On My Nightstand March 14, 2026

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snow on the flowers

There is so much going on good and bad I don’t even know what to say. Thank goodness I have my books to get me through. I have been flying through my audiobooks, and inching through my print and kindle books. Just that time of year I guess. Multitasking is the way to go when it gets like this.

Quote of the week

“For my private plans, I’ll keep them to myself; which is very easy, as at present I have none: no private life is permitted a man in my position, a man in debt.”
— Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

My growing nancy drew collection

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I just started The Director by Daniel Kehlmann. I have no idea what is going on but I like it.

Audiobook - I’m listening to Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe. It’s interesting but stressful.

Paper Book - I’m in the middle of a bunch, but the one that’s standing out right now is Wild Swans by Jung Chang.

a stack of books on every surface

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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On My Nightstand February 28, 2026

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morning skies

I think we had all four seasons this week. It started with snow and ended with warm sun. Weather like this makes me unhappy with all my clothes because nothing seems right. So I think I will take myself thrifting tomorrow to see if I can find something that makes me happy. If I happen to end up at the store that has the huge selection of books? It can’t be helped.

Quote of the week

“Don’t mess with statistics.”
— Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson

the birds are confused by this weather too

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I settled on Watching Over Her by Jean-Baptise Andrea. I have it as an ARC but it looks like it’s already been published. I really need to catch up.

Audiobook - I started The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These people are terrible for each other. I’ll finish but it feels like a train wreck I can’t look away from.

Paper Book - Still going with Heaven’s Keep by William Kent Kreuger. I’m hoping to finish this weekend. I like this series.

pretty kitty

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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On My Nightstand February 21, 2026

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Night walks have been very pleasant lately

Another week in the books. Somehow we persist. We had lacrosse tryouts and wisdom teeth surgery, and work commitments here in this house. Plus the start of Lent. Is it any wonder I’m feeling scattered? Sometimes I am way too hard on myself.

Quote of the week

“The alternative is resistance, but you’re too busy reading novels.”
— The Book Censor' Diary by Bothayna Al-Essa

cat naps

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Still working on my ARCs. I think I’ll pick a mystery this week.

Audiobook - I have When I’m Gone Look For Me In The East by Quan Barry going for my book club.

Paper Book - I just started Heaven’s Keep by William Kent Kreuger. I was mad at the previous book in this series, but I decided to keep going.

winter walks

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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On My Nightstand February 14, 2026

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winter sunrise

Happy Valentine’s Day if you’re into that. Happy Saturday if you’re not. The super busy end of year weekends seem to have started early this year, so I’m just hoping for some down time with my books and my cats. If not summer is only 126 days away.

Quote of the week

“I believe, in my heart, we were intended to prize life and enjoy it, so long as we retain it.”
— Shirley by Charlotte Bronte

snack and a book

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Still trying to get through my ARCs. This week it’s Watching Over Her by Jean-Baptiste Andrea.

Audiobook - I’m about to start something new. I have a few choices on Everand, but I haven’t decided yet.

Paper Book - Still working on Malinalli by Veronica Chapa. It’s good but slow.

my internet is misbehaving so i just need to keep this cat pic here i guess

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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On My Nightstand February 7, 2026

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well hello there

We’re starting to get back to normal here. Those who needed them are on the right meds for covid and the schools are open again in person for at least most of the day. (Full days next week PLEASE??) I’m actually looking forward to going back to my physical therapy tomorrow.

Quote of the week

“Did you really think you were the hero of this story?”
— Kind Sorrow by Joe Hill

she is always judging me

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I have an ARC for Death by Java by Alex Erickson.

Audiobook - I am making my way through the maze that is The Unveiling by Quan Barry.

Paper Book - I got a book called Malinalli by Veronica Chapa out from the library. It’s really different and interesting so far!

see?

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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On My Nightstand January 10, 2026

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love walking and looking at clouds

This week has been a lot. I am reeling from the news, and exhausted from being thrown back into life head first while the world is set on fire. I am thankful for the act of reading and for the thoughtful community of readers I have found myself in.

Quote of the week

“I got to figure,” the tenant said.

”We all got to figure. There’s some way to stop this. It’s not like lightening or earthquakes. We’ve got a bad thing made by men, and by God that’s something we can change.”
— The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

a rare moment of peace between these two

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I need something simple with a clear ending, so cozy mysteries it is. I have Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews out from the library.

Audiobook - A friend told me about a fantasy set in 1920’s DC so I grabbed it from the library right away - The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope.

Paper Book - I started The Chesapeake Requiem by Earl Swift over the summer but didn’t get very far. (Me not the book.) I’m trying again now that I have repaired my attention span somewhat.

started this one again. 2026 needs some poetry.

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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On my Nightstand December 6, 2025

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I hope everyone in the US had a good Thanksgiving, and that December is being good to you all. We’re good here - even got a bit of snow which is unusual in Virginia this time of year. (We’re usually February/March snow people.) I am in full on holiday elf mode so you know that means I will be flying through the audiobooks.

Happy reading everyone! Remember to breathe!

Quote of the Week

“I will never forget my first oyster, it was like a bad dream sliding down my throat...”
— One Christmas by Truman Capote

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I’m still reading A Death in Diamonds by SJ Bennett. I haven’t been reaching for my kindle as much just because this time of year I already look at a lot of screens.

Audiobook - I have Julie Chan is Dead out from the library, and due in 4 days. Can I do it? Yes I can! (Powered by raw cookie dough don’t judge.)

Physical Book - I went back to A Jane Austen Education after finishing Persuasion late last month. I really like this cozy little memoir/analysis of Jane’s works.

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On my Nightstand November 22, 2025

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Happy almost Thanksgiving. We’re not hosting this year so I for one am looking forward to a little down time to catch up on my reading and to get started on my Christmas baking.

Quote of the Week

“Funny how the days you weep, you can also have the fullest, deepest laughs.”
— Bug Hollow by Michelle Huneven

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I’m excited for the new Her Majesty The Queen book that just came out, but while I was figuring out the best way to get that one I realized I had one I hadn’t read yet! Even better, at some point I had bought it and it’s on my kindle! So this week I’ll be reading A Death in Diamonds by SJ Bennett.

Audiobook - I am so excited to dive into the 2026 Tournament of Books Long List. I’m starting with The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong.

Physical Book - Still working on 107 Days by Kamala Harris. I’m also about to start The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski for book club.

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On my Nightstand November 8, 2025

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This week has been a tornado of work and kids. I am very ready to cuddle up on these dark nights and read the time away. I’m aiming to finish up some challenges and enjoy some holiday reads these next two months.

Quote of the Week

“It was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again.”
— The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Finally getting to Summer of my Amazing Luck by Miriam Toews. I like it, but I’ve been reading for a while and am still waiting for something to happen.

Audiobook - I just started the Street by Ann Petry. I like the old fashioned feel.

Physical Book - Still working on 107 Days by Kamala Harris.

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On my Nightstand November 1, 2025

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I’m back! I ended up unintentionally taking a few weeks off due to family reasons good and bad, but I missed my little space here. I can’t believe it’s November already. I need a do-over on October.

Quote of the Week

“Mr. Welland was a mild and silent man, with no opinions but with many habits.”
— The End of the Innocence by Edith Wharton

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I’m finishing up The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb. I’m enjoying it. His characters are great.

Audiobook - I just started The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb. Not going to lie, the opening scene of this one shook me and I’m not sure I’ll keep going.

Physical Book - 107 Days by Kamala Harris - I’ve heard good things, but haven’t started yet.

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On My Nightstand October 11, 2025

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fall roses

I am loving the rainy and dark weather this weekend. It’s perfect for reading! We’re also super busy with homecoming, senior nights, club teams, work, a dead car, and trying to live in this upside down world. I hope everyone is doing okay out there.

Have a good week everyone.

Quote of the Week

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
— 1984 by George Orwell

kitty reads

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Under The Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan - Historical fiction featuring the wife of Robert Lewis Stevenson.

Audio - Not sure honestly. I just finished 1984 and I have a lot of options.

Paper - In The Hall With A Knife by Diana Peterfreund - Had to put this aside last week because of a book club read, but am planning on finishing it this weekend.

happy reading!

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On My Nightstand October 4, 2025

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October is here!

Yay October! To me it’s the best reading month of the year. I have a stack of about 12 million books I want to get to in between picking pumpkins and baking pies. So that’s totally realistic.

Have a good week everyone.

Quote of the Week

“Catastrophe is never convenient.”
— The Last Days of the Dinosaurs by Riley Black

reading on my way to work

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Started this week for a buddy read. So far, so good. We’re reading a chapter a day.

Audio - Sisters In The Wind by Angeline Boulley - I am so excited Boulley has a new book out. I have loved all of her previous books.

Paper - In The Hall With A Knife by Diana Peterfreund - I checked this out from the library on impulse and it is so much fun.

happy reading!

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On My Nightstand September 27, 2025

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when the sun comes out after a miserable gray day i come running!

We had the flu this week. We’re just getting back in the swing of things.

I had been wanting a place to write about cooking and food prep so I started a substack. If you’re interested here it is - Pound Cake and Mint Tea.

Have a good week everyone.

Quote of the Week

“Like so many Americans, she was trying to construct a life that made sense from things she found in gift shops.”
— Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

cards from my book friends

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough - I’ve been dipping in and out of this for years. It’s so melodramatic, but I love it.

Audio - Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut - Listening to this for a book club. It’s well written but I’m not in the mood.

Paper - Smile Beach Murder by Alicia Bessette - Mysteries are good when the world is a mess. They always have a clear ending.

i want to be a cat

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On My Nightstand September 20, 2025

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butterflies were everywhere outside my pt’s office this week!

Another full week of sports, work, and school. I’m just trying to soak it all up. I don’t have too many years left with these kids in my house.

I had been wanting a place to write about cooking and food prep so I started a substack. If you’re interested here it is - Pound Cake and Mint Tea.

Have a good week everyone.

Quote of the Week

“You knew there was a ghost cat, and you didn’t tell me about it when we were discussing ghosts earlier?”
— Something Whiskered by Miranda James

she brought me her favorite toy and put it on my book

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Buried In A Good Book by Tamara Berry - I’m still working on this. It’s not bad for a kindle freebie!

Audio - Beach Music by Pat Conroy - Pat Conroy could write. I’m slowly making my way through all of his books. This one is a chunkster so I’ll have it for a while.

Paper - Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh - Loving this one! What a trip!

first pumpkin from my garden

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On My Nightstand September 13, 2025

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this cat means business

I think I’m starting to adjust to the fall schedule (I probably shouldn’t say that out loud. Sorry, universe.) I was in a definite reading slump the first half of this month, but I finished some good books this week. Fingers crossed for all of this.

I had been wanting a place to write about cooking and food prep so I started a substack. If you’re interested here it is - Pound Cake and Mint Tea.

Have a good week everyone.

Quote of the Week

“Just wait, starts off every piece of advice that anyone gives a pregnant woman. You’re tired now? Just wait. you’re anxious and scared now? Just wait. You think you’ve felt love? Just wait. As if there is another choice.”
— Tilt by Emma Pattee

a random banana in a tree at the library

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Buried In A Good Book by Tamara Berry - In my never ending quest to get all of the free cozies off my kindle I’m going to start this today.

Audio - I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue - I started this yesterday and it’s touching and funny at the same time.

Paper - Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry - I have no idea why this is taking me so long to read, but I’m almost done. I like it, just don’t think to pick it up.

amazingly delicious tacos from a food truck last week

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On My Nightstand May 16, 2025

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This school year is winding up with a bang! Prom is this weekend, plus the last of the league field hockey games, and year two of confirmation prep is almost done. I know I signed up to bring a bunch of different fruit trays to various places, so I need to sit down with my planner this weekend and figure that out. Grateful for Aldi and their wonderful fruit and veggie aisle.

I’m loving the extended evenings with light skies almost until my bed time. Reading on the porch to the sound of frogs signing is a balm in this fraught world.

Quote of the week

“She marveled briefly on how hard humans tried to shape the future, herself included, and how much it was really in the lap of the gods.”
— Murder Most Royal by SJ Bennett

On My Nightstand This Week

Paper book - I finally started Chesapeake Requiem by Earl Swift and it’s really good! Can’t wait to get back to it tonight.

Kindle - I’m working on another mystery - A Muddied Murder by Wendy Tyson.

Audio - Yesterday I started Entitlement by Rumaan Alam. It’s promising so far!

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On My Nightstand May 10, 2025

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All of my travels are over for now, so I’m hoping for good weather this weekend. I need to spend some quality time with my garden! I think I should be able to start picking peas and lettuce this weekend which is exciting. Some years it gets too hot before I even can pick those cool weather crops. The big bunny who visits my yard ate all of my cilantro and mint so at least he’s a bunny that enjoys flavor.

I’m excited for all of the summer reading lists coming soon. I also have my own list of books to read before I turn 50, and #CampLitsy on the Litsy app. Again, I ask if anyone knows of any jobs that will pay me to read all day?

Quote of the week

“Growing up may be the most remarkable thing that anybody ever does.”
— A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz

Barnes and noble westport, ct

On My Nightstand This Week

Paper book - Trying to decide between Chesapeake Requiem by Earl Swift and Good Soil by Jeff Chu.

Kindle - I have Murder Most Royal by SJ Bennett. I love these books, but they’re bitter sweet as the Queen gets older.

Audio - The Parrot and the Igloo by Dave Lipsky - This book is fascinating. I am really into it.

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On My Nightstand May 3, 2025

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I’m hoping that after this weekend things will calm down enough so that I can start blogging regularly again and visiting others. Yesterday was decision day at my son’s high school and it made me really emotional to think that’s what we’ll be doing a year from now. So that’s a whole new thing to think about in the middle of the night. I’m a mess basically. Thankful for cats and books.

Quote of the week

“Hannah knew this road like she knew the lines on her sister’s face.”
— Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Fixing to Die by Miranda James - Last one in this series and I’m kind of glad. They’re pretty repetitive.

Audiobook - The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny - When life is too much and I can’t focus on anything I always return to Louise Penny.

Paper Book - No Nest For The Wicket by Donna Andrews - I guess I’m on a mystery kick this week. This book is a lot of fun.

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On My Nightstand March 15, 2025

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I always forget what this time of year is like. It’s a lot of fun, but it seems like once March rolls around there’s someplace to be every minute of the day. Also all of those places require me to bring food and a financial contribution of at least $10. It’s like Christmas all over again except it lasts 3 months and there’s no presents at the end. At least it stays light later so I can read at night on the porch.

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the Week:

“What was it all for? Furlong wondered. The work and the constant worry. Getting up in the dark and going to the yard, making deliveries, one after another, the whole day long, then coming home in the dark and trying to wash the black off himself and sitting into a dinner at the table and falling asleep before waking in the dark to meet a version of the same thing, yet again.”
— Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - This Way To Murder by Shelley Shearer - I bought this way back when it was first reviewed and I am finally getting around to it. So far it’s light and fun- just what I needed.

Audiobook - Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo - I’m reading this for Author A Month on Litsy and it is so fun! I love it when reading challenges lead me to something I would have never found on my own.

In Print - Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor - I’m reading this one all month long. Last week’s chapters just started getting really engrossing so I can’t wait to turn back to it.

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On My Nightstand March 7, 2025

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It’s going to be another weekend of audio gardening when I can in between sports games and volunteering. I love this time of year but there are so many jobs to be done! For example do I dare take out my spring clothes and put away my sweaters? DC area weather always makes it so that whatever choice I make will be the wrong one.

Have a great week everyone!

Quote of the Week:

“My drink was wet and depressing. Each time I took another sip it tasted more and more like dead water.”
— The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - Deep Work by Cal Newport - I waited so long to read this it’s a little dated now. (Instant messaging - it’s not just for teens any more!) Still I’m hoping I get something out of it.

Audiobook - Untamed by Will Harlan - I fell in love with Cumberland Island in Georgia when I visited last year, so I was excited to read this book about a woman who lived there.

In Print - Star of the Sea by Joseph O’Connor - Nothing says March like an Irish famine buddy read! We’ll be reading this all month.

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