Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the tag “reading”

02 Sep 2025
6 Comments

Reading Roundup: August 2025


August has traditionally signified the end of summer for me since returning to school was just around a calendar flip away.

However, retirement means I will be still in bed (probably) when the school bus rumbles past our house. And I will most likely be reading since that has become part of my routine due to still waking up at 5 am (dratted body clock) after so many years of doing so and not wanting to start my day quite that early.

All that reading as certainly impacted my accumulative reading states. To date my Goodreads Reading Challenge total is now at 116, nicely surpassing my 101 goal. I’m wondering if I can hit 200 this year. Hmm…

Five star reads of August:

The Last Escape by ECR Lorac

Goodreads image

Aptly named, The Last Escape is the last mystery readers will sleuth along with Inspector Macdonald. After 40 (!) mysteries to solve it appears the unflappable CID man will retire to Lunesdale on the farm he purchased a few stories back (Crook o’ the Lune). Once again Lorac begins the novel with a smidgen of backstory which leads into the principal players and when a crime is committed Macdonald is on the scene.
These books have been all interlibrary loan derived and I have found each one does well as a standalone. I have many more cases to solve with the Scottish inspector and look forward to the next book that comes my way.

Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen

Goodreads image

A grown up fairytale complete with one simple fairytale embedded in the plot makes this an unusual book and entertaining tale.

I was embarrassed to realize as I got into the story I had read it before—that “Gee, this is a lot like another book I’ve read” feeling. This either means I’m reading too many books or I read the book too fast or the story didn’t resonate at the time.

This time the story did resonate as it was a fun lounging-in-the-summer-hammock read.

Just Like Beverly by Vicki Conrad

Goodreads image

An excellent picture book biography of beloved children’s book author Beverly Cleary. Focusing on her as a child who lived books and wanted stories about children just like her provides a better understanding of how her stories have a timeless appeal. Illustrations and text are complementary and the additional material adds to the overall appeal.

I’m looking forward to the cooler days of fall and I am anticipating some really good reads coming up as my TBR list is quite plump.

Posted in reflections and tagged , , , , , ,
15 Aug 2025
5 Comments

Word Nerds: Yes, that is a word…


A Redbubble poster after my own heart

Your search for that precise descriptor has ended with this batch of discovered words. I must admit I am familiar with “twaddle” and have come across “quidnunc” no doubt due to those old English mystery novels from the forties that I favor.

kyoodle: to bark or yelp noisily or foolishly

gloze: to explain away

twaddle: silly, tedious talk or writing

otiose: serving no practical purpose or result

recondite: relating to, or dealing with something little known or obscure

parlous: full of danger or uncertainty

drouk: to drench

elucubrate: to produce (something) by long and intensive effort

opprobrium: harsh criticism or censure

quidnunc: person who seeks to know all the latest news or gossip

I need to find a way to work “kyoodle” into a conversation.

Posted in everyday expressions, humor, reflections, Words and tagged , , ,
17 Apr 2025
10 Comments

Springing Forth with Writerly Updates


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!

How are you springing forth this joyous season?

Posted in authors, reflections and tagged , , , , , , , ,
02 Apr 2025
2 Comments

Reader Roundup: March 2025 plus a POM


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.

Hope” is the thing with feathers

BY EMILY DICKINSONSHARE

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –

That perches in the soul –

And sings the tune without the words –

And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –

And sore must be the storm –

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –

And on the strangest Sea –

Yet – never – in Extremity,

It asked a crumb – of me.

Posted in authors, literature blogs, Nature, Poetry, reflections and tagged , ,
16 Jan 2025
4 Comments

Old Stats, New Start


I really like January. It’s the start of a new year, and like an Etch-A-Sketch, the slate is wiped clean, ready for fresh beginnings.

No batteries needed

That’s one reason why January 1st was the day my husband and I chose to get married. We wanted a day that signified a fresh beginning together. It’s also an easy day to remember.

This year marked 43 years together. It might be one of the only we have spent apart since I was in Okinawa helping out with our new grandson. FaceTime is handy in that regard, although my January 1st was my husband’s December 31st.

Another anniversary to celebrate is my time with WordPress: 13 years, so said the little pop up sent to my inbox. Wow! Really? That’s a long time, almost more impressive than being married over four decades, since a quick AI info grab indicates most blogs last about 2 years, and first marriages last roughly 21 years.

Surpassing the odds is an excellent way to start out 2025.

January is also when I begin anew my Goodreads reading challenge. I always plunk in 101 as my base goal with hopes of squeezing in twice that amount. The best I’ve achieved is 171.

As of today I have already read 8 books so using some quick math—8 books read in 15 days means the possibility of reading 8 more books in a month of 31 days which computes to an average of reading 16 books a month times 12 equals 192 books. Hmm, this could be the year of 200.

I’d finish this post but I have get down to the library to check out more books.

Later and Happy New Year!

Posted in blogs, Books, celebrations, reflections and tagged , , ,
03 Jul 2024

Reader Round Up: June


I’m not sure why I think it’s automatically summer when May flips over to June on the calendar. It wasn’t the case this year. Our wet spring adamantly hung on through a major portion of June with only a scattering of sunny days. June ended with a torrential rainstorm complete with donner und blitzen (as my latent German surfaces).

Rainy days equal reading days. Here are the five star reads for June 2024.

Vendela in Venice by Christina Bjork, illustrated by Inja-Karin Eriksson

image: Amazon

The adult Swedish author recounts a trip she took to Venice with her father when she was a child presented as a picture book. Informative and charming with beautiful illustrations that capture and complement the text.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

image: Goodreads

Anthony Horowitz is a talented writer. He is also a cheeky one in how he can get away with writing himself in as a character in a novel, dropping names hither thither, promoting his other works, and elaborating truths into meta fictional facts to suit his purpose.

His latest foray into adult fiction involves him teaming up with the irascible Hawthorne, a former police officer, who wants Horowitz to write a book about a murder case he’s working on. The problem is that Hawthorne is unreliable and unlikable, and that Horowitz gets dragged into the investigation at the risk of his career and even his life.

The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

image: Amazon

Quite an original and superb novel emphasizing how books bring people together. Though translated, it easily becomes a story that any culture which values reading can embrace. Books, eccentric characters, even a cat with idiosyncrasies—a novel that is a delightful one sitting read.

Modernity overlaps tradition as the new bookstore owner wants to phase out home delivery service, which essentially phases out Carl. His simple life becomes more complicated when precocious nine year old Schascha joins him on his rounds. Her involvement on his deliveries begins the end of life as he knows it to open a door to other possibilities.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

image: Amazon

A few years ago I read the book and have recently watched the TV series, which necessitated rereading the book. This proved the best way to thoroughly enjoy the author presentation of a Russian fairytale that deftly weaves in Russian history. Watching the TV series with Ewan McGregor playing Count Rostov is proving the old adage “the book is the book and the movie is the movie.”

Now that July has arrived the weather report indicates a hot summer is anticipated. No problem—I just bought a new hammock with an umbrella. My TBR is fully loaded. I’m looking forward to lounging and reading in the backyard.

Where’s your favorite place to read in the summer?

Posted in reflections and tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
06 Jun 2024
3 Comments

Reading Roundup: May


I would be infinitesimally poorer if it were not for the local library. Our library prints at the bottom of the check out slip how much money saved by using the library. My last receipt stated I had saved $183.50 since I chose to check out books instead of buying them. That’s a lot of chocolate I could be investing in instead. So, my thanks to the library for providing books and helping me save money.

May was full of variety as I am trying to get away from my mystery mode of preference. Here are the five star reads for last month.

image: Goodreads

Preston’s quiet novel is based on the findings of the Sutton Hoo archeological dig in Britain, discovered just prior to WWII. While it’s difficult to get overly enthused about the discovered artifacts through descriptions, Preston balances the historical significance of the find with well-rounded characterization, providing hints of personal conflict, even though the focus is on the dig and its ramifications. The Netflix movie with Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, and Lily James is what prompted me to read the book. I would say seeing the movie first enriched reading the novel.

check it out on Netflix
image: Goodreads

A reader never quite knows what to expect from the talented pen of Anthony Horowitz. He tossed the murder mystery genre on its ear with Magpie Murders and gave it a sound shaking with his Hawthorne series. Mixed reviews on this fifth entry of the series indicate readers are not always pleased when a writer changes up the format. In Close to Death Horowitz again collaborates with police consultant Hawthorne, but as a writer mandated to deliver a book to the publisher. Instead of following Hawthorne’s lead, Horowitz must dig for information on his own, which is challenging since this is a five year old murder. Horowitz discovers the case takes on a different appearance when he find the ruled suicide is perhaps a murder, yet there are far too many suspects with alibis making this seem to be a suicide after all. Somewhat confusing? Yes. Very clever? Definitely.

image: Goodreads

Dickens, Twain, Homer, and a bit of Elmer Gantry comprise this epic coming-of-age tale of four orphans who dub themselves the Vagabonds as they escape injustice in hopes of finding home. The author acknowledges how he spun together the pathos of Dickens with the journey adventure of Twain to create the tale of Odie, a midwestern Odysseus of the Depression. All components of a riveting story are present: setting (the horrors of a school institution in the landscape of the Midwest Depression era); characters (evil school administrators, stoic adults, rascal children, precious little girls, morally ambiguous women); conflict (spoilers!). The prose complements the sincerity of the narrator’s voice, as he loses his naïveté and develops a more realistic perspective of what life is all about.

image: Goodreads

What would it be like to live in an alternate reality, one that is nearly perfect? People must wonder because films such as The Lake House and novels like Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse continue to remain popular. For Kitty, whose double life as Katharyn, her two worlds are both so real she can no longer tell which she is dreaming and which one she is living. A compelling debut by Cynthia Swanson, that is addictive and a storyline that leaves one pondering the different ways of coping with loss, change, and what constitutes the perfect life.

image: Goodreads

A middle grade debut that deservedly earned the Coretta Scott King award for its sensitive portrayal of a young boy who migrates from Alabama to Chicago when the mother passes. Cline-Ransome captures the sorrow, confusion, and sense of loss as Langston tries to adjust to moving to the city. Bullied and lonely, Langston finds solace in the words of his namesake, Langston Hughes.

Do you find yourself returning to the same author or the same genre? I wonder if that is a problem or is it more of an indication of being content with a choice that is satisfying. Thoughts?

Posted in reflections and tagged , , , , , ,
23 Apr 2024
6 Comments

Bard Bits: Talk Like Shakespeare Day


It’s here. The day you have been waiting for. Yes! It’s Talk Like Shakespeare Day, which happens to coincide with the day historians figure to be both William’s day of birth and day of death: April 23.

As an English teacher I had zero background in Shakespeare as somehow his works were never taught, presented, or discussed in my school days. And this took place in a modern school district!

This meant I came to the classroom on the same playing field as my students: zero knowledge and lacking comprehension. I dove right in and learned as much as I could in order to sound like I knew what I was talking about.

Something clicked because I am a professed Bardinator today and even attended Folger Library’s Hamlet Academy back in 2015. I am also adapting Shakespeare plays into reader’s theatre scripts and they are regular sellers on my Teachers Pays Teachers website.

All in all I’m quite pleased to have traveled the journey, transforming from Shakespeare zilch to Shakespeare rich over the years.

However, to talk like Shakespeare is a talent I am not quite conversant in yet. I did find this nifty website which takes randomly generated sentences and turns them into Shakespearean speech. I am having fun playing with it. Here are some examples:

Crouch before you jump or miss the mark. Our plans right now are hazy.

Becomes—

Crouch bef’re thee jumpeth ‘r misseth the marketh. Our plans even but now art hazy.

Or—

It was done before the boy could see it. Hop over the fence and plunge in.

Becomes—

T wast done bef’re the knave couldst seeth t. Hopeth ov’r the fenceth and plunge in.

image:Tenor
Posted in reflections, Shakespeare, Teachers, Words and tagged , , , ,
02 Jan 2024
7 Comments

Tally Up: Books in Review


Nifty Beans! My yearly challenge is designated as 101 books, which I have been surpassing, especially now that I’m retired. I hit 171 this year. Woo Hoo! Maybe I should readch for165 or even 175. Then again, I really like the sound of 101, even more so when I pass it up big time.
Goodreads provides a colorful graphic off all the books I read in 2023. It’s fun to revisit all those books read throughout the year. Here are the highlights:

Book with most pages:

626 pages–read it again for a book club–twice is enough

I really enjoyed Doerr’s first book, All the Light We Cannot See, reading that one twice as well, since I devoured it in one sitting and after a student presented it as her author spotlight I reread it and was glad I did. However, even after a second reading of his second book, Cloud Cuckoo Land, which I read for the library book club, I am still not a huge fan. One reason is that it is vastly different in theme and style. While it is still well-written, it did not resonate with me quite like his first. I watched the film adaptation of AtLWCS on Netflix, and as they say, “The book is the book and the movie is the movie.”

I look forward to his next book. He is a writer worth waiting for.

Book with fewest pages:

a quick book at 21 pages

This is for those who enjoy fables/parables like Animal Farm and animal dramas like Watership Down. A quick read and one read is enough.

Average book length in 2023: 299 pages (not a fan of super long books, unless the writing is amazing)

My average rating for 2023: 4.3 (check out my Reader Roundup posts for those fabulous five star books)

Highest rated on Goodreads: 4.40

rated a solid 5 with me

First review of 2023:

started off with a 5 star

Last review of 2023:

And ended with a five star revisit to a childhood classic

Going through my personal book collection I came across Marguerite Henry’s Wagging Tails. Published in 1955, my brother owned this book first and also first owned our collie mix, Toby. My brother being nine years older than me, passed on the book and the dog when he got busy being a teenager. This is the one book I have leftover from my childhood. I’m not sure why I’ve kept it all these years, especially since I am definitely a cat person. It might be because Toby was an exceptional dog, and I thought it a very big deal him giving me this book. I think I drove him a little crazy with how I always got into his stuff. He finally gave me his marble collection after years of messing with it. Little sisters must be pain for older brothers.

Feeling nostalgic on 123123 I reread these twenty-three stories and once again appreciated Marguerite Henry’s affinity for telling a story. Although she is best known for her horse stories, like Misty of Chincoteague, her love of animals comes through with each dog story presented.

Hey readers and Book Boosters:

Did you have any reading goals this year?

Do you participate in the Goodreads Challenge?

Posted in reflections and tagged , , ,
30 Dec 2022
4 Comments

Year in Books: Good Reads and Then Some


A reader’s best friend

I’m ever so glad I found Goodreads. Not only does it help in discovering books to read, it more importantly keeps track of the books I have read. Lately I am reading books I have read previously. Goodreads confirms this. I’m contemplating the implications of this reading overlap.

Never mind deep contemplations on my reading habits. Here are the brass facts: according to Goodreads I read 155 books by December 30th. I don’t log books that are DNF (did not finish), which are more than I want to acknowledge this year. Apparently I am becoming more discerning in my book selections.

Instead of the usual how many pages, most popular, least popular factums I thought I would give 746 books activity a try. Using this year’s book list I answered posed suppositions:

  • In high school I was Here and Now and Then (Mike Chen)
  • People might be surprised by The Ethan I Was Before (Ali Standish)
  • I will never be Maisie Dobbs (Jacqueline Winspear)
  • My life post-lockdown was Little Broken Things (Nicole Baart)
  • My fantasy job is The Finder of Forgotten Things (Sarah Loudin Thomas)
  • At the end of a long day I need The Maid (Nita Prose)
  • I hate being The Accused (John Grisham)
  • Wish I had The Cat Who Saved Books (Sosuke Natsukawa)
  • My family reunions are To Disguise the Truth (Jen Turano)
  • At a party you’d find me with Birds of a Feather (Jacqueline Winspear)
  • I’ve never been to The Last Bookshop in London (Madeline Martin)
  • A happy day includes The Ingredients of Love (Nicolas Barresu)
  • Motto I live by: The Art of Holding On and Letting Go (Kristin Lenz)
  • On my bucket list is The Island (Gary Paulsen)
  • Next year I want to have What the Fireflies Knew (Kai Harris)

That was fun and enlightening. Maybe my book choices reveal more about myself than I am aware of. Hope your year of books was enjoyable and here is to next year!

Posted in Book Boosters, celebrations, humor, memories, popular books, reflections and tagged , , ,

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