Any suggestions for books/authors that seniors (elderly) might enjoy? I need to choose a couple bagfuls. Some guidelines (from the seniors): --love stories (clean; Nicholas Sparks is about as *risque* as it gets) --mysteries (not graphic) --westerns --Christian fiction --health --other (as in "you choose - we're sure it'll be just fine") They tend to like Mitch Albom. They do not tend to like history (especially war-related) or biographies. All selections do not have to be current. What do you recommend? I'll check back tomorrow for your ideas! Thank You! I always appreciate your help!

Managed to complete three novels this week: #49 - The Guest Book, by Marybeth Whalen. Christian fiction. A new-to-me author. Saw the book in a bookstore and liked the cover art, so borrowed it from the library. #50 - The Beginner's Goodbye, by Anne Tyler. Typical Tyler and good as usual. She captures human thought, feelings, emotions, so realistically well. Thanks to whoever recommended this title on an earlier thread - Negan, I think. My seventh book read this year on a Kindle. #51 - The Chance, by Karen Kingsbury. Christian fiction. Typical Kingsbury. Currently reading: #52 - Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, by Anne Lamott.

Only managed to complete one novel this week: #48 - Bath Tangle, by Georgette Heyer. To whomever recommended her a few years back in this reading thread - a hearty Thank You! I thoroughly enjoy her novels.

Rosie - Sure hope you are feeling better! Finished two novels this week: #46 - Powder and Patch, by Georgette Heyer. Another delightful and totally enjoyable Heyer reading experience! #47 - Killer Diller, by Clyde Edgerton. Previously read Walking Across Egypt; noticed that this book continued the story of two of the characters; thought I'd try it. Meh. Currently reading: #48 - Bath Tangle, by Georgette Heyer.

Bumping one last time! Thank you!

Thank you! I'll check back again tonight for more ideas! In the meantime, I will see if the library has any of these titles. :-)

Had someone ask me today for FICTION recommendations for a young adolescent girl about to turn thirteen. Wants stories about girls and the various changes/problems/moods/development that come with becoming a young lady (physically, emotionally, etc.) I found a book of short stories (don't recall the title) that fit what she wanted, but she wanted more than one book. All the mom could think of was Judy Blume books. Looked at various titles/series. Meantime, the young lady in question decided that the "How I Survived Middle School" books sounded good. So, what books and/or authors would you recommend? Thanks!

So glad you are back! This is my favorite thread, too - the only one I look forward to, and really miss if the week gets away and I don't check in. Congratulations on reaching 52!

Finished three this week: #44 - Happiness Sold Separately, by Lolly Winston. This was a "try-an-author-you've never-heard-of selection. It was all right. Her writing style was mostly natural. Some of the language was unnecessary and a detractor. #45 - Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, by Wayne Muller. Not what I expected, but not bad, either. I expected ideas for observing the Sabbath, keeping it holy. The author wrote mainly about making *little Sabbaths* throughout each day and week. A few good ideas overall; but then again, overall, meh. #46 - Powder and Patch, by Georgette Heyer. Delightful! I've not been disappointed in this author yet!

Another very busy week, so I only managed to finish one easy-reading novel: #43 - Sarina, by Francine Rivers. I am still in the middle of the same two nonfiction books from last week, and also started another fiction novel by an author I had never heard of (too tired to go get them to post their titles/authors) . . . At this time last year, I had concluded 40 books, so I am pleased that, with as busy as this year has turned out to be (and also still dealing with some old stressful things as well as some new ones), I am ahead of last year. :)

Thank you everyone! I'm big on thank you notes, too, but in this case, I just wasn't sure; it did seem awkward to write a note. Thank you for relieving my mind! I'll consider the *case closed*!

Deleted 7-28-13

Do you know if there are any websites where you can download for free upper arithmetic and pre-algebra explanations and worksheets? Appropriate, e.g., as high school senior or college freshman remedial class work). THANKS!

Deleted 7-28-13. I know this wasn't an earth-shattering issue, but I feel better deleting it . . . Thanks again for all your responses - I appreciate it!

We have a GREAT Salvation Army. Really nice items, including clothes, VERY reasonably priced. Books are generally a quarter for paperback and fifty cents for hardback - but - for quite some time now, ALL books have been a dime each. (Too bad I quit buying even used books as a way of saving on the budget . . .) One of the things I like best is that they have a Bag Sale every so often (clothes and shoes only) where it's one price for a totally stuffed bag - and usually clothes are hanging out over the bag because the proprietor really stuffs the stuff in and will not start another bag unless she absolutely has to. Even the clothes on the *new* rack (that still have store tags on them) are included. Also, during non-bag-sale times, she will quietly discount stuff when she knows a family is hurting or has been going through a rough time.

Finished this series: #41 - Forgiven (Sisters of the Heart, Book Three), by Shelley Shepard Gray #42 - Grace (Sisters of the Heart, Book Four), by Shelley Shepard Gray Currently reading: #43 - Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, by Wayne Muller. Not what I expected, but not bad, either. I was hoping for more of a perspective on attempting to make the Sabbath (the actual day) holy and restful, productive for ones' soul. Rather, this book presents a myriad of beliefs and multiple suggestions for celebrating *little Sabbaths* throughout the week - whether daily, multiple times a day, weekly, or less often than daily but more frequently than weekly. Some of the author's examples about nature's natural rhythmical cycles is eye-opening and/or intriguing. Some of his thoughts are too *New-Age* for my personal tastes. Other thoughts, however, caught my attention in a mostly positive way. Here's one that just happens to be in near vicinity to where my book marker currently rests: "Many scientists believe we are "hard-wired" like this, to live in rhythmic awareness, to be in and then step out, to be engrossed and then detached, to work and then to rest. It follows then that the commandment to remember the Sabbath is not a burdensome requirement from some law-giving deity - 'You ought, you'd better, you must' - but rather a remembrance of a law that is firmly embedded in the fabric of nature. It is a reminder of how things really are, the rhythmic dance to which we unavoidably belong." Here's another: "Sabbath is not dependent upon our readiness to stop. We do not stop when we are finished. We do not stop when we complete our phone calls, finish our project, get through this stack of messages, or get out this report that is due tomorrow. We stop because it is time to stop. Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop - because our work is never completely done. ... Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished." (emphasis his) Some of his Sabbath suggestions include walking in nature, simply enjoying it - quietly; lighting candles at special times; preparing special meals; quietly blessing/praying for others - known or unknown people. Nothing spectacular; mostly sensical. I'll probably finish the book even though I'm about 50/50 (liking/not liking) it . . . Also in the midst of another nonfiction book and one fiction novel - but too tired to go get them so I can post their titles correctly . . .

Finished two light books, Amish fiction: #39 - Hidden (Sisters of the Heart, Book One), by Shelley Shepard Gray #40 - Wanted (Sisters of the Heart, Book Two), by Shelley Shepard Gray Currently about to finish: #41 - Forgiven (Sisters of the Heart, Book Three), by Shelley Shepard Gray Up next, the conclusion: Grace (Sisters of the Heart, Book Four), by Shelley Shepard Gray

Just wanted to mark this thread so I can find it again . . . Please carry on with the topic!!! :-)

I am truly fascinated by the adult reading programs! All I had ever heard of or seen was a monthly book club. Thank you for sharing what your library does. Would anyone else like to respond with what your library does? Thank you! :)

In the book-a-week thread, these two entries were made: ladydusk wrote: On the up side, I got a call today that I won a gift card from my public library's summer reading program. I think it's cool that there's an adult version, too! kareni responded: Congratulations on your win! My library is having a bingo for adult readers. One claims squares by fulfilling assigned tasks such as : Read a memoir Read a mystery Read a book published in 2013 Visit the local museum and identify a display you saw Read a book recommended by a librarian (note book title and librarian) Read for an hour in a local park (note book read and park name) and so on ... The grand prize is a Kindle. Lesser prizes are gift certificates to the local park district. This is fascinating! Please tell more! Ladydusk ~ What did you do to win the gift card? Kareni ~ How does the library handle a cut-off point - in case many people complete the project? Everyone ~ What kinds of summer reading programs for adults do libraries have? What other kinds of programs for adults (besides a book club) do libraries have? PLEASE do tell! Thank You! :)

Not sure where I left off with posting - just that I missed posting at least last week and maybe the last two weeks, though I did read the thread - wouldn't miss reading this thread!!! Here's the latest: #37 - New Passages: Mapping Your Life Across Time, by Gail Sheehy. I don't think I ever took so long to read a book as I did this one. I found parts of *me* in it, as it pertains to the aging process and how one perceives it. I liked the positive aspects and stories she highlighted. She also had a good mix of research. Some of the language was off-putting as well as her non-essential political jabs. This book came recommended; otherwise, I would never have pulled it from the library shelf. I stuck with it because after I had invested x-amount of time, I didn't want it wasted! Had I to do it over again, I probably wouldn't. #38 - Virginia Reel, by Virginia Gilbert. Enjoyed this immensely. I'm not sure why the library had this catalogued as fiction; it appears to be non-fiction, written by the eldest daughter of a small-town family, and revolving around the creative ways her mother devised to carry on the household following her husband's untimely death not long after the Depression. Some laugh out-loud funny parts. (The author, an aspiring actress, married Edwin Gilbert, an author). Currently reading: #39 - Hidden (Series: Sisters of the Heart, Book One), by Shelley Shepard Gray. My introduction to this author. So far, so good. Also have books two and three of this series waiting in the wings, as well as another novel (one-third read) and a biography.

Just marking this thread for later . . . Love-love-love this thread!!! Thanks, Robin, for keeping it going - and also everyone who posts to it!

These ideas are GREAT! I had a couple ideas but, in a million Sundays, I could never have come up with these creative ideas that you have so generously shared. I'm so glad I checked the thread again. I'll be back later just-in-case there are more! (Today I was scheduled off so I am scurrying to get some housework done. :001_smile: ) I can't say Thank You enough!

Bumping just this once! These ideas are great and I don't want to leave anyone out who may want to add ideas! Thank you!