Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 11
This is a continuation of the topic Katie's Reading Retreat - Chapter 10.
Talk75 Books Challenge for 2024
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1katiekrug
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For anyone new to my thread, I’m Katie: reader, wine drinker, food appreciator, shenanigan-ator, and non-sufferer of fools. I live outside New York City with my husband, "The" Wayne, our cat, Leonard, and our dog, Nuala/Noodles.
My reading varies widely - I love genre fiction (romance and crime), contemporary and historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction. I try to balance my reading in all these areas. I also use my thread as a bit of a life journal, which mostly means I talk about what I’m cooking, eating, drinking, watching, doing, and avoiding doing.
Thanks for being here!
Currently Reading
(Kindle) 
(Print) 
(Audio)BOOKS COMPLETED
Books Off My Shelf: 49
Books Off My Kindle: 26
Books from Audible/Chirp: 10
Library Loans (print/e-books/audios): 72
Friend Loan:
NOVEMBER
157. The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers (4.5 stars)
156. Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer (audio) (3.75 stars)
Did Not Finish (YTD)
01. Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen
02. The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton
03. The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis (will try this one again at some point)
04. This Is My America by Kim Johnson (might try in print; did not enjoy audio narrator)
05. The Evidence of Things Not Seen by James Baldwin
06. Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon
07. The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
08. From the Jump by Lacie Waldon
09. The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose
10. The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler
11. Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay
12. How to Fall Out of Love Madly by Jana Casale
13. New Yorkers by Craig Taylor
14. Silver Bells by Fern Michaels et. al.
2katiekrug
Q4 COMPLETIONS
OCTOBER
Favorite:
155. Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase (4 stars)
154. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (part audio) (3.5 stars)
153. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4 stars)
152. Dear Committee Members by Julia Schuman (3.5 stars)
151. The Butterfly House by Marcia Preston (3.5 stars)
150. C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton (audio) (3.5 stars)
149. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (4 stars)
148. The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (audio) (2.5 stars)
147. Love at First Psych by Cara Bastone (audio) (4 stars)
146. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner (4.25 stars)
145. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry (audio) (4 stars)
144. Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare (3.25 stars)
143. Trust by Hernan Diaz (3.75 stars)
142. A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon (audio) (3.25 stars)
141. The Weirdies Get Weirder by Michael Buckley (audio) (4 stars)
140. Seatmate by Cara Bastone (audio) (4 stars)
139. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (3.5 stars)
138. West with the Night by Beryl Markham (4.25 stars)
137. How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4.5 stars)
136. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (3.75 stars)
OCTOBER
Favorite:
155. Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase (4 stars)
154. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (part audio) (3.5 stars)
153. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4 stars)
152. Dear Committee Members by Julia Schuman (3.5 stars)
151. The Butterfly House by Marcia Preston (3.5 stars)
150. C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton (audio) (3.5 stars)
149. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (4 stars)
148. The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (audio) (2.5 stars)
147. Love at First Psych by Cara Bastone (audio) (4 stars)
146. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner (4.25 stars)
145. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry (audio) (4 stars)
144. Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare (3.25 stars)
143. Trust by Hernan Diaz (3.75 stars)
142. A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon (audio) (3.25 stars)
141. The Weirdies Get Weirder by Michael Buckley (audio) (4 stars)
140. Seatmate by Cara Bastone (audio) (4 stars)
139. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (3.5 stars)
138. West with the Night by Beryl Markham (4.25 stars)
137. How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran (audio) (4.5 stars)
136. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (3.75 stars)
3katiekrug
Q3 COMPLETIONS
SEPTEMBER
Favorite:
135. Mohawk by Richard Russo (4 stars)
134. The Temporary Gentleman by Sebastian Barry (audio) (4.25 stars)
133. Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter (audio) (4 stars)
132. On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (4.5 stars)
131. Therese Raquin by Emile Zola (audio) (3 stars)
130. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin (3 stars)
129. The Melting Season by Jami Attenberg (2.5 stars)
128. The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison (3 stars)
127. She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (3.75 stars)
126. Wellness by Nathan Hill (audio) (5 stars)
125. Hearts and Minds by Amanda Craig (4.5 stars)
124. Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen (audio) (3.25 stars)
123. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (audio) (3.5 stars)
122. The False Friend by Myla Goldberg (3.75 stars)
121. Remember How I Told You I Loved You? by Gillian Linden (3 stars)
120. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (4.5 stars)
119. Meaty by Samantha Irby (audio) (3.5 stars)
118. Five Bells by Gail Jones (3.25 stars)
AUGUST
Favorite:
117. Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country by Louise Erdrich (3.75 stars)
116. In the Bag by Kate Klise (3.5 stars)
115. How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (4.5 stars)
114. Sidelined: Sports Culture and Being a Woman in America by Julie Dicaro (audio) (4 stars)
113. Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin (audio) (3.5 stars)
112. Southernmost by Silas House (audio) (3.5 stars)
111. Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken (3.5 stars)
110. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell (4.25 stars)
109. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen (3.5 stars)
108. Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman (4 stars)
107. Howard's End by E.M. Forster (3.5 stars)
106. On a Night Like This by Ellen Sussman (3 stars)
JULY
Favorite:
105. Death in Summer by William Trevor (3.75 stars)
104. Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell (audio) (3.5 stars)
103. The Lost Boys of Montauk by Amanda M. Fairbanks (3.75 stars)
102. The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin (4.25 stars)
101. What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad (Audio) (4.5 stars)
100. Sips & Strokes by Sarah Skye (3 stars)
99. Wonderland by Steven Johnson (audio) (4 stars)
98. Clear by Carys Davies (4 stars)
97. Where the Children Take Us by Zain Asher (3.5 stars)
96. Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard (4.25 stars)
95. The Undateable by Sarah Title (3.75 stars)
94. Iron House by John Hart (4 stars)
93. Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby (audio) (4 stars)
SEPTEMBER
Favorite:
135. Mohawk by Richard Russo (4 stars)
134. The Temporary Gentleman by Sebastian Barry (audio) (4.25 stars)
133. Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter (audio) (4 stars)
132. On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (4.5 stars)
131. Therese Raquin by Emile Zola (audio) (3 stars)
130. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin (3 stars)
129. The Melting Season by Jami Attenberg (2.5 stars)
128. The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison (3 stars)
127. She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (3.75 stars)
126. Wellness by Nathan Hill (audio) (5 stars)
125. Hearts and Minds by Amanda Craig (4.5 stars)
124. Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen (audio) (3.25 stars)
123. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (audio) (3.5 stars)
122. The False Friend by Myla Goldberg (3.75 stars)
121. Remember How I Told You I Loved You? by Gillian Linden (3 stars)
120. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (4.5 stars)
119. Meaty by Samantha Irby (audio) (3.5 stars)
118. Five Bells by Gail Jones (3.25 stars)
AUGUST
Favorite:
117. Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country by Louise Erdrich (3.75 stars)
116. In the Bag by Kate Klise (3.5 stars)
115. How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (4.5 stars)
114. Sidelined: Sports Culture and Being a Woman in America by Julie Dicaro (audio) (4 stars)
113. Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin (audio) (3.5 stars)
112. Southernmost by Silas House (audio) (3.5 stars)
111. Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken (3.5 stars)
110. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell (4.25 stars)
109. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen (3.5 stars)
108. Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman (4 stars)
107. Howard's End by E.M. Forster (3.5 stars)
106. On a Night Like This by Ellen Sussman (3 stars)
JULY
Favorite:
105. Death in Summer by William Trevor (3.75 stars)
104. Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell (audio) (3.5 stars)
103. The Lost Boys of Montauk by Amanda M. Fairbanks (3.75 stars)
102. The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin (4.25 stars)
101. What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad (Audio) (4.5 stars)
100. Sips & Strokes by Sarah Skye (3 stars)
99. Wonderland by Steven Johnson (audio) (4 stars)
98. Clear by Carys Davies (4 stars)
97. Where the Children Take Us by Zain Asher (3.5 stars)
96. Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard (4.25 stars)
95. The Undateable by Sarah Title (3.75 stars)
94. Iron House by John Hart (4 stars)
93. Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby (audio) (4 stars)
4katiekrug
Q2 COMPLETIONS
JUNE
Favorite:
92. Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona (3.5 stars)
91. Dukes Are Forever by Anna Harrington (4 stars)
90. Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin (audio) (4 stars)
89. The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell (4.5 stars)
88. The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson (3 stars)
87. The Hours by Michael Cunningham (4.5 stars)
86. All We Shall Know by Donal Ryan (audio) (4.25 stars)
85. Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins (3.5 stars)
84. Word by Word by Kory Stamper (4 stars)
83. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (3.25 stars)
MAY
Favorite:
82. Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert (3.5 stars)
81. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (3.75 stars)
80. Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara (audio) (4 stars)
79. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (3.5 stars)
78. Roommaid by Sariah Wilson (3.5 stars)
77. Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow (audio) (3.75 stars)
76. Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb (4 stars)
75. The Dogs of Littlefield by Suzanne Berne (4.25 stars)
74. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (4 stars)
73. The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz (audio) (3.5 stars)
72. B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton (3.5 stars)
71. Rumours by Freya North (4 stars)
70. The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4 stars)
69. The Lost Man by Jane Harper (4 stars)
APRIL
Favorite:
68. Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates (3.75 stars)
67. The Appeal by Janice Hallett (4 stars)
66. Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt (audio) (3.5 stars)
65. Unfollow Me by Jill Louise Busby (audio) (3.5 stars)
64. Garden of Lamentations by Deborah Crombie (3.75 stars)
63. The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky (audio) (2.5 stars)
62. The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
61. The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (audio) (3 stars)
60. Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore (4.25 stars)
59. Starting from Happy by Patricia Marx (3.5 stars)
58. The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash (4 stars)
57. Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper (audio) (4 stars)
56. Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (4 stars)
55. The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (audio) (5 stars)
54. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (4.5 stars)
53. Piglet by Lottie Hazell (audio) (3.75 stars)
52. How To Be a Girl in the World by Caela Carter (4.25 stars)
JUNE
Favorite:
92. Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona (3.5 stars)
91. Dukes Are Forever by Anna Harrington (4 stars)
90. Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin (audio) (4 stars)
89. The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell (4.5 stars)
88. The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson (3 stars)
87. The Hours by Michael Cunningham (4.5 stars)
86. All We Shall Know by Donal Ryan (audio) (4.25 stars)
85. Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins (3.5 stars)
84. Word by Word by Kory Stamper (4 stars)
83. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (3.25 stars)
MAY
Favorite:
82. Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert (3.5 stars)
81. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (3.75 stars)
80. Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara (audio) (4 stars)
79. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (3.5 stars)
78. Roommaid by Sariah Wilson (3.5 stars)
77. Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow (audio) (3.75 stars)
76. Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb (4 stars)
75. The Dogs of Littlefield by Suzanne Berne (4.25 stars)
74. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (4 stars)
73. The Shades by Evgenia Citkowitz (audio) (3.5 stars)
72. B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton (3.5 stars)
71. Rumours by Freya North (4 stars)
70. The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4 stars)
69. The Lost Man by Jane Harper (4 stars)
APRIL
Favorite:
68. Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates (3.75 stars)
67. The Appeal by Janice Hallett (4 stars)
66. Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt (audio) (3.5 stars)
65. Unfollow Me by Jill Louise Busby (audio) (3.5 stars)
64. Garden of Lamentations by Deborah Crombie (3.75 stars)
63. The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky (audio) (2.5 stars)
62. The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn (4 stars)
61. The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (audio) (3 stars)
60. Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore (4.25 stars)
59. Starting from Happy by Patricia Marx (3.5 stars)
58. The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash (4 stars)
57. Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper (audio) (4 stars)
56. Queen Lucia by E.F. Benson (4 stars)
55. The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (audio) (5 stars)
54. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (4.5 stars)
53. Piglet by Lottie Hazell (audio) (3.75 stars)
52. How To Be a Girl in the World by Caela Carter (4.25 stars)
5katiekrug
Q1 COMPLETIONS
MARCH
Favorite:
51. The Boys in the Trees by Mary Swan (4 stars)
50. Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter (audio) (4 stars)
49. Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Corwin (audio) (4 stars)
48. Trash: A Poor White Journey by Cedar Monroe (3.75 stars)
47. Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan (5 stars)
46. Charm City by Monica McCallan (audio) (3 stars)
45. Wednesday Walks & Wags by Melissa Storm (2 stars)
44. Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart (audio) (3.5 stars)
43. The All-Night Sun by Diane Zinna (audio) (3 stars)
42. Kala by Colin Walsh (4.25 stars)
41. Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles (audio) (3.5 stars)
40. Alias Emma by Ava Glass (3 stars)
39. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle (audio) (2.5 stars)
38. Sky Burial by Xinran (3.5 stars)
37. The Great Unexpected by Dan Mooney (audio) (4 stars)
36. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (4.25 stars)
35. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (3.25 stars)
34. Days of Awe by Lauren Fox (audio) (4 stars)
33. The Cactus League by Emily Nemens (4.5 stars)
32. A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde (audio) (3.5 stars)
31. Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham (3.75 stars)
30. Scoreless by Skye McDonald (3.5 stars)
FEBRUARY
Favorites:
29. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (audio) (5 stars)
28. Looker by Laura Sims (audio) (4.5 stars)
27. The Body in the Dales by J.R. Ellis (2.5 stars)
26. You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (audio) (3.5 stars)
25. At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier (4 stars)
24. Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley (audio) (4 stars)
23. Broken Harbor by Tana French (4.25 stars)
22. No Baggage by Clara Bensen (audio) (2.5 stars)
21. Ghosts by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4.5 stars)
20. A Day at the Office by Matt Dunn (4 stars)
19. Tar Baby by Toni Morrison (3.5 stars)
18. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris (3.75 stars)
17. Perennials by Julie Cantrell (audio) (2.5 stars)
16. Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous (4 stars)
15. Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone (audio) (3.75 stars)
JANUARY
Favorite:
14. Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay (audio) (3 stars)
13. Intercepted by Alexa Martin (3.5 stars)
12. Go Back to Where You Came From by Wajahat Ali (audio) (3.5 stars)
11. Ruined by Sarah Vaughn et. al. (3 stars)
10. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (4.25 stars)
09. Day by Michael Cunningham (audio) (4.5 stars)
08. The Birdcage by Marcia Willett (2.5 stars)
07. London't Number One Dog Walking Agency by Kate MacDougall (audio) (4 stars)
06. The Summer of Katya by Trevanian (2.5 stars)
05. Let's Be Just Friends by Camilla Isley (audio) (2 stars)
04. Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4.5 stars)
03. The Betrayers by David Bezmozgis (audio) (4.25 stars)
02. The Adults by Caroline Hulse (4 stars)
01. Shady Hollow by Juneau Black (audio) (3 stars)
MARCH
Favorite:
51. The Boys in the Trees by Mary Swan (4 stars)
50. Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter (audio) (4 stars)
49. Goodbye Without Leaving by Laurie Corwin (audio) (4 stars)
48. Trash: A Poor White Journey by Cedar Monroe (3.75 stars)
47. Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan (5 stars)
46. Charm City by Monica McCallan (audio) (3 stars)
45. Wednesday Walks & Wags by Melissa Storm (2 stars)
44. Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart (audio) (3.5 stars)
43. The All-Night Sun by Diane Zinna (audio) (3 stars)
42. Kala by Colin Walsh (4.25 stars)
41. Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles (audio) (3.5 stars)
40. Alias Emma by Ava Glass (3 stars)
39. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle (audio) (2.5 stars)
38. Sky Burial by Xinran (3.5 stars)
37. The Great Unexpected by Dan Mooney (audio) (4 stars)
36. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (4.25 stars)
35. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (3.25 stars)
34. Days of Awe by Lauren Fox (audio) (4 stars)
33. The Cactus League by Emily Nemens (4.5 stars)
32. A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde (audio) (3.5 stars)
31. Up at the Villa by W. Somerset Maugham (3.75 stars)
30. Scoreless by Skye McDonald (3.5 stars)
FEBRUARY
Favorites:
29. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl (audio) (5 stars)
28. Looker by Laura Sims (audio) (4.5 stars)
27. The Body in the Dales by J.R. Ellis (2.5 stars)
26. You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (audio) (3.5 stars)
25. At the Edge of the Orchard by Tracy Chevalier (4 stars)
24. Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley (audio) (4 stars)
23. Broken Harbor by Tana French (4.25 stars)
22. No Baggage by Clara Bensen (audio) (2.5 stars)
21. Ghosts by Dolly Alderton (audio) (4.5 stars)
20. A Day at the Office by Matt Dunn (4 stars)
19. Tar Baby by Toni Morrison (3.5 stars)
18. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris (3.75 stars)
17. Perennials by Julie Cantrell (audio) (2.5 stars)
16. Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous (4 stars)
15. Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone (audio) (3.75 stars)
JANUARY
Favorite:
14. Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay (audio) (3 stars)
13. Intercepted by Alexa Martin (3.5 stars)
12. Go Back to Where You Came From by Wajahat Ali (audio) (3.5 stars)
11. Ruined by Sarah Vaughn et. al. (3 stars)
10. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (4.25 stars)
09. Day by Michael Cunningham (audio) (4.5 stars)
08. The Birdcage by Marcia Willett (2.5 stars)
07. London't Number One Dog Walking Agency by Kate MacDougall (audio) (4 stars)
06. The Summer of Katya by Trevanian (2.5 stars)
05. Let's Be Just Friends by Camilla Isley (audio) (2 stars)
04. Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty (audio) (4.5 stars)
03. The Betrayers by David Bezmozgis (audio) (4.25 stars)
02. The Adults by Caroline Hulse (4 stars)
01. Shady Hollow by Juneau Black (audio) (3 stars)
6katiekrug
My Ratings (revised, once again, as I continue the fruitless search for the perfect scale...)
5 stars = Perfect, for me
4.5 stars = Excellent read
4 stars = Good read
3.5 stars = Not a waste of time
3 stars = Some redeeming qualities, but I wish I’d read something else
2.5 stars = Didn’t work for me
2 stars = Why didn’t I DNF it?
(Anything below 2 stars is unlikely to be finished)
8katiekrug
October in Review
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)
Books Read: 20 (155)
(Puzzles Completed: 6 (59))
Mine: 16 (85)
Library: 4 (70)
Male authors: 5 (40)
Female authors: 16 (119)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)
New-to-me authors: 10 (97)
US/UK authors: 19 (135)
Other: 2 - Argentina, Australia (25 - Singapore, Algeria, Canada x3, China, Ireland x5, Italy, Japan, Latvia, India, Australia x4, Nigeria x2, Egypt, France, South Africa, Argentina)
Print: 5 (53)
Ebook: 5 (39)
Audio: 10 (63)
General/Popular Fiction: 3 (26)
Literary Fiction: 1 (26)
Historical Fiction: 1 (15)
Romance: 6 (29)
Crime/Thriller: 2 (24)
Juvenile/YA: 2 (7)
Classics: 2 (8)
Speculative: 1 (1)
Nonfiction: 2 (19)
Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 1 (18)
2020-2022: 6 (37)
2020-2019: 7 (59)
2000-2009: 1 (17)
1980s-90s: 2 (13)
1950s-70s: 1 (3)
1900-1949: 1 (6)
19th c.: 1 (2)
Re-reads: 1 (3)
DNFs: 0 (12)
Best of the month (not counting re-reads): How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
My total number of completions (20) was padded a bit by some short Audible picks, but still a good month in terms of quantity but also quality. I had a bunch of 4 and 4.25 star reads. I don't expect to do as much reading/listening in November, as my MIL will be with us for over a week at Thansgiving, and several of those days, we'll be out of town. That said, my only "for sure" reads are James for RL book group and This Must Be the Place for my Julia Memorial Read. Beyond that, we'll see what strikes my fancy.
(Numbers in parantheses are YTD)
Books Read: 20 (155)
(Puzzles Completed: 6 (59))
Mine: 16 (85)
Library: 4 (70)
Male authors: 5 (40)
Female authors: 16 (119)
Non-Binary: 0 (1)
New-to-me authors: 10 (97)
US/UK authors: 19 (135)
Other: 2 - Argentina, Australia (25 - Singapore, Algeria, Canada x3, China, Ireland x5, Italy, Japan, Latvia, India, Australia x4, Nigeria x2, Egypt, France, South Africa, Argentina)
Print: 5 (53)
Ebook: 5 (39)
Audio: 10 (63)
General/Popular Fiction: 3 (26)
Literary Fiction: 1 (26)
Historical Fiction: 1 (15)
Romance: 6 (29)
Crime/Thriller: 2 (24)
Juvenile/YA: 2 (7)
Classics: 2 (8)
Speculative: 1 (1)
Nonfiction: 2 (19)
Publication:
New (2023 or 2024): 1 (18)
2020-2022: 6 (37)
2020-2019: 7 (59)
2000-2009: 1 (17)
1980s-90s: 2 (13)
1950s-70s: 1 (3)
1900-1949: 1 (6)
19th c.: 1 (2)
Re-reads: 1 (3)
DNFs: 0 (12)
Best of the month (not counting re-reads): How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran
Worst of the month (not counting DNFs): The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
My total number of completions (20) was padded a bit by some short Audible picks, but still a good month in terms of quantity but also quality. I had a bunch of 4 and 4.25 star reads. I don't expect to do as much reading/listening in November, as my MIL will be with us for over a week at Thansgiving, and several of those days, we'll be out of town. That said, my only "for sure" reads are James for RL book group and This Must Be the Place for my Julia Memorial Read. Beyond that, we'll see what strikes my fancy.
9figsfromthistle
Happy new thread, Katie!
You had quite a stellar reading month. Just zipping along.
You had quite a stellar reading month. Just zipping along.
10ffortsa
Just finished reading your last thread and viewing the ad. I will probably be hyperventilating all of Nov. 5 and probably after that.
11laytonwoman3rd
>1 katiekrug: So lovely.
12richardderus
>8 katiekrug: Solid, satisfying month of reads, Katie. Happy last-2024-thread wishes!
13curioussquared
Happy new thread, Katie! Love your cozy autumnal image up top.
14BLBera
Happy new thread, Katie. Congrats on doubling up on 75! You are zipping through the books this year.
17Helenliz
Happy new thread, Katie.
I may be getting confused (easily done). Had you read The Flatshare or am I mixing you up with someone else?
I may be getting confused (easily done). Had you read The Flatshare or am I mixing you up with someone else?
18katiekrug
>9 figsfromthistle: - Thanks, Anita!
>10 ffortsa: - I don't think you'll be alone in that, Judy, but I am cautiously optimistic.
>11 laytonwoman3rd: - Very calming, isn't it, Linda?
>12 richardderus: - Thanks, RD.
>10 ffortsa: - I don't think you'll be alone in that, Judy, but I am cautiously optimistic.
>11 laytonwoman3rd: - Very calming, isn't it, Linda?
>12 richardderus: - Thanks, RD.
19katiekrug
>13 curioussquared: - Thank you, Natalie.
>14 BLBera: - Lots of audios, Beth :)
>15 msf59: - Thanks, Mark, you too!
>16 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia.
>17 Helenliz: - I read it several years ago and very much enjoyed it :)
>14 BLBera: - Lots of audios, Beth :)
>15 msf59: - Thanks, Mark, you too!
>16 alcottacre: - Thanks, Stasia.
>17 Helenliz: - I read it several years ago and very much enjoyed it :)
20katiekrug
Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer
Alison attends her ex-boyfriend's funeral where no one got the memo that they had broken up. She ends up agreeing to help his best friend clear out the deceased's apartment and finds herself inconveniently attracted to said friend. It's a cute premise, and I mostly liked this one, but Alison tried my patience a bit and Adam, the love interest, had hang-ups that I didn't fully understand. Still, the overarching theme of being true to yourself was reasonably well done, and I don't regret the time spent listening. Also, I loved the pub trivia parts (because of course I did).
3.75 stars
21katiekrug
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
Erin and James were friends in school, until they weren't. Years later, they end up communicating (not knowing who the other person is) via margin notes in books from a community library in the neighborhood they both live in in London.
A warm hug of a book that I gobbled up. Yes, there are coincidences that beggar belief, and yes, the ending is a little too pat, what with every loose thread tied up neatly, but I don't care. This book made me happy, though it deals with some heavy stuff, including bullying, mental illness, and grief. The portrayal of different kinds of love - romantic, friendship, sibling, parental - were lovely, and I closed the book with a happy, satisfied sigh.
4.5 stars
ETA: For a debut novel, I found the writing and pacing really impressive. I hope Bickers will write more.
22richardderus
>21 katiekrug: Sometimes it's about what you need not what you know is "correct" and this one's it.
23RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread, Katie! I'm so impressed with your reading this year!!
24curioussquared
>21 katiekrug: I've been hit! Checking this one out from the library 😊 I could use some warm book hugs.
26BLBera
>21 katiekrug: That does sound like a fun premise, Katie. I might have to look for that one.
27Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Katie! Very heartening ad you posted on towards the end of your last thread. The coming week will be a nail-biter even for those who don't have a say.
28bell7
Happy new one, Katie! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, and hope it turns out to be a good game. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on James.
Edited to get the touchstone to work
Edited to get the touchstone to work
29vancouverdeb
Happy New Thread, Katie!
30katiekrug
Thank you for your visits, Richard, Reba, Natalie, Jim, Beth, Meg, Mary, and Deborah!
We had a nice weekend, capped off for me, by going to the Giants game with Mary! They lost (of course), but kept it reasonably competitive. And the weather and company were delightful. After the game, Mary and I got a bite to eat. We didn't take a selfie, but here's a picture of our drinks, LOL:
Regular Monday stuff on the agenda for today, as well as incessant Twitter scrolling. I'm so excited to vote tomorrow! We have vote-by-mail and in-person early voting here, but I like to go on Election Day if at all possible. Our plan is to go mid-afternoon. Our polling station is at the elementary school down the street, so it's an easy walk. They give the kids the day off from school here; when we lived in Dallas, we also voted at a school, but it was in session. Anyhoo, I'm feeling cautiously optimistic about the results but all fingers and toes remain crossed.
Oh, books? Right. I'm currently istening to New Yorkers on audio and my hold on Guide Me Home by Attica Locke just came in, so I'll be starting that today :)
We had a nice weekend, capped off for me, by going to the Giants game with Mary! They lost (of course), but kept it reasonably competitive. And the weather and company were delightful. After the game, Mary and I got a bite to eat. We didn't take a selfie, but here's a picture of our drinks, LOL:
Regular Monday stuff on the agenda for today, as well as incessant Twitter scrolling. I'm so excited to vote tomorrow! We have vote-by-mail and in-person early voting here, but I like to go on Election Day if at all possible. Our plan is to go mid-afternoon. Our polling station is at the elementary school down the street, so it's an easy walk. They give the kids the day off from school here; when we lived in Dallas, we also voted at a school, but it was in session. Anyhoo, I'm feeling cautiously optimistic about the results but all fingers and toes remain crossed.
Oh, books? Right. I'm currently istening to New Yorkers on audio and my hold on Guide Me Home by Attica Locke just came in, so I'll be starting that today :)
31alcottacre
>21 katiekrug: Adding that one to the BlackHole, Katie. Thanks for the review and recommendation!
Have a marvelous Monday!
Have a marvelous Monday!
32richardderus
>30 katiekrug: Books! What a thought, mentioning books! Whereas I am going to talk about GBBOs past to you, not books at all. Remember Josh from last season? His Nan-centric babbling irked me mightily, but he's transitioned to being the baker-in-residence on New Scientist's YouTube channel. I must say I enjoy learning the chemistry of baking.
I'm glad you and Mary enjoyed the meetup, if not really the game! Vote hearty.
I'm glad you and Mary enjoyed the meetup, if not really the game! Vote hearty.
33curioussquared
>30 katiekrug: Love the drinks photo :) Glad you guys had a good meetup!
34bell7
>30 katiekrug: It does amuse me that the pictures we have of what we did together is the drinks and no selfie :D
I'm voting tomorrow, too, planning on heading out early before work. I just spent the afternoon looking over the ballot questions (there are FIVE in MA this year!) and local candidates.
I'm voting tomorrow, too, planning on heading out early before work. I just spent the afternoon looking over the ballot questions (there are FIVE in MA this year!) and local candidates.
35Helenliz
I enjoy voting in person, I like annoying the pollsters by 1) refusing to give them my voter number 2) giving them an English lesson before 3) declining to tell them who I voted for. Being in a marginal constituency has been a lot of fun.
May the right person win this time around.
May the right person win this time around.
36laytonwoman3rd
>35 Helenliz: I'm intrigued...what's the English lesson consist of? (Please don't grade mine, OK?) I haven't voted in person since before the pandemic, but have never encountered any exit pollsters. I think we're probably too small to matter in our township, and also, sadly, very red and predictable.
