UPDATE Posted November 27, 2023 on page 43 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted February 24, 2021 on page 43 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted June 17, 2018 on page 43 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted May 7, 2016 at #2096 - - - - - - - UPDATE - Coming Full-Circle - Posted September 20, 2015 at #2058 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted April 11, 2015 at #650 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted April 5, 2015 at #619 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted March 14, 2015 at #606 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted January 9, 2015 at #587 - And the Answer Is . . . - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted December 16, 2014 at #564 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted December 2, 2014 at #538 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted November 5, 2014 at #518 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted September 23, 2014 at #504 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted August 13, 2014 at #491 - - - - - - - THANK YOU Posted July 29, 2014 at #489 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted July 5, 2014 at #455 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted May 27, 2014 at #437 - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted May 1, 2014 at #403 (it's long - sorry) - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted April 11, 2014 at #341. - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted March 24, 2014 at #325. - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted March 11, 2014 at #293. - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted February 21, 2014 at #226. - - - - - - - UPDATE Posted January 8, 2014 at #120. - - - - - - - I would greatly appreciate your prayers. In November, ds (a two-time cancer/leukemia survivor) celebrated six years in remission. Yesterday, he had his scheduled check-up. ALL of his blood counts are SIGNIFICANTLY subnormal. This is VERY serious, and he would rather that I not put in print what the possibilities include. Instead of a four-month check-up, he is now scheduled for follow-up blood work and another exam on January 8 at 2:00 p.m. PLEASE PRAY! Additionally, he is currently experiencing such extreme back pain that the doctor prescribed a pain killer for him. We greatly desire any and all prayers! THANK YOU! Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Didn't finish anything this week - just too busy. However, I am part way through: #76 - An Unsuitable Attachment, by Barbara Pym. This is my introduction to this author, and I am enjoying it immensely. Love the tight writing - the economy of words; the right-on descriptions, whether of person, place, or attitude. Am eager to follow these characters through to the end. Will (hopefully) be at a used book store later this week and, if so, will definitely be checking whether they have any of Pym's other novels!

Concluded one book this week: #75 - Writing is My Drink: A Writer's Story of Finding Her Voice (and a Guide to How You Can Too), by Theo Pauline Nestor. This was a pre-publication copy, so the typos were annoying. However, the content was pretty good. I think her main objectives were to help writers to experience freedom in their writing and to find their own voice. Am currently reading a used book find by a new-to-me author that I first heard about right here on the Hive: #76 - An Unsuitable Attachment, by Barbara Pym. As to the title of the thread, I have no suggestions, but would like to see the year and the week retained. Most importantly, I simply want to see this thread continue! This is my absolute favorite thread. As to book challenges, I don't commit to them as I read these days primarily for enjoyment and for escape. That said, one of the links you posted, Robin, made me wonder about readers reading some books published in the year in which they were born . . .

Finished two novels this week: #73 - The Keeper of the Door, by Ethel M. Dell. The second book I've read by this author. Loved it! Would like to read others as I locate them. Are not in the local public libraries and not on kindle. Scoured a used book store this weekend to no avail; however, learned from the proprietor that her stories have been rewritten and updated and are part of a Barbara Cartland series. I've never read Cartland, so don't know how the authors/writing compare. I DO know that I do NOT wish to read the rewritten versions. I totally enjoyed *old-style* writing, vocabulary, etc. What a treat! #74 - Fifteen Minutes, by Karen Kingsbury. Christian fiction and typical Kingsbury. Enjoyable. Am currently reading a used book store find: #75 - Writing is My Drink: A Writer's Story of Finding Her Voice (and a Guide to How You Can Too), by Theo Pauline Nestor. This is a pre-publisher's copy, so the uncorrected typos are glaring; however, the content so far (introduction and first two chapters) is worth it. Don't have the book with me right now, but two things I remember are that the author said you have to *trust* yourself when it comes to writing, and, still talking about trust and faith in your writing, you need to write like a child and edit/revise like a grown up. Came upon this *story* from a local online publication. Thought I'd share it . . . WOMEN WHO READ One morning a husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book. Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, " Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?" "Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?") "You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her. "I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading.""Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up." "For reading a book," she replies. "You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her again. "I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading." "Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up." "If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman. "But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden. "That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment." "Have a nice day ma'am," and he left. MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think. Sure God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece. ~Author Unknown

The photos in the blog post have me drooling! I love bookstores like that! We go to a bookstore that is similar - books EVERYWHERE - double-stacked on the shelves, piled up on the floor, nooks and crannies, etc. Thankfully, it is not located TOO near to us to be ever-tempting, so it is a special treat when we go - also special because the owners have become good friends. :)

Robin, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Started one book last week and will likely not finish it till later this week. The copy I'm reading is the fourth printing of the 1915 edition - smaller print on thinner pages - for a total of 590 pages. With last week busy, and this week pending busier, I will count my blessings to complete just this one novel! #73 - The Keeper of the Door, by Ethel M. Dell

Happy Birthday, Robin!

This week I finished two books, and may well finish the third this evening: #70 - Cold Sassy Tree, by Olive Ann Burns. Absolutely loved this novel! Small town southern life at turn of the century. Engaging characters; humorous; honest; great dialog; insight that rather sneaks up on you. Fictional, but based on family life stories the author grew up hearing. #71 - Starry Night, by Debbie Macomber. My introduction to this author. Enjoyable brain candy. Currently about to conclude: #72 - Leaving Cold Sassy: The Unfinished Sequel to Cold Sassy Tree, by Olive Ann Burns with a reminiscence by Katrina Kenison. I was absolutely delighted to discover a sequel to Cold Sassy Tree! Deflated, however, to learn that the author died before she completed the book. Writing these two novels were her way of positively coping with the side effects of chemotherapy. The sequel, originally titled Time, Dirt, and Money, begins this book and continues for approximately half the book (15 chapters), at which point, Katrina takes up the story. What follows is not only a biographical sketch of Olive, but also her written notes for the sequel. Based on her parents' lives, her notes make clear her intentions for the remainder of the story. Olive's story itself is quite inspiring. While I still have well less than a hundred pages to go, I know I will miss these characters when I turn the last page. The people are such, and the writing such, that one wouldn't be content with just a sequel. Sadly, this author's voice was cut short . . .

Thanks for posting this - I wouldn't have known otherwise. Will keep an eye on Robin's thread for updates...

:grouphug: :grouphug: So sorry to hear this - can't help thinking of the lovely photo of your parents you posted recently - Hugs and prayers -

Finished: #69 - Holy is the Day: Living in the Gift of the Present, by Carolyn Weber. Commented on it last week when I was almost finished. Will definitely be one of my top five this year, and possibly number one. Currently reading: #70 - Cold Sassy Tree, by Olive Ann Burns.

What are some reputable online shopping sites that are not overly expensive and preferably use PayPal where one might find the following: 1. quilted Christmas items/decorations 2. chocolate candy in the shape of things, e.g., tools, dogs, music, etc. I am running out of time for this gift exchange and have turned to the internet . . . Thank You!

Finished one book this week: #68 - The House That Love Built, by Beth Wiseman. Christian fiction and my first book by this author. Mostly predictable. Currently reading: #69 - Holy is the Day: Living in the Gift of the Present, by Carolyn Weber. Absolutely loved her debut autobiography, Surprised by Oxford, so was looking forward to this, her second book. Am not disappointed! She crafts words and thoughts just-so; her reflections are earnestly and eloquently presented. Her passion for God and for life shines.

Have sadly finished the Big Stone Gap series this week . . . Did not want it to end. The characters draw you in; you love them and hate them; are happy for them and frustrated with them. The author's writing is so real that, at times, you ache to the very bone marrow with the truth of it. I wish there were a volume five . . . Finished: #66 - Milk Glass Moon (Big Stone Gap Series, Book Three), by Adriana Trigiani #67 - Home to Big Stone Gap (Big Stone Gap Series, Book Four), by Adriana Trigiani Currently reading a book I grabbed in haste, by an author whose works I've not previously read: #68 - The House That Love Built, by Beth Wiseman

This week I finished: #64 - This is Herman Cain, by Herman Cain. #65 - Big Cherry Holler (Big Stone Gap Series, Book Two), by Adriana Trigiani. Really enjoyed this, as I did the first book. Her characters are so real, and funny, too. They're endearing, but they're frustrating, too. She writes so honestly that it is actually at times very sad in a very aching-to-my-very-bones way. She nails human emotion. Currently reading: #66 - Milk Glass Moon (Big Stone Gap Series, Book Three), by Adriana Trigiani. When I finish this, I will read the fourth and final book in this series.

Thank you, everyone! I will make a document list of the authors you recommended and forward it to my work e-mail so I can begin checking tomorrow. Most of the authors you mentioned are not familiar to me, so I have my work cut out for me!!! Someone mentioned that some authors are more for YA (young adult) - yes, I've noticed that; for example, Cassandra Clare is classed as YA, but the adults also read her books. I knew I could count on you-all for help! Thanks, again!

Thank You! Some of these authors I'm familiar with - they are constantly signed out of the library! (For example, Clara, Martin, King, Collins). Others, I'm not aware of, so I will check them - see what we have, what the circulation is like, and check Fantastic Fiction to see what's new with them to see what the library needs. I really appreciate your help! Anyone else who wishes to weigh in - please do! I have a huge list to sort through and don't know where to start. I am going to start with the authors that members of the Hive recommend! Thanks, again, Mytwoblessings!

For those of you who read adult fantasy fiction, who are your favorite authors / who do you consider the current most prominent/popular authors? (This is a work-related question for a reading genre that is so-not-mine). Thank you! I will appreciate any suggestions/help!

Finished: #60 - A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, by Daniel H. Pink. I enjoyed this one. The writing was personable while being informative. Makes a case not only for the benefits of being right-brained, but also for the need to have a balanced right- and left-brain; hence, a whole new mind. Following each section were a few pages of suggestions that were, to my mind, not really necessary. Currently reading: #61 - And God Came In: The Extraordinary Story of Joy Davidman: Her Life and Marriage to C.S. Lewis, by Lyle W. Dorsett. Another enjoyable read, and compelling, too. If you've seen the movie "Shadowland", it does not do Joy justice, with the script writers appearing to have taken a good bit of literary license. The book - well researched, well written.

Am just marking this page . . .

I thoroughly agree!

Mmm-hmmm. I hear ya . . . On a related note to your comment (bolded part) - I have been delighted to see people, having read the library press release in the newspaper, coming in and asking to see the banned books display (it's right out in the open!) - AND, they are signing out banned books AND they are taking a copy of the list (presumably to keep on reading banned books)!

Another slow-reading week. I think it's the author. I'm just not getting into Byler's trilogy as I generally do other Amish fiction writers. However, I'm almost done with the third book, so I'll plug away and finish it . . . Concluded: #58 - When Strawberries Bloom (Lizzie Searches for Love, Book Two), by Linda Byler Currently reading: #59 - Big Decisions (Lizzie Searches for Love, Book Three), by Linda Byler

Exactly! The item was new in package with a full description. I even itemized the contents. Technically, this could be a case of buyer's remorse, having not first either read the description carefully or researched what he was purchasing. Since it will no longer be new in package when he returns it, the value will drop, but I think it is still sellable. Yes, this makes sense, about the gas, time, etc. I really thought hard about telling him to just keep it. To determine that it wasn't what he wanted, he had to open it first AND use it (not a personal item). He is clearly not pleased with it, so keeping it wouldn't do him any good.