Perspective by Anna McNuff because it’s set in New Zealand. Anna’s fun, but this book could have been set anywhere.

Physical Book: Koala by Danielle Clode - I adore this book, and am quickly becoming obsessed with koalas.

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On My Nightstand February 17, 2024

Happy weekend book friends! Last week ended up being unexpectedly hectic between illnesses, appointments, half days, and an out of the blue work project. I barely read at all during the week, but am trying to make up for it with plenty of couch time this weekend.

This month we’re eating and reading from New Zealand for the Litsy #FoodAndLit challenge. I haven’t had a chance to cook anything yet, but I did order some Manuka Honey which is supposed to be a superfood. I am hoping to grow at least two inches. I’m not sure if I’ll end up cooking anything, but I do want to order from the New Zealand pie shop near me.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week

“There are two kinds of people in the world, Norman. People who have things and people who want the things other people have. A day don’t go by that there’s not war somewhere in this world. A war to end all wars? That’s like saying a disease to end all diseases.”

— This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle: The Girl In The Tower by Katherine Arden - I waited so long to read the second book in this series that I had to read the first one twice. This is the week I finally get it done!

Audiobook: The Longest Line on the Map by Eric Rutkow - Still reading my way across the Americas. This one is next up.

Physical Book: Koala by Danielle Clode - This one is part natural history/part climate change. I’m looking forward to it!

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Show Us Your Books February 2024

I had a great start to my reading year in January including books set in the Himalayas, Ghana, Kiribati, and Azerbaijan. I love traveling even when it is between the pages of a book.

Five Stars

All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby - This book was so gripping that I found myself sneaking any bit of time I could to read it. The way Cosby writes about small towns in the South reminds me of how Stephen King writes about Derry. Great story. It all came together impeccably.

Four Stars

Mobility by Lydia Kiesling - This book is being billed as coming of age, but to me it was more of a warning about what will happen if we don’t all make changes. That said it was probably a warning that was too drawn out and kind of up and down. The interesting setting in Azerbaijan bumped it up a bit in my opinion though.

High By Erika Fatland - This chunkster took me all month to read, but it was worth it. Fatland visited such interesting places, and her description of Everest base camp is one of the best I’ve ever read. I just wish she had tied her journey together or made some conclusions at the end because after a while it kind of seemed like Himalayan resident speed dating.

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie - This book was good, but also sad. I felt for all of the women (except maybe Aunty.) I loved the peek into life in Ghana.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary - Despite being a huge fan of Ramona Quimby as a kid, and reading all of the Ramona Quimby books to my own kids, last month was the first time I read a Henry Huggins book. I loved it! I listened to the audiobook narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and was delighted that it had an intro read by Cleary herself.

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On My Nightstand February 11, 2024

Happy weekend book friends! Ash Wednesday is this week which means Lent. This year instead of giving up chocolate (which I don’t eat much of anyway) I have pledged to not buy any new books, take any more books out of the library, or make use of any of my book subscriptions. Some people don’t get it, but I’m sure you all do!

Meanwhile my schedule changed again with the change of sports seasons so my reading life took a hit this week while I adjust. I’m hoping to find my groove again next week. Fingers crossed.

Have a great week!

Quote of the Week

“But Mr. Banks, who owns it, said to Mrs. Banks that she could have either a nice, clean, comfortable house or four children. But not both, for he couldn’t afford it.”

— Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

What I’m Reading This Week

On Kindle: A Plus One For Murder by Laura Bradford - Another cozy for my book club. I like the characters in this one.

Audiobook: Biography of X by Catherine Lacey - I’m enjoying this one even though I think I’m missing out on the visuals by listening instead of reading with my eyes. This is one I’ll seek out in hard copy after Lent!

Physical Book: Lead Through Anything by Dustin Seale and Ed Manfre - This sat at my reading spot untouched all last week. Time to get to it!

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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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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!

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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!

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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!

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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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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!

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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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