This has felt like a really long month in many ways, with so much going on. In terms of reading and blogging alone, it started with what turned out to be the final Witch Week, celebrating the centenary of Joan Aiken's birth. I found it a wonderful finale to an event I started back in … Continue reading Month in Review: November 2024
Literature I didn't finish many books this month, partly because I was reading Hawaii by James Michener, a massive book of over 1000 pages. It flew by, though, and I loved learning more about the origins and history of those beautiful islands. Now I'd like to read more by this author of immersive historical fiction. … Continue reading Month in Review: October 2024
Literature Lately I seem to alternate hard-hitting, emotionally wrenching reads with lighter, fantastical fare. This month was no exception, with two Oz books and a slew of stories by Joan Aiken filling in the latter role. On the heavier side, I was particularly impressed by Michele Filgate's collection and want to read more by every … Continue reading Month in Review: September 2024
Literature August was a month where I celebrated my summer Moomin binge, covered two more Oz books, and also knocked off three categories for the Nonfiction Reader challenge. Here's what I read during August: Moominland Midwinter, Moominvalley in November, Comet in Moominland, Moominpappa at Sea by Tove Jansson - Moomin Week, Women in Translation The … Continue reading Month in Review: August 2024
Literature It was great this month to participate in a Zoom call with some bloggers from Paris in July, Emma's event celebrating all things French. It inspired me to start reading The Discovery of France, a fascinating look at how the country (made up of many small groups who didn't necessarily consider themselves French) came … Continue reading Month in Review: July 2024
Literature It's hard to believe the end of June is upon us already! I am going to take a break in July, as I have some exciting travel planned (see below) and just need unstructured time in the summer. But I'll be back in another month if not sooner. I enjoyed everything I read this … Continue reading Month in Review: June 2024
Literature This month, I reviewed April's Reading the Theatre event and looked forward to my 10 Books of Summer plans. I kept up with my one book a month for the Ozathon (Emerald City) and read another book for the Nonfiction Reader Challenge, though I have yet to post about that one. Otherwise, my reading … Continue reading Month in Review: May 2024
Literature April was my month for Reading the Theatre, and most of my reading did fall into that theme, with a few exceptions -- and some cross-pollination with other challenges, like the Nonfiction Reader and the 1937 Club. I'll do a full recap in a week or two (I'm still finishing up some viewing). It … Continue reading Month in Review: April 2024
Before looking back on last month's reading, I want to point to this month's giveaway of my book, When Fragments Make a Whole: Click here to learn more and enter. Literature In March, I enjoyed books by two new favorite authors. Abraham Verghese is a doctor-turned-novelist who writes long but gripping stories. And after working … Continue reading Month in Review: March 2024
Literature I started adding star ratings to my StoryGraph reviews, but I'm not sure about this practice. My feelings about books are often mixed; I might give 5 stars to one aspect but but 1 star to another, and all the possibilities in between. What about the books that I can tell are well-written, but … Continue reading Month in Review: February 2024
