March 26, 2018: It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday and I finished two great books last week! It feels like I'm back in the reading groove at last. Both of my current books excellent, too.

Finished last week//

Sunburn by Laura Lippman

In a word, Sunburn is fabulous. I've struggled with psychological thrillers lately, but Laura Lippman has written another winner. In this novel, crimes, secrets, and deception become more complicated in the face of unexpected love. But is it really love? As Lippman crafts the story of Polly and Adam, she adds layer upon layer of complexity... increasing suspense and doubt. Who, if anyone, is worthy of the reader's trust?

I've read a few of Lippman's stand-alones and loved them all... maybe it's time to give her series a try. Are you a Tess Monaghan fan? Baltimore Blues  has been on my kindle for a long time.

Get Well Soon: History’s Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them

by Jennifer Wright, narrated by Gabra Zackman

Medicine with a bit of snark... this is SO my kind of book. I chose to go the audio route when all  my top audiobook sources recommended it, and that turned out to be excellent advice. From the antonine plague to AIDS, Get Well Soon  covers each 'plague' from historical, medical, and scientific perspectives.  The slightly irreverent edge (think Mary Roach) added to my enjoyment. Gabra Zackman's narration was pitch perfect. Give this a try if you're a fan of Mary Roach or have an interest in medicine/infectious disease.

Current reading//

The Gunners by Rebecca Kauffman

When both Tara and Susie love a new novel, I take notice. If said book is then compared to The Interestings  by Meg Wolitzer, I'm on it immediately. I was thrilled to find this book available for instant download via hoopla from my library. (Does your library provide this service?) Eleven chapters in and I'm loving it!



Listening to//

Forty Autumns: A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall by Nina Willner, narrated by Cassandra Campbell

This book, added to my wish list during Nonfiction November and read by one of my favorite narrators, tells the story of a family separated by the Berlin Wall in the aftermath of WWII. I'm two hours into the ten hour production and find it hard to press the 'pause' button. My walks will be extra long this week!



The week ahead//

Twin A is flying in on Thursday for the long Easter weekend. In the meantime, I need to get busy planning and then shopping for Easter dinner.  We're already looking forward to split pea soup made with the hambone. A celebration for the twins 25th birthday is also in the works.

How was your week? What are you reading?

This post will link to It's Monday, What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.
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March 19, 2018: It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday... and I'm reading again! I finished two books this week and started two more.

Today is also the last day of winter. Relatively cool temperatures moderated by midweek, and we had perfect beach weather for the weekend. The island is at full capacity now and will be through Easter when "high season" ends. It will gradually get quieter until schools let out, then summer season begins. We'll stay until Memorial Day.



Finished this week//

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

I loved reading this novel a second time but, once again, was frustrated by Isabel's decision at the end. This time, I focused on her motives... mulling over several which I won't go into here. James, notorious for ambiguity, is always open to interpretation. This is where John Banville comes in ...

Banville picks up Isabel's story in his new novel Mrs. Osmond. I'm hoping he takes us through her decision, making us privy to the thought process, and then imagining how her life plays out. My library hold should arrive soon.

I'm embarrassingly late finishing our February read-along and have learned that in the future, it might be best not to schedule reading events during winter guest season ;-)

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak 

This was a perfect post-Henry James recovery book! I enjoyed everything about this family quarantined at Christmastime novel - the characters, the setting, their secrets, the short chapters told from alternating viewpoints, and the resolution. Reading it on the beach certainly added to the experience.

Current reading//

Sunburn by Laura Lippman

I read the first 25 pages of Lippman's new psychological thriller yesterday afternoon and can already tell it will be a page turner. Can't wait to pick it up again later today!



Listening to//

Get Well Soon: History’s Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them

by Jennifer Wright, narrated by Gabra Zackman

This book was recommended by several of my most trusted audio sources. Books about medicine tend to appeal to me anyway, but I'm especially enjoying this author's voice and style... very Mary Roach-like.



Watching//
The National Parks series was sidelined in favor of March Madness (Go 'Cuse!) We'll try to watch a couple more episodes before the games continue on Thursday.

In the kitchen//
Ever since my mother mentioned gingerbread last week, I've been craving it. Yesterday I made Laurie Colwin’s Gingerbread. The recipe is from the New York Times (as is the photo), but I'm sure it appears in her books as well. My father-in-law asked for seconds... it was delicious!

The week ahead//
With no company on the horizon, this feels almost like a vacation week! We're back to our normal routine... I might even finish another another book.

How was your week? What are you reading?


This post will link to It's Monday, What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.
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Sanibel Saturday: March 10, 2018

It's March?? February certainly got away from me, and so far March is just as crazy. It was not a great month for reading, but we entertained lots of visitors, spent time with old friends, and enjoyed all the outdoor activities our island has to offer. After our daughters left early last month, my sister and brother-in-law came to visit. Next to arrive were my college roommate and her husband. While she was here, we drove up to the Tampa area to visit more old college pals. My brother and his girlfriend flew into Tampa yesterday to catch a couple of baseball spring training games, and they'll drive down here tomorrow. Twin B will be back at the end of the month for Easter and an early birthday celebration. Busy is an understatement, but I'm loving every minute!

Southwest Florida basked in record warmth throughout the month of February, while the northeast has been pounded by one storm after another. The first nor'easter (Riley?) dropped 29" of snow at our home in central NY, though Quinn barely grazed the area. I miss my family and friends - and Wegmans, of course - but am happy to be out of the snow belt!

Current reading//

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

Remember my February read-along with Bellezza, Audrey, and a few others? I'm still plodding along,  now around the 75% mark. This was supposed to be a read/listen combination for me but, with all our recent company, I  hardly remember my last solitary beach walk. I'm mostly reading on my kindle now, and find myself stumbling over James' long sentences at times. Too many distractions? Possibly.

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

This book has been on my wish list since before its release. The publisher's summary reminded me of This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper, which I loved and still consider to be one of the funniest books ever.  I spied Hornak's novel on the library shelf the other day and the first 50 pages are entertaining. So much for reading from my shelves this winter...



Watching//

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

We started this six-part PBS series by Ken Burns last week as we contemplate another great western adventure... possibly in September or early October. Author Wallace Stegner referred to the nationals parks as "America's best idea" - what a great subtitle.


In the kitchen//

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie I mentioned in my last post was a big hit. Served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce, it is very rich, so cut small pieces! It also freezes well.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Tenders and Green Beans with Fresh Grape Tomatoes  

These are really glorified chicken tenders from the kids menu of your favorite restaurant, but so tasty! Serve with a little marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They're easy to prepare and cleanup is minimal.

I'll be serving up these Blackened Shrimp Tacos from Budget Bytes again. The same seasoning blend could be used two make fish tacos, too. I might us a little less next time - we're not big on spicy.  I've already made the coleslaw three times!


Looking forward to//

- spending time with my brother
- kayaking and biking at the wildlife refuge
- finishing a book ;-)


That's about all the news here. What's happening in your corner of the world? Have you read any good books lately?




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