Tag Archives: Reading is FUNdamental

September 19, 2025 · 12:14 am

My Favorite Book?

Best Book Monkey

One of the things I miss about our former home in Arkansas is my book collection. We had bookshelves in every room and all of them were overflowing. That didn’t keep us from buying more or downloading more onto our Kindles…

We brought our Kindles to Thailand, and Brian pronounced them ‘ancient,’ as soon as we were settled. After my husband’s stroke and eventual placement in a nursing home, Brian bought him a new, simplified Kindle without all the bells and whistles that we thought he could operate. That turned out not to be the case, so we brought it home for me to use.

It’s very straight-forward and I like it a lot. Brian transferred the books I had on the old one to the new one. This is faster, easier to read, lighter weight. I stopped paying for the Unlimited plan, since I was paying more for that monthly than I would if I bought the books outright. I’m not reading as much because I simply run out of time. I can still find some free books to try, when I don’t know the author and am not interested in showing my support yet.

I put it in my carrier when we go to the cafe to get out of my housekeeper’s way on Friday afternoons. I switch between reading and sketching, and the time passes quickly.

Right now I’m enjoying the latest book in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts. It’s called, “Framed in Death,” and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. (This is book # 61 in the series. #62 will be available in February.)

I learned to read when I was 5 because I had the wonderful example of my parents and older brother reading all around me. I’ve been a voracious reader ever since – except for while I was pursuing my Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist. THAT is a program designed to kill anyone’s love of reading! It took me two years after getting my degree to be able to pick up a book to read for pleasure without tensing up and feeling I would be ‘tested’ on all the details of the book when I finished.

One of the things I tried to do when I ran my own reading clinic for several years in Tulsa was to get my students to realize what joy they would find when they unlocked the key to reading well. Once we figured out the skills they were missing and what kinds of things interested them, we used their interests to fill in the blanks and they were on their way, grinning. It’s amazing how hard a boy will work on phonics, figuring out how to chop up a long word into a word he could pronounce and use, when it’s tied to reading a comic book starring one of his favorite characters. Some of our girls enjoyed reading about clothes available in teen magazines. Everyone seemed to get a kick out of reading cartoons of any kind.

I consider reading one of the many gifts we humans have in life. We can learn things we need or want to know. We can follow directions to make things we can use or can give as gifts to others. We can dive into a world filled with intriguing characters who live in a world totally different than ours, making our problems fade away for a while.

Thankfully, there are ways to enjoy reading without spending a lot of money or needing a lot of space to store books. I love the idea I saw about people building library boxes on poles in their neighborhoods, putting books inside they thought others might like. These are completely free. The idea spreads, others bring books to share. Everyone wins. 😁

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June 9, 2025 · 3:22 am

The Gift of Reading

Michael Bednarek – Fine Art America

Reading is one of the MANY things that increases my quality of life.

I got in trouble as a 3 or 4 year old, sitting on the floor of our living room. My dad was reading a book on archeology. My mom was sitting in her chair with her 3 Chihuahuas working the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle. My brother was on the couch with a whole pile of comic books. I looked around several times and then I said, in the middle of the silence, “I wish to HELL I could read!”

The silence lasted a bit longer while my brother looked smug that I would obviously get in trouble. Instead, my mom got up, gathered some things and sat down on the floor with me and began to teach me.

The only time I wasn’t a voracious reader for pleasure was when I was finishing up my Masters Program at Tulsa University. I had to read so many things and regurgitate them back to my professors to the point that when I graduated, I didn’t read anything for pleasure for a couple of years, and when I did, I found myself doing it as if I would be tested on it.

I’m reading Mind Games by Nora Roberts right now. I’m really into it. If you’ve already enjoyed it, please don’t tell me how it turns out. I think this is one of her best – and that’s a lot coming from an avid fan like me.

I love the way you can escape from whatever is bothering you in a book. You can visit a different place, meet different people, become engrossed in a different situation, learn things, and more.

I hope that you have found the joy of reading, too. I think it’s priceless.

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January 4, 2025 · 1:12 pm

Too Crazy…

This was sent to me by my friend, Cathy, and it is SO true of me.

I have books everywhere in our home – beside my living room recliner, in the kitchen for when I’m waiting for the stove timer to go off, beside my bed when I’m caught up and can’t let it go, in my art room where I need reference photos or notes I made from a YouTube how-to video, etc.

I love to hold a real book in my hand. I use a Kindle, as well, but it really lacks the FEEL of a book. I love it that I can learn so much from books. I love it that some make me laugh – or cry. I love being able to escape from worries or stress by diving into someone else’s world for awhile.

Books are a necessity in my world.

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December 23, 2024 · 9:34 am

Books and Coffee

2nd Nature by Hand – Etsy

I can’t imagine a life without books. To say I’m a voracious reader is a vast understatement. I’m usually reading at least two at once. We have books in every room of our home. We built floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in almost every room and we still have to juggle to find room for our collection.

I’ve loved reading from the time I was very small. I sat in the middle of my parent’s living room, watching my dad devour a book on geology, my mother with her lapboard, working the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle, and my brother reading a comic book. Frustrated, I finally blurted out, “I wish to HELL I could read!” After several moments of complete silence, my mom sat on the floor and started to teach me.

Now I have a master’s degree as a ‘Reading Specialist,’ taught in the public schools in Tulsa OK for 8 years (getting in trouble for teaching phonics to my kids while playing my guitar.) I ran my own reading clinic for three years, helping a lot of kids discover they WEREN’T ‘stupid,’ teaching them the keys to making sense of it all.

Between books, the Internet, and YouTube now, there isn’t enough time in the day to learn all I would like. I love the fact that you can learn so many things in the privacy of your home that may change your life.

I have favorite authors – Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, Robert B. Parker, Lee Child, Grisham, so many others; and it’s a gift that I’m discovering new authors, such as R.G. Ryan.

I hope that kids are receiving books this Christmas and that their parents are reading to them, showing them how much fun it is to read and learn, helping them get books from the library and build their own collection – encouraging them to escape from current worries, to dive into other worlds.

@becauseallthebooks via G. Loganberry

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December 1, 2024 · 9:52 am

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)

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September 29, 2024 · 9:53 am

Unlimited

I have the old style Kindle Fire 7. If things go the way things have in the past year, it’s probably on its last legs and will die a cruel death soon. :0(

I have always liked REAL books. They are in shelves all over our house, plus in ‘discrete’ piles :0) elsewhere – I LOVE real books and fought the idea of getting a Kindle for a LONG time after my husband got one. He loves his and rarely reads a real book anymore. I do like the fact that I can throw my Kindle in my purse and take it places and read where I’m having to wait a long time.

I also fought the idea of Kindle Unlimited, where you pay a monthly fee in order to have access to lots of ‘free’ books at no extra charge. The main reason I like this now is that a LOT of books being written these days that are truly awful, in my humble opinion. I like characters with whom I can identify or I can admire. I like plots where I care what happens to those characters. I won’t read a book with lots of grammatical or spelling errors. I also don’t like ‘formula’ stuff that is predictable, being buried in questionable language, or kind of shocked by too much explicitness when I appreciate ‘romance.’

I can upload a book, get started with it, and send it back from whence it came in a matter of seconds without feeling guilty about having ‘bought’ yet another bad book not worth reading. There is no limit. I DO have to return one in order to download another from time to time, but that just takes a second.

I still prefer a real book, but paperbacks now, since the arthritis in my hands makes it uncomfortable to hold a hardback these days. The Kindle enables me to read as much as I like without guilt – a great thing for sure!

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June 15, 2024 · 10:16 am

Books Are a Quality of Life Thing

sent to me by my good friend, Cathy

I’ve slowed down on reading lately, only reading one book at a time now. I’m switching between re-reading some from my collection and reading a new one from my Kindle.

Happily, I’m finding several authors new to me whose work I will see out every time I get the chance.

I found this project idea that I will definitely try at some point when I have time to do some more yard art. I have the leftover bricks. I’d have to figure out a way to display them (maybe on the edge of a brick planter – with ‘bookends’), but I LOVE this idea. :0)

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March 21, 2024 · 11:04 am

A Little Reading Is a Dangerous Thing

Angela Mia De la Vega -signaturegalleries.com

I have read several good books lately, am re-reading other favorites, and looking forward to more –

Watercolor Dreams – Jake Moriarty Book 1 by R.G. Ryan

I reread this one the past two days. I enjoy Ryan’s sense of humor, wit, and the interaction of the real characters he has created. My favorite line in this book is, “I’ll not describe what transpired next, because nobody wants to see a grown man cry.” Jake is a really skilled ‘finder of lost things’ but also has a heart that be touched by purity and love. I follow R.G. Ryan on X. He told me that he’s written 15 Jake Moriarity books, 8 are published with #9 scheduled for a May release. I have #2 Finding Wonderland, Jake Moriarity Book 2 downloaded onto my Kindle, ready to be enjoyed. :0)

Identity – Nora Roberts

“It was Morgan who let the monster in. “Luke” is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.”

This is a well-crafted story, as usual for Nora Roberts. You get caught up in the situation and the characters right off the bat and hate to stop reading. I bought this as a temporary-Kindle offering, but will probably buy it when it comes out in paperback to add it to my permanent collection.

Legacy – Nora Roberts

This is the one I’m re-reading now.

“Adrian starts getting death threats as a routine part of her celebrity, and she can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…”

I’m thoroughly engrossed in this one right now, having trouble stopping to get anything done. :0)

Finding Wonderland – Jake Moriarity Book 2 by R.G. Ryan

When I finish this one, I have R.G. Ryan’s Finding Wonderland waiting…

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December 4, 2023 · 10:13 am

Happiness is a Stack of Books

“Reading In The Library” – Peter Walters via @GregCatarino1 on X

I’ve been enjoying re-reading my collection of J.D. Robb’s (Nora Roberts) In Death series in preparation for reading the latest ones in paperback.

Right now I’m re-reading Desperation in Death, #55 in the series. I have the paperback of Encore in Death waiting and will get Payback in Death at the end of this month or the beginning of next month. The newest hardback, Random in Death, will be released in at the end of January 2024. I’ll have to wait until that one is released in paperback to get it.

I’ve been doing five main things lately – working in the yard, trying to etch glassware, revamping my Etsy site, listening to music, and reading. This makes for some super nice days and evenings and I’m feeling quite spoiled. I’m THINKING about adding more housework and exercise to the mix, but am only doing the minimum on housework (I’m a slob) and only my yoga stretching on the exercises so far. Maybe I’ll do better when I’ve finished reading my new wealth of books…

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Dr. Seuss Wisdom

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September 19, 2023 · 9:54 am
May 19, 2023 · 4:23 pm

Small Victory

Kindle Fire 7 (I think)

I’ve had an epic battle with myself to try to use my Kindle. I really prefer REAL books, rather than electronic, although I have to admit the Kindle fits in my purse much easier than a book, and the light it has is nice. My real preference is hard back books, but those are too expensive and take up too much room on my already stuffed bookshelves.

I’ve been using it recently because I’ve recently re-read all my paperbacks. I have some on pre-order, but I was spending more than I wanted on used paperbacks, and so finally decided to try Kindle Unlimited, since I could try new writers free (for three months) and then it would be $10/month to continue after that. (They have now emailed me that the monthly price will now increase to $12/month, but that’s still less than I’ve been paying for used paperbacks and I’m enjoying trying authors at no cost so far.)

I’ve already run into a problem – too many books on my Kindle for easy access. I can’t tell from looking at my Kindle which books I’ve already read and things were getting clogged up. I got on my computer a few minutes ago and started poking around to see if I could find out how to manage what was on the Kindle.

I poked and poked and finally found a ‘manage content on your devices‘ on Amazon. I’ve spent the last 20 minutes or so deleting the ones I’ve already read after downloading three more books from an author new to me. I guess that new authors allow people to access their work on Kindle Unlimited for a time and then, when the person has decided they like their writing, there are no more free books available. That makes sense, but I’m a bit ticked, to be honest.

I have now deleted everything I’ve read from three different authors and have only new stuff on my ‘device.‘ VICTORY! (A small one, I know, but can you see my hands in the air (virtually, since I need my fingers on the keys to type this) ? :0)

Now I’ll start a list on my computer of the new authors I’ve found, have read all the free stuff from, and want to continue to read in the future sometime. It’s nice to figure out a plan where I can feed my voracious reading habit without putting us in the poor house, plus be able to manage what is on my Kindle, plus not lose track of authors I enjoyed. HOORAY!

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February 25, 2023 · 10:12 am

The World of J.D. Robb

I’m starting to re-read this one today. It’s # 51 in the “In Death” series by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I only have 4 more before I dive into the newest paperback in my collection, “Desperation in Death” #55. #56, “Encore in Death” is due to be out in hardback at the end of this month. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait – 6 months at least, before they will allow me to pre-order the paperback. It’s another character-building exercise for me. :0)

In the meantime, I’m thoroughly enjoying the world of Lieutenant Eve Dallas, futuristic murder cop in New York.

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January 1, 2023 · 10:58 am

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.

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December 26, 2022 · 10:12 am

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)

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November 26, 2022 · 9:43 am

“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.

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November 3, 2022 · 10:24 am

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…

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October 26, 2022 · 10:07 am

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!

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October 8, 2022 · 10:12 am

The Joy of Reading

I was on ThriftBooks.com looking for more paperbacks by Linda Howard and discovered, to my delight, books I hadn’t read by Nora Roberts! I didn’t think such a thing existed!

Now I have used books coming by BOTH and I feel quite rich in anticipation.

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September 27, 2022 · 11:50 am

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!

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September 21, 2022 · 10:22 am

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.

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August 27, 2022 · 11:13 am

Happiness

Pat Hall
Hanford Sentinel

I read this book yesterday. I would LIKE to believe that Tyler Henry is, indeed, a medium and that he CAN be a conduit for people. I will remain skeptical until I can get my OWN reading by him, and that won’t happen. It is an interesting book. I was hard-pressed to put it down yesterday. I felt a push to read what he had to say. I will probably read it again soon, more slowly, trying to digest some of the profound things he said. A lot to think about. I will also get his second book, Here & Hereafter, when it becomes more affordable.

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August 15, 2022 · 11:10 am

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)

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August 11, 2022 · 10:27 am

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)

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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

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.

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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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