Category Archives: Favorite Authors & Books

RG Ryan – A Man You Should Know

RG Ryan

I “met” RG Ryan on Twitter/X. – (RGRyan777 on X). I followed him (wow, I sound like a stalker, don’t I?) because he’s a musician playing and singing music with his band that I can appreciate; he’s a writer; and because his posts on X are witty, ironic, and sometimes make me smirk, grin, snort, or laugh out loud.

I tried one of his books from Amazon – a series with Jake Moriarity, a ‘finder of people’ as the main character. I find him fascinating. He’s a no-nonsense, “get-it-done-the-best-and-most-efficient-way-possible” type of man; yet there is a softer side he shows rarely that has brought me to tears. He has a wonderful group of friends – made family over time – who are loyal to each other, helping each other at the drop of a hat, a bond that is eternal.

I now have 9 of his books, and just downloaded, “The Last Happy Summer: A Jake Moriarity Prequel” from Amazon.

He has very recently expanded his writing to Substack, where he can write what he thinks. Substack is a platform where people appreciate well-written reasoned opinions. The people there feel free to comment, but there is less vitriol or attempts to ‘shoot people down’ because they don’t agree.

I love his posts here, too. He makes me think. He researches, states both sides of an issue, challenging his readers to not just read, not just click on an emoji, not just spew the trending meme, but THINK and maybe rethink your position.

I’m including a link to one of his posts on Substack, called. “What Ever Happened to Community?”

Interesting man with clear thinking, compassion, and many sides to enjoy. I’ve posted links to his work on Amazon, X, and Substack. Maybe I can ‘capture’ one of his posts from Twitter/X where he gives a sample of the band playing… ENJOY.

2 Comments

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Favorite People

Reading Addiction

Cheryl Silva Burrhus-Pinterest

I’m always reading at least one book for pleasure – not counting those I’m reading to learn skills, make new recipes, directions, manuals, etc. My husband and I spend some time before we go up to sleep reading. I love to escape to well-loved books or find new authors that grab my attention.

I told you I was in withdrawal yesterday having finished The 5th Doctor by R. G. Ryan – his Jake Moriarity series. We follow each other on X, and I complained to him about his not writing fast enough. (I’m old and I won’t last forever.) He answered, saying that there were 5 more in the pipeline for publication (HOOOOOORAAAAAAAY!) with a prequel to what I’ve read coming out next spring. I’ve written it on my calendar to start checking for it around March.

Meanwhile, I’ve downloaded a spate of poorly-written books on my Kindle. I read a few pages and then delete in disgust. I really enjoy finding new authors, but it’s a bit like kissing frogs.

I decided that I’m going to divide my time between two wonderful favorite authors, reading one book by each – rinse – repeat. SO – I’m re-reading the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) “In Death” Series and the R.G. Ryan “Jake Moriarity” series. I’ll juggle between the two. Two strong main characters with a group of friends and family I love. A really nice way to spend my reading time. :0)

2 Comments

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, Reading is FUNdamental

Withdrawal

I’m in the doldrums now because I finished R.G. Ryan’s latest Jake Moriarity series book, The 5th Doctor. I had a pretty stressful day yesterday, so I stayed up late to find out what happened to ‘my people.’

The problem is, I’m finished. Now I have to wait until another one comes out. I’m older than dirt, so I get a bit more impatient than I used to. No pressure, here, R.G…..

I love being able to immerse myself in Jake’s world. He’s always in a nail-biting, tightly-crafted problem in his job of ‘finding missing people.’ The thing I love the most, though, is the characters – and in particular, Jake and his best friend Aaron. Strong friendships like this are rare, and this one is stellar.

Jake is a fascinating character. He’s tough and tenacious. Dedicated to doing whatever needs to be done in order to find the person who is missing. He is fiercely loyal to a very small group of people. He is human, though, and that’s the best part, showing at various times throughout the series. He is the strongest kind of man, not afraid to cry. He’s very honest, showing emotion when it truly matters, to those he values. As I said, fascinating.

This book had a surprising ending that really touched me.

Start at the beginning of the series with Watercolor Dreams so you can enjoy watching the relationships evolve. I repeat my warning that this series can be addictive, and that you may, as I have, fall into withdrawal symptoms when the last word has been read. Luckily, since I have all of them, I can indulge myself and re-read them from time to time. :0)

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

Just Let Me Finish This Chapter!

JoAnne White-Pinterest

I guess you would call me a voracious reader. I have always loved books, from the time I was a young kid, sitting on the floor, looking around the living room in my parents’ home. My dad was pouring over a book from the library on geology, his secret career wish (though he was a top advertising creator on the radio in Tulsa OK, winning awards.) My mom was working the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle and CryptoQuote. She was actually able to FINISH both most weeks. My older brother was reading one of his treasured comic books. I couldn’t hold it in any longer and said plaintively, “I wish to HELL I could read!” Happily, my parents ignored my language. My mom motioned for me to join her in her chair and proceeded to start teaching me.

I have a group of favorite authors. My home is full of wonderful books, though I try to use my Kindle as much as possible because if I don’t, we’ll have to get a bigger house!

My newest favorite author is R. G. Ryan. He has created a series of books centering around Jake Moriarity, a ‘finder of people.’ I discovered Ryan on X, followed him, and tried the first book in the series, Watercolor Dreams. To say I loved it is a vast understatement. I was sucked into the world he created, really liked the people and wanted more.

His newest in the series is called, “The 5th Doctor”.


I went to Amazon and downloaded it late yesterday evening. When my husband wanted me to come to bed, I was saying, “Just let me finish this chapter!” I finally went up to bed around 2am. I’m still having a bit of trouble getting anything else done today because I’d like to get back into it.

I recommend the whole series of Jake Moriarity books. The characters are people you would want to know, and feel you DO know, with the relationships evolving from book to book. The plots are always interesting with plenty of heart-stopping action, but the thing that draws ME is R.G. Ryan’s sense of humor and humanity. The first makes me snort from time to time as I read and the second make me tear up.

I recommend you start with the first book in the series, Watercolor Dreams and enjoy them in order.

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if YOU’LL discover a new favorite author, too.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

Decision

Winnie The Pooh – A.A. Milne

Leave a comment

Filed under Attitude, Favorite Authors & Books, Favorite Quotes

Latest Read

This is #58 in J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) “In Death” series. I pre-ordered the paperback in January and received it Tuesday. I dived into it as soon as I finished the book I was reading.

I was a bit disappointed this time, even though this is my favorite long term series and author, and I’ll continue to pre-order the paperback versions of each new book as I have the chance.

Usually there is some new ‘revelation’ that allows you to understand a character better, feel closer to them, or there is an event that brings tears to my eyes because someone is honored, someone is hurt and recovers, people find love, a situation or emotion with which you can identify, etc., making you feel even more tied to the series that you were before, if that were possible. :0)

This book had an interesting series of crimes and perpetrator Eve and company were trying to stop. The book, as always, held my interest. I started it the middle of the afternoon Tuesday and finished it Wednesday. It was good to be with the characters again, sharing their future world for a time. No special features this time, though. I fear that Nora may be tiring of the series – as I would imagine anyone might be after writing 58 books about the same group of people – but I hope I’m wrong.

The next book in the series # 59 –“Passions in Death” comes out in hardback in September of this year. “Bonded in Death” #60 comes out in hardback in February of 2025. I’m hoping I can pre-order “Passions” in paperback when it is announced for sale in September.

I will always be a huge fan of J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) the author, and the incredible world and characters she has created in this “In Death” series.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

Winnie the Poohisms

Life is Good
Pinterest
“We’ll be friends until forever, just you wait and see.” ~ A.A. Milne – Winnie the Pooh – illustrations by E.H. Shepard – Cian McCarthy – @arealmofwonder on X

A. A. Milne is one of my long time favorite authors. I’ve read and re-read his Winnie the Pooh books so many times, and yet it’s never enough. I always want more. I think just as much of E. H. Shepard, the artist who did the illustrations for the series. His style is so distinctive. The drawings that others do are cute, but they will never reach the work of Shepard.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Poohisms

42

Gregorio Catarino – @gregcatarino on X

I have preordered the paperback version of J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) “Payback in Death” that will be released December 26th.

To celebrate, I’m rereading the In Death series, totally enjoying being immersed again in LT. Eve Dallas’ world in about 2060 for book #42, “Brotherhood in Death.”

“Payback in Death” is #57 in the series, and #58 – “Random In Death” – is due out in hardback at the end of January 2024.”

Even though Eve Dallas is a murder cop and has to deal with the worst that humans can do to one another, the whole series is about grabbing what’s true, what’s good in life, trying to absorb as much of what’s right in the world as you can, treasuring the people who make our world special.

Eve has made it a point to be strong and independent, self-sufficient, almost impenetrable, and yet in each book in the series, she opens up a bit more, lets more in, cares more, understands what is important more. She prides herself on her objectivity and can-do attitude, but what makes her the best at her job is her humanity and caring.

Leave a comment

Filed under Book - Movie - TV Reviews, Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, Reading is FUNdamental

Treasure Trove

I finished reading Desperation in Death #55 in the In Death series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I was feeling a bit down, because the latest in the series, Encore in Death, just came out in hardback at the end of February, so it’ll be quite awhile before I can even pre-order the paperback.

I happened upon one I hadn’t heard of while searching for used books, and discovered that there are actually 19 NOVELLAS in this series! How did I not KNOW that?

Anyhow, I ordered what I could find and read the first book of three novellas yesterday. I’ve started a second one now and am thoroughly enjoying the reprieve of being at the current end of the series.

I’m searching for the rest of the 19 and will order them as soon as I can find them. It’s interesting because other authors are involved, collaborating with Nora Roberts – the highest accolade there would be as a writer, I would think.

I’m a very happy camper, being able to enjoy Eve Dallas’ world awhile longer.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

Book Number 55

I pre-ordered the paperback several months ago. It came out finally on Dec. 27th and I received it yesterday. I have carefully put in on my desk, waiting for me to enjoy re-reading my way up to diving into the latest installment of the J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) In Death Series, Desperation in Death.

Nora Roberts has created a future world cast with characters that I find down-to-the-ground wonderful. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a lady who embodies courage, commitment, and determination to be the best, to get justice for people who have been murdered. I couldn’t admire her more. All the people in this series are fleshed out more and more as you read. You feel as if you could walk up to them and start a real conversation, knowing their backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses, considering them friends.

I’m starting to re-read the 13th book in the series, Seduction in Death, today. The newest one is #55. Nice way to spend part of the new year.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Reading is FUNdamental

Books to Give Yourself and Others

I’ve enjoyed three books lately that I will keep and read over and over. I wanted to share them with you so that you can give yourself a gift, plus – if you feel the way I do about them – you’ll buy and give to others –

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

Reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne with illustrations by E. H. Shepard, this is a deceptively simple book full of hand-written quiet wisdom and illustrations that grab your heart. Here is a sample –

“I’ve discovered something better than cake.”

“No you haven’t,” said the boy.

“I have,” replied the mole.

“What is it?”

“A hug. It lasts longer.”

This is a good one to keep by your reading chair, where you can pick it up any time your heart needs a lift.

_______________________-

US by Curtis Wiklund

Curtis Wiklund and his wife are professional photographers. His wife participated in a challenge to take one photo a day. While his wife did that, he decided to draw one sketch each day. His subject matter was his marriage – their everyday lives, challenges, and love. His illustrations are heartfelt and his love shines through like a beacon. Some will make you laugh, others will fill your heart, some might make you cry. All are special. Here is a sample –

A beautiful reminder of what sharing your life with someone can be. How strong a bond can be.

____________________________________

How to be HAPPY, dammit – a cynic’s guide to spiritual happiness by Karen Salmansohn

This is a very quick read, but one you find yourself thinking about and absorbing. 44 Life Lessons presented with sass and humor and wit. Ideas that will make you rethink some things you thought you knew, that you believed, that you might not have been aware you believed and lived by. I’ve read it once so far. I smirked. I laughed out loud. And I’ve thought about it since. I plan to read this one again and again so that I can really absorb the breezy wisdom here. I like the way Karen Salmansohn thinks. I’ll go see if she has written other books. Here is a sample –

“Life Lesson # 7 – You — and those you’ve befriended/worked with/slept with – each of you – just like plants – comes with your own unique feeding manual. You each have your own needs and speeds for growth. You must read each person’s instruction manual carefully – then proceed with caution!”

________________________

I hope you enjoy these. :0)

2 Comments

Filed under Book - Movie - TV Reviews, Favorite Authors & Books

An Absolutely WONDERFUL Book

This book was delivered yesterday and I love it. It appeals to me the same way the Winnie the Pooh series does – simple, wonderful, heartfelt drawings and deep, meaningful words that resonate long after you’ve read them.

Here’s an example –

This book can be appreciated by young and old. It’s a book to be shared and treasured, read again and again. You can buy it here

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

This Artist Makes Me Cry

I found an artist whose work makes me tear up and melt into a puddle. His name is Curtis Wiklund and he is actually a professional photographer. He and his wife, Jordan, live in Michigan. They are both professional photographers and can be hired to do wedding photos, etc. He sketches as a hobby, and challenged himself to do a sketch a day for a year while his wife did a photo challenge. He decided to do sketches of himself and his wife doing everyday things. The result is beautiful. The love flows through his sketches and wraps around you. I’m still tearing up after saving several sketches to share with you. You can find samples of his photos, information on hiring him and his wife, and sketches at Curtis Wiklund. You can purchase prints, the book of his sketches, called US (I just ordered it on Amazon), and more.

“Ah, I love her.”

“Back Scratch as Sedative”

“Christmas Tree”

“Happy Anniversary”

“Mao’s Last Dance”

Leave a comment

Filed under Curtis Wiklund Sketches for US, drawings, Favorite Authors & Books, love

The Art of Charlie Mackesy

I’m fascinated by this artist. Charlie Mackesy does incredible drawings, as you can see in the beautiful child reading above. I went to his website to see more after finding this and I’ll be sharing more of his work with you soon.

I also found that he has written and illustrated a book! It’s called The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse. You can see details of the book, plus order it on his website or on Amazon. It reminds me fondly of Winnie the Pooh, somehow, (one of the highest compliments I can give) and I loved what I saw. I ordered it a couple of days ago, and will share some of the art with you when I get it.

Charlie Mackesy

Leave a comment

Filed under Charlie Mackesy, drawings, Favorite Authors & Books

“Lovers and Dreamers”

I’m in the middle of a wonderful trilogy by Nora Roberts called, Lovers and Dreamers. The trilogy includes Daring To Dream, Holding the Dream, and Finding the Dream. Three women who were raised together, though one is the daughter of the housekeeper, and one was adopted as a child when her parents died, all have dreams that are quite difficult to achieve. It’s wonderful to see how they challenge each other, support each other, and love each other in their quests. Of course, they each find intriguing men they can’t resist. :0)

Terrific huge trilogy in one book for escape from whatever is bothering you. In reading about these three women, you are encouraged to have your own dreams, as well.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, Reading is FUNdamental

Character-Building Exercise – Patience?

I received the paperback The Becoming, Part 2 of the Dragonheart Legacy trilogy by Nora Roberts about a week ago. I reread, The Awakening first, then dived into The Becoming. I finished it and now I wait.

The hardback edition of The Choice is out this month. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait for the paperback, but I’ll pre-order it as soon as it shows as available to do that.

I’m really caught up in the characters and story of this trilogy and I really don’t want to have to wait to find out what happens. That’s where the character-building comes in. You’d think with as old as I am, I would have developed more by now…

Meanwhile, The paperback edition of Desperation in Death (# 55 in the series) by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) will be arriving at my door around December 27th, a wonderful Christmas present for me. I may decide to reread all the previous books before the new one comes…

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Reading is FUNdamental

Book Delight!

ebay

I preordered a paperback of one of the Nora Roberts’ trilogy The Dragonheart Legacy books SEVERAL months ago.

I had the first one, The Awakening, and loved it. I had preordered the paperback of the second one – The Becoming.

I received it yesterday. I will re-read the first one before I dive into the second.

The third one – The Choice – won’t even be available in hardback until November. I’ll check in December or early next year to see if I can preorder that paperback.

I feel very lucky to be able to look forward to continuing this adventure.

Note: Speaking of lucky – I think I have another J.D. Robb IN DEATH series paperback book arriving at the end of December!

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, Reading is FUNdamental

One of my Favorite Poohisms

A. A. Milne – Winnie the Pooh. Illustrated by E. H. Shepard

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Favorite Quotes, Poohisms

Delight on the Way!

William Hazlitt-sayingimages.com

Linda Howard writes wonderful books into which I can escape – a priceless thing. I can immediately immerse myself in a world she has created, shedding my concerns, relaxing, and restoring.

Between Thrift Books and Amazon, I can get good prices on used paperbacks. I just bought 6 books online for the price of ONE hardback book. When I buy 4 or more, I can get free shipping from Thrift Books, though they take longer to arrive than if I order from Amazon. I just plan ahead so I don’t run out before I receive my next treasure trove. :0)

I’m saving these books because I know I’ll enjoy reading them again. I have so many I have a list in a spreadsheet on my computer so I don’t mess up and buy a duplicate. I refined my list today by alphabetizing the list, instead of just listing them in the order I’ve purchased them. Upstairs I’m shelving them by publishing year, so I can enjoy her earlier work first when I re-read. I also have any series of books she’s written placed together on the shelves.

I almost lost my love of reading when I was in school. I was forced to read so MUCH, having to regurgitate it in what passes for ‘learning.’ By the time I had my Masters’ Degree as a reading specialist, I read everything as if I would be tested on it, give a synopsis of it, discuss the symbolism, or other such drivel. I taught reading in public schools in Tulsa, OK for eight years and then in my own private reading clinic for another three. My students got me excited about teaching THEM the joy of being ABLE to read, and read for pleasure, but it took ME several years to believe it again for my own reading.

One grateful lady here that I got it back!

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Reading is FUNdamental

Remember When

John Drysdale-vintag.es

My SIL told me about “Remember When” – a book written half by “Nora Roberts” and the other half by “J.D. Robb.” I was unaware of this book and so searched, found, and ordered it. I’m reading the first part now.

The synopsis is – Remember When (2003) is a novel by Nora Roberts and J. D. Robb (the author, writing under two of her pseudonyms). The second half of the book is part of the In Death series, taking place between Imitation in Death and Divided in Death. The plot follows a diamond robbery, over a span of 56 years.

I’m not sure whether Nora was trying to introduce more of her readers to her pseudonym J.D. Robb with her In Death series, or was just intrigued by unsolved crimes. I’m finding it fascinating.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, Reading is FUNdamental

Never Too Late

Turn the Page Bookstore-Instagram.com

I’m still enjoying my discovery of Linda Howard. She writes sensual thrillers, I guess you would call them. Her characters are strongly drawn, with the main character a strong woman facing character-building/scary situations. I get Amazon and Thrift Books websites up at the same time, seeing what each has to offer on her used books.

I finally finished cleaning out and reorganizing my bedroom bookshelves upstairs (HOORAY!) , and so I now have room for my new collection.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, Reading is FUNdamental

One Box

sent to me by a friend

Reading for pleasure is a very personal thing – unique to each individual.

My husband and I don’t even use the same SALT, so it hasn’t surprised me that our reading tastes are so vastly different.

We do agree on a few authors – Robert B. Parker and Lee Child – to name two just off the top of my head. I was surprised, though, that my husband decided to try one of Linda Howard’s books recently. She is a ‘new’ author to me – recommended by a friend – and I enjoy her writing a lot. I’ve just ordered my third ‘tranche’ of used paperback books by her. My husband likes her work, too, and so now we have a new thing so we can keep track.

I have a list on my computer of the books of hers I have ordered and read. We keep the actual books I’ve received on our communal desk area in the middle of the room between our computer areas in our office. They stay there until both of us have read them, and then they find their way upstairs. We have agreed to check with each other before the books go on the stairs to be taken up. :0)

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, quality of life, Reading is FUNdamental

Books

sent to me by a dear friend

I just ordered more Linda Howard books. My husband and I are both enjoying them. I’m keeping a list of the ones we have and have read, and ones we have ordered so it makes it easier when I’m trying to order more.

Since we try to watch our money, we buy used paperbacks or the Kindle versions when applicable. I toggle back and forth when I find a book we don’t have, seeing what it costs used on Amazon vs Thriftbooks, buying from both sources.

I feel rich when we have more on the way. :0)

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, quality of life, Reading is FUNdamental

I Got It, Read It…

forward from a friend

One of the packages that I told you the UPS driver left on our robot on Wednesday to spend the night outside before we found it and another package before the rain started Thursday was the “Abandoned in Death” book by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) that I pre-ordered in February for when it was available in paperback.

I was in the middle of another book, but dived into my much-anticipated book as soon as I could. Once I started it, I found it very hard to put it down. Life and obligations kept getting in the way, so I found myself last night reading in the living room until early this morning to finish it.

It was like a reunion with old friends you feel as if you haven’t seen in forever. As usual, the ‘crime’ was all encompassing. I can never figure out who the perpetrator is, no matter how much I think about it.

The next book in the series, “Desperation in Death” will come out in paperback in December of this year, and I’ve pre-ordered it. There is another – #56 – “Encore in Death” – that will come out in hardback in February of 2023, and will probably be available in paperback sometime late in the year.

I always feel a bit sad when I’ve read all available paperbacks for awhile. It’s good that she’s such a prolific writer that I have something to look forward to.

eBay.com

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, quality of life, Reading is FUNdamental

Book Bliss

lifegifts.net

One of my all-time favorite books is The Help by Kathyrn Stockett.

“The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.” ~ Amazon

Kathryn Stockett drops you into the middle of lives you may have known peripherally, but may not have appreciated enough. However much you THOUGHT you knew, you will learn and appreciate more. This book made me laugh aloud. It also made me cry. I was afraid for the risks they were taking and how much they had to believe in the project and trust Skeeter in order to go through with it. It is written with love. You will be a different person when you finish it.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

Promise?

Enedina Kelty

I’m really enjoying Linda Howard‘s books. I’ve read 7 so far and just ordered 3 more used ones –

  • Up Close and Personal
  • Tears of the Renegade
  • Overload

My good friend Marsha recommended her work to me and I feel as if a whole new world has opened up. My husband decided he wanted to try them, too, and now HE has now read and enjoyed the 4 I bought used. (The other 3 are on my new Kindle.)

You might enjoy her work, too. :0)

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

CIA Series

irmArahn

I started a 3-book series by Linda Howard that I received yesterday, all based in some way on the CIA. Linda Howard is a new artist to me, recommended by my good friend, Marsha, and I’m delighted so far. The series of three books is Kill and Tell, All the Queen’s Men, and Kiss Me While I Sleep.

I find her style very readable. I started Kill and Tell last night and was immediately drawn into the story.

If you haven’t read her work, you might enjoy it.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books

Book Recommendation

sent to me by a friend

I’m thoroughly enjoying reading another John Grisham book. It’s called, “Sooley” and it’s totally different than any book by Grisham I’ve ever read. It’s about a South Sudanese boy who is trying to better himself and help his family by playing basketball.

I’m not a huge basketball fan, but you don’t need to be to thoroughly enjoy this book. You’ll find yourself pulling for Sooley, tearing up at what is happening with his family and his reaction to it, thoroughly immersed in this sensitive, beautiful book.

I don’t know how it will end, but I consider this one of Grisham’s best books.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Reading is FUNdamental

A Day of Food, So Far

I.arnold50-flickr.com

I JUST finished getting the ingredients for beef stew in the crock pot for dinner tonight, and eggs hard-boiled. I cleaned the fridge out a bit, too, and am now running the dishwasher, having filled it up already this morning. In a few minutes it’ll be time to fix LUNCH. Too much time around food!

I plan to be lazy much of the rest of the day, unless it actually rains and cools off. I finished a Lee Child book yesterday, Past Tense. It was the usual very well-written Reacher series book. Lee is writing with his son, Andrew, now. I’m not sure what that will do to the quality and flavor of the books.

Today I’ll start enjoying a Grisham book my husband passed to me recently.

Hope you’re staying safe and cool.

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Mediterranean Eating Plan + Recipes, Reading is FUNdamental

Enjoying Robert B. Parker

Robert B. Parker – Penguin Random House

I have finished re-reading the Jesse Stone series, and the Spenser series. Now I’m re-reading the Sunny Randall series. Once I finish those, there are only a few books left – some wonderful westerns and other stand-alone books.

It makes me a bit sad to be coming to the end of the re-read, but I’m delighted to have the collection so I can enjoy it again whenever I would like.

Some good friends have recommended authors new to me, so I’m looking forward to diving into some new worlds soon. :0)

Leave a comment

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Hobbies, quality of life, Reading is FUNdamental

Emeshed in the Spenser Series

Petr Vaclavek – Dubanci.cz

I’m re-reading Hush Money book # 26 (of 40) in the Spenser Series by Robert B. Parker. Re-reading the collection in order gives me a fuller experience, a richer appreciation of his writing style, enjoyment of the evolution of Spenser’s relationships with the other continuing characters, and admiration for his rock-solid beliefs about honor, integrity, keeping your word, finishing the job no matter what the cost.

I feel so lucky to be able to dive into his world, letting my concerns fade, fully relaxing, enjoying escaping for awhile. :0)

Who are your favorite authors and why do you love them?

2 Comments

Filed under Favorite Authors & Books, Reading is FUNdamental