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
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.”
If you identify with parent of school age children, then I commiserate with you for the back-to-school shopping marathon. Well, yes, it is exciting getting the kiddos ready for another (or their first) foray into the classroom routine. But it is tiring and expensive.
If you are a student, you are either bummed or excited, or perhaps a bit of both, since it means put a pause on summer fun in order to focus on the mojo needed to get into the school routine.
As a teacher, you are no doubt either already back in the classroom (depending on where you teach) or bum-weary from having to sit through endless admin-led meetings while you would rather be preparing your room.
None of the above? You are probably then retired or an empty-nester or perhaps neither a parent or teacher, although you vaguely remember your September back-to-school days.
This marks my fourth September I will not be returning as a teacher, yet I found myself back on campus anyway. My retirement days are centered around books: I’m either reading them, writing them, or doing something with them that is library related. Today I dropped off a box of donated of books to a couple of schools, one of which was where I formerly taught English.
Yes, it was strange.
No, I didn’t miss it.
Yes, I briefly said “howdy” to some former compadres. And yes, I delivered my usual line of “I highly recommend it!” when asked how I like being retired.
Okay, fine–I do miss some aspects of being a teacher, such as getting to know my students, watching them catch the spark of appreciating literature, lunch time sessions with teacher chums, and staff meetings (just kidding on that one).
So, here is hoping your back-to-school blues aren’t severe, and hoping the school year is fabulous, whether you are in a school desk, behind the teacher’s desk, or planning a cruise since everyone else is back in school.
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.
September is Get A Library Card month. Considering getting a card at most libraries is as simple as verifying one’s address I’m surprised how many people don’t have one.
It was a grand moment when I first received my library card in elementary school. Sliding my card over on the librarian’s wooden desk in exchange for a couple of books to read seemed quite a wonder
Then the day arrived when I filled out the application and received my public library card. I felt that card provided freedom and a bit of power as I could select most anything I wanted to read and my card gave me access to other libraries in the system.
From there it an assortment of library cards found their way into my possession: college; new cards when I moved; donor status cards (gold—ooh); and key fob versions. These days I don’t even need a card since my photo is on file. I just show up at the counter with my selections.
So many people I know, including my progeny, buy their books, which is admirable, of course. I would go broke, easily spending my pension on my reading habit of two-three books a week. Thank goodness for my library (credit) card for that’s how I see its use, except there is no monthly bill.
In fact, I save money using my library card, my receipt tells me so every time I leave with my bag of selections.
I have more library cards than credit cards—that’s a good thing, right?
Today’s focus is on the eclipse, which for some didn’t register as an event because of a)not being in the path of ta-dah or b)dealing with cloudy skies. There is also c)there was an eclipse?
For me the event of focus today was the four year anniversary of my debut picture book Someday We Will.
Yup, four years ago Beaming Books brought out my book in the beginning of April having postponed its publication from the previous fall. FYI: Grandparents Day is the first Sunday in September.
Instead of fall, the idea was Mother’s Day and the summer months of vacations when families visit. Good plan except four years ago about this time the pandemic showed up closing schools, libraries, bookstores, all those places where I might have personally promoted my book. A virtual book launch does not quite have the same impact.
Since then I have tried to make up for lost time and have done some story times with the library and have done a couple of bookstore appearances.
If you have yet to check out Someday We Will I hope you will. It’s a dandy little book for sharing just how special those family visits are, especially the grandparent ones.
As for the eclipse event? I hope your experience was satisfying. I ended tidying up the garage in hopes the clouds would part. They didn’t, but the garage looks better.
The perfect gift for grandparents as well as grandchildren anticipating a visit
Pam Webb 