January proved to be a five star month. Most of my choices became memorable reads, whetting my appetite to search out more good great reads for my 2026 Good Reads reading challenge. I almost hit my wishful thinking number of 200 books last year. January’s five star reads:
The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso
sci-fi/magical/romance/adventure
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (4 out of 8 read and now waiting patiently for the others to get returned)
Witty, captivating, and addictive
Time and Again by Jack Finney
cult classic time travel set in 1970s/1882 New York
Last year proved a banner year for my Good Reads reading challenge having far surpassed my usual 101 books with 191 books. Will 2026 be the year of 200? 201?
December ended on a high note of 5 five star reads—a mixture of kid lit to popular requests.
City Spies by James Ponti
image: Goodreads
The usual trope of orphaned children with exceptional skills being recruited as M16 operatives has been popularized by books such as Horowitz’s Alex Rider series making it difficult to provide something unique to the middle grade genre. And yet Ponti does add enough twists to create a creative read.
The Unselected Journalsof Emma M. Lion by Beth Brouwer
image: Goodreads
Understated humor, Victorian culture, British class/historical fiction, with a smidge of mystery all come together for a charming read that is less journal entry and more novel in approach.
No wonder the library can’t keep them on the shelf.
The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox
image: Amazon
A story how birds, one of God’s most precious creations, can help restore faith in oneself and in others.This reader gladly endured the hold list wait as it was a lovely read.
Marshmallow and Jordan by Alina Chau
image: Amazon
An uplifting graphic novel that features Jordan, a middle-school girl in a wheelchair who used to be a basketball star. She befriends a stray baby elephant and they become inseparable, naming him Marshmallow. Marshmallow helps Jordan boost her swimming skills enough to join the school’s water polo team.
Your Inner Hedgehog by Alexander McCall Smith
image: Goodreads
This fifth entry into the series captures the subtle wit and charming irony McCall-Smith is known for. As he continues his gentle poke at academia the story takes on the sublime found in books by Jasper Fforde and Douglas Adams.
Reading books continues to be the fundamental enjoyment of retirement. It even rates higher than dark chocolate.
Well into the new year I am now reflecting on past accomplishments of last year. While I could ruminate on aspects of my writing life I will instead gloss over the fact I did not attain my goal of securing an agent or getting another manuscript accepted by a publisher. I did, however, get several articles published in Sandpoint Magazine, a regional publication that emphasizes Sandpoint and the amazing surrounding area. You can check it out here.
Instead, I will gladly share my reading accomplishments (much more impressive). For the past few years I have set a reading goal of 101 books. I have managed to meet and surpass that number and thought, “Why not go for 200 books?”
I managed 191. Close. So close.
Goodreads puts together a dandy graphic summary and here are a couple of highlights:
That is a lot of books!I wonder why October was busier?There were some really good reads last year.
I reluctantly packed up my hammocks at the end of October which means entering into the long season of more indoor reading time. Reading by lamplight is not as fulfilling as reading by sunlight. My reading stats will definitely decrease. *Sigh*
Isola by Allegra Goodman
image: Penguin Books
Marguerite, a young French girl born into privilege, is betrayed by her protector, Roberval, who has mortgaged her wealth and lands to finance his travels to make a name for himself.
As an orphan, a a woman living in the misogynistic times of the Middle Ages, she has no choice but to obey her patron. When he demands she accompany him on his ship to colonize New France she and her maid reluctantly board, apprehensive of their future.
In a scheme to ensure her death, Roberval, in order to inherit her remaining assets, declares treachery against Marguerite and his secretary and abandons them on a wretched island.
The novel is based on a snippet of historical interest and is expanded into a tale of transformation and spiritual journey. Marguerite’s voice is stilted, representing the subservient attitude women had to adopt during that time period, yet she projects the independent attitude of a contemporary woman, angry at the injustice dealt her.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmed
image: Amazon
Definitely not the usual YA read as it mixes together quantum theory with a coming-of-age romance along with a mystery plot, all based on a poem inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
At this point you are either in or out.
Fans of John Green and Dr. Who will appreciate the intelligent chaos that is interpersed with Aria’s humor.
Only 2 books rated five stars out of the 20 read in October. Some were, as Maxwell Smart used to say: “Missed it by that much.”
I’ve experienced Shakespeare plays (one experiences his works, versus watches them—a bit pompous sounding,sorry) in a variety of forms: live on stage (several as an audience member and once as Horatio—very brief); large screen theater; small screen TV; reading, and teaching.
One favorite form is watching a performance in the park, as it is open air, much like a Globe performance. Plus there is the anticipation of lively audience response, the atmosphere being one of shared spaces and camaraderie. And the plays are usually free, at least the one that comes to our fair city is.
Every year in August the Montana company arrives and performs one of Shakespeare’s popular plays in a local park. This year they presented a As You Like It, which is one of Shakespeare’s more popular comedies.
Laughing Out LoudBard in the Park
Arriving at the park 40 minutes early I discovered the space already teeming with people, but no matter since I prefer the back for that quick exit to avoid the parking lot tangle.
As the sun drifted behind the trees the temps cooled down and the stage action heated up with runaway sons and daughters, tangled romance, and character arcs. As You Like It is a fun romp and the audience showed its appreciation with plenty of applause and laughter.
Bard in the Park signifies the transition from summer fun to back to school readiness. And Jacques mentions going to school in his famous “All the world’s a stage” soliloquy.
Anyone catch a Shakespeare in the Park performance this summer?
In an effort to match the energy and joy of the season I’m springing into action in terms of my writing.
Book Signing If you live in or around Spokane Valley, Washington you can catch me at the Barnes and Noble store on Saturday, April 19th from 11 am to 3 pm.
Yes, I will be signing my picture book Someday We Will.
It’s been an amazing five years since it was published in 2020–right when COVID locked down schools, libraries, and bookstores, which kind of kiboshed that whirlwind in person book tour originally hoped for.
Celebrating Five Years!
Since then Barnes and Noble and my local library have provided lovely support. This will be my third signing with Barnes and Noble and I’ve done a few storytime sessions with the library.
And thanks for your support! Readers of this blog have purchased Someday We Will through online sources. I still offer the deal of sending you a personalized bookplate. Just provide some details: where and when you bought the book, your address, and the message and I will send out a bookplate to you.
Projects The winter months kept me inside writing new stories and revising others. I also discovered a knack for collage and began illustrating some of my picture book manuscripts. Here are a couple of samples:
I also decided to create a separate page that highlighted completed manuscripts–a menu, so to speak–in case agents, editors, or publishers decide to stop by for a visit. Feel free to browse at my new page link: Project Pitches.
Of course not all my time is spent writing. Spring is here which means I’m outside more than inside. Yardwork, walking, biking, reading, and just plain sitting in the sun dozing in the sunshine. Winter is way too long and I am so enraptured the days are longer and warmer AND sunnier!
March had plenty of wind and rain marking the start of spring in a blustery way. Most books selected dwelt on mysteries ranging from classics like Josephine Tey to contemporary authors such as Robert Thorogood. Taking a break from solving murders I was delighted to have a longtime library hold arrive and spent a few days relishing a birder’s journal—but this wasn’t just anybody’s birding journal and proved to be my only five star read for the month.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
image: Amazon
Amy Tan applies her talents as a writer to keeping a six year journal of her backyard birds. Her observations are witty and insightful and provide a perspective that falls between enthusiast and expert.
Her detailed descriptions of bird behavior, accompanied by her impressive (and fun) illustrations create an informative and entertaining read.
April is also National Poetry Month and I’m providing an appropriate poem.
January remained cold, yet snow free and blue skies which that helps me get through the winter wobblies. Some people might feel cozy, safe, and warm as they sit by the window overseeing that whitened landscape. Not I. It’s claustrophobic to me. Like being trapped in a snow globe.
This winter has been unusual with its lack of snowy days. And I’m appreciative. Seeing nature’s colors unfettered by snowfall, enhanced by clear blue skies, even though it might be in the single or low double digits, is a tonic compared to the dreariness of accumulated snow.
I’m more inclined to read in my recliner by the window when it’s sunny, snow free, although it’s freezing out since the sun reminds me winter is waning. A snow-laden view prompts me to curl up under the blankets and hibernate until the crocus debut.
Well, so much for that rant.
Moving on to book highlights for January, those five star reads:
Checkmate to Murder (#25) by E.C.R. Lorac
image: Amazon
E.C.R Lorac’s Inspector Macdonald of Scotland Yard is both competent and likable in his approach to solving a crime. He isn’t quirky or pompous and projects an “everyman” persona as he goes about his investigation. This particular murder story involves an assortment of characters and the plot moves along at a slow and steady pace, so much so that it almost appears that the investigating becomes filler. This is the underlying method of the author: cast a wide net and then slowly let all the dross screen away until the solution is obvious and ends up being so clever and in front of the reader throughout the story.
Looking forward to searching out the other Inspector Macdonald stories.
The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sherriff
image: Abebooks
Written in simple yet elegant prose readers follow the Stevens, a British family, during their annual two week seaside holiday. The story is deceptive in that it lulls one in thinking nothing exciting is happening as each member goes the quotidian aspects of a vacation; however, each person is experiencing moments of inner speculation which defines who they are. They are living life, which is exciting overall as realizations are made that don’t seem profound but actually are.
The father comes to accept his lot in life will not include a promotion and decides to embrace what he has instead of become bitter at what he never will obtain.
The mother willingly goes along with the charade that she enjoys this annual excursion since she loves seeing her family’s happiness.
The daughter, on the cusp of love and independence, takes a small step in moving out of her home to create her own life.
The son, recently graduated from school and now at his first job, works out his resentment at having to be middle class, resolving to be better, not bitter.
The youngest, still in the throes of childhood, provides the joy of discovery of experience and the security of family.
Written in 1931, a relatively calm time, the story is a lovely, satisfying balm to the complicated times of today.
Only two books made the five star list; on the other hand they were excellent reads. In fact the Sherriff novel had written across the cover “highly recommend.” And I agree.
January 9th is set aside for those, like myself, who relish, celebrate, expound the joys of discovering and knowing how words can make one’s day that much better.
It’s a delightful fact that Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, provided the term “nerd” in his 1950 book If I Ran the Zoo.
image: Tumblr
While “nerd” used to be considered a mildly derogatory label to describe a person who was a bit too devoted to something or operated outside more established social norms, “nerd” is now a means to attach a reference to someone possessing expertise or enthusiasm.
There is a vast number of lexiconical connoisseurs residing within the greater populace.
It’s a quiet existence for the most part. No Jimmy Fallon appearances nor competitive reality shows featuring celebrities enthusiastically endorsing their favorite vocabulary.
It is gratifying to have this one special day though.
I browsed through the internet and discovered a few Word Nerds and decided to give them momentum in their efforts to expand the awareness of appreciating words.
Mike Allegra is a funtastic writer, blogger, humorist. He and I both share an appreciation for mice and capybaras. But those are other books and this post is about pirates and penguins. My mother was a pirate once–that’s a different story.
I figure we have been bloggy pals for over ten years 😳. We have even traded opinions in a series of posts called Debatables.
We both write for children. Mike is more prolific than I am. His books are funnier too. Like his latest books that combine a salty vision-impaired pirate and his new companion, a penguin. No offense, Mike. A pirate who identifies a penguin as a parrot needs an eye exam.
Pirates. Penguins. Definitely a winning combination.
Anyway-
Mike is running a contest where one special entrant wins copies of his Pirate and Penguin books. I would like to win copies of these books. I’m sure you would too.
I can get another ticket in the drawing by posting a blog post about his contest which, of course means you can trot over to Mike’s blog and enter the contest thus reducing my odds of winning…
I see what you’ve done, Mike.
So—check out Mike’s blog, enter his contest, and check out my book as well.
C’mon, Mike. I’m sure you don’t mind me edging in with just a little self-promotion.
Pam Webb 