Category Archives: Reading is FUNdamental

July 30, 2022 · 3:52 pm

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.

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July 24, 2022 · 10:19 am

Funny Problem

Unknown

I’ve told you I discovered Linda Howard’s books recently, due to a recommendation from one of my dearest friends. I’m purchasing them for my Kindle, plus used copies of paperbacks, which I prefer.

I told my husband that I really liked her work, and he decided to read one.

Our funny problem is that – even though I just purchased 6 or 7 books lately, he had read all of them – before me – except the one I am reading now. :0)

I’ll probably finish it today, but we’ve both been given a nice gift by my friend. I’ll have to look for more good deals on used books so I can keep my husband supplied!

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July 18, 2022 · 6:02 pm

Nice Afternoon

Gfycat

I’ve had a very nice afternoon.

I turned on the a/c upstairs – it’s 104 F. actual temperature – who knows what the heat index is – and painted for a couple of hours this afternoon. Things are definitely coming together on the Christmas gifts I’m painting. I listened to some of my favorite music while I painted and had a great time.

Reviewed

I came downstairs and was going to read, but ended up asleep in my recliner with the book on top of me. :0) I feel much more rested now.

Tenor

Then it was about 5:00 and I hadn’t done my yoga practice for the day, so I did that, and earned my sparkly star on my calendar.

Now I’m enjoying time on my computer and will soon fix dinner for us.

NICE afternoon.

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July 5, 2022 · 10:22 am

Kindling

When I went to find more Linda Howard books, I couldn’t find used paperbacks, so the best option was to download them on my new Kindle.

I found her “Western Ladies Series” – A Lady of the West, Angel Creek, and The Touch of Fire.

Though I really prefer to have real books in my hands, I love the speed of acquisition of the Kindle. I just hope that these are going into the cloud somewhere so if my Kindle gets wonky, I don’t lose my collection. I only keep books on there that I want to read again sometime in the future.

Sent to me by a dear friend.

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June 30, 2022 · 9:18 am

Talking to Myself

from my friend, Cathy.

The only thing better than reading a book is reading more than one at once, as I was doing yesterday.

I finished this one and will start another of her “CIA series” today.

And then, since I got my new Kindle reader yesterday, I read the introduction to this new cookbook and will start browsing through the recipes today. I really hope this has nice, basic, easy recipes.

Yesterday I looked at one recipe on the net that sounded like it might be good. I stopped reading when I counted FIVE ingredients my husband wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot-pole…

I MAY have to just concentrate on adding more veggies and fruit, serving less red meat, eating more fish, rather than trying to follow any particular recipes, but I’m HOPING to get a bit more help than that.

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June 27, 2022 · 10:12 am

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.

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June 26, 2022 · 11:35 am

A Day of Food, So Far

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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.

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June 20, 2022 · 10:18 am

New Author to Me

Reading Boy Mailbox-mygardengifts.com

My friend Marsha recommended Open Season by Linda Howard. I’m reading it now.

For some strange reason, I tend to try a new author with intense skepticism, assuming I won’t like him or her. This seems to be a gut-level response and I can’t talk myself out of it. But I force myself to try the new author anyway, and many times find I’m really glad I did.

Linda Howard has a great sense of humor. Though it took me awhile to warm up to the main character, I like her now. She is encountering danger now, though she isn’t aware of it yet. The fact that you, the reader, ARE aware is a good technique. I’m drawn in more and more as I read. I want to know what happens now.

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June 14, 2022 · 11:15 am

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)

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May 30, 2022 · 9:47 am

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?

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May 22, 2022 · 10:22 am

Reading

vinnyshirt.store

I’m really enjoying re-reading my collection of Robert B. Parker books. I read the “Jesse Stone” series again, then moved on to the “Spenser” series. I’m on book #20, I think, “Double Deuce” now. Parker’s writing was so CLEAN. You’re never aware of the way he writes, unless one of the characters is poking fun or making a snide remark. He describes things so you can see or feel them clearly, yet you just ‘absorb’ the characters and situations. I find myself reading along, and then he says something so subtle that it takes me a sentence or two to react. And then I snort, or smile, or both, to the point my husband says, “What.” (He appreciates Parker’s dry sense of humor, too, and so understands with little explanation. )

When I finish reading the collection, I think I’ll start on our collection of Lee Child next, with his books about Jack Reacher. I just read that Lee Child has stopped writing Jack Reacher books and is passing the series to his brother, Andrew Grant. (In the media, I prefer Alan Ritchson in the TV series, rather than Tom Cruise in the movie versions. This is nothing against Tom Cruise, really. Lee Child is so good at getting the reader to ‘see’ Jack Reacher, though, that I laughed aloud when I discovered who would play him in the movies. Alan Ritchson in the TV version seems perfect for the role. I hope they continue the series.)

I would go nuts if I weren’t able to enjoy time reading each day.

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May 5, 2022 · 11:34 am

Enjoying ‘Parker Land’

Karen Bellandi

Yesterday I finished re-reading my collection of Robert B. Parker’s “Jesse Stone” series. There are 9 of them written by the author himself. I watch the movies made beyond that – having a huge crush on Tom Selleck – but don’t read the rest.

Today I’ll start re-reading his “Spenser” series. I absolutely love the combination of quiet toughness, competence, humor and wit of Spenser. He has a very low threshold for pomposity, self-importance, and lies. He also has a soft side that melts me into a puddle. You get to know him better book by book, situation by situation. I love it.

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April 21, 2022 · 10:36 am

Jesse Stone Series

Brass Baron Dorothy Bronze-outdoorartpros.com
Robert B. Parker – Penguin Random House

Robert B. Parker is one of my favorite authors. I think I have all of his books.

His “Jesse Stone” series is wonderful. I have the books AND the movies. (The fact that the main actor in the Jesse Stone series is ANOTHER favorite – Tom Selleck – lets me win twice. :0)

“In 1997 Robert Parker introduced the world to Jesse Stone, who comes to the small town of Paradise to serve as police chief, running from a past in Los Angeles where his alcoholism led to a failed marriage and a failed career in law enforcement.”

He’s a flawed man, but honest and strong and admirable. You want him to get through his problems.

I’m re-reading the books now, savoring the way Parker can say things in a very straightforward manner where you forget the ‘writing,’ concentrating on the characters and the story. He has quite a sense of humor, a dry wit, having his characters see the humor in a situation, providing sparkling dialogue that sometimes makes me laugh aloud.

Night Passage (1997) Trouble in Paradise (1998) Death in Paradise (2001) Stone Cold (2003) Sea Change (2006) High Profile (2007) Stranger in Paradise (2008) Night and Day (2009) Split Image (2010)

I will continue to buy and watch the Jesse Stone movies created by Tom Selleck and Michael Brandman, but I consider the ‘continuation of the book series’ by Ace Atkins or Reed Coleman a nice honor, but pale-in-comparison imitations of the master.

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March 10, 2022 · 9:44 am

Richness

mouseshouses.blogspot.com

About the only thing I don’t mind about being snowed and iced in again is that I have plenty of good books to enjoy.

I’m on book #50 Golden in Death from J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts’) In Death series. I’m re-reading the whole series in preparation for enjoying my newest paperback addition, #53 Forgotten in Death. I’ve pre-ordered the next one, #54 Abandoned in Death, which comes out in paperback in July.

The thing I’m particularly enjoying this time through is all the ‘extras’ that wind their way through the series, the poignant things people say and do that define their strength, humanity, vulnerability, love, and more. They make me tear up, adding so much richness to the series.

If we get all the rain/wind/sleet/freezing rain/snow forecast tomorrow, picture me, curled up in my recliner, heat pad on low under me, throw over me, coffee on my warmer beside me, cat in my lap, book in hand, appreciating the luxury of my life.

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March 3, 2022 · 11:55 am

Reading Richness

Unknown – Pinterest

“To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries.” A. C. Craying

Unknown – Pinterest

“The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Unknown – Pinterest

“To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company.” ~ Andre Gide

Nuria BA depositphotos

“Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself. You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.” ~ Angela Carter

Moore KidsBooks

“He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.” ~ Barrow

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February 26, 2022 · 9:57 am

Life Force

I’m reading “Life Force” by Tony Robbins. It’s a compilation of information by 100+ physicians speaking about ‘precision medicine that can transform your life.’

It’s interesting. I’m not sure that I particularly want to live that much LONGER, but I AM interested in improving the quality of my life as much as possible.

You might be interested in checking it out, as well.

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February 3, 2022 · 11:32 am

Luxury

HuffPostUK

I’m very lucky to be surrounded by books I want to read. I will never have enough time to spend with them. I’ve been bouncing back and forth from my computer to my recliner/book/throw/coffee lately, feeling very spoiled, indeed. I DO manage to get a few things checked off my to-do list each day, but a bit grudgingly. :0)

boredart.com

I found this recently and I WANT ONE! Such a clever idea. I’m trying to convince my husband to make us one. It makes me smile every time I see it. I’ll print the pic and keep moving it around under my husband’s nose. We might give him a hat to shield his eyes (and ours).

My husband and I both are voracious readers. He prefers his tablet, and I prefer real books. I really prefer hardback books, but have switched to paperbacks because of cost and storage space. There is something really satisfying to hold a book in your hands, turning pages, rather than swiping a screen. I do have a tablet, and take it when we go to sit in waiting rooms, but that’s the only time I use mine.

My favorite books are my art books. I have some that are how-to’s, trying to teach me watercolor techniques, for example, or how to draw feathers. (I haven’t mastered either of those things, but I LOVE to see what others have done and dream of one day getting closer to doing a bit of it myself.

I have a few books that are illustrated books – I guess for children – but they called to me. I love the creativity and the skill employed in these. They make the stories and characters come alive for children and adults, like me, alike.

My idea of a perfect ‘old-folks home’ is beds with large pillows in a library. Everyone would have headphones attached to their playlist of favorite music. Sweet animals of all kinds would visit the residents freely. Food and drink would be available, plus a playroom with art supplies. Residents who wanted to could help children find books that would delight them, or read to groups. Nice fantasy.

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December 13, 2021 · 1:31 pm

If You Want to Be…

Zen to Zany via Cathy Ruggiero

I’ve always been thankful that my mom started teaching me to read when I announced, in the middle of our living room, looking around at my dad reading a book on Geology, my mom working the New York Times crossword puzzle, and my brother reading a comic book, “I wish to HELL I could read.”

Thankfully, she didn’t wash my mouth out with soap or punish me. She started to teach me so I could share in the love of reading – something I would love the rest of my life.

I became a teacher, then got my master’s degree as a reading specialist, taught in the public school system on the North side of town for eight years, then started my own reading clinic. I consider reading one of the greatest joys there is in this life. A way to broaden your horizons, learn new things as long as you would like, escape from problems or cares if you need to, or just be entertained. What a joy!

We have books in almost every room in our home. There are never too many books as far as I’m concerned. We donate some several times a year to our local library to help them with their fundraisers, always managing to bring home a sack from the sales.

I hope that you, too, are surrounded by books that stir your imagination.

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December 9, 2021 · 9:57 am

Definition of Happiness

Cathy

I pre-ordered the paperback version of “Forgotten in Death,” the 53rd book in the Eve Dallas, “In Death Series” by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) a long time ago. It will be released the 28th of this month. The 54th book, “Abandoned in Death” will come out in hard back in February of 2022. I will pre-order the paperback of that one, as well.

As I always do, I’m enjoying re-reading the previous books in preparation for diving into the latest for me. I’m on book # 26 – “Memory in Death” now, fully immersed in Eve Dallas’ world, full of dead people that Eve stands for, determined to get justice for each one regardless of the cost to herself. The continuing love story of Eve and the billionaire Roarke is a classic for a reason. The characters are strong, real, quirky, and addicting.

Nora Roberts’ books have helped me through some difficult times. I love to dive into the situations she has created, get to know the characters, fully engrossed in the story.

I have several favorite authors, and my book collection is one of my most prized possessions.

I’m rich in books.

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October 30, 2021 · 10:21 am

Want

Alte Weisheiten-fotocommunity.de

I’m enjoying the third book in the Chesapeake Bay Saga trilogy – plus one written later, probably due to reader demand – by Nora Roberts.

As usual, I’m in the middle of the world she has created there, feeling as if I would know all the characters if I saw them on the street, wanting to stay in their world.

A. A. Milne – E.H. Shepard – Winnie the Pooh – DreamsQuote.com

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October 6, 2021 · 10:35 am

Book Joy

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I have a wonderful library – actually books all over the house – into which I can dive and escape for awhile, books to inspire more art efforts, recipes, how-to books, and more. I am rich in books.

When I was a teacher in elementary school, teaching 1st grade through team-teaching 1-6 during the eight years I taught, I tried to teach the basics (phonics, breaking words into syllables, word meaning, etc.) but also I hope that I passed my intense love of reading into the hearts of my students. (I got in trouble by bringing my guitar to school and helping my kids learn phonics while singing and dancing to the beat. I was told, “Ms. Lewis. This is NOT a music class!”)

randolphrose.com

I can think of no skill more important than reading. There are no limits when one can read. You can learn new skills, explore things you may never see, widen your horizons, fill your soul.

When I ran my own reading clinic for three years – teaching kindergarten through adult in Tulsa, Oklahoma – I saw personalities and goals change. I loved watching the light bulb turn on when things finally made sense. We tested to find out what was needed and then supplied those needs with fun stuff, like comic books, to make the work worth the effort. It was wonderful to see kids realize that they weren’t ‘dumb,’ – they just didn’t have all the puzzle pieces!

Emine Fougner-LinkedIn

I feel so lucky to have a stack of books on my desk here in the office, waiting for me to enjoy!

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July 18, 2021 · 12:05 pm

Book Joy

lektorat-ps.com

I finished re-reading the 51 previous paperback books in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) and am anxiously awaiting delivery of paperback #52 “Faithless in Death” I think on the 27th of this month.

In the meantime, I started Nora’s trilogy called “The Sign of Seven“, reading Book 1, “Blood Brothers” yesterday. I’ve now ordered Books 2 and 3, which should arrive shortly.

Being able to dive into a well-loved book, or start a new one, is such a quality of life thing for me. I honestly don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t read and write every day.

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June 7, 2021 · 10:05 am

Joy in Books

frbronze.com

I pre-ordered the latest book from J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts’) In Death series out in paperback, “Faithless In Death” quite awhile back and it will be delivered sometime the last of July. In anticipation of this. I’ve been re-reading the series of what is now 54 books (the latest hardback will be out in Feb of 2022). I’m on #24, “Innocent in Death” now.

I have always enjoyed re-reading books I love or seeing favorite movies again. Each time I read or watch, I notice things I missed the first time, or have forgotten, so the joy in discovery, or seeing good literary or cinematic friends again is renewed.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas’ world (NYC in the future – around 2058+) grabs me. She is a top murder cop there, and is SUCH an interesting blend of competence, grit, strength and vulnerability. I also love her sarcasm. The interplay between Eve, Roarke, her friends and co-workers still makes me laugh aloud or tear up.

I will enjoy being in her world, finishing the last book (#51) again before the latest paperback arrives. #53 is pre-ordered, and I have notes to check on when the paperback for #54 will be available.

I am a spoiled, lucky lady. :0)

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May 19, 2021 · 11:36 am
May 11, 2021 · 10:21 am

Excitement

Source Unknown

This sweetie says it all for me today.

Skies are overcast and it looks like rain could start any minute. It’s cool. (57 degrees F.) A GREAT day to snuggle under my throw in my recliner and read or watch TV until I get sleepy and take a nap.

Even though I’m not feeling motivated to accomplish much, I AM getting in the mood to play in my art room.

Ideas are starting to rattle around in my head. I may go up and play and see what comes out of it.

Since today is a comfort food day, I’ll get some spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker for us to enjoy tonight.

I hope that you are somewhere warm and dry, and that you will find fun in your day.

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May 4, 2021 · 11:56 am

Thoughts on a Tuesday 5-4-2021

cheezburger.com

I melted into a puddle when I saw this puppy. I couldn’t resist giving him whatever he wanted. Those eyes. :0)

We had lots of severe weather last night. It was all around us, but mostly went just north of us, with tornadoes, really high gusty winds, hail, lightning, heavy rain, flooding, and flying hairballs. Lots of people lost power, had damage, etc. A semi was blown onto its side on one of the main highways through Fort Smith. Trees were down, some on homes, and more. Several of the public schools in our area of Arkansas went back to Zoom learning due to damage and lack of power. I don’t think any lives were lost.

We lucked out. We walked around checking our roof and yard. I checked my veggie plants. We had some leaves and branches in the yard, but just little stuff.

We did our errands this morning, taking our trash down to the bottom of our driveway (650 feet steeply down to the street in front of our home). No damage on the driveway. We didn’t notice any damage in Greenwood as we did our errands.

We are home now, hoping for a quiet day. I finished getting things back in place yesterday after our new carpet and porch flooring project. I’m determined to keep getting rid of STUFF. I’m trying to get into a ruthless state of mind. Hopefully I can make some significant progress – AFTER I rest from moving all the stuff OUT and then back IN to our office, living room, foyer, and porch!

I hope that you are safe and well, enjoying a quiet Tuesday.

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May 2, 2021 · 10:46 am

Another Good Series

Furmen-Szilajka Erzsebet-kavicskep-kavicskepek.com

I absolutely LOVE the way that Szilajka Erzsebet uses mixed media for her stone ‘stories.’ Not only does she show great creativity and skill in telling a story with her stone arrangements, making me react emotionally to each one, but she also makes them look beautiful with the background painting. she has also used cardboard (I think) for the books here. I just can’t say enough about her artistry and talent. I love this one, that I call, “The Reading Tree.”

I am in the middle of a new series by Nora Roberts. called, “Chronicles of the One.” It starts with “Year One.” I’m in the middle of the 2nd book in the series, “Blood and Bone.” I have purchased the third book, “Rise of the Magicks.”

As with all of Nora Roberts’ books, I’m having trouble putting her work down and getting anything else done. :0) I love her strong female characters. She surrounds them with ‘real’ people you want to know. She has created a rich world, ripe with challenges, making you root for her success.

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April 25, 2021 · 10:59 am

Dream

My friend Cathy sent me this photo recently of something she thought my husband could make for me.

This would be truly wonderful. I could have it in the living room, the guest room upstairs, our bedroom, my art room….

Just looking at it makes me want to grab my book, snuggle in, and enjoy.

I would make a couple of additions, though. I would want a light attached on one of the back corners, and a place for me to put my coffee on my coffee warmer on the right side. I would also bring my throw so I could really snuggle in, and maybe catch a nap from time to time!

Right now I’m enjoying Book 2, Ashen Winter, in the series by Mike Mullin. It’s about a 16-year-old boy trying to survive after the world is plunged into the unthinkable due to an eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. The series is fascinating. After I finished Book 1 – recommended to me by my husband, I ordered Books 2 and 3 plus an additional smaller book concentrating on one of the main characters, Darla. I love Mike Mullin’s writing. The series is written for teenagers, but the scope of the books engages all ages. The series includes Ashfall, Ashen Winter, the novella – Darla’s Story, and then Sunrise.

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April 10, 2021 · 10:29 am

Never Too Many Books

Kansas City Public Library

I wish I loved close to this so that I could support the people who designed it. It makes me smile right down to my toes. Who could resist spending time in here?

I have been enjoying the work of several of my favorite authors the past few months. I re-read all of my Nora Roberts collection, including those written as J.D. Robb. Then I re-read my Robert B. Parker books, enjoying his Spenser series, Jesse Stone series, Sunny Randall series, the Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch books, and his stand alone books. Right now I’m reading a new-to-me Nora Roberts book I missed somehow, and have a new book by John Grisham that my husband recommended waiting.

I feel so lucky to be able to escape from any worries I have by diving into a well-loved book or a new one by an author I like. What a luxury!

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April 2, 2021 · 9:44 am

List of Books

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March 15, 2021 · 9:32 am

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Chalres W Eliot – SayingImages.com

I have been an avid reader since I was about 5 years old. My mom started teaching me when I was very young. I had looked around my living room, seeing my dad engrossed in a large book about geology, my mom doing the NY Times Sunday Crossword puzzle, and my brother sitting on the couch devouring a comic book. I got more and more frustrated, finally announcing in a loud voice, “I wish to HELL I could read!” After the shocked and appalled silence, my mom joined me on the floor and began to teach me.

The gift she gave me has only grown. The only time I lost my love for reading was when I was in graduate school, working on my Master’s Degree as a reading specialist. I wanted to share my love for reading and learning, but it’s amazing that anyone could come through that program and still love to read. I studied so hard and long, taking one class each semester and three each summer while teaching full time. I found I had lost the ability to read for pleasure, tensely reading – taking mental notes – as though I would be tested on the material when I finished. After a year or so, I finally gave myself permission to just enjoy – and my love for reading returned.

I finished re-reading the “Spenser” series by Robert B. Parker a couple of days ago. I was a bit sad to finish the last one. The writers who have tried to emulate him and extend the series just don’t capture the flavor for me.

Now I’m re-reading his “Jesse Stone” series. I love the character created here, and it was only enhanced when Tom Selleck was chosen to be Jesse Stone in the movie versions.

I hope a LOT of people are enjoying the work of their favorite authors, plus finding new ones, to help them through these challenging times.

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