December 27, 2024. MARRY YOU

Weddings. Back in the day they were pretty standard.  People had a rehearsal dinner followed by a  wedding/reception the next day. THEN IT WAS OVER.  Remember tossing the bouquet to an eligible female?  OR the groom stripping the garter off  the bride's leg and tossing it to an eligible man? What about  money dances? Well I do and those were GOOD TIMES.  I asked my daughter if she had ever heard of these things and she looked at me like I was crazy.  Pretty much have had to learn a whole new vocabulary for today's weddings.  Did you know that 90% of couples today have a "First Look." They actually get together right before the wedding to see each other and take photos. What happened to seeing the bride AT THE ALTER?? I'M NOT A FAN BUT......And nowadays they have "Welcome Parties"  after rehearsal dinner and  "After Parties"  after the wedding AND Brunch the next day.  I'm NOT making any of this up. It's a marathon of events. Won't be quitting my job for at least another year AND at this point I might have to get a part to job for this craziness. Good thing we only have ONE princess in our family.  Back to the books. Recently finished the sequel to Peter Heller's The River called The Guide. First off, It's not necessary to read The River in order to appreciate The Guide. Jack, the main character, appears in both novels. In the sequel, Jack is grappling with the death of his best friend and decides to take a job as a guide at a private fishing lodge in Colorado. Kingfisher Lodge is a flyfishing mecca and safe space for wealthy, famous people as Jack quickly realizes his charge is a famous singer and accomplished flyfisherman named Alison. Early on, Jack discovers things aren't what them seem at the lodge as he finds several hidden cameras, gates locked from the outside and even a property owner next door who has hired gunmen to keep people off his property. Guests also start to disappear and a strange virus forces a lock down at the lodge. The fishing lodge apparently is more than just for fishing and it's up to Jack to find out what's really happening before someone gets killed. Heller is a great writer who incorporates lovely descriptive writing about the wilderness and flyfishing into this Wilderness Thriller. I enjoy all of Heller's books and this one does not disappoint. It's a quick read with interesting characters. Hopefully there will be another installment of the series as I enjoy reading about Jack and the wilderness. 

December 11, 2024 THE SOUND OF SILENCE

You know the saying--"Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus"--  Well I'm here to tell you that IT'S  TRUE. Case in point. My car has been acting strange for about a month. I thought it was the brakes at first--so I tell my husband--he takes it for a ride and thinks I'm NUTS. I keep driving around town and then I start hearing THE SOUND.  He takes it for another ride--AND thinks I'm NUTS.  Then he says---What's it SOUND like?? How am I supposed to know? Does he want me to imitate it? Explain it?? Describe it?  Seriously--what does that even mean?? Now I think he's NUTS.  The next day I drive to work and listen for THE SOUND-- I'm determined to---IMITATE/EXPLAIN/DESCRIBE IT. After I hear it---I rack my brain to come up with words to describe it.  The closest I can get is---GROANING METAL.  Hey I thought that was quite descriptive. Again--He thinks I'm NUTS--shakes his head--takes the car for  ride AND NOTHING ..................Maybe I can somehow capture THE SOUND on my phone OR take voice lessons and somehow mimic it??????  If you see me on the side of the road next week--you'll know why. Just hope I have a book with me. If you're looking for a quick read check out my review of The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. As the story begins, Cam an English teacher, and his wife Jules live a very ordinary life in their rented apartment in Colorado. This is strange considering Cam is actually a multi-millionaire--who has renounced his inheritance from his adopted mother Ruby McTavish. After his uncle dies, Cam  decides it's time to go home to tie up loose ends and make peace with the past. Upon their return to Ashby House in North Carolina, Cam and Jules reacquaint themselves with Cam's horrible family which stirs up many unhappy memories. In the meantime, the reader is introduced to Ruby's letters written right before her death and it seems that nothing is as it seems at Ashby House, which has now fallen into disrepair and fits right in with this thriller/mystery. Find out what secrets each character is hiding from the other and if being a multi-millionaire is worth the headaches when you read this real page turner.  Its full of twists and turns with interesting characters and an ending I didn't see coming. Enjoy. 

November 30, 2024 THAT SMELL

 

Back in the day--people smoked everywhere. Hospitals--airplanes--restaurants--and CARS WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP.  We were constantly surrounded by smoke.  Fast forward to the 21st century and were are now  constantly surrounded by the smell of SKUNK. Cigarettes or Pot --it's still SECOND HAND SMOKE.  Not only does it smell horrible but more important---it's bad for MY HEALTH.  I was in NYC a few weeks ago and let me tell you----that SKUNKY smell was everywhere. It was disgusting. Pretty sure it's illegal to SMOKE POT IN PUBLIC PLACES so not sure how that problem is going to be solved. Honestly--as a visitor to the city--that's unacceptable. They need to do something about it because it's ruining the city.  Even in our little corner of the world--I can't tell you how many cars drive by me as early as 8am smoking pot. Smoking pot in a car is just like drinking in a car---I don't understand why people think it's okay because it's NOT. Just because pot is legal in many states--it comes with responsibility--just as drinking alcohol does. IDK what's going on in this world. That's why I NEED BOOKS.  As a huge Kate Atkinson fan, I waited in anticipation for the sixth installment of the Jackson Brodie mystery series called Death at the Sign of the Rook. Atkinson is a clever, funny, great writer who seems to be paying homage to Agatha Christie in this story. Ex-Detective Jackson Brodie is hired to investigate the disappearance of a famous painting. The investigation leads him to  a rundown English Country Estate called Burton Makepeace complete with very odd, often drunk nobility, strange neighbors and a vicar who is out to lunch. While searching for the painting, Brodie and Reggie, now a full on detective, get caught in a blizzard and find themselves stuck at the mansion which is hosting a "Murder Mystery Weekend" unbeknownst to them that an actual killer is on the loose nearby. This tongue in cheek mystery has many twists and turns--interesting very quirky characters that will keep you guessing til the bitter end. I totally enjoyed this novel as I have ALL of her books. My advice for the Brodie series though is to read them in order so that you can enjoy and get to know all of the characters better. 

November 23, 2024. WALL OF DENIAL

I'm a person who lives in DENIAL. It's my coping mechanism of choice. I'm very good at it as I've had years of practice. One thing I am currently in denial about is how late Thanksgiving is this year. I'm pretending I don't know that Christmas is literally right around the corner. I actually refuse to entertain any notions of CHRISTMAS until after Thanksgiving. NO CHRISTMAS SONGS, SHOPPING---NOTHING. This ridiculous thinking will obviously come back and bite me in the BUTT--but I can't possibly go there yet. I'll be the one running around like a nut trying to get it all done after Thanksgiving--but that's okay. It's how I role--one day at a time. Living in denial is much easier when you live in books. Just finished burying my head in an unputdownable book called All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. Set in Monta Clare, a small town in Missouri in 1975, Patch is a poor, thirteen year old boy who thinks he's a pirate. He befriends a misfit named Saint after learning she's a beekeeper. Their friendship is steadfast until one day-- Patch is kidnapped while trying to save a local girl named Misty. After Patch goes missing, other girls are kidnapped and officials realize they have a serial killer on their hands. When Patch is finally rescued, things are never the same. Don't want to say much more other than the novel spans several decades as Saint becomes a detective, the search for the killer continue  and Patch spends several years searching for missing victims. This is a great book--the characters are super interesting, the writing is great, and the plot twists and turns many times. It's a suspenseful, tragic love story that does ends on a hopeful note. 

November 9, 2024 TIME WARP

It's been a rough week. Alternating between a state of disbelief and depression. When I heard the news, I tried to go into hiberation---for the next four years-- BUT had to get up for work.  I actually wore black from head to toe--reflecting my mood. Yup. We are headed  back to TRUMPVILLE.  APPARENTLY--THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. Let the deportations begin--- get rid of all those people from "shit countries." After all--they are a bunch of rapist and criminals who have been eating our pets and stealing our jobs. NO PRICE IS TOO HIGH. Trump will probably use his secret police to round up all the "enemies from within" too. All those crazy Left Wing Kooks that don't agree with his politics. Maybe he'll even open a prison for his political enemies.  Wouldn't surprise me. Let's just sit back---LET THE CIRCUS BEGIN--and watch the RICH GET RICHER because that's what's gonna happen.  As for me--I've decided to retreat into my own world. Compartmentalize. Get lost in books. Pretend the world is normal because that's all I can do. Hopefully our country will survive the next four years of TRUMPISM. I've only got one question --unless you are in the top one percent---WHAT HAS TRUMP EVER DONE FOR YOU?? Got lost in a really good book last week called The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Set in the near future, a young female civil servant is offered an incredible job as a "Bridge"--that's too good to be true.   Her job, working for a secret government agency, is to help people from history "expats", who have been transported to the present through time travel, adapt in the modern world. The bridge is assigned to Commander Graham Gore, a Naval officer from 1847, who is shocked by modern society and its conveniences.  Other "expats" are brought to the present--Margaret from the 17th century and Arthur, a WWI officer. Each has their own bridge. After one of the bridges is assassinated, the secret government's real plan comes to light and the other bridges and expats fear for their lives. The Bridge and Gore must then decide whether they should follow orders or choose a different future. This book is many things--including a book about time travel, romance and political intrigue that is often laugh out loud funny as Gore and the other expats try to navigate in a world that makes zero sense to them. The only other thing I'm going to say is that there is a MAJOR twist in this book that I didn't see coming. So if you are into a time traveling--romance--give this one a try. 

November 2, 2024. IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME

I'm a huge fan of time travel and often wonder where I would go or whom I would see if the opportunity ever presented itself. It might be fun to go back to the Roaring Twenties or witness some great event in history. BUT the question of whom I would want to see is what interests me the most. If I only had 15 minutes to go back in time---who would I want to see?  I'd love to visit with my grandparents ONE MORE TIME. Just to hear their voices would be such a treat. But--I think at this point in my life-I would probably have to choose my father. He was a simple man--a man of few words. Although he was a kind person--he was a weak father who didn't stand his ground or stick up for his first children the way I would have with my own kids.  I understand that divorce is hard, especially, divorce in the 1968. My mother quickly remarried and we relocated to Georgia for five years. Although we saw our dad when we came back--he was remarried and had a new family. I know he loved us, but he didn't push hard enough to make sure we stayed in his life. I often wonder how he felt about this on his deathbed, I wonder if we were his last regrets in life. So, I'd like to go back--spend 15 minutes with him--apologize for my behavior at times and forgive him, even if it still hurts. Time travel is on my mind because I just finished this little gem called Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and translated from Japanese by Geoffrey Trousselot. There is this tiny coffee shop called Funiculi Funicula on a back alley in Tokyo that has been open for over a hundred years. Rumor has it that in addition to great coffee--people can sit in a special chair and travel back in time. Over the course of one summer, Kazu, the barista, meets four people looking to go back in time for various reasons. Before the customers can complete time travel, they have to agree to many rules, one being that they must return before the coffee gets cold. Find out why Fumiko, Kohtake, Hirai and Kei want to go back in time and if they return before the coffee gets cold in this heartwarming, mysterious, lovely tale. It is an International Bestseller, that was originally a play and is now a television show. There are also a few sequels to the original that I look forward to reading too. Enjoy. 

October 30, 2024 ALL SHOOK UP

When I was a kid--we only got TWO CHANNELS on the TV. Channel 3 and Channel 56. I know that sounds crazy BUT IT'S TRUE. We literally had antennas--we called them rabbit ears--to help tune the television. Every Saturday afternoon--I watched The Creature Double Feature--BUT more importantly--I watched ELVIS MOVIES AT 4:00. I was probably about 10 years old and IN LOVE WITH ELVIS. I vividly remember the day he died. It was the summer after 6th grade. I was babysitting April Martin on Main Street in Baltic. August 16, 1977. I was heartbroken. It's funny how some things stick with you. THAT WAS 47 YEARS AGO. Yikes. The reason my mind traveled back to 1977 is because I just finished From Here To The Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter, Riley Keough. Presley worked on her memoir on and off for many years, taping her life story, and in 2022 she asked her daughter Riley to help her finish it. Unfortunately, Presley died a month later and Riley ultimately finished the memoir earlier this year. The book is written as almost a conversation. Lisa Marie telling her story--living in Graceland, LA and beyond. Her absolute love for her father, difficult relationship with her mother and death of her son, Ben.  Riley's thoughts and story are interspersed of her childhood and memories of Lisa Marie and brother, Ben. This is an easy, simple read that packs a punch. Although the family certainly have had their share of grief and tragedy, the story is still hopeful as Riley and her daughter, Tupelo, navigate their own future. 

October 14, 2024 GOING TO THE CHAPEL

 

There's nothing better than a surprise----especially a SURPRISE engagement.  Last weekend was perfect. My daughter's boyfriend called early in the week to let us know he was going to propose BUT IT WAS A SECRET. After some shrewd planning and many LIES--we got Ali home and by Saturday night they were engaged and we were celebrating this wonderful event  at a party with her future inlaws. She was completely SHOCKED. She KNEW they were going to get engaged at some point BUT.........She's a lucky girl. Again--It was perfect and we are completely over the moon for them and can't wait to start planning. Life is good. Another great surprise was how much I really enjoyed The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. This historical fiction is based on the diary entries of Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer from Maine who posted thousands of entries over many decades about colonial women's lives. Martha, the narrator of this novel set in 1789 in Maine, is called to inspect  the body of a man pulled from the frozen Kennebec River. After examining the body, Martha declares that he has been murdered and he just happens to be one of two highly respected men in town recently accused of the rape of Rebecca Foster. This is crime in a small town where women have few rights and money and power rule. As Rebecca and Martha seek justice in a man's world, the townspeople try to solve the murder of one of their own. The realities of life for women at this time period are real and WOMEN TODAY SHOULD BEWARE. Anyway, this well-written book, filled with many interesting characters, is many things--a family drama, thriller, and mystery set around actual events and that's what makes it so incredible. It's also a National Bestseller and and NPR Book of the Year. Give it a try and let me know what you think. 

September 28, 2024 AMAZING GRACE

 Ever been to The Mark Twain House in Hartford? It's a great day trip. It was the home of Samuel Clemens and his family from 1874-1891. Clemens adopted his pen name in 1863 as it referred to his steamboating days when the measure of water was called "mark twain" which meant two feet. He grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, with little to no formal education as he had to work to help support his family. One of his most famous characters, Huck Finn, was actually based on his childhood friend,Tom Blankenship and Twain's  American Classic, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, was written at his home in Hartford. I'm pretty sure I read it when I was a kid but that was a billion years ago. So,  when I heard that  Percival Everett's new book James was "Huck Finn" with a twist, I was determined to read the original so that I could appreciate both. Everett's novel is definitely familiar, but this time the story is from the perspective of  Jim, slave and friend of Huck Finn. As this story unfolds, Jim learns that he is going to be sold, so he runs away to Jackson Island to work out a plan. In the meantime, Huck fakes his own death to escape his father and joins Jim on the Island. The two then journey down the Mississippi River where they overcome many hardships and some crazy adventures. Yes, the plot is the same but with Jim as the narrator--everything else is different. In James, Jim is a literate, well-spoken (unless he's speaking to whites and adopts his slave speak) intelligent person whose understanding of human nature is uncanny. As a slave, trying to navigate a world that literally make NO sense, Jim manages to find humor and compassion for others. This beautifully written gem about the friendship between a slave and an adolescent boy is both heart wrenching and laugh out loud funny at times.  It's a must read. James is up for several awards including the Pulitzer and National Book Award. I also heard that it is currently being developed into a movie too. Enjoy!

September 20, 2024 SUPER FREAK

EXHAUSTED. Getting back to school is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. One minute I'm sitting on the beach reading AND RELAXING and the next I'm back to the GRIND. Getting up at the crack of dawn EVERY DAY for another marathon. It is really hard to TEACH ALL DAY. To be "ON" EVERY MINUTE.  My head is  spinning by the end of the day. AND I miss my summer exercise routine. NO more yoga classes at 7:00 am. OR running at 8:30. It's KILLING ME. AND finding the time to write my BLOG and READ. UGH. I guess I'll figure it out and have to get used to reading a book a week instead of a book in two days. The struggles of a bookworm are REAL. Just finished reading a really good book. Totally different vibe called Lost Man's Lane by Scott Carson. Set in 1999, in a small town called  Bloomington, Indiana, sixteen year old Marshall Miller has just gotten his driver's license. One the way home from the DMV, Marshall is pulled over for speeding--by a very creepy police officer--and gets a speeding ticket. The problem--The cop that gave him the ticket doesn't exist AND the girl in the back of his police cruiser has been reported MISSING. Marshall then meets Noah Storm, a private investigator looking for the missing girl.............and this is where the story gets strange. Don't want to say much more except that I really enjoyed this murder mystery--ghost story-- supernatural--coming of age story. It was a well-written novel with great believable characters including Weller, Kerri, Dom. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Again--totally different but worth the read--highly recommended by Stephen King too. 

September 1, 2024 BOOTYLICIOUS

 

You'd think that in the 21st century they'd come up with a more civilized colonoscopy prep. IT REALLY IS A NIGHTMARE. It all starts with the 30 hour liquid diet.  So you get to starve to death BEFORE moving on to the real adventure. THE PREP MEDS.  Although doctors claim there have been many improvements such as--splitting the dose in two--or the pill option--they are both STILL ridiculous. So I split the disgusting drink in half-- That means I have to take it twice--try NOT to throw up-- and sit on the toilet twice as long???? OUCH.  Or I go with the pill option which is also offered in a split fashion. So instead of drinking liquid poison, I have to swallow 24 horse pills. Either way I'm still sitting  ON THE TOILET FOREVER.  By the time the prep is finally done--I've had NO sleep,  ass is on fire, and  feel like I've been hit by a bus. There has to be an easier way......... Guess what??? I get to do it again in FIVE YEARS. YIPPIE. I accomplished one thing during my 30 hours of agony---I read Holly Gramazio's debut novel The Husbands. One night, Lauren arrives home from a hen party for her best friend Elena to find a man in her flat. The man claims to be her husband, Michael. The only problem is that Lauren isn't married. She has no idea who Michael is even though her friends, family and photos show them as a happy couple. A few days later, Michael goes to the attic to fix a light bulb and he's gone. Another man appears from the attic claiming to be her husband. So it begins. Somehow, Lauren can send her "husband" to the attic and exchange him for a new one if she doesn't like his hair, car, outfit, attitude--whatever. The problem --how does Lauren know which "husband" is the right one for her and is there really a perfect relationship. This interesting, easy read has an intriguing plot that is quite funny at times. It is totally relevant to the world we live in today with dating apps and the ability to swipe right or left at the drop of a hat. Find out what happens to Lauren, the attic and her many husbands when you read this clever book for yourself. Enjoy 

August 25, 2024 KNOCK ON WOOD

I absolutely LOVED 4-H camp. Went for two weeks every summer--I'm pretty sure it was in Pomfret. Super rustic cabins--10 campers to a cabin--bunk beds--spider webs and NO ELECTRICITY. Girls on one side of the pond and boys on the other. Family style meals while singing and doing other ridiculous things in the Lodge. Those were the days. Woke up in the morning at 7:00 to Reveille and didn't stop til lights went out and Taps played at 9:45. We swam, canoed, learned archery, fished, made millions of pom poms at arts and crafts AND formed long lasting friendships. We'd write letters throughout the year and meet up again at camp. One of my favorite things to do was sit around the campfire at night and sing the classics--Kumbaya, The Day is Done, We're Going on a Bear Hunt. If you've been--you know the songs. Good clean American fun. All this camp stuff came back to me because I just finished The God Of the Woods by Liz Moore which happens to take place at Camp Emerson in the Adirondack Mountains--a summer camp for kids in 1975. As this thriller unfolds, Lorraine, a counselor in the cabin Balsam, wakes up one morning to find that one of her camper's is missing. Thirteen year old Barbara isn't just any camper, her family the Van Laars' own the camp and the Van Laar Preserve that surrounds it. The novel then jumps to 1961 the day eight year old Peter "Bear" Van Laar went missing while out hiking with his grandfather. How could two children from the same family go missing? Is it a coincidence or is something else at play? This mystery, family drama has many twists and turns as the story jumps between 1961-1975. The point of view also changes as several charcters including the mother Alice, father Peter, camp counselors, campers, investigators tell the story. This is a fascinating story--great plot--character development--a pretty easy read--that I did NOT figure out til the bitter end. Give it a try and let me know what you think. 

August 17, 2024 TATTOO

My father had a tattoo. He was in the service. I vividly remember seeing it when he rolled his pack of cigarettes--Camels-- in his t-shirt like the greasers did. That's probably the only time I saw a tattoo as a kid. Today--32% of people are INKED and of those-- 22% have more than one tattoo. Small tattoos run between $50-$250 while large tattoos including sleeves can run $650-$8,000. THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY. I've been talking to people lately with TATTOO REGRET. Some claim they got their tattoos on an impulse, while others thought it was cool or wanted to remember a person or event that they NOW want to let go of. Others cite jobs, taste changes and even starting a family as reasons to rethink their earlier decisions and look into tattoo removal--which is an $800 million dollar industry. Believe it or not--the average cost for  laser INK  removal is $697. Not sure how many sessions are actually needed to get rid of a tattoo--BUT keep in mind that large tattoos-- run at least $4,000. Just some of the facts--think before you INK. Not sure if the main characters in Leaving by Roxana Robinson had tattoos or not-- but they certainly remembered each other even after forty years. As this haunting novel unfolds, Sarah and Warren were college sweethearts with plans to one day marry until things got in the way. One evening forty years later, the two bump into each other at the opera and sparks fly. Sarah lives in NYC and has been divorced for several years. She has two grown children.  Warren is an architect who lives in Boston with his wife. He has an adult daughter who lives nearby. After the two reconnect, they fall in love. Warren wants to leave his marriage and start anew but Sarah has reservations as she went through a devasting divorce. I don't want to say much more about this eye-opening, thoughtful book other than its really about the vows we take,  honor, parenthood, our responsibility to family, friends and our adult children. Find out what happens to Warren, Sarah and their families when you read this unforgettable book of about 350 pages. Would love to know what you think........

August 8, 2024 I'M YOUR ICE CREAM MAN

 

Back in the day, the dreaded ice cream man patroled the neighborhoods better than the cops. Remember? An hour wouldn't go by without that DAMN BELL or SONG ringing in my ear. I SWEAR it's the ONLY time my kids could hear. They could be crabbing 10 miles away, swimming underwater or jumping off the raft AND THEY'D HEAR IT. They were conditioned much like Pavlov's Dogs. They'd come running like they were in an Olympic marathon--begging for money for ice cream FROM the ice cream man. It didn't matter that we had a freezer FULL of the same thing---THEY WEREN'T BUYING IT.   We spent so much money on--CRY BABYS--CHIPS GALORE--CHOCO TACOS--TWO-BALL SCREWBALLS--SHOTS--BOMB POPS--STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES--it was ridiculous. AH---but those were the days.........missing them and wondering--Ice cream man--WHERE ART THOU? While I ponder the disappearance of the ice cream man, I might as well review a lovely novel that I recently finished by Valerie Perrin called Fresh Water For Flowers. As this story unfolds, Violette Toussaint is an older woman who lives alone and runs a small cemetery in Bourgone, France. She spends her days arranging funerals, tending her gardens, taking care of her pets and watching over the cemetery. Although her life is quiet, she has developed many friendships over the years ---with the grave diggers, priests, mourners and regular visitors. One day she meets Julien Seul, who comes to the cemetery to discuss having his mother's ashes scattered over a grave. The two develop a friendship that makes Violette question her life as she then looks back to the past--where the reader discovers what happened in Violette's life that she ended up as a caretaker of a cemetery. This beautifully written novel was translated from French to English--the characters are richly drawn and the story is unforgettable. The author also does an impressive job  of weaving the past with the present in this love story, that's filled with sorrow, betrayal and mystery. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy. 

August 4, 2024 LEARNING TO FLY

 

Kamala Harris is like a breath of fresh air. She's an intelligent, compassionate person with impressive public speaking skills to boot. That's something the Democratic party DESPERATELY NEEDS if they want to win this election. The excitement surrounding her nomination is real. Donations are piling in and people finally feel hopeful. Her credentials are impressive--former Attorney General, District Attorney, Senator and Vice President of the United States. And SHE'S A WOMEN. She cares about reproductive freedom, women's health care and access to abortion. This is the 21 century---we don't want to go back to the 1950's or the dystopian plan called PROJECT 2025. I can't fathom why any woman would vote for anyone else for those reasons alone. Harris said, "We have the choice between "freedom" and "chaos"---We all lived the chaos of the Trump years once AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED. I can't do THAT again.  I'll get off my pot now---and review Ann Napolitano's lovely novel Dear Edward. As this heartbreaking story unfolds, 12 yr old Edward Alder is on a flight from Newark to California with his 15 year old brother, Jordan, and parents, Bruce and Jane. Several hours into the flight, the plane crashes outside of Denver and Edward is the only survivor. When Edward gets out of the hospital, he is taken in by his aunt Lacey and uncle John and moves to New York. This is where Edward befriends Shay and learns to deal with the grief of losing his family and the guilt associated with being the only survivor of flight 2977. This haunting but ultimately hopeful story flips back and forth between chapters as the reader meets several passengers on the plane including Crispin Cox, Ben Stillman, Linda Stollen--and Edwards present life and how he heals and begins to live again. This is a well written book with many interesting characters that I definitely recommend. It's an easy read of about 350 pages that you will never forget. 

JULY 28, 2024 FOREVER YOUNG

My mother-in-law turned 93 years young the other day AND she's still living large. Plays bridge twice a week--takes piano lessons--tends to her gardens AND really enjoys her life. She's taking advantage of every minute she has left on this planet. She's a lucky woman. With  plenty of family around, She NEVER  feels lonely. She is truly blessed in that sense. We had a birthday celebration last night and she played the piano -- we sang songs -- had a few cocktails--just like the old days. Did I mention--she still looks fabulous--she could probably pass for 75. She was also blessed with great skin. Praying I look half as good as she does when I get older AND want to  have just as much fun. Life is short SO enjoy and cherish it. If you want to find out where life has taken Eilis Lacey, the main character of the novel Brooklyn, you'll have to check out the sequel by Colm Toibin called Long Island. If you remember--Eilis came to New York from Ireland, met and married a plumber named Tony Fiorello. As the sequel unfolds, Eilis is now forty years old and lives on a cul-de-sac with Tony, her two children and Tony's extended family in the neighboring houses. One day while Tony is at work, a man shows up at their house looking for Eilis. He tells her that his wife is pregnant with Tony's child and he refuses to raise it. He says he will be dumping the baby on her doorstep. After this shocking news, Eilis decides to return to Ireland to make amends with her mother and brother as well as introduce them to her children. While in Ireland, Eilis catches up with old friends from her tiny village and bumps into her old love, Jim. Old feelings stir as Eilis starts to question her life and future. Find out what happens to Eilis and family when you read this novel that I really enjoyed. Just hoping there's another installment of this series. 

July 18, 2024 RUNNING ON EMPTY

 

Ran the annual Sailfest 5k on Sunday. NO TRAINING AT ALL. It was a last minute thing. Got together with old running friends to relive our glory days. Not sure when they changed the course but it's basically an in and out--NO HILLS. Thank God. Back in the day--there were a few serious hills that killed me every time. Sadly--this race--without hills--killed me too. I'm just not in shape to run in the HEAT-HUMIDITY. There wasn't a breath of air out there. My first two miles were pretty good BUT then I DIED. I couldn't keep up the pace. I actually had to stop and walk several times because I felt like I was going to THROW UP.  I'd rather run in the dead of winter through a snowstorm then run in that heat again. Ha. After every race--we always share a beer. Couldn't find a bar open. Luckily--Muddy Waters--in addition to coffee-tea-smooothies--HAS ICE COLD BEER. They saved the day. Cheers! If you like books about books--I can't resist them--then check out The Bookman's Tale by Charlie Lovett. The main character of this mystery is Peter Byerly, an antiquarian bookseller and recluse. After his beloved wife, Amanda, dies of cancer at a young age, he is paralyzed with grief. He decides on a whim to leave North Carolina for their home in England to try to pick up the pieces. One day while in a rare bookstore, Peter comes across a Victorian watercolor from the 18th century that looks just like his wife. He becomes obsessed with finding more about the painting and in doing so discovers a rare copy of Pandosto, which is believed to be source material for some Shakespeare plays. Somehow the Pandosto and the painting are linked and Peter is determined to find out how. Along the way, Peter meets an Art Scholar named Liz who helps him solve this literary/art mystery that is full of twists, turns, suspense, murder and intrigue. This is a well written, historically accurate pay turner--a great escape! It's only about 350 pages. Give it a try and let me know what you think. 

July 11, 2024 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

Finally......a break in the humidity. I don't know about you BUT this humidity is a killer. It just sucks the life right out of me. I become a huge blob--can't get out of my own way. What a difference a day makes--I feel completely energized again--the sun is shining, birds are chirping and I'm NOT dripping in sweat. Don't think the weather affected me this way when I was younger BUT in my advancing age----I really feel it. I'm just hoping that July's not the new August and August's isn't the new September. That would be a shame. The only good thing about the humidity is that I read a lot--because I can't move. Literally read a 500 plus page book in a few days that I really enjoyed called Three by Valerie Perrin. Set in a small town in France called La Comelle, it is 1986 when ten year old Adrein, Etienne and Nina  meet and become inseparable. They share good times, bad and the usual ups and downs of growing up. They vow to move to Paris together after graduation to attend school and become musicians, but something happens and the future is forever changed. They no longer speak. It is now 2017 and a car is pulled out of the lake in their hometown with a body in it. Who is the body? What does this have to do with the three friends? This interesting story of friendship, betrayal, grief and forgiveness spans several decades as the narrator, Virginie, takes the reader through their lives which are filled with twists and turns and ultimately a redemption of sorts because time heals all. This is a lovely story originally written in French and translated by Hildegarde Serle. It did take me a bit to get into it, but then I couldn't put it down. I was competely drawn into their world and needed to know what happened to these friends and how it would end. Give it a try. Let me know what you think. 

June 30, 2024 CLOSING TIME

 

Back in the day--I went to Kalamian Rug Shop to pick out rugs. I'd take a few home to see if they looked good--bring back the ones I didn't like--pay for the rugs I kept. It was a super convenient, easy way to get what I wanted. Fast forward--there is NO WHERE to buy rugs anymore. Drove all over creation AND NO LUCK. Spent SEVERAL hours online shopping for rugs. There are over 5 billion rugs online so the whole thing gave me a GIANT headache. I actually like to touch the rugs, check out how soft/hard they are and see the colors IN PERSON.  So now I guess I'm actually going to have to order rugs--and return the ones I don't like. That sounds like a HUGE pain in the ass to me. It's not like I'm returning a pair of jeans. RUGS are big--awkward--and expensive to return. Shaking me head......Just finished a good mystery set in a bookstore called Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan. Set in Denver, Lydia Smith is a clerk at the Bright Ideas Bookstore. This is a funky store complete with "Book Frogs"--lonely regulars who hang out at the bookstore--among them is her favorite--Joey Molina. One night at closing time, Joey's dead body is found on the second floor--an apparent suicide. Equally disturbing, is the picture he has in his pocket of Lydia as a young girl. After Lydia inherits Joey's collection of books, she discovers a mystery--hidden messages throughout the books. What do they mean? What do they have to do with her?  Will they involve her own childhood trauma? Read this interesting mystery, with several twists and turns to find out the answers to these questions and many more. It's about 300 easy pages that you will find hard to put down. 

June 18, 2024 SHOCK THE MONKEY

 

Took my son to look at UCONN yesterday. Haven't been in that area in forever. I used to work at the Papa Gino's at the East Brook Mall in Mansfield 40 years ago. OMG. Can't believe it was that long ago. Felt a little nostagic so I made a point to stop at the mall on my way home. Talk about a blast to the past. It was like walking into a time warp. Sadly, many of the stores are closed---as most malls have really suffered since COVID--but I was thankful that the PAPA GINO'S was still there--AND it looked exactly the same. It was all I could do not to walk behind the counter and start making a pizza--wipe the counter down--or go the the register to take an order. That was my first REAL job and I loved it. Worked our tails off for $3.00 an hour. Great friends and a tons of memories were made in those restaurants. Who knew then that those were the days.....Speaking of a time warp--I just finished Lisa Grunwald's new book The Evolution of Annabel Craig. This super interesting, well-written historical fiction novel  is set in Dayton, Tennessee, during the Scopes Monkey Trial and is told by the main character, Annabel Craig. Annabel was born and bred in Dayton, a  quiet, conservative town. After her parents die, Annabel meets a new lawyer in town named George Craig and they marry within the year. During this time, the town locals talk John Scopes, a biology teacher, into teaching the theory of evolution, which is prohibited in Tennessee because of the Butler Act. He is arrested and the town is suddenly a hot spot. Famous lawyers and preachers come from all over as witnesses in the trial--it's the Bible and Christianity VS Darwin's Theory of Evolution. The trial not only divides the town and pits neighbor against neighbor, it also sparks Annabel's own evolution and journey of self-discovery. Interestingly, this event from 100 years ago, reminds me a bit of what's happening in our world today and is a reminder that we should all be a little more opened minded and reflective in order to make our world a better place. 

June 9, 2024 TIME AFTER TIME

 

Week one of summer vacation in the books. Great success. There is nothing better than going out for an early morning run--bike ride--yoga class. That's what makes me happy. I really need to be out in the morning--doing my thing. It helps me feel grounded--balanced and at peace. And the weather has been wonderful too. A perfect blend of sun--wind--clouds too so I can do my other favorite thing--Read at the beach. Just finished a lovely book that any booklover will want to read. It's called The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. This charming tale centers on three characters. Opaline is a young woman living in Paris in 1920's who runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage and live life on her own terms. Martha is an abused wife who flees to Dublin to hide from her husband. She finds a job as a live in housekeeper for an elderly woman where she meets Henry. Henry is in Dublin searching for a lost bookshop and a woman named Opaline who disappeared a hundred years ago. Although these characters appear to have nothing in common, they are all connected somehow. As Henry and Martha become friends, their search for Opaline and the bookshop lead the reader into a  story that's filled with many twists and turns, characters who are really interesting and good writing. It's a magical story of about 400 pages that's also historical with a little romance mixed in too. It's the whole bag. Relax and enjoy the ride. 

June 2, 2024 SUMMER BREEZE

 

School's out for summer. AMEN. Survived another year. It REALLY does get harder every year. When I first started teaching --it was mandatory to have a plan book and a grade book. The plan book had to be open at all times on your desk so administration could see it when they came in your classroom. AND who could live without a grade book to keep track of student progress........TODAY.......I'm a DINOSAUR. I'm the only teacher left at my school who uses them. I asked the secretary for new ones  yesterday and she looked at me like I was a NUT. That's very telling. It's almost time. Going to have to get on the retirement train sooner than later. Seriously.  I was telling a friend the other day----I feel like I went to bed --woke up the next morning and all the rules changed--but I didn't get them memo. Anyone else feeling that way?? Another reason  to stick my nose in a book. Just finished a quirky little gem that's just in time for summer called The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. Set in the 1980s, Stella St. Vincent is a copy editor for a small publishing company in New York City. She live a quiet, rigid, scheduled existence until her estranged mother dies. As an inheritance, Stella is left a plane ticket to Paris and $8000.00. Once in Paris, Stella gradually breaks out of her shell and starts to try new things. One day, She stops in a vintage store and buys a Dior dress which is totally out of character. After this purchase, her life really starts to change. She meets an art collector who opens her world to fine dining, art, fashion and a world of new adventures. It really is a fairy tale come true so you have to go with the fun. Reichl, the author, is a former restaurant critic and editor who really knows her food as the taste, descripton and her love of food shine throughout the novel. If you love Paris, art, food, fashion--and want to go on an adventure--check out this easy to read, quick novel for yourself. 

May 18, 2024 THE GARBAGE MAN BLUES

Belated Happy Mother's Day to all the women out there who hold families together, sometimes at great sacrifice. Being a mother is probably one of the most challenging jobs of all. When the kids are young--we face exhaustion--later teenage angst brings out the worst in parents and kids alike--then adulthood--where we worry that they are safe, happy and healthy. It's definitely never ending BUT I can't think of a more rewarding thing to do with my life. This was a special Mother's Day for me because I finally ordered a REAL bedroom set after 31 years of marriage. I know that sounds ridiculous but it's true. NO worries, my kids always had the best of everythng BUT we kept putting off spending money on ourselves--til now. This "sacrifice" is absurd when compared to the daily sacrifices Sang Ly makes in the lovely novel The Rent Collector by Camron Wright. Sang Ly, husband Ki Lim and sickly son, Nisay, live in a waste dump call Stung Meanchey in Cambodia. Every day is a struggle as they make a living scavenging through the trash for metal, plastic or recyclables to sell in order to buy medicine for their son and pay the rent collector. The rent collector is a drunk woman who seems to be lacking in compassion until Sang Ly learns her secret after begging the rent collector for another day to pay their rent. As time marches on in the dump, Sang Ly and the rent collector form a friendship that ultimately changes both of their lives in many ways. This beautifully written story is a must read. It touches the heart in so many ways because it is a story of hope and the resilence of the human spirit in a world that seems doomed. This 288 page book is also full of life lessons that we all need to be reminded of at times. 

May 5, 2024 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

 

20 days left of school. It's that time of year when EVERY day feels like a week. I'm not even kidding. I actually have to WILL myself through each day. Talk myself into having a good day. Beg myself not to say the WRONG THING. Shake my head and take a deep breath about 50 times a day. YUP--that's what it's like at the end of the year. AND THAT'S JUST FOR TEACHERS.  Wonder if the seniors feel the same way? I bet they do. As for the rest of the student body.........they're just muddling through AP exams followed by FINALS. Like I said--It's an UGLY time of year. Stressful for all BUT a necessary Evil-I guess. See you on the other side. Until then, I'll leave you with a review of Alex Michaelides new book The Fury. I totally enjoyed The Silent Patient and The Maidens BUT this thriller/mystery did not live up to my expectations.  Here's the premise--Lara Farrar is an ex-movie star who owns her own island in Greece called Aura. Every Easter, she invites a group of close friends for the weekend. By the end of the weekend, the reader learns about old jealousies, anger, revenge, desire AND that one of them has been killed.  Sounds like an old Agatha Christie mystery right? This story is told through the eyes of Elliot Chase, a second rate author AND unreliable narrator. He introduces the reader to the cast of characters--unlikeable and whiny for the most part--who also spend the weekend on the island. Mix in just the right amount of red herrings and we have ourselves a mystery.  I have to admit that I didn't know what was really going on until the bitter end BUTmy problem with the book was that  I just didn't like any of the characters and didn't care who died. This novel has mixed reviews so I'm eager to know what you think. 

April 21, 2024 WHITE LIAR

 

Best news ever---My daughter joined a book club. My prayers have finally been answered AND-- she asked me to read one of their books. I've been waiting years for this. She was a big reader when she was young and then who knows what happened--cell phones-friends-college. BUT--she's finally making her way back and I'm so glad. She actually listens to some of the books because she has a long commute to and from work. Who cares!!! She's interested in books again. So--she's been telling me about this book she couldn't put down that she wanted me to read by Lisa Jewell. I've read Lisa Jewell before and have enjoyed her psychological thrillers and this one does not disappoint. It's called None of This is True. The main character of this bizarre story is Alix Summer's a famous podcaster. On the night of her forty-fifth birthday, she is celebrating with family and friends when she meets Josie Fair, who is also out celebrating her birthday. They are birthday twins. A few days later the two bump into each other again, and Josie asks Alix to do a podcast about her life as it's on the cusp of big changes.  Alix is in between jobs, so she decides to interview Josie. Before she knows it, Alix realizes she's interviewing a very odd woman who is in a beyond dysfunctional marriage with two very disturbed daughters. Don't want to say too much more except that Alix and her family get drawn into Josie's nightmare and their lives are forever changed. This is a real page turner. It was a whirlwind of crazy. Just when you think you know who's telling the truth--think again. It's about 380 pages that I had a very hard time putting down. Still weighing how I feel about the ending. Let me know what you think. 

April 14, 2024 GONE GONE GONE

 

It was a great week. Relaxing and doing what I love best. Reading--Running--Yoga. That pretty much sums up my week. Did take my son to look at some colleges in Boston though. Talk about PRICEY. I thought we paid a lot when my other kids went to college. Many colleges are upward of 85,000 a year now.  NOT EVEN KIDDING. Guess he won't be going to those schools unless he gets some serious scholarship money. The sad reality though is that there are a million smart kids out there--all looking for scholarship money. UGH.   I'm sure it will all work out, but it is the start of a stressful time as the college search--essay--application process starts. Glad this is my last time going though this CRAZINESS. On to more important things. Read four books over vacation--some I really enjoyed and others NOT SO MUCH. I did enjoy the debut novel by Amanda Peters called The Berry Pickers. As the story unfolds, it is 1962 and a Native American family has left their home in Nova Scotia headed to Maine to pick berries for the summer. One day while the family is picking berries, their youngest daughter, four year old Ruthie goes missing. Joe, her six year old brother, was the last one to see her sitting on a rock at the edge of the berry field and is haunted by her disappearnce. In the next chapter, the reader is introduced to Norma, a young girl growing up in rural Maine. She  has been plagued with dreams and memories she can't understand for years as well as family unwilling to help her. Her mother is needy and overbearing while her father is distant. As she grows up, Norma realizes that many things her parents have told her don't add up and she tries to uncover "the family secret". The story is told in two points of view. Joe, now on his deathbed, as he recounts his life and the tragedy that shaped his family and Norma as she tries to discover her true identity. I enjoyed this book but found it sad, especially, the treatment of the Native Americans throughout the story. It's a well-written book of 320 pages-- with some unforgettable characters--that I think you will enjoy. Happy Reading. 

April 7, 2024 OCTOPUS'S GARDEN

 

Happy to report that I made it to another Spring break. It gets harder every year. Between teaching five classes, running the art department, National Art Honor Society, Mock Trial, Debate, hanging multiple art shows. OMG. I'm exhausted. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not 35 anymore. I need to start to let a few things go at work. Give some of these responsibities to the younger teachers.....if they will take over.......but not sure what to  give up first. Maybe Mock Trial because it's my least favorite and most time consuming. I only do it because the kids love it and it is a great thing to have on a high school resume. Determined to let one thing go each year until I retire or I 'm not gonna make it. In other news, I just finished a book that I wasn't so sure about, but ended up really enjoying. It was  called Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This heartwarming tale is set in Washington's Sowell Bay. One of the main characters is Tova Sullivan, a widow who works the night shift cleaning Sowell Bay Aquarium. Another important character is Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who lives at the aquarium. Marcellus is a very intelligent creature who has figured out how to escape his tank. One night while out of his tank, he gets tangled in electrical cords and is saved by Tova. This is the beginning a beautiful, but strange friendship. As the story continues, the reader is introduced to Cameron Cassmore, a thirty year old loser from California. After learning information about his "long lost father", Cameron flies to Washington determined to meet his father and make him share his wealth. Another important character is Ethan Mack, grocery store owner in Sowell Bay, who is secretly in love with Tova. Each chapter in this book alternates between these characters as the reader learns how each is connected to the other. This 368 novel is a real page-turner. At times, I had trouble putting it down. At it's heart, this is the story about love, loss, grief, family and friendship that will stick with you for a long time. 

March 29, 2024 YOU SPIN ME ROUND

 

Been extremely busy lately. When I finally sit down at the end of the day--my brain is MUSH. My thoughts are all jumbled up and seem to spin-round & round. So that's where I've been. Can't seem to focus or concentrate long enough to write my blog. It's frustating. I've read several books though so without further ado let me tell you a bit about this great book I finished last week. It's called The Reading List and it was written by Sara Nisha Adams. One of the main characters is a widower named Mukesh. He lives a very simple life in Wembley, West London. He has three daughters and a granddaughter named Priya, who is a book worm. Another important character is a lonely teenager named Aleisha who is spending the summer working at the local library. One day while at work, she spies a crumbled piece of paper, opens it and finds a list of novels. She's not much of a reader, but decides to read every book on the list. Wanting to forge a better relationship with his granddaughter through reading, Mukesh finds himself in the library one day asking Aleisha for recommendations. She starts recommending books from the list and the two forge a friendship through reading. The is wonderful story about the power of books. They not only bring unlikely people together,  they help people forget their problems for a while and take readers to magical places. Hope you give this 400 page book a try and let me know what you think. 

March 2, 2024 WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE

 

I teach AP Art History and this week we studied Global Contemporary. This area concentrates on works created after 1980. One of the works was  the Vietnam Memorial. So strange--I was actually reading a book about this devastating  war.  The memorial was originally dedicated in 1982 and I can remember my first visit to it in 1983 when I was a senior in high school. It's a simple but stunning memorial to the 60,000 plus men and women who lost their lives.  There were approximately 10,000 women in the Vietman War--7,000 of them nurses--literally right out of nursing school. Of those 7,000-- 8 died overseas. Sadly, when those nurses came home, they faced many hardships that were highlighted in Kirstin Hannah's new book The Women. The main character in this incredible story is Frances "Frankie" McGrath. Frankie grew up in a well to do family in Southern California in 1965. After completing nursing school, Frankie decides to join the Army Nurses Corp. After 6 weeks of training, she finds herself in Vietnam facing death and destruction at every turn. Luckily, Frankie meets two other nurses, Barb and Ethel, who teach her the ropes as well as how to survive the grueling hours and horror of Vietnam. After two tours of duty, Frankie finally comes home--to a different kind of Hell. This is the story of the nurses who sacrificed in the war, unsong heroes, who were forgotten. It's also the story of finding a new purpose after being one of the "lucky" ones to survive the war. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. The characters were so well written--real, raw--that they have been hard to let go of. This is a book that will stick with me for  a long time and I highly recommend it. 

February 23, 2024 HAZY SHADE OF WINTER

 

My bookclub (can't believe we've been together 19 years)  came up with a great idea this month. We are going to read Luanne Rice's new book Last Night. This book is a murder mystery set at the Ocean House in Rhode Island. Fun right? BUT even more fun--We are going to take the book club on the road. A road trip to the Ocean House in March where we will discuss the book at their famous Jazz Brunch. FUN. Can't wait. The only worry on my mind at this point is that there's a dress code--- "Resort Chic".  It's gonna be hard to be resort chic in March but I'll figure it out. Just finished the book the other day so without further adieu---As the story unfolds, Maddie Morrison, a renowned artist, and her six year old daughter, CeCe, have relocated from California to the Ocean House as she is getting divorced. It is Christmas time and the Ocean House is decorated and festive. Although a blizzard is hitting the area, Maddie and CeCe decide to go for a quick walk around the resort for some fresh air---and never return. Meanwhile, Detective Conor Reid and his girlfriend, Kate, arrive to spend a romantic weekend.  As they wait to check in, Maddie's sister Hadley shows up looking for her sister. Reid, Kate and Hadley then go out in the blizzard to look for the pair and find Maddie's dead body under a blanket of snow---and CeCe is missing.The  Ocean House becomes the center of an investigation as Reid and other officers try to find out who killed Maddie and find CeCe. There are many twists and turns in this mystery that centers on greed, jealousy and revenge. I enjoyed the story--it was a quick read-but I felt that the characters were weakly drawn and lacked  depth. I wasn't really rooting for anyone AND the ending was too contrived. BUT it was set at the Ocean House and I enjoyed that it was a local mystery. Read it and see what you think. 

February 13, 2024 DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW

 

SNOW DAY. Nothing like a day off from school in FEBRUARY. Love it. It's really coming down out there. Looks like some HEAVY SNOW to shovel. Wonder what people who work from home do? I guess there are good and bad things about working from home----especially when it SNOWS. At least when a teacher has a snow day--they get the day off. It is one of the only PERKS left about being a teacher. Teaching is a REAL grind. The routine is monotonous and rigid. EVERY DAY---NO FLEXIBILITY AT ALL. DEALING WITH OVER 100 KIDS A DAY--THEIR PARENTS--AND ADMINISTRATION. Every day is a whirlwind and my head is usually swimming by the time I get home. So thanks again Mother Nature. I appreciate it. Another good thing about being home is having some free time to write my blog. Just finished a keeper called The Guncle by Steven Rowley. Parick O'Hara is a former sitcom star who lives a somewhat reclusive life in Palm Springs. After tragedy strikes, he suddenly becomes the primary temporary guardian for his nine year old niece, Maisie, and six year old nephew, Grant. Although Patrick loves them, he has absolutely no idea how to raise children. The children, who refer to him lovingly as GUP (gay uncle Pat), really need him to step up to the plate. Armed with a list of "Guncle Rules" and a sense of humor, GUP quickly realizes that although parenthood is a lot of responsibility, he wouldn't want it any other way. This is a funny, but also thoughtful book about love, death, recovery, and grief that I really enjoyed. It is about 336 pages that fly by---Heard there is a sequel that I'll have to check out. Enjoy. 

February 4, 2024 ISLAND GIRL

AH. CANCUN. Just got back from a lovely destination wedding. Never been to Cancun before but can report that it was the perfect place to relax and forget about winter for awhile. It was 80 something degrees every day with a beautiful breeze. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. IT WAS PERFECT. Got up every morning and went for a run--incredible breakfast--beach--pina coladas with FLOATERS--relax--REPEAT. Did I mention the incredible FOOD, SERVICE and WEDDING. It was like a fairy tale. I guess all good things must come to an end though--so here I am--back to winter--work--running in the cold AND feeling grateful to be able to do so. Read this very quirky, mystery, Sci-Fi, kind of book on the plane that came highly recommended by NPR called My Murder by Katie Williams. Set sometime in the future, Lou is a happily married young mother who has been killed by a serial killer. Luckily for her, Lou and the other victims have been cloned (with most memories intact--except their murders) and returned to their lives. Although Lou is thankful that she has been given a second chance, navigating life as a clone is difficult, especially, when her daughter, Nova, knows the difference. Lou and the other victims attend a support group weekly where they discuss their problems and try to piece together the circumstances of their murders. One day at the group, Lou realizes that her death was different from the other survivors and she becomes determined to figure out what exactly happened to her. As the truth unravels, Lou starts to question her whole world and wonder who she can really trust. Find out what happened to Lou in this dark, scary and very different murder mystery with a serious twist when you read this 300 page tale for yourself. Yikes. 

January 16, 2024 DON'T LEAVE ME NOW

I've been waking up at 4:45am on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a 5:30am hot yoga class for two years. It's REALLY early BUT it's a great way to start the day. Went to bed last night wondering if we were going to have a delay------Maybe I wouldn't have to get up at 4:45am??? Go to the 7:00am class instead?? Didn't hear anything about a delay--so set my alarm for 4:45. DRAGGED myself out of bed-saw the snow--but STILL NO DELAY. Got myself ready for yoga---walking out the door when I got the notification. NO SCHOOL. What a bummer. I could have slept in a bit--had I known. UGH. Got in my car and went to class. At least that's done. Now I have time to write my blog.  It's been a long time since I read a Jodi Picoult book. They got too formulaic for me--but a friend gave me Mad Honey which is co-written by Jennifer Finney Boylan, so I thought I'd give it a try. As the story unfolds, Olivia McAfee, a single mother who survived domestic violence, has moved back home, to Adams, New Hampshire, to take over her father's beekeeping business. She and her son, Asher, have been living on the farm  for about 8 years when Lily Campanello and her mother, seeking a fresh start,  move into town. Asher and Lily, both seniors in high school, meet and eventually start dating. One day Olivia gets a call that Lily is dead and Asher is later arrested for her murder. The book flips back and forth between Olivia and Lily as the reader learns about the murder trial from Olivia, and Lily's life before her death. This book is about so many things--There's lots of information on bees and honey which I found very interesting. It's about courtroom drama. It's also about gender identity,  acceptance, and personal information versus secrets. It was a real eye opener to me to read about the life of a transgender person or child, and I have to say I learned a lot. Perhaps the authors tried to do too much in this book because it is heavy. It is a real page turner though. It was suspenseful, heartbreaking and left my head spinning. It's about 465 pages that still has me thinking.....so it was worth the read. Enjoy. 

January 9, 2024 DON'T YOU REMEMBER

Have you ever started a book--that seemed familiar--but you couldn't remember if you'd read it before? Well that's what happened to me with the book I'm going to review. It came out in 2009--so I could have read it 14 years ago. WHO KNOWS. It's part of a detective series set in Minnesota. I've read several books in the series OUT OF ORDER--so I'm trying to go back and read the ones I missed in order. I really enjoyed this book BUT still am at a loss as to whether or not I read it before.  OH WELL--- William Kent Krueger, the author of Blood Hollow, is an excellent writer. Blood Hollow is the 4th installment of the Cork O'Connor series. As the the story unfolds, it is winter in Minnesota and Cork is involved in the search for a missing teenager who is  the daughter of a wealthy resident of Aurora where Cork lives with his wife and family. The search is fruitless because of a blinding snowstorm, but as Spring arrives, her body is found. Although Cork is the former Sheriff of Aurora, he becomes involved in the investigation after Solemn Winter Moon is suspected of the crime. Solemn, a troubled native American who lives on the reservation, is the nephew of a close family friend of Cork and he feels an obligation to help the boy, who just happens to be the dead girl's ex-boyfriend. In addition, Cork's wife, a lawyer, agrees to defend Solemn against the accusations. This exciting mystery has several twists and turns with an ending I didn't see coming. There are several great characters in the book that appear in each novel--another reason to love the series. One of the most interesting "characters" happens to be the landscape and weather. Krueger's writing bring them alive as the reader feels the frozen terrain, snow and sleet like its really happening. This is a series that could get you through this LONG, COLD winter.  It's about 368 pages that you will totally enjoy. Happy Reading.

January 1, 2024 BEST BOOKS OF 2023

It's that time of year again. Looking back over the year to see which books I enjoyed the most. Ready or not here they come: My FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2023 IN ORDER:

1.  This is Happiness by Niall Williams. Reviewed 10/29/23--Blog title "Molly Malone"

2.  The Last Chairlift by John Irving. Reviewed 7/29/23--Blog title "Every Day I Write the Book"

3.  Somebody's Fool by Richard Russo. Reviewed 8/28/23--Blog title "Chain of Fools"

4. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Reviewed 8/13/23--Blog title "Trip Around the Sun"

5. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Reviewed 9/24/23 Blog title--"Tears in Heaven"

6.  I'm Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. Reviewed 4/9/23--Blog title--"Don't Cry Out Loud"

7.  The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Reviewed 5/13/23. Blog title--The Long and Winding 

     Road"

8.  Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Reviewed 4/30/23. Blog title "Another Day in Paradise"

9.  Racing The Rain by John L. Parker Jr. Reviewed 12/18/23. Blog title--"Born to Run"

10.  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Reviewed 9/23/23. Blog title--"Glory Days"

Hope you've had a chance to read some of these awesome books. If not --winter is long-- so snuggle up on your coach with a cup of tea and enjoy. Looking forward to many greats books in 2024. Happy New Year.