I enjoyed Lucy Knisley's latest memoir. [What do you call a non-fiction work that is visual? We say graphic novel for a pictorial work of fiction, but graphic memoir sounds like a memoir filled with sex and/or violence!] Incidentally, this has a lot of blue on the cover. Lucy Knisley's Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos "If you work hard enough, if you want it enough, if you’re smart and talented and “good enough,” you can do anything. Except get pregnant. Her whole life, Lucy Knisley wanted to be a mother. But when it was finally the perfect time, conceiving turned out to be harder than anything she’d ever attempted. Fertility problems were followed by miscarriages, and her eventual successful pregnancy plagued by health issues, up to a dramatic, near-death experience during labor and delivery. This moving, hilarious, and surprisingly informative memoir, Kid Gloves, not only follows Lucy’s personal transition into motherhood but also illustrates the history and science of reproductive health from all angles, including curious facts and inspiring (and notorious) figures in medicine and midwifery. Whether you’ve got kids, want them, or want nothing to do with them, there’s something in this graphic memoir to open your mind and heart. " ** I also continued reading Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series and finished the fourth book. This ended on a surprising note. I enjoyed it (save for the continuing incorrect use of "Me and so-and-so"). Broken Homes (PC Peter Grant Book 4) by Ben Aaronovitch From Booklist *Starred Review* It’s hard to understand why Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series, of which this is the fourth installment, is not more well known in the U.S. It’s quite popular in Britain, and rightly so because it has everything: a plucky hero, London Metropolitan Police constable Peter Grant; clever mysteries; entertaining villains; and, just for fun, wizardry. Yes, wizardry. It seems Peter Grant, an ordinary police officer, has been recruited into a special branch of the police department, known as the Folly, which deals with matters of witchcraft, sorcery, and the supernatural. He’s an apprentice wizard, too, which comes in handy when dealing with cases that are decidedly weird. Take the murdered man who might be the latest victim of the Faceless Man, a powerful rogue magician; or take the old German textbook of magic—well, you can’t take that because someone already did, took it from its rightful home in Germany to England, where it turned up in the London police department’s recovered-goods repository (but was never reported stolen in the first place). Oh, and let’s not forget the weird goings-on at a housing estate with an odd past and, apparently, an even odder present. Honestly, this series is so much fun it really deserves an enormous audience on both sides of the pond. It’s a natural for grown-up Harry Potter devotees but also for urban-fantasy fans in general. --David Pitt Regards, Kareni

That is seriously nifty (as are a number of the other bookcases featured)! Thanks for posting the link. Regards, Kareni

I just finished Ben Aaronovitch's Whispers Under Ground (Rivers of London 3)which I enjoyed. @mumto2, there was indeed mention made of a bookcase. I'm now on the watch for more. This is the blurb for the American book: "A WHOLE NEW REASON TO MIND THE GAP It begins with a dead body at the far end of Baker Street tube station, all that remains of American exchange student James Gallagher—and the victim’s wealthy, politically powerful family is understandably eager to get to the bottom of the gruesome murder. The trouble is, the bottom—if it exists at all—is deeper and more unnatural than anyone suspects . . . except, that is, for London constable and sorcerer’s apprentice Peter Grant. With Inspector Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, tied up in the hunt for the rogue magician known as “the Faceless Man,” it’s up to Peter to plumb the haunted depths of the oldest, largest, and—as of now—deadliest subway system in the world.At least he won’t be alone. No, the FBI has sent over a crack agent to help. She’s young, ambitious, beautiful . . . and a born-again Christian apt to view any magic as the work of the devil. Oh yeah—that’s going to go well." Odd. The FBI agent didn't strike me as born-again. Perhaps I missed something. Curiously, my very American library has the British publication. Let me see if I can find that blurb. Hmm, here is the Amazon UK blurb which is still different from the jacket flap of this book: "Peter Grant is learning magic fast. And it's just as well - he's already had run-ins with the deadly supernatural children of the Thames and a terrifying killer in Soho. Progression in the Police Force is less easy. Especially when you work in a department of two. A department that doesn't even officially exist. A department that if you did describe it to most people would get you laughed at. And then there's his love life. The last person he fell for ended up seriously dead. It wasn't his fault, but still. Now something horrible is happening in the labyrinth of tunnels that make up the tube system that honeycombs the ancient foundations of London. And delays on the Northern line is the very least of it. Time to call in the Met's Economic and Specialist Crime Unit 9, aka 'The Folly'. Time to call in PC Peter Grant, Britain's Last Wizard. " Ahh, Goodreads has the blurb that is in my book: "In Tufnell Park, North London, a pair of railway tracks dive under a school, taking trains to and from Kings Cross. Wet, filthy, dangerous. Lovely place. And one Sunday before Christmas a sweet (sort of) kid called Abigail took me and my long suffering colleague Lesley May down there to look for a ghost.We found one.And that was that, I thought, because come Monday I get to do some proper policing. Person Unknown has been stabbed to death on the tracks at Baker Street tube. Magic may have been involved. And sure enough, in the blood; vestigia, the tell-tale trail magic leaves.Person Unknown turns out to be the son of a US senator and before you can say 'International incident'. FBI agent Kimberley Reynolds and her firmly held religious beliefs are on my case.And down in the dark, in the tunnels of London's Underground, the buried rivers, the Victorian sewers, I'm hearing whispers of ancient arts and tortured, vengeful spirits..." I'd say that the only thing that bothered me in this book was the abundant use of the phrase "me and so and so" as the subject of a sentence. I don't recall that from the first two books. And I notice that Lesley appears to be spelled Leslie in the American books. Regards, Kareni

Yay for progress! It looks quite snazzy. And I was thinking it a shade of grey. (One of fifty!) My husband and daughter watched the entire series with great pleasure when my daughter was studying that era in 8th grade. I would assign movies and documentaries for my daughter to watch; my husband would watch with her so that she could discuss them with a parent (I only rarely watch movies). It became their thing and made for some great memories. Regards, Kareni

Remember that underwear thread? Yes, I snipped it. Regards, Kareni

Regarding the Rivers of London series: I hear you. It is very luxurious to start a series that is well underway or complete. Shall I confess that I picked up the third book today when I volunteered at the library and have already read a chunk? Bookcase descriptions? I'm drawing a blank.... Regards, Kareni

Quoting myself: I lied. Last night I finished Moon Over Soho: 2 (Rivers of London 2) by Ben Aaronovitch. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading on in the series. "BODY AND SOUL The song. That’s what London constable and sorcerer’s apprentice Peter Grant first notices when he examines the corpse of Cyrus Wilkins, part-time jazz drummer and full-time accountant, who dropped dead of a heart attack while playing a gig at Soho’s 606 Club. The notes of the old jazz standard are rising from the body—a sure sign that something about the man’s death was not at all natural but instead supernatural.Body and soul—they’re also what Peter will risk as he investigates a pattern of similar deaths in and around Soho. With the help of his superior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, and the assistance of beautiful jazz aficionado Simone Fitzwilliam, Peter will uncover a deadly magical menace—one that leads right to his own doorstep and to the squandered promise of a young jazz musician: a talented trumpet player named Richard “Lord” Grant—otherwise known as Peter’s dear old dad." Regards, Kareni

Those of you who like non-fiction/history might be interested in this book I stumbled upon last night. Last night I was reading some reviews of the book I just finished and happened on the Goodreads page of author Lois McMaster Bujold. The number of books she has listed is not large but is eclectic. I saw manga, mysteries, fantasies, romances (including some male/male romances I've also enjoyed), Don Camillo books (yes!!!), an Edward Gorey book (hello @Violet Crown) and a hodgepodge of non-fiction including this intriguing title: Bat Bomb: World War II's Other Secret Weapon Here's the blurb: " It was a crazy way to win World War II in the Pacific--All the United States had to do was to attach small incendiary bombs to millions of bats and release them over Japan's major cities. As the bats went to roost, a million fires would flare up in remote crannies of the wood and paper buildings common throughout Japan. When their cities were reduced to ashes, the Japanese would surely capitulate...The plan made sense to a handful of eccentric promoters and researchers, who convinced top military brass and even President Roosevelt to back the scheme. It might have worked, except that another secret weapon--something to do with atoms--was chosen to end the war.Told here by the youngest member of the team, this is the story of the bat bomb project, or Project X-Ray, as it was officially known. In scenes worthy of a Capra or Hawks comedy, Jack Couffer recounts the unorthodox experiments carried out in the secrecy of Bandera, Texas; Carlsbad, New Mexico; and El Centro, California, in 1942-1943 by "Doc" Adams' private army. This oddball cast of characters included an eccentric inventor, a distinguished Harvard scientist, a biologist with a chip on his shoulder, a movie star, a Texas guano collector, a crusty Marine Corps colonel, a Maine lobster fisherman, an ex-mobster, and a tiger.Not to be defeated by minor logistical hurdles, the bat bomb researchers risked life and limb to explore uncharted bat caves and "recruit" thousands of bats to serve their country. Through months of personality conflicts, military snafus, and technical failures the team pressed on, certain that bats could end the war with Japan. And they might have--in their first airborne test, the bat bombers burned an entire brand-new military airfield to the ground.For everyone who relishes true tales of action and adventure, Bat Bomb is a must-read. Bat enthusiasts will also discover the beginnings of the scientific study of bats. " This is all new to me! Regards, Kareni

Welcome! Regards, Kareni

Welcome! Regards, Kareni

Welcome! Regards, Kareni

Currently FREE for Kindle readers ~ FIVE collections of fantasy stories: Fellowship of Fantasy (5 Book Series) Regards, Kareni

I thought others might enjoy this post from the Word Wenches site. I'm particularly impressed by the elephant quilt. Quilts 2019! Regards, Kareni

I'll recommend The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison Please list some of your favorites. Regards, Kareni

Does anybody know where I don't, but I can tell you that Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know is on third… Regards, Kareni

Here's hoping that this week will be more relaxing. Regards, Kareni

Currently FREE for Kindle readers ~ Inspirational romance about which I've heard good things: Brody's Redemption (Small Town Scandals Book 1) by Kay Lyons Ice & Smoke by Elizabeth Belyeu Unlaced (Ashton/Rosemoor series Book 1) by Kristina Cook Some of the Best from Tor.com: 2016: A Tor.com Original All These Shiny Worlds: The 2016 ImmerseOrDie Anthology Regards, Kareni

You are quite welcome, hopeistheword; I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'd thought it amusing that the post following mine would have a connection. It's a small world.... Regards, Kareni

Some bookish posts ~ From the Word Wenches: What We're Reading in March https://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2019/03/what-were-reading-in-march.html GREAT BOOKS ABOUT THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE https://bookriot.com/2019/03/19/books-about-the-immigrant-experience/ THE LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS THAT TELL YOU HOW TO TIDY UP by ANNA GOODING-CALL https://bookriot.com/2019/03/25/tidying-books/ 12 DELICIOUS DIABETIC COOKBOOKS https://bookriot.com/2019/03/20/diabetic-cookbooks/ THE APPEAL OF UNREAD BOOKS OR, WHY I DON’T READ THE BOOKS I BUY https://bookriot.com/2019/03/20/unread-books/ 10 Exceptional Audiobooks Written and Narrated by Women https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2019/03/10-exceptional-audiobooks-written-and-narrated-by.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Audiobooks&utm_term=BookRiot_Audiobooks_DormantSuppress By the Book: Laurie Halse Anderson https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/14/books/review/by-the-book-laurie-halse-anderson.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WUIYA 32819&utm_term=BookRiot_WhatsUpInYA_DormantSuppress#click=https://t.co/HFEPxQPapO Regards, Kareni

Yesterday I finished a book that has been read by mumto2, Robin, JennW, LaughingCat, ErinE, Ali in OR and others. It was an interesting read that made me laugh occasionally, but it was also pretty gory. I see from my Kindle records that I bought it three years ago, so it was time! Midnight Riot (Rivers of London Book 1) by Ben Aaronovitch "Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic. " I may read on in the series but I'm not driven to do so right away. Regards, Kareni

That does look delicious, hopeistheword; thanks for sharing the recipe. What other baked oatmeal variations do you like? Regards, Kareni

Yes, she's the one in South Korea. Interestingly, there tomatoes are often considered a dessert item. See here, for example. I read the Cat Who books years ago, back in the seventies and eighties. Just call me a trendsetter! Regards, Kareni

What wonderful news, Harpymom! Congratulations to your daughter; I hope she'll enjoy her time in Switzerland. Regards, Kareni

We enjoyed dipping into Laura Berquist's The Harp and Laurel Wreath: Poetry and Dictation for the Classical Curriculum "Convinced that a critical part of education is to foster in our children a love of the beautiful and true, teacher and writer Laura Berquist presents this wide selection of poetry for every age level from grades one to twelve. Language development is significantly enriched by exposure to good poetry. This book is an important resource because it provides in one volume many poems that concern noble actions or ideas presented in beautiful patterns of sound. This book contains all the poems recommended in Berquist's best-selling Designing Your Classical Curriculum. The extensive selection includes poems by Robert Louis Stevenson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Robert Browning, William Shakespeare, G.K. Chesterton, William Butler Yeats, Robert Frost, and many others. There are three indices to help locate specific poems. This book also includes dictation selections that are useful tools in the development of the child's writing ability, as well as study questions and answers for each poem. " Regards, Kareni

Regarding Liberty: You/your daughter might be interested in reading Kevin Roose's The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University I read and enjoyed it some years ago while finding it both eye opening and disconcerting. Here's a balanced review that might be of interest by a professor at Liberty. Regards, Kareni