Hello, friends. We've got some catching up to do. First I want to thank you for the kind messages following the recent death of my father-in-law. Each one was appreciated. The last several weeks have been hard. For now, the many chores and stacks of paperwork are providing a much needed distraction. I also started a couple of books this week (an ebook and an audiobook) and, thankfully, seem to be able to focus again. I suppose that's progress...
Recent reading//
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
(reviewed here)
(look for a review later this week)
I am loving this book! Longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize, it is the first novel in over a decade from this talented Canadian author.
by John Green, narrated by the author
I'm huge fan of essays and memoirs narrated by the author and this one was mentioned repeatedly in Nonfiction November posts. Even though I haven't read John Green's novels, I'm completely taken with this essay collection. Just reached the 50% mark on my walk this morning.
On the blog//
In the kitchen//
In an effort to get back to healthful eating, I made a dinner salad one night last week - Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap Chopped Salad from Skinnytaste. There were no water chestnuts available at any of the stores in this area, so my husband suggested using celery instead. It worked perfectly! If you're in the mood for a warm salad for dinner, this could be it.
Later today and the week ahead//
This afternoon I'll be catching up on reading your blog posts, doing laundry, planning menus for the week and making a grocery list. With a little luck I'll get in an hour or two of reading, too!
We don't have a lot going on this week. It's going to be unusually cool for the next couple of days, so we'll tackle a few outdoor projects. My husband's cousin and his wife are in town this week... we're planning to have them over for dinner one night.
That's it for me. How was your week? What have you been reading lately?
The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.
It's so difficult to lose someone we love. Continued prayers and thoughts of consolation.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are enjoying Lincoln Highway. I've become a fan of this author.
The fish dish looks sensational. I rarely cook fish. I should do it more often.
Thanks, Deb. The Lincoln Highway turned out to be such an enjoyable read... I'll buy anything Amor Towles writes!
DeleteJohn Green's book is a nonfiction book I'd like to try this year! Happy reading week!
ReplyDeleteHarvee - Green's essays are so eclectic and entertaining. I'm probably going to need to try some of his fiction after this!
DeleteI'm sure you still have plenty to deal with since your FIL's passing so, audio books sound like a nice distraction. I started Lincoln highway yesterday audio and print and finding it hard to stop listening. What a talented author? I haven't read anything by Nancy Lawson since Crow Lake (which I loved), I need to check out A Town Called Solace - thank you and have a good week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - Audiobooks have been the perfect distraction, especially the essays since I can listen in smaller bursts of time. The audio to Lincoln Highway is excellent... definitely hard to put down. I'm going to add Crow Lake to my reading list. Lawson writes beautifully!
DeleteAnother beautiful sunset photo! You've had a very rough month (or more!) and I'm sure it helps to get outside and spend time walking along the water. There is always so much to do after a loved passes away, but all those items on your "to do" list help with the grieving, I believe.
ReplyDeleteBoth of your books (the one by Towles and the other by Purnell) are high on my TBR list. I'll probably get the The Lincoln Highway first since I already own it. It's been a long, long time since I've read anything by Mary Lawson (loved Crow Lake!), so I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this new one. I've only read one book by John Green (The Fault in Our Stars - loved it!), so I'll have to see about listening to his collection of essays.
We're having gorgeous weather, so I've been in the yard raking up all the branches and debris from our winter storms. This afternoon we're getting a wood delivery, so I'll help my husband stack that in our firewood rack. I may not be able to move tomorrow!
Les - This year has definitely gotten off to a rough start. I'm thankful we are in a place where I can get out and walk by the water every day... it is such a comfort!
DeleteNot sure how I missed reading Crow Lake years ago, I was certainly aware of it. A Town Called Solace is told from three alternating and wildly different viewpoints... so beautifully written. I can't wait to get back to it. Don't know why I haven't read John Green yet either, but these essays are wonderful. Such an interesting diversion!
Glad you're finally getting some nice weather... the recent storms looked scary. It's very cold here now (for a barrier island in south Florida!) and I'm starting to think my blood is actually thinning. Low 60s and I'm in fleece and SmartWool socks, lol. We'll be down in the 40s overnight, with inland freeze warnings... cold weather shelter are opening. I'm definitely not in Syracuse!! ;-)
I was so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. My thoughts are still with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's been so cool in South Carolina, I've been looking at flights to visit my in-laws in Naples. Cool, rainy weather seems to follow us wherever we go. We won't actually be flying down but it's nice to dream about days on the boat in the Gulf.
I hope your days get easier and your focus returns.
Thanks, Jen. It's even cold in Naples now...this is definitely southwest Florida's version of winter! We'll get down into the 40s tonight with freeze warnings inland. I'm not used to this anymore! ;-)
DeleteDistraction helps me deal with grief too. You continue to be in my thoughts. I look forward to reading your thoughts on A Woman of No Importance. I am so glad you are enjoying A Town Called Solace. I spent this morning doing my laundry and should probably be doing some household chore right now, but instead I am doing a little bit of blog hopping. It's been a quiet Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a nice dinner with your husband's cousin and his wife and enjoy your week.
Thank you, Wendy. All of these tasks are a welcome distraction for both of us... same for the dinner with his cousin and wife later in the week. My chores are all finally done for the day and I can't wait to pick up A Town Called Solace again.
DeleteSo sorry for your loss, JoAnn. The whole process of getting through all the paperwork and long checklist of people to contact, etc., I found, actually did help me get through the immediate impact of losing my father a while back. Strange blessing, in a way.
ReplyDeleteQuick Note: I'm putting Book Chase to bed after 15 years of book blogging, and I didn't want to just disappear on everyone. I plan to keep cheering everyone on from the sidelines via comments and tweets, and I look forward to seeing how 2022 reading turns out for you. Sam
Sam - I'm surprised at what a welcome/therapeutic distraction these chores are turning out to be. My FIL has been a big part of our lives since my MIL died and we moved to FL.
DeleteSorry to hear you've decided to retire Book Chase. I hope you'll still be posting your reviews and keeping us updated through goodreads, too. And I'll be following along on twitter, too.
It's so hard when you loose someone, praying the pain eases some for you all soon.
ReplyDeleteA Town Called Solace sounds good, I may add it to my list.
I've got The Anthropocene Reviewed waiting on me to read whenever I get to it.
That salad looks really good!
I'm not a big fan of seafood but I do like cod and breaded shrimp.
Enjoy the time with family!
Thank you, Vicki. It has been a tough month. The Anthropocene Reviewed has been a surprise... so many interesting and varied topics. I'm enjoying it very much.
DeleteI have also heard really good things about the John Green essays so really should put it on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHelen - Green's essays are on such a variety of topics... today I listened to ones about Diet Dr. Pepper, Academic Decathlon, and Staphylococcus Aureus. Fascinating stuff!
DeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your father-in-law. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing many bloggers reading The Lincoln Highway. Looks good.
I hope you have a great week!
Thanks, Yvonne. The Lincoln Highway was a wonderful read.
DeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. I hope you and your family are doing well.
ReplyDeleteI'll b looking forward to seeing your review of A Woman of No Importance as I have that book on a list to read this year. Have a wonderful week.
Thank you, Katherine. A Woman of No Importance was such an interesting story!
DeleteSo sorry for your loss! Paperwork as a distraction might be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYour books look good...and every time I see your food photos, I want to go to your house for dinner!
Enjoy your week and your books, and here are my WEEKLY UPDATES
Laurel-Rain Snow - Thank you. I'm finding the books and chores to be a good distraction this week.
DeleteI'm glad you're enjoying the John Green book. I used to be obsessed with his fiction and bought his books on release day. I'm on a waitlist for his essay collection. I guess I'm a little less obsessed now. (Or a little more broke.)
ReplyDeleteAj - I'm not sure how I missed reading John Green, but sure am enjoying these essays!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to your thoughts on the John Green book.
Thanks, Erin. I am just loving Green's essays!
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, JoAnn. Sending good thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. I appreciate it.
DeleteSorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGreen's book sounds so good! Have a great week, with good books and healthy food!
My post is here: https://wordsandpeace.com/2022/01/23/sunday-post-50-1-23-2022/
Emma - Thanks, Emma. Green's book is really good!
DeleteSorry to hear about your father-in-law. I'll be thinking about you and your family. The fish looks excellent as does the warm salad. I haven't read John Green's fiction but know him as an internet personality. I bet his essays are intriguing. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy. I appreciate it. Green has mentioned that he had (has?) a podcast. Judging from these essays, I'm sure it's interesting.
DeleteYou food looks yummy, I love fish, We are kosher so we eat a lot of it if we go out to eat!!
ReplyDeleteLove the photograph also, the beach is such a comforting place to me
Here is my post for the day:
https://twogirlsandtheirbookishlife.blogspot.com/2022/01/it-is-monday-what-are-you-reading.html
Tee - We love fish here, too... always trying to find different ways to prepare it.
DeleteThe chicken looks and sounds good. I hope you have a great week! https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/01/stacking-shelves-7sunday-post-4.html
ReplyDeleteCindy - I'll be making that Asian Chicken salad again soon!
DeleteI read A TOWN CALLED SOLACE just a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I'm glad you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week! - Melinda @ A Web of Stories
Melinda - I will finish the book this afternoon... so, so good!
DeleteI was sad to hear about your FIL and hope you and your family are doing well. Hugs to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book recommendations :-)
Thanks, Tina. It's been a long month, but at least I've been able to read again... a welcome distraction.
Delete